Steeple or People: Both

Steeple or people, as Christians, we are called to be the church. Not to say a physical facility is not needed or necessary. However, it is to say we should always remind ourselves what we are about; winning souls for the Father. Let me make this disclaimer just in case someone reads this, and think I am against church growth and/ mega church; I am not.
As I look out into our society today, I see more and more focus on bigger and better. It seems no one understands, if the church is little and lingering, then you have growth and ghastly. For some reason as the church increases, God focus decreases. Not all the churches but far too many, this is the fate of the church; so goes the people, so goes the church. Material gains are the focus, and it becomes paramount over spiritual increases. The fresh, innovating approach to teaching, preaching and connecting to invigorate the members, and allowed for growth to occur in the first place, is no longer the vehicle used. For some reason instead of building on what enable growth, we are sucked in by notoriety, celebrity status, and fame, we become lost in the confusion. However, if we go back to the word and take our lead from the life of Christ, we would see quickly enough, He never let anything move Him from His mission, purpose, and focus – win souls for the Father. When we follow Christ’s example, God maintains it because what God directs, He protects, and when He places, He provides for; thus, growth occurs.
See, we should be reconciled unto God, not man but for some reason, we desire reconciliation with man over man. The irony is this, when we submit and let God reconcile us to him, the right people seem to come to us with all that we need. In Luke 10:12-14 we shall find this most prominent  - Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.”  He replied, “You give them something to eat. “They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”  (About five thousand men were there.). The rest of the story is they were fed; what is my point? My point, God provides for those He draws; He blesses, what is increased in His name that is beyond what we could have imagined or requested. We, Christians, just have to believe and follow the Bright and Morning Star that never goes out.

The truth shall set you free

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”…. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:12;31-32

Although, I am not without errors, and I stand before you, figuratively, owning I am a work in progress and there are some kinks in my armor of godliness...wink...I have learned a few things on my travels...The truth shall set you free. We have heard it, and even spoke it a few times ourselves, if we are honest. Yet, we deny our truth because of fear of not being accepted by our circle, the masses, or by self..sigh.... However, we wonder why we struggle to live free. We struggle as a result of the emotional, mental, and psychological baggage binding us to now, as we replay the Ferris wheel like effect in our heads. We lie how we fit, where we fit, and who we fit with; so not to be separate or ignored. Taking risk that are really gambles, not realizing they are not the same although on the face, they look the same. Risk is something intentional and usually calculated, and we can rescue ourselves from, whereas a gamble is something, if goes wrong results in immutable consequences. That only the Father can get us through to the other side, and above it. Nevertheless, we seem to be in constant motion trying to prove, we are Christian; in an unconscious seamless routine. The funny thing is, light does not have to tell anyone they are there, it’s seen. We cannot walk in darkness and light, no more than you can walk in truth and in falsehood. But without fail, we move forward with flawless precision by putting much effort in trying to convince others we are, who we say, we are, and to ensure other don’t live a lie...really?... Forgetting darkness cannot bring out light, in anyone. We try, and wonder why we do not get the desired outcome; it is not a mystery really.

We seem to forget what is true for others is also applicable and true for us. See, truth is the thing which chills our foundations, opens us to God’s light of deliverance, and breaks our unshatterable shield. Yet, we cannot get there without willingly submitting to walking in the path of God, not judging others, willing to forgive all, give up self to the Word, and seeing with the eye of God, so we can unconditionally love. For God protects with exactness, where He directs, no matter what anyone else tells you. Yet, getting pass the madness circle is possible but difficult. We need to seek the light guiding our way to God. It is not easy, the process requires work. It means not seeking our revenge but letting vengeance be God’s; making forgiveness be part of the momentum moving us upward and onward, and not creating the work in progress called ‘destruction production starring yours truly’ because our faith is bigger, than our ego. Then the days of inner peace gained are priceless and plentiful….The truth shall set us all free….our choice, our life…God forbid, so the words planted in our soul, after harvest releases tears of joy and a bouquet of love on the world

Paradigm Shift

Paradigm shift is the buzz word for change amongst the secular and religious sector. I have heard, and I am sure many of you have heard it as well. So, I thought, I would really take a look at it what is a paradigm shift by looking up paradigm and shift. I did not want to overwhelm anyone with the several definitions. I subscribe to the keep it simple philosophy…wink.  Starting with Paradigm, it describes general accepted model how idea relates to another. As for shift, it described as something changed or exchanged for position, circumstance, or model. So, we hear the ‘paradigm shift’ in our religious or faith-based environment, what is being said, is the accepted model of doing, being, and engaging is changing. However, I would like to caution everyone that a true examination of this changes of theological engagement maybe more, than what we think it is. For the accepted model of concepts, fundamental beliefs have really been truths laced with our dogmas, traditions, and superstitions which governed us far too long. And what is really happening is, in the words of Maya Angelou, - when you know better, do better; when you learn, teach, when you get, give.  The paradigm shift is really just us as Christian letting go of what made a way but was never meant to stay with us, or sustain us forever. But in order to continue this journey, we must reevaluate what is real, true and what is ‘just us or ethnic mores.’…smiling… So we can offer a theological foundation for engagement that doesn’t negate the existence of the political and societal but teaches us how to live there without adjusting who we are in our Christian faith. See no one can get to us, when we are living what we say, we are living. The problem comes because we have chosen to be imposters, shrink when we are challenged, and seamlessly unconsciously let others cultivate our fears of inadequacy in us. All because we lack, the faith to believe the Father has not forgotten us, and He has a plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it.

But a paradigm shift also requires us ‘seeing,’ it is not the landscape, or in our case, the tenets of the bible, that needs to change but us.  The truth is victory has already been secured through the triumph of Christ on the cross; the question is why it is so necessary for us to see things, our way. Remember this is the reason, Christ was up there in the first place; people did not want to believe what they couldn’t conceive or didn’t fit in their perceptions of what should be. God forbid we continue what we supposed to get past. ”Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10. This verse is not for some of us, but for all of us to embrace into our spiritual trust of God’s pearls of wisdom.

Lastly, the paradigm shift is the awareness of the power of perception is both powerful and emotionally base; for too many times. It usually comes from a happening in our life, good or bad, where we never got the lesson, just the less than. In a paradigm shift it is time to reconcile our emotional truth with fiction, and release the ties that bind you to the place of trivial or marginal falsehood living to a place of true awesome abundance living. Which is more than material, tangible but a peace of mind; something you cannot buy or sell to the highest bidder.  Paradigm Shift is a choice, and we choose. Choose well, it’s important. Phi1. 1:15-19 -  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. NIV

Living on Purpose

 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13-14 NIV

Living our purpose is more than just one pill fits all. However, there is one first step for all to take, ‘calling a thing, a thing.’. Being honest with ourselves about what we did or didn’t do.  Not letting our circumstance limit us, or letting what someone else called us, define who we are. We must believe, we are here to serve a purpose, and live what we believe, inspite of what the cost is. See, people will usually challenge you on your belief when you have lack of conviction to what you say, because you don’t really believe it. We cannot convince another person, when we are not convinced ourselves about what we are saying, or doing. We cannot live our purpose when one is deficient in a deep-seated, vital connection to the truth about us.

Living our purpose is not a quick solution where you drive-in, and drive-out. It is a commitment to oneself to truth about who we are. It is a daily vitamin for life. It is trusting God to guide us to our purpose that He designed us to inhabit. This requires us to stop living in rewind mode of our past mistakes and victories because if we do, we metaphorically run in place. Tired we shall be, but going nowhere. Instead, we should use the momentum to propel us forward into our purpose. We must not let thoughts imprison us in past moments of joys or defeats. We will never go further than our thoughts, if we do not get the lesson provided by moments, then release them; we go nowhere. Let go, and let God with the same energy used to support your team, when they are losing. It is important.

The verses above has been repeated, stressed in lessons taught, or sermons preached. But what is amazing to me is this – they speak about letting go of the drama, the madness, and the other confusion in our lives; putting it behind us, and straining to get the higher prize heavenward. Yet, we continue to hold on to the past. We continue to seek revenge, teach someone a lesson, or laud over others our victories. The only thing we are teaching anyone is how to treat us, how to get under our skin, and to control us. This is not what the verses are talking about, and it is opposite of what we desire. It is so essential for us to get this; otherwise living our purpose shall be impossible for us all. God forbid we stay stuck on stupid and self, trying to be stellar and serving. Your choice, so choose wisely.

Counting the Cost

 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? Luke 14:28 NIV

The verse above is Jesus speaking about becoming one of His disciples and following Him. Yet the past couple of days, I have had this verse on my mind in a different way, but meaning the same thing in the end. What am I talking about? Well many people are speaking of forgiveness. Bishop T.D. Jakes has a book entitled – Let it go, and it was much of the conversation during the Life Class Oprah put on this spring (the Bishop was a part of it). I am not knocking this because it is right on, but I am going to speak on what to do before, reduce the occasions of having to forgive; having to rebuild, or restore what was lost. Before the forgiveness, there is a time period for many of us, where we have the opportunity to count the cost of what we are about to do, say, or co-sign on, prior to anything occurring. WE must take inventory, count the cost of what we are about to engage in, before acting.

See at the end of all things, it is your actions, deeds done. Negative behavior will always take you in the unknown places you never wanted to be. It will give rise to people’s perception of you, and they shall use it to speak into your life or speak themselves and others out of your life. Yet, we rarely ever count the cost, where we take inventory of what of our motives for the words, actions, or deeds, we are about to engaged. However, we are most disappointed when things do not work out according to our expectation000, or someone responds in a way we do not like. Maybe if we would take inventory, count the cost of it before we ‘do, say or co-sign’ on a thing. We would increase our success rate of getting what is important. At the same time, reduce the bickering, the animosity, hurt, bruised egos, or times we have to say – I am sorry, or I apologize.

Our lives are but the subplots of the bigger picture. Having the resolve to manage ones anger allows for a more accurate assessment of why we are doing, what we are doing. To see if we have a reason, for doing the thing, and are we ‘calling the thing, the thing’, or is brought about by our emotional angst. Not to say, emotions don’t have a place, but they should not drive the train of growth; otherwise we fail to appreciate the process is part of the journey to succeed. For an eye for eye, leaves not only all parties involved blind but also hurt, pained, and stunted. So, the next time you decide to act, say, or co-sign, ask yourself – does this create enmity,  ill will? am I acting from a place of hurt, self-centeredness, or for the greater good? See it is not about me, or us, but God; counting the cost. Your choice...wink

Leadership to me

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:26-28

The above verse tells us quite simply, if you want to be leader of all, we need to know, we must be the servant for all. Now, who wants to be a leader? I am not saying you have let others use you, taken advantage of you, or be disrespected. I am saying leadership is not about you being grandiose or ostentatious. It’s about knowing,  you are to be available to help, assist, or provide to others. You set the tone on behavior, and when no one is abiding, at minimal, you stand firm serving, in spite of whatever else is happening. In the words of Rudyard Kipling in the first stanza of his poem ‘If’ – if you can keep your head when all about you/Are losing theirs and blaming it on you/If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you/But make allowance for their doubting too/If you can wait and not be tired by waiting/Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies/Or being hated, don’t give way to hating/And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise…I do not know many leaders, in or out of the sanctified consecrated halls of God physical dwelling place really epitomize  this. Leadership the illusive stranger, many desires to have but are unwilling to do the work it requires to embody; either they don’t know or don’t want to do…

See, it is not always about a position but the person. As we see in the verses above, the emphasis is not on the position but describes a state of being or consciousness.  There is strength in being humble. For the weak in spirit, mind or the faint heart finds true leadership difficult. Serving others is not just about a task, but the availability of your ‘presence’ which seamlessly, unconsciously grants others peace. Leaders breathe life and liberty to all who come in contact with them; for serving includes a particular effect or impact. Christ knew this, and drew light from darkness, brought beauty from ashes, and gave us a garment of praise for our mourning in this life. He taught love, rather than divisive enmity to use in this world. He crafted it into an art form disagreement without being disagreeable, and addressing the issue, rather attacking the person in conflict.  Leadership, standing tall accepting the attacks, whereby others can have the opportunity to live free, in their truth, and changed through love.  See, any memorable leader, at some point, has counted the cost, and decided whatever the cost, it is worth it. Leadership is what, it is, the ability to walk, talk, and move among the mavens, the pundits, the experts of the day but never lose the common touch of virtue, forgiveness and service….smiling

Is your house in order?

Order my step in the word dear Lord, lead me, guide me, every day, send your annointing, Father I pray, please order my steps in the word..
Order, we have said at one time or another -God is not the author of confusion...Am I right, you remember saying that too...Okay...I want to know if that is true, why do we wish to bring God into compounded mess, confusion. We ask God to deliver, beseeching to Christ intercede on our behalf when we are only half ready to concede. I am not talking about being unsure, or not knowing. I am talking about us Christian, or those of us who profess to be Christians. Our life is in a physical disarray, and we are asking God to fix this one thing, but we are not quite sure if we want Him to touch anything else because it is working for me. Yes, I am comfortable with it, right or not. However, how many of us realize, know that when God enters in to our life all things changes, because we are new creature, renewed by love grace of Christ. Prayer is the key, but faith unlocks the door, and love makes all thing possible for you to concede to Christ example...Order
Things to think about:
God please fix or enlarge my territory: my husband, children, church, job, boss, home, marriage, loneliness, car, finances, relationship, coach, health, teacher, professor, all struggles period...HELP me GOD!!! I am on the mercy seat of need....Order, first we must understand we belong to God, as you say with your children, and your parents said to you, you are mine and you do what I say. Thus, we must be obedient to what ever He send us to because like our parents, it is for our good..And when we disobey, we have consequence but we are going to be the better and have a testimony that will help another...I am not lying, just look through the bible plenty of example - David, Saul, Ezekiel, Paul, Peter, Elijah, Noah, Job, Rahab, Esther, Deborah, Hannah, Sarah, Caleb, you get the picture... We do not see it now, but the blessings are coming just keep believing in God promise (keep loving, daily praying, and having faith). Walking in the will, learning and maturing in God sends you here - Eccl 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. do not be afraid God has you. Know the order



Order....God never takes you anywhere without warning you first, think about it.God always prepares you. Christ prepared the disciplines, even they were not there yet when they were told. They were given all the tools need for the kingdom building in HIs absence in the physical body...order...Look again at Habakuk 2...order..though it tarry, wait for it..it does not lie...
Lastly, know that when you are in order with God, you are out of order with man. when you are out of order with God, it is going to cost you because He is going to show you, you, so that you can get over yourself, and reach for HIM totally and completely!!..remember those beating when we were disobedient as a child...it is going to hurt me, more than it hurt you..if you are a parent you or in a parental role, you understand that now...order I Cor. 2:9-16