Who's the Master?!

Okay I’m about to take you guys back, I was remembering the movie “The Last Dragon” and had to write about it. In case you’ve never seen the 80’s film; set in New York City, the plot follows a black teenage martial arts student named Leroy Green (often referred to as "Bruce Leroy", although he never calls himself that) with dreams of becoming a great martial artist like his idol Bruce Lee. Leroy goes on a quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts accomplishment, known as "The Final Level". Martial artists who reach the "Final Level" possess "The Glow". As its name suggests it is a mystical energy that can be tapped into by a martial arts master. When a fighter's hands glow, he is one of the best in the world and when his entire body glows, he is the greatest fighter alive. On his journey to becoming the "Last Dragon" and wielding the power of "The Glow," Leroy must confront villains such as a crooked arcade mogul Eddie Arkadian (Murney) and the evil Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, from whom he must also protect his younger brother Richie (Leo O'Brien) and his love interest, TV music video host Laura Charles (Vanity).

Leroy’s dream of becoming the “Last Dragon” comes true, at he end of the movie during a very heart racing flight between Sho’nuff ( who by the way has been torturing him and his family for a fight, and Leroy has humbling refused). Just when you think “Bruce Leroy” has had enough and the villain has won; he thinks back on all the past lessons, small victories, and motivational words from friends and family and from deep down inside he realizes that “the glow” has been in him the whole time. He jumps up like the master he really is and gives Sho’nuff the butt kicking he deserved!

In the moment of watching the film you can’t help to be overjoyed to see Leroy finally become the man he has trained and disciple his body to become and then to find out the whole time he was looking for the “Master” to teach him how to get “the glow”; the power was in Him the entire time.

I have to sometimes remind myself that the power is already in me. The Holy Spirit is in ME, angels are waiting for ME to call them out to work on my behalf. God has given to ME authority over all things. Why? Because I am a child of God; it’s that simple, but the key to me getting results is having FAITH. I must believe that everything I need is in me (though the Holy Spirit, not my own thinking) and by operating Godly principles ALL things which are of God, will manifest in due season.

Just as “Bruce Leroy” had to finally stand up to Sho’nuff in order for him to truly see who he was. As a Christian I have to stand up to enemy daily with no fear, knowing who I am in Christ and by FAITH calling to powers within me to conquer every battle that comes my way.

Genesis 1:26
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.

Watch your mouth!

I really don’t understand why the closest people to us make it so hard to grow; to mature, to change, to break away from the norm. Instead of coming to me with love about my mistakes, you would rather discuss them with our “friends” and neighbors behind my back. I don’t get it; you know I’m working on becoming a better person and you can’t see who I “really am?” Why would you.... if you only base your thinking on what you see in the natural? I can’t afford to take your negative thoughts and words to heart.

Please inform me of how this is helping me? Does it make you look or feel better? I mean, explain your motive, and help me to understand how your secret conversations are bettering anyone other than your own self-conceit? Do you find satisfaction in pointing out other people’s faults? In reality, the faults you’re able to point out in me, are faults you see within yourself. What are noticeable to you are things you can identify with. So the next time you’re so quick to point out someone else’s “inadequate behavior” or something that doesn’t meet your “worldly or religious standards”, maybe that’s what you’re really projecting or feeling about yourself.

Instead of becoming apart of the solution, you decide to be apart of the problems that help kill a person’s dreams, self esteem, goals, and drive daily with your tongue just remember: you become the assassin. Even with your good intentions, your behavior makes them of no consequence.

You know what…. now that I really think about it; I want to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to see who you really are. You were just being you. I have learned to not take it as a negative, because you’re actually doing me a favor. You’re allowing me to see truth.

I made the mistake of calling you my friend and in reality you were the world’s friend.

And even still after my feelings were broken by your words, my heart never allowed those seeds to be planted, and I forgive you, because just as a moth goes into a flame allowing their own desire to kill them. You have no idea how your words meant to kill me, can destroy you.

James 4:4

You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with theworld and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know thatbeing the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses tobe a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God

Walking on Purpose, with Purpose

Have you ever been bored and decided go to Wal-mart or Target and just walk around, probably going down the same aisles again and again, with no purpose? I have. I went in the store on purpose, but without any purpose. Normally, if a store has “good customer service," someone would approach me and ask, “Can I help you find something?” My guess is because the look on my face says “help me” and probably because I’ve been walking very slow like I’ve never been here before. I would smile and politely say, “No thank you, just looking” and carry on looking around like a lost puppy and end up buying something that I really didn’t need.

That can be dangerous, wouldn’t you agree? Walking around on purpose with no purpose, what’s wrong with me?

I’ve been working for the same company for years, doing the same ol’ thing; it’s okay, I’m getting the bills paid and besides moving up within the company is too much work, all the politics and mess in between I rather not entertain it…. so I’ll just stay… where I’m safe, I know this place. Why do I stay, I sometimes ask myself. Because…. I’m working on purpose; not with a purpose…I really can’t explain.

I’ve been seeing someone for a short time now, its cool, drama free… we hang out together, share our time watching movies, and jokes whatever happens… happens, it really doesn’t matter to me. However, we have two different ideas of what a relationship is and I know inside it will never be, why do I stay? Oh that’s simple, because….I’m walking on purpose; without a purpose…. just doing me.

I have to get it together, I MUST focus on what’s important. It’s so easy to teach it, but doing it… can be difficult. I'm walking with purpose on purpose….just wait and see. I’m working at this job with a purpose, not just to pay the bills. I’m not going to allow fear to enter my heart and come out of my mouth, by listening to someone else’s bad experiences or my own limitations, which I have created in my mind to come to pass. I’m on a mission, I have a vision, and I have a purpose.

GOT to be more careful…. Maybe I do have a purpose on dating this person. Am I selfish for enjoying the company of another person? But again I ask myself, what is the purpose? And to be honest, it’s all about me and that’s not a good enough answer, because nothing good ever comes out of being selfish. I have to let it go, I have be happy with me, balance and whole by myself. There’s nothing to fear, I’m not going to feel lonely. There is a difference being between alone and lonely. And if I search for that balance in my life through God, I can never be lonely. People can always leave you, misunderstand your intentions, have wrong motivates and so on, there is no perfect love like God’s love. How can I be lonely with that?

I decided to walk out the rest of my life on and with purpose. I don’t want to look like I'm walking around God’s earth lost in Wal-mart, looking for help. I may end up with something that I really don’t need, wasted my time, money and gas. Instead, I’ve decided to focus on the only truth I know, GOD. And if someone else doesn’t understand it; it’s okay because they have there own purpose to walk in…. just don’t interfere with mine.

"Beware of the Lion"

Going into a new year can be so exciting, we can sometimes make the mistake of sharing our visions and dreams with everyone. What’s meant for you is for you; it's not always for your friends and family. A lot of people will give you advice on what they personally experienced, and unknowingly, totally destroy the passion and zeal you have for your own vision. Be careful, and stay alert.

The enemy is waiting for you to leave the pack of people who are positive and live based on their belief in the unseen world. Allow me to share with you, how I see the enemy and compare his tactics with the patience, skill and talent of a Lion, who waits to kill it’s prey.

The lion has the ability to hide and intently observe it’s prey, as it slinks its way closer to a kill. The grasslands and brush provide excellent cover for lions as they sneak up on their prey. Lions utilize the cover of night to increase their foraging success by hunting when the moon is either down or covered by clouds. [Ever notice the devil does a lot of his dirt during the night, or when your heart is in a dark place?]

When stalking its prey, the lion changes its posture by lowering its head and body staying low to the ground, keeping a visual lock on the target prey. [People will sit and watch you, waiting for the perfect time to put their two cents into your situation, calculating how to end your dreams with each little negative word] Whenever the prey looks away or looks down to eat, the lion creeps closer, and if the prey is to look in the direction of the lion, the lion will cease its movement and remain still, [Smooth operator isn't he, just when you think maybe this person isn't good for me, you’ll say the right words just keeping me on the line, not allowing me to go to far away from you] this “red light-green light” type of interplay continues until the lion gets within striking distance. After the lion has entered the striking distance, it pounces and ends the chase rather abruptly [and before you know it, you have allowed the enemy into your heart and your dreams are now pushed to the back of the closet,... full of “what ifs” and “excuses”]

1Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

All the goals and plans you have written down for yourself, trust and know, they will come to pass. If they line up with the word of God, require faith to make it happen, these are great signs that God is in it. Pray that God send you people without hidden motivates who you can share and develop your ideas with you.

Next year isn’t just another year, its harvest time for many; there is a season and time for everything (Ecclesiastes3:1). I believe, 2012 is a year of harvest and I make it a point not to cast my pearls upon pigs (Matthew 7:6). I believe in what God has told me and I will walk expecting to see it all come to past. I challenge you to do the same, stay encourage.

Don’t put your issues off on me!

Perhaps it’s just me, but why do people often put there hang ups off on others. I was sharing with my co - workers about my daughter getting braces in the next few months, and they immediately started talking about the negative experiences they encountered. They started to speak death on my child, not life! They referred to it as “just letting you know” but in fact, they were speaking their own life failures on me and my child. I must admit I did get frustrated, to be honest it pissed me off. So in that moment, I came against that spirit, rebuked it and spoke the truth. "My child will not go through those experiences" and left my office.

But after receiving revelation, I realized that it had nothing to do with me and was reminded that my fight is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of darkness.

For some reason I wasn’t over it. I was still pissed off. Why? Because I didn’t resolve the issue within my spirit, yes I came against that thought and “checked” the person or persons with the truth, but my spirit needed more. I was being developed.

It’s the spirit in me that’s being challenged. The word says that when you resist the devil he must flee and I believe that spirit did flee from that person, however unfortunately after the fact; I realized that the likely hood of it returning back to that person was high. It all started to make sense. Daily I was coming against spirits around me, but I was still missing it. I was praying wrong, it was never about me, my prayers were a temporary fix, because the spirits always returned and sometimes worse.

That person or persons needed a word. They needed to be delivered, not rebuked. You can’t be delivered from something unless you first, repent from the behavior, turn away from it, and replace it with a healthy behavior. And once that same initial issue comes back (and it will) you’re be able to turn away from it. That’s a true sign of being delivered. The replacing of the old behavior is very crucial, because if you don’t replace it, the same spirit will return seven times worse than before.

Matthew 12: 43-45
But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any.
44Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated.
45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation.

That’s what was happening all around me, I was coming against evil spirits, forcing them to flee because I have that authority to do so. However, because that person wasn’t delivered the spirits returned the next time they were tested. As a Christian I want to see deliverance, it’s not just about me. I learned a valuable lesson; instead of coming against that spirit, I prayed for that person’s spirit to gain wisdom and understanding of the truth. For God to immediately send people of positive influence into their lives so they can be led from thier evil ways and walk towards things that will bring them life. I now start to speak life and blessing on people instead of judging them, because when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, he the judge, are doing the very same things. Romans 2:1

Which Way Do I Go

So you’re trying to hear from God? Maybe about moving to a new city, a new job, buying land or maybe you’re wondering if this person is the one for you. Whatever your question is, God has the answer and He’s not keeping it from you. The word says tells us

Matthew 7:8
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

God is always talking. We just can’t always hear, due to static.

Yes static, for a moment think of the communication between you and God as a radio wave. If something or someone interferes with the feed between the two waves it will cause static. Therefore the message will continue to go forth, but you would have miss part of the message due to the static.

Okay, so what can cause static; unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, lust, a lying tongue, and list can go on and on. I think you know where I’m going with this, if you have sin in your life it’s difficult to hear from God. Now I know some of you “know it all's” are going to say, “We all have sin” and this is true, but willfully sinning and falling short are two different things and I think we all know that. HOWEVER, He forgives that which is dealt with; through confession and accountability, thereby is NO STATIC.

Psalm 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]--then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Another way to have static is asking too many people for their opinion or advice. God is trying to lead you in the right direction, but you just have to ask your Auntie and your closest friends for their two cents. Yes, God does say to seek Godly counsel, but he also says in Colossians 3:15 to let the peace from Christ rule as an umpire in your hearts.

Whenever I’m making a decision and I feel confusion, that’s my sign to step back; not confusing this feeling with being uncomfortable, but feeling stressful or unbalance. I allow the peace of God to decide and settle all the questions in my mind. I find wisdom in making choices that I will be happy with today and tomorrow and day after tomorrow.

God is the only one who knows what I need and when I will need it. We must remember we are spiritual being having a natural experience. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. Trusting God can be “scare-fully beautiful”; its “scary” to let go after controlling your life for so long, but so “beautiful” to have the most loving being control it. Not you’re friends, family or even your spouse knows what the future has in store for you, but God does. Yes, they all love you, but at the end of the day, it’s about your personal relationship with God, not the worlds.

So I challenge you to start getting the static out of you life and allow a clear frequency to develop between and the Most High. There are 66 stations available you just have to tune in.

Presume Nothing, Instead Give Thanks

Cheryl and Michael have been married for 5 years and have a ten old son named Devin. For Christmas Devin wants a Four- Wheeler. Devin first came to his mother, “Mom, I wanna four -wheeler for Christmas!” with so much excitement in his voice. Cheryl had a look of concern and said, “Hmmm go tell your Dad about that request.”

“Dad, I wanna Four- Wheeler for Christmas and Mom didn’t say no, all my friends are getting one and you told me that you had one when you were my age….” Michael interrupted Devin, “Son, close down…..and I need to think about this, that’s a lot of responsiblilty.” Devin whined, “Pleasssssse, Dad.” His Dad said again, “Let me think about it.”

For a month, all Devin would talk about was the Four – Wheeler. He even did extra cleaning and asked to help his Mom out in the kitchen. Before He knew it, Christmas was here. He woke up, ran down stairs like a jack rabbit, passed all the other gifts under the tree, open the back door circle around the house, but their was no four- wheeler. He walked back in the house, with tears in his eyes full of disappointment. He didn’t even care to open his gifts under the tree; in silence he went back up to his room.

Soon after his parents came up stairs, “Son, I know you're upset about not getting the four-wheeler, but I just don’t feel in my heart that you're ready for this, I’m not telling you no, just not right now” his Dad said. Devin was so hurt, he didn’t understand. All the whining got to his Mom and Dad. The next day, Devin was surprised to wake up with his Four-Wheeler in the drive way.

The next morning, Devin was so excited, drove the Four- Wheeler right into traffic and thank god for His grace, Devin wasn’t killed. His parents allowed Devin’s pouting changed their good judgment. Michael and Cheryl missed God. Needless to say, they took the Four- Wheeler away from Devin and he got back a year later, but the lesson that was learned could have killed their son. God is always talking, but are you listening? A better question is, do you want to hear what He has to say?

I’ve learned to not allow other people’s unhappiness and whining change what God has already told me. I presume nothing, but instead give thanks for everything. I don’t have to understand why someone says no, and I don’t have try and figured it out. Instead I give thanks for everything else and know that God is in control.

Life isn’t fair, and my circumstances don’t always add up the way I see fit. But as a Christians, I’m not moved by others or my own emotions, I’m guided by the voice of God; the Holy Spirit that dwells in me. If I lead with my emotions that’s subject to change like the wind. Instead my confidence is placed in the Lord, and that will never change.

So I thank you God for daily covering me, and getting me out the mess I sometimes create with my own thinking, and like clock work you always guide me right back to my target; never letting me miss a beat. I know the cost of not being obedient, and not having your favor. Thank you for always, being there even when I wasn’t.

Ride the Current

Have you ever wondered why birds fly in circles before flying south? They are waiting for the right current that will take them all the way to the south for the whether. Just as there are currents in the seas, there are currents in the air. And the birds just hop right on for the ride, guiding them right to their destination.

How amazing is that? There are regular routes that the birds take every year in the AIR, just waiting for them, like trains or the bus line. They have enough faith in their natural born senses to trust the same routes year after year. God is amazing! I couldn’t help but to think about Matthew 6:25 -26

25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

I just wanna dance and jump around like a child on a playground when I think about how much He must love me. To care enough to have routes in the air for His birds, how much more does He have waiting for me, that I can't even see?!

Just as the birds have currents in the sky; we have a current in our heart called the Holy Spirit. The key is to believe there are routes designed for your life, created to guide you until you reach your goal. And if you just wait long enough for the right current, at the right time, you can jump on it and it will carry you right into your destiny.

GOD, you're not incredible, you are so credible, in every way.

Growings Pains

Have you ever prayed for God to move something or someone out of your life? I know I have, in fact I notice the closer I get to God the more circumstances around me get more intense. What’s that about? This morning a light bulb came on; that during those moments of tension are actually times of development.

God is more interested in changing you, than the circumstances around you. If you pray for a stronger love walk, then your going to encounter situations to test your love walk. How else are you going to develop and grow in that area of your life, than to experience it?

I started to call it, a life course. In order to get a passing grade, I must measure it by the way I react to the circumstances around me, this will determine my success.

I realize that in order for me to become successful in any area in my life I have to able to endure the times of development. So instead of praying for God to remove me from the fire, I ask for Him to give me strength to endure these trials of development, so that I can overcome these challenges and use it as a testimony. I pray to comprehend where I am at spiritually during those times of emotional challenges and give thanks for God preparing me for the next level.

I know that my own development is greater than the gift. The promises are going to come; the concern is being able to keep the gift once it comes. If you can’t manage $100.00 you can’t manage $100,000.00.

I have to be open to acknowledge the areas in my life that need improvement. So when God starts to develop and grow me in those areas I don’t run from the pain, instead I learn to embrace the growing pains and look forward to the results. By faith, I know that God will never leave me, He is faithful and by the love of Christ that lives in me and surpasses all knowledge and understanding, I know I will survive and pass every life course that I encounter.

Ephesians 3:16-21
16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Fight for your life

Before you go into any fight three major keys must go into action. You must be spiritually, mentally, and physically fit. I know a lot of Christians who are fit in one or two of the three mentioned. But unfortunately I do see plenty of Christians who are not physically fit. It hurts my heart to see people with great gifts and talents from God, but can’t fully walk in there calling do to health problems. To see someone who can’t stand for all of the praise and worship due to exhaustion. To see powerful men and women of God pass away from Heart Disease or compilations from diabetes all from not living a healthy lifestyle. It’s a trick of the enemy and it’s time for the children of God to know the truth. God wants you whole spiritually, mentally, and physically.

It’s imperative that you realize just how important it is to maintain physical health, as it is for you’re spiritual and mental health. You can’t just read and study about it. You must put your knowledge and understanding into action and learn to discipline your body by your thinking.

In the beginning your flesh will reject what’s pure; mainly because it’s unfamiliar. Your body craves whatever you put into it, spiritually, mentally and physically. We have to break down those old bad habits and build them up with new healthy habits. During any type of self development training the tearing down process is painful, but the building up process can be even more of a challenge. It takes discipline, you must get your mind determine on what your about to accomplish. Your thinking is navigated by your discipline. Your discipline is in alignment with your willingness to change. Limitations are set by your own discipline, which reflects your thinking. Fight for your health by making a decision to live a balance lifestyle.

Proverbs 10:17
The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good.

Proverbs 12:1
If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction!

Proverbs 23:12
Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge.

Just to be with you

Dear Friend

I don’t want a zeal for you, without the knowledge and understating of you. My zeal comes from your wisdom and joy now rooted in me, formed from our personal relationship. I see you all around me….it’s so overwhelming at times to know that someone as large as you craves to have a relationship in me. You’re my first love, my best friend, my every thing, humbling I walk into your glory worshiping your presence. I seek you daily, awaiting our next encounter. It’s such a privilege to have an intimate relationship with you, and don’t take it for granted. Knowing you has become like the air I breathe. I can’t live without you.

Psalm 27:4

4 I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.

What are you talking about?

Larry grew up in an environment that was far from God. His mother was so upset with her past choices she expressed her anger and unhappiness towards Larry. Because Larry’s mother was abused as a child, always made to feel inadequate and told over and over again how much she was a mistake. She repeated the same type of behavior towards her own child. Larry grew up hearing the same familiar rage his mother heard as a child.

Unfortunately, a family curse was planted in this generation years ago; today Larry is married with a baby of the way; Larry battles with depression, and anger issues. He needs daily encouragement from his wife and questions why someone as lovely as her would want to stay with him and all his issues. These feeling were formulated by the words his mother planted in his mind as a child. Larry has to make a NOW decision to create the future God desires for his life, not what the enemy desires.

Does he continue to feel sorry for his self, and blame his unloving childhood for his current situation? Does he have a right to stay angry with his mother for the mistakes she made? We all have generational curses, but that isn’t an excuse to repeat the behavior, nor to carry unforgiveness. You have every right to stay in your mess, but thank God for Jesus who has shown us away out. You can break that curse! You say, “Starting today I am a different person, this curse ends with me and will not continue in my family.” You have a choice. You don’t have to believe to lies the devil has tried to put on you.

Larry didn’t realize that what the devil meant for bad God turned it around for his glory. Larry’s wife is believer in Jesus Christ and prayed for him to be delivered and released from the strongholds on his life. Thanks to God, Larry realized who he really was, and everything that his mother said to and about him was a lie. He forgave his mother, and understands that it was never personal; she just didn’t know any better. The great part now is because Larry has forgiven his mother, God can work on her in Larry’s behalf.

Words are very powerful, so powerful that God created the earth and everything in it by speaking it into exist.

We kill people everyday with the words that come out of our month. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me….WHATEVER!! Why do you think that man picked up that stick and hit you with it? Someone said something to him. You can make or break someone by your words.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Family, please take time to watch who you’re killing today by your words, you never know when someone can be right on the edge of jumping; your words can save them or push them off the bridge. Words have the power to kill your dreams, goals, self esteem, and even someone’s life. Instead use this power to uplift, encourage, grow, guide and lead someone into their destiny.

Obedience is better than a Sacrifice

Unlike us silly humans, our God is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow. There’s power in going back into God’s read and remembering who he is and what he’s done for us and what’s still come…. it’s a privilege. I love it.

As I read Jeremiah today 7:13-28 and got reminded to listen to the voice of God and to obey it. Obedience is better then a sacrifice. YES, thank God that today we live by His mercy and grace, but the message remains the same. You’re not hurting God by your disobedience or only hurting yourself.

No one else could tell todays blog better than Jeremiah himself, as God told him, in chapter 7:13-28 (The Message Translation)

13-15"'So now, because of the way you have lived and failed to listen, even though time and again I took you aside and talked seriously with you, and because you refused to change when I called you to repent, I'm going to do to this Temple, set aside for my worship, this place you think is going to keep you safe no matter what, this place I gave as a gift to your ancestors and you, the same as I did to Shiloh. And as for you, I'm going to get rid of you, the same as I got rid of those old relatives of yours around Shiloh, your fellow Israelites in that former kingdom to the north.'

16-18"And you, Jeremiah, don't waste your time praying for this people. Don't offer to make petitions or intercessions. Don't bother me with them. I'm not listening. Can't you see what they're doing in all the villages of Judah and in the Jerusalem streets? Why, they've got the children gathering wood while the fathers build fires and the mothers make bread to be offered to 'the Queen of Heaven'! And as if that weren't bad enough, they go around pouring out libations to any other gods they come across, just to hurt me.

19"But is it me they're hurting?" God's Decree! "Aren't they just hurting themselves? Exposing themselves shamefully? Making themselves ridiculous?

20"Here's what the Master God has to say: 'My white-hot anger is about to descend on this country and everything in it—people and animals, trees in the field and vegetables in the garden—a raging wildfire that no one can put out.'

21-23"The Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God: 'Go ahead! Put your burnt offerings with all your other sacrificial offerings and make a good meal for yourselves. I sure don't want them! When I delivered your ancestors out of Egypt, I never said anything to them about wanting burnt offerings and sacrifices as such. But I did say this, commanded this: "Obey me. Do what I say and I will be your God and you will be my people. Live the way I tell you. Do what I command so that your lives will go well."

24-26"'But do you think they listened? Not a word of it. They did just what they wanted to do, indulged any and every evil whim and got worse day by day. From the time your ancestors left the land of Egypt until now, I've supplied a steady stream of my servants the prophets, but do you think the people listened? Not once. Stubborn as mules and worse than their ancestors!'

27-28"Tell them all this, but don't expect them to listen. Call out to them, but don't expect an answer. Tell them, 'You are the nation that wouldn't obey God, that refused all discipline. Truth has disappeared. There's not a trace of it left in your mouths.

Wow, what a powerful lesson to be taught.....thank you for your mercy and grace. And thank you for your holy spirit that leads and guides me daily.
Don’t refuse discipline; go after the truth, not your own lustful desires.

~Obedience is better than a sacrifice.

Moving Forward!!

“You don’t think I know that I fail at school ten years ago, I know that much. Do you really need to remind me that my first marriage failed or I wasn’t a good parent? I mean really… you don’t think I thought about that? I think I know I’m over weight, I look in mirror everyday. Must you continue to remind me of my debt, I'm doing the best I can?”

Your friends and family can keep you in your past, never allowing you to move forward. Believe it not, they aren’t always doing it to hurt you, they think their just advising you, or showing their concern, or pointing out the possible dangers by recalling past events.
What they really are doing is opening doors for fear to come in. You can’t move forward if you’re dwelling on events in the past.

Your past DOES NOT create your future. Your past creates your NOW, and you’re now choices create your FUTURE. The world has convinced you that your past mistakes will make your future. Let’s say this again, your PAST creates your NOW not your future. If you don’t like where you are now, make better choices today and create a future.

For the past five years of your life you ate junk food daily, working out was the last thing on your mind. You’re NOW over weight; this is what you have created, by your bad habits in your PAST. Does that mean your always going to be over weight? No, you can change your FUTURE by changing your NOW decisions.

For years you have cheated, lied and step on people to get whatever you wanted out of life. You have learned to influence every situations for your own good, never caring who may get hurt during the process. That was your PAST decisions; that NOW makes you feel this current anxiety in your life. But that doesn’t mean that has to be your FUTURE. You can change your mind, your thinking and your behavior, by your NOW decisions.

I don’t need to know about my past in order to move forward. What I need to know is that, because I recognized and acknowledge my past mistakes, came to the Father and repented, God has forgiven me for all your past sins. If God doesn’t need to bring it up, then why should I? I need to know that no matter what I did in my past or today; God’s love for me will never change. I need to know that my focus needs to be on my future, what God has for me and that I’m moving forward and NEVER going back to my PAST.

Paul says it best in the message translation Philippians 3:13

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running and I'm not turning back.

What's your Motivation

What’s your motivation for praying? Are you afraid that if you don’t pray, you’re going to hell? Do you pray to be successful because you don’t want to lack anymore? Do you pray for relationships, because you’re afraid of being alone? Do you pray for healing because you’re afraid someone is going to die? There is a common denominator in all of this FEAR. Your prayer can not be base off of fear, God works by faith. What is your motive behind the prayer? Whatever you start with is what you'll end with.

Fear is not a good thing. If you start to lose weight because you're afraid of being fat, or getting sick. That will be your base throughout your entire life; if someone were to ask you, “Let’s go and get ice cream” your response will be in fear. “Oh, no I can’t because I don’t want to eat that; I may start getting fat again.” Now you’re not eating because of the fear of getting fat again. The same principle stands for money. “I’m afraid to spend this money because what if something happens, yes I have extra, but you just never know.” Fear is ruling your life.

God operates by faith, the devil operates by fear. Sometimes, it may be hard to understand the difference between being wise and being in fear. This was a challenge for me. I had to get serious and look at myself. I turned to the word of God.

James 4:2-3
1-2Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
2-3You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

I wanted my way, and I would pray out of fear of not getting it, or living without it. I had to turn my prayers into FAITH prayers, by taking myself out of it. Whatever God has in store for me will be, and I'm ready to receive it. I had to use common sense, God does not want me to lack in any area, (Philippians 4:19) so why am I tripin’? FEAR that’s why, not trusting God to provide all my needs, thinking that I’m missing out on something; the only thing that I was missing out on.... was TRUST. If I can’t trust God, I can’t have the faith to see everything come to pass.

If a close friend came to you and requested that you do them a favor, and you were so excited that they thought enough of you to allow you to help them out. But as you were getting everything together and working on their behalf; you notice that they were working on the same thing they asked you for help with. How would that make you feel? Maybe you would think that they don’t trust you? Maybe you would just stop everything all together and let them do it, considering their doing it anyway. Stop trying to figure out stuff that you have turned over to God. Let God be God. Why would you ask for help and not let Him help you? Maybe because you’re afraid that it won’t happen on your time or your way?

Get FEAR out of your prayer life. And watch God work. As Christians we pray by FAITH not by FEAR.

It's Only Temporary

When things start to get overbearing for me in my life; such as the pain I endure from spin class, the drama at work with my co – workers, or even a stressful moment in my personal life at home; I always say, it’s temporary. I have to remind myself; that this season that I’m in, right now, is temporary. So why give it anymore attention than what’s needed.

Moments of frustration, is where you’re able to see your level of faith. Who do you run too? What keeps your attention, the truth or the lies the devil is working on daily trying to plant in your mind. You do know that the devil can’t do anything without your help? He lives in your secrets, in those dark closets where you pushed your insecurities into, hoping that no one will ever find out. If you don’t entertain those thoughts, the devil has no power. If you’re transparent about your mistakes, no one can throw them back at you, if you try your best to walk in truth; the lies said about you will never prevail. Don’t allow the enemy to dictate what’s already written for your life. This moment in time is temporary, but God’s word is permanent.

Numbers 23:19-20
God is not a man, that he should lie,

nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.

Does he speak and then not act?

Does he promise and not fulfill?

20 I have received a command to bless;

he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

Let’s work on focusing on what’s permanent, not temporary such as God’s love, which will never change! Aren’t we excited about that…. No matter what you say or do He will never stop loving you. Remember, when you were out there acting like a wild animal, stealing, fighting, lying, and cheating. God loved you with his mercy and grace. PRAISE GOD.

What a privilege it is to know Jesus, what a privilege it is to know who you are in Christ. And by Christ I am, the righteousness of God. What a privilege it is to know, that my past is behind me, and I am not that person anymore and no one can tell me different. What a privilege to have daily favor. Thank you Jesus! What a privilege it is to know that this season is temporary and I ONLY focus on what's permanent. Which is my GOD, my savor, my father, my healer, my provider, my deliverer, and my KING.

Controlling Your Envirnoment

It’s very interesting that the world has manipulated words such as authority, control, dominant, and superior to be conveyed as an aggressive, forceful, overbearing, or someone arrogant. In fact, contrary to popular belief, God’s word tells us to be conquers, and that we have dominion over all things, including your personal environment.

There is power in having the ability to control your environment. It’s actually kinda fun, you should try it. Let me share an example, I was at a popular store and the check out clerk was very rude to the person in front of me, she created a unpleasant work environment for herself. I wasn’t about to allow her to do the same to me. So when I reach the counter, she didn’t speak, so I did. I read her name tag and notice she had a very pretty ring on, I said, “Hi Lisa, beautiful ring you’re wearing.” She looked up at me for the first time after ringing up five or six items and noticed me smiling at her. For a short second, she smiled and put her head back down replying, “hello, and thank you.” About half way through my pail of goodies, I made another honest comment followed by a question, “wow, your pretty fast at this, I’m glad I choose your lane. Is you’re day just beginning or ending?” Lisa looked up and smile saying, “It’s just starting….” After a $150 later, I had Lisa talking about her mother who gave her the ring and we laughed about my daughter in the basket. As I said thank you for the great service, and push the basket away, I heard Lisa greet the next customer with a smile. I had changed her environment.

I have dominion over everything on earth. God’s word in Genesis 1:26 says

… Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth

Understanding the truth that is written in Genesis 1:26, I can't turn around and be submissive to some demonic spirit, I think not, I have every right to not agree with someone’s thoughts or values, but instead of arguing and creating an unpleasant environment for everyone, I've learned to control my thoughts, and not letting the environment control me. I could have allowed Lisa’s nasty attitude to feed right into me; instead I feed my positive attitude into her. Yes, every situation varies and some are more complicated than others, but the principle remains the same. You have the ability to control your environment by how you response to what's presented in you.

God doesn’t control us, He allows us to create our destiny by the choices we make. The great thing about God is that He teaches us, through His word. He shows us the outcomes of our choices, rather we choose life or death. You’re in a powerful place when you learn to control your environment and not let it control you. What’s controlling you? Is it the truth or a lie? If you don’t know the truth; you can’t be ruled by it. Control isn’t a bad thing; it’s who’s doing the controlling that you have to be concerned about.

You just know everything, don't you?

You know everything when you’re doing all the talking. I have an associate that knows everything about nothing. If you try to educate them on anything, they already know. How can you learn anything new if you already know everything? If you’re doing all the talking, all the time, you’re always right. When I run across people like that, I just say, “Okay”. What else can you say? They are right 100% of the time. Explain to me how a person with this type of personality as an opportunity to grow and mature? In order to mature, you have to see yourself and identify the areas of improvement. I love the way the bible puts it:

Proverbs 15:2
Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

Ecclesiates 5:3

Overwork makes for restless sleep. Overtalk shows you up as a fool.

Ecclesiates 10:14

Fools talk way too much, Chattering stuff they know nothing about

The sad thing about this type of personality is that they don’t think they have a problem, because they know it all. But they can point out someone else's issues. I can speak on it because that was me (I still have my moments). In my late teens and early 20’s I knew everything. I look back and analyze why, the answer is simple, Selfish. I wanted to do everything my way, how I wanted to do it. And if I listen to your point of view, then it wouldn’t be my thought or idea (So stupid). Plus, being selfish comes from FEAR, afraid that someone may give you the wrong advice, or let you down. No one likes to be disappointed, so you depend on your own thinking. I believe the bible refers to you as a fool (I know I was one).

Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions

So what changed me? I woke up one morning and made a decision to be better than yesterday. To be a better mother, friend, sister, and to have a better future. I realized; I couldn’t change anyone but myself. The current place that I was in, was base off of the decisions I made. I started to work on me, from the inside out.

Yes, looking in the mirror hurts, but a lot things need to be broken down before they can built back up. I couldn’t do it alone, and because of my “know it all” personality, I wanted to know the truth, so I went to God. He is the truth and by His light, I was able to lift my hands, with tears in my eyes, and allowing Him to take the lead. That same passion I had when doing “my own thing” turned into a passion for people. I turned from being selfish, to selfless.

As Christians we are growing daily, if you’re still talking about what you did yesterday, then you’re missing it. Yesterday is there to learn from and to make a better tomorrow. Not to complain about or talk about what someone else did wrong, look at your part in the situation and better YOU. You don’t know everything, and you never will. Let go of your pride and allow God’s wisdom to lead you, not your own understanding.

It's Never to Late

I wrote in “The Conductor” (in the September blog) - “I have a great advantage in my life; I can recognize God’s voice. It was strange at first because I wasn’t sure what I was hearing, but it was God’s voice all along. I just didn’t know how to recognize it. I do now… and it’s like falling in love with your best friend after 10 years of dating unqualified candidates. Finally, one day you wake up, knowing… without a single doubt in your mind, “this is the one for me” and you don’t want to go another day to past without this person beside you. Then reflecting back on those 10 years of my life acknowledging that they were there the whole time; supporting and loving me for who I was, not trying to change me, only wanting the best for me. I was just too blind to see it, or should I say, distracted by all the birds.”

When I first wrote this I was showing how God was there all along, loving me with all my mess and how God orchestrated events in my life for my favor. I wanted to bring this up again for someone, who is battling between living there life for Christ or living for the world.

If you don’t mind I’m going to share with you for a minute, it was so easy to stay in the world because I felt safe. It was familiar and change is uncomfortable, it’s mentally and physically stressful. I was used to operating a certain way for more then half of my life and all of sudden I was push to change. So I pushed back and ran as fast as I could away from my calling, that caused tension. Honestly, it hurt trying to live right, I was used to “doing me” I didn’t want to change. But the wonderful thing about God was, through it all, he keep loving me, protecting me, he saw me cry at night and would hug me. He didn’t allow me to kill myself or get to far away into the darkness that I loss my mind or forget who I was. Slowing, but surely he begin to work on me; pulling people out of my life and pulling at my heart, getting me closer to home, awe I love you Jesus.

No matter where you are today, what you did yesterday; it’s never too late to come home. God never left you; you just walked away from him. Unlike our friends and family who may bring up your past, and make you feel like you have to prove yourself to be “worthy” of their friendship. There is absolutely nothing you can do to make God stop loving you. He wants nothing but the best for you, but He can’t do it without your help. Don’t allow FEAR to cause you to stay away from home, to stay in what’s familiar, to stay away from the truth, and stay away from what God has for you.

Isaiah 54:4

4Fear not, for you shall not be ashamed; neither be confounded and depressed, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth, and you shall not [seriously] remember the reproach of your widowhood any more.

How do you know?

Is the Word first in your life? It’s easy to know the answer to that, when a crisis comes where do you turn to first? Do you turn to your family, friends, your own reasoning, and then after all your resources have been exhausted, you turn to God?

Let’s say you do turn to God first, how do you turn to him? Do you pray out of your own thinking requesting what you want and need? Do you move and as you’re moving ask God for help along the way? I’m not knocking this person; I just want you to see yourself. How do you prioritize God in your daily life? None of us are perfect, (I know I’m not) but what impacted my life was UNDERSTANDING, why I wasn’t getting results. I realized that I wasn’t getting answered prayers, but why? I needed WISDOM in order to change my situation.

The word of God is knowledge, I refer to it as SEED, the key is to find the type of seed you need, first you have identify what the problem is. Anger, pride, lack of money, healing, etc. and locate the SEED in the word of God, the SCRIPTURE for your need and plant it in your heart.

The understanding, I describe as the act of maintaining your heart; it’s the up keep, (to maintain a thing). During this process you’re keeping your heart pure, protecting your ear and eye gate from the enemy and most important mediating on those scripture until it becomes apart of you.

In a natural garden you’re plowing the soil, watering, and protecting your seed from weeds and so on. (For more detail on this read “Maintaining your Garden”) Your HAVERST of the seed is the voice of God. What you're waiting for, the answer that will lead you into your need. Maybe someone will tell you about a job interview, maybe an idea will pop in your mind and give you millions. His voice is the HAVERST not the seeing of the thing. The money isn’t the miracle; it’s what brought the money to you.

Okay, you’re not ready yet….the answer is in you. The HOLY SPIRIT knows the answer, and where does he dwell? In you, so the key is learning how to tap into the spirit so it can lead you into your need, YOU ALREADY HAVE THE ANSWER, YOU JUST DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET THE WISDOM…this is why you need to understand the importance of the word.

We don’t just think positive thoughts, we don’t just say God loves me and god will heal me, we don’t just say God’s has my back. And yes all these things are TRUE. But how do you know? If I told you that we are going to Jamaica in the spring, how do you know? You want to see some tickets, I know I do. If I told you I brought you a new car, how do you know? I want to see some paper work, that may be your momma car. I’m just sayin’.

How do you know?! That my God will supply all your needs according to his riches and Glory. How do you know?! That no weapon form against me shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against me will show to be wrong…How do you know?! That every knee will bow down and every tongue shall confess that he is GOD!

How do you know….that God loves you so much that he gave up His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish…..how do you know? Because it’s in the word of God and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself,… but how do I know?

Get into your Word; find your seed, gain understanding and wisdom for your situation.