Monday, February 27, 2012

Duck, Duck, Goose!!!

Acts 20:24, "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy,and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."


As a little girl, my least favorite game to play was Duck. Duck, Goose. I recall asking my elementary teachers often to allow me to opt out of playing the game. I didn't see the rationale behind allowing someone to walk around a circle, hit me on my head whether they chose me or not, and chasing the person. I have never been into playing games "literally nor figuratively" and this is a life lesson that is applicable for us all. In life, we can't allow circumstances, our families, nor enemies to move us! Similar to the duck duck goose game, we are not obligated to sit nor entertain  inner circles of people who don't have our best intentions and those whose primary agenda is to PICK OUT, to PICK ON. In 2012, we have to ensure we don't get caught up into child-like activities and that we opt out of circumstances that don't benefit us. It's only so many hits on the head that one should be willing to take, especially when it's unproductive, uncomfortable, and by no means furthers us into the direction of where God wants us to be to fulfill the personal calling He has placed on our lives. God desires for us to finish our race with joy, not for others to pass us along our journey in hopes of hindering us at their discretion. It's a New Year and a New You, the choice is yours in terms of whether you are going to play the orchestrated games of life, or opt out in expectancy of running an eternal race for Jesus. Be blessed and encouraged!!

Friday, February 17, 2012

"Purposed on Purpose"

Esther 4:14, "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"


Esther 4:14, is a message Esther received from Mordecai concerning the future and well-being of her family and the challenges she would face if she decided to fight for them. God never says a word in the Book of Esther, however we know by faith that she had a personal relationship with Him and that also shows us that sometimes God is going to sit back and allow us to make life-changing decisions for ourselves and it's up to us to seek HIM and call upon Him while He is near.  Esther had the weight of her lineage on her shoulders and she had to make some tough decisions concerning if 1.She was willing to put her life on the line to save her generation 2. Was the effort worth making the effort 3. Was this the calling God had placed on her life or man?
   In 2012, we all will face the same challenges that Esther had to face and it is up to us to determine if we are going to sit and not say anything and allow our households to crumble, or if we are going to WOMAN and MAN UP and restore our families or allow the enemy to destroy us. Man has no power or say so on what God has called, appointed, and anointed for you to do! We all have been called to the kingdom for such a time as this, but we have to be mindful and wise and ensure that the timing is in the Will of God and not man. Man will set you up to do things on purpose to make you fail, but the purpose God has for you He does on purpose! We often question what God has called for us to do and how we are to use our gifts, talents, and precede with our goals. The "Answer Key" lies in PRAYER, PATIENCE, and PERSEVERANCE.  Be blessed and encouraged in the Lord.