You are the sacrifice

Gen. 22:6-8 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, ⁷ Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”    “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.  “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”  Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (NIV)

You are the sacrifice is a concept most do not want to wrap their heads around. The fact of the matter is there is always a sacrifice. However, many times we assume the thing being sacrifice, is the actual sacrifice. Not understanding this is just the manifestation or representation of the sacrifice. When the actual sacrifice is the person sacrificing. See, this illustrated with Abraham and Isaac, Abraham was really the sacrifice, not Isaac. Isaac represented the culmination of the promised destiny of Abraham by God. See man is not wired to sacrifice or give up on it all.  What they have worked for, waited on, and the fulfillment of a purpose; yet this is actually what God asks for from us. The willingness to put Isaac on the altar for the sacrifice is Abraham ego, vanity, pride, and his all. He knew, God said, destroy it, kill it, or give it up to me, but it was hard. Thus, this does not work for us, it does not read well when I have to do, but it reads excellent when we receive the benefit for it. When we asked to sacrifice something dear, precious to us, we are done. It stymies us, a resolute stalwart is erected, metaphorically and literally, and we refuse to participate in the process any longer. Yet, somehow Abraham knew, he had to let GOD know, I will no longer put anyone, anything before you, and I fear no longer stops me from being obedient. I done that and had to put an innocent, obedient woman out because I was not obedient; I am done. You are able to do exceeding and more abundantly than I can ask for in this life. So, if my son, my soul, or me, you require, here. But you Abraham willingness - I am shall take a literary license here - to submit and sacrifice, the ‘me’ ideology which goes something like this in his head - ‘really, God?’ ‘You are really asking me to do what’, I have lost one son, and now this. I cannot do it. I cannot go any further. Do you know what my wife will do to me?  Kill me, if I do not come back with this boy… But Abraham knew, he had to submit his dependence on his familial connection for affirmation of order, and said God will provide the lamb, what a foreshadowing of the future…Sometime we are the sacrifice, and accepting it, trusting God, and obeying the request is he!#!!. Yet, we will find God does rewards, blessings, those who diligently obey Him, even if it means us being the sacrifice. For our times, and for those coming after us; so the next time you are asked to sacrifice take an intense look at what is being requested of you, and asked yourself – what is being of me, and get the lesson. Paul did and lived with favor; the woman at the well did and her life change forever, and those in her village; Ruth did, and found blessings for her and her household, and the child with the fish and biscuit did it, – and received more…Being the sacrifice is scary, much work, and ain’t easy….I know, I have been the sacrifice and found it to be worth it...…wink  

Who are we believing?

Who are we believing? Belief is our conviction, we accept as true. It does not matter what it is, or who it is, if we believe it and trust it; it is.  However, we have gone astray in this category because our actions and words do not always follow, what we say, we believe in. We put move from focus on the main thing, we focus on what or who is representing, and not who the person or thing represent; thus, we missed our blessing and fall short of our destiny…

Some of you have heard of this saying, that I grew up on – when you know better, you do better. Yet, we have taken this axiom of life of our ancestors and blown it. For the record, I am not saying we should or have to be perfect…However, sooner or later; we should begin to change our behavior and our words. Out of the heart the mouth speaks, we make the choice, the body follows, and we reap the benefits; good or bad….We make the choice, but we do not decide the consequence… The problem is we are not convinced of what we say, we believe, or the beliefs we profess to hold. I was always taught growing up, your actions will speak louder than your words. See, we model what others will follow, take to heart what people demonstrate in their behavior (intended and unintended both sends messages) because people communicate more with their actions, than with their words. Yet, we wonder why generations Gen-X, Z, Twitter, whatever you label it, is losing out. Part of the problem is those who should model, be the example of what their teaching, have disconnected from it. As if we refuse to believe what being shown to us – the adage of do what I say, not what I do, does not work for me or latter generations. Too many want to teach, but we are not reaching where those we are meant to help. Yet, we sit back discuss, debate, and argue about what we should do, but it begins with us being the change, we wish to see in others. This is called process, and no one wants to endure that…But I watch movie a couple of weeks ago, Fireproof, and it illustrated this point clearly through a book called Dare to Love. It was 40-days fast or journey one person sacrifice in love to win back their spouse. Although, this was about marriage, it is applicable to all things because we all should do out of love; I think it is in the bible somewhere...lol…Throughout the process the partner got frustrated with the process and wanted to give up, because desired was not being acknowledge or the desired outcome was not manifesting. So do we, and this is why what we say we believe, our conviction is not observable or believable to others, therefore, they do not follow because we do not follow...In the movie, the person did endure the process, and not only changed the relationship but also self and perspective....

It is stated in the old testament, if you follow what you believe Lev.26:3-6 - "If you follow My statutes and faithfully observe My commands, I will give you rain at the right time, and the land will yield its produce, and the trees of the field will bear their fruit. ⁵ Your threshing will continue until grape harvest, and the grape harvest will continue until sowing time; you will have plenty of food to eat and live securely in your land I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to frighten [you]. – (HCSB)

Now when you do not follow the statues, the opposite is true in equal proportion  (read the rest of this chapter, I did not include because, we  all need to read for yourself). Even though the wording is agricultural; it is applicable to our life and posterity today..What are we believing? Demonstrate it, and see life change around you!!!..Your choice, you choose….

Mercies!

Lam. 3:22-23 -It is through the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. (21^st KJV)

 I heard this verse along with many other verses this morning, and I just zoomed in on this one. I zoomed in on it because of this ‘the LORD mercies’. I was able to purchase over the holidays a full set of Matthew Henry’s commentary unabridged of the entire bible (it was recommended to me by my pastor). So, I went to it to see what he said about these two verses. He basically said, is God’s is an inexhaustible fountain of mercies granted to us inspite of what we have done. The Father bestows upon us, even in our consequence of bad choices, what we are not due. However, in speaking to the 21^st century audience, the question is asked, and I too asked is – what is mercy? I went to digging. Mercy according the dictionary has several meaning but the two that stuck out to me, and I think we identify with today is - easing of distress of pain and a welcome event that provides relief from something unpleasant. While the thesaurus has these words – forgiveness, kindness, compassion, benevolence, etc. And when I look into other version of these, mercies is interchanged with loving-kindness. Then I realized these verses, many have quoted, taught about, or used as a context for preaching a sermon, no one has not said to this - simply not to let life overwhelm us. We should not let the stresses in life overwhelm us, to where we are pre-occupied with it all because God will never let any of it take us, or over tax us. God is faithful to his promise. So, when the promotion or new job does not come, know God gotcha. The relationship did not work; He is there in the form of angel that guides you through it. When people do not understand and others distance themselves from you, you feel along and no one cares, know God is there in the smile or the unexpected hug delighting your soul. All of this is part of the process we must go through, to get to the other side, and God’s loving-kindness, mercy comes from an exhaustible fountain, and every morning it is as full as the day before. It is important to understand in this time of environmental consciousness; we have a renewable resource that cannot ever be depleted.  It is still under utilized in today’s spiritual market place, while impacting our concrete world-view, and pragmatic approach to problem solving.  So, exhale and be free because we having someone loving some me…So much so, the crown was laid down, the robe was pulled off, throne was left, and the pain was taken so we would not be consumed by life woes, and compassionate would be known as an unlimited resources…that is good!!!

Who counsels you?

Psalm 1:1-3 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD's instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (HCSB)

Many have read and recited this verse many times, but the question is – how much stock do you put in it? Do you think about the people, you allow into our inner circle, or who you seek out to counsel you? These people speak into our life, speak over our life, and influence our behavior, whether we will admit it or not. Do we just let anyone in who makes us feel good, echo our ideas, has gift of words, or who has a title or position behind their name? People we think, think like us become a big part of our lives, our inner court of advisors. Yet, we wonder why we have not seen change, or why we have not changed in our life. If we desire change, we need to change who we allow into our innermost courts of our hearts to advise us, and begin listening to the word of the Lord; whoever speaks it. I am learning this, truth is truth no matter where it comes from; it is.  Who counsels you, directs you, instructs you, and teaches you. As Christians, we should be very particular about this and mindful who we seek out. We should pray about the people, we desire to share with, before we share with them. Because if you share with the wrong person, it is detrimental to our progress, destructive to our growth, damaging to our spirituality, and psychological devastating to our mental stability, but we have only ourselves to blame; we did this. Decides today, you will stand in God’s will and let Him bring your advisors, your mentors, your counselors, your friends, and your mate because He brings what is needed for us to grow and prosper. Knowing it is not about you, but you choose to let Him lead, or not. You choose to be the person who prospers no matter where s/he goes like Joseph in the palace or in the pen all according to God. In the 21^st Century prospective, it is stated like this - it is not what you know, but who you know that matters; if this is true, then being mindful of who counsels you, and who is allowed into your innermost courts of your heart is definitely important…Now who counsels you?...wink

A lesson in leadership

I decided to write about this because of some things that happened in my life and what I have seen this past year. I had to learn, it wasn’t and it isn’t easy, but what I went through was worth it. I learn more about me, humility, sacrifice, it is not about me, it is not about winning, and trust God’s plan above man’s rules. It was not easy, but it was worth it. The biggest lesson was the difference between having the right to do, and the right thing to do are not always the same thing.

A lesson in leadership for me has been this one thing - having the right to do, is not the same as the right thing to do. As I have moved up in my career path, I have had to learn this hard won over lesson. Too many times people in position of leadership believe they understand leading because they have read the books, have a theoretical understanding, or have a degree or certificate certifying them in leadership. We all have shelled out monies to attend the noted experts on leadership workshops, conferences, seminars, or bought the DVD or CD for their library. Some of us have been mentored by others who, in our sphere, are deemed great leaders; not realizing those leaders was there to teach, to instill, direct but not to stop the learning process within us. Because one can repeat the laws, the theory, and explain it to others, but it does not mean one gets it. Getting it requires letting the lesson taught, teach the leaders where about change occurs in the process for the leaders. Otherwise, we get the idea, if I have the right to do, and it make sense to me, then it is the right thing to do. Yet, in leading, we serve, and the previous statement is not a servant attitude. As Christians, we have the very truth riddle throughout the bible -Having the right to do, does not mean it is the right thing to do. The bible says it this way - 1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable all things are lawful, but not all things edify (NASB).

Having the right to do does not always mean it is the right thing to do but it can. It requires a selfless perspective in leading, directing, and not letting our emotional discomforts dictate actions. If you are uncomfortable, it means you are being stretched, and if you are being stretched there is a lesson there for you; seek the lesson. We should not run from it, become dismissive of it, or discount its value because I know better. God does not let anything happen the same way in our life; it would behoove us to seek the lesson. As a leader, you cannot produce or receive, what is not in you. However, you will produce what is true about you in those you grow, mentor, or direct in various form. It is true all things rises and falls on the leader who is the foundation, the barometer, the gauge or litmus test strip for what is wrong o right of any organization, group, section because s/he allows it or dictates it.

Let me clear it, the leader is not expected to be the expert. Yet, the leader is the conductor who puts the right players, not who I like or who I can control, in the right position and insures there is competence, chemistry, and confidence because no one has to be your ‘besty’ to respect and trust you. If you are doing what is right, inspite of what you want, what is popular, or easy, they will come around and become your biggest advocate. This I know from experience, and never got it until recently. Living and experience shall teach what no class or person can, if you are an apt student seeking.  In 1 Corinthians 6:12, it states - All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything (NASB) – we let too much become master over our lives, except the one true Master who crafted us. Then we wonder why things are not working, I have not gotten promoted.  It is found 95%-97% of people who are hired or promoted have to do with how they communicate with people, not skill. However, 80%-90% of communication has to do with body language, not words… Micah 6:8 -He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (NASB)…Not easy but worth it…

What have I learned this year?

Isaiah 43:19 - "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth, Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness Rivers in the desert."(NASB)

What have  I learned this year? Is a questions we all should ask ourselves because the only really uninformed or ignorant person is the one who believes s/he knows everything and does not intentionally seek. Everyday we remain on this earth, we are exposed to a new thing in this world. It might look the same, shaped the same, and feel the same but it is not. God does not the same thing twice, and as His creation, neither do we.Therefore, we need to seek the lesson in every experience (good, bad, or indifferent) in this life so we will continue to grow. The only way we grow is through intentionality of focusing on the goal, while paying attention to the process because the learning is achieved through being present in the process.Too many times we are dismissive of the process thinking as long as I achieve the desired goal or focus, it does not matter but it does. It matters because paying attention to the process actually allows you to build on what you already know then you will see if you are the catalyst for change that switches the game. This becomes your legacy because God blessings are based on our differences, not our similiarities. We just need the faith to believe our difference is the essential key to our blessings and favor for improvement, abundance, and progression in this life. Most importantly, we must, key thing, understand is not just about me but for me. See, the remnants of God's favor and blessings upon our lives provide an increase to others who are connected to us whether it is 6 or 10 degrees of seperation. Don't believe me? Let me give a modern-day example - Oprah Winfrey. Those that are closet get the most but it keeps going, and going, and going; you get the picture. All she did was believe inspite of what others said about her, circumstances of her, and physical appearance; she understood unrelentingly she had something to give. So, as we end 2010, and enter in 2011, please understand the significance of the number eleven. The number eleven means revelation and some think it is disorganization but understand something here. Where there is revelation is moves you from the current position, and transition into the new; disorganization is present as you change but just know God's logic and ways have nothing to do with man's, as it confounds the wise.

So, what have I learned this year....

1. It takes a godly, strong, and self-confident person to embrace humility because it builds character.
2. It is not about winning and losing, it is about doing your best and let God do the rest.
3. Our actions have a ripple-effect, and whether we intend to impact others or not, we do. How we decide with our conscious choices and attitudes determines good or bad.
4. We should not engage in argument with the young or old, because one doesn't care and the the others doesn't understand;while you end up stressed for no reason.
5. If you want to teach me, then you must find out where I am, so you can reach me. If you do not reach me, you will never teach me.
6. When you carry with you the baggage of hurt, you will never be free to live without fear; forgive and be free.
7. God never does anything the same way twice, no matter what we think or believe there is a difference; look for it and get the lesson.
8. Not everything is your life, good or bad, is meant to remain as is or status quo because there is no growth there; growth lies it the evolution.
9. When you are convinced of what you know, there is a seamless unconscious effort present directing you, and changes your life forevermore.
10. Spiritual people should have more than religiosity, intellectual understanding of the bible, and an apologetic attitude but all of these as well as the sense of God's presence always.
11. If it is not your responsibility and/or authority, then do not stress over no one valuing your opinion; they have to live their consequence, and in time if they are seeking and you speaking the truth, they will...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Weapon of Mass Destruction

James 3:3-5 -  Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! (NASB)

I do not know what it is? If it has to do with me choosing to live authentic to my call this summer and the innateness of me, but I will have to say God is fine tuning me. It hurts…smiling…What is this about, well this weekend I was stroke with this revelation. The weapon of mass destruction, willed everyday without consideration or care, our tongue; it is deadly, as it merciful. What is done in us, is done through us. With our tongue, we put out what percolates within us. It is no accident; we do not achieve the things of awesomeness. We do not because, we are unwilling to believe outside of ourselves, and have not only spoken negative of others but about ourselves. No one intentionally fashions an un-sturdy foundation, but with our tongue we build it. We become ingrates because something was not quite right; we did not get what we desire; we did not get the response, we desired, or the outcome was less than stellar. Yet, we fail to realize when we are the one being persecuted, and we are on the receiving side; we see it as being unjustified..What webs, we weave when we seek to deceive self and others…. How we destroy and deconstruct with our tongue, with such intentional cuts, the precision so calculated and smooth that the person has to look twice to know the cutting was done. We use our tongue again to justify, what we did and vilify anyone who speaks against us. The tongue can bless but more often than not, it curses. Those curses supplant the grace God gave, with the seeds of conflict and inconsistency, none of us want but we all have spread…The weapon of Mass of destruction can be stop, when we understand better the power of the tongue comes from the heart of the person; for it speaks the truth… 

The power of tongue builds somebody up, or tears them down, we make the choice based on our fleeting emotional instability; that never should have been. . The power of the tongue should not be underestimated. So, as this holiday season is upon us, think before you speak, and then try to bless. You will be surprise how your life will change….For where we end, God begins, His just wants to know you are there to be use..weapon of mass destruction, can easily be change to the wand of blessings upon blessings. Every time you use the tongue to bless, rather than destroy is turning point in your life. We must understand no matter the consequences in our life, our choices are representatives and reflections of our perspective of the world around us…We always choose, it is never the situation or surroundings…