HAS GOD EVER SHOWN YOU PERFECT AND YOU TURN THE PAGE ANYWAY TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING MORE PERFECT?
Let’s come out the Sober Truth Gate like a bull for a moment! Have you ever seen the most beautiful picture in a magazine and before you could truly appreciate what you have just experienced, you were rushing to see what was on the next page? There is a term that has taken on a life of its own, FOMO- Fear of missing out. Oh but wait, there is a close cousin that has most certainly shown up for the party! The Term is, FOMOM- Fear of Missing Out More! It is this self-inflicted wound of never truly being satisfied with what is before you.
It is like ordering your favorite dish from your favorite restaurant, sitting at your favorite table; being serviced by your favorite maître d'; and all of a sudden- a new dish is featured; in the new section of the restaurant; with the new maître d' coming through with what you do not have! What you once bragged on to others becomes less appealing. What you thought the restaurant could not do any better in a dish is now eclipsed, not by what you have actually tasted; rather it is by what you are seeing. It caused your gaze to leave what was before you to look at what was to the left of you.
Let’s ascend with the conversation of not truly embracing contentment. Hebrews 13:5 gives us instructions, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” As Believers, we have been afforded a gift to not always have to turn the page for me. God has placed so much of His perfection on the Season of the Page that we find ourselves. I beseech you, do not shy away from the word “perfection” in God. God has endowed us with the ability to go from infancy to maturity. The once longing for everything you did not have to a gratitude for what God has chosen for us to have.
Of recent, I have really been on gratitude! It has been that favorite record in my head that you have played so much that it has started skipping! What exactly do we think that God owes us, when we never paid off the debt that once being an enemy to Him ran up an endless tab⁉️ As Psalm 84:10 so potently states, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Contentment will have us grateful to be in the number. No need for the quick flip to the next page- set your gaze again on what God has perfected concerning you.
Divine Work & Pray:
Work:
Jot down in your journal your thoughts concerning “contentment.” What emotions surface when you hear the word? Do you deem it as an empowering word or restrictive one? Answer the title for yourself: “Has God shown you perfect and you turned the page anyway to see if there was something more perfect?”
Pray:
Father God, contentment is found in you. Not from a place of being forced to conjure up feelings of acceptance, but from a place of gratefulness. You are a God who gets personal and intimate. You have plans for us here and beyond. You grace us with an opportunity to glorify you in the abound and abased place. Thank you, Lord for perfecting a maturity in your children that allows us to capture the beauty of your handiwork.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“The Cost of Liberty”
Today is June 19, 2024. It was observed as a Federal Holiday in 2021. It is the day that a Union General read orders in Galveston, Texas stating all enslaved people in the state were free according to federal law. (sourcemn.com) As daunting as history can sometimes be, Believers in Christ know that we must have Stones of Remembrance to keep us ever so mindful of the grace and mercy of God.
Before giving our lives to Christ, we were in bondage to Sin. It was a Taskmaster that had us doing unconscionable acts! I bring up the Taskmaster not to rehash; rather to speak on the Power of the Blood! What we thought we may never be able to escape, Jesus’ sacrifice gave us the Will to live a free life in God!
Let’s talk about the Cost of the Liberty. Jesus came into a world of Sin; but did not become Sin. Jesus, Our Savior subjected Himself to acts that were reserved for criminals; yet He did not discriminate for who He would give His life for. Take that in for a moment. He did not just shed blood for those who cried Hosanna. He also went to that cross for those who assaulted Him; spat on Him, and attempted to assassinate His character!
The Cost of Liberty is a price without a price tag. What price can be put on Jesus Christ’ blood being able to make the world free, for those who believe? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reads, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
The ownership of the Believer should not be compared to the tragic events of slavery that happened in the U.S. God is a good, good Father, who cares for His Children in a manner that transforms us from the inside out to actually look like Him. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -2 Corinthians 3:18
The Cost of Liberty may be priceless, but it still warrants us showing up daily to make the attempt in paying for it! May an appreciation swell up in our hearts in an immeasurable way! May God find us in faith when He returns for the Gift of Liberty He has bestowed upon us! There was an old song that said, “I will never be bound again, I got my liberty and I’m finally free…I will never be bound (to sin) again!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal a love letter to Jesus for the act that He unselfishly did to give you liberty.
Pray: Father, your establishing who I am to be has allowed me to see and embrace my purpose. An image of Your Son should be my reflection. The embodiment of who Christ is and the life He lived on earth. You gave us your Word to guide our path. May I not abuse your liberty, but remain grateful for what we were not entitled to. With a grateful heart, I do love and appreciate You! In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Does the Life of a Surrendered Person Impress You?
Impress- to feel admiration or respect, to leave an impression or mark -(Oxford Languages)
This probing question, is layered in great intentionality of examining the word “impress” and it will be used to build the discussion. In the natural, there are people who immediately come to mind when you are pursuing a career goal or an athletic achievement pursuit. We are often enamored with individuals who excel in business &/or sports. As I follow the NBA and now the WNBA, I see how quickly we form imaginary alliances with people whom we have never met. We are intrigued by their sacrifice to earthly greatness.
There is this affinity to that which resembles what we either desire or admire. The mark that these individuals make on the heart of the one who is impressed often inspires the on-looker to do what it takes to follow suit. The on-looker will put in the hours that the mark maker has suggested; make the sacrifices that they are told are required; and welcome the mantra, “Whatever it takes!”
If you have been with us on this journey of appreciating the Divine Design of the Creator, you know the conversation is going into elevation mode. The question asked was, “Does the Life of a Surrendered Person impress you?” Does it leave an impressionable mark of pursuit when you think about what a Surrendered Life looks like in God?
Many confuse surrender with just loss, but one who goes through a Surrendered Life begins to embrace the loss because it has brought about the greatest gain. John 15:2 says, "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away; and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit". What lies within Surrender is exponential growth.
Let’s look at the pruning before the growth. Ladies, you will be able to relate to this example. Going to the Hair Stylist was always an influx emotions, especially when it was time to get that hair trim. We were so excited with our hair growing and here they come saying they have to cut our split ends. Those ends represent what is dead and what could hinder the growth of our remaining hair. You see, the pruning process is necessary because it rids us of things that adversely affect our growth.
A Surrendered Life…
•Walks away from relationships that continue to feed the flesh to Walk into a life that honors God through righteous courtship
•Walks away from a life of Idolatry to Walk into a life of Lordship
•Walks away from only seeing their own desires, and Walks into a life with a strong desire to see the Will of God performed
What would this world look like if every Surrendered Life transferred “Whatever it Takes” to “impress” God?
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal what the Surrendered Life has been like for you. If you do not feel like this journey has taken place, jot down what you feel the process would be for you.
Pray: Father God, your loving kindness is more than life to me. Thank you for transforming my heart to not be enamored with the life of those in the world. I am now impressed by those who take being obedient to you as their greatest pursuit. May you continue to prune me; that much fruit will come forth that undeniably points to you. Father God, continue to bless and keep those who surrender their lives to you. In your Matchless Name, I pray. Amen.
We will Fight to Live, but will We Fight to Crucify Our Flesh?
We are wired to tell people to fight when their bodies are being attacked. I remember having a 30 Day straight Prayer Call when my 29 year old, Sister-in-Law was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma and was at Stage 4, shortly after my niece was born. I was so militant in my approach. I placed scriptures all over her room; removed books that people brought that were not edifying; and even at one point commented not to enter her room if you did not have faith.
Honestly, I wish I had done a better job in crucifying my flesh. I could not imagine a 29 year old leaving a husband, 5 year old son, and 5 month old daughter! I never really took the time to ultimately pray the Will of the Father. My flesh shut off any possibility outside of the miracle of her being healed on this side.
After all, this was a young lady who served two terms in the Air Force, protecting our country. She became a Military Sergeant all while starting a family with my brother, her high school sweetheart.
My refusal to crucify my flesh had me to miss out on crucial conversations and video footage that I could have made for my niece and nephew. That moment could have been spent having her share how she wanted her fingerprint of love woven through their lives, but my unwillingness to believe that God would not heal her on this side, prevented the needed preparation to take place.
The greatest fight that we will step in the ring of life is against ourselves. Our Will can be like a Heavyweight Fighter, and our acceptance of the Will of God, if not careful, can be what’s called in the Boxing World, “A Minimumweight” even less than a Light Flyweight! Just barely making it in!
We cannot leave room for a margin. For the crucifying of our flesh to be decided by a decision. We need to be fully persuaded on being built solid in God to die to ourselves and our own selfish ambitions that do not factor in God’s Plan. As those Spiritual Muscles are developing, there will be a great tearing away!
John 12:24-26 says,
New King James Version
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Our death process will never be a solo venture. It has lives in mind that we will never see! Envision the amount of fruit that an apple tree produces. According to planyourpatch.com, a mature standard apple tree will yield 500 lbs of apples. Our getting the dying process correct yields much fruit!
Imagine being on both sides of Christ on a cross and choosing life over death; which brings about eternal life. Now, imagine having not only this account, but several stories that should help us choose the latter! The Love, Grace, and Empowerment in the Bible is truly beyond what we deserve! Choose this day…
By all means, Live a fulfilling Life, but more importantly, may we Crucify our Flesh daily that we may truly live again and give Him Glory! The Living is in the Dying! A great place to insert the song verse: “For your glory, I’ll do anything!”
DIVINE WORK & PRAY:
WORK: Jot down in your journal the areas that you struggle to crucify and why. What does dying to your flesh look like in each area that you have mentioned?
PRAY: Father God, when I look over my life, I see the detriment of removing myself off of the cross. I see what my strong will prevented in my development. It prevented me from seeing a new facet of who You are in Your sustaining and keeping power! You are all wise and all knowing. Forgive my finite actions towards an infinite God. Thank you for the do overs that have led to a posture to remain on the cross through the most challenging and perfecting moments in my life! There shall be glory after this! In your Matchless Name, in Jesus Christ, I pray this prayer. Amen.
I love you enough Lord to Work for you! In this Season, I love you enough not to let you!
What would it be like for God to tell you, “No” as it relates to your service? Some could not fathom being told to sit down. Many have experienced churches asking while the ink is still wet on the Membership Roster, “Where would you like to serve in the ministry?” Can you imagine asking a newborn baby to get behind the wheel of a chartered bus carrying 50 people? Yes, servitude and language is already in the baby, but they must be cultivated and instructed for that specific duty to come forth.
An infant would not know the language or instructions to properly lead and transport the 50 people! How much more should new converts in Christ be discipled?
Disciple- – properly, a learner; a disciple, a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines of Scripture and the lifestyle required; someone catechized with proper instruction from the Bible with its necessary follow-through life-applications. -Strong’s Concordance
Pause for the Cause: As a Lover of Words, “catechized” got my attention!
Catechize- instruct (someone) in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer
Esther went through a year long purification process before meeting with the king. God’s love towards us is shown in Him not being anxious to put us to work before the revelation of who we submit our life to is realized.
In the natural, my profession is in Sales, and I perform my duties at a higher efficiency by knowing the Company and product. Again, how much more is required to exercise good works for the Sovereign God? Imagine carrying out tasks for God with the World’s Manual and not the Bible. We would function from an ill-informed and lower nature manner.
Imagine how we would greet a non-cooperative guest at the door; imagine how we would treat our pew neighbor with a busy body child; imagine how we would treat a Sister who appears to have a unsightly disposition, but is really struggling with insecurity and hurt from a previous church- if we did not take the time to sit and learn of Him! Discipleship will never be a 4 week course; it is this cumulative experience that continues to be added on to, as we mature in Christ.
Ponder this, have you ever told or considered telling your Pastor that you need to sit for a moment to assess and do some necessary heart maintenance? Would it even cross your mind to stop serving? Getting things right with God is never deemed as wasted time. Yes, He is the Redeemer and Restorer of Time. However, our focus truly has to get to the place…”Lord, if it cost me 10 years to be perfected in [this] it is worth it because I never want to work on your behalf and not represent you with “clean hands and a pure heart.”
The Elephant in the Room when it comes to “working for the Lord” is when our hearts have not been regenerated- it will cause us to busy ourselves with works and turn a deaf ear to the Holy Spirit’s attempt to “lead us into all truth.” It is a Move of the Enemy to get us caught up in altruistic acts, that are absent of the anointing!
Sober Truth: There are times where a choice is made to focus more on service, so we are not painstakingly truthful with where we are and where we really should be. Remember, God is not in need of us. On the contrary, we are greatly in need of Him. Acts 6:3 says, “Therefore brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom. Check out those credentials to pass out food! No work as a representative of Christ is insignificant or absent of the Holy Spirit! From the Parking Attendant to the Childcare Provider to the Usher to the Pastor- they all require His approval because if not, we’ll operate from the World’s Manual and not the Creators!
Divine Design Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal, the thoughts you had about this blog title and content. Were you reared to work first and then learn of Him? Do you feel pressure to work in the church more than your desire to be approved by God to work on His behalf?
Pray: Great Jehovah, it is a joy to do anything for you because of what you have done for me, but let not my works be greater than my surrendered life and Yes to Your Will and Way! To say that I owe you everything is an understatement. To move in obedience and holiness is my statement back to you! Great is your faithfulness towards me. May the honor of sitting like Mary make me know how to respond in situations that are presented with the frustration of Martha. Keep my heart forever slanted towards the needful thing. As I work for You; may I always have an answer for the hope that is within me. In the Name that is above every other Name, in Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.
“A Heart of Worship Beats an Eternal Song.”
Worship= ascribing adornment and praise;
a reverence and homage surrendered to God; involves doing so in Spirit & Truth (John 4:24)
We say that we want a Heart of Worship, but do we comprehend the fine print? It is not the same practices of the World for why they place information in a script; requiring a magnifying glass. Heaven’s fine print is about slowing down to focus on what we are saying, “Yes” to. It is about being clear on the benefits and expectations when subscribing.
Worship is often associated with music, but it is so much more encompassing. However, let’s two step to Worship being a partner with song. Songs of Worship are in a category all to themselves, but as time has progressed, we see lyrics moving from an eternal perspective to an egocentric view. Some Praise & Worship songs speak more to our ability than God’s. We must understand, it is in us to worship, our responsibility is to make sure, no one or nothing shares the positioning only designated for God.
There are some amazing benefits to Worship through music. As a harpist, David was able to play with a heavenly sound that would give Saul undeserved relief from the evil Spirits that plagued him. Even in judgment, Saul received grace from God! Have you ever come into the church so heavy with life and uncertainty and through Worship felt the world lift from your shoulders? It is such an amazing gift to be able to worship God in the beauty of holiness and have Him dispense an unlimited amount of Joy & Peace! The Act of Worship through Song is always to be about shifting from us to our Divine Being and Savior.
Let us converse on Worship from a Spirit & Truth place. The first time I ever saw Worship shared to express a definition that had nothing to do with music; rather obedience and sacrifice was in Genesis 22. Abraham took Isaac up to Mount Moriah that they may worship the Lord. True Worship should be akin to obedience and sacrifice. Going into His presence and having relationship with God should produce a heart of worship that keeps us on repeat-mode for what is to come. Spending eternity with the One who continues to meet us in Worship!
Spirit & Truth, the necessary combination for access to be able to worship our sovereign God. It will never be an either or, it will always be the cumulative experience of both. The Spirit allows access to a Holy God and Truth reminds us of who we are encountering and how we must operate in the newness of living a surrendered life.
When we ascribe what is only meant for You to someone or something else, there will never be fulfillment. We can spend countless hours perfecting something and never amass true sustainability. This is why we must be clear on the fine print of Worship. In this world, we may actually get our heart’s desire, but when the Heavenly EKG is done, our heartbeat will remain irregular because it does not move from a Heartbeat of Worship.
A Heart of Worship will beat an Eternal Song because the weight of trials and tribulations are no real opponent to eternity. A Heart of Worship can literally change atmospheres. A Heart of Worship matures us in Waiting Seasons, disappointment, and graduation. A Heart of Worship does not just leave us at an emotional place, but a tried and true tested one.
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal what has hindered your Worship. Place actual biblical steps in enhancing your worship experience with God. Remember, Worship is not just about music- embrace the full gamut of this Gift from God.
Pray: Father God, your goodness goes beyond what my mouth can utter and my tears can convey. As you enlarge our capacity for you, may we remain mindful that we have your Spirit in dwelling us and being led to all Truth. The absolute-ness in You allows us to triumph in and through all circumstances. Our Worship is not because You did it alone, but because You were worthy of Worship even before we asked. You are our constant and You deserve constant Praise & Worship, with our lives poured out as an offering! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
There’s a Thin Line between Love & Hate…Oh really?
There are so many statements that we have made in the world that have often made us the culprit of our own demise. Show & Tell Time coming right up. Think about the scenarios that surrounded the Thin Line license to do and say anything because of an action that proceeded the line cross. Granted, both Love & Hate are extreme in nature, but they are as close in lineage as the abyss.
There is a lofty cost that comes with Love. God’s Love is not quick to hate and despise,
God’s love is…
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
-1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Many times…THESE VERSES are recited at the pinnacle of the elation of two becoming one, without the testing of its absolute stellar record of possibility. THESE VERSES are welcomed with promise and glee without the microscopic glimpse of the trek that Love takes to get and stay there.
In Micah 7, he pens a powerful depiction of Love & Hate, as the misery and rise of Israel is mentioned. The Acts mentioned are so massively different. In misery, deplorable acts can sprout from the heart, but when God’s love germinates in our hearts, those weeds which were once very present when events appeared to go South, have been replaced by the freedom to show His Love.
This by no means is a slogan t-shirt to remain in a life-threatening situation all in the Name of Love. It is a billboard to highlight how much of a category Love is all to itself. Micah 7:19 spotlights a powerful statement of the vastness of Love, “You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” There is no way to see hate in the distance when God commits an Act that shows such Love that we cannot even reach where He places it!
The line between Love and Hate in the world will forever be colossal, because they come from two diametrically opposite pouring places! One produces life; the other death. May we make the invisible line of demarcation quite visible in our hearts when it comes to being able to see the deposit that God makes in us to migrate from hate to love. May we see that they are not interchangeable. If the line is paper thin, expect many paper cuts on the journey that may hinder your use of the Love that 1 Corinthians 13 speaks on so fruitful.
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journey your thoughts on the statement, “There’s a thin line between love and hate.” Has your view concerning the statement changed since maturity has come you way due to your Walk with the Lord? Have you ever really thought about the abilities that you have now have with the Holy Spirit indwelling you?
Pray: Most gracious Father, the One who loves and is love. The One who loves us in such a way, that our fear of being hurt fades. Lord, you are the Greatest Teacher to ever teach on love because you showed it in the most unfavorable conditions. Love didn’t just get on the cross! You were falsely accused; spat on; violently assaulted; made a spectacle; had to witness the anguish of your mother; all to Obey Love and Save an undeserving people to reach that cross! We can love without apprehension, because you displayed an abundant love before we loved you! Thank you for reminding us that Love & Hate are miles apart, as the east is from the west! In your mighty Name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Changes Me Far More than it Changes Things!
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says, “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As we incessantly remain in the Attitude of Prayer, it will keep this fluid exchange with the Father. In the natural, we would have issue with someone who only comes to us in want and never in fellowship. Prayer is relationship with God and becoming familiar with what pleases Him when coming in His presence. Even Esther knew there was a countenance that she needed to have before the earthly king.
Prayer comes with a gamut of benefits that can be both sobering and rewarding. Sobering in that, we truly see ourselves, our propensities, and selfish tendencies. Prayer is Rewarding by the transformation and growth that can be birthed out of the ability to pray without ceasing.
Does our heart automatically go to “How is it possible for one to “pray without ceasing?” Yet, we do not question the automatic act of breathing. Prayer can become breath to us. It is not about kneeling 24/7, but having a posture of prayer. What is our first thought to do when Life hits or when Life thrives? Is it already in our hearts to take it to the Lord in prayer?
Moment of Transparency: I had a moment of going into prayer in an incorrect manner. I placed a time frame on something I felt I needed clarity on from God. When we intertwine good intentions of praying with practices that are manipulative in nature, they do not get answered because James 4 says we ask amiss, we are left with an impure posture of prayer. God is so holy and intentional in all that He does. It is not about getting God to say or do anything, it is truly about what He does in our hearts and what we then say after that encounter.
We most certainly serve a God whom we can share our desires with. We simply need to be mindful that our prayers must align with His Will. Can we end a prayer like Jesus; mean it; and accept it? “…nevertheless, not my Will but Your Will be done.” -Luke 22:42 Jesus gave us an epic example of Life hitting and at the end of the day saying a prayer that in the midst of angst; He was able to give God glory!
Get ready for the Change that leads to a transformation that no one can take from you! To go to God for one thing and come out with the miracle of accepting His Will ultimately with a grateful heart because of His Perfecting Power is truly Next Level!
Divine Work & Pray:
WORK: Jot down in your journal feelings that you have felt with unanswered prayers. Note the feelings that you have had when you felt prayers were answered. How do you think you can become steadfast in prayer all while being accepting of God’s Will?
PRAY: Most gracious Father, Thank You for your patience. Thank You for the care You provide, as I learn of You. Circumstances may become overwhelming, but you remain a constant Sustainer in my life. Help me to have a resolve to embrace Your Will more than my desires. Life is worth living because of You! Thank You for working on changing me before the changes that will happen in my life. In your Matchless Name, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Shift the Room: Does the Excitement of the Invitation Match or Override the Expectation?
Access Granted! It is usually synonymous with excitement and promotion. It is an emotional high attached to it that makes one feel…”I have arrived!” No Spoiler Alert here! Just a heavenly reminder of our vetting process of the invitation. Pondering on the entrance. Assessing the arrival to the agenda already in the room.
One can have their head down and busy preparing the empire, but Shifting a Room begins before one’s entrance. It is the intentionality of knowing who you represent and the mark He intends to leave. How much do we expect to be used by God when we show up? Is it just about the networking and hob-nobbing or do we see the greater need?
Can we be sent in an environment and have the least money in the room; yet say the wealthiest statement that represents God? Would that be an opportunity to be a witness, or would you be enamored by the earthly figures with several commas in the bank? Am I referencing one running up and grabbing the mic and doing an Altar Call? No, I am not. However, make no mistake about how God leaves His indelible presence in a room.
Any Believer who enters a room by default shifts the room. It is the Greatness of God that dwells within us. This is where the true shift comes from. God will make us sensitive about atmospheres we walk into so that His Glory may be seen.
Do we truly prepare our hearts to go in like we prepare our outfit, hair, and networking material? Shift the Room and override the excitement of the invite by what God intends to impact those whom you come into contact with. The person next to you could be dressed to the nines and battling with suicidal thoughts. Can we be sensitive in the Spirit to discern the atmosphere? Wants continue to take the front seat to Needs! That should most certainly not be the case. When they invite you to the front row…Take the expectation with you, “God, who do you want to bless today with the essence of who You are?” May they see You in me more than my pedigree, business acumen, or success!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal some of your trepidation of being used by God in a public setting. Have you ever found yourself restraining from having a conversation with a stranger when you get an unction from the Holy Spirit?
Pray: Father God, keep me sensitive of the assignment. Make my ear keen to your Voice. Allow me opportunities to impact here on earth as I await your return. May the expectation of you touching a life far excel being invited into the room. Bless You forever! Love You forever! In Jesus Name, Amen.
What is Your Price to Walk Away from God? Everyone has a Price…Until you don’t!
The Bible is often read in very interesting ways. There are times people read it like a Children’s Story, and other times in disbelief that the people behaved in the manner that they did with all the miraculous events that God performed. It goes without saying, that the Bible should be revered and believed. However, there are some great lessons for our growth by assessing not only the actions of others, but our potential price acceptance.
Let us have Lot’s Wife over for a moment with her feet up on our coffee table! The Word of God tells us to “Remember Lot’s wife.” There was a price that she paid on that day. She did not write a blank check. Prior to the mercy shown to them, in Genesis 19:17, “Escape for their lives; look not behind them…for they would be consumed.” Therefore, she was not oblivious to the price of looking back; yet she was willing to pay the most eternal price ever!
Do we truly assess the Price that we paid in the world? Are we honest about what it took to be snatched before destruction? Was our multiple near fatalities to sin not enough? When we continue to open our wallets for the Price to engage in this World System, we rob our Spiritual Trust Fund. As a Good Father, God has been preparing a wealth of stability, purity in mind, and the Blueprint for our actions to honor Him. but we somehow desire more, the wealth of the world!
Willing to pay whatever the Cost to make a name and get access, all while our name could be penned in the Book of Life. Somehow, a vapor of worldly success has eclipsed the everlasting stay in a place we did not have the revenue to reserve without Jesus Christ. To be rewarded Heaven when we were Spiritually-bankrupt is jaw-dropping alone!
There are a lot of statements that we may never say from our mouths, but our actions continue to do the talking for us. We really need to know what or who could persuade us to turn and pay the price? Before it/they come to sit in our living room, what measures have we put in place for them not even to gain access and pass the threshold? What have we decided not to open our wallets up to anymore? It may take longer to get to your desired goal in God, but anything that He blesses us with will always be worth the wait!
The latter part of the blog post is supposed to shock us back into the truth of the power of The Blood. “Everyone has a price…Until they don’t!” We might have started off in compromise, conflict, and irregular conviction, but we do not remain in that state. We can actually declare, “I will never be bound again, and mean that thing! Until our dash is completed here, the Enemy will always dangle a price tag before us to turn away from God. Nevertheless, the Price that Jesus paid stands as our reminder that we can no longer be bought by this World System!
It should and can get to a place where this world has nothing to offer for what you already have in Christ. Show some signs that Paid in Full covered that! No more looking back- we’re not going that way!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: I challenge you to jot down the desires of your heart, all of them. How would the Enemy come to present a tainted, perverted version of your desires?
Pray: Oh Lord, Our God, the Price that You paid through your Son has a worth that is immeasurable! The value attached to life in You has no comparison. My indebtedness to you is ever present. I pray to be vigilant concerning my Spiritual deposits. May there never be insufficient funds. Thank you for allowing me to see true riches in You. Thank you for taking me from paying whatever the world tagged happiness and success to now being able to store up wealth where it truly counts! In your Matchless & Mighty Name, Amen.
If it Cost You Everything, Would You Still Say Yes?
In 2007, Shekinah Glory Ministries gave us a song entitled, “Yes.” It was one of the most endearing words placed in melodic form because it asked an all or nothing question and caused the one declaring to answer from a heart place. “If it cost you everything, would your heart and soul still say yes?” This song always activated my tear ducts, in the past. However, I recently heard it and it got me on my feet, not swaying to the song; rather reporting for duty, for what is to come. There were no tears in that moment, it was the realization that everything that I thought was anything was no comparison to the One who captured my heart and I actually fell in love with!
Interesting story behind “falling in love.” In the natural, I would never actually say the words to anyone, “I fell in love with you.” Although, some of those relationships had become idols; there was something about saying “I fell” for you. It was like, I was only supposed to fall once. I was only supposed to experience a love that transcended my control and made me whole through One person alone. Jesus captured my heart in a way that changed everything! There was no way I could do earthly relationships the same! Not another relationship where lust led over Godly love.
Recently, I witnessed people all over the world gather at a place with strict rules to enter into, that was the home of a religion outside my own. I opted not to participate with the group. It was a decision met with some trepidation, because I did not know how it would be perceived by the group. Nevertheless, I remained on the bus with the tour guide and read a book honoring my God.
This blog is not designated to highlight what others did not do, it is to bring the attention to the Cost that is expected for everything outside of Christianity that is generally not questioned. There is an expectation to put your family aside to climb the corporate ladder; an expectation to leave your friends to engage in a relationship, in hopes of it materializing into marriage; an expectation to reduce your time with your circle to work on creating a family. That day at the Mosques in Abu Dhabi was met with an expectation, no matter if people agreed with the Cost or not- the rules had to be adhered to in order to have the experience.
Take a moment to assess, do we acquiesce to the rules and standards of Christianity without murmur or is there such a reverence for being in the number, that we count it an honor to get the opportunity to follow what pleases Him? That day may have brought up questions in the hearts of those I was with, but it didn’t bring up the question for me that I could not answer…”If it cost me everything, would my heart and soul still say yes?”
The delayed Shout is…the sober reality that I did not always choose to adhere to the rules of the Father. There were times I went with the crowd to avoid the heat or singling out. I did not want it to cost me everything. I still wanted to choose what would be returned and hold on to what still had my heart…UNTIL! Until the fall, until the void overflowed with His love. Until my heart and soul was met with the reality that it was a price that was not paid alone by me, but by Christ Jesus himself!
In closing, as CeCe Winans belted out…”You weren’t there, the night Jesus found me. You did not feel what I felt when He wrapped His loving arms around me. You don’t know the Cost of the Alabaster Box.” Friend, nobody knows the Cost, but you do!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal what you consider the cost to be. What do you find yourself struggling to give God?
Pray: Father God, to the One who created, defined, and manifested love! Where would I be without you? It is an answer that drives my allegiance to you. It propels my conditioning and allows me to count the cost. It is impossible for me to give you more than what you richly have bestowed. In my hard place, may I fall more in love with you because you have promised never to leave, nor forsake me. In my grateful place, may I be like Moses, “If your presence does not go, carry me not.” In your Matchless and Mighty Name! Amen.
“Thrivers Live Differently from Survivors!”
Ponder on this…”What bonds you with the people who are most important to you?” Is it trauma or triumph that makes your connection so strong? By default have you determined the depth of your relationship based off of the hardships and breaking?
Make no mistake about it, traumatic instances can be a human super glue, but does it also produce a thriving and highly functioning bond? Trauma can cause us to remain on repeat mode for what knitted us together; all while stripping us of the ability to elevate beyond our circumstances. It is like watching a movie endlessly, to the point you know the words before the Actor says it.
There are great lessons within what leads us to be in Survivor-mode, but there are even more in what transforms us into becoming Thrivers. Thriving gives us the permission to become Victors over Victims. It supports the thought that what is before me is far more substantial than whatever intended to break me!
Victimization is not just an external event. We can become our own detriment by not placing our whole weight on God. Whatever God uses to make us more into His image is about understanding that it is never intended to bring forth a Victim Mindset. God does His best work when our heart shifts from seeing all that people did to us to recognizing all He did and continues to do for us!
One of the most rewarding stories to read in the Bible is how Joseph treated his brothers after their diabolical plan. We can get to a place by the processing of God where we look more at the posterity of the people than we do the pain afflicted by the same people. Their natural minds could not comprehend that level of forgiveness. Thriving in God produces an ability that is beyond our natural capabilities or even desire, at times.
What makes a Thriver title over a Survivor one really live is removing the sting and power that the Perpetrator has built up in our hearts! Give yourself permission to experience the healing power of the Lord! We were not created to simply survive. Not when He has called us, “More than conquerors…” -Romans 8:37
The Life of a Thriver should show some signs. The Word of God tells us that offense will come, but we do not have to place ourselves on the Victim’s List indefinitely. God wants a maturity to be our response. Too often times, we have knee-jerk reactions to life without fully taking in that God has given us a Do Over to become more like Him. Thriving is our portion, not surviving. God wants the most devastating moments in our lives to lead us to the trek of triumphant. The Favor of God is Fair, because there is nothing unfair in Him. CHOOSE TO THRIVE.
DIVINE WORK & PRAY:
Work: Jot down your thoughts concerning what you think of when you hear Survivor. Now, create a column describing the actions of someone who has become a Thriver.
Pray: Write out a prayer concerning shifting from surviving to thriving…
Would We Live a More Divine Life with “Have to” or “Get to” Talk?
Have you ever pondered on how many tasks we put in the “Have to” Category? The thought of how many moves that we make which are actually fueled by compulsion and routine. A begrudging that eventually takes a toil on us.
It takes me back to hearing a speaker talk about our breathing patterns. When you look at infants, it is as if their chest is going to come out of their bodies. Their diaphragm chooses a means of being that God innately gave us, but as time goes on, we choose to see breathing differently. We go from deep breaths, inhaling through our noses and exhaling out our mouths to often times choppy breathing and not fully taking in oxygen as we should.
Good trainers will often comment about breathing habits and getting back to the basics. It is the foundational means that can have us maintain the right perspective . Just as the infant shows the hand of God in guiding their very breath; as Believers in Christ, our perspective on life occurrences should become innate and encompassing as God allows us to be a part of what He is doing! Can we breathe in life and breathe out an attitude of gratefulness for whatever God has signed us up to carry out?
What would our lives truly look like if we woke up tomorrow and said…
•I GET TO show God through my conduct at a job that has no sign of Him.
•I GET TO love this child who is challenging right now.
•I GET TO teach these children who struggle with wondering if someone really sees the hurt and pain that is eclipsed by the anger and shutdown.
• I GET TO love my spouse beyond disagreement and disappointment.
•I GET TO forgive because the very thing I extend- God has extended to me.
•I GET TO wait for my spouse because God is perfecting things in both of us for His Glory.
•I GET TO serve because it is an attribute of Christ.
I GET TO is this amazing Gift that God gives us to GROW through life. Imagine being a part of His Plan to carry out 100 Tasks and 100% of the time you are overwhelmed by all that you feel that you HAVE TO DO! Imagine having those same 100 Tasks and your language becomes… I GET TO DO! How would you carry out those tasks with the latter?
Can we fall in love with the process to the same degree in which we fell in love with the finish? God has masterfully placed in us through the renewing of minds, an ability to become grateful beyond the alignment of all of our desires. “Have to’s” can become Joy Robbers when it interferes with us becoming Cheerful Givers. How do we choose to give our service unto the One who did not “have to” give His only begotten Son, but took GET TO to an unimaginable level?
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down a number of tasks you currently are responsible for and be honest about which category you operate those tasks from- “Have to or Get to?”
Pray: Heavenly Father, you have been more than life to me! Breathe into me a more essential perspective concerning Your plan for my life. I desire to operate with a grateful heart and I understand that it is through You that all things are possible. For every life occurrence that You have placed before me, let my show up be just as glorious to You as the triumph. Give me a resolve that is unwavering and that keeps me in remembrance of just how much I owe You!
In your life-giving Name, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Is the Vetting Process Needed when They’re My Faves?
This description shared by Gov.uk of the “Vetting Process” gives us a seeing glass view, from a governmental stance. “To hold security clearance you must go through the vetting process, which is a series of background checks, before you are granted access to sensitive information, assets and equipment. The process aims to identify, manage and mitigate any areas of risk in relation to the clearance you need.” There are checks and balances that do not take into account whether the one being probed will take offense. As a matter of fact, the one being vetted expects it.
The one who wishes to hold a position knows that there are expectations connected to areas that are related to the position, as well as the conduct that could impede how one carries it out. The Vetting Process is a part of determining if more access is permitted. Will the vetted be able to hear, see, and act on what others will not be able to because of clearance restrictions?
Let’s go Heaven-bound on the “Vetting Process.” There is a divine clearance by God that is impartial and infallible. When He probes, there is no hidden agenda. It is actually for our good for Him to show us ourselves before any work in His Name is done. How much more should Soldiers in the Army of the Lord expect to be vetted? How much more should we yield to the Background Checks to ensure that as we go out as Billboards for Christ; we will be able to stand up under the weight of our “Yes Lord?”
The “Sensitive Information “ we hold in high regard because it is the heart of God. The remarkable truth is that it is available to all who sign up for the Vetting Process. The revelation of God’s Word is not just for those who matriculated through the corridors of Theological Seminary. It is not reserved for a particular pedigree. It is the most inclusive candidate pool to those who desire to seek Truth and be used by Him.
The Vetting Process of God produces a staying power within us. It prepares us for the access to not only experience His revelation, but also understand our role in witnessing. Can we truly vet those we have become fond of?
Recently, we have had a number of professed Christians make some questionable moves in the public eye. It makes one wonder how serious did they really take the “Vetting Process” of Heaven? Did they take into consideration how many lives God would allow to cross their paths? Did they count the cost to be where they are?
Heaven’s “Vetting Process” gives us a clearance that was initiated by the life of Christ being poured out into our own. A people who did not have enough credentials or moral prowess to become Ambassadors for Christ. The “Vetting Process “ will always remain essential because there are souls at stake.
What will you and I do when our faves decide that they no longer want to subscribe to the “Vetting Process?” When our leaders go into the world and they do not remain mindful of the assignment; the clearance they have been given to present Jesus to a culture who feels they are “good!” We must not be guilty of living our lives as if we have not been sent. Issues that we may have with events that are happening in the church does not reflect the Church Christ is coming back for! Let’s be certain that the fingerprint we leave in the House of Prayer is not tainted from our own selfish ambition.
True Ministry is not glamorous. It is toiling, truthful, and thought-provoking. It will be the most thorough vetting process that we will ever experience. It is God putting His Seal of Approval on us to be fit for service. Make sure your fave has not cheapened or reduced the efficacy of the standard and expectation of God.
In these Last Days, invitations to speak, both in the world and in the church, must be properly vetted. Too many are going into rooms where their lack of clearance is glaring. The training that soldiers experience will never have them walk into situations that could be a threat or hostile and not be vigilant. When we see, from Gospel Singers to Preachers going into the Enemy’s Territory unarmed with no strategy- that is cause for alarm! Access Denied is not what we want in the Last Days, especially if you once had Top Secret Clearance!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal some of your favorite preachers and singers. Create a second column to vet how well they represent Christ today.
Pray: Gracious God, as you vet my life, expose me to me. We do not have to be a part of a scandal to realize the devastation in not being able to be cleared for access. Your security checks keep us mindful of the information that we behold. Your Word should be guarded in our hearts. It should be protected and honored. Give us a sensitivity to walk in rooms and see the greatest need! There is no life apart from you. There is nothing that the world could give to hand in this Eternal Access Card. May we remain true to You and your “Vetting Process.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
When Red Flags were always Present, but Our Relationship Void Made them Green!
Recently, the world was flooded by the Tale of the Failed Relationship of a young lady who calls her ex-husband, “Legion.” A failure to stop at the red flags caused her to proceed into Harm’s Way and end at Devastation Avenue! After nearly 8 hours and over 50 videos, a young lady pours out her heart to ask the question, “Why did I get married?” We will leave the expletive out that was used, but there is even a story to tell in the omitted word for where we can go in our conduct, when we feel that we have been played!
Literally, millions have viewed this young lady’s TikTok reels! What exactly do the viewers resonate with concerning the story? As we delve into the reasoning, keep in mind of the pulse of the Divine Design Blog. It is to consciously keep us mindful of the Art of Divine Living. Speaking to living out the essence and attributes of God in our everyday.
This read will cause us to pull the bandage off concerning what we give and what we take back from God. We will need to be painfully honest with ourselves. We say that we trust God with our lives, but when a fine specimen comes nigh our dwelling, we take the guiding away from God, the One who is all-knowing, to lead ourselves in partaking in the relationship. The very relationship that will need Him at the Center to triumph has placed Him in the backseat, as you and the love interest cruise in the sunset. Remember, bandage off because healing is necessary.
The young lady admitted that there were Red Flags from the onset. As Believers in Christ, we must understand how dire the decision is to the purpose and calling on our lives. Who God allows you to yoke up with cannot simply be about butterflies. That relationship will experience growth spurts and growth pains.
If we are not properly prepared to run the race that is ahead, we will skimp on the essential parts for the forward movement of the relationship. For every Red Flag we choose to ignore; we create a Colorblind Flag to travel to a place the Enemy designed, to bring us to an Unexpected End. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an EXPECTED END.” When God’s Green Flag is waived, it gives us the assurance and grace to go forth.
If we are honest, stories of betrayal in relationships are relatable, because we can remember “when.” We can remember when we were on the receiving end of what we did not think we deserved. However, we do not read these stories from the vantage point of assessing why we picked up the “hitchhiker”- the one allowed access to hitch themselves to us, with no approval from Heaven to even stop the car!
Allow me to bring to the stand what never gets the limelight when describing the car. The Glove Compartment, the place that once held the driving gloves, hence the name. The gloves that were protective in nature. What it is now known for and what is now housed there is the Registration. Who the vehicle belongs to. The One who holds the responsibility and ownership.
There are No Test Drives for a vehicle owned by God! Did you know that there are moments where people have custom cars and never got in them until it is purchased and delivered to drive? They did not have to go back to the Dealer for a test drive, because they already knew the value! When we become colorblind to Red Flags, we devalue the Green Flags and settle for something the Owner never intended for us to proceed with.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”-1 Corinthians 13:4-7 It is not just a passage of scripture for the wedding invitation. It is engraved on the heart. It is the fabric contents of the Green Flag. It is our map to finish this cross-country life excursion as a union. As beautiful as love is…it gets to our disfigurement. Those horrid places that magnify our fight to keep our independence and Will to be right!
I close with a collision of truth that until this day, still grips my heart! I remember being in a relationship that started off with me adhering to the driving rules, and then an anxiousness to get to Marriage Boulevard started having me remove the Instruction Book from the Glove Compartment.
The painstaking truth is… I changed the Name of the Owner to me! Green Flags quickly turned into glaring Red Flags! A vehicle once purchased with a price no human could pay; no longer road the same! No longer had the performance that was in line for what was ransomed! I became that broken down vehicle that once had an Owner who never missed caring for me and keeping me in Mint Condition to caring for myself and missing every Recall Message!
The exchange with the Owner:
Me: “God, I’m hurting because he cheated.
The Owner: “Before he cheated on you- you cheated on Me!”
*There is No Red Flag choosing worth getting that response from the One who manufactured you for His Glory!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal times you have overlooked Red Flags and became colorblind to the impact they have had on your life. Write out some Green Flags you have had in relationships and where they have taken you.
Pray: To the Lover of my soul. The One who loved me when I did not properly know how to love. Forgive me for taking the wheel and buying the synthetic message that made you a “Co-pilot”; You should have never been placed in the passenger seat. I want you to get Glory out of my relationship, because there is no reaching full potential absent of You. The whole and complete work that you do will be ever present in our lives. What You have for us has always been Worth the Wait! It speaks to the loving care and refinement that takes place when we abide in You. May You always be found as the sole Owner on the Registration of our lives! In the Name of Jesus. Amen..
How to Remain Effective in the Culture all while being Counter-Cultural.
An oxymoron? No. What the title conveys is what John 15:19 says, “If you were in the world, they would love you. But I have chosen you out, so they will hate you.” The Believer is not per se looking for a fight, but our stance will not be well-received. Followers of Christ often times experience the conundrum of people admiring your conviction until it spotlights something they are not convicted about.
We are in the world, but not in the Culture of the World. The appetite change is an interesting phenomenon. Imagine loving chicken all your life and then you turn 40 and you do not just dislike it, the smell of it is even detestable to you. When our palate is refined to the nature of God, the cuisine becomes nourishment-seeking and more conscientious of what we intake. There is a greater emphasis on how you care for your temple.
When our intake changes, it becomes visible to those whom we once did the shared events with, in the past. They may question how you now dislike the very thing you once enjoyed together for years? It is an honest question, but it is also a loaded one. It is heavy on…”Why did you change?” I do not think we fully appreciate coming out of something to go into something better, and then being presented with the opportunity to tell others.
We go into the Witness Protection Program instead of being a Witness for Christ. The sound of the Culture continues to reverberate in many hearts long after a “Yes Lord, to your Will & Way” is said. The Sanctification Process is not an overnight process. However, the necessary pill that is swallowed goes down easier when we assess just how much we loved the World and the Culture represented within it.
Going from Culture to Counter-Culture and still remaining impactful is absolutely possible! God focuses on what is needed. There are a lot of “wants” being addressed in the Culture, but the “need” has become secondary. Can God call you to go into an environment and meet the essential needs of that community?
The ills of this world are not subsiding. As a matter of fact, they are massively increasing. Despite the “needs” of the people empirically adding up, we continue to place “wants” at the forefront. Dear Believer, your stance to do it for the “Counter-Culture” is what will be most beneficial to the people. Choosing to remain unspotted from this World will be our largest flex.
Here are some Counter-Culture Flexes:
• Choosing to participate in fruitful conversations
• Refraining from engaging in Political Debates
• Become knowledgeable about Global News
• Maintain an appreciation for tradition
• Uphold the Standard of God and wear it like a badge of honor
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal some of the current focus topics in the Culture today. How involved do you get with the World’s views on Hop Topics? Line up scripture to what the Culture has on their supportive billboards.
Pray: Heavenly Father, the times are manifesting what Your Word has spoken. Thank you for the wisdom to be a voice of Truth. Help me to remain untethered by the Cultural Pressures and forever changing Cultural Norms. Keep me mindful of not being of this World. My heart is tied to my eternal address. In Jesus Name, Amen.
“God wants everyone to be a Millionaire: Found in the 67th Book of the Bible!”
Scripture has a beautiful way of lining up. A Berean Walk through the Word of God will crystallize God’s meaning. He will not leave us to our own interpretation. It is too costly of a price to misinterpret scripture. How is one to live out of their desired imagination what does not come from the heart of God?
Before we go to Heaven, head to your local relationship here on earth. Imagine spending intimate time with someone. You share information that is only given to them, and what this individual does, who was in relationship with you is host a conference and tells an audience the total opposite of everything you revealed to them?
Many take the abundant life of a Believer and make it about financial wealth. In 1 Samuel 2:7
it says, “The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.” Every Believer will not become a Millionaire, but we most certainly can have our account added to as it relates to eternity.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 reads, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. This speaks of a wealth that cannot be taken away. How many stories have we heard of people amassing wealth and losing everything?
The reason there can be no room for error is expressed in, 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Misinterpreting God’s Word concerning wealth accumulation could place someone in a position to lose their footing with the assuredness of their faith!
I facetiously titled this blog: ““God wants everyone to be a Millionaire: Found in the 67th Book of the Bible”, because Believers know the Bible has 66 Books. There is no 67th Book to express Millionaire Status as God’s wishes for every Believer.
Two occurrences come to mind to convey the point. Years ago, I remember giving a woman who was homeless money. I tried to give her an encouraging Word and said, “God bless you.” The woman stopped in her tracks and began to share with me how much God had blessed her. She was not defined by the sky being her roof; nor did she allow her glorifying God to be about material things alone. What a sober reminder for us! Another was watching Bibles that were shipped to some Asian people who were secretly meeting to receive the Word of God. Oh, how they wept and held their Bibles with such conviction! I knew viewing this, I had witnessed some of the most wealthy people I had ever seen! Theresa treasure that was being stored up in their hearts through the Word of God!
I leave you with this…May our Spiritual account forever be in a surplus. May deposits be made daily. As withdrawals are made with our lives, may it be so fruitful that it creates moments of eternal wealth for all we come into contact with. People will put in blood, sweat, and tears for a status that we cannot take with us. Just as products are recalled, let’s bring the mindset of all Believers being Millionaires back to the Dealer and walk out with the more efficient and intended part!
Divine Work & Pray:
Jot down various scriptures that you heard from the pulpit that referenced being wealthy. Do a Berean Walk concerning those passages. Make sure you read for context and clarity. Pray that God reveals His intent concerning how He wants you to see earthly & eternal wealth.
The Life of the Believer is a 2 Step: We Disassociate to Associate.
“Come out of her”, is not a period statement, it is a semi-colon. The 2 Step Dance that we do upon saying, “Yes Lord” speaks to the completeness of God. When we walk out of something, we will always walk into better in Him.
If we are honest, the let go may appear to be overwhelming. However, it will always be the greatest departure this side of Heaven when we walk into what He has purposed for us. There is a very popular picture that circulated the internet where a young child stood before God and He asked her for what she had grown an affection for, her teddy bear- not knowing what lied behind Him, a greater sized teddy bear. I absolutely love this visual because it encapsulates the story of our encounter with Him! We stand before Him holding on to so many things we think are “can’t live withouts” only to realize, He is truly the only One we cannot breathe without!
A God we so desperately need does not have to present or dangle anything before us to choose Him. Our pant for Him should be based off of the fact that He is the only One who can fulfill the void in our lives! It is a misnomer to believe God leads with carrots. God leads with an eternal invitation through His Son that reunites us with Him! We then experience Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” There are firsts that we must do in God that will make a far greater impact on our person than our desires being met.
Disassociating to associate speaks to the understanding of the pruning process. God will allow a major cut in our lives only to have a surplus arise. People dwell on the No’s of walking with God and fail to spotlight the abundance of a life that has been spared from eternal separation.
When you walked away from what once had your money, time, and affection- it did not end there. That trek should have brought us to a door of opportunity, which brought fruitful relationships, restored time, and good stewardship.
Amos 3:3 says. “Can two walk together unless they agree?” Will friends who began the journey together heading to New York for a Christian Conference be able to reach their destination if one decides to veer off to Daytona for “Biker’s Week?” The friend ends up liking Daytona and its happenings so much, they decide to relocate there. When we have a challenge with disassociating, we begin to alter the plans and make excuses. We say things like, “Well, we can always go to the conference next year.” Presupposing there will be a next year. Not taking into account where the individual’s heart has gone concerning Daytona and its attractions. There is no longer a way to get to the once desired destination together.
Our Spiritual Partnering is profound in nature. Years of learning intimate details about one another is great. However, just as soldiers enlist; go to boot camp; and are ready to put their lives on the line for their fellow man and woman- God knits the Body of Believers in a manner that can transcend time.
The Association that a Believer engages in is life-giving. It is an accountability filled with love and promise. At times, it is a connection that is painfully honest and other times very little words are spoken because most of those words are spent in prayer for the brethren. May we forever look at disassociation and association from the view of God- the One who knows the beginning from the end. He knows the connects that will produce more of Him in us and He knows the ones that will take Him out of the category of being priceless in our lives!
The Art of Divine Living is overwhelmingly knowing that you walked into an unmatched life and that the miracle of being made new is an association attached to a Well that Will Never Run Dry!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal the things you have been challenged in disassociating from, And why? What are the benefits associated to following God?
Pray: Dear God, the One whom is my shield and fortress The One who has prepared a life for me to give You Glory. May I not be oblivious to the unfruitfulness connected to people, places, and things I had difficulty in disassociating from. You have been a Protector of my heart. I choose to associate with new people, places, and things that align with how I feel about You. Thank you for the many rewards related to falling in love with You! It is worth it because You are worth it! In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Excellence is Celebrated everywhere, but the Church. Let’s Talk about it.
The world is enamored with a Winner. The spotlights on them often entail wanting to hear what they did to accomplish their goal. Their rigor and commitment are admired by the onlookers. For an athlete, their countless hours of drills and personal development moves the conversation to what separates them from the rest.
In the business world, it is no different. People love to hear the Rags to Riches stories. The ability to remain focused despite the many obstacles that they have experienced. The laser vision displayed when many events could have detoured them is what catches the attention of the people.
Think about the excellence shown in the craft of top athletes; such as, Lebron James, Stephen Curry, and Coco Gauff. Their regimen to take care of their bodies before even appearing for a game or match speaks to how much they have embraced excellence.
Top tier athletes overall, understand that excellence is associated to attaining the trophy. The late Kobe Bryant was known for extensive practices before and after games to hone in on showing excellence. He has even had colorful conversations with players, whereby he did not respect their cavalier behavior concerning their preparation.
As we take this Heaven side, the Hebrew Boys who were taken into captivity certainly come to mind. In Daniel 6:3, “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” The moral compass and work ethic of Daniel, even as a teen boy was exceptional.
The miracle of going from struggling in poor decisions to being able to operate in the Fruit of the Spirit does not get the press like it should. Believers all over the world are putting in the reps of righteousness; routinely doing the laps of loyalty and commitment to the ways of God; yet they find themselves being criticized for putting in the work.
Winners have a speech. They recognize the sabotage their words can have on them being victorious. Heaven has a speech too. As Believers, we are not to shy away from being perfected. A Spirit of Excellence speaks to being able to have a level of greatness that is outside of our own capabilities. It allows us a victory that not only shows the dedication and hard work, but the character and moral standard that accompanies.
Victor speech is not, “Well, we’re only human” or “Nobody’s perfect.” Victor speech is “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13. Victor speech is knowing God is working an Eternal Excellence in us. It is this profound private work that debuts not just on the stage, but in life.
The NFL hosts a 4 Day Event called “Combine”, which places an athlete’s excellence front and center. There is no subpar language he tells himself in that moment. Not carrying out this expected excellence is rare. The best and brightest are viewed in awe for the work that they put in.
What if we were more celebratory in church for a brother, who after years battling in sexual immorality, exercised the righteousness of God to such a degree, that he moves to living out an abstinent lifestyle and now encourages others, like a great teammate? What if we honored a young lady who went from a single mother to a woman who vowed to only be with her husband? We are missing our shout. Yes, someone getting a car and house are celebratory, but Heaven rejoices when our triumph comes from the divine nature of God being played out in our lives!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal your thoughts concerning an excellent Spirit. Are you encouraged by those who are maturing in the ways of God?
Pray: Gracious Father, may we find more excitement in things that are eternal. May our hearts have a resolve to carry out your divine nature. Excellence in you produces onlookers. May the doors that You open be the stages that Your Glory is displayed over our acumen and ability. Being perfected in You comes with a responsibility. I do not want to be like the athletes, who have had their accomplishments stripped away. Oh God, may Your moral standard be just as pronounced as what You have gifted me to do. In your triumphant Name. Amen.
If No one is an Island, Why are you navigating in life alone?
The island scene is encamped by water, so no one gets a chance to peruse it without notice. The visitor can be seen from miles away. Yes, the view is more cursory the further they are from you, but once access is granted, there is still more to witness. Too often times, our thoughts go to the barriers to keep intruders out, but what happens when we start painting everyone with the same broad brush, because we have been hurt? Do we keep out the ones who were sent to aide us on this journey? The ones who will keep us accountable and present as we walk out this purposeful life.
I consider myself an ambivert, one who has both introvert and extrovert tendencies. Being the only child for the first ten years of my life made me a lot more comfortable in alone settings. As time has evolved, I realized how much I enjoy the company of others, but I still find myself stealing away.
God uniquely orchestrated a blueprint designed for us to not plant our flag on an uninhabited island. In many instances, what is found in community is the acts God uses to mature us. We find out the toe-stepping realities in our interactions with others. We find out how selfish, territorial, and unforgiving we are when we depart the island and go ashore.
Group Projects are always a sobering measuring tool. It is this oversized mirror of our interacting ability. Everyone comes in with their processing and view on what the finish will look like. Although, it may be a big percentage of your grade, some will have a more vested interest than others. How do we navigate through personalities and behaviors that are different from ours?
I remember walking in island-mode for a number of years. If I was doing a group project and someone did not do what they said they would do, I would ask very little questions and just get it done. I remember sleeping about 15-16 hours straight one time from exhaustion. My body literally shut down, because I was taking on tasks that people either did not want to do or simply stopped. An interesting question by God inquired if I could be used to bring out the best in others and not feel the need to take on the task? Did I understand that there were, at times, other ways to carry the task out? Thereby, encouraging others to cultivate their best effort.
People would say, “Well, I can’t do it like you.” As those comments came, I began to understand more and more the importance of The Body and how much all parts are needed. God did not give everything to one person. That would leave us with pride on steroids. I truly believe God makes mosaics with our lives and gives His Sons & Daughters a piece to contribute to His Masterpiece.
If we are real honest, it is easier to just do [it], but do we really get the Spiritual Fruit additions when we do not go through the process of operating as a functional community? It is the being made part as respecting our uniqueness that fosters the growth to keep the unity of the brethren.
Betrayal and disappointment are real factors in leaving the island. However, that is too much power to give the Enemy by placing yourself in an isolated place to never be hurt again. Not only does it hinder our growth; it also impedes our ability to be loved and give love.
For years, we have watched shows like “Survivor” and to be the last one standing, but what is triumph without having someone to share it with? This culture tells us that the climb is lonely, but we can choose to yoke ourselves with those who are climbing as well. There is a sustainable and stellar strength in being among those with parallel vision and who are vessels being used by God.
Divine Work & Pray:
Work: Jot down in your journal concerning your thoughts about the title. Have you become an island because of hurt and disappointment? Have you ever prayed concerning those who will walk with you?
Pray: Father God, to the One who protects and graces us to have flourishing relationships. May no disappointment speak louder than You ordering my steps. You did not create me to be an island. Thank you for the discernment to see who comes nigh my dwelling. I welcome the fruit-bearing opportunity you give with Your Sons & Daughters. Make us sensitive to our roles as Brother & Sister Keepers. There is no failure in You. Make us mindful of this Truth as we interact with the brethren. May You get glory out of our trek from the island to the shore.