Thursday, December 31, 2009
The New year approaches-Thinking differently
As 2009 is coming to a close, I stopped a minute to contemplate what has transpired to me, my friends, this country, and those connected to me. I have concluded in my musing we need to think differently...In the bible it speaks of this- as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became man (adult), I put away childness things...You are still on milk, when you should be on meat...These verses are reminding us as we mature, we should think differently. Therefore, we should speak and act differently as we grow; it is a process...But we do not because we are not willing to understand this simple truth...See improving on what you have does not mean you are discounting the past accomplishments, but we are honoring them as we continue to grow; we use what is to as the platform, springboard for our progression. Time change but the message is the same, the delivery method and mode operation is different because the audience is different, and transformation is taking place because of it...So, asked yourself who is holding your ladder as you climb upward? never forget those below because without this individual(s), your presence circumstance would not be possible...thinking differently, i think is a must for our survival, for our progression, for our faith to thrive and love to live
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
De-Nile is not just a river in Egpyt, but also a state of mind....
Psalm 85:10-13-Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss!
Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies!
Oh yes! GOD gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing.
Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage. (MSG)
I read this verse, Psalm 85:10, in my morning devotion but when I went to read the different bible version on the computer, I had to include the others. It also made me think of the leader in each of us that frighten us, and the things we do, by commission and/or omission, to not own it…Yeah, where did that come from…Well, first of all love and truth are not going to meet if we living in the land of denial. Therefore, there is no quest for right and whole living, when we fail to own who we are. See, we are all leaders in some respect in this life whether it is at work, at home, at church, in our organizations or groups, etc. And the verses above cannot really be lived out in our daily life, until we understand who we are. Why we choose the people in our inner circle, the people in your life matter, recognizing generational dysfunction that creates much of the discord in life, learning to appreciate the blessing bestowed upon us, and knowing when to let go. I suggest we begin by grasping these two quotes ‘Until a person takes responsibility for where he is there is no basis for moving on because he has not faced or understood why he is there' by Andy Andrews in the book ‘the traveler’s gift’ and 'You cannot build a solid, substantial house with decayed planks, no matter what kind of veneer is put over their rottenness' James Cash Penney. Too many times we do not see ourselves clearly because it hurts, adversion to conflict (think about it), we do not want to hear the fallout of owning truth; silence is acceptance of what is by default and lays seeds for future dissension (yeah, it does, think about it)… Know you are not responsible for how others response to us, we only accountable for our actions, responds because nothing is ever what it seems – be free because it is not what you are called, but what you answer to…Nevertheless, we cannot build a substantial character and foundation for a future of progress without solid and well built foundation, figuratively or literally. We have to be honest with ourself, about ourself, and about those who are in your life. This does not mean you do not love or did not appreciate all that was, is done for you, but it does not change what must be done to live the best you; your truth, for your best life, in your time. Living truthfully, dispensing needed mercy, granting grace, moving forward with a forgiveness, and allowing right to resonate in our souls helps us to walk closer to our Father without letting go…think about it…Below, I have included a list of books that has made me re-examine ‘me’. It might look like an eclectic grouping of books; it is not. If you decide to read them, all I ask is you have an open mind and a desire for expansion of your perspective…it really is the lens, not the landscapes that needs to change first, in order for us to change…
Suggested Reading List:
Who’s Holding Your Ladder by Dr. Samuel Chand
Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybel
Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun by Wess Roberts Ph.d
Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson
Who You Are When No One's Looking: Choosing Consistency, Resisting Compromise by Bill Hybels, La Vonne Neff (Editor)
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick M. Lencioni
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
First Things First by Stephen Covey
The Last Lecturer by Randy Pausch
Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies!
Oh yes! GOD gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing.
Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage. (MSG)
I read this verse, Psalm 85:10, in my morning devotion but when I went to read the different bible version on the computer, I had to include the others. It also made me think of the leader in each of us that frighten us, and the things we do, by commission and/or omission, to not own it…Yeah, where did that come from…Well, first of all love and truth are not going to meet if we living in the land of denial. Therefore, there is no quest for right and whole living, when we fail to own who we are. See, we are all leaders in some respect in this life whether it is at work, at home, at church, in our organizations or groups, etc. And the verses above cannot really be lived out in our daily life, until we understand who we are. Why we choose the people in our inner circle, the people in your life matter, recognizing generational dysfunction that creates much of the discord in life, learning to appreciate the blessing bestowed upon us, and knowing when to let go. I suggest we begin by grasping these two quotes ‘Until a person takes responsibility for where he is there is no basis for moving on because he has not faced or understood why he is there' by Andy Andrews in the book ‘the traveler’s gift’ and 'You cannot build a solid, substantial house with decayed planks, no matter what kind of veneer is put over their rottenness' James Cash Penney. Too many times we do not see ourselves clearly because it hurts, adversion to conflict (think about it), we do not want to hear the fallout of owning truth; silence is acceptance of what is by default and lays seeds for future dissension (yeah, it does, think about it)… Know you are not responsible for how others response to us, we only accountable for our actions, responds because nothing is ever what it seems – be free because it is not what you are called, but what you answer to…Nevertheless, we cannot build a substantial character and foundation for a future of progress without solid and well built foundation, figuratively or literally. We have to be honest with ourself, about ourself, and about those who are in your life. This does not mean you do not love or did not appreciate all that was, is done for you, but it does not change what must be done to live the best you; your truth, for your best life, in your time. Living truthfully, dispensing needed mercy, granting grace, moving forward with a forgiveness, and allowing right to resonate in our souls helps us to walk closer to our Father without letting go…think about it…Below, I have included a list of books that has made me re-examine ‘me’. It might look like an eclectic grouping of books; it is not. If you decide to read them, all I ask is you have an open mind and a desire for expansion of your perspective…it really is the lens, not the landscapes that needs to change first, in order for us to change…
Suggested Reading List:
Who’s Holding Your Ladder by Dr. Samuel Chand
Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybel
Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun by Wess Roberts Ph.d
Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson
Who You Are When No One's Looking: Choosing Consistency, Resisting Compromise by Bill Hybels, La Vonne Neff (Editor)
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick M. Lencioni
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
First Things First by Stephen Covey
The Last Lecturer by Randy Pausch
Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Monday, December 21, 2009
How you doing?!
You know we are leaving 2009 and rapidly approaching 2010. For those who believe the holiday season is magical, loving, and reflective, think about something. This time, Christmas season, is also about restoration, forgiving, and fulfillment of a promise. Well, the number 10 Signifies allness or completeness in a physical way, as to things on earth. Ten implies that nothing is wanting; the number and order are perfect, and the whole cycle is complete. We can start anew, and receive our blessing but we have to endure to the end and stayed faithful to the word of God. We have to trust without reservations, do not let the external façade deflect our focus, it is just a mirage to detract and delay you because denial is not just a river in Egypt but also the state of mind many, if not all of us live reside in, in some area of our life….What do I mean? Look at this?...Take the order of things, if you remember correctly the following - there are 10 key clauses of the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-12), and there are only 10-commandments (Ex. 20:1-17). Nothing was left out of either of these two things; they are complete as is. Now let us look at the completeness of a physical way - Daniel 1:14-15 - He agreed with them in this matter and tested them for 10 days. At the end of 10 days they looked better and healthier than all the young men who were eating the king's food. (HCSB)…Rev 2:10 - Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have tribulation for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (HCSB)…Are we there yet or what am I trying to say? What I am trying to say is whatever you have been holding onto, dwelling on, stuck on, or wanting to do, this is the time to let it go and not let ‘it’, whatever it is, keep you prisoner any longer…Why? Luke 2:10 - But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid." (NIV)…God does want what is best for you, but He desires you to understand the growth process, the evolution of change, or the maturation in The Way is not easy. Lead by example. Remember? He planted his seed in an unmarried child in a time where this was not so acceptable, and resulted in some severe actions levied upon her. Then had the betroth Joseph to go ahead and married her’ the gossip ensued!...I do not need to further how the story ended, we all know, and reap benefits from it…Now, what are we afraid of? Gossip? Others opinion of you and what you are doing? Sacrifices that must be made? Losing Control? Challenges you must face? Why have your focus on these things, and not the Father? If you do, then is what manifest in you. You are given an immutable certification written in blood that guarantees you joy unspeakable, the promise of an abundant life, and no weapons form against shall prosper. Now raise your head, feel the void being filled in your life with love, and walk straight to your perfect destiny…
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
God's gift of intuition
I saw this book, ‘The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker’ and went ‘wow’; what a thought. Then I read this quote from the book-
True fear is a gift.
Unwarranted fear is a curse.
Learn how to tell the difference
At this point, I was intrigued and thought how this plays into the way the Father speaks to us, and we do not listen. See, this is a book about following your intuition, so that you can avoid and/or protect yourself against assault on your person. However, I wondering if that same intuition happens for us period; about danger, love, goodness, truth, lie, etc. Yet, we let our education, experience, what has been taught make us shake it off, rather than follow. We all have it but we do not all use it. Remember when Rahab help the twelve, and her family to be saved. Why did she do that? Was it a sense of a truth she knew, but had no reference point to following to act but she did; intuition spoke louder than her life experience. What about Elihu in his conversation with Job, he was the only one of the five who spoke rightly of God; remember. Where did this come from, this younguns’ knew better that the aged, learned man, and was willing to speak up during this time, and suffer the consequence? Really? Something told him a truth that culture mores and traditions did not. See, we all have this ability, and what do we do with it? Most of us just have taught ourselves to ignore it, closed our ear to it, and see it has a nuisance. Yet, it save lives, blesses lives, helps us to avoid problems, and brings us closer to our destiny and our greatest. Doing the thing that our intuition tells us, and I not talking about this madness that has to do with eyes, lust, external, but this sense addresses the internal, intent…What about the dialogue and Mary ultimate response to the awareness she was favor…Luke 1:37-38 For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)…She knew inherently, her acceptance of this blessing, God shall provide, inspite of the tradition of the day, the cultural mores, the usual order of things, and the gossip that would ensue (because it did). She knew. How many of us have been directed by the angel, whether human or not, and we chose to not submit because of what others would think, goes against the rituals and traditions of the family, education, culture, or it puts us under scrutiny because of where we lived? We as Christians need to learn to tell the difference between ripples in reality for fleeting fantasy and the truth tiptoeing in our soul that is design for our destiny of success…
Yeah, my mind just goes there. I have always thought like this, and for the longest time believed everyone did too. However, life and time has taught me, not so much…Have a blessed holidays season and remember to listen to the Father, in whatever way He presents Himself to you, follow it and see blessings unfold - For nothing is impossible with God
True fear is a gift.
Unwarranted fear is a curse.
Learn how to tell the difference
At this point, I was intrigued and thought how this plays into the way the Father speaks to us, and we do not listen. See, this is a book about following your intuition, so that you can avoid and/or protect yourself against assault on your person. However, I wondering if that same intuition happens for us period; about danger, love, goodness, truth, lie, etc. Yet, we let our education, experience, what has been taught make us shake it off, rather than follow. We all have it but we do not all use it. Remember when Rahab help the twelve, and her family to be saved. Why did she do that? Was it a sense of a truth she knew, but had no reference point to following to act but she did; intuition spoke louder than her life experience. What about Elihu in his conversation with Job, he was the only one of the five who spoke rightly of God; remember. Where did this come from, this younguns’ knew better that the aged, learned man, and was willing to speak up during this time, and suffer the consequence? Really? Something told him a truth that culture mores and traditions did not. See, we all have this ability, and what do we do with it? Most of us just have taught ourselves to ignore it, closed our ear to it, and see it has a nuisance. Yet, it save lives, blesses lives, helps us to avoid problems, and brings us closer to our destiny and our greatest. Doing the thing that our intuition tells us, and I not talking about this madness that has to do with eyes, lust, external, but this sense addresses the internal, intent…What about the dialogue and Mary ultimate response to the awareness she was favor…Luke 1:37-38 For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)…She knew inherently, her acceptance of this blessing, God shall provide, inspite of the tradition of the day, the cultural mores, the usual order of things, and the gossip that would ensue (because it did). She knew. How many of us have been directed by the angel, whether human or not, and we chose to not submit because of what others would think, goes against the rituals and traditions of the family, education, culture, or it puts us under scrutiny because of where we lived? We as Christians need to learn to tell the difference between ripples in reality for fleeting fantasy and the truth tiptoeing in our soul that is design for our destiny of success…
Yeah, my mind just goes there. I have always thought like this, and for the longest time believed everyone did too. However, life and time has taught me, not so much…Have a blessed holidays season and remember to listen to the Father, in whatever way He presents Himself to you, follow it and see blessings unfold - For nothing is impossible with God
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What happened is….
I was watching the History International Channel the other day and stumbled upon a special of Martin Luther letter to the Catholic Church (95 These or Treatise). Martin wrote this to begin a dialogue within the church; it was never the intent to create a new faith, religion or separation but it did and the foundation for reason we most faiths now. His decision to question the practices of selling ‘indulgences’, celibacy requirement for priest, wanting to print the word for the common people to have access to, and much more. His decision open a Pandora’s Box that he never intended to see occur. He just wanted to get it right, and have the Catholic religion embrace the diversity of God’s character, the expansiveness of his love, and the redeeming power of his grace. The 95 These started a revolution of ideas, domino effect of positions taken, and the myriad voices of outlook; resulting death because everyone wanted to be right. When only all was desired is a conversation, a dialogue, the ability to participate in a healthy discourse for an exchange of idea. Yet, his act has left a legacy, a continual strain in our church today where people would rather separate, than listen one another in love to get a glimpse of God infinite reach of love that goes beyond our understanding…And just like Martin Luther, we carry the desire to conversate, engage one another in discourse, not discontinue or disconnect, but it happens because it is easier, we believe….In each of our lives, we carry a legacy, generational curse and blessing flowing through us. It is not genetically or scientifically validated but we see it, and we don’t. It depends upon the mood and if we are earnestly seeking authenticity of being, immutable truth preface by grace, mercy, and thanksgiving. No one sets out to create chaos, we find it because we cannot encompass the improbability or impossibility of a certain reality standing before us – God redemptive mysterious love for us and his preparation for the next chapter of life for you. What do we do? We defer to our expectations, follow the listening circle created by self, not God, and take the easy but tumultuous way to living life on earth. Then, we wonder - why God so much pain? And he is wondering back at us, it does not have to be, you just have to let me free you and see…Yeah, this was my weekend and the thoughts that plague my mind. I know the Holiday season is upon us…Some are seeking forgiveness, restoration, and love true, but most of us are looking for the external glossy, see your face mirror, tangibles to make each other smiles. Do not get it twisted, there is nothing wrong with giving to another; this is not what I am saying. But what about the internal part that matters most, and is twisted, worn, hurting, and weak…What happened is we forgot, to meet people where they are so a connection can be made, and God will do the rest…It is not going to be easy, but blessed!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Love not judgment...makes the difference
Matt 7:1-2 Do not judge so that you will not be judged."For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (NASB)
Now, before anyone gets there feathers in a ruffle about me speaking about judging. I have made an assessment of us, Christians. We, Christian, are all commissioned to disciple others but how are we doing this. What is our method of delivery to attract, to retain, and to sustain or provide for those people. First of all, it is very difficult to accomplish this when we are still using man’s way, or using the world attracting tools, the way the world uses them. I am all for not being restrictive, and being fluid for our method of delivery, except when it comes to the word of God; no negotiation with word of God’s truth. However, to do so we must embrace these verses first… Rom. 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.(NASB)…and then become more intentional and strategic in our application in order to draw, sustain, and keep the babes in Christ. In these times so that they may grow to disciple others through their focus on God, because when we do not, we create the mess, we will claim but created. We teach them to judge others, when they come in to worship and praise. We forget these people are coming to learn and see what is going on in the church. Before they commit to walk this Christian journey with us; to see if the love we teach, preach, and explain is the one we live by because they have seen hypocrites outside the church.
The people coming in with their hot mess outfits, street attire and swagger are looking for the love, not the judgment we offer at the door. We avoid, we do not reach out to them, if we asked them to not wear something or do something, and they refuse, we must understand from whence come. Judgment would not get you anything, and if we are honest with ourselves, we do not like it much either. Think about, you walk into an environment you are not sure of, and people expect you to know what is, what? That is how the world does it. Christian should follow a different example, remember Christ; he met people where they were. He explained things in terms they understood, and could relate to anyone when he spoke. He even came via an unwed mother, and born in not so desirable conditions. The parables were not just good stories, He was imparting information, explaining the love of God, the grace and mercy we should give, without judgment to draw others with love…See, when we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, no more judgment..Then, we are to have our hearts changed and let God order and direct our steps… Proverbs 16:9 - In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you. (NIRV)…No, judging, just living the loving example set by Christ in his living….
Now, before anyone gets there feathers in a ruffle about me speaking about judging. I have made an assessment of us, Christians. We, Christian, are all commissioned to disciple others but how are we doing this. What is our method of delivery to attract, to retain, and to sustain or provide for those people. First of all, it is very difficult to accomplish this when we are still using man’s way, or using the world attracting tools, the way the world uses them. I am all for not being restrictive, and being fluid for our method of delivery, except when it comes to the word of God; no negotiation with word of God’s truth. However, to do so we must embrace these verses first… Rom. 12:1-2 - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.(NASB)…and then become more intentional and strategic in our application in order to draw, sustain, and keep the babes in Christ. In these times so that they may grow to disciple others through their focus on God, because when we do not, we create the mess, we will claim but created. We teach them to judge others, when they come in to worship and praise. We forget these people are coming to learn and see what is going on in the church. Before they commit to walk this Christian journey with us; to see if the love we teach, preach, and explain is the one we live by because they have seen hypocrites outside the church.
The people coming in with their hot mess outfits, street attire and swagger are looking for the love, not the judgment we offer at the door. We avoid, we do not reach out to them, if we asked them to not wear something or do something, and they refuse, we must understand from whence come. Judgment would not get you anything, and if we are honest with ourselves, we do not like it much either. Think about, you walk into an environment you are not sure of, and people expect you to know what is, what? That is how the world does it. Christian should follow a different example, remember Christ; he met people where they were. He explained things in terms they understood, and could relate to anyone when he spoke. He even came via an unwed mother, and born in not so desirable conditions. The parables were not just good stories, He was imparting information, explaining the love of God, the grace and mercy we should give, without judgment to draw others with love…See, when we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, no more judgment..Then, we are to have our hearts changed and let God order and direct our steps… Proverbs 16:9 - In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you. (NIRV)…No, judging, just living the loving example set by Christ in his living….
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mary's obedience teaches!
Luke 1:26-38…emphasis verses 29-30;38 - Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God…"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (NIV)…How different would our life be if we were more like Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary did not worry about what others would think, what would be said, whether or not her espoused would be there for her, or how her she would answer her family…There is a old saying, what people think of you is none of your business – that is what they think, it does not make it truth except for them…Mary honored the called upon her life, she obeyed and submitted. She did enter into the games of show-and-tell, or deal-or-no deal; she said I will. Her only worry really was why, how, she was chosen out of all the people. God said, me?... See, favor ain’t favor why struggle over its existence in your life…She knew, she was not worthy and did not think she was ready but knew, if He said it, then he would provide. How different would our world be if we each had the mind of Mary that befits our time? That we would not get caught up with other people opinions of our past, or our present; we just keep our eyes focus on the Father. How few our fears and heartaches would we have to contend with, if we just trusted in the Father without reservation, and not worry who would be with us on the journey He taking us. We would reduce our disappointment, hurt, stress levels and find blessing untold heap upon us for generations, upon generation. See, our obedience, submission, and trust in the Father today, grants legacy in our life for tomorrow. This only happens when we release our expectations when they come in conflict with God ordained reality. It changes our world. It allows anger, selfishness, and conceit to concede to amazing grace and love unconditional distributed by us, as we model the Sovereign One! We will begin to see the diversity of his character, God…We are privy to the majestic ability to create multifaceted people to worship, praise, and seek him in methods varied but focus on Him! Then no weapons form against us shall prosper for He that is in me is greater than those externally to me, as the Law of Confession cleanse us and keeps me in His will!
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