Like Mother, Like Daughter

This week my daughter has been excited because she had time off from school and an opportunity for her and me to work on her writing a book. She asked countless times “When will we work on my book mommy?” However each day I was not feeling my best.

By Friday my daughter woke up gathered all her material and start working on it herself. She did not even eat breakfast; she was in her creative mode. She managed to pull me out of bed and we began to work on her story. My husband saw us working and he said, “Well you have inspired her to write.”

My mind connected to “Like mother, like daughter” (Ezekiel 16:44). I thought of Paul speaking to Timothy about his gift. He reminded him of his grandparent’s faith, then his mother’s faith and stated that he knew it was in him (2 Timothy 1:5).

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

My mother and father are writers; my father is also a great artist. My daughter reminds me of me being a child running to my mother about each story I wrote. I always wanted my dad to see my drawings so I waited eagerly to show them to him. He still holds a picture I created as a child and my mom still remembers the name of the first book I wrote.

All the things my parents hold as great memories of my childhood help inspire me to be the writer I am. The fact that my parents are great writers convinced me that I am a great writer also. As I look at my child I am persuaded that the gift of writing dwells in her.

It is important that we share our gifts with our children so they will know it is in them also. The things the parents know should be made known to the children (Deuteronomy 4:9, 10).

Are you reminding your children of their heritage? Do you encourage them to pursue their spiritual gift so that they may lead by those gifts? Consider encouraging them to do what they aspire to do because God didn’t give them fear, but tools to complete the task.

If you feel you lack knowledge pray to God to give you instructions as of how to lead your children. Ask God for wisdom and guidance in your life. Call upon the Lord to reveal His will to help you hear His voice in all things. For God will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; He will guide you (Psalms 32:8).

Thanksgiving

Today our house is filled with aromas of peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, greens, fried turkey, homemade macaroni and cheese and dressing with so much more.

We have received many calls from our family saying Happy Thanksgiving. It is a joyous occasion for us all. We are joining our friends later to fellowship together about what we are most thankful for.

Our family is in another state but God has made sure we have had a family in Christ to connect with on special days such as these.

I am most thankful for my savior and family. My daughter came to me with the scripture “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).

Today as you fellowship with your family eating all the wonderful delights that you wait all year for; remember to drop a hint of spices from the word. Share your gift of salvation to another so they will be encouraged to know Christ.

This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it, (Psalm 118:24) sharing Him with thanksgiving to everyone. Happy Holidays!

Not Forgotten

My children have been sick for several weeks. I took them to their doctor twice; prayed about their health and continued to do all I was directed to do to help them get better. It appeared that they were getting worse and my thought process was not functioning well due to lack of rest. I continued to pray but felt my prayers weren’t enough.

Another week approached and my children continued in their sickness. 9pm came and I thought, “I have to call my pastor but the children kept crying.” Finally, 11pm arrived and the children were settling down. However, right before midnight one woke up yelling in pain. I held my child attempting to calm him down. I picked up my phone while cradling him and called my pastor, requesting prayer. Immediately, I told him what was wrong with them and he prayed.

The morning came and one was smiling. I went to my computer and played the song, “This is the day, that the Lord has made” and sang praises to God.

One of my other children ear was hurting him badly. He cried and I prepared to go to a doctor. It was Saturday so my husband looked for another doctor’s office that was open. He found one and we were on our way.

At last we saw the doctor; before we left, the doctor had a box which held strips of scripture on it. She offered one to my son but he was in too much pain to reach for one. My daughter reached inside pulled out a scripture and read it aloud.

“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I smiled knowing He had healed my child. As we headed home another pastor called us on the cell phone and prayed about the children.

Later on the after noon, all my children were laughing and playing. I was so excited. The next day my pastor preached from the scripture Matthew 15:23-25.

“But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me”.

This scripture is speaking about a lady that was trying to get Jesus’ attention. She kept on until she got a response from the Lord. She did not give up because she was told to go away. Jesus answered her saying “unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28).

When my children were sick I kept on praying. As things got worse I called on more people to pray. I kept on bugging the Lord about healing my children.

The Lord expects us to unrelentingly call on Him. He wants to know that when push comes to shove we won’t give up. Sometimes He will delay our prayer request just to see how we will respond.

Some of you might feel like God has forgotten about your prayer request. Many of you have stopped being persistent and given up. Others are just waiting. Pray to the Lord to keep His promise. Call on a friend and ask them to pray to the Father to give you healing where there is pain. Shout to the Lord to give you what is needed because He promised you. Ask the Lord to cradle you in His arms this very hour and restore you today. For you are not forgotten.

Call Him

I have been working on the completion of publishing my book as well as a conference. Time is closing in and for the past two weeks my two youngest children have been sick. I noticed this past week that even the two eldest have start showing symptoms of being ill.

My pastor prayed for them but for some reason it seems like this illness will not go away. As they are sick it is required of me to nurse them back to good health.

Interestingly, I discern my children’s health like the planning of publishing my book requires my time. I feel like I am in war struggling to stand. I have to take care of the children. I was lead to work on my book and the conference but I am at war with time.

I can’t help but think of the story of Elijah healing the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17).

I decided to call my pastor for I felt my family was under attack as I am in pursuit to glorify the Lord.

Today many families are under attack. I would like to ask for your prayers towards all families. Pray to God to rebuke the devil from his tactics to stray our focus from the Lord. Call upon the Lord to keep your spirit in tact. For the battle is not yours it’s the Lords(2 Chronicles 20:15).

Spiritual Lens

A couple of 21 years traveled the road for a surprise visit. However, the couple never arrived. They had a fatal car accident. The car flipped over several times and when the turbulence came to a stop the wife pondered, “Why isn’t my husband yelling my name?”

She survived to see another day but her spouse did not. The time came to tell the children and her reaction was to share her gratitude of the Lord for He spared her life.

It is approaching a year since her husband died. She can courageously stands with appreciation that she can see her children as they grow up. She recognizes her life was secured because God still has something for her. He has granted her more time to accomplish His will. You might read this and say how can she go on without her husband; yet, she wakes up saying it is by His grace and mercy.

This woman reminds me of David. When David was a young boy he went up against Goliath. He was bold and full of courage. He was on his way to give food to his brothers that were on the front line of battle. He spoke to them, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26)?

David knew that the Philistine giant did not have the Lord on his side. King Saul and his army looked at Goliath as an over size giant that they could not defeat. They were afraid (1 Samuel 17:11) but David he was alert that with God he could conquer Goliath.

The lady had a Goliath experience. She is able to look at her situation through her spiritual eyes. How is your view of your Goliath’s? Do you become panic-stricken and run away? Or are you as David running towards your Goliath?

Maybe Goliath is sitting in your living room. Perhaps Goliath is waiting for you at your job. Your Goliath can be the bill collector, death of a loved one, health problems, or any situation that has appeared threatening and you are running scared. Possibly, picking up your spiritual lens will assist you through your obstacle.

Allow God to prescribe you a set of spiritual lens. Ask God to help you see His blessings in all things. Pray to God that you are able to praise Him when your Goliath is before you. Call upon the Lord to flee the spirit of panic. “Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).

Running on Low Fuel

The other day I was on my way to church and I noticed the car needed some gas. I determined that I could make it to the church but right after service, I would have to get some gas. As I approached the parking lot the light came on notifying me that I needed fuel.

I got out of the car went inside for church service. Once church was over I went directly to the gas station, which was less than a mile. After I got gas I was fine. I wasn’t concern about if I had enough fuel to make it to the destinations I planned on going.

When I left church I was refueled with the word. As the week went along I was able to do what I needed even though there were bumpy hills along the way.

My situation takes my thoughts to the scripture “you are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven(Matthew 13:14-15).

As the light of the world I can’t sit in my house when I am called to do something. I have to let others see me moving for the Lord. When my family needs me I have to let my light shine. When my neighbor calls me I have to let my light shine. When I need me I have to let my light shine and get the fuel I need so I can keep shinning.

Have you ever driven a car to a destination on low fuel? The whole time you are in the car you are hoping that you make it to where you’re traveling? You might even pray to God to get you where you need to go even though the act of you not having gas in the car is because you have not put it in the car.

Cars need fuel to travel. My soul has to be fed the word in order for me to not only get to the destinations I have to go but to inspire and encourage others as I travel life.

When you travel in a car every road is not a straight path some are bumpy, some curve, some wiggly, there are many with inclines, and go downhill just as my journey of life. It is vital for the car to have fuel to go and it is essential for me to be fed the word to journey this life. I am no good to another if I have not been properly fed by God’s word. I can’t encourage myself or any other that comes in my path.

Has your light came on notifying you that you need more fuel? Are you running on auto pilot? Perhaps your fuel is less than a mile a way and you have not made a point to refuel yourself of His word. Maybe you struggle with getting fed His word and don’t push yourself to put the proper word within your soul.

Don’t run on low fuel. Consider opening your bible and meditating on one scripture until you get to the place of worship. Pray to God that you praise your way through your journey. Call upon the Lord to restock you with hope, encouragement and inspiration to yourself and others. For "you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men” (Matthew 13:16).

Show Thyself Approved

One of my aunts is allergic to ants. There was an occasion she was so determined to move a flower that she sacrificed the one thing she knew she was allergic to. This ant bed formed in it was stopping new growth of her flower which she loved. She contemplated a while about what to do because saving the flower would mean hurting herself. However, one day she decided she would suffer a moment if it meant saving her flower.

My aunt’s feet and legs were swollen; she had a fever and discoloration for several days. Nonetheless, her plant lived in its new location as vibrant as ever.

When I see my aunts in the yard I continue to be reminded of the scripture, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

My aunts are punctual to laboring in their yards. They rush to tend to their garden without question. Although this verse is directed to pastors it is vital for all because God has all appointed everyone with a certain gift to minister to others.

As I reflect on my aunts I am encouraged to make every effort to tend to the gift which God has placed in my heart. There will be times that I might have to sacrifice myself or time to shy myself approved.

When Jacob went on his journey, he saw Rachel. He thought how beautiful I must seek her. He made arrangements with her father, “Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter” (Genesis 29:18).

However, Jacob was deceived by her father. After seven years Laban gave his oldest daughter Leah to him to marry. Interestingly, Jacob labored another seven years until he received the one he loved. I imagine those seven years went by fast to Jacob. Each year he focused on how much closer he was getting to the one he loved.

Jacob was willing to go after his desire by any means. This is the same desire Christ desires us to long for our gift. What are you willing to sacrifice to show your self approved? How can you show your self approved to God? Will you labor for seven years? If it calls for another seven years will you make every effort to hurry and be diligent doing your best to attain the one thing God placed you here to do.

Don’t could your mind with how long it will take. Look towards the goal. Ask God to give you the strength for the long run. Pray that you be focused with confidence to show yourself approved. Call upon the Lord to help you be quick and don’t delay another minute. “Instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience” (Hebrews 6:12).

Move the Rocks

My friend called on me the other day because she needed help. After seeing her I remembered coming to Georgia thinking how I left my career of writing when I moved from Oklahoma City. I spent four years of my life training to be a journalist and every avenue closed which pertained to me pursuing being a reporter. It was one of the most crushing feelings I encountered.

During the past seven years my confidence was low. I could not see beyond the brick wall in my life. As I looked in the mirror I wanted to give up all hope. Looking at myself made me weep; as my children grew I viewed myself as a terrible mother because I felt I had nothing to offer them. But God made a way. By the time my third child germinated within me, I began wanting more out of life. As my forth child came in the world, I then gave it all over to the Lord.

Thinking of this time in my life captures my memory to the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.

Mary and Martha were in a hopeless situation. They sent word to Jesus that their brother was sick. Jesus assured them that the sickness will not end in death. Yet, things did no only get bad, they got worse. Lazarus was put in a tomb because he died with Jesus was only 2 miles away.

On Jesus arrival, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home” (John11:20).

Martha told Jesus, if you would have been here my brother would not have died, my brother would not be in a tomb, and we would not be here in this situation, Jesus, if you would have been here.

“Jesus once more was deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. "Take away the stone" he said” (John 11:38-39). Martha told Jesus he has been in that tomb dead for four days and by this time the odor is strong.
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"(John 11:40) They took away the stone and Jesus then prayed to God. Jesus called Lazarus and he was raised from the dead.

It was not until Martha showed her faith by moving the stone that Jesus had a talk with God.

My stone was letting go of writing for the world’s paper and come write for the Lord. I knew how to write for broadcast, I invested much money in learning to write for newspapers but God was calling me to write for Him. His training was free of charge but enduring time wise. I had a stone that I couldn’t see beyond and I sat there for seven years, depressed, with low confidence, dragging myself in a pit. One day just as Martha I showed my faith.

Many are trapped not able to move beyond the hard place in their life. Various people are in a dead marriage while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. Several are lost without employment while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. Some people stressed while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’. A number of individuals are supposed to be an advocate for the Lord yet is afraid while Jesus is saying ‘move the rocks’.

What hard place is before you today, interfering with your communication to God?
Are you as Mary staying back at the house because you have lost all hope? Or do you tell Jesus what He should have, could have done to prevent your situation?

Don’t miss out on your miracle because of your lack of faith? Ask the Lord to resurrect you. Pray to God that He gives you the strength to move the stone. Call upon the Lord in belief for “if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22).

Decently and Orderly

When I was an investigative reporter my Editor would give me assignments. I would work diligently to complete every story she assigned me. Occasionally, the Publisher would come in the office and issue a story he wanted the paper to cover. The Editor would then interrupt the itinerary that I had in motion and send me out to cover the Publisher’s request.

I did not always like leaving in the middle of a story I started but I never gave that impression to the Editor or Publisher.

Sometimes my husband comes home and interrupts the itinerary I have in motion. I will have scheduled to clean a certain room in the house and he will make mention of a certain area not being intact. Then there are times he might come home early because instead of eating the dinner I prepared he wants to go out to eat. The goal is to give off the same impression that I did when I was an investigative reporter.

As I thought more of this situation it jogged my memory to the scripture “let us make man in our own image, and after our likeness: and let them have dominion” Gen: 26.

God has given us a leadership position. Additionally, God has given us a ladder of order (1 Corinthians 14:40). “Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:3). All of us are under an authority structure, no one is exempt.

In the mentioned scenario, I am the Editor he is the Publisher. The Editor makes sure the flow of the paper is in order. They are to create schedules, issue assignments to reporters, appoint deadlines for stories to be completed, gather more stories for the next paper, consider more ways to make money for the paper with interaction with advertisement team and still make the meetings with the Publisher.

When the Publisher has a request the Editor must adjust the schedules to make sure the Publishers stories are posted. At times the Publishers stories are tied in with money being accumulated for the publication. The Publisher works outside the company but closely with the Editor. They make sure money is always available for the functioning of the paper.

What is your view of your relationship with your spouse? Are you falling under the authority structure of Christ? Have you implemented a new arrangement of authority?

Possibly you should evaluate Gods order. Pray that the Lord humble you so you may be open to His structure. Ask the Lord to help you find pleasure in the Lord’s way. Call upon the Lord that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Confidently Pray

Lately, I have had a concern and have been uncertain of which option to pursue. A month ago, I was not pressured about my issue because I knew there was still time. It is now approaching a month before my deadline and anxiety has been floating in the atmosphere. I spoke with a friend and she reminded me to pray.

As I prayed about the situation indecisiveness was still hanging about. That night I dreamt of the issue and in the dream everything was wonderful and excitement came over me. I then issued a pray of thanksgiving. Though I do not have the answer now, I am more encouraged and have not lost sight of receiving an answer from the Lord.

My prayer carried my attention to praying without ceasing. My interest was directed to the scripture

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

When I prayed to God about my concern initially I was fine. I knew God will take care of it. However, as my deadline approached time became my focal point. My dream reminded me to keep praising the Lord with high praise; my friends request was to prevent me from loosing assurance because everything will be wonderful.

Have you had a problem and you did not know what to do? What form of action have you taken towards your concern? When you pray for something, do you praise the Lord? Do you know that the request that aligns with His will shall be granted?

Maybe you have started to feel overwhelmed because time is ticking. Perhaps you have been praying about the same thing over and over again. “When you pray, do not babble vain words, as the nations. For they think that in their much speaking they shall be heard” (Matthew 6:7).

Do not loose confidence in our Lord. When pressure knocks at your door, don’t let it in. Ask the Lord to give you reassurance. Pray to God that you continue to praise His name, no matter the deadline. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand and calm you, “for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him”(Matthew 6:8).

Condition

A person is about to loose their job and the bills are still flowing in. This person applies for many jobs: jobs they like and even jobs they don’t like, hoping to continue to provide for the family. When the person is called for an interview they pray to get the job. Yet during the interview this person is silently thinking, “I need a job but, I don’t do windows. I need to pay my mortgage but, I don’t clean toilets. I need to pay my bills but, I don’t keep kids. Oh no, this is not for me.”

My attention is intrigued with the apostle impressing how the Spirit helps us in our time of weakness. “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

Have you ever longed for something but did not know how to get what you needed? Maybe you have prayed for a job but had preconditions when the offer was given. Perhaps you don’t recognize that your request is being answered because it is not on the silver platter you wanted.

The Holy Spirit negotiates for us with groans. As the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf He is expressing the deep desire for the full understanding of what is being hoped for. When the Spirit is mediating for us He speaks directly in agreement with God’s will. Our mind cannot comprehend the words spoken to God.

How is your prayer life today? Is your desire so deep that you don’t know where to begin before the Lord? Are you giving preconditions to the Lord?

Don’t allow your preconditions to condition you. Consider the Holy Spirit placing the right prayers in your heart. Pray to God that you silence yourself before His presence. Ask God to send the Spirit to speak with groans that words cannot express. “He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will” (Rom 8:27).

Possible

When I was a little girl my grandmother would tell me stories about people pulling her hair when she was in school. She would tell me so many cruel stories about being in school I wondered, "how could she bare such pain."

My grandmother was born in 1905 from a little town called Kauffman, TX and our family is bi-racial. During those times it was forbidden for a black and white person to even have a friendship together. Imagine how catastrophic things were for a bi-racial family to survive in such times.

It was close to impossible for them to live day by day not only because the color of their skin but because they were diverse. However, all that is impossible for man is possible for God.

I am reminded today of the story of Lazarus. Mary’s brother was sick and sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick,” (John11:3). Jesus assured them that their brother would not die. “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, (John11:4-5).

Jesus was not in a rush to get to Lazarus and stayed where he was for two more days. Then Jesus was told Lazarus is dead. Lazarus sisters were in pain. They had hope because of Jesus saying it is going to be alright yet the reality was Lazarus was dead.

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. (John11:23-25).

During my grandmothers’ time, like Lazarus Jesus was calling on people to just cast their cares to Him and believe. It was impossible to raise a person from the dead. In fact, it was a hopeless situation when all you could see was death and the hope you had was stripped right before your sight.

Yet, our Lord is a way maker. He sees the impossible and says not bigger than me. He sees your pain while you are crying and He weeps with you. When Jesus saw Lazarus lying dead, “Jesus wept,” (John11:35).

Maybe you are in an impossible situation today. Perhaps you are crying wondering if God cares. He loves you; yes He cares for you even in the midst of your mess. In the hour of despair He cares.

Consider not asking God, “Why me but say use me.” Pray to God that you believe Jesus is the resurrection. Ask God to do the impossible. For even today He is raising the dead. For we have a nation were most say, “Yes we can, join hands as black and whites. Yes we can, join hands as Hispanics and Asians. Yes we can, embrace the dissimilar aspects of others and join in unity, as one.” We can do all things through Christ whom strengthens us, (Phil 4:13).

Helping or Hindering

This young lady had a child at a young age, quit her job and stop going to college never attaining her degree and is now faced with, “Why is my life upside down?”

She seeks living the life of fame and relinquishes her responsibilities saying, “It’s too hard.” Day after day she prefers to beg from others than take the initiative to tend to her responsibilities. As a result many bear her load, as she gets more and more cripple in the process.

The thought of helping another can be exciting. Some are deficient in the area of being blessed and lack being able to bless others. Yet, sometimes helping someone can actually hinder the person.

My thought jogs my memory to the scripture, “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Gal 6:2).

As a Christian it is my duty to bear another’s burdens. However, it is vital that the verse proceeding is considered. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently,” (Gal 6:1).

The lame beggar begged for money but what he needed was to walk. It was not until he openly accepted the heavenly help that he was able to walk. “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong,” (Acts 3:7).

I heard a pastor say he could have told Peter, “Be realistic, man I need some money. I am in a bad situation and in the name of Jesus is not going to help.” However, the lame man freely allowed Peter to take him by the hand.

I imagine this young lady has not yet readily opened herself to spiritual help. This young lady was caught in sin. Her life was upside down not because she had a stamp on her forehead that said “kick me down.” Her life was in turmoil because of the decisions she made. When considering the scripture I naturally think I should help her. Yet to “what extent should I help her?”

Perhaps you think helping someone means taking on the other person’s responsibility. Maybe you think if I carry this person for a month or two, possibly six months, “I am being gentle.” But are you doing what you are directed to do. Are you mapping out how to restore the person gently? To be restored is to bring back to or put back into a former or original state.

Help can either help or hinder. The beggar in no way accepting “in the name of Jesus,” never comes to know the joy of walking, if the helper does not ask God, “How shall I be of service?” As a result they hinder the beggar.

Maybe you know someone that has made mistakes and constantly needs help? Are you the person that needs assistance time after time? Are you like Peter and John giving the person what they need or a fix just to get by? Or are you the cripple only asking for a quick fix, putting off what you need?

Reflect on your position. Are you seeking to be a blessing or get a blessing? Ask God to help you impart your faith walk with another? Pray to the Lord that your help is not in vain? If you need help call upon the Lord to give you what you need. God is not going to bless a selfish request. God does not have solitary blessings; He has domino blessings for the masses.

Beyond Mediocre

My mother is a retired teacher. I remember when she taught she would always give assignments to challenge her students to go beyond what was required.

Many students are taught enough to just get by. As the students grow to adults they have a hard time because they spend 13 years of their life practicing how to just get by. As adults many of them struggle settling with low expectations of just getting by.

One story that captures my curiosity is the story of the lame beggar. He was a man that had been cripple since birth. People would go to where he was everyday of his life and pick him up and carry him to the temple gate called Beautiful.

For over 40 years (Acts4:22) he sat in front of the church begging. He was in a hopeless state, unable to stand on his own two feet.

One day the lame man saw Peter and John and he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them," (Acts 3:4-5).

Peter told him I don’t have any money, “but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk," (Acts 3:7).

The lame man spent 40 years with low expectations asking for just enough to get by. Everyday he would sit at the gate asking for money. Some are asking for money today. Like the lame man they never ask for what they need to be a blessing to someone else, just enough to make it by.

Everyday God issues assignments to cause us to hunger after higher expectations. My mother gave her students assignments that made them go beyond the call because she wanted them to desire more out of life.

How is your posture? Can you stand or are you leaning over? Should the King of king’s desire mediocre for His children? Even a baby desires to stand?

Perhaps you should ask God to help you stand. Maybe God is not hearing your request because blessing your request won’t necessarily bless another. Reflect on not living a life as a second-rate child.

Consider changing your request to a testimony. Pray to God that you walk in Jesus name. Call upon the Lord to give you strength to stand on your own two feet. Ask God to create in you a clean spirit and not a average spirit. Pray that you take responsibility of your decisions under God’s authority. For you are a child of the Almighty King.