Acts 9:13-17 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (NASB)
Being called by God, we must first be clear; anyone can be called by God. God is the only one who decides on the necessary credentials, not man, as we see in these verses. God only calls us when we are ready. When we are able to be truly used by God is the moment in time that we are not only ready, but also willing and open to Him word. Knowing it is the greatest blessing and the most difficult, awesome challenging opportunity for us to live. Once the gravity of this settles in our soul, like it did for Ananias, we can do as he did; be obedient even when it seems preposterous or arduous. He, Ananias, became obedient to the request, faithful to the task at hand, focus on the Father, and submitted unrelentingly to the trust in God would provide for His will to be fulfilled. And slowly but surely, realization set in there will be no popularity contest gold star winner’s badge for taking on this task, and your actions will not be validated by the majority opinion. The person being used, called by God will no longer just reproduce, mimick, or mirror what you see, but actually produce what you proclaim. Because you live it from the essence, the core of your soul, being…it shows…and it is priceless…As God shows you there is no more than one path to Him and His glory, and a person past behavior does not exempt them from being used by God. Actually, it was preparation for the call because God knows everything…thus, as it the mystical sect of Judaism, we too have righteous men in the Christian faith, who do extraordinary mercy display acts, and they are not random…they were just called being called
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Intimacy
Yes, intimacy, the closeness and the ability to shed inhibition, just be true you...We are willing to do this with people, who are imperfect, be apart of an organization, and we desire it. Yet, when it comes to God, our relationship with Him, we are hesitate, fearful, standoffish, uneasy with it. However, we want the benefits of His love without the passion, obedience, and openness of our person to him, completely. We give just enough until it hurts a little bit, bruises, scrape the surface, graze over some sensitive areas, then stop. Having faith and letting God direct, lead you, show you, and be compass for the way...Our story is more than our war story, testimony, epiphany moment to be shared at a later date with a select few, a certain group, a particular organization. I am not saying it does not bless in those setting, but let me ask this question - how many times have you been some where and a stranger clarified your vision, focus, faith with his/her story? Who was that?
When you have true intimacy, it resonates and changes, have individuals marinating on the story years later. Every time it is heard, it is a teachable moment for all ages, generations, races, and no matter their situation. A point of impact where nothing is orchestrated, it just happens. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus brings with him, Peter, James and John...these three were the closes to Jesus..But let me redirect you here, Peter, James and John slept through the heralding anguish anxiety Jesus endured, it was not fitful, restless, or uncomfortable. It was as if they knew without knowing, that a change was coming and no matter what, they would be protected. Jesus praying more earnestly with each hour approaching and blood dropping rather than sweat from his physical body, but they are not move. Jesus comes back 3x -"Could you not stay with me one hour?, I can see them now, huh? eyes and heads unbalanced as they went back to sleep each time. Ever been that comfortable, safe, secure, in a metaphorical wilderness of unfamiliarity but so sure that you did this, and you were not tired? That close to someone, without knowing, how you know that everything is going to be alright because now you cannot comprehend the struggle you will face, just know the outcome and you are at peace...Jesus did not falter, his passion, fervor, focus, as a result to the intimate relationship with the Father and them - Love
True intimacy is love where words cannot define it, measures that cannot quantify it, and time only reinforce it. As expressions, actions, illuminate it and feelings overwhelmed as warm tears roll down your check. Having these are rare but being open to the will of the Lord allows you to do the right thing, even when the wrong way is the easy way, a beautiful mind is born, and saving yourself and others intimacy is possible....these things make some shout, scream, yell, dance, because yes, virginia there really is a Jesus who lived, died, rose, and ascended......
When you have true intimacy, it resonates and changes, have individuals marinating on the story years later. Every time it is heard, it is a teachable moment for all ages, generations, races, and no matter their situation. A point of impact where nothing is orchestrated, it just happens. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus brings with him, Peter, James and John...these three were the closes to Jesus..But let me redirect you here, Peter, James and John slept through the heralding anguish anxiety Jesus endured, it was not fitful, restless, or uncomfortable. It was as if they knew without knowing, that a change was coming and no matter what, they would be protected. Jesus praying more earnestly with each hour approaching and blood dropping rather than sweat from his physical body, but they are not move. Jesus comes back 3x -"Could you not stay with me one hour?, I can see them now, huh? eyes and heads unbalanced as they went back to sleep each time. Ever been that comfortable, safe, secure, in a metaphorical wilderness of unfamiliarity but so sure that you did this, and you were not tired? That close to someone, without knowing, how you know that everything is going to be alright because now you cannot comprehend the struggle you will face, just know the outcome and you are at peace...Jesus did not falter, his passion, fervor, focus, as a result to the intimate relationship with the Father and them - Love
True intimacy is love where words cannot define it, measures that cannot quantify it, and time only reinforce it. As expressions, actions, illuminate it and feelings overwhelmed as warm tears roll down your check. Having these are rare but being open to the will of the Lord allows you to do the right thing, even when the wrong way is the easy way, a beautiful mind is born, and saving yourself and others intimacy is possible....these things make some shout, scream, yell, dance, because yes, virginia there really is a Jesus who lived, died, rose, and ascended......
One person matters
Eze. 22:30 - I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one (HCSB)
One person matters. Sometimes we think, one person is not enough to make a difference for a circumstance, situations, or condition. However, in the verse above it only requires one person to stand in the gap that would prevent destruction to a land; WOW!~. If one stands up, and begin to understand, it only takes the one to do, to see change, then we will be convince more that we, the individual, matter. Too many times we will not begin to do, or are afraid to do because we are alone. We seem to forget, we serve a God who will, shall, and always provide, when we walk according to his will. See, we are quick to see the song, recite the verse, or teach the lesson about the many individuals who found their voice and strength to stand; one person. We see it in biblical times and modern times from Abram to Rahab to Elihu to the Deborah to Samson to David to Oprah to JFK and MLK to Mother Theresa to Gates to Obama. These people, whether you like them are not, were catalyst for change beyond themselves, and I am sure you know individuals in your community, family, work, or amongst our friends. However, we were all made, fashion uniquely, distinctively for a purpose that only we can do. God did not mode you in love, polished you in grace, refine you in mercy, for us to think we do not matter, or cannot make a difference. Because you see, you could be the one who speaks into the one who make the next majestic discovery, or the one that stops someone from giving up on them self. It is not about how great or small, it is all significant to God; what you do to the least of them, you do unto me. And God created you for such a time as this for a reason. Your birth, it is not happenstance, or hazard, whether in or out of wedlock, in want or opulence, an intact family or a hodge-podge because of life circumstances, or ability challenged or not, or you were loved or hated as child, you were put here for a purpose only you can do. See, you matter, and it not a fluke or random that you do what you do, when you set your face to God; God if it is you can bid me to walk on the water…Yea of little faith why doubt…. The questions is when are you, we going to stop the fear of the unknown and the unwillingness to let go of the control from hindering the true you, the authentic person to be. Remember you are covered by grace, you are lifted by the redeeming love, and your name is on the lips of the Sovereign one. God knows you need Him because you need to go in peace, and cannot do without his touch…One person matters…..
One person matters. Sometimes we think, one person is not enough to make a difference for a circumstance, situations, or condition. However, in the verse above it only requires one person to stand in the gap that would prevent destruction to a land; WOW!~. If one stands up, and begin to understand, it only takes the one to do, to see change, then we will be convince more that we, the individual, matter. Too many times we will not begin to do, or are afraid to do because we are alone. We seem to forget, we serve a God who will, shall, and always provide, when we walk according to his will. See, we are quick to see the song, recite the verse, or teach the lesson about the many individuals who found their voice and strength to stand; one person. We see it in biblical times and modern times from Abram to Rahab to Elihu to the Deborah to Samson to David to Oprah to JFK and MLK to Mother Theresa to Gates to Obama. These people, whether you like them are not, were catalyst for change beyond themselves, and I am sure you know individuals in your community, family, work, or amongst our friends. However, we were all made, fashion uniquely, distinctively for a purpose that only we can do. God did not mode you in love, polished you in grace, refine you in mercy, for us to think we do not matter, or cannot make a difference. Because you see, you could be the one who speaks into the one who make the next majestic discovery, or the one that stops someone from giving up on them self. It is not about how great or small, it is all significant to God; what you do to the least of them, you do unto me. And God created you for such a time as this for a reason. Your birth, it is not happenstance, or hazard, whether in or out of wedlock, in want or opulence, an intact family or a hodge-podge because of life circumstances, or ability challenged or not, or you were loved or hated as child, you were put here for a purpose only you can do. See, you matter, and it not a fluke or random that you do what you do, when you set your face to God; God if it is you can bid me to walk on the water…Yea of little faith why doubt…. The questions is when are you, we going to stop the fear of the unknown and the unwillingness to let go of the control from hindering the true you, the authentic person to be. Remember you are covered by grace, you are lifted by the redeeming love, and your name is on the lips of the Sovereign one. God knows you need Him because you need to go in peace, and cannot do without his touch…One person matters…..
Monday, October 12, 2009
Are we flexible and willing
Luke 9:47-50; 59-60 - But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you...And He (Jesus) said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." (NASB)
Are you we flexible and willing as Christians? Have we become so stuffy with our ‘thou shall not’ and ‘that is not biblical,’ we have lost the sight of the truth - Jesus went out with the people. Yeah?! We ask God so much, and become like petulant children when we do not receive in the time we desire, or get what we think, we should, or if the chastisement of another is not what we like. So, when we see others doing what we are doing, and it is a little different, we decide to question the validity, rather than try to see what we can learn, and how we can grow from exchanging of ideas. Or better yet, we decide they are too young and not ready, and should be ignored, until we decide they are ready. Not consulting God, not once. What we do, is asked Him to bless our actions, not to direct our path, thus, we just start doing because we know, what is best for all. Then questions God – What happen? How arrogant we have become in our well endowed exegetical skills, we have lost the real focus of Jesus’ ministry – relational evangelism grounded in unconditional and redeeming love. It was never meant to be an exclusive, member’s only club for the select group of faith believer, but rather it is for all of mankind. See it is not about us, or for a selfish intent to ingratiate ourselves with the ‘good people’; it is about Him. Only with this fundamental foundation of awareness and recognition, can we become more flexible and willing to submit to God, so that when He calls our name and it not as expected, we go.
However, when we are called, we usually are never quite ready to do what is asked at that moment. We want to fix some things, change some stuff, and make arrangements. We act as if we do not serve an all-seeing God, all-knowing God, and all-powerful, and does not need to put on hold. We forget he call all of his disciples in the middle of their madness, and Saul, on his way to destruction. So, why are we telling Him to wait? If God calls you, He has already made the provision, we just have to trust in the one, we say, we trust; to begin to apply the truth we know. Not worry about what you did, or did not do, or even what you are in the middle of doing. He asked for you, just as you are. This should be enough to make you shout all over the building, and dance the dance of praise uninhibited; once you realize He loves you enough and saw your future that He taps in your present to get you started. See, He chose you, in spite of you, all that is asked is willingness and flexibility. Are you willing? Are you flexible? Are you open? To a God that makes the illogical, logical, the impossible, possible; and the out of order, become the perfect order. The question is your faith such that it allows you to become flexible and willing to serve.
Are you we flexible and willing as Christians? Have we become so stuffy with our ‘thou shall not’ and ‘that is not biblical,’ we have lost the sight of the truth - Jesus went out with the people. Yeah?! We ask God so much, and become like petulant children when we do not receive in the time we desire, or get what we think, we should, or if the chastisement of another is not what we like. So, when we see others doing what we are doing, and it is a little different, we decide to question the validity, rather than try to see what we can learn, and how we can grow from exchanging of ideas. Or better yet, we decide they are too young and not ready, and should be ignored, until we decide they are ready. Not consulting God, not once. What we do, is asked Him to bless our actions, not to direct our path, thus, we just start doing because we know, what is best for all. Then questions God – What happen? How arrogant we have become in our well endowed exegetical skills, we have lost the real focus of Jesus’ ministry – relational evangelism grounded in unconditional and redeeming love. It was never meant to be an exclusive, member’s only club for the select group of faith believer, but rather it is for all of mankind. See it is not about us, or for a selfish intent to ingratiate ourselves with the ‘good people’; it is about Him. Only with this fundamental foundation of awareness and recognition, can we become more flexible and willing to submit to God, so that when He calls our name and it not as expected, we go.
However, when we are called, we usually are never quite ready to do what is asked at that moment. We want to fix some things, change some stuff, and make arrangements. We act as if we do not serve an all-seeing God, all-knowing God, and all-powerful, and does not need to put on hold. We forget he call all of his disciples in the middle of their madness, and Saul, on his way to destruction. So, why are we telling Him to wait? If God calls you, He has already made the provision, we just have to trust in the one, we say, we trust; to begin to apply the truth we know. Not worry about what you did, or did not do, or even what you are in the middle of doing. He asked for you, just as you are. This should be enough to make you shout all over the building, and dance the dance of praise uninhibited; once you realize He loves you enough and saw your future that He taps in your present to get you started. See, He chose you, in spite of you, all that is asked is willingness and flexibility. Are you willing? Are you flexible? Are you open? To a God that makes the illogical, logical, the impossible, possible; and the out of order, become the perfect order. The question is your faith such that it allows you to become flexible and willing to serve.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Living a life of distinction
Jer. 1:4-5 ‘Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." (NASB)
Living a life of distinction is not a mere idea, or fleeting thought, or happenstance occurrence. It happens before we are born, but we must be willing to submit to the greatest in us and the Most High God above us. However, if we do not recognize it for what it is, others can see it and use it for their good, or evil. Yet, when we decide to answer the call within us, to live the authentic ‘you’, and know that you, the person matters, life changes for us. Even if it is not popular, know it is the well-crafted gift in explanation or description. And at the same time, it is not, because we are fashioned by the Father’s love in the womb, at conception, and the moment we own it, we become it. We become for that thing a beacon of light drawing others to you.
Living a life of distinction does not mean there shall be not frustrations, struggles, or pains in this life, only that you will know with a incredible certainty ‘this too shall pass’. Living your life is so much different because although you are nervous or wondering if you shall be well received, when you walk in the moment. In that moment, it can only be described as being in the zone. Your distinctiveness draws your enemies to give accolades for your actions, accomplishments, and achieves. Strangers are intrigued and those who know you are in awe. As they look back at what you use to be, the vapor of what was, and the wonder standing before them now, is the real mccoy. The only thing that can explain it is the God-factor. Living a life with distinction allows others to see manifest favor of God in HD.
Living a life of distinction is not a mere idea, or fleeting thought, or happenstance occurrence. It happens before we are born, but we must be willing to submit to the greatest in us and the Most High God above us. However, if we do not recognize it for what it is, others can see it and use it for their good, or evil. Yet, when we decide to answer the call within us, to live the authentic ‘you’, and know that you, the person matters, life changes for us. Even if it is not popular, know it is the well-crafted gift in explanation or description. And at the same time, it is not, because we are fashioned by the Father’s love in the womb, at conception, and the moment we own it, we become it. We become for that thing a beacon of light drawing others to you.
Living a life of distinction does not mean there shall be not frustrations, struggles, or pains in this life, only that you will know with a incredible certainty ‘this too shall pass’. Living your life is so much different because although you are nervous or wondering if you shall be well received, when you walk in the moment. In that moment, it can only be described as being in the zone. Your distinctiveness draws your enemies to give accolades for your actions, accomplishments, and achieves. Strangers are intrigued and those who know you are in awe. As they look back at what you use to be, the vapor of what was, and the wonder standing before them now, is the real mccoy. The only thing that can explain it is the God-factor. Living a life with distinction allows others to see manifest favor of God in HD.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Poem - Dash
The following is a poem by Linda Ellis © 1998.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars .... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard ... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash mid-range")
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash??
So, as you comtemplate this poem and the meaning it has ask yourself- How am I living my dash? Am I being the Christian I teach about, preach about, explain about? Or have I become so confident and comfort with the life that "I" built, I need no improvements or adjustments. Do the leadership I envision is the leadership, I model? The relational evangelism I seek, I am making the choices and the connections to make it happen, or are we just too afraid and insecure to reach to the lost because they do not fit? Living the dash is more than an idle endeavor. It is an intentional steps with grace filled moments with a forgiveness legacy but on an unconditional love proof.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars .... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard ... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash mid-range")
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash??
So, as you comtemplate this poem and the meaning it has ask yourself- How am I living my dash? Am I being the Christian I teach about, preach about, explain about? Or have I become so confident and comfort with the life that "I" built, I need no improvements or adjustments. Do the leadership I envision is the leadership, I model? The relational evangelism I seek, I am making the choices and the connections to make it happen, or are we just too afraid and insecure to reach to the lost because they do not fit? Living the dash is more than an idle endeavor. It is an intentional steps with grace filled moments with a forgiveness legacy but on an unconditional love proof.
Achieved and receiving
We all have to prepare for things in life, or we should do so. In the bible it talks about no one builds a house without counting the cost. Thus, preparing is part of counting the cost. It allows for you to sustain the place you move into, once you get there. Without preparation, nothing quite work well. Now of the preparation are done for us but see we all have our part to play – leaving our legacy. So, we cannot just enjoy the fruits of others labor without laboring for the next generation. See too many times in modern day, we do not want to work for what we will not reap from before we leave. However, we have no problems living the life of Riley because of someone else work…Someone else tears….Someone else doing without…Someone else mistreatment…See, we too, not just this generation of millennials, feel we are entitled to do so. We have not realize the desired outcome, we seek can only be realized, when we are ready to get out of the boat, and walk on the water. Yet, this cannot be done because we desire the easy route, the familiar ways, and the faith with proof. But you see, no one ever accomplishes, achieves anything staying within our comfort zone. Remaining in the traditional way, do not get me wrong traditions are not bad in and of themselves, but the failure to understand the meaning of them is the problem. We do because they said we should, If we learn the reasond for traditions we are doing, many would soon fade out of existence because the need they is no longer, and it our time to create new. We need to begin to seek the truth and the authentic, and then we can see prosperity in a new way. We must understand there is a process to achieving and receiving, which requires moving into the uncomfortable. Moving outside our comfort zone for many of us is painful, mentally, emotionally, and psychological…Isaiah 66:7-9 - "A woman does not give birth before she feels the pain; she does not give birth to a son before the pain starts. No one has ever heard of that happening; no one has ever seen that happen. In the same way no one ever saw a country begin in one day; no one has ever heard of a new nation beginning in one moment. But Jerusalem will give birth to her children just as soon as she feels the birth pains. In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born," says the LORD."If I cause you the pain, I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation," says your God (NCV) Neither will God allow for us to go through without receiving a blessing, the bounty from our pain. Because God math is different than ours, He subtracts to add, and divides to multiply. If you ever have to give up to get something, then this resonates with a clarity that makes you know your life, and His way a little more clearly…Then process of achieving and receiving is no longer a mystery, but a heavenly revelations.
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