Criticism

I receive an email from a friend today of a daily devotion, and it spoke of Godly response to criticism using Proverbs 15:31-33. The first thing the author states is no one like criticism…lol…Yeah, he is right. However, I have long accepted it to be part of God’s refining process in order to develop us into the person, He designed us to be. As well as it comes from the learned and the unlearned, the expected and the unexpected, and also, from those look up to me…smiling… My issue, pet peeve is not the criticism. It is today and always been (once I understood) the timeliness of the delivery, the intent of the person providing it because they provide the stinger, not the words.

What I have come to understand is this, things look the same but they are not. However, we emotional are beings who have ravished on the plate of protecting, not showing weakness, or fear of being wrong, we miss the importance of proper usage of criticism. We tend to run from it when it involves someone we love, until we want to make a point to them about something. Yet, when it is someone we don’t care about, we use it to hurt them, to show them up, or to show our superiority. Finally, we use it to show how smart or gifted we are.If you have prove it, will it matter to the person who does not believe... I think, Christ taught us that...wink

God never meant for this to be the case. Reproof yes, but not intentional hurt. We have once again taken what God meant for good, and used it far too many times, for evil. We broken, lost, and confused lot are we, let our man’s logic supersedes God divine order. Then we wonder why does it hurt so bad to hear, to endure, to accept, or to deliver. We have lost the true intent of the reproof. See it is like this, me asking you to do what I want you to do, and me seeking the best for you. They may look the same, but they are not the same. One desires your best for you, while the other does not. Or when we have to hurt to help, rather than hurt for destruction. We have to say no, because we know it is the best, but it hurts the receiver.Yes, all things work together but no one likes to be beat up everyday, at every encounter with us...

The same is correct of criticism. Constructive criticism and condemning criticism are clothed in the same, but their intent is as different as Godly love and man’s.  As Christian, we got to do better because iron sharpening iron but it also give off sparks. Who wants to constantly live like that, not me! When will we learn to love, with the love we were commissioned to give; you just have to live to get it. Hold a trust that is unshakable because of its depths, and a hope which silence any spectators wondering, if it is real. Then, and only then shall we see criticism in it true form, and accept the reproof with an attentive ear, an open heart, and silence mouth….

For is this not true – John 3:17- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV).. So should we, as Christians.. just sayin’… J

My rambling

As I look the debates of the day over sexual orientation, faith, race, etc, and it is mostly coming from people who say they are believers. I struggle, I sit back in amazement, and mull over the audacity of our arrogance. We seem to pick and choose what in the holy script, inspired word of God, the bible, is applicable to us, me. If we really read the bible, we would see the worse of worse, and the best of the best.

 We ostracized, when we should tryto find a way in, to win souls toward God. Yet, we seemed to be willing to be best known for our negative position, rather than our godly disposition. We are willing to fight, go to war, and live in enmity, than to cross the line to reach in toward another to teach one because he or she does not meet up to our expectations. The question I have is – who are we to put up a standard, when we ourselves have fallen short, and each day we fall shorter as we build our lives on a foundation riddle with self-doubt, veneer beautiful covering a narcissistic, self-involved spirit. Where we cannot reach beyond what we see, what we have been taught, or what we feel, because it challenges who we are as a person, or it means people will questioned my truth. See, we don’t get it, light drives out darkness in a room, and in a heart. The question is not whether we should let others who are different than us, whether it is SGL or another faith, it whether we are willing to  do what God has commissioned every person  who are followers of Christ to do – John 13:34-35-  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV).

The simple fact is, we can’t because there is no room in our world or word to release us. We are not sold out to Christ.  See when you are sold out to someone or something. No one changes you, ask any sold out Dallas Cowboy or Houston Texans or Chicago bull, or Boston Red Sox fans. Come hell or high water, they are not moved. Yet, us Christian, we stop short of giving all when it come to the Father's will which is not our way or on our agenda of right. See, when you love there is no room for hate, there is no room for pointing fingers because if the truth be told your biblical belief stand is found more on your personal preferences, upbringing, and fear of the unknown, more than it does on God’s word. See the lion and the lamb can sit together, and if they are taught from babes…wink….God is great, and amazingly awesome.

So, I petition God to give me the wisdom to see beyond my visible eyes to embrace His spiritual wonderment and truths. And though no one go with me, I will follow… How about you…John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” NIV

'Follow me'

Matthew 4:19 - And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (KJV)

I heard this sermon about baptism this past weekend, but the thing that stuck with me was the ‘follow me’ statement quoted from the bible in the verse above. ‘Follow me’ two words which means a lot more than we think. When you tell someone, you will follow them, it does not mean if all my friends go, it’s popular, and/or it will make me part of the new trending ‘thing’. When you commit to follow, you go when no one else goes; you go when it is not popular, and when it gets you no cool points. However, it is not a decision you make because an emotional high, where you felt good because there will come a time when the high is gone. Follow me is a commitment to go, because it represents an outward expression of an internal compass drawing you to a truth within you.

I don’t believe Christ meant for his words ‘follow me’ to result in an identification of a group who would not work for Him, or without furthering the agenda of the Father. For the rest of the verse speaks of making you do something. It does not speak of just being, but also doing. See, when we commit to following Christ it not something you can hand down through generations and generations, it is a personal choice; we all must make. The only thing that can be handed down like an heirloom is the teaching of righteousness through our living, giving, and being. How we live everyday in real time day-to-day, owning our imperfections. Where we show our truth, the willingness to forgive others of wrong doing, and the heart to walk away without keeping bitterness, disappointment, and hurt as souvenirs of the many battles encountered at different interactions. Christ teaches, and taught us after fallen, forgiveness follows because it frees. Follow me is the relinquishing of fears and doubts, and walking in the promise of the inheritance of the blessings of Abraham.

‘Follow me’ is the awareness of what is important to the Father, is important to me, and I will pursue it though no one comes with me. Following Christ is a solitary decision resulting resulting in a group association but all still have freewill to do, or not to do; our choice. It is not considered groupthink, but rather God-focus.

We all have scars

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (NIV)

Life is a journey we all take, and our steps are ordered by our choices. In making whatever choices, taking what whatever actions, and making whatever statements, never forget the greatest gift in life we can give ourselves and others is learning from all things, from all people, and all situations, to become the best you. Forgive and let go and let God handle it; He is good at it.

For we all have scars from our past, some not quite healed from our present, and time, if we continue to move on this great big blue and green marble called earth, will give us more. We all have them, scars, and the willingness to say and own that, and knowing it is okay, changes lives, lifts our souls, and bestows peace in our mind. So, live and learn, and know the ride is worth it, we all are better for have taken the trip. Seeking the lesson, not the problems or the disappointments, gives to us more, than we can ever imagine.

Christ knew this. When He resurrected and came among the disciples, He stated this – Luke 24: 36-39 -  While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” NIV. See He understood, we all have scars, hurts, and pains, there were no need to make things worst or inflame the situation, and there was nothing to gain by accusation. So, he said, Peace be with you, not why don’t you know me. See when we have gone through a horrific experience, event in life, we do not always look the same to others, until we show them we are okay with it, or at peace with what went down.  Own our truth lets us be seen, not as we thought, but as we are and it beautiful.

Letting others see the residual effects of the occurrence, it allows a calm to settle in the atmosphere. It interrupts the whispers; it stymies the mind, and setback the negativity for there is something about being able to be at peace, when we no longer have to hide our truth. It grants all around freedom to ‘be’ their truth, and you to be seen in your truth.  And although, it does not gets all to stop question. However, if all are doing this, seeking truth, not mess, drama or chaos, all will find a lot more peace, joy, and love in life. For we all have scars in this life, so we have no reason to hide or deny.

The Unexpected Loss

The unexpected loss of a loved one runs through us with a dark chill to our soul. But as it does the memories of their smile warms us back, the memories of their laughter comforts the silent tears, the memories of their ‘special way of being’ hugs us, and the memories of them washes upon us with peace when we least expected. Reminding us they were here, the remnants of their character appears like the fluttering of a butterfly wings on the days we miss them most. We sigh, we remember, we giggle, and we shake our heads that we have grace such as him/her in our life.

We try not to, but we begin to regret what we should have, could have, or would have done had we just understood better their quirky but distinct ways that made him/her. We recall their spirit, their drive, their love, and their faith, and warm tears trickling down our cheeks wishing, for one more day with them; to let them know ‘I love so much for who you are.’ Tears flowing now uncontrollably, because you think all are lost because he/she is not there for you to say this too. Then out of nowhere it seems, (wink) a sense them near appears, and now the tears becomes smiles and you shout ‘I love you!’

You see things that remind you of them, someone says a phrase clearly them, and the conspicuously truth of them comes flooding your heart, mind and soul. But rather upsets you, it settles you in ways words, actions, hugs never could. You are peace, for you know, no regrets here, things might not have been as they should, but you are better person now because of their passing, for you see with a truer lens, a more forgiving heart, and a new focus on love, not hate.

For you now see, it is, what it is but it will become what you make it. You finally understand Ecc. 3:11 – ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.’  

Fan or follower

One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;  another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7

I am back, I have been MIA for a minute but I am back…smiling..Are we fans or followers of God and the teaching of Christ we need ask ourselves. It seems we have gotten lost in the shuffle of life, the journey of Christianity, and navigating free will. We seem to think it is something we learn as we go but it is not, it is something we have to be intentional. It not just for some of us, but for all of us; whether you have your Timothy as Paul had, or you are the Ruth to a Naomi, it does matter connecting to a godly mentor is important as you traverse this Christian walk.  These people help us to be authentic with ourselves, and stop denying our truth because it self-destructing at best and confusing at least. If you cannot be honest with self, then you will not be honest to no one, no matter how hard you try.

We can purport to be a follower of God but only act like fan of God, and we exist in a façade created that has become our reality. It doesn’t matter what you say, what you do will tell the truth every time. It is not in how you preach, teach, give but how you live that is revealing to others who we really are in the life.  See fans are people who are admirers, spectators, and surface, although some fans are devotee and fanatical about whatever they believe in, not all are, and has nothing to do with getting to know on an intimate level. Whereas followers can be fans but they do things a little different. Their beliefs are not negotiable and not likely to lessen over time, whereas a fan interest fades and it is no longer as important as it once was; followers increase in commitment with every day, month, year passing.  Followers seek to know as much, in an intimate manner to further the cause, the point, the teaching. Having the right people guiding you, showing you, and correcting you is imperative to growing, maturing, increasing, and living in the abundance God have purposed you for in this world; and teaching you to be a follower and not just a fan in your spiritual walk. Reminding you it is a process, and but it is an intentional distinctive choice to embark on this journey.

Yet too many of us are fans of God because when things go wrong, we are quick to look to man for the answer. When things don’t go our way, we decide God does not know enough to help me, and we go elsewhere, Dr. Phil, Suze Orman, Oprah show, in other words. Don’t get me wrong, it is nothing wrong with going to them in the proper measure, because they are all tools to get you on the right path, but they are not the final word. Followers know the difference, and see God will make a way when there is no way. However, you cannot see this truism, if you have not taken the time to get to know Him intimately so you can see Him. Maybe asking yourself, am I true to me, so I can be true to God;  am I trying to convince people I am something I am not, or do my actions show, I do not believe He is El Elyon. So, this day ask yourself are you just a fan of God, or a Follower of God? It’s important but it is your choice.  

2012

As we step into the new year, I am sure many have made resolutions, promises, or goals. Many, or most of these will have a short shelf life, and then you will be back to the old habits wondering why things are not changing. As we fail to realize change actually starts within; it does not start when we pick up the pen, touch the screen, or peck at the keyboard. It starts when we are convinced it is time, when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired, when the light bulb lights up in our soul, and we begin to do different, not just to be different or trendy. We have the facts to help us understand not only where I have been but why I have been there. It rises out of what has most often hidden from others, but also hidden from self.

These facts speak to the potency of love and forgiveness which frees you to live your truth. The revelations come tumbling forth, telling you about the arduous road of reconciliation which brings you together with the part of yourself you denied and ignored, and to those who love you. They allow you to see the surprises of grace and community surrounding you in the way, you couldn’t see because of a distorted lens, but now you see clearly. Then the transformational healing and the unexpected emergence of joy reign supreme over you, and changes you forever. See, this is true change not the figment of our imagination change that is on the veneer, and barely skin deep.

2012 is the year for us to take power from others, and let the truth Almighty govern over us, and direct our life. See, the number twelve means or biblically associated with placing things within perfect order or achieving governmental structural perfection. If you do not believe me, check this out. In Revelations 21:10-21 there are twelve angels, twelve foundations in the heavenly Jerusalem, twelve pearls, twelve gates, twelve angels, measurements, and twelve tribes (actually 13 but we only of twelve, do your research) . This is not an accident or a random act for us to discount. So, in 2012 when you are looking at changing the governance of your life of your world, this is year to get it right. Let it become a lifestyle change, rejuvenation, restoration and renewal that are permanent…You might think what does it matter if I make this type of grand altruistic change, who will I impact, I am one person…ask Jesus, ask Oprah, Michael Jordan, Mother Theresa, ask the crying 2-year in audience at Carnegie Hall…things that make you go hmmm…   It is your choice, choose wisely….