I had this experience recently. I was asked by an individual would it be alright to contact another individual. They were dealing with issues in the past. The last conversation they had with the individual was not a good one and they wanted to make it right. I was impressed to tell them that it was not necessary as the individual had most likely forgotten the incident as it had been over 20 years ago and they probably wouldn’t remember who they were. I even gave a scenario of someone walking up to an individual asking them for forgiveness for disliking them and the individual was unaware of their dislike of them. Being made aware of this dislike, actually did more harm than good. Well days later, in the middle of a conversation, the individual let me know they contacted them anyway. After I asked them why, their response was “I know I told you I wouldn’t do it but I didn’t see the harm”. This is most often our response to things we were instructed to do with little or no understanding “why”. Why do we have to understand everything before we obey? It’s this very way of thinking that has gotten us in trouble so many times.
“I didn’t see the harm.” Harm may be relative to the individual. What I may view as harmful may not be considered harmful to you nevertheless is. For example, you may not see any harm in having unmarital sex one time. Well, one time leads to another and another. Some things only take one time; one kiss, one puff, one drink, one hit and you are hooked. It is the subtleness spoken by the enemy of our soul, Satan, only one time that takes me back to the Garden of Eden. One bite changed the course of the world and the quality of life for the entire human race.
Why do we like to take unnecessary risks? It’s a known fact that there is a rush or high in risk taking. Some risks are worth taking and some aren’t. Who are we to decide? We have been given the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth (John 16:13). He takes the guess work out of it. In addition, we have preachers, teachers and leaders to serve as our check and balance system as well. The Word of God says that there is safety in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14). So you see, even though we may not understand why, we should trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with those given as preachers, teachers and leaders to us. Of truth, most often leaders giving us the instruction have already walked the territory. If we simply obey, we would save ourselves unnecessary anguish and have a much more productive and enriched life.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
GREAT is Our God
The Sun speaks of your sovereignty
Continuously shining, “How could this be?”
Fixed beyond the heavens to serve as light
The moon reflecting from its glow light for the night
Morning blanket of dew, a mist from above
A never ending cycle, proof of your love
The grass, trees and birds abundantly praise
Uplifted in worship with mercy and grace
Sweeping winds blow the coolest of breeze
Speak of tranquility and peace in you a life of ease.
Outstretched are our hands acknowledging you
Eye open and focused on the mountain top view.
GREAT and marvelous are your works displayed
Provisions for a superabundant life already paid.
Continuously shining, “How could this be?”
Fixed beyond the heavens to serve as light
The moon reflecting from its glow light for the night
Morning blanket of dew, a mist from above
A never ending cycle, proof of your love
The grass, trees and birds abundantly praise
Uplifted in worship with mercy and grace
Sweeping winds blow the coolest of breeze
Speak of tranquility and peace in you a life of ease.
Outstretched are our hands acknowledging you
Eye open and focused on the mountain top view.
GREAT and marvelous are your works displayed
Provisions for a superabundant life already paid.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My Shoes Are Too Big for You
I am sure you know most women have a shoe fetish. It doesn’t matter how many pairs we have there is always need for one more. I have quite a few myself. I love shoes that are unique and have them in almost every shade. I have a pair-maybe two or three-to specifically match every outfit. Sometimes I have found a shoe that I loved and had nothing to wear with it and bought it anyway; then searched for the outfit. I may have had them for months; and while searching for something else, found the outfit. Anyway, this leads me to a personal incident that I will never forget. Most often I get compliments on the shoes I wear, asked my shoe size and do I have any they can take off of my hands. On one occasion, there was a friend that had been watching me and my shoes. She pulled me over to the side and asked did I want to “sow a seed” (smile). You churchgoers know what this means, she wanted to know did I have any shoes to give her. I told her I did and jokingly said, “Are you sure you want a pair of my shoes. They may be too big for you.” Now I wasn’t referring to my shoe size as she wore the same size I did. I was referring to the experiences of life that led to my status in life today.
Did you know that you are on display? There are many that watch your life, see the blessings and desire what you have. You may have little in your eye, but in the eyes of others you have much. This desire to possess similar or the same things sometimes drive them to ask questions on how you accomplished what you accomplished. As a matter of fact, there may be some that don’t ask questions but try to duplicate what you have accomplished in a different way. All they see is NOW and are unfamiliar with THEN. They don’t know the many years of struggle where you wore the same pair of shoes until there were holes in the bottoms, the same suit everyday and changed the blouse or shirt or ate Ramen noodles for lack of food. Viewing your relationship may bring comments of how you have an awesome, sweet, kind and generous mate. However, they don’t know all the times you cried, prayed and nearly put an end to the marriage because of infidelities, inconsistencies and miscommunication. Commenting on how you must be proud of your son and how he’s grown into a fine young man, they don’t know he was once addicted to drugs and you spent many sleepless nights worried searching for him. Admiring your new car, they don’t know for years you had to use public transportation or spent thousands of dollars on repairs for a car on its last leg. Finally, they may wonder why you are always receiving gifts from others, they don’t know that you gave (sometimes your last) to assist others. I'm justing saying (IJS), they only see the present results.
Now back to my story, I gave this friend a pair of shoes. True enough, she could wear them but the events that took place after were just as shocking to me as they were to her. Immediately, she began to experience the same things that had transpired in my life. She called me to apprise me of what was taking place and asked could she return the shoes. She loved them but said they were too big for her to fill. Be careful what you ask for. You just may get it.
It is a privilege to be chosen to lead, inspire and motivate people with our lives. In the event of inquiries, encourage those that inquire to be the best THEM they can be. Their route and mode of operation may not be the same as yours but is significant. Every individual design is significant to God. He knows what we can or can’t endure and has a plan specifically designed for each of us.
Did you know that you are on display? There are many that watch your life, see the blessings and desire what you have. You may have little in your eye, but in the eyes of others you have much. This desire to possess similar or the same things sometimes drive them to ask questions on how you accomplished what you accomplished. As a matter of fact, there may be some that don’t ask questions but try to duplicate what you have accomplished in a different way. All they see is NOW and are unfamiliar with THEN. They don’t know the many years of struggle where you wore the same pair of shoes until there were holes in the bottoms, the same suit everyday and changed the blouse or shirt or ate Ramen noodles for lack of food. Viewing your relationship may bring comments of how you have an awesome, sweet, kind and generous mate. However, they don’t know all the times you cried, prayed and nearly put an end to the marriage because of infidelities, inconsistencies and miscommunication. Commenting on how you must be proud of your son and how he’s grown into a fine young man, they don’t know he was once addicted to drugs and you spent many sleepless nights worried searching for him. Admiring your new car, they don’t know for years you had to use public transportation or spent thousands of dollars on repairs for a car on its last leg. Finally, they may wonder why you are always receiving gifts from others, they don’t know that you gave (sometimes your last) to assist others. I'm justing saying (IJS), they only see the present results.
Now back to my story, I gave this friend a pair of shoes. True enough, she could wear them but the events that took place after were just as shocking to me as they were to her. Immediately, she began to experience the same things that had transpired in my life. She called me to apprise me of what was taking place and asked could she return the shoes. She loved them but said they were too big for her to fill. Be careful what you ask for. You just may get it.
It is a privilege to be chosen to lead, inspire and motivate people with our lives. In the event of inquiries, encourage those that inquire to be the best THEM they can be. Their route and mode of operation may not be the same as yours but is significant. Every individual design is significant to God. He knows what we can or can’t endure and has a plan specifically designed for each of us.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Know Your Heart
David was a man after God’s own heart. I really believe he was because of his humbleness. He was a phenomenal leader with flaws; however, he never allowed his flaws to rule him. He remained open to God and was quick to repent and ask for forgiveness when he was wrong even covering times he wasn’t sure that he had done wrong. We could see in his writings in Psalms as he went to God with praise and worship, he became keenly aware of his shortcomings and who he truly was within was revealed to him in the presence of God. I believe that these weaknesses became strengths when he began to totally rely on God in these areas.
There were times in his life that he asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew the right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10), to try the reins of his heart to see if there be any wicked thing in him (Psalms 26:2), knowing that the Word of God says that the heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Knowing your heart can be a disturbing thing. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely a good thing as I appreciate God for giving us the opportunity to know and get it right. But if you are like me, your heart being exposed can reveal some pretty “ugly” things. Remember the true you is what’s in your heart (Proverbs 23:7) and what’s in your heart will manifest itself outward (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:11&18).
My heart has been tested many times even recently. It’s pretty easy to love those that love you but what about those that lie on you, mock you, slander your name and are downright hateful toward you and anything you do or represent for no apparent reason. What about those that told the truth (smile) on you to others with no regards of your feelings? Did or will you retaliate by slandering and lashing out at them? Where you or will you be ready to fight them fist to fist, word for word or blow for blow? How about the times you were made promises that were forgotten and being hurt just chose to stay away from the one that hurt you. When they asked you for assistance, you were hesitant or just refused to assist them. It is in these times, the real you will surface. As a matter of fact, it is the only true test. God has a way of allowing the difficulties or conflicts of life (turning up the “heat”) to show you what lies beneath the surface of your heart. It is never a mystery to God only to us.
Oh yes, there are some hidden things in your heart. Things you may have buried years ago, forgotten but resurface in ways that are inappropriate at inappropriate times. These old issues affect your present and future outcome. They need to be resolved so you can move forward. I have had contact with many that are literally stuck in the past because of unresolved heart issues. Some even dress and talk like they are in that era. It is extremely surreal to experience. Living in the 80s, the phrases they speak reflect the 80s, they wear “throwback” jerseys, may rock a flat-top fade or “Gumby” haircut or even listen to only music from this time.
As we have discussed, difficulties or conflicts of life will come to make you aware of these hidden issues and bring them to the surface. As you are made aware of them, ask God for help in dealing with those that you need to and letting go of those you don’t. For instance, let go of unforgiveness. If you are swift to forgive there is nothing deposited in your heart. Sometimes the fire comes for you to see the motive of your works. Do you have selfish reasons for what you do? Are you quick tempered, fast to speak things you are sorry for later? Do you need an attitude adjustment? Do you want to receive grace and mercy and don’t give it?
Whatever the case may be, let the fire purify you. God knows how much you can bear and most often take it in stages for just this reason. Trust His timing and method. Be assured He knows and only wants the best for you.
There were times in his life that he asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew the right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10), to try the reins of his heart to see if there be any wicked thing in him (Psalms 26:2), knowing that the Word of God says that the heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Knowing your heart can be a disturbing thing. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely a good thing as I appreciate God for giving us the opportunity to know and get it right. But if you are like me, your heart being exposed can reveal some pretty “ugly” things. Remember the true you is what’s in your heart (Proverbs 23:7) and what’s in your heart will manifest itself outward (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:11&18).
My heart has been tested many times even recently. It’s pretty easy to love those that love you but what about those that lie on you, mock you, slander your name and are downright hateful toward you and anything you do or represent for no apparent reason. What about those that told the truth (smile) on you to others with no regards of your feelings? Did or will you retaliate by slandering and lashing out at them? Where you or will you be ready to fight them fist to fist, word for word or blow for blow? How about the times you were made promises that were forgotten and being hurt just chose to stay away from the one that hurt you. When they asked you for assistance, you were hesitant or just refused to assist them. It is in these times, the real you will surface. As a matter of fact, it is the only true test. God has a way of allowing the difficulties or conflicts of life (turning up the “heat”) to show you what lies beneath the surface of your heart. It is never a mystery to God only to us.
Oh yes, there are some hidden things in your heart. Things you may have buried years ago, forgotten but resurface in ways that are inappropriate at inappropriate times. These old issues affect your present and future outcome. They need to be resolved so you can move forward. I have had contact with many that are literally stuck in the past because of unresolved heart issues. Some even dress and talk like they are in that era. It is extremely surreal to experience. Living in the 80s, the phrases they speak reflect the 80s, they wear “throwback” jerseys, may rock a flat-top fade or “Gumby” haircut or even listen to only music from this time.
As we have discussed, difficulties or conflicts of life will come to make you aware of these hidden issues and bring them to the surface. As you are made aware of them, ask God for help in dealing with those that you need to and letting go of those you don’t. For instance, let go of unforgiveness. If you are swift to forgive there is nothing deposited in your heart. Sometimes the fire comes for you to see the motive of your works. Do you have selfish reasons for what you do? Are you quick tempered, fast to speak things you are sorry for later? Do you need an attitude adjustment? Do you want to receive grace and mercy and don’t give it?
Whatever the case may be, let the fire purify you. God knows how much you can bear and most often take it in stages for just this reason. Trust His timing and method. Be assured He knows and only wants the best for you.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Apple of Your Eye
You say I am the apple of your eye
The thought of this always makes me cry.
I haven’t done or said all of the right things
And I know some of the choices I have made brought you pain.
Still you say I am the apple of your eye.
How could such a wonderful thing be
From mans perspective you should not love me.
You say that you forgive and forget
And ask me to do the same and have no regrets.
As it was according to your plan, the trying and test of man
So you say I am the apple of your eye.
To know that there are billions you see
But you can continuous keep your eye on me
Is a phenomenon that I will never comprehend
But who said your ways I would always understand
Just now I have begun to embrace
With truth, love and a measure of your grace
That I am the apple of your eye.
The thought of this always makes me cry.
I haven’t done or said all of the right things
And I know some of the choices I have made brought you pain.
Still you say I am the apple of your eye.
How could such a wonderful thing be
From mans perspective you should not love me.
You say that you forgive and forget
And ask me to do the same and have no regrets.
As it was according to your plan, the trying and test of man
So you say I am the apple of your eye.
To know that there are billions you see
But you can continuous keep your eye on me
Is a phenomenon that I will never comprehend
But who said your ways I would always understand
Just now I have begun to embrace
With truth, love and a measure of your grace
That I am the apple of your eye.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Object of Your Desire
As I flipped through the television channels on yesterday, my attention was drawn to “60 Minutes”. As many of you know, there is a segment of the show where Andy Rooney gives a commentary. This particular commentary was about Americans’ overdose of desire for things we don’t need. Andy talked about our overeating, over indulgence of sex and many other over indulgences. His summation was we needed an anti-desire pill for this overdose. Now this started my train of thought on desire.
Desire is not a bad word even though it has been given a bad representation. It is the object of our desire that makes the difference. Desire was given to us by God and when used appropriately is a beautiful thing. Everything God gave and created was good and very good. Actually, you wouldn’t or couldn’t start and complete anything without it. You have to have the desire to do it. Desire is defined as “to strongly long or hope for or strong intent”. It is a verb so it requires action toward a noun; a person, place or thing. Now that you know what desire is, I am reminded of a scripture in the Word of God that says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalms 37:4).”
What is the object of your desire? Is it fortune and fame? Is it success? Is it your spouse? Is it material things? There are many things that capture and hold our desire; some things seem beneficial at the time but hold no true significance. Instead, God should be the main object of our desire. After becoming the object of our desire, He changes our desire to more adequately line up with the desires He has for our life. I have found that this makes for better living and quality of life. For often, we don’t know what is good and desirable and chase after those things that bring hurt, pain and destruction to our lives. What we desire often change with the seasons and circumstances just as the direction of the wind. Only He knows what will be your interests at any given time. I recall having a strong desire for a Lexus GS 300 in the late 90s now we are in the 20s my car of interest is the Mercedes SLK. I remember earnestly praying for the GS 300 and believing that I would receive it from God. He knew what was best and that my desire for this car would subsequently change. It is the same for a spouse. Only God knows whether you will grow together or apart over the years. As your interests change, so does your relationships. A word of advice, ask God for the spouse specifically designed by Him for you to be presented at the appropriate time. There is much that can be discussed about this topic but let’s save it for another time.
Now that you know a little about what desire is and who should be the main object of your desire, focus your efforts on spending as much time as you can in the study of the Word of God and your relationship with Him. It is this study of the Word and relationship with Him that will keep your desires in check and your life on point.
Desire is not a bad word even though it has been given a bad representation. It is the object of our desire that makes the difference. Desire was given to us by God and when used appropriately is a beautiful thing. Everything God gave and created was good and very good. Actually, you wouldn’t or couldn’t start and complete anything without it. You have to have the desire to do it. Desire is defined as “to strongly long or hope for or strong intent”. It is a verb so it requires action toward a noun; a person, place or thing. Now that you know what desire is, I am reminded of a scripture in the Word of God that says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalms 37:4).”
What is the object of your desire? Is it fortune and fame? Is it success? Is it your spouse? Is it material things? There are many things that capture and hold our desire; some things seem beneficial at the time but hold no true significance. Instead, God should be the main object of our desire. After becoming the object of our desire, He changes our desire to more adequately line up with the desires He has for our life. I have found that this makes for better living and quality of life. For often, we don’t know what is good and desirable and chase after those things that bring hurt, pain and destruction to our lives. What we desire often change with the seasons and circumstances just as the direction of the wind. Only He knows what will be your interests at any given time. I recall having a strong desire for a Lexus GS 300 in the late 90s now we are in the 20s my car of interest is the Mercedes SLK. I remember earnestly praying for the GS 300 and believing that I would receive it from God. He knew what was best and that my desire for this car would subsequently change. It is the same for a spouse. Only God knows whether you will grow together or apart over the years. As your interests change, so does your relationships. A word of advice, ask God for the spouse specifically designed by Him for you to be presented at the appropriate time. There is much that can be discussed about this topic but let’s save it for another time.
Now that you know a little about what desire is and who should be the main object of your desire, focus your efforts on spending as much time as you can in the study of the Word of God and your relationship with Him. It is this study of the Word and relationship with Him that will keep your desires in check and your life on point.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Affirmation
I have the power to transform in me for greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. My environment doesn’t change me but I change it. It all begins within. I have the confidence, boldness, radicalness and courage to bring change as God said I can. If God said I can, I will and He is for me who can be against me. I will continue to stand my ground as I am the standard and everything and everyone has to come up to my level. I will not digress because it is convenient and less pressure for someone else. I was sent to provoke and that I will do. I am powerful beyond measure as God made me unique. I am one of a kind. When you get me you get the real deal. My focus, anchor and faith are grounded in the word of God. I use prayer, worship, praise and the Word of God as the weapons of spiritual warfare that are given to me. I am skilled in warfare as I have had much training through trials and tribulations. I am much stronger because of them and because of My God.
I am awesome because He is awesome. I am beautiful because He made me this way. My world is created and framed by the words I speak. I got it from my Father! I look and conduct myself just like my Father. I was made for Him, by Him and in His image. Images of success, love, joy and peaceful living were programmed in my DNA. I can only be what He designed me to be. He is the Master Designer and Creator of all life. Because of His Son’s sacrifice, I have resurrection power in and surrounding me. I can bring life to every dead situation that He speaks life.
There are no giants that can remain when I come on the scene. The supernatural faith I have been given overcomes them. Mountains are removed and those that are allowed to stay I scale as a mountain climber. Some mountains must remain so that I can exercise the faithfulness and prowess of the Word of God. My spiritual and natural muscles are flexed and toned to perfection as He completes the work He has begun in me. I am a brilliant diamond shining immensely in darkness polished by the Master Gemologist.
I have been singled out by God to be watched so keep watching. As the moth morphs into a butterfly so will I transform right before your eyes. You may say that I say I am a lot but you see a lot that I am not. I know that the work has just begun even though God allows me to see myself as He sees me, the finished product. I will continue to walk in faith with my head held high, my shoulders straight and back with pride and accomplishment in victory. Victory is given to those that endure to the end and I believe I will continue on to see the end as VICTORY is always promised. In the end I win!!!
I am awesome because He is awesome. I am beautiful because He made me this way. My world is created and framed by the words I speak. I got it from my Father! I look and conduct myself just like my Father. I was made for Him, by Him and in His image. Images of success, love, joy and peaceful living were programmed in my DNA. I can only be what He designed me to be. He is the Master Designer and Creator of all life. Because of His Son’s sacrifice, I have resurrection power in and surrounding me. I can bring life to every dead situation that He speaks life.
There are no giants that can remain when I come on the scene. The supernatural faith I have been given overcomes them. Mountains are removed and those that are allowed to stay I scale as a mountain climber. Some mountains must remain so that I can exercise the faithfulness and prowess of the Word of God. My spiritual and natural muscles are flexed and toned to perfection as He completes the work He has begun in me. I am a brilliant diamond shining immensely in darkness polished by the Master Gemologist.
I have been singled out by God to be watched so keep watching. As the moth morphs into a butterfly so will I transform right before your eyes. You may say that I say I am a lot but you see a lot that I am not. I know that the work has just begun even though God allows me to see myself as He sees me, the finished product. I will continue to walk in faith with my head held high, my shoulders straight and back with pride and accomplishment in victory. Victory is given to those that endure to the end and I believe I will continue on to see the end as VICTORY is always promised. In the end I win!!!
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