By nature I am one that loves to plan everything out. I have been known to spend hours preparing and plotting out courses of action for future success. I have lived by the motto, "to fail to plan is to plan to fail". Oh how untrue and incorrect this saying is.
Through time spent in fellowship with the Lord, I have learned (through trial and lots of error I might add) that all the natural planning in the world is pointless without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is very easy to lay out a map to success, but if Jesus is not in the driver's seat there is no guarantee we'll end up at God's desired location. And let's face it, if we are not aiming for God's desired location then what's the point of the trip?
We often say to God, "Lord, I'll go where you want me to go. I'll do what you want me to do." Well what if He wants to you to go to a remote country and devote yourself totally to mission work? Are you willing to go? What if He wants you to quit your job and devote yourself to ministering to the homeless? Are you willing to do it? Are you willing to abandon ALL of your plans for God's plans?
When I was first asked this question, I could not readily answer it. Not because my heart did not want to do the will of the Father, but because I have recently gained a deeper understanding of what that means. It is easy to say yes Lord when we only have a surface level of understanding as to what He is calling for, but what about when we gain a deeper level of understanding? Remember, in all of our getting, we are to get an understanding.
For me, saying "Yes Lord" means laying down my every desire, hope, and dream for the future. The home I've dreamed about since I was a teenager. The career that is literally at my fingertips. The "good life" we see here on Earth. It means going to God DAILY and laying those things down. It means turning down opportunities that the Father says turn down. It means moving to a place I had no desire to move to so that He could be glorified through my service. It means serving the people with no hope or expectation of anything in return. It means forgoing my favorite movies and television programs to spend time alone with him. It means doing the hard things he presses upon my heart to do. It means making the conscience choice to be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. It means literally burying ALL of my plans, and asking the Father to impregnate me with His. I am no longer my own. I have been made new by the Father, and it is my prayer that He will continually make me over until I look like Him.
Because my view of the future is limited, I cannot make the BEST decision concerning my future. Me planning my future is like a person attempting to draw a strip map to a location to which they have never been. God however, in His infinite wisdom is all knowing, and all seeing. He sees what lays ahead, so when draws the strip map, He takes me directly to the location He has called me to. When he leads, I will never make a wrong turn, and I will reach His desired location in His perfect timing!
What about my plans? I ripped them up. When I reviewed them in better lighting I saw mistakes all over the blueprints. They were worthless. I have adopted Heavenly blueprints, and though I can not see or even understand every phase, I know the result will be a beautiful masterpiece for I know the Master's thoughts toward me. He has thoughts of peace towards me and He desires to give me an expected end! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Not Seeing A Change?.... What are you Praying?
During a recent conversation the Lord gave me a question to ask the person I was speaking to. Have you asked God to help your husband yield to the Holy Spirit? A simple question, however, I could tell by the person's response that the idea of asking God to help the individual yield had never crossed this woman's mind. Often times when we are married to an unbelieving spouse or a spouse that is young in the Lord, we spend most of our time praying and/or rejoicing over our spouse's salvation, but we neglect to ask God to assist them in the yielding process. The Lord gave me very specific instructions to share that I believe will be of benefit to anyone praying for the salvation of a loved one.
1. Pray that God draws the individual by His Spirit.
No one comes to the God unless God draws them in. Just as Jesus pricked each of our hearts, it will take that same prick for the next unbeliever to come into the knowledge of Christ.
2. Pray that God tills the ground of the individual's heart. (Mark 4:3-20)
Just as soil must be tilled and/or prepped before it is ready for seed, so is the ground of our hearts. Often times when we are in church (the place most of us hear the Word being preached) our hearts and minds are focused on other things. The cares of the world, the daily "to do" list, past hurts and scars, sports, etc. When our hearts and minds are focusing on these things, we are not in a place to receive and digest the Word of God. Those of us that are more mature understand the need to cast down imaginations and everything high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, but an unbeliever does not understand this concept for they have not been taught. This is why many come to the church building Sunday after Sunday and leave the same. Their bodies are there, but the soil of their hearts have not been made ready for the seed.
3. Pray that God strengthens the individual in his/her innerman that he/she will be able to yield to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Because God has given man free will, He will not force us to obey Him. He comes and makes impressions upon our hearts and it is up to us to trade our fleshly desires for His heavenly ones. Often times individuals hear the voice of the Lord, but the flesh is so strong that they are not able or willing to yield to what the Lord is saying. In order to defeat the flesh, we must feed our spirit. When praying for those that have not yet come into the knowledge of Christ I often ask the Lord to give him/her the grace to say yes to Him, and to strengthen their innerman that they may be able to yield. While we may think we yield of our own accord, if God does not strengthen us, none of us would be able to yield.
When praying for someone that has not come into the knowledge of Christ is it important to begin to "see" that individual the way God sees them. Again, this can not be done without the help of the Holy Spirit, so I often ask God to help me see people the way He sees them. I don't want to see with my natural eye because then all I would ever see is the imperfections of our humanity. Instead, I ask God to show me what he sees. God sees the condition of our hearts. When you begin to see that unbeliever from God's eye, it will be so much easier to love them into the Body. This is a perfect example of God helping us to yield. God commands us to love one another, yet it is difficult because we see with our natural eyes. Our humanity wants to rebuff that which it does not like or understand. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to see the hearts of men and women making it easier to yield when the Holy Spirit says, "Go love on that drunkard".
Yielding to the Holy Spirit is a day by day, step by step process. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ and deeper in relationship with Him, yielding becomes as second nature. Even when God asks us to do the seemingly hard thing that we may sometimes wrestle with, if our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we eventually yield and move closer to the Lord. For an individual that is just coming into relationship with the Lord yielding is still a foreign concept. We all crawled before we walked. Praying that the Lord helps the babes and unbelievers to yield may be the very thing that pushes that individual out of wrestling and into yielding! Remember, Jesus Himself (when wrapped in humanity) needed help in yielding even though He already knew the will of the Father (Luke 22:42-44)
I pray that this post helps you in your intercession for the babes and unbelievers around you. Those of us that are stronger should bear the infirmities of the weak (Romans 15:1). Let's carry this burden of prayer as the Lord leads that more will be able to come into the knowledge of Christ. May God richly bless you!
1. Pray that God draws the individual by His Spirit.
No one comes to the God unless God draws them in. Just as Jesus pricked each of our hearts, it will take that same prick for the next unbeliever to come into the knowledge of Christ.
2. Pray that God tills the ground of the individual's heart. (Mark 4:3-20)
Just as soil must be tilled and/or prepped before it is ready for seed, so is the ground of our hearts. Often times when we are in church (the place most of us hear the Word being preached) our hearts and minds are focused on other things. The cares of the world, the daily "to do" list, past hurts and scars, sports, etc. When our hearts and minds are focusing on these things, we are not in a place to receive and digest the Word of God. Those of us that are more mature understand the need to cast down imaginations and everything high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, but an unbeliever does not understand this concept for they have not been taught. This is why many come to the church building Sunday after Sunday and leave the same. Their bodies are there, but the soil of their hearts have not been made ready for the seed.
3. Pray that God strengthens the individual in his/her innerman that he/she will be able to yield to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Because God has given man free will, He will not force us to obey Him. He comes and makes impressions upon our hearts and it is up to us to trade our fleshly desires for His heavenly ones. Often times individuals hear the voice of the Lord, but the flesh is so strong that they are not able or willing to yield to what the Lord is saying. In order to defeat the flesh, we must feed our spirit. When praying for those that have not yet come into the knowledge of Christ I often ask the Lord to give him/her the grace to say yes to Him, and to strengthen their innerman that they may be able to yield. While we may think we yield of our own accord, if God does not strengthen us, none of us would be able to yield.
When praying for someone that has not come into the knowledge of Christ is it important to begin to "see" that individual the way God sees them. Again, this can not be done without the help of the Holy Spirit, so I often ask God to help me see people the way He sees them. I don't want to see with my natural eye because then all I would ever see is the imperfections of our humanity. Instead, I ask God to show me what he sees. God sees the condition of our hearts. When you begin to see that unbeliever from God's eye, it will be so much easier to love them into the Body. This is a perfect example of God helping us to yield. God commands us to love one another, yet it is difficult because we see with our natural eyes. Our humanity wants to rebuff that which it does not like or understand. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to see the hearts of men and women making it easier to yield when the Holy Spirit says, "Go love on that drunkard".
Yielding to the Holy Spirit is a day by day, step by step process. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ and deeper in relationship with Him, yielding becomes as second nature. Even when God asks us to do the seemingly hard thing that we may sometimes wrestle with, if our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we eventually yield and move closer to the Lord. For an individual that is just coming into relationship with the Lord yielding is still a foreign concept. We all crawled before we walked. Praying that the Lord helps the babes and unbelievers to yield may be the very thing that pushes that individual out of wrestling and into yielding! Remember, Jesus Himself (when wrapped in humanity) needed help in yielding even though He already knew the will of the Father (Luke 22:42-44)
I pray that this post helps you in your intercession for the babes and unbelievers around you. Those of us that are stronger should bear the infirmities of the weak (Romans 15:1). Let's carry this burden of prayer as the Lord leads that more will be able to come into the knowledge of Christ. May God richly bless you!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wearing the Garment of Praise
"To console all those who mourn in Zion. To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."- Isaiah 61:3
A couple of months ago I learned a family member of mine had been killed instantly in a car accident. I hadn't seen or spoken to this family member in years, yet grief gripped me within moments of hearing the news. Within half an hour I was curled up in a ball in my husbands arms crying until I felt I had no tears left to cry. The grief and heaviness crippled me nearly the entire day. The plans I had made to spend quality time with my husband and children were traded for hours spent in bed. While grief is a very real and normal part of life, it puzzled me that this particular incident had rendered me nonfunctional for the better part of a day. Death is not new to me. I have been losing family members since the age of 8, and until this most recent death, I was under the impression that I handled death well. It wasn't until I woke the following morning and had to will myself out of bed that I realized something very different was going on with me. It went much deeper than the death of a loved one. I knew God was showing me something in the midst of my pain.
Eager to grasp an understanding of what the Father was trying to show me, I went to Him and asked for clarity. I admitted the depth of my pain to Him and asked Him to not only heal me, but also give me an understanding as to why I was unable to shake the pain. It was in that moment that the Lord reminded me of Isaiah 61:3; the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
God has given each of us a garment of praise. What we do with that garment is up to us. When I made the decision to put on my garment of praise, immediately the spirit of heaviness left and I felt whole again. The reality of the loss is still very present with me, but the grief and heaviness that were holding me captive released the moment I began to praise God. I danced, sang, and shouted all by myself in a tiny room giving God all of the praise I had from the inner most parts of me. It was to date one of the single most freeing experiences I have had the honor of experiencing. The revelation of the power of praise has once again changed my life forever.
It wasn't that I didn't know to praise God. Actually, it was quite the opposite. I've always believed in praising God no matter what. Sadly though I would often carry the burdens and pains of life until I was able to get to church to release it. After moving around with the military and being in numerous situations where my house was "the church" I have learned to put on my garment of praise immediately. There is no need to carry pain and sadness simply because we are waiting on a church service. Anyone can praise God through pain in the midst of a Spirit filled service, but can you put on that garment when it's just you and Jesus and that pain is fresh? I've learned and I am still learning that the greatest measure of my walk of faith is not what goes on when others are around (my husband and children included), it is what goes on when it is just me and Jesus! Those are the moments that determine who I really am. When faced with hurt and pain, do I wallow in it, or do I go directly into praising my King?
The enemy does not deserve a single moment of my time or attention. With that knowledge I chose to wear my garment of praise continuously. I will not give the enemy an inch. In my praise, God destroys things. My praise is a weapon that shakes the very foundations of the kingdom of darkness for when I praise, Jesus shows up! My praise creates an atmosphere for God to dwell. When He steps on the scene, everything else has to bow!
Since this situation, I have found myself going into praise so much faster now, and that alone has saved me so much emotional stress and frustration. It is liberating to focus on God rather than the situation. I have also found my resolutions come much faster, and even if the manifestation is delayed, I rest in the knowledge that Jesus heard my cry and it's only a matter of time before I will see natural results! I have learned to ask God to help me see the situation from His perspective. God never allows anything to happen to us without purpose. If I grasp a glimpse of purpose, it is all worth it, for I know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to glory that will be revealed in us! To God be the glory!
Women of God, be encouraged. Wear your garment of praise like it's your favorite and only suit! Never take it off, not even to clean it.... in His presence we are made clean anyway!
God bless you, and as always, leave a comment if you desire!
A couple of months ago I learned a family member of mine had been killed instantly in a car accident. I hadn't seen or spoken to this family member in years, yet grief gripped me within moments of hearing the news. Within half an hour I was curled up in a ball in my husbands arms crying until I felt I had no tears left to cry. The grief and heaviness crippled me nearly the entire day. The plans I had made to spend quality time with my husband and children were traded for hours spent in bed. While grief is a very real and normal part of life, it puzzled me that this particular incident had rendered me nonfunctional for the better part of a day. Death is not new to me. I have been losing family members since the age of 8, and until this most recent death, I was under the impression that I handled death well. It wasn't until I woke the following morning and had to will myself out of bed that I realized something very different was going on with me. It went much deeper than the death of a loved one. I knew God was showing me something in the midst of my pain.
Eager to grasp an understanding of what the Father was trying to show me, I went to Him and asked for clarity. I admitted the depth of my pain to Him and asked Him to not only heal me, but also give me an understanding as to why I was unable to shake the pain. It was in that moment that the Lord reminded me of Isaiah 61:3; the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
God has given each of us a garment of praise. What we do with that garment is up to us. When I made the decision to put on my garment of praise, immediately the spirit of heaviness left and I felt whole again. The reality of the loss is still very present with me, but the grief and heaviness that were holding me captive released the moment I began to praise God. I danced, sang, and shouted all by myself in a tiny room giving God all of the praise I had from the inner most parts of me. It was to date one of the single most freeing experiences I have had the honor of experiencing. The revelation of the power of praise has once again changed my life forever.
It wasn't that I didn't know to praise God. Actually, it was quite the opposite. I've always believed in praising God no matter what. Sadly though I would often carry the burdens and pains of life until I was able to get to church to release it. After moving around with the military and being in numerous situations where my house was "the church" I have learned to put on my garment of praise immediately. There is no need to carry pain and sadness simply because we are waiting on a church service. Anyone can praise God through pain in the midst of a Spirit filled service, but can you put on that garment when it's just you and Jesus and that pain is fresh? I've learned and I am still learning that the greatest measure of my walk of faith is not what goes on when others are around (my husband and children included), it is what goes on when it is just me and Jesus! Those are the moments that determine who I really am. When faced with hurt and pain, do I wallow in it, or do I go directly into praising my King?
The enemy does not deserve a single moment of my time or attention. With that knowledge I chose to wear my garment of praise continuously. I will not give the enemy an inch. In my praise, God destroys things. My praise is a weapon that shakes the very foundations of the kingdom of darkness for when I praise, Jesus shows up! My praise creates an atmosphere for God to dwell. When He steps on the scene, everything else has to bow!
Since this situation, I have found myself going into praise so much faster now, and that alone has saved me so much emotional stress and frustration. It is liberating to focus on God rather than the situation. I have also found my resolutions come much faster, and even if the manifestation is delayed, I rest in the knowledge that Jesus heard my cry and it's only a matter of time before I will see natural results! I have learned to ask God to help me see the situation from His perspective. God never allows anything to happen to us without purpose. If I grasp a glimpse of purpose, it is all worth it, for I know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to glory that will be revealed in us! To God be the glory!
Women of God, be encouraged. Wear your garment of praise like it's your favorite and only suit! Never take it off, not even to clean it.... in His presence we are made clean anyway!
God bless you, and as always, leave a comment if you desire!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ask, Seek, Knock
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. -Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)
This scripture is often preached, but how often do we really put it into practice? Do we really understand that all we literally need to do is ask our Heavenly Father and He will answer us?
Over the years I have seen women in (and outside of) the body of Christ go through the same situations over and over again. I can even remember walking around in my own cricle of dispair because I didn't fully grasp that all I had to do was ask God to bring clarity to me. Once I learned to ask for clarity, God began to quickly show me how to defeat the enemy when attacks came. In previous times I would cry, yell, lash out in frustration, etc... I did everything my flesh wanted and nothing that helped to solve the problems. When I did begin to slowly get the point, I would go to God and basically whine, as though if I whined long enough, He would feel sorry for me and deliver me. For a while, God allowed me to whine, but then He began to ask me to grow up. I could no longer behave as a child would, throwing a spiritual temper tantrum and calling it prayer. I had to get my emotions under control and go to God as the woman He was calling me to be. I had to go to Him, and ask Him to show me the root of the problem. I had to ask Him to show me how to receive a resolution to the problem. I had to learn the difference between crying out to God and simply crying. For those of you that don't know the difference.... just ask!
This scripture is often preached, but how often do we really put it into practice? Do we really understand that all we literally need to do is ask our Heavenly Father and He will answer us?
Over the years I have seen women in (and outside of) the body of Christ go through the same situations over and over again. I can even remember walking around in my own cricle of dispair because I didn't fully grasp that all I had to do was ask God to bring clarity to me. Once I learned to ask for clarity, God began to quickly show me how to defeat the enemy when attacks came. In previous times I would cry, yell, lash out in frustration, etc... I did everything my flesh wanted and nothing that helped to solve the problems. When I did begin to slowly get the point, I would go to God and basically whine, as though if I whined long enough, He would feel sorry for me and deliver me. For a while, God allowed me to whine, but then He began to ask me to grow up. I could no longer behave as a child would, throwing a spiritual temper tantrum and calling it prayer. I had to get my emotions under control and go to God as the woman He was calling me to be. I had to go to Him, and ask Him to show me the root of the problem. I had to ask Him to show me how to receive a resolution to the problem. I had to learn the difference between crying out to God and simply crying. For those of you that don't know the difference.... just ask!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Oh How I Love Jesus
As a teenager, I often heard my pastor say she "loved God". I can remember thinking, "I know I believe in God, but I don't know if I can say I love Him". I remember wanting to be able to honestly say I love God. I wanted to know what it felt like to truly love God. After years of God pouring His undying, unyielding, unchanging love out on me, I know without a shadow of doubt that I not only love Him, but I am IN love with Him!
There are so many people young and old that are still unable to say they "love God". Sadly, many people do not know that there is a difference between believing in God and loving Him. Jesus said it best in John 14:23-24 (NIV) "Jesus replied, If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."
How do we know if we love Him? It's simple, do we do everything within our human ability to obey Him? The thought of disobeying God literally hurts those of us that love Him. The last thing we want to do is displease our Heavenly Father. Professing to love God and living a life that is contrary to His word do not coincide with each other. If we truly love God, we will live this life pleasing unto Him.
I can hear the doubters saying, "No one is perfect, we all make mistakes." This is correct, we do make mistakes, however, when you love God, you do not consciously continue to do the things that displease Him. You purpose in your heart that no matter come what may, you will serve Jesus. So many times we associate our works in the physical church with our love for Christ when nothing could be further from the truth. The legalistic and separatistic Pharisees were in attendance in the Synagogues, yet they remained unrepentant during Jesus' time here on Earth. Attending church services and even working/teaching in the physical church does not constitute a love for God. What matters is what you are doing in your "personal" church, your temple, your body.
Have you purposed in your heart and mind to follow Jesus? Are you striving to be the best woman you can be for Him? I believe there are people who never "do" anything in a church building that love God with all of their hearts! This is the love I was searching for. A love that is real, pure, and true. A love that I feel whenever I think on how much God loves me. To forgive me for all of my mistakes and short comings, to wash me of my sins, to bless me beyond my own imagination, to gently nudge me when I am not giving Him enough of my attention, to always encourage and nurture me, He must love me. And though I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with Him, I know that He still loves me more!!! I know there are people around me that love me as deeply as they possibly can, and yet none of them even come close to loving me as much as God does.... after all, He's the only one that died that I might live!!!
There are so many people young and old that are still unable to say they "love God". Sadly, many people do not know that there is a difference between believing in God and loving Him. Jesus said it best in John 14:23-24 (NIV) "Jesus replied, If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me."
How do we know if we love Him? It's simple, do we do everything within our human ability to obey Him? The thought of disobeying God literally hurts those of us that love Him. The last thing we want to do is displease our Heavenly Father. Professing to love God and living a life that is contrary to His word do not coincide with each other. If we truly love God, we will live this life pleasing unto Him.
I can hear the doubters saying, "No one is perfect, we all make mistakes." This is correct, we do make mistakes, however, when you love God, you do not consciously continue to do the things that displease Him. You purpose in your heart that no matter come what may, you will serve Jesus. So many times we associate our works in the physical church with our love for Christ when nothing could be further from the truth. The legalistic and separatistic Pharisees were in attendance in the Synagogues, yet they remained unrepentant during Jesus' time here on Earth. Attending church services and even working/teaching in the physical church does not constitute a love for God. What matters is what you are doing in your "personal" church, your temple, your body.
Have you purposed in your heart and mind to follow Jesus? Are you striving to be the best woman you can be for Him? I believe there are people who never "do" anything in a church building that love God with all of their hearts! This is the love I was searching for. A love that is real, pure, and true. A love that I feel whenever I think on how much God loves me. To forgive me for all of my mistakes and short comings, to wash me of my sins, to bless me beyond my own imagination, to gently nudge me when I am not giving Him enough of my attention, to always encourage and nurture me, He must love me. And though I find myself falling deeper and deeper in love with Him, I know that He still loves me more!!! I know there are people around me that love me as deeply as they possibly can, and yet none of them even come close to loving me as much as God does.... after all, He's the only one that died that I might live!!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Oh, that I May Live with Jesus!
Matthew 7:21-23
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I am not running this race to become one of the people Jesus is speaking of in this passage. It is imperative that I be found acceptable in His sight. All of the working in the different auxiliaries in the church do not matter if our hearts are not pleasing to God. Paul said it best when he said:
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."- 1 Corinthians 9:27
It is essential to allow the Lord the search the corners of our hearts daily. It is through relationship with Him that we will be able to hear correction. The love and grace of our Heavenly Father are here to guide us through this Earthly walk so that when all is said and done we may dwell with Him in eternity. While it is important to share the Gospel with all of mankind, it is vital to our very survival that we maintain a right relationship with Jesus. Our works WILL NOT get us into heaven. Only the pure in heart shall see the Lord. It would be tragic to spend this life preaching and teaching of Jesus and learn in the next that HE never KNEW us!!! That "knew" is not a head knowledge. It's intimacy. It's communing with the Father. It's abiding in Him and allowing His Word to abide in us. It's loving Jesus with all of our heart minds, bodies, and souls!
A songwriter once said, "I've got my mind made up, and I won't turn back, because I'm going to see my Jesus one day!" Women of God, make up your mind!!! Live this life to please Jesus and Jesus alone. Live this life to hear Jesus say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I believe every heartache, pain, disappointment, and sacrifice is going to worth it when I hear my Lord and Savior speak those words. I die to flesh that I may live with Jesus!
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I am not running this race to become one of the people Jesus is speaking of in this passage. It is imperative that I be found acceptable in His sight. All of the working in the different auxiliaries in the church do not matter if our hearts are not pleasing to God. Paul said it best when he said:
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."- 1 Corinthians 9:27
It is essential to allow the Lord the search the corners of our hearts daily. It is through relationship with Him that we will be able to hear correction. The love and grace of our Heavenly Father are here to guide us through this Earthly walk so that when all is said and done we may dwell with Him in eternity. While it is important to share the Gospel with all of mankind, it is vital to our very survival that we maintain a right relationship with Jesus. Our works WILL NOT get us into heaven. Only the pure in heart shall see the Lord. It would be tragic to spend this life preaching and teaching of Jesus and learn in the next that HE never KNEW us!!! That "knew" is not a head knowledge. It's intimacy. It's communing with the Father. It's abiding in Him and allowing His Word to abide in us. It's loving Jesus with all of our heart minds, bodies, and souls!
A songwriter once said, "I've got my mind made up, and I won't turn back, because I'm going to see my Jesus one day!" Women of God, make up your mind!!! Live this life to please Jesus and Jesus alone. Live this life to hear Jesus say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I believe every heartache, pain, disappointment, and sacrifice is going to worth it when I hear my Lord and Savior speak those words. I die to flesh that I may live with Jesus!
Monday, September 21, 2009
For your Maker is Your Husband......
According to an on-line study done in 2006, the average American couple spends around $26,802 on their wedding. This average estimate does not include the honeymoon or rings. This cost has sky rocketed over the years as Americans have began seeking out more lavish weddings. Everyone is looking for the best of the best. Some even go as far as to take out loans to pay to make their day "special". I once heard Dr. Phil say, "We spend all this time and money preparing for the wedding, and we're not preparing for the marriage". From a natural standpoint this is often true. More often than not, we get so focused on our big day that we neglect to prepare for life afterwards, so when storms come (and trust me they do), we are blind-sided and unprepared. Today I want to talk to you about a marriage that will never blind-side you, and a husband that will never leave you nor forsake you!
Isaiah 54:5 says "For your maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole Earth."
From the days of John the Baptist until now, mankind has been entering into a marriage with the eternal bridegroom Jesus Christ that costs them no money whatsoever. In fact, He allows you to trade your sin, heartache, shame, and pain, for life and life more abundantly!
To marry means to form an affinity with. Affinity means to become related to. Married means to dwell, to remain, to settle.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior desires to form a relationship with us that will remain. He desires to dwell with us throughout eternity!
Revelation 19:7-8 reads, "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
Praise God!!!! This wedding will cost me nothing, not even the cost of a dress, for my righteous acts are my fine linen! To live righteously means to live in a way that is just; to walk in proper judgment; and to be equitable or holy. This life is a perpetual preparation for our eternal wedding. And guess what, you even have a wedding planner.... the Holy Spirit. If we would only listen, the wedding planner of our souls will lead you in all truth and righteousness. He keeps us on the straight and narrow throughout this life so that we may behold our bridegroom face to face when this natural life is over! The Holy Spirit is our wedding planner, make-up artist, hairstylist, nail technician, dress maker, florist...... He is everything we need to prepare us for our "big day"!
God is calling for a renewed commitment to Him! He's calling for us to live righteously. If you are ready to answer the call, recite the following:
I, (insert your name here), take you Jesus, to be my Lord and Savior, to honor and serve from this day forward, when this walk is easy and when it is not so easy, whether I have financial abundance or just enough, whether I encounter sickness or if I live in health, no matter what comes or what goes, I love and devote myself to your service from this day forward, Amen.
I pray you have found this post helpful. May the grace of God surround you this day! As always, leave a comment if you desire to do so!
Isaiah 54:5 says "For your maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole Earth."
From the days of John the Baptist until now, mankind has been entering into a marriage with the eternal bridegroom Jesus Christ that costs them no money whatsoever. In fact, He allows you to trade your sin, heartache, shame, and pain, for life and life more abundantly!
To marry means to form an affinity with. Affinity means to become related to. Married means to dwell, to remain, to settle.
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior desires to form a relationship with us that will remain. He desires to dwell with us throughout eternity!
Revelation 19:7-8 reads, "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the linen is the righteous acts of the saints."
Praise God!!!! This wedding will cost me nothing, not even the cost of a dress, for my righteous acts are my fine linen! To live righteously means to live in a way that is just; to walk in proper judgment; and to be equitable or holy. This life is a perpetual preparation for our eternal wedding. And guess what, you even have a wedding planner.... the Holy Spirit. If we would only listen, the wedding planner of our souls will lead you in all truth and righteousness. He keeps us on the straight and narrow throughout this life so that we may behold our bridegroom face to face when this natural life is over! The Holy Spirit is our wedding planner, make-up artist, hairstylist, nail technician, dress maker, florist...... He is everything we need to prepare us for our "big day"!
God is calling for a renewed commitment to Him! He's calling for us to live righteously. If you are ready to answer the call, recite the following:
I, (insert your name here), take you Jesus, to be my Lord and Savior, to honor and serve from this day forward, when this walk is easy and when it is not so easy, whether I have financial abundance or just enough, whether I encounter sickness or if I live in health, no matter what comes or what goes, I love and devote myself to your service from this day forward, Amen.
I pray you have found this post helpful. May the grace of God surround you this day! As always, leave a comment if you desire to do so!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
I would like to focus on the last part of this verse of scripture. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. As women, we are often stereotyped as back biting gossippers. Why is that? I think it is because many of us carry those characteristics before we come to Christ. Think back to junior high school and conversations you had with friends. If you were anything like I was your conversations probably consisted mainly of "Oooh girl no she didn't" and "Guess what I heard". When I crossed over into my adult life and the Lord began dealing with me about gossiping, I stopped offering information, but I kept listening. It took years for me to realize, I was just as guilty for listening as I was for spreading "news" that was never mine to spread. Once I grasped that concept the Lord began to show me how words hurt people. Once you speak a word into the atmosphere, you can NEVER take it back. That being said, it is critical for me to consider my words before I speak them. I MUST be mindful that the enemy uses words to hurt people and not help him with this process. Before I gave this area of my life over to Jesus I had a horrible habit of saying the first thing that came to my mind when I was mad, no matter how ugly that thought was. It took a non-believer saying to me, "That was not Christ like" for me to at least recognize I still had a HUGE problem with my mouth.
Finally, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have determined not to sin with this mouth! I control this mouth and what comes out of it!!! No one can "make" me say things I shouldn't. Saying mean, hateful, and ugly words does not glorify my Heavenly Father! It conflicts with the message of Salvation Jesus taught of. The Lord often reminds me that I will never know who He may ask me to minister to, and if I let the enemy trick me into saying something ugly to them, they will not be able to receive the Word of the Lord! Fulfilling my purpose in Jesus is FAR more important than giving anyone a "piece of my mind"!
God bless you all, and as always..... leave a comment if you desire to do so!
I would like to focus on the last part of this verse of scripture. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. As women, we are often stereotyped as back biting gossippers. Why is that? I think it is because many of us carry those characteristics before we come to Christ. Think back to junior high school and conversations you had with friends. If you were anything like I was your conversations probably consisted mainly of "Oooh girl no she didn't" and "Guess what I heard". When I crossed over into my adult life and the Lord began dealing with me about gossiping, I stopped offering information, but I kept listening. It took years for me to realize, I was just as guilty for listening as I was for spreading "news" that was never mine to spread. Once I grasped that concept the Lord began to show me how words hurt people. Once you speak a word into the atmosphere, you can NEVER take it back. That being said, it is critical for me to consider my words before I speak them. I MUST be mindful that the enemy uses words to hurt people and not help him with this process. Before I gave this area of my life over to Jesus I had a horrible habit of saying the first thing that came to my mind when I was mad, no matter how ugly that thought was. It took a non-believer saying to me, "That was not Christ like" for me to at least recognize I still had a HUGE problem with my mouth.
Finally, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have determined not to sin with this mouth! I control this mouth and what comes out of it!!! No one can "make" me say things I shouldn't. Saying mean, hateful, and ugly words does not glorify my Heavenly Father! It conflicts with the message of Salvation Jesus taught of. The Lord often reminds me that I will never know who He may ask me to minister to, and if I let the enemy trick me into saying something ugly to them, they will not be able to receive the Word of the Lord! Fulfilling my purpose in Jesus is FAR more important than giving anyone a "piece of my mind"!
God bless you all, and as always..... leave a comment if you desire to do so!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Great Balancing Act
With my children returning to school this week and a much lighter work load, I find myself with more time on my hands, yet I am still NOT completing everything on my ever growing "to do" list. There was a time in my life when this would have troubled me greatly, but I've learned a lesson that has changed my life forever. What is that lesson you ask? It's simple, I've learned to accept that fact that I am human. I am human and therefore I will make mistakes. I will want to watch TV when I should be cleaning. I will want to read novels when I should be outside playing with the kids. I will want to lounge around and do nothing when I should be taking the dog for a walk. Some will say these are excuses, but I beg to differ. I did not say I will always do the things I want to do, but I have made up my mind to accept it is a normal part of human nature to desire to do things that are pleasing to my flesh. Pauls speaks in Romans 7:14-20 of being confused because he wants to do good, yet he finds myself doing the opposite.... sound familiar?
How do we overcome this battle and find the balance of work and relaxation?
First and foremost, stop condemning ourselves, or allowing the enemy to condemn us (Romans 8:1)
~ Recognize it is human nature to desire to do things that are contrary to the things we should be doing, but have a choice to do what we "need" to do versus doing the things we "want" to do.
Second, prioritize your time and hold yourself accountable.
~ If you desire to read a novel, spend your time in the word of God first. This way your spirit is fed before you do something that relaxes you naturally. If you have housework that needs to be done, divide it up into 30 minute increments. Spend that time taking care of household duties and then take a break to watch a half hour television show or endulg in a hobby. Always allow yourself time to do something for yourself, but do the things that need to be done as well!
~ Be real with yourself! You can lie to everyone, but yourself and God. If you see that the day is slipping by and none of your "responsibilities" have been taken care of because your time has been spent on "fun" things, stop having fun and take care of the things that need your attention! Many times we say we don't have enough time to complete the items on our to do list when if we are honest we should say, "I mismanaged my time and squandered my day away!"..... OUCH! That one hurt me...lol!
Third, Figure out what you really have time for
~Take a look at everything on your plate. Are there things you've added that are taking away time from your responsibilities? Just because we desire to do certain things, doesn't mean we NEED to do those things!
As always.... be blessed, and post a comment if you desire to do so!
How do we overcome this battle and find the balance of work and relaxation?
First and foremost, stop condemning ourselves, or allowing the enemy to condemn us (Romans 8:1)
~ Recognize it is human nature to desire to do things that are contrary to the things we should be doing, but have a choice to do what we "need" to do versus doing the things we "want" to do.
Second, prioritize your time and hold yourself accountable.
~ If you desire to read a novel, spend your time in the word of God first. This way your spirit is fed before you do something that relaxes you naturally. If you have housework that needs to be done, divide it up into 30 minute increments. Spend that time taking care of household duties and then take a break to watch a half hour television show or endulg in a hobby. Always allow yourself time to do something for yourself, but do the things that need to be done as well!
~ Be real with yourself! You can lie to everyone, but yourself and God. If you see that the day is slipping by and none of your "responsibilities" have been taken care of because your time has been spent on "fun" things, stop having fun and take care of the things that need your attention! Many times we say we don't have enough time to complete the items on our to do list when if we are honest we should say, "I mismanaged my time and squandered my day away!"..... OUCH! That one hurt me...lol!
Third, Figure out what you really have time for
~Take a look at everything on your plate. Are there things you've added that are taking away time from your responsibilities? Just because we desire to do certain things, doesn't mean we NEED to do those things!
As always.... be blessed, and post a comment if you desire to do so!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
First let's define these words!
To be effective in our pursuit, we must first understand the meaning behind the words pursuing and excellence.
Pursue/Pursuing- to proceed in accordance with; to carry on or continue; to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish.
Excellence- the quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue/ synonyms- preeminence, transcendence, distinction, merit, virtue
What does all that mean?
To pursue excellence means to proceed in accordance with the quality of being excellent; to carry on or continue in the state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; to strive to gain exalted merit; seek to attain or accomplish superiority in virtue.
This is the bar we should strive to attain with our walk with God. I should not give God what little energy I have left over after attending to my natural responsibilities. I should determine to give God the very best of me. My favorite definition for the word pursue is to strive to gain. I should be striving daily to gain the spirit of excellence (superiority in virtue). Women often times place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We plan to keep a home spotless at all times, cook multiple meals a day, attend to our children and husband's every need, volunteer at the school, volunteer at the church, spend hours a day praying and meditating on God's word, all while often times working a full time job outside of the home. Most of us end up feeling disappointed in ourselves when we can not find time to complete everything on our "to do" list. I do not believe this is the life God planned for us. God did not call us out of a miserable life of sin so that we could live a miserable life of salvation. The spirit of excellence does not mean piling too many items on your plate and then forcing yourself to finish them. In fact, it means the opposite. It means adding only the things God has instructed you to add.
When we allow God to orchestrate every area of our lives, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we make conscious choices to trust God and walk according to His precepts, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we put down the "super woman" title the world pressures us to pick up, then we are pursuing excellence. When we stop trying to fit into the mold of those around us, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we allow God to be God in our lives and live as the vessels of honor He has created us to be, then we will be striving to gain exalted merit and superiority in virtue also known as excellence.
Women of God, I challenge you to re-evaluate your life and the things you have committed your time and energy to. While your "jobs" may be noble, you must ask yourself are they beneficial to your walk with God and pursuit of the spirit if excellence. When we spread ourselves too thin, something will always suffer. What we can't afford to let suffer is our relationship with God. Without God first in our lives, everything around us has the potential to crumble. If you are tired of the juggling at, tired of being exhausted day after day, and tired of being pulled in every direction with absolutely no end in sight, then stop pursuing the things the world says we should be pursuing and pursue God. Ask Him to show you which activities you should be a part of, and which ones you shouldn't. Ask Him to give you balance in your life. There is nothing more beautiful to me than a woman living the balanced life God has called her to and walking in the spirit of excellence that comes therein.
Each week, I will post a new topic to help you with this pursuit. My prayer is that the readers of this blog will find it useful to their everyday lives. Please post comments as you desire to do so. God bless you, and let's get praying!
Pursue/Pursuing- to proceed in accordance with; to carry on or continue; to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish.
Excellence- the quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue/ synonyms- preeminence, transcendence, distinction, merit, virtue
What does all that mean?
To pursue excellence means to proceed in accordance with the quality of being excellent; to carry on or continue in the state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; to strive to gain exalted merit; seek to attain or accomplish superiority in virtue.
This is the bar we should strive to attain with our walk with God. I should not give God what little energy I have left over after attending to my natural responsibilities. I should determine to give God the very best of me. My favorite definition for the word pursue is to strive to gain. I should be striving daily to gain the spirit of excellence (superiority in virtue). Women often times place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. We plan to keep a home spotless at all times, cook multiple meals a day, attend to our children and husband's every need, volunteer at the school, volunteer at the church, spend hours a day praying and meditating on God's word, all while often times working a full time job outside of the home. Most of us end up feeling disappointed in ourselves when we can not find time to complete everything on our "to do" list. I do not believe this is the life God planned for us. God did not call us out of a miserable life of sin so that we could live a miserable life of salvation. The spirit of excellence does not mean piling too many items on your plate and then forcing yourself to finish them. In fact, it means the opposite. It means adding only the things God has instructed you to add.
When we allow God to orchestrate every area of our lives, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we make conscious choices to trust God and walk according to His precepts, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we put down the "super woman" title the world pressures us to pick up, then we are pursuing excellence. When we stop trying to fit into the mold of those around us, that is when we are pursuing excellence. When we allow God to be God in our lives and live as the vessels of honor He has created us to be, then we will be striving to gain exalted merit and superiority in virtue also known as excellence.
Women of God, I challenge you to re-evaluate your life and the things you have committed your time and energy to. While your "jobs" may be noble, you must ask yourself are they beneficial to your walk with God and pursuit of the spirit if excellence. When we spread ourselves too thin, something will always suffer. What we can't afford to let suffer is our relationship with God. Without God first in our lives, everything around us has the potential to crumble. If you are tired of the juggling at, tired of being exhausted day after day, and tired of being pulled in every direction with absolutely no end in sight, then stop pursuing the things the world says we should be pursuing and pursue God. Ask Him to show you which activities you should be a part of, and which ones you shouldn't. Ask Him to give you balance in your life. There is nothing more beautiful to me than a woman living the balanced life God has called her to and walking in the spirit of excellence that comes therein.
Each week, I will post a new topic to help you with this pursuit. My prayer is that the readers of this blog will find it useful to their everyday lives. Please post comments as you desire to do so. God bless you, and let's get praying!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)