In this season of foundation, order and alignment where we are transitioning from purpose into destiny and in this season where we are about to tangibly crossover into our promise both individually and corporately. A season where we must remain fortified and guarded and prepared for the battle, I believe there is much the body of Christ can learn as it pertains to unity from our men and women who serve and protect us, and our country (territory).
Recognizing that open doors bring opposition and that there will be some type of battle before occupying there is the realization that the only way to possess corporately is to unite together. After all, united we stand, divided we fall. Now, I understand that our battle is not with tangible enemies (Ephesians 6:12) as it is with our soldiers, but we are still in a battle and the tactics and mindset of our soldiers should be looked at and applied, especially as it pertains to their sense of brother/sisterhood and family that is not only seen and felt by others, but walked out by their actions toward one another to watch each others back and to not only complete their mission (assignment) but to ensure within their powers and/or abilities to have every man/woman return home and accounted for.
It pains my heart to see constant offense and strife within the very place that should exemplify this type of brother/sister hood and family bond. It boggles my mind how these things can occur and dwell in places that are supposed to breathe grace, love, compassion, edification and unity. It seems we do the opposite, and more so within the remnant, which really should be the strength and core of our foundation, even if it is not seen by the masses. More concerned with and focused on self-gain, who people are talking to, where people are seated, who is being used and who holds what title and or position instead of the assignment and/or vision at hand. More concerned with playing God rather than choosing to be like God (His nature, character and authority). Selah. God is everywhere and sees all. He will ensure that what is needed for the assignment and/or vision to succeed is provided. In the same, He will ensure that what is hindering the assignment and/or vision is removed. We often speak about how we are to steward the things of God but we must realize that in stewarding the things of God this also includes how we steward His children and the gifts and Anointing that are given to us and are before us. I often wonder how can we be trusted with the world, to reach the world, when we can’t even be trusted with one another?
While it is understood, that even among our soldiers there may be some jealousy if one gets a position of leadership before another, or maybe some other challenge among one another, it is also understood, especially for those called to the front lines, that when it is time to go forth, every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the mission (assignment) is pushed to the back burner so to speak, because the focus must be staying alive, and again, not just for self but for those connected to them both on the field and back at safety. One veteran I threw out some questions to, said it best, “We had an enemy to fight, so we couldn’t be fighting each other.”
Maybe what might help us is to realize that just as in the military everyone serves a purpose so is the case within the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 teaches us this very thing and the importance of ALL members of the body and their functions. In speaking with this veteran it was interesting to see that because he was on the front line he esteemed the people back on base as essential because that's where he and those with him would get their food and ammo. Too often, I believe, that within the body and probably society as a whole, we tend to base someone’s importance based off their title or position. We base how we treat others based off their status, title, wallet, influence or celebrity-ism. Call me off, but as a general in the Kingdom, while of course provision and opportunities are welcomed and appreciated, more important to me would be that I have people committed to going before the Lord for me in prayer. Please know, whether your position is one that is seen or not they are all just as important for within the body they all go hand in hand. One position cannot function without the other. If they attempt to do so it will lead to a breakdown in the operation. And that goes for any ministry, business, relationship, etc.
I believe that unity is one of the main ingredients needed in the foundation that we as a body are now building, along with grace and the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22. I believe that if we make a conscious choice from here on out to do as our soldiers do when heading to the front line and place every attitude, emotion, etc., anything that could possibly assist in aborting the assignment and/or vision on the back burner and begin to walk in the above mentioned that we will begin to see the cracks of our current foundation sealed up and thereby no longer leaving room for the enemy or enemies to seep in and out of what we have been called to build and do. Our focus, in this season, must be our assignment and/or vision and corporately it can only be accomplished as we stand together, one for another, trusting that as we do, God will be faithful to us to do what He has promised.
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PS: Thanks to my old high school classmate Mike for allowing me to throw out some questions his way before writing this piece.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Rooted Trees
Today, as I was walking Gio, for some reason, I focused in on the trees.
I was amazed at how these trees, so tall and so wide were so stable. How these trees started off as something so much smaller but with the assistance of water and sun and other elements grew to be so beautiful, tall and strong. I thought to myself, “Wow! These trees must be so ROOTED in the FOUNDATION that even though extensions of their branches and leaves may fall off due to storms or seasons, the trunk of them yet remains. Yes, some trunks have pieces missing, are stripped, and even have carvings, but yet, they still remain strong enough to support the rest of what belongs to it.”
This caused me to first, thank God for the foundation of the Word that I have been rooted in. Second, it caused me to pray, that myself, and those connected to me would become so rooted in our foundation as it pertains to self, relationships, family, ministry and careers/business that even though people and/or things may fall off, that even though trials and storms may come, WE would still remain. Remain unmoved and unshaken as to what is going on around us or as to what is being laid before us and that we would also remain strong enough to continue to support the rest of what belongs to and is connected to us.
Though that dream and/or vision which is in you may seem small now continue to water it and expose it to things and people that can assist in its growth.Though when the storm is over you and/or your situation may appear empty, may appear as though you have experienced loss, and may appear, like the bark of some trees, stripped, missing pieces of you and carved into, regardless, find peace and count it all joy because the fact that you are still standing means you remained and are rooted in the very foundation you need to be in. And this is your guarantee that a season of fruitfulness, if it hasn’t already started, as it has in my life, is on its way and soon, you and everything that belongs to and is connected to you will begin to extend and blossom and those around you will not only see your fruit, but know you by it as well.
I was amazed at how these trees, so tall and so wide were so stable. How these trees started off as something so much smaller but with the assistance of water and sun and other elements grew to be so beautiful, tall and strong. I thought to myself, “Wow! These trees must be so ROOTED in the FOUNDATION that even though extensions of their branches and leaves may fall off due to storms or seasons, the trunk of them yet remains. Yes, some trunks have pieces missing, are stripped, and even have carvings, but yet, they still remain strong enough to support the rest of what belongs to it.”
This caused me to first, thank God for the foundation of the Word that I have been rooted in. Second, it caused me to pray, that myself, and those connected to me would become so rooted in our foundation as it pertains to self, relationships, family, ministry and careers/business that even though people and/or things may fall off, that even though trials and storms may come, WE would still remain. Remain unmoved and unshaken as to what is going on around us or as to what is being laid before us and that we would also remain strong enough to continue to support the rest of what belongs to and is connected to us.
Though that dream and/or vision which is in you may seem small now continue to water it and expose it to things and people that can assist in its growth.Though when the storm is over you and/or your situation may appear empty, may appear as though you have experienced loss, and may appear, like the bark of some trees, stripped, missing pieces of you and carved into, regardless, find peace and count it all joy because the fact that you are still standing means you remained and are rooted in the very foundation you need to be in. And this is your guarantee that a season of fruitfulness, if it hasn’t already started, as it has in my life, is on its way and soon, you and everything that belongs to and is connected to you will begin to extend and blossom and those around you will not only see your fruit, but know you by it as well.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
You Know I Had To Write About It
The passing of Whitney Houston has brought such sadness to me. Now, I know this sadness should be more because of the passing of such a gifted daughter, but unfortunately, it is more due to the reaction of people and the media who choose to focus more on the more trying times and the negativity of her life than her legacy.
As a close friend to the wife and one of Bobby’s group members, as an individual who has stood by others who have battled with addiction and as an individual who has worked in and has always been around the entertainment industry I will say this.
Before ridiculing Bobby or any individual for that matter, know the person of the individual. Bobby, off stage, is one of the sweetest, kindest individuals who has overcome his own demons and struggles and has been sober and out of trouble for quite some time now. It amazes me how others can praise their celebrities who have overcome their demons and struggles but not other celebrities because the media and others choose to continuously keep before us who these celebrities were, even if it isn’t who they are now. He has also in the past eight months lost his mother, his father and his ex-wife. His ex-wife whom he was reported and seen having dinner with just a week or so ago accompanied by their daughter. Maybe, because we always have to have an answer to why, is why people are choosing to attack and place blame on him as well as come to conclusions and knit pick everything he has done in the past week. Everybody grieves differently, some stay busy, some turn to depression, and some go into denial and etc. Not to mention, no one knows the weight of what he might be carrying during this time. No one knows what his conversations have consisted of with the Lord or with his daughter. Please, cut the man some slack and declare the Word over him, declare peace, declare wisdom on how to handle and deal with his daughter, etc.
As for addiction or any situation we get ourselves into that somehow delays us, destroys us or is outside of God’s will for us. If Jehovah Himself cannot force us to change, get right or get out of it because of this thing called free will, then what makes us think that any human can force another human to do something or get out of it. Every single one of us has a choice, no matter what our circumstance, to either stay in or get out, to either seek help or attempt to deal with it on our own. Sadly, most of us treat time as a luxury and something that will always be there for us so we procrastinate in making the changes we need to.
Lastly, if you have never been in or around the entertainment industry then I can see why you would believe everything the media throws at you. But having dated and been around people in the industry the truth is, especially when it comes to artists, there are a group of people hired to package the artist so their product can sell and not always is the packaging portrayed the portrayal of the individual. As for the media, they have the power to show you what they want to show you and put in your ear what they want you to hear which is why one must be cautious as to what they let hit their spirit and discern what is being laid before them.
As we move forward from this day, which, outside of the bit of drama created, was an amazing testament to not only Whitney’s legacy, but her relationship with God, this day that God was exalted on national TV to an audience of probably more who aren’t in relationship with Him than those who are I ask…
To my fellow believers, please, rather than assist gossip, judgment and hate, let’s be an example of prayer, compassion and love. Let’s mirror more His Nature, Character and Authority rather than the world. After all, as believers, no matter what we’ve done, when we come to Him and we repent, that thing is under the blood and no longer remembered by the God we serve, no matter how many times we’ve done it. So if He has forgotten about it for you or someone else then why are you still talking about it and assisting in keeping it alive. 1 John 4:20&21 says it best. If you say you love God and hate your brother, you are a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God MUST love his brother. As believers, this is our hour, our responsibility, and our mandate. Let’s focus less on things and start focusing back on souls and people. I can't speak for all of us but I know I have felt the weight of responsibility this past week as it pertains to what we are called to do.
As for the non-believer, as I can’t hold you to our standards, if you can honestly tell me that you live a perfect life without mistakes, without choices or decisions made that you are not ashamed of and without skeletons in your own closet, then please, by all means play God and judge, but if you can’t honestly tell me these things, then leave the judging to God.
To all, let’s be change and stop feeding into mess by passing junk along. These are still real people, with real hearts and emotions, who have suffered a real loss. Instead of speaking negativity and death to that which is still living let’s all choose to speak restoration, reconciliation and life.
As a close friend to the wife and one of Bobby’s group members, as an individual who has stood by others who have battled with addiction and as an individual who has worked in and has always been around the entertainment industry I will say this.
Before ridiculing Bobby or any individual for that matter, know the person of the individual. Bobby, off stage, is one of the sweetest, kindest individuals who has overcome his own demons and struggles and has been sober and out of trouble for quite some time now. It amazes me how others can praise their celebrities who have overcome their demons and struggles but not other celebrities because the media and others choose to continuously keep before us who these celebrities were, even if it isn’t who they are now. He has also in the past eight months lost his mother, his father and his ex-wife. His ex-wife whom he was reported and seen having dinner with just a week or so ago accompanied by their daughter. Maybe, because we always have to have an answer to why, is why people are choosing to attack and place blame on him as well as come to conclusions and knit pick everything he has done in the past week. Everybody grieves differently, some stay busy, some turn to depression, and some go into denial and etc. Not to mention, no one knows the weight of what he might be carrying during this time. No one knows what his conversations have consisted of with the Lord or with his daughter. Please, cut the man some slack and declare the Word over him, declare peace, declare wisdom on how to handle and deal with his daughter, etc.
As for addiction or any situation we get ourselves into that somehow delays us, destroys us or is outside of God’s will for us. If Jehovah Himself cannot force us to change, get right or get out of it because of this thing called free will, then what makes us think that any human can force another human to do something or get out of it. Every single one of us has a choice, no matter what our circumstance, to either stay in or get out, to either seek help or attempt to deal with it on our own. Sadly, most of us treat time as a luxury and something that will always be there for us so we procrastinate in making the changes we need to.
Lastly, if you have never been in or around the entertainment industry then I can see why you would believe everything the media throws at you. But having dated and been around people in the industry the truth is, especially when it comes to artists, there are a group of people hired to package the artist so their product can sell and not always is the packaging portrayed the portrayal of the individual. As for the media, they have the power to show you what they want to show you and put in your ear what they want you to hear which is why one must be cautious as to what they let hit their spirit and discern what is being laid before them.
As we move forward from this day, which, outside of the bit of drama created, was an amazing testament to not only Whitney’s legacy, but her relationship with God, this day that God was exalted on national TV to an audience of probably more who aren’t in relationship with Him than those who are I ask…
To my fellow believers, please, rather than assist gossip, judgment and hate, let’s be an example of prayer, compassion and love. Let’s mirror more His Nature, Character and Authority rather than the world. After all, as believers, no matter what we’ve done, when we come to Him and we repent, that thing is under the blood and no longer remembered by the God we serve, no matter how many times we’ve done it. So if He has forgotten about it for you or someone else then why are you still talking about it and assisting in keeping it alive. 1 John 4:20&21 says it best. If you say you love God and hate your brother, you are a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God MUST love his brother. As believers, this is our hour, our responsibility, and our mandate. Let’s focus less on things and start focusing back on souls and people. I can't speak for all of us but I know I have felt the weight of responsibility this past week as it pertains to what we are called to do.
As for the non-believer, as I can’t hold you to our standards, if you can honestly tell me that you live a perfect life without mistakes, without choices or decisions made that you are not ashamed of and without skeletons in your own closet, then please, by all means play God and judge, but if you can’t honestly tell me these things, then leave the judging to God.
To all, let’s be change and stop feeding into mess by passing junk along. These are still real people, with real hearts and emotions, who have suffered a real loss. Instead of speaking negativity and death to that which is still living let’s all choose to speak restoration, reconciliation and life.
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