I had quite a few recent awakenings that made me question all things familiar; what I’ve been taught and become accustomed to. Truth has been finding me, and I have to make the shift…in my thoughts; having to apply discernment and critical thinking skills to all things I hear and see; language change; and much patience to those who think the hidden in plain sight realities of life don’t exist.  That is why I haven’t written in a while. I needed time to accept my new truths, and understand them.

From this point on in this blog I will use Yahweh to identify who most of us call God. He gave us that name, and the significance of it. Yeshua, the Messiah, will be in place of Jesus the Christ. These are their original Hebrew names. In this time of new age spirituality, there will be no confusion as to who I am speaking about. Yeshua, the abbreviated version, means he will save or Yehoshua means the Lord saves. The name of Jesus is a translated name by Greek and Latin scholars, and has no inherent meaning in the English language. Yeshua has meaning, and to that I connect. This causes me to see him in a different light; the connection is more powerful and humbling. He brings redemption and deliverance. I cannot do this proper justice so I will refer you to this article. There is a lot of information out there so do your research before the internet is censored because too many folks are waking up from their chemically induced slumber and speaking truth to the perceived powers that be. I know I’ve been led in this direction by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I “stumbled” upon this revelation as I was studying another topic; no coincidence. Now, knowing this, I WILL NOT condemn anyone for using Jesus or God. I’ve used those names all my life, and when speaking to others will use them again so that they have an idea of who I am speaking about, but I will share what I now know. This is a recent truth to me.

History has been written by the oppressors. In that vein what is written by them is a lie.

Yahweh said in his words not to make idols. Exodus 20:4 (KJV) states, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” Yet, in disobedience of the second commandment, Europeans drew depictions of Yeshua and all other peoples in biblical times like themselves. There was a reason for this…it fooled a lot of people into thinking that somehow they were closer to and much like their god, therefore, making them supreme over all other peoples. Racism is the root, and allowed those men to justify their horrendous actions toward melanin-rich peoples all over the world. Mankind began in Africa, the original name is Alkebulan, mother of mankind, garden of Eden (name change = no meaning). Genesis 2:7-6 (KJV) states, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.” There were no European men of that time period. It was impossible for Moses to hide, being European, in a place where all of the people had darker, melanin-rich skin. Scripturally, all images should be thrown in the garbage. And, second the images are a bold-faced lie. Even what is now called the middle-east, is in fact Africa. Europeans separated the areas for their colonizing purposes. Going deeper…too many men of African descent will not accept Yeshua as their Savior. This is because some believe that he is like Europeans, and we all know the destruction that has been wrought by Europe while attempting to colonize the earth. The thinking is that if he is like them, the he must act like them. So why would they serve one who destroys? He brings life…and for their ignorance these men will suffer. Digressing, sadly, many peoples of African descent who live in America have lost their/our names and its meaning. It was taken from us so that we wouldn’t have a connection to our land, history and knowledge…when you don’t know you have no root from which to get nourishment. Because of the lies we’ve been told and accepted, too many don’t know their worth and purpose. People of African descent in America have been denigrated and beat-down, but expected by the masses to pick up their boots straps and succeed, even with all the institutionalized obstacles placed in our way. Does an animal that has been beat down move with vigor? Absolutely not! It cowers and doesn’t trust…and that has happened to too many of us.

Current world news is being written by the oppressors. In that vein what is written by them is a lie.

Evil is all in the air…it’s becoming stronger and more noticeable day by day. As I questioned why folks can be so mean-spirited, just plain atrocious in their thinking and ways I was shown that it is it the prince of the air within the people. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) states, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rules of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” I do understand that folks make choices, to be or not to be…well wicked. Romans 6:16 reads, “Don’t you know when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey -  whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? And unfortunately for the majority of us, those folks who chose to love money over the well-being of the people plotted and schemed over the years, and their ploys are coming to fruition. Their riches and positions have provided ways for them to destroy the lives of many so that the few can obtain more material wealth and things that don’t matter. War is a racket…and so are the other industrial complexes.

At this time our elected officials are arguing over whether or not to extend tax cuts on the money we earn with our hard work (which is illegal based upon the on 16^th amendment not being ratified) for 2 months or one year and unemployment benefits for millions of people. The middle class has been gutted…one part, those who have a job, is being used to help the other part, those who don’t. This is all so the rich will not have to lose a dime. Meanwhile, the poor have been left behind. Social services are being cut, and families are living under bridges and in their cars; while lots of homes sit empty. And now, they are on another vacation without settling the issue.

Too many are blaming the people for their predicament, spouting that they are responsible for this economic mess we find ourselves in instead of looking at the root cause. Never mind that the banks were handed in secret trillions of dollars in no interest loans while the banks turn around and charge some people over 20 percent interest to borrow from them…to keep their business afloat, a roof over their head, to pay for medical bills and to feed their families. Never mind that the people of color were targeted by the mortgage companies with high interest and sub-prime loans. Bank of America was fined because Countrywide practiced this behavior. Look up derivatives and mortgage bundling you’ll learn so much more. Never mind that jobs have been sent abroad and medical expenses have skyrocketed over the years. So let’s continue to place the full blame on the people instead of putting responsibility and liability where it belongs…on those greedy people who decided that profit is more important than the effects of it on the masses.

Moreover, scores of people in influential positions are getting busted because of their indiscretions, actually the hell-fire they brought on the bodies and minds of young children. And, they have the gall to lie to protect themselves from taking responsibility on their actions, let alone suffer the consequences of their own making. And now the drum beat to Iran is in full force…those decision maker’s children will not be the ones sent on the frontline. The descendants of those same Europeans are attempting to re-colonize the earth; wreaking havoc for more riches, while the rest of us pay for it. Don’t come at me for “demonizing” Europeans. The behavior speaks for itself, and I don’t generalize against the entire group, just those that have done it, and those who knew, benefitted and allowed them to. There is righteous and unrighteous in all, and a lot of people of European decent are collateral damage as they call it. We are all in the same boat…the ninety-nine percent.

Done my rant.

Let’s begin the new year in prayer mode, seeking truth and acting upon it so that we can protect and provide for those that rely on us. We cannot stop the madness but the least we can do is ask Yahweh for safety, protection, wisdom, and provisions. Depend on the One who saves. Be at peace. Have your say.

The ability to honestly and quietly reflect on one's life is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. ~ Richard Carlson

There are moments in our lives where it would be wise to step back away from the cares of the world to take a self-evaluation, to check in with God to find out where we really stand. It is not a time to look at all the positive things one has done and compare it to the negative, just to come up with the conclusion that we are alright because the good somehow outweighed the bad. No, it is a time to sit before God to find out what is happening in our lives that need to be dealt with…those things that could hinder our spiritual walk, could halt our growth, and cause harm to those around us. This walk is not always easy. We are not to muddle through it, not giving thought to how we live. We have to deal with those things that affect us on deep spiritual level. The matters in our lives may include anger, bitterness; pride; disregard for others; hurt; the –isms (including racism, sexism, classism, etc.); mistrust; idolatry, and trauma or abuse that has not be effectively dealt with; and other things that are detestable to God. A part of becoming whole, sanctified, and holy is to look inward to those issues in our lives that adversely influences us, shapes our opinions, and over-the-top reactions to minor offenses…those things that are constantly present, simmering underneath the façade of personality or character, that could easily burn the next person we deal with.

Psalm 139:23 reads, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. We should search ourselves and work out our issues with the help of the Holy Spirit before God has to actually shut us down because we’ve gone too far. It is not fun or pretty to be in a place of isolation, ineffectiveness, or depression because of something we’ve done that could have been averted had we dealt with the root in the first place. A lot of times God reveals to us what we need to do, but in our own fear or stubbornness, we blew Him off. We may have thought that it would hurt too much or the issue is to “big” for us to handle. Sometimes we were just not ready to go deep. Other times we just ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit out of pride; thinking it was not an issue to be concerned with because we could handle it.

At some point in our lives we must look inward. There is no getting around it. Our very lives depend on it. We are not to be stagnant…we must grow…either we do it or allow God to do it. Are you ready to rumble…with your flesh? Once God reveals to us what is really happening, why we behave the way we do, there are some ways to work out our salvation including:

• Decide we want to change our ways.
• Repent of our harmful behaviors.
• Love God enough to make the change.
• Consistent prayer about the issue, and listening for His response.
• Word Study – this is to go through God’s word, using the bible, and guides such as Nave’s Topical Bible, New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Dictionary of the Bible, Vine’s Expository Dictionary, and if you need a more help breaking down the scriptures, consider Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible.
• Counseling – seeking a trained Christian counselor to find out the cause, how to manage, for guidance, and suggestions for replacement behaviors, etc.
• Apply what we have learned with help from the Holy Spirit.
• Love others more than ourselves by not destroying them by acting out in our old self.

There is a freedom that comes with dealing with our “demons”. Once exposed, processed and new ways are carried out; we are no longer bound by that thing. The shackles are off our feet and we can dance to a new tune. I must say…there is now no condemnation! As a person with a melancholy temperament, I have a great tendency to beat myself up when I screw up or fail. For those of us who do, we must get this scripture in our spirit. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because trough Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned the sin in the flesh.” ~Romans 8:1-3.

Are you a walking wounded soldier? If so, what will you to do improve so that your spiritual growth will soar? Or, for those that have overcome, what other suggestions do you have to assist our brothers and sisters? Have your say…

The song by Mercy Me, Word of God Speak, has been resonating with me as of late. It is my prompting to get into God’s presence…now. Maybe it’s because I’m feeling a bit not of myself as of late. Could it be fear, worry, unsure, on edge, consumed with work and business, not getting enough rest, or just plain uncomfortable? I don’t know. I just feel the pull to draw nearer to Him. Is it something coming down the pike that I need to have my focus more on God than the event or circumstance that is about to hit? Is God taking me to another level or place that I have to know which way to turn? Is He wanting to tell me something? Do I just need reassurance that He is still in control and that He has me…maybe. Do I need to be reminded of His sovereignty, greatness and all-encompassing power? I certainly don’t know at this moment, but I do know this…obey. I must be silent and listen, and be sure it’s coming from Him and not from my emotions.

Shhhh! Be quiet. Keep your ears open for the voice of God. Many of us are so consumed by the world and its activities that we rarely find time to sit still and wait to hear from Him. We are too caught up in work, friends, ministry, school assignments, relationships, family, laundry, business endeavors, television, social networking, other people’s issues, etc. I for one am guilty. I sometimes get preoccupied with the rigors of life that I unfortunately place God on the back burner. I’m grateful that He doesn’t do the same with me. I must purpose to make Him a priority. Yes, I’m aware of God’s presence, but to really slow down, sit still and listen for His voice instead of information gathering, not just during times of crisis, but only because I want to hear from Him, that I haven’t done in a while. When I write, I’m listening so that I can be a blessing to others. However, I need to listen for myself.

Listening requires us to shut everything down…to move away from the noise of life. It is to quiet our minds and put a stop to thinking. It is to mute our voice; what we want to say to or ask of God. It is not absorbing any information from outside of the moment; not His word or other godly materials such as music and books for a moment in time. It is to be still, uncommunicative, with ears and heart wide-open to receive only what God is telling us. We have to sit before the feet of Christ. Luke 10: 38-42 states, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

How we use our time most tells us what we value. Do we take Christ for granted…yes, maybe not always, but there does come a time in everyone’s life where our focus is off. Are we missing out when we don’t? Certainly! Quality time with God is what we must do to grow our relationship. How are you spending your time…as Martha or Mary? Have your say…

“Then he was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.” ~ 1 Kings 19:11-12 (The Message)

I posted a question on my Facebook page and Mark Anthony McCray commented, “I would love some guidance on what to do after you’ve written your manuscript. What steps to take? So here it goes…

Ah, you’ve written your first, second or third book. There is a feeling of pure joy intermingled with fear that envelopes you. It is a peculiar feeling. You are now placing your heart out for the world to see. The natural mind begins its attack. You may wonder if your book will be liked, accepted, purchased, supported or if you will get a barrage of negative responses. You also may wonder if you are actually doing the right thing, if you are in God’s will. You may doubt what you have to say is important or not. You question God’s use for you as Moses did as stated in Exodus 3:11, “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Who are you to write a book? Answer that for yourself, and you will find a confidence not yet seen in your life. To push past your doubts and fears and to become known by more than your inner circle and family is huge. Now, if you are already confident that your work will be loved, accepted, and a blockbuster…so be it.

A lot of new authors are completely unfamiliar with the process of getting works published. Usually I sit down with a one-on-one consultation with a future author. In that meeting I learn about their project and give general knowledge on what it takes to get their works published. I also provide warnings and critiques of the work or ideas. I hope “warnings” don’t alarm you, but I must speak what I know to be true so that you are not lead to get “beat” by scam artists, as I’ve heard the stories too many times. I also provide guidance and where to find the information necessary for their specific project.

I’ve met with people who just have an idea. They want to write but have no idea how to take on what seems like such an enormous task. It really isn’t when you know and believe that you are led by God to write and you have a fire burning inside of your belly that is not easily tamped down or completely extinguished. No matter how you get your words out, be it the in the form of your personal story, life lessons, poetry, children’s tale or self-help endeavor, no one should knock this desire away from you. Never allow anyone to crush your dream. When feeling doubt because of what someone said, take it to God. Now, there are things to consider when someone speaks out against or attempts to deter you. Find out the “good” morsel that may have been spoken and discount the rest. Mostly, know who you are telling about your future book. Verified naysayers will discourage you. Don’t tell them. Be wary of who you share your ideas with…people do take your ideas, tweak it and make it their own. Then you are left with a book subject that your “friend” published before you were able to get yours out. Ouch! You may want to share your project to a few trusted people to get their take on it. You want to know if your book is an uncomplicated read, easy to follow, detailed, interesting, fun (depending on the topic) and will keep the reader engrossed…wanting to know more. I did it with both of my book projects. I thank God for my friends and sister that provided honest feedback.

The process is not difficult. It becomes problematic when you have not done the work to research and find out who is the right person to handle your project. By right person(s) I mean those who are committed to assist you in bringing your work to fruition; those that have a track record of producing quality books. Invest in yourself. You must have an editor to look over your work, you must find a designer who will lay-out your book in a professional manner, you must find a graphic designer that will create a cover or artwork that relays your message, and you must find a photographer for your cover or marketing photos, you must find a printer that will produce a book that will not easily fall apart. And last, you must pay those that work on your project in a timely manner.  Once you’ve consigned yourself to those that will work on your project, get a contract created that details exactly what is being done, the costs involved and the expectations for the project. You may find a one stop shop that will be able to handle your project from start to finish. The “outfit” may have a group of folks they work with to cover all your needs or at least be able to direct you towards the right person. Just know that you should be able to get your questions answered, honest critiques, and the assistance you need. Get examples of the previous work produced by the professionals involved in your project beforehand to see if you like the work. If you find that the person you contracted with is not meeting the terms of the contract, it can be broken. You must work out the issues first. Walk away in a spirit of agreeing to disagree and keep it moving.

Now, as a new author, there are folks out here that know the industry. They will give you wise counsel. You have to be open to hear what you are being told. Your project may need some fine-tuning, correction and guiding in another direction; you dream may be shattered for the moment. Hear what is being said. Don’t be deterred in your goal, but at least follow up on the advice by performing research. You may have to make an adjustment, switch up a bit, write more or even take out some parts of your work. In the end, it should turn out to be something you are proud of and completely on board with. If you are not, fight to get it that way either by submitting to the recommendations or rewriting some of your work so that your story is clearly communicated and message is conveyed effectively. As stated by Robert Heinlein (1907-1988), “The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.”

One last word, make payments incrementally; never give the full amount up front. I say this because I know of folks who paid the entire cost as was not happy with the results. They couldn’t get their money back.

I hope this was helpful to you. If you want to learn more please contact me via email at karenbowlding@gmail.com. If you have any additional questions, have your say…

 “David said to God, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” ~ 1 Chronicles 21:13.

Today I seek God for peace, understanding, and the quelling of my anger. I’m enraged about what the State of Georgia and the US Supreme Court allowed last night. I didn’t know Mr. Troy Davis. I have not experienced what his family is going through. No one close to me has ever been wrongly accused of murder. I have followed his case for quite some time. I watched last night. My heart is heavy because of what I see as an injustice against Mr. Davis. I want someone to blame. Why didn’t those in position walk in courage and take a stand? Did pride, arrogance and self-preservation take precedence over truth and justice? Did some fear losing their jobs keep them from speaking up? Did people refuse to do a bit of soul-searching, check their heart and mind, or even seek God before making the final decision? We don’t know who spoke up behind the scenes, we just see the result…and we don’t like it.

I certainly believe that there was NOT guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There is a wretched and sordid history of this country regarding the treatment of those that are considered “have-nots” and of the “wrong” skin color. Yes I said it. I cannot white-wash for the sake of appeasing some folk. In the state of Georgia, according to an article written in The Atlantic, African-Americans are 30.5% of the population, yet 61% of its prisoners. Something is very wrong here.

God knows the truth. He knows all the players and what they were thinking and ultimately feeling. He knows of the misconduct, lies, deceiving of jurors, underhandedness, bullying of witnesses, decisions, prevention of truth-seeking, and suppression of evidence. He knows the heart of man.

I will not dismiss the feelings of the McPhail family. I place my thoughts with them…wondering how in the world would I overcome the desire for retaliation if it were someone in my family. My desire for truth and justice must reign. I do realize that the murder of someone else doesn’t bring peace; especially when doubt is widespread, as in this case.

How do you and I wrap our heads around the state-sanctioned murder of a man where there is doubt? Millions of people around the world have petitioned the officials to seek the truth in this case, yet, those that are in position to change the outcome, in essence, did nothing. Was empathy lacking? Did vengeance prevail over mercy? Was the moral compass ignored? I don’t know. The families involved, supporters of both victims, correctional department workers, and lawyers need rest, healing, peace and comfort. Some need forgiveness. Others need strength to move forward with their lives. Others need to redirect anger into a positive purpose. We all must be in a prayerful mood today…for all immersed in the case of Mr. Troy Davis.

I write this to deal with my own anger. I don’t like what happened. I was rooting for Mr. Davis. I feel let down…very disappointed. I am bereaved. But, at the same time, part of me wonders why I am. What did I really expect? Why should I be surprised? History tells me that when race is involved, we all know who justice will be served for. I spoke with my husband and he told me it was okay to be angry. I won’t fight it anymore. It saddens me and I worry for my 16 year old nephew. I hope and pray that he is not in the proverbial “wrong place at the wrong time,” accused of something he didn’t do and convicted based on insubstantial evidence or misconduct on the part of the judicial system.

God is still in control. Genesis 50:20 states, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” There have been people working their tails off to get the death penalty abolished in this country. Maybe, just maybe, Mr. Davis’ death will not be in vain. More people will work towards this end now, as we’ve all become aware…so the lives of many will be saved. The push for this has now been energized by the murder of Mr. Davis.

God I ask that you bless all those involved in the fight to save the lives of many. I ask that you comfort the Davis family. I pray that you will have mercy on those who take joy in the death of Mr. Davis. I ask that you have mercy on the police officer’s mother and that you will heal her heart…for there cannot be peace in the unjust death of another. Ultimately, God Your will be done…in all our lives. It is in the name of your precious son that I pray. Amen.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr, The Serenity Prayer

How will you process the emotions from this case? Have your say.

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. ~ Philippians 3:8 (NIV)

The spirit in us springs forth when we let go of our ego. When we no longer care about the world, our position, standing, and what others think of us and care more for our relationship with God, our ego has perished. This is when we finally realize that God is in control and the provider of all things; that we can no longer “make it happen”. This is when the fight for self is over…there is no more fight left, only submission to God…we’ve surrendered all.

Does our ego become rendered null and void when we’ve been completely broken by our circumstances? Does this occur when we finally see that nothing we do works? Does this occur when we’ve been so shamed before men, that we have no choice but to let go of ourselves? Does this occur only when there is nothing left, nowhere to turn, no one to run to? Why do we have for a complete breakdown in and of our lives before we raise our hands into the air, essentially saying, “I give up?”

Many of us who have been walking the Christian walk have become pious, self-righteous, holier-than-thou, even hypocritical, thinking we are better than others because we have “arrived” ---  we know too much or blessed to be in a position of leadership. Bring it down…a notch, or two or three. Never will we “arrive”. Just because some of us are well-known, well-liked, or well-admired by many doesn’t mean we are the bomb. Not one of us can touch Jesus…not one.

There is a battle taking place…the self wants to reign, but so does our spirit.  Who will win? It’s up to us. Just know, when we challenge or refuse to accept the transformation, it only gets harder and harder to conquer…either way, God will reign, one way or another…it is His will for our life. We must allow God to save us, instead of saving ourselves. Who is greater?

Once we’ve humbled ourselves, a new, continuous, war has to happen. We must not to allow our flesh to rise again over the spirit. How do we do this…continue to submit, seek His righteousness, don’t let go of God and His teachings; recognizing that we are ragged.  Isaiah 64:6 states, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” We can succeed. God has already given us the power through Christ to overcome…and the battle is not ours, it’s the Lord.

LOSE CONTROL…WALK IN HUMILITY

Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” What tools will you use to ensure that your flesh no longer reigns above God? Have your say… 

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 While we wait on God to come through on our prayers there is something else we can do besides sitting still. We are not to take matters into our own hands to rush God, but life is not to be put on hold either, even when there is something we desperately desire to bear fruit. Many of us are in employment situations that seem unbearable and we want out now, but nothing is coming through. Some are waiting for a loved one to be healed. Others are anticipating the arrival of Mr. or Mrs. Right. Many are looking for employment, any kind at this point. Certain folks are waiting for people in their lives to change their ways.  Parents are expecting the arrival of a new life. Whatever the wait, there is something we can do in the meantime.

We can serve. Matthew 9:37 states, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” There is much work to be done. Here is a list of small acts of service that can be done to advance God’s kingdom and show others that He is real:

-         Take a shut-in groceries, you buy of course

-         Spend some time with a fatherless child

-         Massage the limbs of a sick person

-         Call the one God has been telling you to contact

-         Drive someone to a doctor’s appointment

-         Spend the afternoon with an elderly person

-         Take a group of teens out to dinner

-         Repair the exterior of someone’s home

-         Encourage someone

-         Send a note to someone you’ve not spoken with in a while

-         Pay for the groceries of the person in line that is in front of you

-         Take children’s clothing to a single mother

-         Visit an inmate

-         Give love instead of waiting to receive it

-         Read a book to youngsters

-         Provide free tutoring lessons to a struggling student

-         Volunteer at a soup kitchen

-         Relieve a homeschooling parent for the afternoon

-         Clean someone’s home

-         Paint the nails for a bedridden woman

-         Write a thank you letter to your pastor

-         Secretly bless your colleague, the one you can’t stand

-         Bless a homeless person with a warm blanket, meal and clean undergarments

-         Spend a day or more at the nursing home, providing company, reassuring words, and hug or two.

When we get away from ourselves, being self-focused, for a moment, we can pass the time by being a blessing in the life of another. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,” relays Ephesians 6:7. And when we serve others, do it out of love, not compulsion. What can you do today to pass the time? What say you?

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

In submitting to God we are yielding to His authority in our lives. We are willingly saying, “I give myself to you.”  Isaiah 64:8 states, “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” We are raw clay, to be hand-crafted by God. He is the one who works our bodies, minds and spirits to line up with His will for our lives. He is the one who works out the kinks, bumps, and bruises. He even softens our rough edges. He works with us to make us consistent, punctual, ready, and able…to do His work; our purpose. God, the potter, creates, shapes, and molds us.

We are sent through the spiritual pug mill to force out of us those things that hinder our lives and may tear up someone else’s if it is not dealt with. Going into the mill we may lack compassion, be judgmental, self-righteous, gluttonous, jealous, prideful, greedy, lazy, licentious, and/or full of rage. Those things are poisonous to the Kingdom if not tamed. Then we are wedged by God’s hand to make us more stable; able to see our failings so that we can better manage ourselves once convicted.

Then, we are set before the fire…our trials, setbacks, losses, failings, haters, time of silence…to be purified. The purification process touches every part of our being. Our mind needs to be cleansed of unholy thoughts, our emotions are brought out and healing begins, our bodies need to be detoxified; removing cravings and addictions, and our spirits needs to be tuned in to hear the voice of God for instruction, wisdom and direction. A purified body is God-conscious…aware of His being at all times and seeking out Him in everything. We set free, no longer bound by the reasons that cause us to sin. When we are aware, we are better able to nip sin in the bud before it bears fruit.

In order to glorify Him and serve others, we must lose ourselves, our selfish desires, to take up the cross. We cannot lead others to Christ with a bad attitude, negative outlook, disheartened disposition, foul mouth, selfish mentality and carnal ways. Because we operate mostly in our flesh, the purification process is life-lasting. Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We will be finished the day we leave this great earth.

Are you a willing piece of clay? What say you?

Our world is being shaken, literally to the core. Never have we experienced an earthquake and hurricane in the same week on the east coast. The stores were packed up until the last minute as shoppers sought to buy food, water, batteries and other essentials necessary to get through possibly a week without electricity. The regular stores were out of size D batteries. A friend ended up going to the dollar store to purchase them. The cashier had them behind the counter and charged $2.00 per battery. My friend was gouged, pure and simple. The store owner used the opportunity to basically steal from those who were not prepared. What lesson did I get from her experience: Diligent Hands Rule. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” In her haste to get a crucial material, she was lead to less money in her pocket to purchase other items.

We don’t know what is coming down the pike. We just know that it is well beyond time to get ready. We’re late. We can no longer wait for the media to tell us to go out and get what we need. We know that there have been weather anomalies for quite some time now. Less than two winters ago the east coast was shut down twice, for more than a week, due to record snowfalls; dubbed Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse and Snowzilla.  We don’t know when or if the next terrorist attack will happen. We don’t know when our last day of work will be. We don’t know when or if food stamps will stop being meted out, as over 40 million folks are receiving the benefit. We don’t know if and when unemployment benefits will cease. Our politicians, as they fight over the next election, are already telling us that social services will be cut. There is drought and flooding in the farmlands; the food supply has dwindled. There is war, of which the western powers are waging and paying for with our tax dollars, all over the world. What happens when the money runs out? Know that the politicians will pay for war first, before they do anything to help the people. We plainly have nothing coming.

How much more do we need to know before we make a move? Proverbs says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Will you be prudent or simple? I for one will be prudent. I will get the things I need now, while I have a few resources so that my family will not suffer during the next event. I don’t want to have to run out to the stores in search of something on empty shelves.

Things you can do now:

•  Get to know God.
•  Pray and ask God for wisdom, discernment and direction.
• Research survival websites to get ideas and products that you will need to survive if an event causes a shutdown of the electrical grid over a long period of time.
• Buy heirloom seeds and get books on gardening so that you can grow your own food.
• Build relationships; educate friends and family on what is happening as you will need other people to make it through.
• If you don’t have a lot of money, ingenuity has to kick in. What can you make with your own hands to provide what you need?
• Start selling items you don’t need, including jewelry, video games, shoes, clothing, etc. Use the money to get what you do need.
• Locate the nearest water source, uncontaminated lakes, rivers, creeks and streams near you.
• Find alternate evacuation routes…buy a paper atlas. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic jams when a hurricane is barreling upon you.

I’m grateful that I attend a church where my pastor is literally saving our souls. He has put out the clarion call for quite some time now. Well, time is short. We don’t know the day or the hour of the next event. Will you be ready? What say you?

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” ~ Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV)

www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

We are not used to earthquakes on the east coast. The 5.8 tremor did more than shake the earth. It shook our confidence and pettiness. We thought this is the region that rarely gets hit with major weather-related events. Now we are expecting a hurricane to bear down this weekend. Facebook and Twitter buzzed with earthquake related stories, jokes, comments about getting our lives right with God and folks letting others know they were safe.

I actually thought a large truck passed our office. Well, the tremor was still going on after the time a truck would have normally passed by. So, my co-worker stated that we needed to get out. We ran outside. The earth shook under my feet and the light pole swayed back and forth. Once we calmed down and figured out what occurred, we of course called our families. Dang it, the cell phones didn’t work. Texting worked, and so did the land line. I contacted my husband, daughter’s school and other relatives and friends…all safe. All of a sudden rifts didn’t seem to matter. We wanted to know if our loved ones were safe.

What I’ve discovered since then is that petty issues weren’t that much of a big deal to cause a break in relationships. Our first thoughts were on the ones we love most…even if they normally get on our nerves. Now if we can cut the mess and let go of trivial issues and let go of grudges between us for a few minutes after an event to make sure that person is okay, then why can’t we do it without a cause. At some time, soon, very soon, we will need each other more than ever. We don’t have time for the ridiculous and meaningless disagreements, fights or coarse words anymore. It’s time to humble ourselves, grow up, forgive, heal and mend relationships. We may not have many more opportunities to do so. Now, there are some we know we have no business being in relationships, as some folks have crossed the line of decency too many times, characters are questionable, and they are just not safe. Discern, and keep it moving. But the insignificant rifts…deal with it. Mark 11:25 states, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” I’m sure some may have to forgive us too.

Do you need to heal a fractured relationsip? Will you be the first to make the move? What say you? 

Unfortunately, too many of us Christians are grumbling about folk. We bitterly and unforgivingly talk about people who we think are unaware, unenlightened, chose to do things differently from us, don’t accept truth as we see it, and don’t have the means to “accomplish” a better position in life. We don’t know their story. We don’t know what God is doing in their life. We don’t know why they do what they do…we just see the outcome, and if it doesn’t appear “normal”, we condemn.

Countless people are ranting and raving about the “looters and rioters” in London.  Many are calling for them to be shot on sight, no questions asked? Admit we don’t understand…and keep our mouths shut. Until we are able walk a mile in their shoes, we should be of no opinion or at the very least, seek to find the truth. Those people are rioting because they are tired of being oppressed, targeted, searched and murdered by the police. They are tired of the system the way it is set up. They have limited access to necessities. Just like here, decent paying jobs are limited. The main stream media call them thugs, but fail to deal with the thug bankers, elites and politicians who created some of the chaos in their lives.

This is the analogy to describe what is happening. 2 Samuel 12: 1-4 clearly illustrates my point, “The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” That was foul. The rich are taking what is left of the little they might have.

Those folks may very well be revolutionaries. They are turning the tables on those they perceived to be the enemy of the public…with some unfortunate casualties along the way. Rush Limbaugh made this comment, “Rioting and looting is strictly the privilege of the new leisured class, meaning the wards of the state.” Where was he when the bankers and insurance companies looted the American people via TARP.  And now, their profits are through the roof and their managers and CEO bonuses are higher than ever…yet they are cutting wages and reducing the force of those who are doing the actual work. He isn’t spewing a word about how the stock market is being manipulated by the rich and we are losing our money stored in pensions and 401Ks. Rich people have legal ways, that they set up, to loot but they aren’t called thugs. And to add to that, Limbaugh is being compensated very well by those very corporate thugs to keep folks divided. That’s his mission, but no one is paying attention to that.  I’m not advocating for rioting nor am I absolving them of responsibility for their actions….just pointing out the double standards.

Some of us choose to dismiss those that aren’t as educated, wealthy, or smart as we think we are. Little may we not know, but wisdom that comes from street smarts and life experiences can carry a person pretty far. My father was a learned man. He didn’t finish high school. He had to support his family. Yet he was one of the smartest men I know. He studied and research for himself…through books and talking with his elders. He didn’t have access to the internet as we do today. Yet he taught me a whole lot. Sadly, people did look down on him. But, his legacy is great in my eyes. I am familiar with people who are book smart, but completely lack wisdom and common sense. Proverbs 3:21 states, “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;” So, all those scriptures you know in your head, are they applied when compassion for others is necessary? If yes, great!

Moreover, some that call themselves Christians are berating those that are picketing against the companies they work for. Really? Those folks are losing the benefits the companies placed in their contract that the workers would get. Now they want to renege on the deal, and the workers are making their grievances known. The workers aren’t the ones that made poor management decisions. The workers aren’t the ones who are asking for more, they just want what was promised to them. The companies are the ones reducing hours and wages…so that CEOs and managers can get more compensation.

Until we can walk in their shoes we need to empathize with those that have to make drastic life changes instead of criticizing them. I hope those that are talking loud, yet saying and doing nothing aren’t put into their position…well maybe they should so that they can understand. A hard lesson to learn I might add.

Can you honestly say you love and admire Christ, and do the opposite of what he does? That’s hypocrisy. So, be a Christian and simply ask, “How may I serve you today,” especially to those that are affected by these austerity measures.

Please forgive me for ranting, but I’m a bit perturbed…righteous anger I suppose.

Ephesians 4:28 says, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”  In conclusion, the heirs of the rich didn’t earn their money by the work of their hands, yet they are literally stealing from others to stay rich and in power. What say you on this matter? 

We all have our personal battles, those demons inside of us that keep us addicted to the very thing we want to overcome. We all fall short. Accept this. Too many times we try to be perfect…in our own strength not to sin. We are made of flesh. We cannot and will not conquer all that ails us. That very thing that we struggle against may be allowed to stay by God…our thorn. Just as the apostle Paul had his, he saw it as a method to stay humble.  2 Corinthians 12:7 says, “or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” See your thorn as a gift. It may seem crazy, but just know that God is in control and will never give you more than you can handle. Yes, we all must walk in self-control, but sometimes, in our weakness we cannot overcome at the moment we are stricken by temptation. If we fall, we must pick ourselves up. Repent, with godly sorrow and move forward….learning the lesson and protecting ourselves from the trigger.

Roman 7:14- reads, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” We live in the flesh…we are slaves to sin.

No one has overcome but Jesus Christ. In God’s grace we have the power available to us to overcome the sin that resides within us. We have to act…pull on the all-mighty power of God to stand against our flesh. We can do it, most times.  However, we also know that we all fall short, time and time again, but it is no sense in us killing ourselves mentally because we cannot overcome in a certain are of our lives. Romans 8:1 states, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” Believe it, and walk in it. Then your mind will be clear and free to keep pressing forward. Call on Christ to help you through. This does not give license to sin; taking advantage of God’s grace and mercy. He sees and knows what we are doing. Keep it up and soon we will be left to our own desires.

There are things that occurred in our past that we had no control over…let yourself off the hook.

There are things we’ve done, wicked things, before we knew Christ…let yourself off the hook.

There are things that were done to us by the hands of others…no guilt…let yourself off the hook.

There are habits we have that we’ve not yet kicked…let yourself off the hook.

There are things that are happening at this very moment that you know are wrong…get help to stop what you are doing, go and sin no more…then let yourself off the hook.

Imagine if you were able to triumph over everything in your life. There would be no need for Christ. I will not imagine this. I need him…in every area of my life. Be blessed…and keep your eyes looking up to the One who saves us. Today, will you let yourself off the hook? What say you?

A lot of us have been complaining about this unbearable heat and humidity that envelops us. We’ve been plugging through 100°F or more for many days here on the east coast. Hot and muggy doesn’t bode well for our attitudes. Some of us are irritable, lack concentration, and cannot seem to think clearly. Our focus seems to be on staying cool and dry. I must admit that I too am struggling. Heck, it’s hot in here, and I can’t take off my clothes. Yes, there is a lot of understandable complaining going on.

I’ve become a bit weary. I’m tired. There is no energy to muster up. The heat and humidity is draining, especially when a day job causes us to be outdoors more than most. Working ten hour days, outdoors, has been my catalyst. I thank God that it will be over next week. I have allowed my exhaustion, in essence, to overtake my willing spirit to connect with God. I’ve lost my focus. I’m trying to get it back, and through searching for a way I write…and hopefully this will help you to get your groove back also.

In the meantime, while I’m out for the count, God let me know in His word that He has provided and intercessor. Romans 8:26-27 illustrates this point, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” This scripture alone reassures and comforts me. While I cannot seem to get it together, God is still working out His will for my life. I don’t have to beat myself up for the temporary disconnect. He is still with me and watching over me…protecting me where I can’t seem to protect myself.

What we can do to get through the remaining days is to change our mindset from what is wearing us out to what God is doing and will do to restore us. Through our inward groaning, God hears us. He already knows our needs at this time. Instead of the full out prayer, us talking and God listening, we can sit still and listen in for the voice of God. We can rest our ever-thinking brains, and just be silent. These moments of peace are where we will find our rest. God is awesome…I just got my answer. How about you?

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ~ 1Peter 5:10

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. ~ Kahil Gibran

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them,” reads Genesis 1:27 (NIV) God created us in His likeness…yet too many of us seem to forget that. We fail to see the good that is inherently in us. We are quick to criticize ourselves for our failings, appearance, status, character flaws, lacks, and/or life’s trials. We even point out irrelevant descriptions that don’t have much bearing on who we are in Him. We also erroneously believe the mainstream standard of beauty. Genesis 1:31a states, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Accept this as truth. If we call God great and say that He has done great things, why then don’t we see that He did a great thing when He created us. God made us to resemble him. No man is better than the other or less valuable. Each of us was created for a purpose and God has a use for all of our lives.

We tag ourselves with the negatives…I’m fat, I’m too old, my hair isn’t straight enough, I’m not smart enough, I’m not as successful, I’m too reserved, I’m not tall enough, my hips are too wide, butt too big, breast too saggy, teeth too crooked and lips too broad…and sometimes the opposites of these so-called undesirable attributes. We even change who we are naturally to appease others and make us feel a tad bit better. Sadly, we often compare ourselves to others that we deem more attractive, assertive, athletic, wiser, and spiritual; never to measure up in our minds.

We seem to forget to see our inner beauty in which rests the spirit of Christ. It has nothing to do with our weight, age, hair type, intelligence, skill set, or overall outer appearance. Our manner of Christ-likeness is what is most important. We are loving, joyful, peaceful, forbearing (patient), kind, good, faithful, gentle and have self-control…not always, but more so than less and not all at the same time. These are the fruits of the spirit of which we represent. (Galatians 5:22). Our character matters more.

God see us and others differently than we do. He sees the heart, mind and spirit. He knows our story, triumphs, fiascoes, and our growth. He knows us through and through…yet He still loves us unconditionally and forgives completely. We need to see ourselves as God does. Ask Him to show you so that you will see what He sees. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can grasp all that is in you…the power of Christ, the wisdom that comes from God, the talent and ability to do what you do. We must rid ourselves from preconceived notions of how we should be. Start from the perspective of a child and see the good that is within.

Love the gift that is you. By this I mean to accept what the Master has created. To God we are beautiful creatures with abilities that no other creature on this great earth can do...no a mammal, insect or vegetation. I thank God that He made me who and what I am…a good thang! What great qualities do you see in yourself? Please share your thoughts!

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you,” says Psalm 9:9-10.

For He will take care of those our leaders seem to forget…the hungry, small business owner who cannot get capital, non-profit, church that takes care of the people and community at large, children, disabled, and jobless. In some way, shape or form, we are all feeling an economic pinch. If we do have a job, more money is taken out of our pay to go towards pensions, and our wages have been cut, for some drastically. Small business owners have to lay off their workers to keep afloat, and for some, the end of dreams bear down on them. Quite a few must have multiple income streams just to make it. Now laws are being put into place that so that the long-term unemployed will no longer have a safety net. How do you get a decent paying job to support your family when fast food joints are the ones doing the hiring? And…the stresses about finances have made people antsy; attitudes are short and mean.

As you can tell from my writing, justice is a core value I hold dear. I hate when people suffer at the hands of others. My heart cries out to God to take care of those that are losing their jobs through no fault of their own; have been maimed by the wars (occupations) leading to nowhere; are being attacked for standing up to what is righteous; have no or little health care and/or dying under medical debt; having to deal with business insolvencies; and losing life-long homes. Meanwhile relationships and sanity are being strained. It seems for too many of us, we cannot seem to win.

Globalization has hurt many, but enriched a few. The world’s resources have been and continue to be plundered at enormous expense to the environment and the aboriginal inhabitants. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God,” states Proverbs 14:31. The hedge fund owners, CEOs and inherited wealthy are doing absolutely whatever means necessary to enrich themselves even more…and some call themselves Christians. Psalm 10:2 states, “In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.” What astounds me is that there are too many Christians, especially those with a conservative world view, think that it is alright for the rich to keep all they have; no matter how they acquired it. God stated in His word in 1 John 3:17, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” They believe that we should all pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Well, some don’t have boots. Literally everything has been taken from them. What little they had, the state of the economy has sucked dry. We have the elderly that worked all their lives pensions that have been wiped away. It’s not their fault. They did what was right, followed the rules…and where has it gotten them? Broke, busted, and in ill health…no hope for the helpless. We have those that are too young to work who are hungry. Why? Because of apathy…as long as I am taking care of me and mine everything is good. The victims are being blamed for their current state. Those that have…keep it for themselves. Luke 11:42 states, “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Our hope is not in man…he will praise you with his mouth, and strike you in the back by his hand. Psalm 9:18 reads, “But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” Be encouraged. God is doing something. Have you noticed that the have’s are being exposed? Those nefarious activities that have impacted the lives of many are now known. Nothing is a coincidence. What was done in the dark certainly comes to light in due season. Unfortunately, those that should throw down the gavel aren’t doing it. We cannot expect men of the same caliber to discipline their comrades. But God, in His great mercy, will take care of the masses. He is no respecter of persons…titles or wealth.

Hope and change is coming, but it’s not by the hands of man. God is faithful. He will do what He said He will do. In the middle of all the chaos in our lives God is still in control. Just believe… God’s peace will comfort and sustain you.

 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” ~Psalm 55:22

And for those justice minded people like me… “But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days.” ~ Psalm 55:23

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

“The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him – may your hearts live forever! ~ Psalm 22:26

And last, a reminder of The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)…

“He said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for the will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see god. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for there is the kingdom of heaven.”

TAKE HEART!!!

Have you found yourself struggling in today’s economy? If so, how will you encourage yourself to keep pressing forward? What say you?

The other night I watched Sunday’s Best on BET. I normally don’t watch much television, but I couldn’t fall asleep, so I got up to watch with my husband.  The show was hilarious. Some could sing, while others were flat out awful. What stood out to me most was those that were selected had a characteristic of meekness. One young lady was even told that she carried herself in such a way that turned one of the judge’s off; that she lacked humility, and that was reason for not allowing her to move forward in the competition.  

Now, the women could sing, but she gave the impression that it was all about her, and not God. Her appearance was of one who wanted to stand out…red-streaked hair, big red glasses, and red shoes. 1 Peter 3:4 says, “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” And she came off a bit prideful…she knew her voice was good, but had she behaved in a different manner she might have been selected. Proverbs 11:2 reads, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” How many of her friends and family members who supported her attempt to make it was taken aback? I even wish for her that she would get another try. Learning a lesson on national television is tough, but I surely saw the warning in it, and hopefully many others as well. One of the women was rather plain in comparison. She wore no make-up whatsoever, but all I noticed was her voice. Her demeanor was such that I don’t believe that she even thought she would be considered. Her focused seemed to be on honoring God with her voice... a living example of Romans 15:17 expressing, “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.”

Now, early in my walk with Christ, I struggled in this area. Because I grew up in a “good” family, as I was often reminded, I thought that I was better than others, or was it that I tore others down in my mind to cover my own insecurities, or shyness…oh, it was all three. Either way, I didn’t radiate much humility. That may have cost me potential friends or opportunities. I don’t know, but what I do realize now is that a humble spirit allows others to see the Christ in us. Romans 12:3 clearly states, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” I understand. In order for God to use me, I must walk in humility, knowing and fully accepting that I am just a vessel to be used by God as He sees fit. In obedience, I submit to Him.

Prideful and arrogant people are not well liked. This I know because I don’t like to be around them. In fact, I can’t stand it. I don’t like those that behave as if they know it all, are condescending, and demean others. These people believe that their wealth, beauty, success, and even spiritually places them above others. A prideful person brags about their performance, not realizing or caring that God gave them the gift in the first place. What they don’t see is that pride comes from a place of insufficiency…it’s a defense mechanism. “If I act like I have it all together, maybe someone will not notice my faults,” a prideful person might think.

One essential way to combat pride is to first admit it. Second, we can be watchful of the behavior and understand where it comes from. By God’s mercy and through the conviction of our hearts may we overcome. When does pride rear its ugly head? What is the opposite behavior that you will chose the next time it arises? What say you?

“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” ~ Monica Baldwin 

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

 ~ Psalm 61:1-3

God wants us to rest in on Him. He offers everything…neither man nor thing can provide what God freely gives. Delight in Him.

When I become weary and tired…lead me to the rock.

When I am unclear and in need of direction…lead me to the rock.

When my focus is off and I’m distracted by the cares of this world…lead me to the rock.

When I’m shaken and fearful…lead me to the rock.

As the world is being tossed and turned; thrust into chaos…lead me to the rock.

When I do things that are not pleasing to God, in my repentance…lead me to the rock.

When I’m in a bind, and in need of a way of escape…lead me to the rock.

When I’m anxious about everything…lead me to the rock.

When I need an answer only He can give…lead me to the rock.

In the face of difficulty…lead me to the rock.

When I want to give into my flesh and the urge is stronger than me…lead me to the rock.

I must not depend on earthly means for my sanity and protection…my refuge is in God alone. James 4:8a (NIV) states, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

God is where I find:

·        Life

·        Clarity

·        Rest

·        Grace

·        Assurance

·        Forgiveness

·        Peace

·        Comfort

·        Solace

·        Protection

·        Complete and unconditional love

·        Safety

·        Help

·        Wisdom

·        Security

·        Justification

·        Well-being

Hebrews 10:22 (NIV) reads, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” In taking refuge in God we must obey where He leads us. Resist depending on anything else other than God; not money, not man, not any idol. Repent, turn away from all things that separate you from His presence. If only I could consistently and boldly take refuge at all times…oh how sweet my life would be.

How can we take refuge in Him? Trust with our whole heart. Only through the vein of trust can we fully comprehend the flow of his grace and mercy…the outpouring of His love for us.

How do you take refuge in God…and run towards the rock? What say you? 

Matthew 16:2-3 (NIV) states, “He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the sign of the times.”

Too many of us are ill prepared for what may come. We have been given plenty of warnings, but refuse to heed the call. We know there are uprisings all over the world because of financial austerity measures being put in place, yet some of us don’t think that our country’s financial condition begets those measures being implemented here. The affluent are not going to take the hit for the failings of banks and wall street traders. Congress members are the wealthy. They will vote and instigate ways to protect their own interest.

People are losing jobs by the hundreds, and in some cases, especially the public sector, by the thousands. Instead of planning and preparing….we hope the pink slip isn’t in the mailbox. Well, hope doesn’t keep a roof over our head, food in our pantry, nor gas in the car. Action does. James 2:14 (NIV) implicitly states, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”

Too many of us react instead of taking the initiative to prepare for the road ahead. The economic forecasters have been telling us for a while that things aren’t going to rebound anytime soon. The solution is to stock up, scale back, shack-up, plant in, give out and look up.

Stock-up: While we have money in our pocket we should purchase non-perishable food items, medical supplies, hunting gear, weaponry, alternative energy and fuel sources, and hygiene products.

Scale back: We should stop buying unnecessary items and blowing money just because we have disposal income (it might not be disposable for long). We must reduce our cash output. We can do this by brining our lunch to work, eating at home before we go out, revamping our wardrobe, limiting the amount of beauty treatments per month, make our own products, and employ a host of other cost-saving measures.

Shack up: Some of us may have to let go of our homes to live with another family. When housing costs eat up 80% of a budget, it’s time to move. Moreover, job losses coupled with the increased length of unemployment causes a number of folks to lose their homes. We may be “called” to allow another family to live with us. There are savings that may come with another family’s input.

Plant in: If you haven’t already, start gardening. It’s imperative. Besides the stuff that is being put in our foods, farmlands in the mid-west are under water. There will not be a harvest this year…making less food available to the masses. There will be no food imported from Japan because of radiation contamination. Heck, two of our own reactors are now taking on water from the floods. Wildfires are running amok too. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV) reads, “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” And so, if we don’t do the work now, we may not have food to eat, especially what is healthy.

Give out: There are many things we own but have no use for. Those things in good condition we should be giving out. It’s a part of scaling back by reducing what we have. Besides, it may bless the receiver in ways we may never know. We can give of our services too. When we have the time, we can give to or support those who cannot do for themselves. Deuteronomy 24:21 says, “When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.”

Look up: We should seek wisdom and a response from God on the decisions we make. He always has the best answers for us. We must look to Him for comfort and guidance when we become weary or uncomfortable with the changes that may have to be made. Besides, God is the giver of new ideas. He will provide a way for us to make it through. All we have to do is look up and seek His face. He will not forsake us.

And if you are a business owner…it’s time to become quite savvy if you haven’t already. We must reduce our output and significantly garner more customers. How do we do that when times are tight for a lot of people? One way is to barter services. This decreases the output. We can tap into the most popular social media outlets to attract attention and capture a new audience… and it’s free. Also, in order for us to retain current clients and acquire more, we have to be good business owners in the first place. That means we must stay on top of our game with the latest industry news, technological advances, accounting practices and customer service etiquettes. On time, on point and on the up and up!

I’m not writing this to instill fear. I only hope to impart a sense of urgency to act. The “cheese” has moved. The time of prosperity for the masses is over. The statistics show that in fact, the rich have gotten richer; while the rest of us are falling behind as our cost for everyday necessities are increasing and pay declining. What measures will you take? What takes precedent… stock up, scale back, shack-up, plant in, give out or look up. What say you?

Please share this article with others so we can spread the word…it’s sowing season!

There are a lot of folks out here doing great things. Unfortunately all we hear and see in the media is the negative. I understand…it is what sells. Too many relish the failure and faults of others, the juicy tidbits give us something to talk about. Sometimes it makes us feel a wee bit better about our own circumstances. It is easy to tear someone up, down and around. In our human, sinful nature, it is what comes to mind first. Those that are the recipients of hurtful and judgmental comments are impacted, whether we see the damage or not. Have you ever been on the butt end of a bitter or jealous comment? Then, you know how it feels. So therefore, why do we do it to others? The remarks we may think are humorous may not be to another. Someone could easily take offense to the “innocent” commentary about their life. Because we don’t know how the receiver may react or ingest the statement, we must be mindful of what we speak.

Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears

is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death

is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

Without wood a fire goes out;

without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,

so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

They go down to the inmost parts.

~Proverbs 26:17-22

To the inmost parts…do you have any idea how hurtful words harm others…and may live with them for a lifetime? No one should have to fight a mental battle about something we’ve said. If we are able to recall an incident, we must go back and apologize. They might not remember, but atoning isn’t optional if we are able to do so, especially when God shows us our wrong and there is a conviction in our spirit.

We must change our conversations. We must lift up and encourage everyone, no matter their “position” in life.  Those that are hustling for change, doing the work of God, supporting their families, developing  and growing businesses or non-profits whose goal is to enrich the lives of others…especially encourage so that they may be invigorated to take it to the next level. We don’t know how a positive affirmation will sprint someone forward. An uplifting word provides a fortress against the tide of negativity we often get from the naysayers? We have something to fight with, to combat the energies that were meant to harm. We can replace the good word of a friend with the demeaning word from an enemy. Let’s not bring grief to someone who is doing their best to succeed or be a stumbling block to their growth. Also, we don’t have to repeatedly speak on what we think someone is doing wrong with their business, goals, or plans. Let’s not bust bubbles here. We don’t know all that God is doing with their plans. Keep constructive criticisms to a minimum, lest we end up unintentionally discouraging them. We will all have our time of making mistakes, but at least give us the opportunity to learn from them instead of trying to prevent it on the front end.

We don’t lose anything, other than our pride, and the receiver may gain the strength to keep it moving forward when we uplift others. We must be thoughtful and purposeful when we bless others with our words…not be condescending or untruthful.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” ~ Philippians 4:8

Share with us someone or organization that is doing good work (links please). Invest in them…what encouraging word will you give today? What say you? I will post links on my Facebook Fan Page (don’t forget to like)

Here is my list of people and non-profits who are doing amazing things, and handling their business.  My list consist of all women. Please send links to men. Thanks.

 Jill Cloud – Queen Be

Donna Marie Coles Johnson – Indie Beauty and Indie Business Blog

Carmen Jones - Disability Marketing 

Diane Cunningham – National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs

Shirley Hines – The Wives Group

Lisa Ellis Williams – Wives on Purpose

Kathy Anderson – Black Organic Blog

Donna Surrat - Expressing U by Donna & S.H.O.E.S (non-profit for the elderly)

Tosha Francis - The Captured Life Photography

Renee Johnson - CLM Studios Photgraphy

Rene Jackson – Come Sign With Us - Sign Language

Bethany Christian Services - Adoption and Family Support

Denise Wakeman – The Blog Squad & Online Visibility Expert

Tamela Baldwin– Soul Kisses TV

Titilayo Bankole - Manicurist

ASALH - Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Tammy Richards – Homeschooling Parent - Classical Conversations

Dawn Covin – Mocha Mom & Classical Conversations

Carolyn Washingotn - Sisters 4 Sisters - Women's group and L.O.V.E. - Leave Out Violence Every Day 

Like those that are on Facebook & Join those one Twitter. Please support them in their endeavors. Thanks.

Luke 8:17 clearly states, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” In essence, we have no secrets. God sees everything thing we do. He knows what’s in our mind. He hears our thoughts. Many high profile situations have been in the news of late…pastors, congressmen, governors, policemen, etc. Their sin has found them out. Unfortunately it has been the main topic of news media, blogs, social media and in every day water cooler conversations. We all have gotten caught up discussing the latest foibles. 

In John 8, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought before a group of men an adulterous woman to be stoned. This was according to the law at that time. Christ confronted the men and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Of course they all walked away. We should do the same…walk away from discussing other people’s sin, and deal with our own. Surely, none of us are without sin.

We all have integrity issues. Not one of us is morally upright and perfect at all times. We say wicked things out of anger, we have evil thoughts to harm others, and we all criticize or point out what is negative in another (to make us feel better). We also lie to protect ourselves, we cheat to get ahead, we steal (yes, using the copy or fax machine at work for our personal use is theft), we fornicate, we lust, we have idols, we crush the spirit of another by using curt words or by teasing, we refuse to speak truth, we even discriminate, we eat beyond what our body needs, we take credit for someone else’s work, and we pretend, presenting someone other than who we really are. Some of us are willing to put Christ on the shelf…just for a moment to curse someone out. We do it at work, with the driver that just cut us off, to the customer service representative that won’t let us get our way. Additionally, in our business dealings, some of us know more than our client and use that knowledge to take advantage of them. We are even caught up in unmentionable sins…those we will not admit nor confess to ourselves, God or another. Yet, God sees us and others are watching what we do.

When we walk in integrity, we will stand out amongst others. Integrity will propel us forward and higher than we can imagine. God will honor our integrity, just like he did for Job. Can we be like Job and maintain our integrity…at all times? He was blameless through all the calamities he faced, even with others tried to deter him and take him off course. And, God blessed him accordingly. (Job 42) When we take the high and mighty road, what you think you gave up, God will fulfill in a bigger and better way.

We are all a work in progress. I for one must take the road of integrity towards the kingdom of God…in every area of my life. I must resist the temptation to do what I really want to do, and do it God’s way. How has walking in integrity benefitted you or someone else you know? What say you?

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”

~ Psalm 25:21 

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) reads, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than well ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” God is not a half-stepping God. When He moves…He moves, and it shows. Oftentimes we go to God in prayer, supplicating for something to change in our lives, to help us to grow in a certain area, for healing to take place either in our lives or that of someone else. We want our burdens lifted and our trials to be light. We just hope our circumstances change for the better. Unconsciously we trust or believe just enough to protect ourselves from being hurt; which stems from our human frailties and past disappointments or pain. We don’t expect something great from God when we pray. We place Him in a box, thinking that He may or may not come through and thereby not get excited about the possibilities. We don’t expect something really big to happen, and when it does we are shocked, flabbergasted, and stunned at what He has done. God is probably looking down on us saying, “Oh ye of little faith,” while He smiles watching the delight of one of His children.

After all of my praying, pleading and incessant whining about how I bad and unfair I thought my life was, God saw fit to come through. I just wanted my life to change a little bit; just so I could relax. Well, change has come in a huge way at home, work and personally; all at the same time. I wish I could tell it all, but it would take many, many words to do so.

My self-induced stress levels have dropped dramatically. I’m so excited that I have nothing to complain about. I’m at peace…finally, and my mind is clearing up to hear from God and get direction from Him. A few hours ago I had no idea what I would write about. I was stumped and my ideas were blocked. I couldn’t think straight. I tried to write in my journal, but I couldn’t focus. My thought was not to even attempt it because I couldn’t do it justice. I began to stress. I sent up a quick request as I drove home. I heard, “When God Moves”. Only when I got home…in a quiet place did the words come. God moved, and He moved big in my book.

My lessons…God is bigger than any of my situations. He can handle it all. He sees and hears me when I cry. He will come through, just when He sees fit, not sooner or later, but just at the right moment. God is not human. He has no ill intent in Him. He loves me, and wants what is best. He knows me, through and through. He understands what I can handle and my breaking point. He knows when I’ve had enough mess, and I need to be lifted up and encouraged.

I have to be “trust-crazy” when it comes to my relationship with God. I know He can do everything. I must not doubt. I guess I have to sit still, be patient and wait on Him. Once I make a request of Him, I have to leave it in His hands and KNOW that He will come through.

Have you ever seen a bird prancing around looking as if he is worried about his next meal? I certainly haven’t. Birds appear stress-free; attentive to their surrounding while fluttering about. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” states Matthew 6:25-26 (NIV)

I must act like a bird. Not worry about a thing, especially when I’ve left my cares in God’s hand…do my part and leave the rest. Can you see yourself being “trust-crazy” with God? What does that look like to you when you know that God will move, and move big? What say you?

Psalm 119:125(NIV) states, “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” To effectively walk in His ways, we must be able to differentiate between our desires, satan’s schemes, and God’s will. In order to do this we must be able to recognize the declaration of God through the different voices in our heads.

How do we know for sure that what we hear is prompted by the Holy Spirit? Without discernment we are not able to determine the source. To discern is to make a distinction; rightly figure out what is before us based upon what we know about God and his character. If we are willing to live a life that honors God, then we have to put our flesh in check so that we are not ruled by it. Identifying His voice over all others is not always easy. We have to purpose to want to hear from Him. In order to do this we must separate ourselves from our selfish desires, emotions, and temptations; be still and wait for His voice. Sometimes His voice shows up in the whisper, and if we are not tuned in to His spirit we won’t be able to hear Him.

Occasionally we have already made up in our minds what we are going to do. Our flesh wants what it wants, and can lead us in the wrong direction if we don’t parse out the thoughts in our head. We seek out scriptures and others to justify our reasoning...thinking it is of God when we find “confirmation”. We must be careful not to override God. What sounds good or is probable may not be what God wants us to do. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) says, “I have the right to do anything, “you say – but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but I will not be mastered by anything.” We must make sure we are not mastered by our flesh and allow it to lead us into something that was not meant. Are we intentionally drowning out His voice to get our way?

It’s a matter of who we believe, trust and are willing to act upon. Usually our voice comes from our feelings, aspirations, and enticements. We hear our voice when we want something, give into the temptation or excuse sin.  James 1:13-14 (NIV) reads, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” To combat being unsure and suspicious, we ought to consider examining our thoughts, motives, fears…and be honest about it. Although God’s laws are written in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), we still are inclined to our own interpretations; and sometimes that brings trouble. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” states Proverbs 3:5 (NIV).

Seeking God’s counsel on the back end of our decision is not wise. He already sees us, knows our thoughts and ways. Do we really think He will respond to our irrationality? Resist doing what you want to do, and be led by God. His ways are greater than ours and He knows what is best for us. When we aren’t sure whose voice we are hearing, we must ask God to make it clearer for us. Sometimes we may need to seek wisdom from man, preferably a mature Christian, someone who we know well, and who will speak truth and not one to tickle our ears; telling us what they think we want or need to hear.

The closer we are to God, the more we are able to hear His voice; differentiate it from another and our own. Think about this for a second. Consider the person nearest and dearest to you…your spouse, child or sibling, even best friend. You know their voice. Why, because you are in close relationship with them. Well, that is what God ask of us…to be in close relationship with Him. When my daughter cries, I hear her. I am in tune with her, so I can distinguish her cry over another child, even when she’s in a different room. And so it is with God, our Father. Those that are best prepared to discern His voice are those that are in an intimate relationship. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When we know Him, we hear Him.

We don’t know when or how God will speak to us…we have to identify when it is He who does. He may speak through our situation, through someone else or through the behavior or reaction of another. Or we will hear the “whisper”, when we least expect it. In order to hear his voice undoubtedly we must seek Him through prayer, meditation, listentening, reading His word and studying God’s nature. Question whether or not the voice we hear is in line with God’s character or more like our own.

Just when we need to hear it most, God will speak. He doesn’t leave us out to ourselves, especially when we are in crisis and even more dependent on Him to make it through. I remember the evening of my mother’s death. I wondered, questioned her salvation. Now, I was with her when we discussed her acceptance of Christ, and she clearly told me that she did. Well, because I saw her actions and anger at some of the things that had taken place in her life, I doubted. While I was driving home alone, I prayed. The radio was on, and the song, “Stairway to Heaven” sung by the O’Jays came on. A peace came over me. I cried, and trusted that she was with God; my worry and doubt disappeared. When I needed to know, God showed up. I certainly believe that there are no coincidences and He knew what I needed at that moment.

When you move in the spirit your path will be straight. Position yourself to hear; especially when you are at a crossroad in your life and you strongly desire to hear from God; and be obedient to His response. If the voice instills fear, doubt and negative emotions, it is not from God. 1 John 4:18 states, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” The voice should be from a standpoint of love and grace. Anything that causes confusion and incites fear is not of God. 1 Corinthians 14:33 declares, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people,” We get from Him assurance, encouragement, comfort, or serenity.

The more we read His word, understand His ways and character, and grow our relationship with Him, the easier it is to discern the voice. We must diligently seek Him to filter out the voices in our head, incorrect teachings, and selfish sentiments. Without God, our rationalizations will not prevail. What looks right may very well be quite wrong. Are we going to be led by flesh or by God? We must choose, and deal with the consequences if we choose wrongly.

How do you tell the difference between your desires, satan’s schemes, and God’s will? What say you?

It is well known that most folks loathe Monday morning…the day they have to get back on the grind, the treadmill of working life. And, every week, at the beginning of the week the question I ask most often is, “When is Friday gonna get here?”  We look forward to the weekend. We have our free time; can do what we want to do; have no work-related responsibilities; and no “boss” standing over our head.

Unbeknownst to us, we do this in our spiritual walk…wanting the hard work to be over so that we can chill. We want God to move, as fast as possible so we can get the “week” over with. We want just to get through our situations…not learn from them, not feel the pain, not to deal with drama.  We want our trials to end as soon as possible so we can move on and chill-out.

First, we forget that God is doing something in our lives. His timing is not ours, and therefore we cannot force Him to be on our timetable. It doesn’t work that way. We said we would obey God. We submitted our lives over to Christ lordship. We gave Him full reign over us and to His will. Now as the one submitted, does that mean we get to tell Him what to do? Absolutely not! Besides, we don’t know everything; what is coming in the next minute, hour or day.

We must give God time to speak, do, work, deal, address, move and lead us in our situations. Tribulation is good for us, even though it doesn’t feel good to go through it. I will be the first to admit…I don’t like the feeling of uneasiness; being left in the “wilderness” not hearing from God when I desperately want and need an answer; feeling hurt and confused; losing or not getting something I desire; waiting; being sick; and all others things that could possibly befall me. We miss the boat on our spiritual growth, healing and rest when we rush through our trials.

Second, we get so busy preparing for our Friday that we miss out on the days of the week. There is a cost that comes with impatience. God is always moving on our behalf. If we abort His work in us then we don’t get to see the fullness of His glory in our lives. If we don’t go through the process to heal our hurts we will continue to suffer emotionally, and so will those around us who have to deal with taking the brunt of reactions from past hurts. If we don’t go through working on the front end instead of playing, we don’t get to see the fruit. If we don’t wait on God’s insight and wisdom we end up at the wrong job, marrying the wrong person, and making a disastrous decision. If we don’t wait on God we miss out on His help. He can do everything. We are stressed out because we are working hard trying to make things happen to fix our quandaries. If we sit back and allow God to move and listen for His direction, then all things will work out for our good.

When there is a major decision to be made we must wait on his answer. We miss out on great opportunities when we rush decisions. That job we may think looks great, yet God may have another one that is more suited to our lifestyle. He knows our future, and to help us to live His purpose, he knows what we need to do. If we don’t wait we miss the revelation. We miss out on direction. We miss out on the best.

I hear Fred Hammond’s song ‘Those That Wait’ in my head. It’s based on Isaiah 40:31 NIV, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” “Hold on a little while longer…don’t give up” I will sing and wait.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV states, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” What does this mean for me? Wait on God to come through in ALL of my situations…be it at work, business, home life or in the desires I have. God’s timing is perfect and it always works out for our good. It is not wise to ask the question “When is Friday gonna get here?” in any of our situations.  Let’s not miss out our spiritual journey because of impatience. I gotta sit back, enjoy the ride and ask God what do He have for me this week or what shall I do this week. How do I spend my days?

Since ancient of times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. ~ Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)

And so, when I wait on God and not push Him to move…I will get the answers I need, allow Him to work in and through me, give Him time to work in someone else, see the other side of the situation, allow things to fall into place, my strength to fight the battle will be renewed, my peace will be restored, my faith will increase, and my protection is there. My help cometh from the Lord! I will wait for God to accomplish His work in me…then I will soar!

I will no longer allow life to pass me by while I wait for “Friday”.  During the week I will be in prayer mode, meditation mode, listening mode, watchful mode, seeking mode, submitting mode, and being mode. How will you wait on Him, and what benefit do you see in doing so? What say you?

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

To be bold is to do without hesitation, fear or care of what someone else may think. To love boldly is to live like Christ, without restraint as he loved others.

In these times, to love boldly as instructed by God (Mark 12:31) isn’t witnessed on a daily basis. We can love boldly by loving as Christ loves us. In watching the news, people on the streets, and even when driving, I often wonder where did love go. Folks criticize each other, even when they can’t or are unwilling to do what the person did; some don’t hold the door open for others, oftentimes allowing it to slam in the face of another, folks cut you off on the road or when you let them in, it isn’t recognized by a wave of acknowledgement, some physically or verbally assault someone in retribution of a minor mistake, etc. Gossip, backbiting and brown-nosing for position runs amok in the church and in our workplaces. What’s going on? Are we so caught up with what is going on in our lives at the moment that we forget to love?

How can we love more? By humbling ourselves and serving others. Loving boldly is giving out of our lack; it is being courteous to our brother or sister in the street; it is being kind to the cashier, even when the person before held up the line; it is keeping our word; it is holding inside what is confidential; it is honoring our commitment; it is forgiving our brother, even when they’ve sinned against us many times; it looks like giving someone we don’t like a helping hand; it is speaking truth, even when it may sting the receiver; it is confronting our offender with resolution in mind; it is loving unconditionally those dearest to us…our spouse and children; it is apologizing to the one we’ve wronged; it is not seeking revenge.

Love comes in many forms. To live like Christ, we love the young lady who dresses inappropriately in the street, instead of judging or criticizing, we pray for her. To live like Christ, we don’t despise those afflicted with disease, addictions or mental illness. Instead we help, not enable, them as led by God. To live like Christ, we accept people where they are in their spiritual walk, not making them feel bad because they don’t know what we know. To live like Christ is to love others. We might not like the behavior, but we are not to scorn them based on it (we all fall short in some areas of our lives). To live like Christ we seek understanding, placing ourselves in the shoes of another; showing compassion instead of mocking. To live and love like Christ we submit to God’s authority over our lives, allowing Him to direct our ways, at all times.

Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

So what shall we do then…love as he first loved us. What does loving others look like for you? What say you?

We are constantly being bombarded with manufactured news and propaganda on a daily basis. The purpose is to keep us distracted so that we don’t see what is actually taking place in the world today. We are misinformed and mis-educated…on purpose. Dumbed down people don’t question authority or figureheads. When one is content with life just as it is or is on receiving end of benefits due to someone else malfeasance, there is no need to stir the pot. We see when something is wrong or grossly unfair, but because it doesn’t affect us, we see no point in speaking up or doing something about it. The diversions work well for the powers that be because we don’t look for the truth in what they are saying. We don’t stand-up and fight for what’s left of our rights. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

We instinctively accept the word of our politicians, whose main goal is to stay in office and out of trouble. Oh the lies that are spewed from, what my father used to call, the idiot box. We are drawn in by the scripted “reality” shows…oh how we love drama. We are also consumed by sporting events, as if we are the ones earning a paycheck. Folks actually spend time arguing over whose team played better. We listen to the all-knowing news pundits. As they judge, we follow suit…believing the untruths and preposterous rants about how our lives are being impacted by their boogey man or woman. We are told that a certain group of people are scary and should be considered armed and dangerous…they are terrorist I tell ya! We are told what to accept as true and people do it. We have lost critical thinking skills. We are regurgitators. Into our ears and out of our mouths…in the exact form; hearing but not evaluating to see if it statements are actually true. 1 Peter 4:7 states, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober minds so that you may pray.”

Unethical marketing is another tool used to distract us. It causes us to buy into items or an idea that we didn’t consider before we were introduced. Sometimes we make rash and emotional decisions based on what we see, hear or what others are talking about. We think we need the latest and hottest new item to be considered worthy in the eyes of others… all the while too broke to buy it, but we do it anyway. We are told that our self-worth is wrapped up in how beautiful or rich we are. We are told that even if we are a little bit overweight, we must buy into a pill or a weight loss program to look good…for others. We accept as fact that some medicines are safe, even after they disclose the possible side effects. Meanwhile, there are folks getting rich because we don’t see the manipulations at work to get us buy into what they are selling. “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” states Galatians 5:7.

At this moment millions of people are consumed with the details of the death of a notable terrorist, the President lambasting Trump, the basketball playoffs and the recent tornadoes. The news is also full of tidbits of the latest debauchery of hollywood actors and sports figures. Social networking sites similarly sidetrack us and use up too much of our time. We don’t need to know what others had for breakfast. And sometimes…we just talk too much…texting and having unnecessary conversations, just to give us something to do.

Some of us are so caught up that our mission has been effectively thwarted by our own hands. We lead ourselves astray. Instead of seeking God for insight, wisdom and direction we are entertaining ourselves. We don’t know what we are supposed to be doing because we allow diversions to keep us from doing what we should be doing. Some of us should be starting new and innovative businesses, but we don’t know that because NeNe (Atlanta Housewives) just chewed someone out. Others should be going out into the mission field of another country, but we don’t know because we are busy watching the Celtics. There are people assigned to our lives to keep us from being focused. Your oldest and dearest friend brings so much drama, yet because you love her you refuse to let her go. Your needy sibling keeps you coming and going, but because he’s family, you won’t allow him to help himself. We aren’t paying attention.

We must get the distractions out of lives. I must admit, there are some nights I spend too much time researching or playing card games on the computer…my guilty pleasures. But, that too has to be reduced if I’m to have a clear mind to “hear” what topic I should write about next. Do you find yourself distracted by today's news? What say you?

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  - Matthew 9:35-38 NIV

Are church services relevant? I certainly believe so. We should not give up on assembling together as a body of Christ, however, in addition to Sunday service and mid-week bible study we should at least consider moving beyond the walls of the church building to participate with the community instead of insulating ourselves from it. It does churches no good to only serve those on the membership register while forgetting the mission to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

In some communities, especially in urban areas, you may find a few churches along with many corner markets and liquor stores. Whenever my husband and I go out on a drive through the city I notice that a lot of young people hang out, seemingly with nothing to do. From the outside looking in, the area is unkempt…boarded up buildings, trash strewn about, kids running around the sidewalks, as there is no playground seen - uncared for by the leaders. I wonder what the churches are doing in those neighborhoods. Do they segregate from the community? Is the flock middle-aged or elderly, with no one to take up the mantle? Do the preachers reach out? Or are the messages taught irrelevant to younger audiences?

As a side note, there is an all-out war on our children. Media-produced materials unfortunately shape the mind of too many young people. The folks behind television, radio and video games have unhealthy intent to warp God-consciousness and steal their innocence. In addition, there is the attack on social services throughout the country. As pensions are all but wiped out, unemployment grants disappear, medical coverage and food assistance benefits decrease, and other programs to subsidize the needy are eliminated, the least of us suffer the most.

What can we do about it? We can go into those communities and be a light against the darkness of poverty, despair, hopelessness, health disparities, food scarcity, joblessness and blight. How do we do it? We do it like Christ. He did not confine himself to a “church” building. Nor did he hang out with the well-healed pillars of the community. He hit the streets. (Matthew 5:23, 8:5, 8:14, 8:28, 9:1, 9:10)

Not a prescription, just a thought. What if more churches closed the doors to the building on Sunday and went out into their local area? What if churches gave up the building fund to feed the people? What if the churches did something extreme and unconventional like walk away and foreclose (corporations do it all the time when it doesn’t benefit the bottom line) on the grand edifice that their forefathers built to spend the mortgage monies elsewhere…like housing for the homeless, food pantries, job centers, crisis centers for victims of domestic abuse, free daycare centers, schools, youth mentoring programs etc. What do you think the community would look like if the church was more about flesh and blood than the glorious sanctuary?

I’m not advocating that church buildings be abolished. I certainly want a place to worship, fellowship, hear a great word that will help me to grow in knowledge, faith and stewardship, and to serve. But, what good are we if we stay inside, hanging out with like-minded people? Matthew 9:12 says, “On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” I encourage Christians to get off the pew and get out of the four walls to do a work in honor of God within the community. We cannot depend on any governmental entity to provide for the people. The leaders have already revealed that they are not interested. They seem to only care about what they can get from their corporate sponsors. The doors can be opened during the week for counseling, job training, after-school tutoring, meeting space, computer center, etc. It’s all about the people, not the building.

It is up to us…we the people, helping the people. What we do doesn’t have to be religious in nature. We are to be there, doing the work of God, without wearing it on our sleeve. Those that are helped will see the spirit of Christ in us (Matthew 5:16). We are going out to evangelize and preach the gospel through our actions, not beat people against the head with our bibles to make them see the error of their ways. We shall go in humility, walking in the grace of God with the heart of a servant. Some we may have to warn (Ezekiel 3:18-21) others we will have to just “be”…be there for them in their time of need. Keep in mind, as Matthew 10:14 states, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”

How’s this for “church”? What say you? 

It is now time to renounce tradition. There is too much going on in the world for us to be “playing” church. It is time out for the unnecessary stomping, shouting, running around the church and carrying on…that old-time religion…looking spiritual, but living foul. It’s time for the preachers to stop teaching the prosperity gospel, enriching themselves while the congregation is barely hanging on by a thread; stop pacifying the church with words that make them feel at ease with the sin they are in; emboldening folks to become emotional…falling out, weeping, wailing with outstretched arms while the deacons rush to the aide of the one overcome; performing the beck and call - beseeching the congregants to nod in agreement, say a-man’d, touch their neighbor or ask for a witness to his statement; pushing folks to speak in tongues, and if not, telling them the Holy Spirit is not in them (my personal experience); and making Jesus Christ look passive by focusing on the fact that he turned the other cheek and recommended peace, love and agreement with each other, when in fact he too went against the traditions of his day. All the while, the preacher wears opulent robes, whoops it up, “Ooooh waaall, um hummm,” he sings, and struts when the keyboard is pounded. And the congregants wear their Sunday’ best…the big hats, colorful suits, clanging jewelry…to be seen. You get the picture.

In this day in age, all that is uncalled-for. We should be on a mission…to carry out God’s purpose for our lives, serve and draw others toward Christ. Things are getting rough, and the outlook is not bright; we are certainly going to need God’s wisdom, grace, favor, comfort and mercy to make it through. It is time to speak truth, teaching others that Christ was no pushover, that he in fact had an uncompromising spirit. He went against the Pharisees of that day. He also didn’t have time to be distracted by foolishness and laziness. He confronted (Matthew 21:12-13); kicked out the money changers (Matthew 21:12-13) and admonished in love (John 4:1-42). Christ didn’t run around the church whooping and hollering; neither should we. Yes, we are to praise God, but when our behavior steals His thunder and we become the focus, we need to sit down. Times are changing…rapidly. Our leaders should be making people aware of what is really happening so that we may prepare.

We must go against the status quo. We must seek God for ourselves, not living on every word of the infallible preacher. We must find out the direction that we are supposed to go in, hear what God is specifically telling us, and living a life based on God’s will for our lives. If your preacher, teacher or leader is not teaching truth, interpreting scripture based on personal feelings or using his “position” for personal gain, you have to a decision to make. Are you going to leave the matrix of church as usual or are you going to seek out spiritual teachings that help you to develop Christ-like characteristics, love unconditionally (without judgment), serve others, grow in faith, learn how to study the bible and not just read it, speak the reality of sin and its consequences, and deal with your mess so that you are not a public success and a private failure?

A few ideas to go against the status quo:

·        Renounce customs and traditions in honor of truth.

·        Leave the “politically” correct preacher for his heart is not of God, but of himself.

·        Read scripture and study for yourself, not living word from word out of the preacher’s mouth; the pastor’s interpretation of scripture instead of seeking what God is telling you specifically.

·        Leave the church of the rich pastor whose congregants are poor or struggling while he rides in expensive cars and lives in big houses.

·        Leave the church that fills your emotionally, but your heart is empty and there is no personal growth taking place.

·        Leave the church where the pastor manipulates the people, uses scripture for his own gain.

·        Leave the church where the pastor places himself above the people and is beyond reproach.

·        Renounce loyalty to denominations and family churches – go where God leads you to go.

·        Leave the church that does not have bibles in the building, but have created their own book.

·        Confront those “religious” folk who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk in their private lives.

·        Stop defending your reputation or status in the community; do not acquiesce to the opinions of others for the sake of your position.

There are many more. What say you? 

My childhood friend, Anita Mundy, posted this photo, and it immediately dawned on me that this is what we look like in the sprit realm. As a nail becomes corroded by its environment…being exposed to the elements, and in our case, the carnal world and by our own devices, the structural integrity of the nail is damaged, yet it is not broken. It looks weathered and worn, just as we are we are on the other side of a horrible ordeal, spiritual failing, life in general or stint of excessive anxiety…fighting temptations. Even though the nail looks weak, as if it is about to break and fall out of its base, it is still yet holding on. This nail is us.

Some of us have people in our lives that treat us unfairly; we certainly have enemies, those haters who are a constant thorn in our side; and sometimes life just happens, unexplained events that take us off course and keep us occupied until the matter is cleared up.  In all we feel a bit victimized. On the other hand, life is not easy in our walk to please God. We fight against our desires daily as not to dishonor what He is and has been to us. We “suffer” for Christ sake. In our hearts we want God’s will for our lives, but deep inside we really want to give into our compulsions; to do those things we know go against what is right to temporarily satisfy our flesh.

I believe that God allows trials to occur in our lives to build us up, to prepare us for “battle”, to be an example for others and to teach us much needed lessons. Once we successfully emerge from our difficulties we may look a little raggedy, however, we are stronger and better; more mature and holding on a lot tighter to our foundation… Christ. Just as the nail has not let go, neither do we.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned’ struck down, but not destroyed.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

I saw that photo as art, a beautiful statement of who we are and also a testament to the strength of the base, the wood. Look at the wood, just above the nail. It too has been weathered. Several layers of the wood are damaged, yet it still provides a solid foundation for the nail. The wind and water may have been a constant source of friction, but it still stands. As Christ was mistreated, not believed, betrayed, mocked, tortured, spat upon, imprisoned, and ultimately killed, He still stands and will never fade away.

What correlation to your life do you see in the photo? What say you?

There is a whole lot of stuff going on… a great deal to fear, to be apprehensive and alarmed about regarding the state of the world. There is a heavy cloud surrounding us…and many of us “feel” it. We wonder is this it…the last days. I don’t know. I choose not succumb to my emotions in this issue. No matter what I read in the newspapers, hear on main stream media, or read on other blogs about what our government isn’t telling us about the radiation that has travelled by wind and water throughout the world…I shall not fear. But I will do what I have to do to take care of my family.

What I do believe is that God is bigger than all things that take place under the sun. The state of the world is awry. Evil appears to be reigning above all things, but it’s not. God is in full control. We must go through the storm to get to the other side. Things cannot continue the route its going. Capitalism is not sustainable. Raping the earth of the resources is not sustainable. Wars are not sustainable. But in order for things to get better, we must hit rock bottom. Addictive behaviors only change when the person is ready to change. Either there is no more drug of choice available or life has become so bad that there is nowhere else to go but up. And so, until leaders, corporate and government, rid themselves of profit-making motives, the USA will continue its downward spiral until there is nothing left to take from the people. Or, people wake up, realize what has happened and stop feeding insatiable goat that is the industrial military complex, prison industry, pharmaceutical industry, banking, agri-business, etc. Autocrats have to be forced to change. We are the one to make it happen.

How do we do it…become self-sustainable and God-dependent. Grow your own food, make your own stuff, barter, stop buying unnecessary products, and by all means no longer do business with those companies that sell unhealthy products or charge excessive fees. Also, research what God-provided materials will help to heal your body, clean your house, and find out how Great-grandma did things back in the day. Think about it…what did our descendants do before the creation of corporations and government agencies that cave to the business class? There were small-businesses that provided a much needed service to the community, and the motive was different. Money was not their God. It might do you well to move away from the large businesses and now seek out the small ones who have your well-being in mind.

I’m dreaming of what our new world will look like…our future is bright. I believe that once all the bad stuff goes down, good will hold sway. We will become closer to God, rely more on Him, and be less distracted by the stuff; material possessions and entertainment. The family unit will be tighter because we all will have to depend on each other for the success of the unit. People will love and respect all the more because we will need each other to make it.  Eyes will be opened and hearts will change. Individualism will sink into the pit. Selfishness will be no more, if so, that selfish person will be ostracized instead of idolized as it is today.  Sharing will become the norm. Idealistic…there will be no need to steal from each other because as God commanded, the poor, disabled, widows and children will have their needs met.

GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!!

Are you optimistic or fearful about the future?  What will you need to do to make it through the storm? What say you?

 “He said to them,” You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”

- Luke 16:15

Be careful then how you live…not as holier-than-thou, but in humility; recognizing that we are all in need of the grace and mercy of God. Too many times we witness other Christians (not ourselves, wink, wink) walking in self-righteousness; the ones wearing the belt of arrogance, as if they have it all together; those pious Christians who know the word, yet use it as a sword to rebuke instead of a tool for grace; folks who choose not to see their own failures, but illuminate those of others; people who forget that they, in the scheme of things, are mere filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6); individuals who, for some reason, you can’t seem to tell them anything…they know it all, even before you speak it; persons who downgrade their sin and rationalize their behavior…they pontificate that devil made them do it; some even hurl scriptures back and forth with folks trying to prove their stance… debating until the point where relationships are damaged; those that dismiss the profane behaviors of their leaders…turned them into idols who can do no wrong (even when the truth of wrongdoing is evident); those who are confident in their own righteousness… outraged when someone tells them otherwise; uncooperative, obstinate,  and difficult to deal with. I can go on, but you get the picture. Human righteousness blinds us to our need for a Savior. Who needs one when we’ve got it all cranked up?

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

– Romans 12:3

The one who is deluded by their sanctimonious beliefs and behaviors unfortunately have undue influence on others. The “world” is watching. Some who have not accepted Christ see what we do and say, and judge us all because of the actions of a few.  The so-called religious, right-leaning-Republicans, aren’t all bad. Those that seem to make unreasonable decisions and say the most unloving things are out in the forefront right now. Sadly, they provide plenty of fodder and ammunition to those who want to make a case why they don’t believe in a loving God. When one is blinded by righteousness they don’t see how their behavior discourages others from accepting Christ. Christians are certainly not monolithic; as the many denominations of churches illustrate.  The world may not see nor discern the differences…to them we are all one in the same. Therefore, our positive actions of Christ-likeness must outweigh the haughtiness of a few. We must imitate the attitude Christ; illustrating compassion, kindness, gentle admonition, empathy, humility, boldness, obedience, service to others, and especially his love and forgiveness… at all times and in all places – home, work, family gatherings, church, even when running errands or with friends. In our actions, God is to be glorified. People should see the Christ in us.

Your relationship with Christ is what matters, not your religiosity.

Matthew 6:1 says, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Born again doesn’t make you better than others. We are saved by the righteousness of Christ, not because of ourselves. Have you noticed any attributes in yourself that would qualify you as self-righteous? If so, what changes are you willing to make to draw others toward Christ and not away from? I for one must check myself from time to time…lest I condemn someone to the pit because of my unrighteous behavior. What say you?

There are too many inexplicable things occurring in the earth. Are they somehow interconnected? Are we to consider them separate, unique events…that all just seem to be happening within the last few years? It is because of the media advancements and internet technology that it seems that way because we are learning more about these events. Earthquakes, tsunamis’, fires, hurricanes, floods, uncommon extremes of heat wave and cold spells, infestations (we have these unmanageable stink bugs) and food and currency scarcities are happening all over the globe. Lives are being upended at every turn. Is God angry at how we humans have abused the earth? Could it be that excessive mineral, oil and gas extractions are disturbing the ecosystem?  Are there too many chemicals being released into the atmosphere? Could it be that countries are being bombed to death by attacking nations thereby shaking the earth’s core? Is it because too many have turned their backs on God? Or, are they just natural occurrences? So many questions…no answer.

In the words of Marvin Gaye - “What is going on?” Is your head in the sand or do you see? Are you ignoring the warning signs? Jesus said in Matthew 24: 6-8, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Well, war and revolts have broken out all over the middle east, the poor all over are hungry, including in the richest nations of the earth, and there was just the major earthquake and tsunami in Japan, resulting in nuclear fallout. “When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near,” reads Luke 21:31.

We don’t know the day or the hour. (Matthew 24:36). We just know to be ready. (Matthew 24:42-44). The world is changing at an ever increasing pace. We don’t know if the world will end or will what we consider to be normal (having everything at our disposal) change for the worst. We don’t know if a revolutionary will attack in retaliation for what the West has done. Now is the time to adapt or perish. Is your spiritual life in order? Are you open and humbled enough to hear the whisper of God, with obedience being your response? Do you have a plan in place for your family? Are you ready to leave your house at a moment’s notice? Do you have provisions for your family if you must leave? If something kicks off and you have to stay put at your home, will you have enough food to eat for several days or months? If not, do you know where to get food that God has provided in nature? Adapting is accepting the changes for what it is, and shifting your ways to go with the new flow…not fighting against the will of God.

Indeed something strange is happening? My question to you: Are you aware, alert and in preparation mode? What say you?

By the way, I did plant my organic seeds over the weekend.

If you have been paying attention to what is happening around the world you would have noticed social unrest, natural disasters and famine in the land. Here in the United States, for the most part, we have been too comfortable…to a fault. We don’t know what to do if calamity befalls us. We become stunned, panicked, unable to think clearly…emotions run high from fear. The nation was paralyzed when the planes hit the towers on September 11^th. We didn’t know what to do. Not too many were prepared to handle what occurred that day. And even when the waters from Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans, few were ready. Those that could afford to get out of town did so, but if they had to stay, were they actually prepared to hunker down with stores being closed, no electricity and lack of potable water? The ones that were stuck certainly weren’t. Strange things are happening, and we are living in perilous times. I write this blog post because my pastor has put out the clarion call. We don’t know what will happen in the near future, but one thing is for sure is that our economy is wrecked, for lack of a better word, and we must have a way to take care of our responsibilities.

We don’t know when “winter” will come knocking at our door. As animals prepare for the cold and lean months ahead, we should be doing the same. Some animals migrate to warmer zones where they can find food. Others adapt, changing their behavior to synchronize with the upcoming season; such adjustments include growing a thicker coat for the winter or gathering and storing food in the warmer months.  Some find another form of shelter while others shack up and huddle close together.  

Unemployment is high, corporations are hoarding money, and the social safe-net is being eroded.  By now, we all should know someone that has lost their source of income or had it significantly reduced. During research I came upon this article: 19 Scary Facts About Getting A Job In America. The first one threw me – “If you lose your job today, there’s a 70% chance that you won’t find a job in the next month.” The second one unnerved me – “If you’ve been unemployed for a year, there’s at 91% chance that you won’t find a job in the next month.” 1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV) says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  If you lost your job or business today, do you have the means to take care of your family during the job freeze?

I will admit that I am late. But, I’m in preparation mode. I’ve definitely cut back on discretionary spending…no more lattes and cappuccinos, I bring my lunch to work, I don’t know when the last time I bought an outfit, and we radically reduced eating out…for two reasons – costs are escalating and my salary had been reduced too. Since last summer, I’ve been making homemade products…deodorant, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid and cleaning materials. My output has been reduced, and everything is just as clean; without the harmful chemicals. I’ve also stored some food, and make sure we always have water available. Now, we will begin our garden. We’ve designated a small plot, the seeds are in the mail and I will purchase the materials needed very soon. I actually look forward to growing and canning our food. We might have to buy a few chickens too, but I’m not crazy about that idea yet. If I must, I will kill, de-feather and clean them to feed our family. As gas and food cost rise, so shall I. I will rise to the occasion to meet the needs of my family.

Armed and forewarned by this knowledge, have you considered your ways? Will you do anything to prepare for an interruption in income? Do you have money saved? Have you reduced your discretionary spending? What are you doing to prepare for the upcoming storm? What say you?

Read Psalm 46 

A lot of us are anxious about the economic condition of our country; including me. It is a bit disconcerting to see so many people in distress, wondering where and when their next meal will come. Scores of unionized workers are wondering when they will be handed a pink slip or if their bargaining rights will be taken away. Those that are near retirement are afraid their pensions will not be available to them. Those that control the legislature are choosing to reduce the aid to those who need it most in favor or corporations that already have enough. Plenty of inaccuracies are purposely being told. This is to keep the masses from learning the real truth…tax breaks and subsidies were given to the rich, and in order to balance the budget, the middle class and poor have to sacrifice. Gas prices are going up, and up, and up, thereby increasing the cost of food and other items to cover the expenses of transportation. Countless folks have already lost their homes, and many more are in jeopardy of the same.

I had to step back for a moment and assess my thoughts. I found that anger welled up in me every time I read about another heart wrenching economic upheaval. Fear gripped me because I could be counted among them if a major health crisis arises or if I get a pink slip too. I began to have a poverty mindset…believing that money was the answer for my worries. Certainly not true. My reality is that I am rich, but in a different way.

My riches come from God. In Him I have more than all that I need.

I am rich in grace. Psalm 103:8-10 states, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

I am rich in mercy. Deuteronomy 41:31 says, “For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed by oath.”

I am rich in forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7-8a reads, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he has lavished on us.”

I am rich in love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” says John 3:16. (emphasis mine) How priceless is that? And I must add, Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I am rich beyond measure. These far outweigh the riches of money. For money can be lost and destroyed; but God, in his faithfulness, will never leave nor forsake us. Accepting this, I will no longer worry about what tomorrow will bring. I will live in the moment and count my daily blessings. Where do you see the riches of God in your life? What say you? 

God has brought us over many mountains in our lives…the trials that seemed too heavy a burden to bear at the time. We have suffered through disappointments, discouragements, addictions, monetary issues, health concerns, bad marriages, loss of a loved one, failed businesses…and yet, with God, we’ve prevailed.

It’s not always a good idea to go back down memory lane, but for the purpose of encouraging ourselves, we must go back and remember how God kept and guided us through our afflictions. I remember the doctor’s report. It felt like my life would always be gloomy; that I would be an emotional zombie in order to cope with the loss. But, here I am, years later, living life. Only God got me through the pain. Now, when the stressors of life get to me, I look back and say, “God got me through the worst moment of my life, and He will bring me through this time.” And now, I praise Him because the situation worked out for my good. Psalm 59:17 states, “You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”

If you are struggling at this time of reading, remember that God is with you. He may be building you up, tearing something down in you that isn’t good, or helping others to see His goodness in your affliction. Some situations we cannot explain. You might not want to know the reason now; you may just want it to be over. If there is a lesson to be learned, learn it now so that you don’t have to go back down the road again. Take the ride with Him and allow Him to do His work in you.  If it is an event, no matter how dreadful and heartbreaking, process your emotions with God. Seek comfort in Him. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

He has provided many resources to help us.  Besides praying and reading relevant scriptures, counselors are available to assist in your recovery too. It is not taboo to go to one. Mine helped me to deal with my situation, and in His great mercy, because she went through the same struggle, she was in a better position help me. She was familiar with all of the emotions I would go through while seeking healing in my life. God has also placed people in our lives to help us. Thankfully, I also had support network of close friends, family members and a husband to help me weed out negative emotions, provided a shoulder to cry on, even in the wee hours of the morning, and help me to see my options. To this day, I still thank God for their help.

It was hard, very hard, to praise God in the midst of my storm. There were certainly things to be grateful for, but all I could see was the situation, and not the rest of what was happening in my life at the time. Believe me, God understood. Now, as I reflect, I have much to praise God for. I’m forever grateful for our daughter and the joy she has brought in our lives. I’m grateful that I had two parents, despite the odds against them, who did their very best to raise us. I’m thankful for my husband, that even though I can be ornery at times, he is my protector and wants the best for me…in his own loving way. I praise God that He changed my life for the better. I don’t know where I would be without His intervention. 

What do you praise God for? What say you?

Some of us are rotund in the spirit. We simply know too much. We’ve listened to what seems like a million sermons, read a trillion books, and grasped the scriptures in many formats over a zillion times. We’ve attended lots of conferences, know all the Christian songs, and rarely miss church services…absorbed so much information that the seams are bursting. But, we sit on our knowledge with our hands under our butts.

We must be careful. With a lot of knowledge comes pride. Sometimes we can elevate ourselves and end up judging others because they don’t know what we know. When we do this we aren’t operating in grace, but in arrogance.  1 Corinthians 8:1-2 says, “…We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those that think they know something do not yet know as they out to know.” From the place of arrogance, we first give weight to our opinion, then complain and soon after voice to others, ultimately leading them astray.  We must meet people where they are; helping them to grow instead of looking down on them.

When we know too much we also become complacent. We say to ourselves, “Been there, done that, heard it already…I don’t need any more lessons”. We become “un-teachable”…stubborn as all get out, and no one can tell us anything…especially when we are dead wrong. We must keep in check the use of our head knowledge, humble ourselves, be open to the Spirit and impart much more love from our hearts.

God didn’t place us on earth without a purpose. Some of us know ours and operate in it; others know, but haven’t moved one inch towards serving in it; while a few haven’t sought God out for their personal direction in life; and too many know and do utterly nothing. All but the first are pew warmers. Everyone knows where they sit on Sunday morning. They know when to raise their hands, stomp or rejoice on cue. When the music plays, in their piety, they get up to praise God, dancing because of what He had done for them. Some leave the service before it is over because they don’t want to hear nor answer the call for workers from the pulpit. They don’t get out on the field to play, but watch from the sidelines what everyone else is doing, even commenting on a few. They sop up, but fail to give up and serve others. Several beg God to bless them, rarely bothering to ask what they can do for Him.

We know the word and strive to live the word, yet no one outside of the church walls no one knows this about some of us. Many opportunities sit right in front of our faces, yet we cover our mouths and say absolutely nothing. Someone might need an encouraging word, others might need wisdom for their situations, and a few are in need of prayer. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV) says, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” We think our struggles are ours alone. They are not. We should always have a word or hug of comfort for someone going through a rough patch as we were supported and consoled during our hardships.

Matthew 9:37 says, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”. Along with Zumba classes, pilates, yoga, boot camps and walking with the girls, you too can exercise your spiritual muscles to reduce the “fat” in your headspace. Too many of us see the work that needs to be done to advance God’s kingdom. Some of you have books to write, classes to teach, businesses to start, non-profits to create and mentoring, ushering, or praying to do. What good are you to the body if you don’t serve? You can start today…work off the fat by operating in your gifts. God has freely given to us, are you ready to freely give, with joy to another? Or, what are you doing to be a blessing to others? What say you? 

There are days when slight affronts on minor inconveniences take us off course.  Those things that unnerve us cause us to be outside of the moment. It could be as simple as having to wait in a line, being stuck in traffic, running into someone you just don’t like or having to listen to someone talk too slow; dragging the conversation on and on…about an issue of which you have no care in the world. It is these moments that cause us to lose focus. Our perspective has to change with the nuisances, no matter how minute the issue. The decision has to made whether or not to give it energy and how much to utilize.

When a crises does occur such as a pipe break in the dead of winter, an injured relative, or a loss of employment…those things we have no control over or didn’t cause…there is energy, but with it we have to still determine how much we give to the situation...hysteria or calm? Because some folks emit high energy to trivial issues, when a hyped reaction is common to a valid tragedy…the person that does this falls apart and is of no help to the situation at all.

How do you immediately get back on course…shake off the feeling of being troubled? Sometimes I jiggle my head and say out loud what is bothering me. Once identified, I either ask God to help me overcome my anxiety or think of another way to look at the situation. Sometimes I just have to let it go and laugh, especially when my reason for being bothered is childish. Other times I really don’t understand why I’m so uptight, and I have to be still…complete silence. That is the time when I have to ask God for enough peace so that I can find out what is going on. I’m I tired, overextended or are my hormones raging? I’m I annoyed about a work situation, overly concerned about finances, or frustrated with someone? Those things I have to ask in order to get to the bottom line. Then I can choose how to react, and not affect those closest to me.

When an emergency does occur, I need to be sane. Panic has to cease immediately. I do have options…go to God immediately and sit still and wait for guidance is what I must choose in some situations, especially if a loss of employment occurs, or do what is necessary at the time such as enlist professional help, but in a composed manner…especially when I have no control and there is nothing I can do about the circumstances.

When you find yourself in a state of agitation, there are a few things you can do to clear your brain space from the worry.

-Take a moment to write down your cares, pray, release them over to God and then let it go.

- Remove yourself from the “moment”. Go somewhere and sit down. Relax your mind…pushing out the negative thoughts and irrelevant rants.

- Focus on something else for the time being. Go do something you enjoy.

-Don’t worry. Our God is bigger than all of our problems.

-Cease imputing data into your mind…turn off the television, no news item from the internet, or senseless conversations. Only listen for the whisper of God.

-Sit still before God…say nothing…peace be still. (Psalm 37:7)

How have you reacted in the past, and what will you do differently? What say you? 

 Scores of people are getting released from their employment, suffering pay cuts, losing hours and working harder for less money.  Now, because it’s difficult to find comparable employment with similar benefits,   we have to be more creative to bring money into the house.  For some, it’s a do or die situation. The belt has been tightened so much that there is no room left to punch new holes.  Some have been looking for work over a year, even two.  Businesses are no longer loyal to their employees. The bottom line is more important. The stakeholders have to be taken care of first and foremost it seems; profits over people. Even our congressional leaders aren’t interested in taking care of the people; obeying their corporate donors is paramount. No election money, no job.

Some of us are now realizing we don’t want to grind anymore; we want to get out of the rat race. We are tired of dealing with the stressors of never-pleased bosses, uncooperative co-workers, scheduling demands and minimal pay for the considerable amount of work we do, and the threat of being laid off. No longer content with living to work, rather wanting to enjoy life while working; some of us are looking for better. So, what is a man to do? We must find other sources of income.

Is it a good time to launch a new venture? It doesn’t seem so, however, during the depression many new business were started. Some turned their hobbies into money-making enterprises. Most of us don’t have the capital to do so. We don’t have a trust fund; our 401(k) has diminished into a 101(k); rich uncles to generously contribute don’t exist; and parents no longer can take the equity out of their homes to provide the seeds. Heck, not many homeowners have equity they can tap into; credit is tight and the banks are hoarding.

God placed in each of us a purpose, along with a passion to carry it out. But how do we parlay that zeal into a viable business? We have to ask, seek, knock, and walk through the open door. (Matthew 7:7) Will your purpose bring in the finances to stabilize your family? I certainly believe that what God has imparted in us, he will provide the means for it to be achieved. It may not immediately bring in big bucks, but in His timing, sustenance will come. Matthew 6:26-27 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable that they?”

What if…what if what you really enjoy doing could bring more money into your home.

You will not know unless you try.

That passion, that thing that gets us heart-racing excited will help to sustain and encourage us because we know that God is with us; even when times are rough and it doesn’t seem like money is forthcoming. My Pastor, Jill Cloud, encouraged me on Sunday to keep moving forward. As long as I am in His will for my life, God will work it out. Discouragement will not be in my vocabulary. I am confident that I’m operating in my purpose with passion. Patience will sit right beside me until I see the fruit of my work.

It’s now time to take the leap of faith. What is there to lose when you don’t have a job? Why not invest in something you are passionate about. What idea have you been sitting on because you fear failing? What idea do you have that is needed and hasn’t been done yet? Whose report do you believe? What say you?

For most of us who work outside of the home we hear folks complaining about their lot all day long, and sometimes that complainer is us. Job 20:1 says, “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” We are basically saying the same when we voice our complaints. We whine and carp about too many things, mostly about things we cannot fix. We believe that because we are Christians that every part of our lives should be blessed, that we are entitled to good things. (Job 2:10). When we complain we are showing others the contents of our mind. We reveal to others that we may not fully trust in God to handle things, that we lack faith, and that we are discontented. It shows that we are self-absorbed; everything revolves around our desires…not an endearing attribute at all.

What is the purpose for complaining? Are you trying to get someone else to feel sorry for you and garner their attention?  Or are you trying to keep from being accountable for your actions? When we constantly talk to others about our issues and grievances, we are actually making the issue bigger that it is; thereby reinforcing our negative thinking. Are you unhappy? Are you the cause of it? If so, you are the only one who can change your state.

Something to consider: Are your prayers being hindered by your complaints?

Truth be told, no one wants to listen to incessant complaints. Some may have enough worries of their own, and for us to pile more on them isn’t wise. We bring negative energies into the room. Counterproductive complaining…those things we fuss about, yet have not a solution to the issue is extremely irritating. Sometimes our complaints are downright petty. Why do we complain about long lines, the way someone dresses, who gets what at work, the type of business or field someone chooses, leadership, the state of our country, etc? Nothing is achieved when we do so. We cause others to complain and join the pity party or turn someone against the one we destructively discuss. Now, some injustices may need to be addressed, but what energy level do we give it? What is the point of rousing discussions if you don’t want to get involved to make positive change? It is also senseless to get disconcerted about events we have no control over…the overall economy, weather, sports, tv programs, work situations, other people’s choices, etc.

12 Ways to Stop Complaining

1 - Decide today to stop.

2 - Deal with negative thoughts.

3 - Evaluate yourself. What are your complaints, and how frequently do you utter them?

4 - Place a rubber band on your wrist. Each time you complain snap yourself as a cue. The pain should be enough of a reminder not to do it. Option two is to place money ($25.00 each time) in jar every time you do it. I expect you’ll stop once you see how much money you are losing... donate it to a worthy cause.

5 - Think positive. (Philippians 4:8)

6 - Stop listening to and joining in the whine fest of others.

7 - When you feel the urge to complain, be still and be quiet.

8 - Ask God to help you overcome in this area.

9 - Come up with more constructive ways to change your situation. If you don’t do anything about it, it’s your fault.

10 - Take responsibility for your own lot…only deal with your personal issues.

11 - If something has so major bearing on your life, keep quiet about it.

12 - Be grateful.

I for one must take heed to what I write. I am a complainer, mostly about issues I cannot change…the state of the economy, what congress is doing or not, and institutionalize injustice. Lord help me! My mind must be clear so that I can walk in my purpose.

Be a delight to be around!

There are times when we don’t see the forest through the trees. We miss the big picture because we are so focused on what is not happening in our lives. We succumb to our negative thoughts, telling ourselves, “I’ll never be successful; I’ll never get what she has; I’m doing all this work, and seeing no discernable results.” We become discouraged because nothing seems to be happening.

Even in actively pursuing the God-given purpose for our lives, at times we may become disheartened... weary in well doing. We know full well we are moving in a right direction and are diligent in our work, but one little incident or something that is said causes us to question that purpose. We’ve invested a great deal in a venture and expected to be out of the red within a specific time frame, yet debt piles up. We’ve attended school and graduated, yet haven’t been able to find a viable job opportunity, yet saddled with student loan obligations. We’ve built a relationship, hoping it would lead to more, yet it ended abruptly and we don’t know why. Heartbroken and hopeless; wondering if we will soon meet the right one.  We’ve poured into someone’s life, and they turn on us the moment we tell them something they didn’t want to hear. We’ve been praying fervently that God will come through… quickly, yet our situation is not improving or changing; not even a little bit.

We may believe that things shouldn’t be as hard as it is when God orchestrates our purpose. Nope. Not going to happen. Those trials, no matter how small, are used for a reason…to grow us up, bring maturity so that we will be able to accomplish all that God has purposed for us. We cannot do what we are called to do if we are weak in areas that we must be strong in.

Discouragement sits right beside us. It has become our hanging partner, and we can’t seem to shake him.  Life has become monotonous, we wake up, pray, go to work, and come home…same old, same old. We may lack innovation, encouragement and hope. Our mindset may be in the negative…the cup is empty.

It’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go our way...believing that what we do is in vain. Ah…what to do. Well, God has provided in His word hope when we seem to be hopeless. Don’t quit. As it states in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has our back. When we fully embrace that, discouragement will depart. Our new friend is named Hope.  Just know that in a little while, you will reap a harvest from which you’ve sown. God’s timing is not the same as ours. When we become disillusioned we must cry out to God. We can ask God to strengthen us according to his word. (Psalm 119:28).  As of late I had succumbed to discouragement, but God is His favor for me blessed me through a friend today. He reminded me that my work is needed. For that I give thanks.

Have you become weary? If so, what are you going to do about it? What say you?

When you pull God into whatever it is that you are doing, He will reveal Himself. It may not seem that way while you are in the midst, but you will know soon enough. I have created my vision board of what I want for 2011. However, Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Now I have to step back and see what God has envisioned for me. I’ve put it on paper, now what?

SPIRITUAL

First I have to clear my head. I must be quiet so that I may hear the voice of God. I must remove all distractions and get in His face. My prayer life must increase.  My journaling must escalate...looks like my vision board.

HOME LIFE

Even in my family life I must be attentive to the whisper; especially when it comes to opening my mouth. I must heed the voice when conflict erupts. Do I say what I want to say? No, because it is not Him who is speaking but my flesh. Do I give in when I don’t want to? Yes, because at that moment someone will be blessed by a good deed. Do I fight myself? Yes, especially when I must say something I don’t want to say. No fear…just say it. When it comes to our little one, I have to wise and choose my battles. When do I put my foot down, and how can I be gentle when doing it? Heeding the voice leads to a well-adjusted child.

WELL-BEING

As far as my health is concerned…I must be obedient. When I hear the whisper to not eat something, go stretch or even to chill out. I have to do it. The Holy Spirit is at work is telling me how to better take care of myself.

PERSONAL

When I’m feeling a bit discouraged, I can go to scripture to remind me of who God created me to be. I can find encouragement in his word. I can find comfort in just knowing that what He has made it is good (Genesis 1:31). When I begin to fret about my circumstances, I can look to scriptures (Matthew 6:25-34). When I’m in need of courage I look to Deuteronomy 31:16.

BUSINESS

Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” A wise man can draw them out. As it is written in Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” I have my plans, but I need help, especially in my business endeavors. I have to connect with others in order to increase my knowledge about being a more effective entrepreneur. I have to learn new ways of employing technology, especially social media avenues to increase visitors to my website and blog…leading to more freelance editing, writing or design assignments.

So, in all things that I’ve been guided to place on the board, God will help me to attain my goals. I must surrender to the prompting and be led by Him. When I do, I will be a success in 2011, and will be able to rejoice at the end of the year.

What is my overall purpose for this year and how do I discover it? How do I line up my vision with His? “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth,” states Exodus 9:16. I believe my purpose this year is that God’s power be revealed through me, and when I write, speak or stand before others that His name be proclaimed. “Reduce me Lord so that you are seen, not me. In Jesus’ name.”

Have you written down the vision for your life this year? How will you go about reaching it? What say you?

Do you ever wonder why you have not progressed in your life, business, career, education, or other interests as you would like? Do you want to eat better, lose weight, exercise, learn a language or hobby, coexist in peace, grow in specific areas or move closer to God? Do you know what want to do, but don’t know where to start? Are you self-defeating because of the fear of taking a huge risk, inexperience, or lack the capital needed?  Do you complain often and justify the causes? But, but, but…life alone is demanding. Life isn’t always easy or comfortable. We all go through hardships and distress. We all fret, most of the time about things we have no control over.

I am stagnant because I haven’t done the work. Instead of doing better, I blame one thing… self-inflicted stress. I want to be more successful in business and in private life. I want to be healthy, be a better wife and mother, and also be better at just being me…walking in who God created me to be, being content where He has me, and loving me body and soul.

Proverbs 26:14 (NIV) says, “There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets. As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.” That lion in the road is you. You are your own roadblock. When you stop blaming others or your circumstances or shut down distractions, especially mindless pursuits,  and see that YOU are the one who isn’t doing all that can be done to succeed, THEN you can begin your journey. Even when you have factual proof that someone stands in your way, ultimately you are responsible for your own failures.

It’s the start of a new year. What are you going to do, change or improve in your life to be in a better position by the end of the year? Habakkuk 2:2 reads, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” You too are that herald. Put onto paper what you are willing to do. My living example of diligent person is Donna Coles-Johnson, founder of INDIE BEAUTY NETWORK and BLOG. She and her family create vision boards. They cut out photos from magazines and paste them onto a board. The board inspires them and keeps them focused on what they want for 2011. From that board they can write out what they must do to finish the race and complete the task(s) for this year. Using this example, we can document our plans and the steps we need to accomplish them.

Change only comes when we initiate it and follow through. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”  Include God in your plans. When He is involved, we WILL soar. I want to prosper this year. I will start by writing out my vision and making it plain. I have my journal, and will begin tonight cutting up magazines.

What are you goals for 2011 and how do you plan to carry it out? What say you?

While I don’t have to defend God or prop him up, I thought we’d start the new year off by reflecting on the magnitude of God. Sometimes we Christians, especially seasoned ones, tend to take God for granted. We forget all of the things He has done in our lives, and expect Him to just be there for us. We place God in a box, wanting Him to line up to our desires, yearnings, aspirations and even perceived needs, instead of us bending to His perfectly perfect will for our lives. A few of us tend to slack off in our worship, prayer life, and fellowship with other believers. We think because we’ve read the bible what seems like the zillionth time that we have it all down. We have become well-informed…the songs, the language, Christianese, and what scriptures to hit someone with; fat in the spirit realm.

Man has a free will, and God allows us the freedom to do what we want to do, but ultimately He is in control. Because He is all-knowing, and sees ahead, He knows what is suitable for us. Roman 11:33 (NIV) says, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” We are the ones who lose out when we don’t petition Him for wisdom and guidance. It’s hypocritical to speak to others that we love and honor God, but still do our own thing; presuming that others will believe us. God is faithful. Whatever He has promised specifically for our lives will ensue. We may not know all of the promises He has ordained for us. We have to rest in knowing that He is just, upright, and loves us more than we can comprehend.

God is the act of love. God lifts our burdens; carries our loads; comforts our worries; heals our bodies; gives us peace, even during what seems like the worst times of our life; gives us power to overcome everything; and sustains us, whether when in need or not. God loved us before we knew Him. He gave to us first, without any stipulations. His love is complete, unconditional, and immeasurable. No human on this earth could love us like He does. We are fallible, imperfect beings... selfish in nature, and sometimes bitter souls. When we didn’t know what sin was, He loved. When we didn’t believe who He is, He loved. When we gave our bodies over to others, He loved. When we ingested harmful things, He loved. When fear came upon us, He loved. When we were in need, He gave. He loves us despite what we say, do or think.  When I                                      (fill in the blank), He loved.

He is so awesome that we cannot find a word that describes the gift that is God. I can only think of a few the human mind can grasp...merciful, wise, comforting, powerful, creator of all things, new and old, unchanging, eternal, always present in our lives. What else is He to you?

 He desires our best. We have to want His best, and submit to the only one who makes it available. Will you be in submission mode this year? What say you?

We all make new year resolutions for what we will do, and rarely follow through. How about switching it up a bit? Now is a great time to sit down, and decide what you will not do or tolerate in the upcoming year; even from yourself. What are you not pleased with? What burdens do you feel that could be easily removed if you decide to take a stand? What funky attitudes will you not bring into 2011… sarcasm, snide remarks, fussing at your children or even the waitress?

I have decided that I will not allow anyone to invalidate my feelings, my needs and desires. Not friends, family, co-workers, sales people, business contacts, not even my church associates; the ones who will use God’s word as a sword to get what they want. I found that when I’ve allowed others to walk over me I was the one ticked off, hurt and stressed out. I was more angry at myself for not standing up to the one(s) I thought had power over me than them. There were times when I changed my decision based on presumed pressure. Never again!

I have also decided to not focus on the “what ifs”, but to see the possibilities. This is where trusting God’s sovereignty lies. I must walk in faith, and not tolerate fear. If I’m given an idea or a task to do, no matter how crazy it might look to someone else, I must follow through. I will also not tolerate wallowing in disappointments either. If things don’t go the way I hoped, it doesn’t mean I failed or it’s over, it might just mean not now and that God is preparing the way in His time.

I will not endure a messed up mindset. As Philippians 4:8 states, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” No negative, critical or condemning thinking. My mind will be clear and I will see the good in everything.

And last, I will not tolerate ignoring myself. I need to be rejuvenated, uplifted, encouraged, prayed for. When I need help I will ask for it. I’m nobody’s superwoman. I will ask for what I need. I will take the time out to relax and release stress. I will not tolerate unhealthy eating, staying up late and sitting on my rear end…unless I need want to.

 What will you not tolerate in 2011? What say you?