We Deserve It All

After the divorce a daughter and mother’s relationship was deformed, for whatever reason the relationship this child had with her mother always seemed to be intricate. She had never been able to understand because the relationship she had with her other siblings seemed far from how their relationship was.

She would try so hard to please her only to have her feelings hurt in the long run. As she grew older she would expect her mother to be there for special events in her life such as giving birth to her grandchildren but no matter how many she had, the mother never made it. She anticipated that her mother would visit yet such desire never had come to pass.

Finally, the daughter realized she had to lower her expectations for her mother. Sometimes we have to lower expectations for man but with God we can expect it all.

This daughter was longing for something that only God could give her and only God can give us it all. We all want it all from our parents.

Our parents relationships are a merely images of the relationship that we as children of God have; nonetheless, the relationship we have with our biological parents are limited while the relationship we have with our heavenly Father is limitless. I know it’s immeasurable because in the book of John 14 we find Jesus talking to the disciples.

Jesus was preparing to leave and before He left He wanted to comfort the disciples He told them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Another way of saying this is, allow your heart to be held in reserve with full trust in God.

It was going to be a while before the disciples saw Jesus again and He was basically saying, I will see you later and in my place I will leave you a comforter. As Jesus continued He revealed to them that He was preparing a place for them with many rooms. Not only would they see Him later but they would live with Him.

Thomas was hurt and wanted to go with Jesus and Philip wanted to know who the Father that Jesus spoke of is. It was almost as if during the farewell speech they were trying to know how to locate Him in the future when they felt down, when they got hurt, they needed direction or when they needed no one but the Lord. Jesus on the other hand responded saying, "You have been with me all this time and you don’t know."

Further in the text Jesus answered saying, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time... Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:9-13).

This text points out several things first it expresses how some us are with the Father daily and don’t even recognize. Second we see the cure in opposition to this dilemma of mind. It suggest that by us believing in Christ or just looking at His creditability of what He has done in our life grants us access to being comforted.

We neglect that when we woke up this morning that God worked a miracle, when we took a breath of air God worked another miracle, when we where able to go to a house at night while it was cold outside, we weren’t laying under a rock shivering, God worked yet another miracle. When we look at our loved ones and they are still there it doesn’t matter if you two are kicking and screaming at each other you are still there alive, God is yet working another miracle.

The proof is there merely because you’re still there breathing and as you as waking up each morning God is working a little on you and working a little on the other person, but we as children of God must believe in Him and not the trouble within our mind.

The next point He makes is when you believe in Christ you do the works, He has everything in place for you. In other words, you will continue the legacy of Jesus Christ but they will be even greater things. Finally, Jesus states because we recognize Him, believe in Him and continue His legacy, yielding our self, the Lord will give us “whatever you ask in my name and anything you ask for in my name I will do.”

When we ask in Jesus name we are pleading. It is by His merit and intercession that we receive such gift. This is interesting because in order to get the I want it all , which is appropriate for our condition we have to give Christ all of us. We have to deplete all the negative cruel ways of thinking, we have to be sold out to Jesus and serve Him and our reward is whatever we desire, which actually lines up with what He desires because we would have stopped thinking opposite of how the Lord thinks. We would be doing what Jesus would do, not what my flesh wants me to do, for we have the victory.

The young lady mentioned previously, might not have the relationship she desires with her mother today or even tomorrow but she has what she needs in Jesus every day. He keeps supplementing the support and relationship that her mother lacks and even what the daughter lacks but one day because this daughter believes and continues to live out the legacy of Christ Jesus she will get it all because she deserves it all and we deserve it all. We deserve to be happy, have joy, be healed, be loved, we deserve it all!

Consider our Father is the Father of all Father’s, He is Alpha and Omega and because God created this world, created all of us we have access to it all and deserve it all, in 2011 let us not fall short because we lack to believe, we lack to do the works of the Lord but let us get it all, for we deserve it all! Let not your hearts be troubled ( John 14:1).

Talk, Walk & Act

I recall seeing a family member and they asked me if I was a Pastor. I had never been asked such thing. This person went on to remind me of all the things I did in the past that was negative. I know the Spirit was controlling me because I did not say a word.

After leaving the person I thought, "I wonder why my relative can only remember the bad." As I thought more and more I was reminded of the good I did which has lead me to the person I am today. I thought of how God has been using me and continues to use me inspite of how I allowed the enemy to use me.

My mind travels to the book of Romans where it states, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22-24

We note in the first verse it is explaining how righteousness from God comes from believing in Jesus. In other words, in order for you and me to talk, walk, and act within the condition that is acceptable to God we have to completely trust in Christ.

As we continue the next verse says why- because all of us, not just you, not just me, all of us have missed the mark, at some point and time. We have all refrained from talking, walking and acting as we ought to in the sight of the Lord, which is acceptable to God.

The final verse says we are justified freely by his grace through Christ. Because of the releasing of payment that Christ paid for us, we are seen as God wants, we are able to talk, walk and act in accordance to what is acceptable to God because we have faith in Christ.

When I was a child, I thought as a child. I did what I wanted, when I wanted but as I grew in the Lord and continue to grow in the Lord; He is being glorified.

We as children of God must be reminded that even though we let the enemy use us from time to time, there has been some high light moments for the Lord. There have been some times of ex halting the Lord. We cannot get engulfed with our mistakes and disappointments for perhaps it was not God's appointed time. We can't keep driving in reverse trying to go ahead in shame. We have to look to the heavens above and know that God looks at us through His son, our savior and that is why we are able to do things, impossible things.

I want to encourage you today to write your spiritual resume. Reflect on not allowing disappointment to bring you to a halt. Consider not looking back at what you did in the past of shame and hold fast to your hall of fame in honor of the Lord. I want to encourage you to embrace the God in you and live life to its fullest. Man might not be able to accept you as a new creation but God does. Remember what Christ did for you and me so we have the victory!

No Doesn't Mean Stop, Does It

The other day my four year old got in trouble. He decided that everything in the house was a ball and it was his goal to throw it on the wall. I have spoken to him as well as his brothers about throwing in the house but somehow that is an ongoing chant in my house with three boys. After my son was disciplined from throwing, he went on as if nothing ever happened. It was then that I realized his actions were ministering to me.

I quickly thought of the book of James, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19.

This text is so simple to me. It is very direct and straight to the point. It tells us to respond by paying attention and listening. It tells us to not be fast to get our two cents in, don't be so quick to say all that is on our chest because we want the first and final word. Finally, don't lose control and become angry.

How is it that a child can be disciplined and go on with life as if it is a box of chocolates. Nevertheless, when some adults are told no or when adults are dealing with the consequences of their actions he/she reverts back to being a toddler. The adult has a two year old tantrum. The interesting thing is this tantrum can last for years. Life becomes postpone in their mind because of being told no or because we don't like to deal with the consequences.

Every ‘no’ is not meant for you to stop. Let me repeat that, every no is not meant for you to stop. Sometimes no means not right now, try again, give me your best. Sometimes no is there to simply test your character and see if you will focus on what God has to say about the situation and not just what you have to say.

I encourage you to take time to listen to what the Lord is saying. Look to God about the bumps and curves you might be traveling today and know that even in the midst of all the chaos God is still speaking to you as His powerful, priceless and precious child of God. Remember God does not put you through anything that you cannot handle. Be sure to check out our video for our upcoming event. We welcome you to come and be blessed with a friend. If you cannot make it send a donation as HBHeart continues to reach out to the homeless and any amount will help this endeavor to be a success. You may pledge a donation on our site www.hbheart.org.Blessings!

The Blessings of Women of Excellence Conference

The Lord has shown us His grace once more and we are most honored. We had a wonderful time at our second series of the Women of Excellence Conference, August 14-15. The ladies joined us from the shelter with their children and everyone was empowered in the Lord. One lady gave her life over to Christ and we are still filled with joy! We want to thank God for blessing us with the support of Clique Connections, Dr. Michael Woods of Ministry With Excellence, Bishop Fowler of Big Miller Grove Church, Pastor Mike Lewis and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Family of Atlanta, Minister Heddi J of Poetic Ministree, Zaxby's and Chick Fila of Lithonia, Hyatt Place, DOC Development of Conyers, Jerry Jackson, Shantell Mallard, Kenneth Morgan, Margaret of Hannah Loves Angels and Aaron Riley. We are especially grateful to all of our volunteers and your special prayers. We are looking forward to our third series to take place October 1-2. We ask that you continue to pray about the success of this event and the many blessings going forth to bless each participant!

Visionary Writer's

God has certainly moved us with the Visionary Writer's Camp this summer. Thank all the parents for allowing your children to be apart of this camp. We were blessed to have 17 students. We thank our sponsors and music instructor Shirley Partee and wonderful volunteers, Ashley Shy, Brenda Willins and Karmen Simmons. Additionally, we thank Borage Grill for our magnificent cooking camp. All the students did a fabulous job on their stories and songs! They worked hard preparing to go back to school.

Leading by Fear or Faith

Making decisions can at times be terrorizing. I recall when I had to decide to tell my parents I was having a child. I had one more year to complete college and I could imagine my father’s response before I even told him. I contemplated if my mother would be disappointed and think my life was over. My thoughts were consumed with negative thoughts and nothing positive. It was as if I made up in my mind to only highlight depressing things, instead of encouraging.

Recently, since I have been in the capacity of being a leader of Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry decisions have been a natural part of the job description. Decisions have to be made daily and some require less than 24 hour responses.

As a wife and mother, decisions must be made minute by minute and responses have to be declared as quickly, as a second, depending on the situation.

We are all leaders in some capacity which require for us to make the ultimate decision. Considering decisions, captures my mind to two leaders in the Bible that many are familiar with, Saul and David. When Saul was called to be king he was in hiding (1 Samuel 10:22-23); on the other hand, when David was called to be anointed as king he came with ease (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

Throughout the recordings of Saul he displayed not wanting to take responsibility because of lack of wanting to be held accountable. David’s recordings display him as courageous. Even as a child before he entered being a king he was practicing being courageous fighting bears and lions to secure sheep.

Some call Saul a coward because he sent a child to do the work of a man. Some call David crazy because he would do things without thinking it completely through. My perception is the difference between the two is Saul lead by fear and David lead by faith. Saul would use his own logic, while David typically used his faith in God. Saul and David made mistakes but Saul practice running from making decisions while David practiced activating his faith in God to make decisions.

We all have something we are responsible to make decisions towards and deal with the consequences. The consequences are either positive or negative, yet with each decision that is made a lesson is learned and we are to grow in our faith in God, as we seek Him to help us discern the best decision to make.

How are you leading today? Are you leading by fear? Do you have all these things in your head you know you are supposed to do but because of fear and looking at what you have or don’t have you remain stuck in life? Are you leading by faith? Do you have the courage to take a chance and step out on faith to do what you feel in your heart? Do you hear what God is saying and you move even if does not make sense logically?

Consider leading by faith. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, acknowledge God in all thy ways and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Seeing Beyond

Often I tell my husband, “God is telling me to do something I cannot do or does not make any sense.” Recently, I spoke it but meditated on, “Why me?” Last year, God spoke to me about the many events He desired for Healing of a Broken Heart Ministry to hold, “How exciting,” I thought. I did not understand why and how I would participate. However, God knew and has always known. As this year has progressed, all I can wonder is, “what if I said no, when He said go.”

Logically, nothing that this ministry has done makes sense to the eyes of humans; simply because it appears as if, we never have what we need initially. I was always encouraged to make sure you have everything you need before you consider a date for an event. Yet God always pushes me out when I barely had anyone or the things needed to accomplish the set goal, He has had in place all along.

I recall the story of Samuel being sent off to look for the king for the Israelites. Samuel saw Eliab and thought he is the king but God said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have refused him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.

This text teaches us several lessons. It warns us as believer’s two things we should not focus on and reveals characteristics of our heavenly Father area of expertise.

It warns us to not look at the appearance. We are not supposed to have our eyes fixed on the exterior or outer shell of the situation.

Then it warns not to look at his stature. We can not get tangled with the size of the situation, the physique or how tall the issue is. Following, the text tells us why- because I have refused him. God has rejected and despised what He has warned us not to look at.

Next, is says because God can see what man cannot see. God can see beyond our narrow vision of today, yesterday and tomorrow. The Lord can see the whole situation, from the beginning to the end and we need Him to get to where we cannot see.

Has God called on you to do something? Are you looking at your Goliath? God has cast off that thing, why should we look to the very thing He has cast off? If God detest that issue, what is the point of us giving our attention to it? Are you stuck on your abilities and not what you can do through Christ? Have you been looking at the past? When God told Lot to leave He said, “Don’t look back.” His wife looked back for the last time.

Maybe you feel inadequate to do what He is calling you. Perhaps you feel unworthy or possibly your logic says, “None of this makes any sense.” God does not look at who we are but He looks at the potential of who we are to become. He can see our heart, the very thing we at times cannot see.

Consider trusting God with all your heart. Pray to God to help you not make decisions based solely on your own logic or first impression. Ask the Lord to forgive you when you knew Hs answer but chose differently. Call out to our heavenly Father to help you as you wait on His answer, so you can move when He says Go. For the Lord sees beyond what we see and looks out for our best interest.