John 6:12, "So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."
There will be seasons of lack we all will have to encounter and how we position ourselves is directly tied to the success of our obedience. Obedience is truly better than sacrifice. Jesus had just finished feeding the 5,000 men who were accounted for, however the women and children were not calculated. We often are quick to leave a venue when we feel we aren't noticed or when we feel we should have been on the VIP list. We have to be ever so careful of focusing on being counted in by man and less concerned about being counted out by God. Ask God to show you the season you are currently in through His eyes and not your own. We are to walk by faith and not by what our enemies want us to see. Even those who walk with the Lord may question the hand you have been dealt with as they did Jesus, but know that God is always willing to make the most of the hand He has dealt you! To man, they only could see 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, however God saw an opportunity to provide His children with the overflow of His blessings! Don't be quick to leave the scene without receiving the overflow of what God has for you-stay and wait patiently for your to-go plate! When God blesses you, it's His desire to allow your cup to not just be filled, but to run completely over! God wants you SATISFIED-not FULL. Waiting on overflow may seem BENEATH you, but I assure you nothing is ABOVE God!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
"Don't Even Go There!!!"
John 8:14-15, "Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My Witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one."
No matter how we try to convey our circumstances, past, and blessings from God to others, they will never truly understand where you have came from, but more importantly the place God is taking you. Your story is your intimate relationship and encounters with God and we can't expect those around us nor in our families and inner circles to fully understand nor appreciate the magnitude of our pains, struggles, and triumphs. Jesus told the crowd that even if He were to tell them of how He became who He was and how God was using Him, they would take issue with Him and find fault because they were judging Him according to their flesh instead of in the spirit. Jesus made it clear to them that in spite of how they may perceived Him and the task and journey God called Him to do, He wasn't going to come down to their level nor would He judge them for being ignorant. Understand that we have to appreciate our testimonies and journey in spite of others having to say something about it and not appreciating the work God is doing in us and through us. Most who bring up your past, don't have a clear understanding of where they should be presently. Make no apologies for your growth and know that no matter how you try to make people "get you"-they won't. That's why we have to always be ever so so careful of growing in the Lord and maintaining our relationship with Him and not Them. God is the author and finisher of your faith, meaning He "gets you" because He "created you." He already knows your story and what you will have to endure. Maintain an attitude of gratitude with Him and by doing so the concern you have for others understanding you will weaken because your mind will become strengthened in peace out of your efforts to keep your focus steadfast on God.
No matter how we try to convey our circumstances, past, and blessings from God to others, they will never truly understand where you have came from, but more importantly the place God is taking you. Your story is your intimate relationship and encounters with God and we can't expect those around us nor in our families and inner circles to fully understand nor appreciate the magnitude of our pains, struggles, and triumphs. Jesus told the crowd that even if He were to tell them of how He became who He was and how God was using Him, they would take issue with Him and find fault because they were judging Him according to their flesh instead of in the spirit. Jesus made it clear to them that in spite of how they may perceived Him and the task and journey God called Him to do, He wasn't going to come down to their level nor would He judge them for being ignorant. Understand that we have to appreciate our testimonies and journey in spite of others having to say something about it and not appreciating the work God is doing in us and through us. Most who bring up your past, don't have a clear understanding of where they should be presently. Make no apologies for your growth and know that no matter how you try to make people "get you"-they won't. That's why we have to always be ever so so careful of growing in the Lord and maintaining our relationship with Him and not Them. God is the author and finisher of your faith, meaning He "gets you" because He "created you." He already knows your story and what you will have to endure. Maintain an attitude of gratitude with Him and by doing so the concern you have for others understanding you will weaken because your mind will become strengthened in peace out of your efforts to keep your focus steadfast on God.
Monday, April 9, 2012
"Common Sense ain't Common"
Job 28:12, "But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?"
We often go about our daily lives trying to figure out why people don't use common sense and we attempt to get an understanding of how they come up with the foolishness they present to us. Wisdom is a gift from God, however understanding is given freely to those who are willing to seek it. The Bible tells us in all things to get an understanding. Lack of understanding causes a heap of drama that can easily be avoided by us being persistent in seeking God's Counsel. We often focus on the Gossip of others instead of focusing on the Gospel of Christ. Wisdom and understanding are weapons of mass destruction for those who attain them. God is pleased when we ask Him for things we NEED instead of what we WANT. God moves swiftly when we seek Him concerning gifts that will enlarge His Kingdom and our Territory. Also, God gives His wisdom freely. You can study any person in the Bible who asked God for wisdom and the pattern you will soon discover is that He granted them wisdom instantly. King Solomon could have asked for anything when He received the favor of God over his life, but out of wisdom Solomon knew he would need something to carry Him in the long-term. Wisdom will sustain the favor of God in your life. Because Solomon sought God for wisdom and knowledge, there was never a man before him nor after him as wise as he was nor wealthy. If you ever want to know how a successful person remains so, I assure you that wisdom was their compass. Always remember,wisdom is the answer key to understanding. Be blessed and encouraged!
We often go about our daily lives trying to figure out why people don't use common sense and we attempt to get an understanding of how they come up with the foolishness they present to us. Wisdom is a gift from God, however understanding is given freely to those who are willing to seek it. The Bible tells us in all things to get an understanding. Lack of understanding causes a heap of drama that can easily be avoided by us being persistent in seeking God's Counsel. We often focus on the Gossip of others instead of focusing on the Gospel of Christ. Wisdom and understanding are weapons of mass destruction for those who attain them. God is pleased when we ask Him for things we NEED instead of what we WANT. God moves swiftly when we seek Him concerning gifts that will enlarge His Kingdom and our Territory. Also, God gives His wisdom freely. You can study any person in the Bible who asked God for wisdom and the pattern you will soon discover is that He granted them wisdom instantly. King Solomon could have asked for anything when He received the favor of God over his life, but out of wisdom Solomon knew he would need something to carry Him in the long-term. Wisdom will sustain the favor of God in your life. Because Solomon sought God for wisdom and knowledge, there was never a man before him nor after him as wise as he was nor wealthy. If you ever want to know how a successful person remains so, I assure you that wisdom was their compass. Always remember,wisdom is the answer key to understanding. Be blessed and encouraged!
Friday, March 16, 2012
"Let's Make One Thing Clear"
Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you to be a prophet to the nations."
In 2012, let's focus less on the NEW YEAR and more on the NEW YOU!! When God created you, He didn't consult with the Chamber of Commerce, the government, your state, nor your parents for that matter. God is God and He is God all by Himself! He has made that very clear to us through His Word-not the words of others. The plans God has for your life are PRE-MADE and not MAN-MADE. God isn't a rookie and has never professed to be one! He tells us directly in Jeremiah 29:11, that HE knows the thoughts that He thinks towards us and we can identify them from what man has planned by the way they are presented to us. God's plans are PRODUCTIVE-they will give us PEACE and not EVIL and they are PROSPEROUS-they give us a FUTURE and HOPE. .
The lesson God gave Jeremiah is very prevalent and applicable to our own lives:
1.Before I formed you in the womb I knew you: God knew what He was forming before creating it. God is mindful of you and knew the purpose He had placed in your mother's womb before He purposed it. You were purposely purposed by God and He is the source to seek on why you were purposed and what is your purpose.
2.Before you were born I sanctified you: God made you different and separate from the world for a purpose. Stop trying to conform to a society that God has clearly made you separate from. Embrace the diversity and protection He has placed over your life. God doesn't create SIMPLE nor SIMILAR people. Be ye separate from the world!
3. I ordained you a prophet to the nations-God has already ordained the role He has for you. It's up to you to seek your calling and how to convey your gifts to the world. There is only one you and nobody but you can fulfill the calling God has placed inside of you. We can't OPERATE in our calling until we have sought the OPERATOR. In all things get an understanding, we are never too intelligent to not seek God's counsel.
Remember, God will use vessels to steer us in the right DIRECTION, but ultimately the DIRECTIVES come from Him. God doesn't seek nor want advice from others on WHO or WHAT He has planned for your life. Be blessed and encouraged!!
In 2012, let's focus less on the NEW YEAR and more on the NEW YOU!! When God created you, He didn't consult with the Chamber of Commerce, the government, your state, nor your parents for that matter. God is God and He is God all by Himself! He has made that very clear to us through His Word-not the words of others. The plans God has for your life are PRE-MADE and not MAN-MADE. God isn't a rookie and has never professed to be one! He tells us directly in Jeremiah 29:11, that HE knows the thoughts that He thinks towards us and we can identify them from what man has planned by the way they are presented to us. God's plans are PRODUCTIVE-they will give us PEACE and not EVIL and they are PROSPEROUS-they give us a FUTURE and HOPE. .
The lesson God gave Jeremiah is very prevalent and applicable to our own lives:
1.Before I formed you in the womb I knew you: God knew what He was forming before creating it. God is mindful of you and knew the purpose He had placed in your mother's womb before He purposed it. You were purposely purposed by God and He is the source to seek on why you were purposed and what is your purpose.
2.Before you were born I sanctified you: God made you different and separate from the world for a purpose. Stop trying to conform to a society that God has clearly made you separate from. Embrace the diversity and protection He has placed over your life. God doesn't create SIMPLE nor SIMILAR people. Be ye separate from the world!
3. I ordained you a prophet to the nations-God has already ordained the role He has for you. It's up to you to seek your calling and how to convey your gifts to the world. There is only one you and nobody but you can fulfill the calling God has placed inside of you. We can't OPERATE in our calling until we have sought the OPERATOR. In all things get an understanding, we are never too intelligent to not seek God's counsel.
Remember, God will use vessels to steer us in the right DIRECTION, but ultimately the DIRECTIVES come from Him. God doesn't seek nor want advice from others on WHO or WHAT He has planned for your life. Be blessed and encouraged!!
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!!
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.
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.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Peacefakers
Job 22:21, "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you."
In times like these, we all need someone who is stable, consistent, and brings forth peace from simply knowing them and being around them. I would like to recommend you to the Lord! Malachi 3:6, states "For I am the Lord, I change not." God doesn't talk just to hear Himself talk, when He opens His mouth to speak it's nothing but the truth and it comes straight from His heart. We are often quick to mingle and introduce ourselves to people we don't know and it often develops into drama. But when we take the time to acquaint ourselves with God and develop a relationship with Him, peace automatically comes with the territory. According to Isaiah 26:3,God will keep those in perfect peace who keep their minds steadfast on Him and trust in Him." If we acquaint ourselves with God, it hinders the drama from having access into our lives because God's Word will cut it into pieces like a two-hedge sword. His Word says He is the Prince of Peace and we are to be peacemakers, not peacefakers! According to God's Word, the more we get to know Him, the more peace will come to our lives and good will come to us. When you get into relationship with God you can't help but have good people and good things overcome you. When we stay in the peace of God, we have the power to change the settings and the atmosphere we dwell in. People may be acting a fool, but when you walk in they automatically stop gossiping and get in order because the peace of God within you strikes a chord in them. Stress will age you before your time and make one mentally and spiritually sick. I encourage you to acquaint yourself more with Jesus and position yourself in expectancy mode for peace in every area of your life. It's much more beneficial to be in relationship with a peacemaker rather than a peacefaker.
In times like these, we all need someone who is stable, consistent, and brings forth peace from simply knowing them and being around them. I would like to recommend you to the Lord! Malachi 3:6, states "For I am the Lord, I change not." God doesn't talk just to hear Himself talk, when He opens His mouth to speak it's nothing but the truth and it comes straight from His heart. We are often quick to mingle and introduce ourselves to people we don't know and it often develops into drama. But when we take the time to acquaint ourselves with God and develop a relationship with Him, peace automatically comes with the territory. According to Isaiah 26:3,God will keep those in perfect peace who keep their minds steadfast on Him and trust in Him." If we acquaint ourselves with God, it hinders the drama from having access into our lives because God's Word will cut it into pieces like a two-hedge sword. His Word says He is the Prince of Peace and we are to be peacemakers, not peacefakers! According to God's Word, the more we get to know Him, the more peace will come to our lives and good will come to us. When you get into relationship with God you can't help but have good people and good things overcome you. When we stay in the peace of God, we have the power to change the settings and the atmosphere we dwell in. People may be acting a fool, but when you walk in they automatically stop gossiping and get in order because the peace of God within you strikes a chord in them. Stress will age you before your time and make one mentally and spiritually sick. I encourage you to acquaint yourself more with Jesus and position yourself in expectancy mode for peace in every area of your life. It's much more beneficial to be in relationship with a peacemaker rather than a peacefaker.
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