As I was reflecting on 2011 and what I would write regarding it, it seemed there were no words to truly describe it. 2011 was such an array of things.
How do I describe the depths of the hurt I felt, the offense I encountered, the love and support I received? How do I describe the moments shared or the loss of those so dear to me? How do I describe the chaos, disarray and confusion, the pains of growth and the process of moving from who I was to who I am to be? How do I describe the fear of letting go and really choosing to trust not in man, but in God? How do I describe the grieving I felt in my Spirit as it pertains to this system called ‘church’? How do I describe the battlefield in my mind? How do I describe believing in Words given that seem impossible to manifest? How do I describe the revelation received, that sometimes, even I didn’t fully understand? How do I describe being so close to the land but not yet able to occupy? How do I describe giving of myself over and over again only to come up short?
As I asked these questions, the only response that came out, the only way I can describe this year is…
I’M STILL STANDING!
What the enemy and some people did. Heck, maybe even some of my choices, which were intended to take me out, put me in a facility, get me out of position, cause me to quit and go against the One who has been forever faithful, didn’t work. It didn’t produce what was wanted or desired. Yes, I may have felt everything described but I didn’t become it and it didn’t take me out because…
I’M STILL STANDING!
Things on the surface, in some areas, may appear the same but they are not because I am not. 2011 was proclaimed the year the Lord would make the, a, and up the difference. Well, He did all of that…IN and WITH me. He stripped me of me and everything I thought I knew and rebuilt me. As HMTQ stated…HE’S KEPT ME! I’m stronger, confident, and wiser. I'm setting the foundation and the order for 2012 and whatever and whoever doesn't fit. Adios. It is possible to love from a distance. I'm choosing not to react to others, obstacles or challenges but to respond in and with love, compassion, patience and without judgment. I’ve settled what needed to be settled as it pertains to me and the calling on my life and I'm ready to explore this NEW year and all it has to offer. And I'm excited about what I see on the horizon.
If you are reading this, whether you believe in the One who created you or not, the fact that you are reading this means YOUR STILL STANDING and HE KEPT YOU! Be thankful for that. YOU MADE IT! You may be bruised but your not broken. So, pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself and get prepared for what IS going to be YOUR YEAR, your year to reap what you’ve sown in tears, to reap your harvest, to occupy. This year will be about YOU so remember to not forget YOU!
I believe in 2012, we are no longer going to see the God that people have portrayed but we are going to see God’s portrayal of Himself. People will not only see the God of those in the Bible BUT the God of Rebekah and the God of YOU! Believe you receive and let’s do this. Let’s end 2012 with a different type of memorial of who He is.
XOXO
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Phases, Cycles & Seasons... Do you know where you are at?
If you read my blog regarding the eight phases of purpose, assignment and/or vision it is important for you to know where you are within them as it pertains to your own purpose, assignment and/or vision so you can have understanding as to how to function in them. Just because someone's purpose, assignment and/or vision is in the fruiting phase doesn’t mean yours is, even if you are connected to them. And to attempt to function in your own purpose, assignment and/or vision in a phase you have not entered into yet is an attempt to fail.
Now, if you are connected to someone’s purpose, assignment and/or vision and serve or assist with their purpose, assignment and/or vision it can become tricky because you will then have to know which phase the individual you are serving or assisting is in so you can function where he/she is at all while knowing which phase your personal purpose, assignment and/or vision is and functioning there. Truth is, although it may seem tricky it is necessary, because serving and assisting a purpose, assignment and/or vision other than your own can only thrust you into your own. It’s a part of sowing and reaping.
Furthermore, we must understand that within these phases are cycles and seasons both as it pertains to our purpose, assignment and/or vision and as it pertains to our personal lives. And, just as one phase ends and there is transition into the next phase it is the same with cycles and seasons. I personally believe that the cycles and seasons become more relevant during the transition from one phase to another. Seasons and cycles are temporary and at some point either come to a defined end or transition into something else. Cycles and seasons must also be discerned, whether ministerial, relational, financial and/or as it pertains to business and career. This is important because the principles or operation that caused something to produce in one season/cycle will not cause production in another. It is important because the people that were an asset in one season/cycle may be a hindrance in another. And most importantly, as a believer, the weapons that brought victory in one season/cycle may bring defeat in another.
Once you discern you must commit to cooperating with what is to occur within these cycles/seasons so that what must be produced during these times can be and can move you to the next phase. Not cooperating can allow certain cycles/seasons to be prolonged or can cause you to move to the next phase without knowledge and without what is needed to function in it. You must also commit, as hard as it may be at times, to move when the cycle/season is completed. To prolong a cycle/season, to stay in a cycle/season once that cycle/season is completed will lead to the individual operating in what will now become foreign territory, even though at one point it was familiar. And, it will lead the individual to operate in that territory without the grace that covered them while they were purposed to be in that cycle/season. Without the grace it can cause the individual to deal with certain situations they should have never had to deal with, as well as engage in certain battles they should have never had to war in on their own. It can cause the individual to not just prolong self but to also prolong others and even their purpose, assignment and/or vision. It can cause one to spend so much time warring that they have little time to strengthen, refresh and even believe.
Some of your challenges and attacks this past year have been because of what you are carrying, but some of your challenges and attacks this past year have been because of what you have let remain and/or because of where you have remained either intentionally or unintentionally. Meaning some cycles ended and you attempted to stay in them, or did not move when the window opened and thereby caused that cycle to repeat itself. Others it is because the season changed and you were still trying to function in winter when you had actually transitioned to spring. Whether relationally, spiritually, emotionally, mentally or financially it is time to discern, move and function with understanding. Before this year is up, give space, quiet yourself and be still. Discern which phase you are in or transitioning to and where you are as it pertains to cycles/seasons. It isn’t always comfortable but it is a part of the phase and transition process.
I truly believe, in this next move, it will matter, for believers, how we handle the things of God, including the Anointing, His Anointed, and even the unbeliever. I also believe, in this next move, that we will have to move from doing many things without understanding to doing purposed things with understanding. So, discern, get acquainted, function and watch what produces!
Now, if you are connected to someone’s purpose, assignment and/or vision and serve or assist with their purpose, assignment and/or vision it can become tricky because you will then have to know which phase the individual you are serving or assisting is in so you can function where he/she is at all while knowing which phase your personal purpose, assignment and/or vision is and functioning there. Truth is, although it may seem tricky it is necessary, because serving and assisting a purpose, assignment and/or vision other than your own can only thrust you into your own. It’s a part of sowing and reaping.
Furthermore, we must understand that within these phases are cycles and seasons both as it pertains to our purpose, assignment and/or vision and as it pertains to our personal lives. And, just as one phase ends and there is transition into the next phase it is the same with cycles and seasons. I personally believe that the cycles and seasons become more relevant during the transition from one phase to another. Seasons and cycles are temporary and at some point either come to a defined end or transition into something else. Cycles and seasons must also be discerned, whether ministerial, relational, financial and/or as it pertains to business and career. This is important because the principles or operation that caused something to produce in one season/cycle will not cause production in another. It is important because the people that were an asset in one season/cycle may be a hindrance in another. And most importantly, as a believer, the weapons that brought victory in one season/cycle may bring defeat in another.
Once you discern you must commit to cooperating with what is to occur within these cycles/seasons so that what must be produced during these times can be and can move you to the next phase. Not cooperating can allow certain cycles/seasons to be prolonged or can cause you to move to the next phase without knowledge and without what is needed to function in it. You must also commit, as hard as it may be at times, to move when the cycle/season is completed. To prolong a cycle/season, to stay in a cycle/season once that cycle/season is completed will lead to the individual operating in what will now become foreign territory, even though at one point it was familiar. And, it will lead the individual to operate in that territory without the grace that covered them while they were purposed to be in that cycle/season. Without the grace it can cause the individual to deal with certain situations they should have never had to deal with, as well as engage in certain battles they should have never had to war in on their own. It can cause the individual to not just prolong self but to also prolong others and even their purpose, assignment and/or vision. It can cause one to spend so much time warring that they have little time to strengthen, refresh and even believe.
Some of your challenges and attacks this past year have been because of what you are carrying, but some of your challenges and attacks this past year have been because of what you have let remain and/or because of where you have remained either intentionally or unintentionally. Meaning some cycles ended and you attempted to stay in them, or did not move when the window opened and thereby caused that cycle to repeat itself. Others it is because the season changed and you were still trying to function in winter when you had actually transitioned to spring. Whether relationally, spiritually, emotionally, mentally or financially it is time to discern, move and function with understanding. Before this year is up, give space, quiet yourself and be still. Discern which phase you are in or transitioning to and where you are as it pertains to cycles/seasons. It isn’t always comfortable but it is a part of the phase and transition process.
I truly believe, in this next move, it will matter, for believers, how we handle the things of God, including the Anointing, His Anointed, and even the unbeliever. I also believe, in this next move, that we will have to move from doing many things without understanding to doing purposed things with understanding. So, discern, get acquainted, function and watch what produces!
The Eight Phases of Purpose, Assignment and/or Vision
In researching cycles I came across an article that stated that a human goes through eight phases of life… Conception, Birthing, Sprouting, Growth, Flowering, Fruiting, Renewal and Transcendence. As I read it I applied the eight changes of life spoken about to one’s purpose, vision and/or assignment.
Phase One – Conceiving
The phase of conception where the idea of your purpose, vision and/or assignment becomes a possibility of matter, of taking form in this physical reality
Phase Two – Birthing
The phase of birthing is where the purpose, vision and/or assignment gain strength, nutrition and love from the individual carrying it. And we know this happens through our faith, our belief. Through us seeing it and speaking it, which at some point gives the purpose, vision/assignment the viability to be born. The seed in us becomes alive and takes a tangible form.
This is why it is so vitally important to connect, especially in marriage, with someone and/or those (if single or in a place of leadership) who have the capacity for what you carry, especially if what you are carrying is great. For just as the man sows natural seed in woman to create the same happens with purpose, vision and/or assignment. The one with the purpose, vision/assignment makes a deposit of it to those connected to them, and it is a responsibility of those connected to them to assist in strengthening, nurturing and loving what they carry to its birth. Therefore, if the individual we connect ourselves to does not have the capacity for what we carry it can hinder, prolong and possibly lead to a miscarriage or a still birth. It matters who assists in the birthing process.
Phase Three – Sprouting
In the phase of sprouting the purpose, assignment and/or vision is at its most vulnerable stage. It has been birthed but it hasn’t been brought to full maturity. It is fragile, innocent, and at the mercy of those handling it. This phase must be handled with care. And because the purpose, assignment and/or vision is making its first appearance we must understand that it may not look exactly how we saw it when carrying it.
Phase Four – Growing
The growth phase consists of both rooting and leafing. It is here that the foundational principles are set and practiced. Strong roots (foundations) are put down into the soil, the environment, or the community in order to draw the nutrients and resources needed for the purpose, assignment and/or purpose to grow and live. It is here that doors of opportunity open and connections are made.
Phase Five - Flowering
The phase of flowering is the signal that the purpose, assignment and/or vision are prepared to bring forth fruit and that production is done. Growth has given way to maturity and now it is clear what is possible, as well as what is likely to come. It is in this phase you begin to see the budding of Harvest.
Phase Six - Fruiting
The phase of fruiting is the phase of Harvest. It is here that your purpose, assignment and/or vision is now able to create offspring, feed others and conceive new purpose, assignment and/or vision. It is here that you will see your purpose, assignment and/or vision producing what it was set to accomplish in the Earth.
Phase Seven - Renewal
It is interesting that phase seven is seen as a phase of renewal. We all know that seven marks the number of completion. Something being completed, something coming to a defined end, and something else ready to begin. It is here that often times the purpose, assignment and/or vision, after it is functioning on its own, will begin to take on a new form. One aspect of the purpose, assignment and/or vision has been completed and now it is time for another aspect of that purpose, assignment and/or vision to function. And this will cause for re-evaluation and a possible change in operation and people.
Phase Eight - Transcendence
In this phase, the article, of course spoke about death. However, I choose to look at this phase as the phase of legacy. It is here that the purpose, assignment and/or vision should continue on even after your time has expired. It is here that the mantle gets passed to the next generation to pick up and continue on in.
Phase One – Conceiving
The phase of conception where the idea of your purpose, vision and/or assignment becomes a possibility of matter, of taking form in this physical reality
Phase Two – Birthing
The phase of birthing is where the purpose, vision and/or assignment gain strength, nutrition and love from the individual carrying it. And we know this happens through our faith, our belief. Through us seeing it and speaking it, which at some point gives the purpose, vision/assignment the viability to be born. The seed in us becomes alive and takes a tangible form.
This is why it is so vitally important to connect, especially in marriage, with someone and/or those (if single or in a place of leadership) who have the capacity for what you carry, especially if what you are carrying is great. For just as the man sows natural seed in woman to create the same happens with purpose, vision and/or assignment. The one with the purpose, vision/assignment makes a deposit of it to those connected to them, and it is a responsibility of those connected to them to assist in strengthening, nurturing and loving what they carry to its birth. Therefore, if the individual we connect ourselves to does not have the capacity for what we carry it can hinder, prolong and possibly lead to a miscarriage or a still birth. It matters who assists in the birthing process.
Phase Three – Sprouting
In the phase of sprouting the purpose, assignment and/or vision is at its most vulnerable stage. It has been birthed but it hasn’t been brought to full maturity. It is fragile, innocent, and at the mercy of those handling it. This phase must be handled with care. And because the purpose, assignment and/or vision is making its first appearance we must understand that it may not look exactly how we saw it when carrying it.
Phase Four – Growing
The growth phase consists of both rooting and leafing. It is here that the foundational principles are set and practiced. Strong roots (foundations) are put down into the soil, the environment, or the community in order to draw the nutrients and resources needed for the purpose, assignment and/or purpose to grow and live. It is here that doors of opportunity open and connections are made.
Phase Five - Flowering
The phase of flowering is the signal that the purpose, assignment and/or vision are prepared to bring forth fruit and that production is done. Growth has given way to maturity and now it is clear what is possible, as well as what is likely to come. It is in this phase you begin to see the budding of Harvest.
Phase Six - Fruiting
The phase of fruiting is the phase of Harvest. It is here that your purpose, assignment and/or vision is now able to create offspring, feed others and conceive new purpose, assignment and/or vision. It is here that you will see your purpose, assignment and/or vision producing what it was set to accomplish in the Earth.
Phase Seven - Renewal
It is interesting that phase seven is seen as a phase of renewal. We all know that seven marks the number of completion. Something being completed, something coming to a defined end, and something else ready to begin. It is here that often times the purpose, assignment and/or vision, after it is functioning on its own, will begin to take on a new form. One aspect of the purpose, assignment and/or vision has been completed and now it is time for another aspect of that purpose, assignment and/or vision to function. And this will cause for re-evaluation and a possible change in operation and people.
Phase Eight - Transcendence
In this phase, the article, of course spoke about death. However, I choose to look at this phase as the phase of legacy. It is here that the purpose, assignment and/or vision should continue on even after your time has expired. It is here that the mantle gets passed to the next generation to pick up and continue on in.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
From Caterpillar to Butterfly...You are about to Emerge!
I truly believe that this past year has brought a shift in most of our lives. Not just spiritually but naturally as well. I also believe that the majority of us are presently in the midst of transitioning within that shift. We are between this and that, between who we were and who we are to be, between what was and what is, between purpose and destiny.
The best word to describe this transition would be metamorphosis, which is the transition a caterpillar goes through before becoming a butterfly. So, to better understand what we are sensing, feeling and/or going through it makes sense to study the metamorphosis or the transition of a caterpillar.
First, the caterpillar forms a COVERING around itself, which we know to be the cocoon. Inside the cocoon or covering is where the caterpillar CHANGES. The caterpillar digests itself from the inside out, causing its OLD body to die, though there is a REMNANT of cells that are used to create a NEW body. Once the new body is fully grown inside the cocoon, and the butterfly is ready to EMERGE, the butterfly PUSHES on the walls of the shell until it BREAKS OPEN.
I sense that the majority of us are in the final process of our metamorphosis. Our NEW body is almost at full growth and we are about to emerge as butterflies who fly freely.
To those of you who have questioned why you have gone through what you have gone through, to those of you who have been instructed to release, to those of you have been directed to regroup/refocus, to those of you who find yourself starting over, whether it be relationally, in ministry/assignment, in finances, or in business, you have your answer. Something new is about to emerge. You are about to possess that which was destined for you before the foundation of the world. And you have not been here before so you can’t expect the process to be familiar or the same as processes in the past.
This process is the process of metamorphosis. And in reading the above it seems this process, at times, could be uncomfortable and painful. Regardless, we must endure and complete the process. We must stay under our covering and in that fortified place during the process for this is where the grace we will need to pull on dwells. We must examine ourselves, our relationships, our organizations, our finances and businesses from the inside and work outward, not the other way around. We must allow any situation, habit, mindset or relationship that would hinder this next move to die or fall off. There is no room for dead weight at this next dimension. If we are to truly experience and receive the new then we must come to terms with ridding of the old. And don’t fear if it seems that the numbers have and/or are dwindling around you as it pertains to your circle, organization, finances and business, there is a remnant that has been kept that will assist in creating this new thing.
Now is not the time, especially for believers, to be stuck where God was, and especially where God was not. It is time for us to be where God is. We as believers can get so caught up in what God said that we can easily miss what God is saying now. We can get so caught up in our mistakes and/or our past that we become prisoners to them choosing to serve sentences of unworthiness and guilt rather than walk in the gift of righteousness and receive His best.
School is in session and it is exam time. We must examine every area of our lives and honestly come to terms with where He is or isn’t. And wherever He isn’t we must do what is needed to move to where He is. Relationally move to where He is. Mentally move to where He is. Train your thoughts to line up with His Word, to line up with your vision and/or dream. Filter your thoughts so that any thought that does not line up with where you are headed is caught before it takes on animation through your words. Emotionally move to where He is, from tears and pain to joy and happiness. Stop wavering and being moved by what you see, hear or by what is placed before you to view (thanks, Queen) and be moved by what you know. Physically move to where He is. Move from sickness to health, weakness to strength. Spiritually move to where He is. If there is an area you’ve lost it in (prayer, worship, consecration, etc), get back to it. If you have been wounded or offended spiritually allow Him to come in and mend and encourage. Move from brokenness to wholeness. And financially move to where He is by following His principles. If you have strayed from the tithe or from your seed faith, repent and start again.
God is expanding our territory. We are about to possess. The pain, the discomfort, the questions, the confusion, the isolation, the rebuke, the offense, the attack has had nothing to do with our past it has had everything to do with our future. A future He is already in. He is already on the other side of our metamorphosis, where it is already finished, already done. It is time to grow up and accept that it is not His responsibility but our responsibility to get to where He has already been. Regardless of how we feel we can’t stop or give up now, so don’t you dare grow weary or tired, don’t you dare paralyze yourself because of pride or fear, and definitely don’t stay dead in the cocoon. We are too close to abort who we are or the vision and/or dream we have. We must grow to full term and then push with everything we have until we, and that which is in us breaks through and emerges with boldness and faith into what is about to be the best season of our life.
The best word to describe this transition would be metamorphosis, which is the transition a caterpillar goes through before becoming a butterfly. So, to better understand what we are sensing, feeling and/or going through it makes sense to study the metamorphosis or the transition of a caterpillar.
First, the caterpillar forms a COVERING around itself, which we know to be the cocoon. Inside the cocoon or covering is where the caterpillar CHANGES. The caterpillar digests itself from the inside out, causing its OLD body to die, though there is a REMNANT of cells that are used to create a NEW body. Once the new body is fully grown inside the cocoon, and the butterfly is ready to EMERGE, the butterfly PUSHES on the walls of the shell until it BREAKS OPEN.
I sense that the majority of us are in the final process of our metamorphosis. Our NEW body is almost at full growth and we are about to emerge as butterflies who fly freely.
To those of you who have questioned why you have gone through what you have gone through, to those of you who have been instructed to release, to those of you have been directed to regroup/refocus, to those of you who find yourself starting over, whether it be relationally, in ministry/assignment, in finances, or in business, you have your answer. Something new is about to emerge. You are about to possess that which was destined for you before the foundation of the world. And you have not been here before so you can’t expect the process to be familiar or the same as processes in the past.
This process is the process of metamorphosis. And in reading the above it seems this process, at times, could be uncomfortable and painful. Regardless, we must endure and complete the process. We must stay under our covering and in that fortified place during the process for this is where the grace we will need to pull on dwells. We must examine ourselves, our relationships, our organizations, our finances and businesses from the inside and work outward, not the other way around. We must allow any situation, habit, mindset or relationship that would hinder this next move to die or fall off. There is no room for dead weight at this next dimension. If we are to truly experience and receive the new then we must come to terms with ridding of the old. And don’t fear if it seems that the numbers have and/or are dwindling around you as it pertains to your circle, organization, finances and business, there is a remnant that has been kept that will assist in creating this new thing.
Now is not the time, especially for believers, to be stuck where God was, and especially where God was not. It is time for us to be where God is. We as believers can get so caught up in what God said that we can easily miss what God is saying now. We can get so caught up in our mistakes and/or our past that we become prisoners to them choosing to serve sentences of unworthiness and guilt rather than walk in the gift of righteousness and receive His best.
School is in session and it is exam time. We must examine every area of our lives and honestly come to terms with where He is or isn’t. And wherever He isn’t we must do what is needed to move to where He is. Relationally move to where He is. Mentally move to where He is. Train your thoughts to line up with His Word, to line up with your vision and/or dream. Filter your thoughts so that any thought that does not line up with where you are headed is caught before it takes on animation through your words. Emotionally move to where He is, from tears and pain to joy and happiness. Stop wavering and being moved by what you see, hear or by what is placed before you to view (thanks, Queen) and be moved by what you know. Physically move to where He is. Move from sickness to health, weakness to strength. Spiritually move to where He is. If there is an area you’ve lost it in (prayer, worship, consecration, etc), get back to it. If you have been wounded or offended spiritually allow Him to come in and mend and encourage. Move from brokenness to wholeness. And financially move to where He is by following His principles. If you have strayed from the tithe or from your seed faith, repent and start again.
God is expanding our territory. We are about to possess. The pain, the discomfort, the questions, the confusion, the isolation, the rebuke, the offense, the attack has had nothing to do with our past it has had everything to do with our future. A future He is already in. He is already on the other side of our metamorphosis, where it is already finished, already done. It is time to grow up and accept that it is not His responsibility but our responsibility to get to where He has already been. Regardless of how we feel we can’t stop or give up now, so don’t you dare grow weary or tired, don’t you dare paralyze yourself because of pride or fear, and definitely don’t stay dead in the cocoon. We are too close to abort who we are or the vision and/or dream we have. We must grow to full term and then push with everything we have until we, and that which is in us breaks through and emerges with boldness and faith into what is about to be the best season of our life.
Friday, November 4, 2011
To YOU...Lovely Lady
I woke up this morning with this on my heart for my mentee and her twin sister who are in their freshman year of high school. However, after I sent it, I realized that this is on my heart for all the lovely ladies out there.
So, to YOU, Lovely Lady!
I never want you to Fear (Which is Faith In Reverse) who you are and who you are to be. Rather I want you to Believe in who you are now and who you will be in the future. Don't allow distractions from others who can't see who you are or who you are to be stop you on your track. Focus on the big picture and learn something new about YOU everyday!
I never want you to Fear standing up for your worth (Because your worth is far above rubies and rubies are pretty valuable) because of what you might lose. Rather have faith and stand up for your worth because of what you will gain.
I never want you to Fear when it comes to happiness or love, because you deserve both. Rather stay in Hope that happiness and the right love will find you at the right time. Don't waste your time with those who haven't qualified to take part in your journey, who make you cry more than you laugh or smile, or who don't have the capacity to hold the love you so freely give.
You are amazing in your own individual way! Be proud of that and be an example to others! Because others need you as an example!
Hugs and Kisses! XOXO
So, to YOU, Lovely Lady!
I never want you to Fear (Which is Faith In Reverse) who you are and who you are to be. Rather I want you to Believe in who you are now and who you will be in the future. Don't allow distractions from others who can't see who you are or who you are to be stop you on your track. Focus on the big picture and learn something new about YOU everyday!
I never want you to Fear standing up for your worth (Because your worth is far above rubies and rubies are pretty valuable) because of what you might lose. Rather have faith and stand up for your worth because of what you will gain.
I never want you to Fear when it comes to happiness or love, because you deserve both. Rather stay in Hope that happiness and the right love will find you at the right time. Don't waste your time with those who haven't qualified to take part in your journey, who make you cry more than you laugh or smile, or who don't have the capacity to hold the love you so freely give.
You are amazing in your own individual way! Be proud of that and be an example to others! Because others need you as an example!
Hugs and Kisses! XOXO
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Gift of Free Will
God has given us one of the greatest gifts. That gift is called “Free Will” and with this gift comes the “Power of Choice”.
This is a major component that most Christians miss. Not just Christians but anyone of faith. We tend to think that if we believe in God then EVERYTHING we go through in life is a product of what God wants to happen to us. Through the good or bad, if we have a success or failure, every trial and tribulation we are asking God “Why are YOU allowing this?”, or praising God in “Thank You”. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying. God IS involved in ALL that we do but ONLY to the extent that we allow HIM to be. And one thing I have noticed is that God is NEVER at fault or to blame regarding ANYTHING that we may be facing or dealing with.
God is a gentleman and He is NOT a God of control. He gave us the gift of having a “Free Will”. He gave us this gift BELIEVING IN US to use this gift wisely and to make the right choices along with one of the best manuals to help steward this gift which is HIS WORD. He gave His ONLY Son to bear our sins, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help guide us, He gave us His Word to help instruct us and He gave us the opportunity and the HONOR to have relationship with Him and Seek Him and See/Hear Him respond. However, He gave us ALL of this and then gave US the POWER to CHOOSE if we want to partake in it.
We must start maturing within ourselves and begin to examine where we are at in the present moment. Everything you see around you is a product of what you CHOSE or are CHOOSING! Whether it is something good or something bad it is a product of your CHOICES! It seems so easy to place the blame on God or other people for our own failures. Whether it is a relationship, something with our career, an addiction, financial difficulty, bondage or whatever else one may be facing. It ALL came about through choices we made. And some of us KNOW better. Some of us KNEW or KNOW the Lord, have relationship with Him, were raised in the Faith, study the Word and yet we still CHOSE “Free Will” and did things our own way only down the line to now look at God asking Him how HE is going to get us out. So here we are again, facing choice.
Yes, God can deliver instantly and He does still work miracles but what are you going to choose when He does? When He delivers you and that which you were delivered from presents its self again are you going to choose to stay delivered? When He releases you from bondage and bondage comes back to bunk with you again are you going to choose to stay free? When He performs that miracle are you going to choose to do what is right after receiving that miracle? And lets be honest, sometimes CHOOSING Him and His way may not be popular at the time, it may not make sense to others, it may seem that you lose some material things or relationships but in the end CHOOSING Him and His way will be popular, it will make sense to others, and that which you lost WILL be restored. It may or may not be the same things or relationships being restored but what is restored will be that much BETTER.
We live today in a world where there are so many choices around us. Choices to make in belief; food; careers; housing; finances; investments; health; entertainment; and relationships to name a few. We also live in a world where change is rapid. Everything around us is constantly changing and sometimes we may have to make a choice in a matter of seconds. I believe that if we can remain balanced between our everyday lives and being in the Presence we will be more prepared to make those choices that need to be made in a matter of seconds. We will also become more confident with who we are and what we have been purposed to do which means when the opportunity to make a choice comes we will be less likely to make the wrong one.
I’m reminded of a time I went to the Lord to commune over some opportunities that had been presented to me. I remember being concerned and fearful of making a mistake. His response was, “Daughter, there is My PERFECT WILL for you but I can NOT going to push My perfect will on you. I gave you “Free Will”. I gave YOU the POWER to CHOOSE!” He then showed me in His Word regarding the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God. Some settle for the good, some settle for the acceptable and others desire the perfect. I want the perfect will for my life. I want to be right where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there. He then began to give me insight on if I chose this or if I chose that what I would face, what I would have to do and where it would lead. He gave me what I needed but it was still MY CHOICE! I could either take heed to the instruction I was given or do my own thing. And I have found in doing my own thing it only prolongs and wastes time. So now I take heed to the instruction He gave, believe that I receive it, trust Him through the process and obey His instruction. Most people think God is like a genie, they think they can run to him ONLY when they are in trouble or need and He will continue to bail them out. He may do this when you first start your walk as your natural parents do but eventually even God will look upon us and tell us to GROW UP, to take responsibility for our own choices. What I also know is unlike people when He does do this He does it ALL in LOVE. How many times has God given us counsel and yet we still do our own thing and then when the moment is over we are looking back wondering why we didn’t listen to His counsel and then asking God to help get us out of our situation when we could have just received His counsel, BELIEVED His counsel and moved forward in it.
Now please understand. This walk, again, is about growth. We will always be going through some event to help build character and to help us grow. To help us grow IN Him and IN His Word. And yes, some situations are completely out of our control but even in those situations we have the power to choose. As I heard one individual say, “Don’t make a life long decision in a temporary situation”. How true that is. Something at the present moment may not be going right or may even “appear” to be right BUT seek God out before making any choices. He knows best where He is taking you and He knows best what choices being made now will get you to where He is taking you with fewer obstacles. I believe if we seek Him out and His Word before making our choices, especially major ones that can affect not just us but those connected to us down the road, then we can lessen the pain or hurt that we could experience.
Of course the best part about this is it is NEVER too late to choose Him or to make the decision to choose His way. Even if you are smack in the middle of a situation you can turn to Him, choose Him and His way and watch His power unfold. CHOOSE God and His Way and walk this thing out. People are counting on it!
This is a major component that most Christians miss. Not just Christians but anyone of faith. We tend to think that if we believe in God then EVERYTHING we go through in life is a product of what God wants to happen to us. Through the good or bad, if we have a success or failure, every trial and tribulation we are asking God “Why are YOU allowing this?”, or praising God in “Thank You”. Now don’t misinterpret what I am saying. God IS involved in ALL that we do but ONLY to the extent that we allow HIM to be. And one thing I have noticed is that God is NEVER at fault or to blame regarding ANYTHING that we may be facing or dealing with.
God is a gentleman and He is NOT a God of control. He gave us the gift of having a “Free Will”. He gave us this gift BELIEVING IN US to use this gift wisely and to make the right choices along with one of the best manuals to help steward this gift which is HIS WORD. He gave His ONLY Son to bear our sins, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help guide us, He gave us His Word to help instruct us and He gave us the opportunity and the HONOR to have relationship with Him and Seek Him and See/Hear Him respond. However, He gave us ALL of this and then gave US the POWER to CHOOSE if we want to partake in it.
We must start maturing within ourselves and begin to examine where we are at in the present moment. Everything you see around you is a product of what you CHOSE or are CHOOSING! Whether it is something good or something bad it is a product of your CHOICES! It seems so easy to place the blame on God or other people for our own failures. Whether it is a relationship, something with our career, an addiction, financial difficulty, bondage or whatever else one may be facing. It ALL came about through choices we made. And some of us KNOW better. Some of us KNEW or KNOW the Lord, have relationship with Him, were raised in the Faith, study the Word and yet we still CHOSE “Free Will” and did things our own way only down the line to now look at God asking Him how HE is going to get us out. So here we are again, facing choice.
Yes, God can deliver instantly and He does still work miracles but what are you going to choose when He does? When He delivers you and that which you were delivered from presents its self again are you going to choose to stay delivered? When He releases you from bondage and bondage comes back to bunk with you again are you going to choose to stay free? When He performs that miracle are you going to choose to do what is right after receiving that miracle? And lets be honest, sometimes CHOOSING Him and His way may not be popular at the time, it may not make sense to others, it may seem that you lose some material things or relationships but in the end CHOOSING Him and His way will be popular, it will make sense to others, and that which you lost WILL be restored. It may or may not be the same things or relationships being restored but what is restored will be that much BETTER.
We live today in a world where there are so many choices around us. Choices to make in belief; food; careers; housing; finances; investments; health; entertainment; and relationships to name a few. We also live in a world where change is rapid. Everything around us is constantly changing and sometimes we may have to make a choice in a matter of seconds. I believe that if we can remain balanced between our everyday lives and being in the Presence we will be more prepared to make those choices that need to be made in a matter of seconds. We will also become more confident with who we are and what we have been purposed to do which means when the opportunity to make a choice comes we will be less likely to make the wrong one.
I’m reminded of a time I went to the Lord to commune over some opportunities that had been presented to me. I remember being concerned and fearful of making a mistake. His response was, “Daughter, there is My PERFECT WILL for you but I can NOT going to push My perfect will on you. I gave you “Free Will”. I gave YOU the POWER to CHOOSE!” He then showed me in His Word regarding the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God. Some settle for the good, some settle for the acceptable and others desire the perfect. I want the perfect will for my life. I want to be right where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there. He then began to give me insight on if I chose this or if I chose that what I would face, what I would have to do and where it would lead. He gave me what I needed but it was still MY CHOICE! I could either take heed to the instruction I was given or do my own thing. And I have found in doing my own thing it only prolongs and wastes time. So now I take heed to the instruction He gave, believe that I receive it, trust Him through the process and obey His instruction. Most people think God is like a genie, they think they can run to him ONLY when they are in trouble or need and He will continue to bail them out. He may do this when you first start your walk as your natural parents do but eventually even God will look upon us and tell us to GROW UP, to take responsibility for our own choices. What I also know is unlike people when He does do this He does it ALL in LOVE. How many times has God given us counsel and yet we still do our own thing and then when the moment is over we are looking back wondering why we didn’t listen to His counsel and then asking God to help get us out of our situation when we could have just received His counsel, BELIEVED His counsel and moved forward in it.
Now please understand. This walk, again, is about growth. We will always be going through some event to help build character and to help us grow. To help us grow IN Him and IN His Word. And yes, some situations are completely out of our control but even in those situations we have the power to choose. As I heard one individual say, “Don’t make a life long decision in a temporary situation”. How true that is. Something at the present moment may not be going right or may even “appear” to be right BUT seek God out before making any choices. He knows best where He is taking you and He knows best what choices being made now will get you to where He is taking you with fewer obstacles. I believe if we seek Him out and His Word before making our choices, especially major ones that can affect not just us but those connected to us down the road, then we can lessen the pain or hurt that we could experience.
Of course the best part about this is it is NEVER too late to choose Him or to make the decision to choose His way. Even if you are smack in the middle of a situation you can turn to Him, choose Him and His way and watch His power unfold. CHOOSE God and His Way and walk this thing out. People are counting on it!
The TRUTH Shall Make You FREE!
We know the Word of God is TRUTH and that the Word does make one free but in order to receive the Word of God as truth and experience the freedom that comes with it there must be truth before God in regards to SELF.
If God is giving us the solution to our freedom (the Word) then He obviously knew that there was going to, at some point, be situations, people and spirits that would seek to bind us. So, us pretending, faking or leaving stuff out when we go to Him is absurd. After all, He is ALL KNOWING. So who are you truly hiding from? What are you truly hiding from Him…your NOT. He knows if you made the wrong choice, He knows if you are not following His principles, He knows if you are faking, He knows if you are tired / weary, and the list goes on. The only one(s) you are truly hiding from are yourself and the people around you.
We must see Him as our secret place, our safe place and learn to deal with the truth of our situations and what we are bound to when in that place. We must trust that He can handle those parts that are so deep that only you know about them. We must take ownership of the role we had to play in our current condition(s). If you are truly in the Presence of God you will not be able to avoid the inner dealing or wrestle that takes place when you come face to face with Him, when you have that intimacy with Him. We must begin to come to God without a planned speech but in a truly humble state where we pull off the mask and learn to cast everything on Him. Our cares, our faults, concerns, failures, worries, insecurities, fears, issues, etc. Yes, this can be an uncomfortable place, especially if you aren't able to see, at the moment, what your freedom entails. In the end though, it will be worth it.
Bondage is the counterfeit of freedom. It provides a false comfort. And the longer you are in it the more familiar you become with it and its day to day function. Sadly, most people prefer this because they know what to expect. It allows the individual to stay the way they are with no responsibility to change.
We have a responsibility to truth (the Word) and a responsibility to be truthful. We must learn to be truthful with God, ourselves, with those we love and those who are connected to us, especially if we are in a position where we are over others. And I don't mean this in the sense of throwing ALL one's business out there but in being able to be honest, admit to a mistake when we make one, to ask for one's forgiveness, to teach and share the revelation we receive. Otherwise those connected to you, those you are over are observing someone that in their eyes is perfect and then when they mess up they walk in a guilt or shame, and possibly become bound to it because they didn't reach the perfection that they feel you walk in.
I will never forget the day, many years ago, that I broke through in this. First, in my time with God and then with others. The Lord showed me that transparency is an effective tool. Our walk isn't about being perfect but it is about being available. After all, what will it benefit others, and even self to go through life constantly making things / situations appear one way when they are really another? It can actually become dangerous because it then causes those connected to you to make decisions, some that may be life altering, based off a lie, which has no future, rather then truth.
Not every deliverance is immediate, like salvation. Some take time and are a process. No matter how long, remain forever truthful to God, yourself, those you love and are connected to. And when God gives you the Word that will set you free keep that Word before you and in your mouth. Do not part from it. Stay in it until that Word makes you free.
If God is giving us the solution to our freedom (the Word) then He obviously knew that there was going to, at some point, be situations, people and spirits that would seek to bind us. So, us pretending, faking or leaving stuff out when we go to Him is absurd. After all, He is ALL KNOWING. So who are you truly hiding from? What are you truly hiding from Him…your NOT. He knows if you made the wrong choice, He knows if you are not following His principles, He knows if you are faking, He knows if you are tired / weary, and the list goes on. The only one(s) you are truly hiding from are yourself and the people around you.
We must see Him as our secret place, our safe place and learn to deal with the truth of our situations and what we are bound to when in that place. We must trust that He can handle those parts that are so deep that only you know about them. We must take ownership of the role we had to play in our current condition(s). If you are truly in the Presence of God you will not be able to avoid the inner dealing or wrestle that takes place when you come face to face with Him, when you have that intimacy with Him. We must begin to come to God without a planned speech but in a truly humble state where we pull off the mask and learn to cast everything on Him. Our cares, our faults, concerns, failures, worries, insecurities, fears, issues, etc. Yes, this can be an uncomfortable place, especially if you aren't able to see, at the moment, what your freedom entails. In the end though, it will be worth it.
Bondage is the counterfeit of freedom. It provides a false comfort. And the longer you are in it the more familiar you become with it and its day to day function. Sadly, most people prefer this because they know what to expect. It allows the individual to stay the way they are with no responsibility to change.
We have a responsibility to truth (the Word) and a responsibility to be truthful. We must learn to be truthful with God, ourselves, with those we love and those who are connected to us, especially if we are in a position where we are over others. And I don't mean this in the sense of throwing ALL one's business out there but in being able to be honest, admit to a mistake when we make one, to ask for one's forgiveness, to teach and share the revelation we receive. Otherwise those connected to you, those you are over are observing someone that in their eyes is perfect and then when they mess up they walk in a guilt or shame, and possibly become bound to it because they didn't reach the perfection that they feel you walk in.
I will never forget the day, many years ago, that I broke through in this. First, in my time with God and then with others. The Lord showed me that transparency is an effective tool. Our walk isn't about being perfect but it is about being available. After all, what will it benefit others, and even self to go through life constantly making things / situations appear one way when they are really another? It can actually become dangerous because it then causes those connected to you to make decisions, some that may be life altering, based off a lie, which has no future, rather then truth.
Not every deliverance is immediate, like salvation. Some take time and are a process. No matter how long, remain forever truthful to God, yourself, those you love and are connected to. And when God gives you the Word that will set you free keep that Word before you and in your mouth. Do not part from it. Stay in it until that Word makes you free.
Our Words... Matter
Today, I went to God about a recent situation and His response was so simple it was almost humorous.
He said, “Stop talking about it. The more you talk about it, the more you keep it alive. You gave it to me, I confirmed what you asked and I exposed what needed to be exposed. Whether those involved change or not, you laid it down, you gave it to Me and now it is Mine. It belongs to Me. Don’t take it back and don’t keep it alive by continuing to talk about it and question it. Keep your eyes focused. Your mouth shut. Your heart right and move forward.”
This correction reminded me how important our words are and how easily it is to forget this. Our words are a huge representation not only of who we are, but also of where we are at in life. Our words can either paint a false picture of our reality (denial), the truth of our reality (acceptance), or the hope of what we desire our reality to be (faith). Our words reflect our innermost being, that which is in our hearts, our minds and our Spirit. Our words can either be our best friend or our worst enemy. They can reveal our insecurities or they can reveal our faith. They can reveal our motives or they can reveal our goals. Our words can bring animation to our vision, our desires and our dreams. Our words, once heard, can bring correction to us, they can minister to us, and they can encourage us. But mostly, our words can bring the power of life and death to others, to ourselves, and to our situations. Our words can either tear others and stuff down or they can build others and stuff up. Our words can keep things in our lives that should be dead, alive. In the same, they can keep things that should be alive, dead.
Words are a powerful source and can be a powerful weapon if used correctly. So moving forward, think and filter before you speak, not just about self and self-situations but also about others and others’ situations. Where the Will of God or another is not known be careful not to create, with your own words, your will. Be cautious when in a place of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, hurt, anger or confusion and guard your words. Rather than pull from your emotions, pull from your Spirit, pull from the Word. Train your heart, your thoughts and your mouth. (And this takes consistency and practice) Take control over your world, not through forcing, manipulating, working or deceiving but through your words. Choose to speak words that bring life and that bring faith. Choose words that build rather than tear down. Choose to be the difference by your speech. Choose to open your mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness. Don’t allow that which does not represent the real and true you to be your representation. Remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Awake with an ear and a tongue of the learned that you will always be prepared to give a Word IN season to him/her who may be weary. And lastly, surround yourself with others who understand and speak your same language.
It matters.
He said, “Stop talking about it. The more you talk about it, the more you keep it alive. You gave it to me, I confirmed what you asked and I exposed what needed to be exposed. Whether those involved change or not, you laid it down, you gave it to Me and now it is Mine. It belongs to Me. Don’t take it back and don’t keep it alive by continuing to talk about it and question it. Keep your eyes focused. Your mouth shut. Your heart right and move forward.”
This correction reminded me how important our words are and how easily it is to forget this. Our words are a huge representation not only of who we are, but also of where we are at in life. Our words can either paint a false picture of our reality (denial), the truth of our reality (acceptance), or the hope of what we desire our reality to be (faith). Our words reflect our innermost being, that which is in our hearts, our minds and our Spirit. Our words can either be our best friend or our worst enemy. They can reveal our insecurities or they can reveal our faith. They can reveal our motives or they can reveal our goals. Our words can bring animation to our vision, our desires and our dreams. Our words, once heard, can bring correction to us, they can minister to us, and they can encourage us. But mostly, our words can bring the power of life and death to others, to ourselves, and to our situations. Our words can either tear others and stuff down or they can build others and stuff up. Our words can keep things in our lives that should be dead, alive. In the same, they can keep things that should be alive, dead.
Words are a powerful source and can be a powerful weapon if used correctly. So moving forward, think and filter before you speak, not just about self and self-situations but also about others and others’ situations. Where the Will of God or another is not known be careful not to create, with your own words, your will. Be cautious when in a place of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, hurt, anger or confusion and guard your words. Rather than pull from your emotions, pull from your Spirit, pull from the Word. Train your heart, your thoughts and your mouth. (And this takes consistency and practice) Take control over your world, not through forcing, manipulating, working or deceiving but through your words. Choose to speak words that bring life and that bring faith. Choose words that build rather than tear down. Choose to be the difference by your speech. Choose to open your mouth with wisdom and the law of kindness. Don’t allow that which does not represent the real and true you to be your representation. Remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Awake with an ear and a tongue of the learned that you will always be prepared to give a Word IN season to him/her who may be weary. And lastly, surround yourself with others who understand and speak your same language.
It matters.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
What Have We Become?
I have recently found myself coming in contact with more and more homeless Christians. Christians who love God, have passion for God, carry the gifts and the callings of God but are wandering, some seeking for a place of fellowship they can call home and others staying away from the place of fellowship they call home.
It would seem, with what has been transpiring over the past three years in our world that more Christians, and non-Christians, would desire to either stay locked in to a place of fellowship or find a place of fellowship they can stay locked into. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.
When in conversation with these individuals the same themes seemed to come up. They weren’t staying away from church because of the Worship or because of the Word but because everything else seemed to be out of order and out of God’s character, including a lack of God’s Love. The church, to them, was slowly looking more like the world with its props, entertainment and falsehood. They shared that we, the church, seem more concerned with advancing our lifestyle rather than our relationship with God. Makes sense, when a person is hurting, possibly contemplating suicide they aren’t desiring to hear how God is going to bless them with a car or a home. Furthermore, if they come in contact with the wrong representation of God, well, we could lose a soul.
My concern is that if Christians, who have a true relationship with God, are feeling this way, then what are those with no relationship with God feeling? While we are yet to be a fragrance it seems we are becoming more of an odor. We seem to have strayed from why we do what we do and to whom we are to be doing it to. The Word says that if God is lifted up, not people, that He (God Himself) will draw all men unto Him. If we are repelling people then we need to question whom we are lifting up and where our focus is? God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only son. Why then do we stick up our nose and feed into the concept that God doesn’t love the prostitute, the addict or the homosexual and only loves the perfect holy-roller? Has the church lost its focus or is that the church has become so hurt and wounded it can no longer bring forth the healing so many are seeking after?
It’s time more than ever to get back to the foundation, open up and let people in. Time to stop pointing blame, especially within the church, because, truth is, those under leadership have just as much to do with it. In God’s Generals it states that one can lead a move of God, but the people also have a part to play, and that if a move of God fades, then it is partly because the people never continued in what they received. (Selah)
I attend church and I have served in church so I’ve seen from both the inside and the outside and I can relate to both, if not all sides. I’ve witnessed what they are talking about and sometimes have agreed with what they are talking about. I’ve been there, where the place, which should have brought healing, encouragement and edification to my Spirit, was bringing hurt and offense. I too felt like, “Why should I attend when I can get this kind of treatment outside from people who don’t know any better? ” People tend to forget their actions have a voice and too often forget that because God IS in us that whatever they do to us they are in fact doing to Him. We forget that sowing seeds of strife and discord have a direct effect not just on us but the church as a whole.
Most recently the Lord reminded me that hurting people hurt people. Doesn’t matter what position or title they hold. It’s a fact. At some point, our flesh is going to come out and it will want to react. At some point our flesh will make a decision that doesn’t line up with His Spirit. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there, I’ve reacted at times and I can personally relate to the side of serving in a church and all that comes with it. It isn’t always easy. The pressures and sometimes stress, feeling like you always have to be “on” when at times the reality is you just want to turn the switch “off”, being spread out to thin or placed in positions there is no grace for because of need, and of course, having to show up and smile when inside your dying and outside you are dealing with a situation that no one knows anything about because no one takes the time to ask how you are because in these positions others will separate you from your function and begin to see your function more than your person.
We must realize that when we come in contact with these people or situations, whether we are on the offending side or the offense side that we are not God, we are people, human beings going through a journey we have never been on before, learning and figuring it out along the way, making mistakes yet pressing in, attempting to follow and execute directives, some of us without the grace or the Anointing to do so, and at the same time dealing with our personal lives and getting acquainted not only with God but with ourselves, the real us, and our Anointing, and it can be a lot. We must remind ourselves that every answer we need in His Word. If something appears out of order, then pray. If something appears to need change then change it. Be the solution and not the problem. If someone offends, forgive. If you offend, ask for forgiveness. Time to refocus, shut up and march.
We must remember that we are in partnership with God. He has trusted us to be His example on Earth. Whatever drew you to God allow that quality to be in you so you can draw others. Look to Him as your example. He didn’t shun away those with a past, or a situation, He embraced them. And I mean genuinely. Not because He needed or wanted something, but simply because He desired to be pleasing to the One who gives you life and continues to give you life. We must remember the Great Commission. Why we are here? We are to be fisher of men, not cars and houses. This is about people’s souls, people who are precious to God. Reality is, when in your assignment, that other stuff will come. Even more of a reality, it will come not just for you but also for others. We must remember the greatest commandment and choose to Love. We must be the Place of Grace, where whoever can be healed of whatever. We must remember how God has dealt with us so that we can deal with others the same, without judgment and with compassion. And we must remember we are not God, we are humans. It’s OK, especially for those who serve to take a break. It’s OK to make mistakes along the way, as long as you fix them. It’s OK to not be perfect, as long as you remain available.
To you, who know where you belong but have been hurt, disappointed or offended in some way, take your focus off of people, off the building and off situations and keep your focus on God. STAY in the place HE sets you. Don’t allow anyone, including self, to move you. Stay in communion with Him. Stay consecrated to Him. Stay in obedience to Him. He’s got this.
To you, who have doubts of belonging to a place of fellowship, I get it. But don’t allow us, and our mistakes to dictate who God is and who God can be to you. Come as you are and experience Him for yourself.
It would seem, with what has been transpiring over the past three years in our world that more Christians, and non-Christians, would desire to either stay locked in to a place of fellowship or find a place of fellowship they can stay locked into. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.
When in conversation with these individuals the same themes seemed to come up. They weren’t staying away from church because of the Worship or because of the Word but because everything else seemed to be out of order and out of God’s character, including a lack of God’s Love. The church, to them, was slowly looking more like the world with its props, entertainment and falsehood. They shared that we, the church, seem more concerned with advancing our lifestyle rather than our relationship with God. Makes sense, when a person is hurting, possibly contemplating suicide they aren’t desiring to hear how God is going to bless them with a car or a home. Furthermore, if they come in contact with the wrong representation of God, well, we could lose a soul.
My concern is that if Christians, who have a true relationship with God, are feeling this way, then what are those with no relationship with God feeling? While we are yet to be a fragrance it seems we are becoming more of an odor. We seem to have strayed from why we do what we do and to whom we are to be doing it to. The Word says that if God is lifted up, not people, that He (God Himself) will draw all men unto Him. If we are repelling people then we need to question whom we are lifting up and where our focus is? God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only son. Why then do we stick up our nose and feed into the concept that God doesn’t love the prostitute, the addict or the homosexual and only loves the perfect holy-roller? Has the church lost its focus or is that the church has become so hurt and wounded it can no longer bring forth the healing so many are seeking after?
It’s time more than ever to get back to the foundation, open up and let people in. Time to stop pointing blame, especially within the church, because, truth is, those under leadership have just as much to do with it. In God’s Generals it states that one can lead a move of God, but the people also have a part to play, and that if a move of God fades, then it is partly because the people never continued in what they received. (Selah)
I attend church and I have served in church so I’ve seen from both the inside and the outside and I can relate to both, if not all sides. I’ve witnessed what they are talking about and sometimes have agreed with what they are talking about. I’ve been there, where the place, which should have brought healing, encouragement and edification to my Spirit, was bringing hurt and offense. I too felt like, “Why should I attend when I can get this kind of treatment outside from people who don’t know any better? ” People tend to forget their actions have a voice and too often forget that because God IS in us that whatever they do to us they are in fact doing to Him. We forget that sowing seeds of strife and discord have a direct effect not just on us but the church as a whole.
Most recently the Lord reminded me that hurting people hurt people. Doesn’t matter what position or title they hold. It’s a fact. At some point, our flesh is going to come out and it will want to react. At some point our flesh will make a decision that doesn’t line up with His Spirit. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there, I’ve reacted at times and I can personally relate to the side of serving in a church and all that comes with it. It isn’t always easy. The pressures and sometimes stress, feeling like you always have to be “on” when at times the reality is you just want to turn the switch “off”, being spread out to thin or placed in positions there is no grace for because of need, and of course, having to show up and smile when inside your dying and outside you are dealing with a situation that no one knows anything about because no one takes the time to ask how you are because in these positions others will separate you from your function and begin to see your function more than your person.
We must realize that when we come in contact with these people or situations, whether we are on the offending side or the offense side that we are not God, we are people, human beings going through a journey we have never been on before, learning and figuring it out along the way, making mistakes yet pressing in, attempting to follow and execute directives, some of us without the grace or the Anointing to do so, and at the same time dealing with our personal lives and getting acquainted not only with God but with ourselves, the real us, and our Anointing, and it can be a lot. We must remind ourselves that every answer we need in His Word. If something appears out of order, then pray. If something appears to need change then change it. Be the solution and not the problem. If someone offends, forgive. If you offend, ask for forgiveness. Time to refocus, shut up and march.
We must remember that we are in partnership with God. He has trusted us to be His example on Earth. Whatever drew you to God allow that quality to be in you so you can draw others. Look to Him as your example. He didn’t shun away those with a past, or a situation, He embraced them. And I mean genuinely. Not because He needed or wanted something, but simply because He desired to be pleasing to the One who gives you life and continues to give you life. We must remember the Great Commission. Why we are here? We are to be fisher of men, not cars and houses. This is about people’s souls, people who are precious to God. Reality is, when in your assignment, that other stuff will come. Even more of a reality, it will come not just for you but also for others. We must remember the greatest commandment and choose to Love. We must be the Place of Grace, where whoever can be healed of whatever. We must remember how God has dealt with us so that we can deal with others the same, without judgment and with compassion. And we must remember we are not God, we are humans. It’s OK, especially for those who serve to take a break. It’s OK to make mistakes along the way, as long as you fix them. It’s OK to not be perfect, as long as you remain available.
To you, who know where you belong but have been hurt, disappointed or offended in some way, take your focus off of people, off the building and off situations and keep your focus on God. STAY in the place HE sets you. Don’t allow anyone, including self, to move you. Stay in communion with Him. Stay consecrated to Him. Stay in obedience to Him. He’s got this.
To you, who have doubts of belonging to a place of fellowship, I get it. But don’t allow us, and our mistakes to dictate who God is and who God can be to you. Come as you are and experience Him for yourself.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Fabulous & Loving God Can Exist
Why is it that in the majority of churches people have the mentality that the majority of women, of any age, who are fabulous, only attend church to seek after
man? It is as if the mentality is that if you look a certain way, wear certain clothes and have a nice figure the only possible reason you would
be at church is to attempt to hook a man. Are we serious?
I sometimes wonder if women put on others their insecurities or the part of them that hasn’t changed. Either because they haven’t wanted to
change, allowed themselves to change or just don’t know how to change.
Insert a personal entry from my journal from earlier this year.
“Today was filled with a lot of questions, doubting, and yes, even a little complaining. And let’s not forget a whole lot of water works. After
doing all I know not to do I shut everything down and just sat. I reached for my Kathryn Kuhlman book that the Lord has had me studying from. In the midst of reading another testimony I just broke before God, pleading with Him to look at my heart. Man looks at the outer appearance but God looks at the heart. I wanted Him to feel and know what I was and have been feeling since He placed me on consecration. That this isn’t about having a mate, the car, the house, the finer things in life but it was truly about Him and His will. About the people who need to know Him. Those who need to have an encounter with Him or an experience. There is something about my heart that is for others. It always has been, but not with as much compassion as it is now. There is such a desire to see change in people’s lives and the body as a whole. Such a desire to see celebrity-ism, fanaticism and entertainment removed from where He dwells and replaced with His authenticity. I desire to become more acquainted with the Anointing on my life and how to move in it. And I don’t mean at church. I mean everywhere. I desire to be so dead to self that it can't be recognized where I end and He begins. This is ALL I have. It is IN Him that I am at
my best. It is THIS that satisfies me and keeps me breathing. Without Him I am nothing but with Him I am everything. Not to mention, I don’t have a choice. I HAVE to do this. Whether people want me to or not, whether they feel I should or not. So I trust Him to see what He started within me through till completion. Nothing else matters to me but being in His will, helping those who are less fortunate, giving to those who have lost heart a reason to love, believe and hope again. This really isn’t about me and I trust God to do this with me…Not Man!”
Now don’t get me wrong. There are those women, of all varieties, that there only purpose in church, even in the world, is to seek out man. But let's make it clear. Not every fabulous gal, nor I, am one of them. Just because others may not see some of us physically with someone it doesn't mean that person doesn't exist. And, even if they don't exist, this entry should prove that being Fabulous and about God's business does.
Some of us realize that some men in the church are just playas with an Anointing. LoL! We also realize that what you see, most times, is not what you get. That the function and the person of an individual are different. You are setting yourself up daughter if you attend church, or any gathering, to seek a man. For should you trap him, you will eventually face the reality of the above, and it may turn out to be different than what you thought. An actor for example, a singer, what people see on stage is not always what the woman deals with behind closed doors. The woman behind closed doors deals with the person of the man. She deals with his moods, strengths and weaknesses. His habits and vulnerabilities. Some that may be more flattering than others. She deals with the less flashy side of him. The man on stage and the man off stage are not the same and therefore should not be treated the same. And if not with the one you came out of, the one you have the grace for, you will struggle.
Where most women miss it is in this. The women desire to assist the man’s function because it brings open reward, when in actuality she should be assisting the man so he can function and let God reward her. Furthermore, the woman who realizes this isn’t looking for her man because she understands that when God created her mate, she was created in him. Therefore her man has been carrying her and nothing will work or fulfill him until he finds her. And she knows when he does find her it won’t be because she manipulated or deceived him or did it with her own works. It will be because God brings her to him and the fruit will be evident. She will be able to tap into the grace that he has been given.
Those of us whose hearts are after God aren't sitting in a service, scoping the crowd, marking our territory, naming and claiming, or lying on God. We are seeking God regarding our walk, purpose and assignment and in the midst of this, at the appointed time, know He will bring us to him and him to us and join us.
The season has come to stop babysitting insecurities. To stop lying on our women and to our women (as well as our men) and really teach truth, whether it is desirable to hear or not. And it is time for those of us with understanding to set and raise the standard. Daughter, if this is you, I say unto you, arise!
man? It is as if the mentality is that if you look a certain way, wear certain clothes and have a nice figure the only possible reason you would
be at church is to attempt to hook a man. Are we serious?
I sometimes wonder if women put on others their insecurities or the part of them that hasn’t changed. Either because they haven’t wanted to
change, allowed themselves to change or just don’t know how to change.
Insert a personal entry from my journal from earlier this year.
“Today was filled with a lot of questions, doubting, and yes, even a little complaining. And let’s not forget a whole lot of water works. After
doing all I know not to do I shut everything down and just sat. I reached for my Kathryn Kuhlman book that the Lord has had me studying from. In the midst of reading another testimony I just broke before God, pleading with Him to look at my heart. Man looks at the outer appearance but God looks at the heart. I wanted Him to feel and know what I was and have been feeling since He placed me on consecration. That this isn’t about having a mate, the car, the house, the finer things in life but it was truly about Him and His will. About the people who need to know Him. Those who need to have an encounter with Him or an experience. There is something about my heart that is for others. It always has been, but not with as much compassion as it is now. There is such a desire to see change in people’s lives and the body as a whole. Such a desire to see celebrity-ism, fanaticism and entertainment removed from where He dwells and replaced with His authenticity. I desire to become more acquainted with the Anointing on my life and how to move in it. And I don’t mean at church. I mean everywhere. I desire to be so dead to self that it can't be recognized where I end and He begins. This is ALL I have. It is IN Him that I am at
my best. It is THIS that satisfies me and keeps me breathing. Without Him I am nothing but with Him I am everything. Not to mention, I don’t have a choice. I HAVE to do this. Whether people want me to or not, whether they feel I should or not. So I trust Him to see what He started within me through till completion. Nothing else matters to me but being in His will, helping those who are less fortunate, giving to those who have lost heart a reason to love, believe and hope again. This really isn’t about me and I trust God to do this with me…Not Man!”
Now don’t get me wrong. There are those women, of all varieties, that there only purpose in church, even in the world, is to seek out man. But let's make it clear. Not every fabulous gal, nor I, am one of them. Just because others may not see some of us physically with someone it doesn't mean that person doesn't exist. And, even if they don't exist, this entry should prove that being Fabulous and about God's business does.
Some of us realize that some men in the church are just playas with an Anointing. LoL! We also realize that what you see, most times, is not what you get. That the function and the person of an individual are different. You are setting yourself up daughter if you attend church, or any gathering, to seek a man. For should you trap him, you will eventually face the reality of the above, and it may turn out to be different than what you thought. An actor for example, a singer, what people see on stage is not always what the woman deals with behind closed doors. The woman behind closed doors deals with the person of the man. She deals with his moods, strengths and weaknesses. His habits and vulnerabilities. Some that may be more flattering than others. She deals with the less flashy side of him. The man on stage and the man off stage are not the same and therefore should not be treated the same. And if not with the one you came out of, the one you have the grace for, you will struggle.
Where most women miss it is in this. The women desire to assist the man’s function because it brings open reward, when in actuality she should be assisting the man so he can function and let God reward her. Furthermore, the woman who realizes this isn’t looking for her man because she understands that when God created her mate, she was created in him. Therefore her man has been carrying her and nothing will work or fulfill him until he finds her. And she knows when he does find her it won’t be because she manipulated or deceived him or did it with her own works. It will be because God brings her to him and the fruit will be evident. She will be able to tap into the grace that he has been given.
Those of us whose hearts are after God aren't sitting in a service, scoping the crowd, marking our territory, naming and claiming, or lying on God. We are seeking God regarding our walk, purpose and assignment and in the midst of this, at the appointed time, know He will bring us to him and him to us and join us.
The season has come to stop babysitting insecurities. To stop lying on our women and to our women (as well as our men) and really teach truth, whether it is desirable to hear or not. And it is time for those of us with understanding to set and raise the standard. Daughter, if this is you, I say unto you, arise!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9-11 Reminds Me That...
I, along with many others, will never forget where we were when we heard of what was transpiring in New York on September 11, 2001.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I was working as a Production Coordinator on the Primetime Emmy Awards. That morning I got up, as usual, to head to the Shrine Auditorium to finish preparations to the Red Carpet and the Press Tents, as the Emmy's were to air that weekend.
In the car on the drive there I began to worship and pray according to the pattern, as I did every morning on my drive in. For some reason, oblivious at the time to what was occurring, I found myself focused on the Peace of God and began worshiping Him as Jehovah Shalom, the God of our Peace, and began to speak back to Him His Word regarding His Peace.
When I arrived my boss and some of the crew members were sitting in our office area watching the events of that morning play over and over again. Once they explained what happened I could see why during my worship and prayer time I was focused on the Peace of God. Fear was taking over our nation.
I am reminded, on this day, by what took place in my life on that day, the importance of being sensitive to and obeying His unction to pray. I may have been oblivious, at the time, to the events taking place, but God wasn't. He is all knowing and everywhere. He knew exactly what was happening. And I may never know all whom my prayers reached but I do know they reached some.
I am also reminded of how we, as a people, came together. Our pasts, backgrounds, ethnicities, denominations, needs, etc, no longer mattered. People flocked to NY to assist. People found ways to donate. Everyday people were declared heros. We, as a people, need to get back to this. We need to take our focus off of self and put our focus back on God and the assignment He has
called us to. We must be more obedient to His instruction rather than the pleasing of people. We need to put our focus back on releasing the Blessing, pressing in to fast, consecrate and pray. We need to love others with the unconditional love of our Father and Creator. And we need to make ourselves available to help others (without expecting anything in return).
We shouldn't need a crisis to wake us up to do things that we are instructed to do and should be doing daily because it really is who we are. So, starting today, on this 10th anniversary, let's agree and commit to get back to the basics, back to the good samaritans we became on this day 10 years ago, and back to representing the One who Created us. The One whom made us in His image and likeness, which means we should be examples of His nature, character and authority. Because somehow, someway we have gotten quite far from God's heart.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I was working as a Production Coordinator on the Primetime Emmy Awards. That morning I got up, as usual, to head to the Shrine Auditorium to finish preparations to the Red Carpet and the Press Tents, as the Emmy's were to air that weekend.
In the car on the drive there I began to worship and pray according to the pattern, as I did every morning on my drive in. For some reason, oblivious at the time to what was occurring, I found myself focused on the Peace of God and began worshiping Him as Jehovah Shalom, the God of our Peace, and began to speak back to Him His Word regarding His Peace.
When I arrived my boss and some of the crew members were sitting in our office area watching the events of that morning play over and over again. Once they explained what happened I could see why during my worship and prayer time I was focused on the Peace of God. Fear was taking over our nation.
I am reminded, on this day, by what took place in my life on that day, the importance of being sensitive to and obeying His unction to pray. I may have been oblivious, at the time, to the events taking place, but God wasn't. He is all knowing and everywhere. He knew exactly what was happening. And I may never know all whom my prayers reached but I do know they reached some.
I am also reminded of how we, as a people, came together. Our pasts, backgrounds, ethnicities, denominations, needs, etc, no longer mattered. People flocked to NY to assist. People found ways to donate. Everyday people were declared heros. We, as a people, need to get back to this. We need to take our focus off of self and put our focus back on God and the assignment He has
called us to. We must be more obedient to His instruction rather than the pleasing of people. We need to put our focus back on releasing the Blessing, pressing in to fast, consecrate and pray. We need to love others with the unconditional love of our Father and Creator. And we need to make ourselves available to help others (without expecting anything in return).
We shouldn't need a crisis to wake us up to do things that we are instructed to do and should be doing daily because it really is who we are. So, starting today, on this 10th anniversary, let's agree and commit to get back to the basics, back to the good samaritans we became on this day 10 years ago, and back to representing the One who Created us. The One whom made us in His image and likeness, which means we should be examples of His nature, character and authority. Because somehow, someway we have gotten quite far from God's heart.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Cast out the bondwoman and her son.
This is good! It is from Pastor Jentzen Franklin!
Galations 4:30
Ishmael was born as a result of Abraham attempting to hurry up the plan of God and fulfill it through human effort. Are you doing that? We all have our “Ishmaels”: a good idea that was not God’s idea, and it can complicate your life. You say, “But didn’t God love Ishmael too?” Yes, and He blessed him (See Ge 17:20). But God said He would only fulfill His plan through Isaac. When you run ahead of God, or try to replace His will with your will you not only suffer, but the people you love suffer too. Spiritually speaking, when God says to you, “Cast out the bondwoman and her son,” He’s saying, “It’s time to deal with your past and clean out your closet.” But notice something else in this story.
Like Ishmael and Isaac, sometimes your miracle and your mistake can grow together under the same roof. Things can be so bad in one area, yet so good in another. Today God may be saying to you, “Because of the destiny I have in mind for you, you’ve got to put this thing out of your life.” It’s painful letting go of something your flesh creates, but you have no choice. Here are your options: You can be moved by their pleading and miss God’s best. Or you can say, “As much as I love you, I love God more.” When you’re willing to walk away from something you love because you love God more, that’s called “the sacrifice of praise” (Heb 13:15). And when you offer it up to God, you position yourself to receive the fullness of His blessing in your life.
Galations 4:30
Ishmael was born as a result of Abraham attempting to hurry up the plan of God and fulfill it through human effort. Are you doing that? We all have our “Ishmaels”: a good idea that was not God’s idea, and it can complicate your life. You say, “But didn’t God love Ishmael too?” Yes, and He blessed him (See Ge 17:20). But God said He would only fulfill His plan through Isaac. When you run ahead of God, or try to replace His will with your will you not only suffer, but the people you love suffer too. Spiritually speaking, when God says to you, “Cast out the bondwoman and her son,” He’s saying, “It’s time to deal with your past and clean out your closet.” But notice something else in this story.
Like Ishmael and Isaac, sometimes your miracle and your mistake can grow together under the same roof. Things can be so bad in one area, yet so good in another. Today God may be saying to you, “Because of the destiny I have in mind for you, you’ve got to put this thing out of your life.” It’s painful letting go of something your flesh creates, but you have no choice. Here are your options: You can be moved by their pleading and miss God’s best. Or you can say, “As much as I love you, I love God more.” When you’re willing to walk away from something you love because you love God more, that’s called “the sacrifice of praise” (Heb 13:15). And when you offer it up to God, you position yourself to receive the fullness of His blessing in your life.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Journey to the Other Side
That which pertains to you has already been completed. It has already been done.
However, to completely step into that which has already been completed one must first be willing to take the journey of death. Any time God promotes you to another dimension in Him or in His Anointing. Any time God elevates you He will first take you through the journey of death. Starting with the dessert/wilderness then around the bend to the cross and then, the best part, down the block to the resurrection. One will NEVER receive a resurrection or be mightily used if they don’t first take this journey. And while this is a journey that should occur daily there are times where it will become an intensified season.
The dessert/wilderness is the loneliest part of the journey and it will have you questioning everything you have ever learned, heard or know regarding the God you serve and that which He has spoken to and promised you. In it you will experience, very intensely, your flesh side. You will feel every emotion known to man. You will feel every digging and cut that He makes as He chisels parts of you away (some parts that you may even want to hold on to) and replaces those areas with more of Him. There will be an intense awareness of where you have been and where you are at and where you are at will surely not line up with where you know you are to be. You will witness the greatest contradiction of your Faith. Everything will look opposite to His Word and His Promise. You will feel your flesh wrestling and struggling with His Spirit. You will experience loss and betrayal. You will be tempted as Jesus was in Luke 4. You will question Whose you are and who you are. You will be stripped of all that you were trusting in, resting in and finding security in that was outside of Him and His Word. It is here that you will be the most tempted to fall into the sin of familiarity and cling to that which is familiar and comfortable. It is here, that if you are not careful, you WILL produce an Ishmael (Selah).
It is in this part of the journey, the dessert/wilderness that you die. You will die to self, perceptions and opinions. You will die to the HOW. You will die to your works (you trying to help it along). You will die to others and their perceptions, opinions, needs, lies and gossip. You will die to control. You will die to every success and every mistake. You will die to your wants, desires and will. You will basically die to anything that could possibly not only hinder you from stepping into that new place and that new Anointing but also anything that could destroy you once you get positioned there. It is a painful journey because unlike physical pain there is nothing tangible that can numb you through the process. Even Jesus asked if there could be another journey (way) to fulfill what God had called Him to do. There wasn’t. You MUST go through it and you MUST die in order to get to the cross.
The cross, like Jesus, is where you pay the price, whether privately or publicly, for what you are about to step into. It is here that you become numb. It is here that you obey with all that is in you despite how it appears in the natural or how it appears to others. It is here that you simply hang and endure. Yes, others are lying on you, stoning you, and treating you wrong. Yes it seems like people have more power than your God. Yes, it seems like God has forsaken you and left you. However, instead of retaliating or speaking you MUST remain silent and in Him and you MUST endure. The cross isn’t personal it is a part of the process. Honestly, if they really knew who Jesus was they wouldn’t have done what they did to Him. But at the same time, if they didn’t do what they did, it wouldn’t have fulfilled the Promise. I heard Bishop Veron Ashe say that in crucifying Jesus they were RELEASING Him. It is the same with you. When you come out on the other side, the resurrection, ALL that has been in you will be RELEASED.
The resurrection part is the best part. It makes the journey worth it. It breathes life. It breathes power. It breathes confidence. You walk in a new strength, with a new attitude, new passion, and a new authority you have not known. For through the journey of death God was retraining, refocusing, reaffirming and qualifying you for that new dimension in Him, His Anointing and Promise. It was producing the understanding of the fullness of the purpose for your life. It is a birthing.
I believe that the reason most never enter into new dimensions in Him or His Anointing or into their Promise is because most are not willing to go through this journey. You must ask yourself at some point in your walk, “Am I willing to pay the price for what God has for me?” And then, if your answer is YES, you must buckle up and put your blinders on for the journey of death.
I Have Asked. I Did Buckle Up. I Am IN this journey and I WILL SEE YOU on the other side. Though you just might not recognize me!
XOXO
However, to completely step into that which has already been completed one must first be willing to take the journey of death. Any time God promotes you to another dimension in Him or in His Anointing. Any time God elevates you He will first take you through the journey of death. Starting with the dessert/wilderness then around the bend to the cross and then, the best part, down the block to the resurrection. One will NEVER receive a resurrection or be mightily used if they don’t first take this journey. And while this is a journey that should occur daily there are times where it will become an intensified season.
The dessert/wilderness is the loneliest part of the journey and it will have you questioning everything you have ever learned, heard or know regarding the God you serve and that which He has spoken to and promised you. In it you will experience, very intensely, your flesh side. You will feel every emotion known to man. You will feel every digging and cut that He makes as He chisels parts of you away (some parts that you may even want to hold on to) and replaces those areas with more of Him. There will be an intense awareness of where you have been and where you are at and where you are at will surely not line up with where you know you are to be. You will witness the greatest contradiction of your Faith. Everything will look opposite to His Word and His Promise. You will feel your flesh wrestling and struggling with His Spirit. You will experience loss and betrayal. You will be tempted as Jesus was in Luke 4. You will question Whose you are and who you are. You will be stripped of all that you were trusting in, resting in and finding security in that was outside of Him and His Word. It is here that you will be the most tempted to fall into the sin of familiarity and cling to that which is familiar and comfortable. It is here, that if you are not careful, you WILL produce an Ishmael (Selah).
It is in this part of the journey, the dessert/wilderness that you die. You will die to self, perceptions and opinions. You will die to the HOW. You will die to your works (you trying to help it along). You will die to others and their perceptions, opinions, needs, lies and gossip. You will die to control. You will die to every success and every mistake. You will die to your wants, desires and will. You will basically die to anything that could possibly not only hinder you from stepping into that new place and that new Anointing but also anything that could destroy you once you get positioned there. It is a painful journey because unlike physical pain there is nothing tangible that can numb you through the process. Even Jesus asked if there could be another journey (way) to fulfill what God had called Him to do. There wasn’t. You MUST go through it and you MUST die in order to get to the cross.
The cross, like Jesus, is where you pay the price, whether privately or publicly, for what you are about to step into. It is here that you become numb. It is here that you obey with all that is in you despite how it appears in the natural or how it appears to others. It is here that you simply hang and endure. Yes, others are lying on you, stoning you, and treating you wrong. Yes it seems like people have more power than your God. Yes, it seems like God has forsaken you and left you. However, instead of retaliating or speaking you MUST remain silent and in Him and you MUST endure. The cross isn’t personal it is a part of the process. Honestly, if they really knew who Jesus was they wouldn’t have done what they did to Him. But at the same time, if they didn’t do what they did, it wouldn’t have fulfilled the Promise. I heard Bishop Veron Ashe say that in crucifying Jesus they were RELEASING Him. It is the same with you. When you come out on the other side, the resurrection, ALL that has been in you will be RELEASED.
The resurrection part is the best part. It makes the journey worth it. It breathes life. It breathes power. It breathes confidence. You walk in a new strength, with a new attitude, new passion, and a new authority you have not known. For through the journey of death God was retraining, refocusing, reaffirming and qualifying you for that new dimension in Him, His Anointing and Promise. It was producing the understanding of the fullness of the purpose for your life. It is a birthing.
I believe that the reason most never enter into new dimensions in Him or His Anointing or into their Promise is because most are not willing to go through this journey. You must ask yourself at some point in your walk, “Am I willing to pay the price for what God has for me?” And then, if your answer is YES, you must buckle up and put your blinders on for the journey of death.
I Have Asked. I Did Buckle Up. I Am IN this journey and I WILL SEE YOU on the other side. Though you just might not recognize me!
XOXO
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Mentee and Me
Click My Mentee and Me to read a brief note my mentee, Patty, wrote about / to me. Youth Mentoring Connection posted it on their website. So sweet.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Transition Period
The transition part of birth is the last part of active labor. It is called the transition period because it MARKS the SHIFT to the second stage of labor. It is also the most INTENSE part of labor.
If a woman is laboring without an epidural, this is where she may begin to LOSE FAITH in her ABILITY to HANDLE the PAIN, so lots of EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT and SUPPORT from those around her can help her cope, as well as CHANGING POSITION.
Transition can take all of the woman's CONCENTRATION, so she may want to ELIMINATE ALL DISTRACTION. She may want to FOCUS on the FACT that the HARD CONTRACTIONS are HELPING her baby (VISION / PROMISE) MAKE the JOURNEY OUT INTO THE WORLD.
The good news about the transition period is that the END IS NEAR!
*And here you were questioning what is going on. Nothing out of the ordinary. You are just TRANSITIONING into your ESTABLISHED PLACE, VISION, PROMISE! Keep pressing, stay focused, YOU are almost OUT!
If a woman is laboring without an epidural, this is where she may begin to LOSE FAITH in her ABILITY to HANDLE the PAIN, so lots of EXTRA ENCOURAGEMENT and SUPPORT from those around her can help her cope, as well as CHANGING POSITION.
Transition can take all of the woman's CONCENTRATION, so she may want to ELIMINATE ALL DISTRACTION. She may want to FOCUS on the FACT that the HARD CONTRACTIONS are HELPING her baby (VISION / PROMISE) MAKE the JOURNEY OUT INTO THE WORLD.
The good news about the transition period is that the END IS NEAR!
*And here you were questioning what is going on. Nothing out of the ordinary. You are just TRANSITIONING into your ESTABLISHED PLACE, VISION, PROMISE! Keep pressing, stay focused, YOU are almost OUT!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Following PEACE
About five years ago, in prayer, I was communing with the Lord in regards to a crossroad. I had two very similar situations presenting themselves to me and knew that only one was the way to go.
To describe the two, one of the situations (let's call it situation A), in the natural, seemed to make more "sense" to continue in. The other situation (let's call it situation B), in the natural, seemed to make NO "sense" to continue in. However, I realize that this walk isn’t about what makes "sense". When dealing with the things of God you can’t come with your intellect or your religion. You must come open and learn to get HIS mind on your situation.
As I laid out both situations to God and explained why in the natural it made more sense to continue in situation A (as if He didn't know), the Lord's response to me was, "Daughter, Follow MY Peace." I stepped back, removed Rebekah from the situation and saw/found where His peace was. Surprisingly, His peace was in situation B. This moment taught me that whenever faced with a decision my pattern was to be to step back, be still and follow the peace of God. God's peace may not always lead you to the place you think you should be or even want to be, and it may not always lead you to the place others or religion think you should be but follow it anyway.
At the close of our communing the Lord brought me back and had me re-read the story of Kathryn Kuhlman. In one part, it speaks about her marriage and how she found no peace in her spirit concerning it. She was quoted saying, "I just couldn’t find the will of God in this matter". Although those around her tried to convince her to wait and follow the peace of God in the matter she wouldn’t listen. She moved forward, got married, and as a result her ministry disintegrated and she lost her church. It goes on that she spent the next eight years after being married in oblivion as far as major ministry was concerned. And if you keep reading, it wasn't until she separated and divorced that she got her ministry back. I mention this to show an example of the consequences that can take place when we don’t follow His peace. After all, our decisions / choices never effect only us.
We cannot trust our life decisions to our emotions because our emotions are ever changing nor can we move in haste to make a decision due to the pressure of others or even self. We must trust Whose we are and know that He sees the end from the beginning, He knows what we need to get done what He has called us to do. God is not an emotional God, therefore this walk can not be based off emotions. And this is not always easy but like anything the more you exercise it the more it becomes a part of your lifestyle. And once you receive God's peace concerning a situation you will never second guess that situation again.
I am stressing God's peace because there is a difference between God's peace and man's. Man's peace is something that is created to accomplish what needs to be done for the moment. However, since it is a peace that man creates it never lasts. God’s peace surpasses your carnal understanding. It is a peace that even if all Hell breaks loose around you it won’t affect you because you are in the peace of God. Picture yourself walking outside when all of a sudden a storm hits. Trees are knocking over, stuff is flying past you (people acting out of character,a bad Dr. report, betrayal, offense, pressing financial obligations, etc.) but you keep walking, you keep moving forward, not fazed but what is going on around you because you are fortified in God's peace.
Following God's peace can save time, it can give rest, confidence and faith, It can save us from making long term decisions in temporal situations. It won't just confirm you are exactly where He wants you to be but it will also confirm you are exactly where God doesn’t want you to be. So, the next time you find yourself face to face with a decision step back and out of your emotions and follow His peace. It will confirm itself in time.
To describe the two, one of the situations (let's call it situation A), in the natural, seemed to make more "sense" to continue in. The other situation (let's call it situation B), in the natural, seemed to make NO "sense" to continue in. However, I realize that this walk isn’t about what makes "sense". When dealing with the things of God you can’t come with your intellect or your religion. You must come open and learn to get HIS mind on your situation.
As I laid out both situations to God and explained why in the natural it made more sense to continue in situation A (as if He didn't know), the Lord's response to me was, "Daughter, Follow MY Peace." I stepped back, removed Rebekah from the situation and saw/found where His peace was. Surprisingly, His peace was in situation B. This moment taught me that whenever faced with a decision my pattern was to be to step back, be still and follow the peace of God. God's peace may not always lead you to the place you think you should be or even want to be, and it may not always lead you to the place others or religion think you should be but follow it anyway.
At the close of our communing the Lord brought me back and had me re-read the story of Kathryn Kuhlman. In one part, it speaks about her marriage and how she found no peace in her spirit concerning it. She was quoted saying, "I just couldn’t find the will of God in this matter". Although those around her tried to convince her to wait and follow the peace of God in the matter she wouldn’t listen. She moved forward, got married, and as a result her ministry disintegrated and she lost her church. It goes on that she spent the next eight years after being married in oblivion as far as major ministry was concerned. And if you keep reading, it wasn't until she separated and divorced that she got her ministry back. I mention this to show an example of the consequences that can take place when we don’t follow His peace. After all, our decisions / choices never effect only us.
We cannot trust our life decisions to our emotions because our emotions are ever changing nor can we move in haste to make a decision due to the pressure of others or even self. We must trust Whose we are and know that He sees the end from the beginning, He knows what we need to get done what He has called us to do. God is not an emotional God, therefore this walk can not be based off emotions. And this is not always easy but like anything the more you exercise it the more it becomes a part of your lifestyle. And once you receive God's peace concerning a situation you will never second guess that situation again.
I am stressing God's peace because there is a difference between God's peace and man's. Man's peace is something that is created to accomplish what needs to be done for the moment. However, since it is a peace that man creates it never lasts. God’s peace surpasses your carnal understanding. It is a peace that even if all Hell breaks loose around you it won’t affect you because you are in the peace of God. Picture yourself walking outside when all of a sudden a storm hits. Trees are knocking over, stuff is flying past you (people acting out of character,a bad Dr. report, betrayal, offense, pressing financial obligations, etc.) but you keep walking, you keep moving forward, not fazed but what is going on around you because you are fortified in God's peace.
Following God's peace can save time, it can give rest, confidence and faith, It can save us from making long term decisions in temporal situations. It won't just confirm you are exactly where He wants you to be but it will also confirm you are exactly where God doesn’t want you to be. So, the next time you find yourself face to face with a decision step back and out of your emotions and follow His peace. It will confirm itself in time.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Don't Allow your Past / Ishmael to Keep you from your Promise!
We are in such an explosive season, might I say an explosive year. I truly believe that the breakthrough that is going to occur / is occurring this year, is the breaking out of situations, mindsets and anything else that has hindered us, either because of our own doing or the doing of someone / something else, from moving forward in that which we were destined to be and do from the foundation of the world.
As I have been praying, sowing and consecrating in this area I have felt such an expectation in my Spirit. While 2011 is the year we breakthrough / out I sense that 2012 is going to be the year of the FULFILLMENT of the Promise. Yes, I am excited, and I don’t want anything or anyone, including myself, to mess this up. I want to enjoy the Promises that have been laid out for me wholeheartedly, in excellence and with liberty.
In desiring this I started to think about what could keep myself, or any individual from experiencing that which is on our horizon and the (2) areas that seemed to jump out, though I am sure there are more, are (1.) One’s Past and (2.) One’s Ishmael(s).
The residue of one’s past can be such a hindrance in moving forward, as I have mentioned before. None of us are perfect. We have all missed it now and again. But since we can’t go back to the past and change it (unless we have a time machine) let’s allow God to use our past to bring forth wisdom for our future. Let’s allow ourselves to be healed of our past, forgiven of our past, and delivered from our past so we can move forward into our promise without excess baggage weighing us down or anything else that may hinder us from fully enjoying our promise. The past is over, it’s done, get bored with it and release yourself from it. From the successes and the failures. If you have truly repented for the failures of your past then God has forgotten about them and is no longer talking about them to you or anyone else…so why are you?
The other area that seemed to jump out was that of one’s Ishmael(s). To me, Ishmael represents that which one creates during the “in between” of the beginning and the end of their faith, the time between expectation and experience. Maybe because they got impatient, were in disobedience or doubt, were pressured by others or even one’s own anxiety to move. Possibly making a permanent decision in a very temporary situation. Because it is something we create it can be seen as a prop, a copy, or counterfeit. And Ishmael(s) can be created in so many areas of our life, from business to ministry to finances and even relationships. They can also get tricky because sometimes the Ishmael(s) we create can look exactly like the promise we've seen and might even be believed to be the promise we've seen. That is until the promise makes its appearance. Once the promise makes its tangible appearance it will become clear which is which. The best way to explain an Ishmael is to compare it to the like of counterfeit money. Counterfeit money, if it is created good, will look, feel and possibly, for a moment, even spend like real money. However, when placed next to the real thing the difference will be made known. Now, with us, those of faith, we believe that all things work together for good so the Ishmael(s) we may create God can still use them and give them purpose. But, when the promise makes its tangible appearance don't allow the your Ishmael to keep you from experiencing the real thing, from experiencing the promise, from experiencing that which you knew could exist but never thought it could exist for you because the truth is…IT DOES EXIST…IT DOES EXIST FOR YOU...and YOU ARE TO BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE IT THIS YEAR!
As I have been praying, sowing and consecrating in this area I have felt such an expectation in my Spirit. While 2011 is the year we breakthrough / out I sense that 2012 is going to be the year of the FULFILLMENT of the Promise. Yes, I am excited, and I don’t want anything or anyone, including myself, to mess this up. I want to enjoy the Promises that have been laid out for me wholeheartedly, in excellence and with liberty.
In desiring this I started to think about what could keep myself, or any individual from experiencing that which is on our horizon and the (2) areas that seemed to jump out, though I am sure there are more, are (1.) One’s Past and (2.) One’s Ishmael(s).
The residue of one’s past can be such a hindrance in moving forward, as I have mentioned before. None of us are perfect. We have all missed it now and again. But since we can’t go back to the past and change it (unless we have a time machine) let’s allow God to use our past to bring forth wisdom for our future. Let’s allow ourselves to be healed of our past, forgiven of our past, and delivered from our past so we can move forward into our promise without excess baggage weighing us down or anything else that may hinder us from fully enjoying our promise. The past is over, it’s done, get bored with it and release yourself from it. From the successes and the failures. If you have truly repented for the failures of your past then God has forgotten about them and is no longer talking about them to you or anyone else…so why are you?
The other area that seemed to jump out was that of one’s Ishmael(s). To me, Ishmael represents that which one creates during the “in between” of the beginning and the end of their faith, the time between expectation and experience. Maybe because they got impatient, were in disobedience or doubt, were pressured by others or even one’s own anxiety to move. Possibly making a permanent decision in a very temporary situation. Because it is something we create it can be seen as a prop, a copy, or counterfeit. And Ishmael(s) can be created in so many areas of our life, from business to ministry to finances and even relationships. They can also get tricky because sometimes the Ishmael(s) we create can look exactly like the promise we've seen and might even be believed to be the promise we've seen. That is until the promise makes its appearance. Once the promise makes its tangible appearance it will become clear which is which. The best way to explain an Ishmael is to compare it to the like of counterfeit money. Counterfeit money, if it is created good, will look, feel and possibly, for a moment, even spend like real money. However, when placed next to the real thing the difference will be made known. Now, with us, those of faith, we believe that all things work together for good so the Ishmael(s) we may create God can still use them and give them purpose. But, when the promise makes its tangible appearance don't allow the your Ishmael to keep you from experiencing the real thing, from experiencing the promise, from experiencing that which you knew could exist but never thought it could exist for you because the truth is…IT DOES EXIST…IT DOES EXIST FOR YOU...and YOU ARE TO BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE IT THIS YEAR!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The CrossRoad of Faith
So many of us say, and probably think we are believing and trusting God when it comes to the vision for or certain situations in our lives but are we truly believing and trusting Him?
I thought I was because I was standing on the Word the Lord gave to me for the vision of my life. I believed that I received and continued to remind Him of what He promised. I was sowing my seed in two worlds. I was using the Word as a net to filter out doubt, negativity, and any thought that would come to mind that contradicted what I knew.
This week I have been in a posture of consecration. During worship the Lord said to me, “You need to crossover". As I started asking questions back it was revealed that I wasn’t fully believing and trusting Him as it pertains to the vision for my life. I was just going through the faith motions. Though my Spirit had fully grasped it there were some parts of Rebekah that were teetering. I had one foot in faith and one foot out. You know, just-in-case, in case I was wrong, wasn’t hearing correctly, missed it, or for some reason it didn’t come to pass. And I get why I was teetering. Teetering meant I couldn’t get hurt or disappointed because I could run the other way if I had to. If I wasn’t fully in belief or trust I couldn’t get fully hurt or disappointed. My teetering was protecting me. There was still a bit of fear operating and battling with my faith. There was still a bit of denial, and rightfully so. For some of us, the vision given is not a desirous one. Yes, we are passionate about it, and it is who we are, but, because we feel the weight of it, because we know the responsibility that comes with it, the discipline, the ridicule, the attack, the crucifixion, we attempt to do whatever else we can, except what we are supposed to do. Cute, I know. Because, while there is a "cost" attached to some visions, this "cost" will be far greater if the vision is ignored.
Here I was at a crossroad. And I am sure there are many others at the crossroad of their faith. Whether it be exercising faith in their business, career, finances, ministry, relationships, health, deliverance, etc. That crossroad where we decide to either let go completely or continue to hold on to some sort of safety, comfort, or familiarity. I knew, at that moment, that if I crossed over in my faith there was no turning back. My life, myself, was fully with Him. My hands would be completely off of it and I would no longer have my hands on it. Whatever was to happen would happen. I would no longer be teetering on the seesaw of faith able to control and protect myself from hurt or disappointment, from the weight or the responsibility,or from all that is connected to who I am to be and where I am headed. This was it.
So, in the words of Elphaba from Wicked, with a twist, I said to Him, “It’s too late for second-guessing. Too late to go back to sleep (after all, I had already told Him 'Yes'). It's time to trust my Spirit. Close my eyes and leap!” And that is exactly what I did. I leaped and crossed over in my faith, completely and wholeheartedly. As it is a NEW place for me I surprisingly feel more charged than I do scared. And now, here I am, completely surrendered, and completely ready!
I thought I was because I was standing on the Word the Lord gave to me for the vision of my life. I believed that I received and continued to remind Him of what He promised. I was sowing my seed in two worlds. I was using the Word as a net to filter out doubt, negativity, and any thought that would come to mind that contradicted what I knew.
This week I have been in a posture of consecration. During worship the Lord said to me, “You need to crossover". As I started asking questions back it was revealed that I wasn’t fully believing and trusting Him as it pertains to the vision for my life. I was just going through the faith motions. Though my Spirit had fully grasped it there were some parts of Rebekah that were teetering. I had one foot in faith and one foot out. You know, just-in-case, in case I was wrong, wasn’t hearing correctly, missed it, or for some reason it didn’t come to pass. And I get why I was teetering. Teetering meant I couldn’t get hurt or disappointed because I could run the other way if I had to. If I wasn’t fully in belief or trust I couldn’t get fully hurt or disappointed. My teetering was protecting me. There was still a bit of fear operating and battling with my faith. There was still a bit of denial, and rightfully so. For some of us, the vision given is not a desirous one. Yes, we are passionate about it, and it is who we are, but, because we feel the weight of it, because we know the responsibility that comes with it, the discipline, the ridicule, the attack, the crucifixion, we attempt to do whatever else we can, except what we are supposed to do. Cute, I know. Because, while there is a "cost" attached to some visions, this "cost" will be far greater if the vision is ignored.
Here I was at a crossroad. And I am sure there are many others at the crossroad of their faith. Whether it be exercising faith in their business, career, finances, ministry, relationships, health, deliverance, etc. That crossroad where we decide to either let go completely or continue to hold on to some sort of safety, comfort, or familiarity. I knew, at that moment, that if I crossed over in my faith there was no turning back. My life, myself, was fully with Him. My hands would be completely off of it and I would no longer have my hands on it. Whatever was to happen would happen. I would no longer be teetering on the seesaw of faith able to control and protect myself from hurt or disappointment, from the weight or the responsibility,or from all that is connected to who I am to be and where I am headed. This was it.
So, in the words of Elphaba from Wicked, with a twist, I said to Him, “It’s too late for second-guessing. Too late to go back to sleep (after all, I had already told Him 'Yes'). It's time to trust my Spirit. Close my eyes and leap!” And that is exactly what I did. I leaped and crossed over in my faith, completely and wholeheartedly. As it is a NEW place for me I surprisingly feel more charged than I do scared. And now, here I am, completely surrendered, and completely ready!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
What / Who R U Giving Power 2?
The question is simple, “What / Who are you giving POWER to in your life that shouldn’t have it?” This came to me at the end of last year during a consecration.
The Lord, as well as some other individuals in my life, had been dealing with me, for a while, about being more consistent in an area of my life and how that consistency was tied to some things that would be transpiring in my life in the future. I wrestled with this and even disobeyed in this area for some years. I had the understanding as to why I needed to be more consistent but there were things holding me back from being as consistent as I should.
Like in all my other times of consecration the spotlight was shedding on something that needed to be dealt with. If not for me than for those connected to me, some of whom I have yet to meet. In my private time of worship I heard that still, quiet voice ask me, “what?” and “why?” What was holding me back from being consistent and why was I allowing it?
I started to rattle off the reasons as to what and why, which of course came from a past, negative, experience in my life, and revealed that I was giving certain people power over me that they shouldn’t have had. I was giving my mind / thoughts power over me that they shouldn’t have had. Once this came to me it was like a weight just lifted up off of me. Strangely a peace came over me, a confidence that I had lost. It was like the real me was able to emerge again, only better, and in a way that I don’t give a thought to what people think or say anymore. I don’t even give a thought to what (I) think or say anymore that doesn’t line up with what I know. The anxiety I had in this area vanished. I hadn’t realized how much I was selling myself short so as not to step on other people’s toes. I was allowing what people thought, and were possibly saying, to keep me from where the Lord, and others, said that I needed to be because what was in me was needed by others.
Now that I see the positive impact relinquishing power has I wonder how many others are paralyzed because somewhere down the line, something happened, and they gave up the power within them and allowed circumstance or situation, even people to have power over them. How many of us give power to people from our past, especially those we have had a relationship with? How many of us allow our thoughts to have power over us and hinder us from moving forward? How many of us have allowed religion to have power over us and keep us from relationship with the One who created us, or keep us from making decisions we know we should make but we don’t for fear of what others will think? And the list goes on. The only person that should have power over you is you, with the understanding that the power you have comes from another source other than you.
So today, ask yourself this simple question, get your power back, and FREELY live!
The Lord, as well as some other individuals in my life, had been dealing with me, for a while, about being more consistent in an area of my life and how that consistency was tied to some things that would be transpiring in my life in the future. I wrestled with this and even disobeyed in this area for some years. I had the understanding as to why I needed to be more consistent but there were things holding me back from being as consistent as I should.
Like in all my other times of consecration the spotlight was shedding on something that needed to be dealt with. If not for me than for those connected to me, some of whom I have yet to meet. In my private time of worship I heard that still, quiet voice ask me, “what?” and “why?” What was holding me back from being consistent and why was I allowing it?
I started to rattle off the reasons as to what and why, which of course came from a past, negative, experience in my life, and revealed that I was giving certain people power over me that they shouldn’t have had. I was giving my mind / thoughts power over me that they shouldn’t have had. Once this came to me it was like a weight just lifted up off of me. Strangely a peace came over me, a confidence that I had lost. It was like the real me was able to emerge again, only better, and in a way that I don’t give a thought to what people think or say anymore. I don’t even give a thought to what (I) think or say anymore that doesn’t line up with what I know. The anxiety I had in this area vanished. I hadn’t realized how much I was selling myself short so as not to step on other people’s toes. I was allowing what people thought, and were possibly saying, to keep me from where the Lord, and others, said that I needed to be because what was in me was needed by others.
Now that I see the positive impact relinquishing power has I wonder how many others are paralyzed because somewhere down the line, something happened, and they gave up the power within them and allowed circumstance or situation, even people to have power over them. How many of us give power to people from our past, especially those we have had a relationship with? How many of us allow our thoughts to have power over us and hinder us from moving forward? How many of us have allowed religion to have power over us and keep us from relationship with the One who created us, or keep us from making decisions we know we should make but we don’t for fear of what others will think? And the list goes on. The only person that should have power over you is you, with the understanding that the power you have comes from another source other than you.
So today, ask yourself this simple question, get your power back, and FREELY live!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
There is Power in Forgiveness
I never truly realized the Power of Forgiveness until recently.
Growing up we are taught to forgive and all throughout the Bible there are numerous references on forgiveness. God forgiving us, one forgiving others, and the hindrances that walking in un-forgiveness can bring to one’s life.
So, for me, forgiveness was just something I did, or maybe I should write, so, for me, forgiveness was just something I would say in my prayer time. It became a part of the routine. I certainly didn’t want anything hindering my walk or the manifestation of blessing in my life so whether I was feeling it or not I would ask for forgiveness if I offended someone or give forgiveness if someone offended me. Guess I forgot that God looks at the heart and let’s be real, there are times we attempt to do what is right, like forgive, and our hearts are just not in it. After all, forgiveness is needed because in some way someone did something to another that hurt them, whether intentionally or not, and whether a small wound or a big wound.
Recently, I was speaking with someone and in the midst of the conversation this person said to me, “You have to forgive me for…” (Ha! That part is personal!) I’m not even sure at the time this was said to me that I understood the power or the impact of that statement or how much I really did need to forgive them. To be honest, it never crossed my mind that what they asked me to forgive them for was something that I had to forgive them for. However, as the week went by I realized how what they asked me to forgive them for was directly connected to me in an indirect way. I also realized that a part of me was walking in un-forgiveness in regards to that very thing that they asked me to forgive them for. So, with a sincere heart, I forgave them. Interesting enough, we are in a whole other place and that same week I received a HUGE increase. Now, yes, the increase could be tied to the seed I have been sowing but a part of me truly believes that there were things that were being held up because of the un-forgiveness I was carrying that I wasn’t even aware of.
Later, in that same week, my co-worker had Oprah on at work . (She only comes in two times a week to do research for me so I let her watch what she wants. I’m so nice. LOL!) Oprah was saying that on one of her shows someone gave this definition for forgiveness, “Forgiveness is (giving up) the (hope) that the PAST could be (any different)”. That definition hit me and opened up so much more to me.
Think about it, why don’t we forgive people who hurt us? Could it be because we want to hold on to the hope that things could have been different in our past? Think about it like that and it seems a bit funny. The past is just that, the past. Without a time machine, it can’t be changed. We can’t go back and change our actions, choices or how we treated others or others treated us. NOTHING is going to change the past. Yet we dwell there and we dwell in the actions done by others, we dwell in the choices that we made and we dwell in the atmosphere of how we felt when so and so did this or so and so did that. Forgiveness is the Law of the Kingdom. It is how we, people of faith, get in and it is how we stay in. So, FORGIVE! And when I say forgive, I am including forgiving self. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive and the person we need to forgive the most is self. But do it, and when you do, don’t go back to that place. If you truly believe you are forgiven and have forgiven then there is no need to talk about it. It’s done. Release the weight and all it carried, move forward and live in the NOW! You will be surprised at the power that comes with forgiveness.
Growing up we are taught to forgive and all throughout the Bible there are numerous references on forgiveness. God forgiving us, one forgiving others, and the hindrances that walking in un-forgiveness can bring to one’s life.
So, for me, forgiveness was just something I did, or maybe I should write, so, for me, forgiveness was just something I would say in my prayer time. It became a part of the routine. I certainly didn’t want anything hindering my walk or the manifestation of blessing in my life so whether I was feeling it or not I would ask for forgiveness if I offended someone or give forgiveness if someone offended me. Guess I forgot that God looks at the heart and let’s be real, there are times we attempt to do what is right, like forgive, and our hearts are just not in it. After all, forgiveness is needed because in some way someone did something to another that hurt them, whether intentionally or not, and whether a small wound or a big wound.
Recently, I was speaking with someone and in the midst of the conversation this person said to me, “You have to forgive me for…” (Ha! That part is personal!) I’m not even sure at the time this was said to me that I understood the power or the impact of that statement or how much I really did need to forgive them. To be honest, it never crossed my mind that what they asked me to forgive them for was something that I had to forgive them for. However, as the week went by I realized how what they asked me to forgive them for was directly connected to me in an indirect way. I also realized that a part of me was walking in un-forgiveness in regards to that very thing that they asked me to forgive them for. So, with a sincere heart, I forgave them. Interesting enough, we are in a whole other place and that same week I received a HUGE increase. Now, yes, the increase could be tied to the seed I have been sowing but a part of me truly believes that there were things that were being held up because of the un-forgiveness I was carrying that I wasn’t even aware of.
Later, in that same week, my co-worker had Oprah on at work . (She only comes in two times a week to do research for me so I let her watch what she wants. I’m so nice. LOL!) Oprah was saying that on one of her shows someone gave this definition for forgiveness, “Forgiveness is (giving up) the (hope) that the PAST could be (any different)”. That definition hit me and opened up so much more to me.
Think about it, why don’t we forgive people who hurt us? Could it be because we want to hold on to the hope that things could have been different in our past? Think about it like that and it seems a bit funny. The past is just that, the past. Without a time machine, it can’t be changed. We can’t go back and change our actions, choices or how we treated others or others treated us. NOTHING is going to change the past. Yet we dwell there and we dwell in the actions done by others, we dwell in the choices that we made and we dwell in the atmosphere of how we felt when so and so did this or so and so did that. Forgiveness is the Law of the Kingdom. It is how we, people of faith, get in and it is how we stay in. So, FORGIVE! And when I say forgive, I am including forgiving self. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive and the person we need to forgive the most is self. But do it, and when you do, don’t go back to that place. If you truly believe you are forgiven and have forgiven then there is no need to talk about it. It’s done. Release the weight and all it carried, move forward and live in the NOW! You will be surprised at the power that comes with forgiveness.
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