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).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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).
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).
Monday, November 10, 2008
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).
Thursday, November 6, 2008
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).
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).
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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).
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).
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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.
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.
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