Faithless Works

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Learning who you are in God is a very challenging process sometimes. You are constantly required to have your faith tested over and over again because the devil is working diligently to destroy God's children. Not only are you warning constantly against the evil's of the world, but you are then warning against the people that are being used unknowingly by the devil. It's amazing the many devises that he uses DAILY to try to through you off your track.

But that is why it is so important to remain in the word of God. It brings you strenght to trample on the enemy's head, it gives you courage to face the things that are before you by keeping your eye on God and not the circumstance, it maintains you and allows you to get through the day.

Stepping out on faith is required. My pastor always reminds us that "Faith without works is dead." So stepping out on faith is required to move forward in what God has for you and in your calling. However, it is also impossible to step out on faith and not believe that you will make it. LOL. It's that ironic? People say, "I am just going to step out on faith and hope for the best" What since does that make? It's contradictory. If you are stepping out on faith...You have to know that you are going to be victorious and know that it is going to "work out." That is what faith does. It works. It brings to pass WHATEVER you are believing God for. It always brings about the desired outcome because when you are in God's will...it is inevitable! God's will will always be done! So as I type, I just remind myself that Faithless works are dead. If you do not have faith, then it is better to just stay put until you are ready to move forward in faith!

Thats where we will please God and receive the rewards that are promised because of our faithfullness!

The sacrifice of prayer...

“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Sam 24:24)

Waking up this morning was a struggle. For some reason, now that I wake up at 7am, its way harder than when I use to wake up at 5am. Five am or 7am, it’s early and I would much rather just wake up at 8am and get that extra hour of sleep that I know will put me right at the mark for my allotted 8 hours. So, this morning, I tried to push the envelope. When my clock went off at 7am, I was having a rather peculiar dream and was actually glad that is woke me up when it did. The reason I knew something funny was going on, is because my alarm went off really different this morning. I can’t even begin to describe how it scared me out of my sleep. It wasn’t cool at all. So anyway, since I had been awaken with a startle, I decided that should automatically allow for me to have an extra 10 minutes to regain my composure and allow my body to catch up with the rate at which my brain waves were traveling (which was extremely fast considering I was horrified) lol. So, 7:10am comes around and I just don’t feel like I have had enough recovery time…so I did what anyone that is still sleepy would do…I fell back asleep. Not even 5 minutes later, I heard the spirit telling me to GET UP, NOW! That’s really what He said! I was like not trying to hear it…But what did I do? I got up!

So after that entire episode this morning, I remembered the scripture above that I wrote down last night before I went to bed. It reminded me that it’s not always going to be easy to wake up an extra hour and a half early every morning just to ensure that I have my time of fellowship with my Heavenly Father. It reminded me that God desire’s us to make the sacrifice of prayer…Knowing that prayer isn’t always convenient, or fun, or really even something you desire to do at the time in which He wants you to do it…He knows that He has something for you. He knows that if you will just get up or stop doing whatever it is that you are doing that is hindering you from communion with Him at that particular time, He knows that you will be fulfilled beyond the point of gratification if you will just sacrifice your time to pray.

My pastor once, delivered a message about prayer and how it was a sacrifice to God. Now that we live in the New Testament era, we are not required to bring brunt offering to the alter as King Samuel was going to do in the above scripture (that was their way of staying connected to God and ensuring they had His covering over their lives, land and people remained). However when God sent Jesus to die on the cross for us, He established a new covenant with us. He said that if we would come to Him in praise and worship in His son’s name, that we would remain in Him and Him in us. The only way to commune with our Father in this nature, is to connect with Him in prayer…To sacrifice our time to fellowship with Him…to praise Him…to worship Him…to hear a word from Him. This is one of our spiritual acts of worship to Him and He never forgets our sacrifices. Every morning that I wake up and push my way into God’s presence, I am able to start my day with a sense of confidence and purpose. I am restored, rejuvenated and joyful! Furthermore, I feel like I have accomplished something…and I have! I suppressed the desires of my flesh and was able to feed my “spirit man” with the food that comes only when we commune with God. Producing a sense of fulfillment that is indescribable and incomparable to that one extra hour I would have gotten in my bed! Because we all know that sleep breeds sleep; the more you sleep, the more your body desires to sleep. So I never would have been satisfied. But in the presence of the Lord, there is perfection, there is liberty, there is satisfaction! So I urge you to get into the presence of God and allow Him to give you your own revelation and understanding about the sacrifice of prayer! It will truly change your life…

Timing is Everything

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come" (John 16:13).

Preparing for a Faith Group faciliation this afternoon, I came across a scripture that was revealed to me differently today then it really ever was in the past. Today as I read John 16:13, it came to me that time is everything. In everything that we do, timing is a defining factor in what the turn out will be. As the scriputre reveals to us, it is important that we follow the leading of the holy spirit in all things. In order to have the desired outcome, we must know that we are doing what it is we are supposed to be doing, when we are supposed to be doing it.

For example, I have a friend that I have been targeting in prayer for a while now. I know that there are things that she is going through, and unfortunately, I can not cure her troubles on my own merit. However, I know that the Father of all mercy is capable of giving her an offer she can't refuse... In knowing this, I know that it is my responsibility to continue to pray for her diligently and continue to allow the Spirit to guide me in revealing to her the truth about my savior. In other words, if I go to her telling her about the Goodness of Jesus before her heart it ready to receive the message of the Good News, I may be the very thing that makes her pull further away. However, if I allow my prayers to be heard, and allow God's will to manifest the way He desires it to manifest, and therefore, allowing the Spirit to reveal to me the correct timing and the precise way to deliver to her exactly what she needs to hear in order to receive the salvation God desires her to have, I know that I will be successful in my efforts. Not because of anything I did, but because I allowed myself to be led by the Spirit of all truth.

The scripture shows us that the Spirit only says what He hears (from the Father of course) and also that the Spirit is the the guide that will lead us to all truth. Why then, would I not want to be guided by the One who knows more than I know? The One who has the power to know things before they happen and can also reveal to me these things ahead of time in order for me to be prepared for them? The One that will always ensure my timing is perfect!

Another example...relationships! You know the saying, "you always find the one when your not looking?" It's true...Whenever we are out there looking for the one we are taking our focus on whatever it is we are supposed to be doing at that time. Our timing is OFF! Rather than preparing for the one to find you, you are too busy searching and instead, we usually end up suffering in the long run (Not to say that looking is bad, but you know what circumstances I speak of). However, when we find ourselves focused on the things of God, seeking His kingdom and all His rightousness, getting our affairs in order and doing what we know we are supposed to be doing, suddenly...out of know where, the one that we have been preparing for all this time, makes his way! Its because timing is everything. If we had received our blessing (ie the man we wanted) when we were out searching for him, honestly...we probably wouldn't have known how to appreciate him because we wouldn't have thought that he was really the one we were searching for anyway! But when we are following the Spirit of truth, and working in God's timing, the impossible happens...sometimes sooner than we expected it to. The saying, "the perfect person at an imperfect time, isn't so perfect after all" rings true in this situation.

I said all of that to say, it is so important that we follow the Spirit of truth...That we seek to have deep fellowship with the Spirit that knows all things and will deliver them to us at His will...in His timing! Always remembering that timing is everything...

Change…It’s not personal.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

Having a conversation with a long time friend yesterday, we came to the already drawn conclusion, that “Change is not personal.” What exactly do I mean by that? Well, I mean that when things are going on in life and when things don’t seem to be happening the way we would like them to happen, it’s not personal. When people and circumstances around you are beginning to change…it is not personal, things happen. When you feel like there are things in your life that you are growing away from or people that you are not as attached to as you have been in the past…it’s not personal…Things change, people change. Furthermore, you have to be ready to ensure those around you, who are in the line of fire of these changes, again, that it’s not personal.

I was telling a friend of mine the other day, that I don’t want to ever feel obligated to have someone remain in my life. What I mean by that is simply, people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s hard to not take it personal when you feel like someone’s reason or season is up. Moreover, it’s hard for that person to not take it personal. When you have gone through life with people; had hard times, happy moments, milestones, heartbreak, elation, etc, it is sometimes a hard concept to grasp, that things just may be changing…and that’s OK. The sooner we realize that concept, the better off we will be.

Now I am not trying to be harsh, because like for most people, it’s hard for me as well when things are constantly changing; especially if things are changing rapidly. It’s hard to understand that whatever is going on, whatever change is taking place, and whatever relationship is coming to an end… it’s not the end of the world. Of course as you are going through a situation it seems like the worst thing that could possibly be taking place; but we soon realize that times will get harder, friendships will end more abruptly, heartache will come more frequently, tears will flow more rapidly, people will leave more quickly, and so on and so forth, the better off we will be in the long run. But like I said before, it’s hard to grasp that concept at the time you are going through the change. I have written blogs before about everything happening for a particular reason, and though we may not always understand or even agree with the reason things happen, the fact remains, they happen! But my broader point also still remains, it’s not personal!

When you are going through what you feel is a major growth period in your life, and you realize that you and your past are no longer growing in the same direction, sometimes you have to make tough decisions. Sometimes you have to let things go and give things up in order to gain better things. One quote I learned in college, “people change so you can learn to let go, things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they are right…and sometimes things must fall apart so that better things can fall together” (Marilyn Monroe believe it or not – Although I edited it a little because I didn’t agree with the entire quote – LOL). Nonetheless, the point is valid. We have to allow the natural order of things to happen as they will. We have to trust that when things happen and the manor in which they happen, they are all happening for our greater good (Romans 8:28). They are all taking place to make us better people. They are all occurring so we can grow. And honestly, we have to remember that change is never one sided. Change is never something that only happens for one party and not the other. By holding on to old relationships, broken friendships, and harsh pasts, it not only hinders our growth, but we very well could be the very thing hindering someone else’s growth. Whatever that person’s growth maybe, you holding on to them while you are growing away from them at the same time is hindering them from doing whatever it is they need or just want to be doing. Carrying the past around is more damaging to your future then it was to your past. It’s more detrimental to your progression then it originally was to your growth. And unfortunately it’s more harmful to your present then it was when it stunted your development to begin with.

Often times, we just have to understand that change isn’t always bad…Not to negate the fact that it’s often times hard…But it’s definitely not always bad. We must except that the only thing constant in life is change and we have to embrace the changes we need to make in order to become the people that want to be; while never forgetting that it’s really not personal! Remember: He never promised it would be easy, He just promised it would be worth it! (John 16:33)

Psalm 1:1

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers." (NIV)

I remember one day I was trying to figure out exactly what I was going to do about a particular subject matter that had been bothering me for a while. I was really uncertain about what I wanted to do but I knew I didn't want to hear something that I knew wouldn't be beneficial to me or that would make me go in the complete wrong direction. I wanted an honest opinion about what I should do. So anyway, in the advice of psalm 1:1, I called someone that I knew would refer me to the word. Talked to someone that I knew wouldn't tell me what they thought I wanted to hear but rather told me what they knew I needed to hear and what would benefit me most.

I said all that to say this: Its so important that we are aware of God's voice talking to us rather He talks directly to us or rather He talks to us through someone else. As I am becoming more aware of His voice, I am noticing more and more that those in which I seek advice, are changing. That is not to say that I do not talk to the same people that I use to talk to, ever; but that does mean that I desire to hear a word from God now when I am facing troubles. It means that I seek His wisdom in the things in which I do not know exactly what He would have me to do. So...

I am currently in a situation where everyone feels it is necessary to give me their opinion. Not that I have not solicited anone's opinion at all, but I have been very selective in whose opinion I have sought. My cousin recently told me that when he was planning on getting married, there were a lot of people that were not "in his corner." Everyone was telling him what they thought and what they would do and what they wanted him to do and blah blah blah. He asked them one simple question: "Is this you giving me your opinion, or is this you relaying a message to me from God?" Though it was such a simple question, it stunned a lot of people! It was like a revelation to those people? Like is this just my opinion or is this something that God has revealed to me that I feel compelled to share with him/her?

Basically, the way I feel, if I am constantly seeking God's ways and trying to go deeper in Him in all my ways, then how can I not consult people that I know will lead me in that direction? Furthermore, how can I accept advice from someone who I am not confident heard from God pertaining my situation? People keep telling me, to make sure that I allow God's plan to unfold and that I am not doing this out of His will...and grant it, that is GREAT advice...but the thing I will say, is how can you tell me I am not following God's plan when you haven't even spoken to God about His plan? I mean for me it is something to really think about because it makes a great point!

Just something to think about that I want to share because I think many people have read this verse over and over and may or may not have necessarily ever really thought about what God is warning us against. That's it! I am done! (keep in mind I really on dissected the first portion of the scripture, the rest has different revelations for me.)

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

"This is the day that the lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).

I am extremely excited and blessed to have had the opportunity to bring in the New Year! Like any new year, I always try to take time to reflect on the previous year. Not being a "new years revolutionist" myself, I didn't commit myself to anything that I would probably forget about by the 10th; However, I did make the decision in my heart that I am going to have High Expectations for 2009. I believe that God has a way of revealing to us many things in the future, and because of that, I feel really good about this new year...and for good reason. New Year, New Things!

I was reading a friend's blog this morning, and he gave the quote, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift that why they call it the present." That is such an awesome reminder going into the new year! 2008 is now a piece of history. It can and will never be relived. If there was some unfinished business, its going to be left unfinished because we can't change the past. If there are things that we unfortunately were unable to accomplish, we must set new goals, because we are no longer able to hold fast to the past. Now is the time to set new expectations, to make plain before God what we expect! We have to covenant with Him on this Present Day, that whatever his will for 2009, we will complete! Whatever his goals, we will accomplish. Whatever his plan, we will fulfill. because I have found the truth and the light in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because I have found peace and joy and hope and faith and most of all love, I know that 2009 will be an awesome year. I am expecting miraculous things to be done! I am excited to see God's will for this time, this day, this year manifest in my life like never before.

God has given us the GIFT of today, the gift of 2009! He has given us something that many will never see although they desired it. He has given us the most precious gift of life and fortunately, I have a High Expectation of what is to come. Like the pastor said at watch night service on Dec 31, 2008...2009 is the time to JUST DO IT! 2009 is the time to, in my terms, MAKE LIFE HAPPEN! What is it that we have wanted to do but haven't? What do we want to see, but haven't been obedient to our calling in order to have it manifest in our lives like we desire? What can we do to be better people in 2009 than we were in 2008? How will we challenge ourselves in 2009? There are so many questions that we can ask ourselves, but for me the most important question is this: How will I allow God to move in my life in 2009? The answer is simple: IN ANYWAY HE DESIRES!

So I say to you...I will continue to live simply, love generously, care deeply, and speak kindly! I will continue to grow in the things of God because I love and trust His perfect will. And I will continue to have HIGH EXPECTATIONS of the gifts he will keep blessing me with in 2009!!!