We all desire to be in the position of honor, favor, respect, and/or importance. If we cannot have it ourselves, then we desire to be connected to it; the ‘light.’ It is innate in our spiritual make-up to desire this: Christ is light in darkness. However, we have bought into the quick, the easy, and the right-now. This thought process outcome has a cultural affinity, an attraction to ‘false light’…now, let me say this, I am not begrudging the accomplishment of the celebrity, the rich, the innovated, the spiritually gifted, the insightfully educated, etc, it is our occult-like following of them that twist us up…Why? It causes us to compromise our integrity to allow for connections to this source. We forget who we really are. Our authentic self tries to fit into the appointed placement that does not fit; so we force it. It not a comfortable place as we struggle to remain there. We forget disingenuous anything creates the problem of deceit and lies as we try to cover, what we are not. Resulting in us wearing a mask that becomes the frame work from which we draw all our conclusions. The lens we see every situation through and the reason for our perspective on life as well as the experiences we encounter. Hence, we by default invite the author of confusion into our mix. Then all the cavalier mindset of it does not matter, it’s all good, it not a big deal, he/she will get over it, etc ensues.
Yet, if we would wait on the invitation, the anointing we shall not be disappointed because we are where we are supposed to be; perfect fit. No struggling to remain. It is correct and a comfortable fit. When we wait on the favor, it remains without exception. We receive unexpected elevation and legitimate honor for we do not see humility as a weakness, but a confidence and strength. In the bible it is explained this way - Luke 14:8-11 - "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this man,' and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place.”But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (NASB)” See, it does not matter where we sit, if we belong in the place of honor, we shall be place there by invitation or guidance. But if we decide it is owed to us because of who we are, the position we hold, or the title we carry, the host may look at you and tell you – This is not your sit, we are going to have to move you. Although we all like to be fussed over, regardless of our protest, it never feels good when you have not chosen well, and required to be removed.
Waiting to be invited up means less embarrassment, and allows one to prepare him/herself for the placement that is forthcoming. It helps us to better understand that God work things through a focus intentional process. The Lord knows what awaits us upon arrival, and what is needed in order for us to remain and sustain the new placement. Isaiah 55:9-11 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it (NASB)…The question is, are we ready to be blessed or invited up?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Leadership
Leadership is a quagmire or complicate thing. On the one hand you get to lead others. People look to you for guidance, and for sound advice. Individuals look at your behavior as the pattern to follow, and many want to have an audience with you. You receive special treatment, people defer to you, and want to give you stuff (some appreciate, some not so much). But on the other hand there is the weight of knowing expectations are high and people feel it is their right to say whatever they like to the leader. Your time is no longer your own, and perfection is expected of you. Your mistakes, bad choices become so much bigger than anyone else; the magnification daunting at times. Personally, you treasure the few friends you have, and wonder sometime will they portray your trust. You crave the quiet, the lush refreshing occasions where you are able to relax, be you, as you long for hugs that come with strength giving spirit filled touches that rejuvenate you. You think back at the bible passages where Jesus in the crowd said, someone touched me. You get it, knowing you could never really feel as He did, but this was your glimpse because they are becoming fewer and fewer. You seem to be on display, and your confidantes, treasures must remind you this is a safe-harbour , while giving a smile that covers a worried look in their eyes. Then you see, know, and recognize why Jesus said this Matt: 26-28 "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (NASB). Did you not know you must let God have his way in your life because so much going on, and you cannot live this truth without him. For our, (Christians) examples of leadership is not found in the maddening world of man, but in the life of Christ.
See, Christ lead but remember he came to serve and save mankind, not like we know of serving but the serving that gives water that quenches our thirst forever. He hands out peace that no man can take away from you, ever. Ushers us into the room of relief when we know him, as his mission has always been and is, to see us prosper and know we are love. No facades are needed, because we are loved at all times as he is omniscience. And when we really spend time with him, we understand why as a leader this is important - Matt 6:24 - No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth (NASB). You cannot give equal time, equal weight, or equal reverence. When you lead everything flows from this focus, so if the leader is not focus on the main goal because he/she lets the people direct him/her as a result of fear or impatience. The question becomes who is leading here? See Christ reminds how it is done, and even unto death for it provides Shekhinah glory; the indwelling of God for all to see. Did you really think being a greater leader, whether formal or informal, was some skill you were given…Where do you think all good things come from? Yeah. Prepare to serve if you desire to lead, and do not forget to take some directions from the pre-eminent leader of all…Jesus.
See, Christ lead but remember he came to serve and save mankind, not like we know of serving but the serving that gives water that quenches our thirst forever. He hands out peace that no man can take away from you, ever. Ushers us into the room of relief when we know him, as his mission has always been and is, to see us prosper and know we are love. No facades are needed, because we are loved at all times as he is omniscience. And when we really spend time with him, we understand why as a leader this is important - Matt 6:24 - No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other You cannot serve God and wealth (NASB). You cannot give equal time, equal weight, or equal reverence. When you lead everything flows from this focus, so if the leader is not focus on the main goal because he/she lets the people direct him/her as a result of fear or impatience. The question becomes who is leading here? See Christ reminds how it is done, and even unto death for it provides Shekhinah glory; the indwelling of God for all to see. Did you really think being a greater leader, whether formal or informal, was some skill you were given…Where do you think all good things come from? Yeah. Prepare to serve if you desire to lead, and do not forget to take some directions from the pre-eminent leader of all…Jesus.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
What I give to you
Hugs to tell you, you are beautiful
Smiles to tell you, you are loved
Winks to remind you, you are a joy
Kisses to let you know, you are comforted
Tears to reassure you, you are not alone
Love washes over you to show you, you are accompanied by angels sent from heaven
Mountaintop moments to remind you, God sits high but looks low creating your safe passage in this life
Arms out stretched toward you, to let you know my grace rest upon you without end
Promises to remind you, it is not over until I say it is....
Smiles to tell you, you are loved
Winks to remind you, you are a joy
Kisses to let you know, you are comforted
Tears to reassure you, you are not alone
Love washes over you to show you, you are accompanied by angels sent from heaven
Mountaintop moments to remind you, God sits high but looks low creating your safe passage in this life
Arms out stretched toward you, to let you know my grace rest upon you without end
Promises to remind you, it is not over until I say it is....
We are all connected
We are all connected in this life. Our choices foster shifts in our nature, our obedience creates a catalyst for generational changes, cultural changes, and personal changes. See there are people appointed by God for a time, a season, or a life time to further the important legitimate interest of providing all with the opportunity to participate in the full range in the goodness of our Father. Yet, this comes about with or without our permission, and to feel the fullness of this grace one must understand this. 1 Peter 3:13-16 - Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander (NIV). As you see in these verses doing right is not the whole picture, without a cost or responsibility. We must learn how to speak from our truth, if we desire peace granted by a clear conscience; we all want that. Where our faith will not fall, not bend, or compromised resulting from fears of our own or others. When we stand firm, commit to the call of being chosen of the LORD, we speak life with our obedience, and change the future for many we shall never meet in our lifetime. David knew what it meant to be called and chosen of God; God called him a man after HIS own heart. Guess what, he was not perfect. He was obedient and had an expertise understanding of the favor bestowed.
Check this out 2 Sam 7: 18-20 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 1And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD? "What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD. (NIV) David got it; he was to be the catalyst to change generations to come. Why can’t we get this? It has to do with trust, waiting, submitting, no matter what, and enduring our consequence. Praising the Lord, how we are lead, not changing because the company kept or discouraging words or looks received. Know like Paul and Silas knew when you are a change-agent that shifts cultural entrenchment, atmospheric mindset, or systemic procedures, it does not matter where you are, it does matter whose you are and the belief that you can… Acts 16:25-28 -About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" (NIV). We are all here! When you know, your actions changes lives, connection, then cosmic shifts both figuratively and literally for all connect to you. You sit comfortable, at peace, knowing you have aligned with God purpose for you, change agent, and God will get the glory….We are all connected, and we speak life, we receive life, and life begins to birth new life. This has nothing to do with biology or genetics, it is a god-thing create on the cross of redemption.
Check this out 2 Sam 7: 18-20 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 1And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD? "What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD. (NIV) David got it; he was to be the catalyst to change generations to come. Why can’t we get this? It has to do with trust, waiting, submitting, no matter what, and enduring our consequence. Praising the Lord, how we are lead, not changing because the company kept or discouraging words or looks received. Know like Paul and Silas knew when you are a change-agent that shifts cultural entrenchment, atmospheric mindset, or systemic procedures, it does not matter where you are, it does matter whose you are and the belief that you can… Acts 16:25-28 -About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" (NIV). We are all here! When you know, your actions changes lives, connection, then cosmic shifts both figuratively and literally for all connect to you. You sit comfortable, at peace, knowing you have aligned with God purpose for you, change agent, and God will get the glory….We are all connected, and we speak life, we receive life, and life begins to birth new life. This has nothing to do with biology or genetics, it is a god-thing create on the cross of redemption.
Preserving the Spiritual Lineage
Rev 12:10- Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. (NIV)
The church speak has to stop so that the god-speak can replace, begin. It may not look like what we know, but will always affirm his truth in what is. No matter how it is delivered. We quench the spirit through our balancing enforcement of the ‘right way’, fix finite perception of the Father because of the cultural illusion that says - God is not there. Yet, the Lord states, I am the great I AM, the beginning and the ending. The creator of all things, and nothing good made, seen, and held without him. Love is not fully realized in its truest form without understanding this. We cannot wrap our head around the lengths taken to reach those he loves. See the provision of grace to fulfill the law, as he changed what was exclusionary to inclusive to all who would come, can come. The Son step through spatial continuum became flesh to bear our bruises and lashes. Became the target of conspirators lies, and subjected himself to compromise godliness so we would know, he understands our struggle. And now, he stands between us and the accuser daily, nightly, 24-7, 365, defeating him for our sake. Our savior stands speaking life uncompromisingly, providing prosperity unyieldingly, and reigning sovereign love un-mutilated or defiled. Granting favor to rest upon us so the spiritual line is uninterrupted by deceptions. For it is preserved through an unheard and unparalleled justice, unlatch and unrivaled love, garnering absolute truths grace, derived through a cornerstone reserved righteous called Jesus. We only have to accept the offer, and the spiritual linage is ours.
The church speak has to stop so that the god-speak can replace, begin. It may not look like what we know, but will always affirm his truth in what is. No matter how it is delivered. We quench the spirit through our balancing enforcement of the ‘right way’, fix finite perception of the Father because of the cultural illusion that says - God is not there. Yet, the Lord states, I am the great I AM, the beginning and the ending. The creator of all things, and nothing good made, seen, and held without him. Love is not fully realized in its truest form without understanding this. We cannot wrap our head around the lengths taken to reach those he loves. See the provision of grace to fulfill the law, as he changed what was exclusionary to inclusive to all who would come, can come. The Son step through spatial continuum became flesh to bear our bruises and lashes. Became the target of conspirators lies, and subjected himself to compromise godliness so we would know, he understands our struggle. And now, he stands between us and the accuser daily, nightly, 24-7, 365, defeating him for our sake. Our savior stands speaking life uncompromisingly, providing prosperity unyieldingly, and reigning sovereign love un-mutilated or defiled. Granting favor to rest upon us so the spiritual line is uninterrupted by deceptions. For it is preserved through an unheard and unparalleled justice, unlatch and unrivaled love, garnering absolute truths grace, derived through a cornerstone reserved righteous called Jesus. We only have to accept the offer, and the spiritual linage is ours.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
It is a choice
Isa 23:13-14 (MSG) The Master said:
"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their hearts aren't in it.Because they act like they're worshiping me but don't mean it,I'm going to step in and shock them awake, astonish them, stand them on their ears.The wise ones who had it all figured out will be exposed as fools.The smart people who thought they knew everything will turn out to know nothing."
Every day is choice for us. We need to learn to articulate our choices, but more importantly, focus our choices. Our choices, like our excuses, we decide where they originate; within us. The question is what well is it drawn from; the origination point foundation? For all of us at one time or another, the origination point is not from a place of peace, love and happiness or godly. But from a place of emotional instability that stunt our personal growth. Our life is what we make it, and there is no mystery in it. We create it with our choosing. Although, seeking perfection in our failing and correction in our political corrections framework. Yes, we all make bad choices and mistakes. They are not the problem, it is the failure to understand the things that come with it- consequences and forgiveness. We need to own our responsibility so we can be free, and welcome the forgiveness so grace can effectively rest on our hearts and lives. Otherwise, we create a sheer veil that we see through but cannot go through, we are separate. Joshua puts it this way, choose this day who you are going to serve, and Jesus reminds us we cannot serve two masters. See when we choose, we accept all that comes with it, and anyone or anything can become our reason for the deeds, actions. We cannot pick and choose, as we desire, what will apply to us, or for as Christians, it really all or nothing..God will have no other before him; he does not play well with others....remember in the temple when God altar is with other idols but put together, every morning they, the other idols, were found face down...Yet, we want all the promises to apply to us and our lives. It is not good for us because we would not allow others to treat us this way, then why treat God this way....We need to go back to the standard set in the Garden where Jesus set the example on choosing. We asked if the cup could be taken away, and ending it with not my will, but your will, Lord, be done! Then we shall see the latter days become greater than the former....It is all based on our choice....
"These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their hearts aren't in it.Because they act like they're worshiping me but don't mean it,I'm going to step in and shock them awake, astonish them, stand them on their ears.The wise ones who had it all figured out will be exposed as fools.The smart people who thought they knew everything will turn out to know nothing."
Every day is choice for us. We need to learn to articulate our choices, but more importantly, focus our choices. Our choices, like our excuses, we decide where they originate; within us. The question is what well is it drawn from; the origination point foundation? For all of us at one time or another, the origination point is not from a place of peace, love and happiness or godly. But from a place of emotional instability that stunt our personal growth. Our life is what we make it, and there is no mystery in it. We create it with our choosing. Although, seeking perfection in our failing and correction in our political corrections framework. Yes, we all make bad choices and mistakes. They are not the problem, it is the failure to understand the things that come with it- consequences and forgiveness. We need to own our responsibility so we can be free, and welcome the forgiveness so grace can effectively rest on our hearts and lives. Otherwise, we create a sheer veil that we see through but cannot go through, we are separate. Joshua puts it this way, choose this day who you are going to serve, and Jesus reminds us we cannot serve two masters. See when we choose, we accept all that comes with it, and anyone or anything can become our reason for the deeds, actions. We cannot pick and choose, as we desire, what will apply to us, or for as Christians, it really all or nothing..God will have no other before him; he does not play well with others....remember in the temple when God altar is with other idols but put together, every morning they, the other idols, were found face down...Yet, we want all the promises to apply to us and our lives. It is not good for us because we would not allow others to treat us this way, then why treat God this way....We need to go back to the standard set in the Garden where Jesus set the example on choosing. We asked if the cup could be taken away, and ending it with not my will, but your will, Lord, be done! Then we shall see the latter days become greater than the former....It is all based on our choice....
Is your all on the altar?
Gen. 22:9-12 They arrived at the place to which God had directed him. Abraham built an altar. He laid out the wood. Then he tied up Isaac and laid him on the wood. Abraham reached out and took the knife to kill his son. Just then an angel of God called to him out of Heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!” "Yes, I'm listening." "Don't lay a hand on that boy! Don't touch him! Now I know how fearlessly you fear God; you didn't hesitate to place your son, your dear son, on the altar for me." (MSG)
Is your all on the Altar?
Words & Music: Elisha A. Hoffman, circa 1905
You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all is on the altar is laid.
Refrain
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit Control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
On Sunday in church I heard this song, and for some reason it struck a chord with me. No, this is not the entire song, only the first two stanzas, but it is so apropos for this time. It states the main point we should consider. It states clearly why things we asked for are not happening for us. In the accompany verses chosen, it represent all on the altar. God called Abraham to sacrifice the promised seed born by God divine intervention intentional touch. Isaac was borne to Sarah and Abraham in their latter days, when biologically it would seem impossibility; God is not hindered or confined to conventional wisdom or theories. So, when Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son, the very thing that embodied the promise of God. This is symbolic of Abraham’s all on the altar. He intrinsically knew, for his faith to increase, prayers to be answer, and to have rest for his weary soul; he had to put all on the altar. Now, we speak of him as the father of faith because he laid all on the altar. We see God favored in Abraham’s life, yes, but Abraham favored God’s will, instruction, directive, commands, and promise over anything he could see. For you see, Abraham did not start on this journey at this moment, it began when he left the comfort, the wealth, the many gods, the family, and the familiar to seek the one God’s voice…is your all on the altar?
So, the next time you wonder why your blessings have not increase or appeared, your faith seems to be at a standstill, your earnest prayers reveal nothing and no change occurs, and peace is a long-distance illusive cousin you can reacquaint yourself. Ask yourself, is your all laid on the altar? Everyone wants to dance like David danced, have favor like Joseph, faith like Abraham, and transformative moment that change his focus like Paul. The thing you must decide is how bad do you want, how much are you willing to give up to get it, and are you ready for the journey that will only supply what you need, when you needed, no more…Is your all on the altar is truly a revelational song that puts all in perspective, and convicted hearts in alignment.
Is your all on the Altar?
Words & Music: Elisha A. Hoffman, circa 1905
You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all is on the altar is laid.
Refrain
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit Control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
On Sunday in church I heard this song, and for some reason it struck a chord with me. No, this is not the entire song, only the first two stanzas, but it is so apropos for this time. It states the main point we should consider. It states clearly why things we asked for are not happening for us. In the accompany verses chosen, it represent all on the altar. God called Abraham to sacrifice the promised seed born by God divine intervention intentional touch. Isaac was borne to Sarah and Abraham in their latter days, when biologically it would seem impossibility; God is not hindered or confined to conventional wisdom or theories. So, when Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son, the very thing that embodied the promise of God. This is symbolic of Abraham’s all on the altar. He intrinsically knew, for his faith to increase, prayers to be answer, and to have rest for his weary soul; he had to put all on the altar. Now, we speak of him as the father of faith because he laid all on the altar. We see God favored in Abraham’s life, yes, but Abraham favored God’s will, instruction, directive, commands, and promise over anything he could see. For you see, Abraham did not start on this journey at this moment, it began when he left the comfort, the wealth, the many gods, the family, and the familiar to seek the one God’s voice…is your all on the altar?
So, the next time you wonder why your blessings have not increase or appeared, your faith seems to be at a standstill, your earnest prayers reveal nothing and no change occurs, and peace is a long-distance illusive cousin you can reacquaint yourself. Ask yourself, is your all laid on the altar? Everyone wants to dance like David danced, have favor like Joseph, faith like Abraham, and transformative moment that change his focus like Paul. The thing you must decide is how bad do you want, how much are you willing to give up to get it, and are you ready for the journey that will only supply what you need, when you needed, no more…Is your all on the altar is truly a revelational song that puts all in perspective, and convicted hearts in alignment.
We should always pray!
Luke 18: 1; 27 (NIV) Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up… Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." We should always pray and not give up because what is impossible with man is possible with God. How do we really begin to comprehend this logic that takes outcome, changes, achievement, and success out of our hands? We must understand it is not about us, but it is for us which means we need to step away from the comfort zone truth that lulls us to sleep in a self imposed madness of our own greatness, entitlement, expectations, my way, and begin truly let go. Like a child does when s/he asked mom/dad or whomever to take care of something, once we have said yes, the child does not think about, and expects it to be done, no matter what it is. We should always pray, seeking, and not tell, inform, demand, or manipulate in our speaking. Which is what many are doing because so have fail to follow these two statements - Proverbs 25:27-28 (NIV) It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self-control. We have begun to seek honor and fame, for our edification and if others are aided, then great but not our focus. Yet, these two verses remind us what we should not do, and what it looks like when we do. See back in the biblical times when the walls were broken down, there were no defense and the city could be easily overtaken.
Liken to man/woman without control, if you do not have self-control you are easily taken, engulfed by societal norms, trends, and mindset. Instead of being the peculiar people God called us to be. We should always pray because it connects us to God, and show we desire his advisement and guidance over what we can see; faith.
But how do we do this? Seeking God? Praying without ceasing? Well, I would ask, how do you go to work? How do you work on ‘looking-good’ for your sake? Stay focus to get a high school diploma? Obtain College degree(s)? Brush your teeth or wash your face in the morning? Staying monogamous? Have money to pay mortgage? Not take what is not yours, when you desire it? Not get caught up with addictions? It is all through self-control, self-discipline because you know what is at stake, and you seek it, sacrifice for it. Once you really begin to pray not boast or brag, life changes and it does not mean less difficulties or less struggles. You understand this too shall pass, and trouble really does not last always. Lenses you see life, love, hurt, pain, anger, gluttony (of any kind) changes for you. The lens you see life is not the same, and it becomes apparent as prayer is the touchstone, benchmark, acid test, or hallmark that begins the paradigm shift to seeing it is not about you or me, but God. We should always pray!
Liken to man/woman without control, if you do not have self-control you are easily taken, engulfed by societal norms, trends, and mindset. Instead of being the peculiar people God called us to be. We should always pray because it connects us to God, and show we desire his advisement and guidance over what we can see; faith.
But how do we do this? Seeking God? Praying without ceasing? Well, I would ask, how do you go to work? How do you work on ‘looking-good’ for your sake? Stay focus to get a high school diploma? Obtain College degree(s)? Brush your teeth or wash your face in the morning? Staying monogamous? Have money to pay mortgage? Not take what is not yours, when you desire it? Not get caught up with addictions? It is all through self-control, self-discipline because you know what is at stake, and you seek it, sacrifice for it. Once you really begin to pray not boast or brag, life changes and it does not mean less difficulties or less struggles. You understand this too shall pass, and trouble really does not last always. Lenses you see life, love, hurt, pain, anger, gluttony (of any kind) changes for you. The lens you see life is not the same, and it becomes apparent as prayer is the touchstone, benchmark, acid test, or hallmark that begins the paradigm shift to seeing it is not about you or me, but God. We should always pray!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Why we cannot go home again: We’ve changed………
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV) - As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. We cannot go home again, home is that which familiar, comfort zone thing or person. Home is both tangible and intangible, and literal and figurative. We all have many things/places/people that are ‘home’ to us. But just like the water does not return without watering and neither do we return without some altering. Ask any parent of a child who has left home, and moved back in, both the parent and the child will say, the other has changed, both are correct. The fact of the matter is no one has ever succeed in this life without chartering a new path, or another way of looking at it is, doing what is unfamiliar, not ‘home’. Yet, when we return ‘home’ we desire things to fit, to work, and people to act the same way it always has. Everything is the same, you, the person has changed. We some time we get this dialogue - John 9:19-22 (NIV) "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?" "We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. We are disappointed, become uncomfortable, transference of responsibility, and revert back to what we know because it is less work, unrest, and we are afraid. Why? It easier to go backward, we think, than it is to go forward, we believe. Yet, as Christians we should understand our victory lie in our ability to obey…Why? Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) -"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Walking in the will of God, we never go back home.
Why Counsel is necessary
Why do we need good counsel in our lives? Let us begin with verse Romans 12:3 (NASB) For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Without good counsel we are lost and confused by our own design. See, no matter how objective we say we are, it is difficult to look outside our individual mindset or understanding without good counsel for development, progression, or advancement. What am I talking about? I Cor 13:1-3 (NASB) - I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. So, it does not matter how famous you are, wise, inspirational, or gifted, we are nothing without love, and real love begins with being honest in assessment and counsel. Which is something lacking many time for us Christian when to dealing with our gifted personalities. We forget the teaching of the word Proverbs 11:14 (NASB) – Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. Well let me be clear, so that no one get it twisted. This verse speaks of good, righteous, godly, and loving counsel, not the kind that acquiesces or submits for fear of losing what man, we think provide, and not looking toward God who has really provided. Why do we need good counsel because of two things - 1 Cor. 15:33 (NASB) - Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’ and 2 Tim 1:7(NASB) - For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. None of this is possible, if we do not have good counsel… Isaiah 9:6b (NASB) - For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
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