"Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won't try to satisfy your selfish desires." Romans 13:14 (CEV)
If you find yourself having trouble sticking to a resolution, keeping your word or vows, consider putting Jesus on and see if you begin to have more resolve in your pursuits!
Got Jesus?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
How's your fruit?
"Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad treebears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:17-20
What is the produce of your life? Is it a wealth of family and friends, successful business, honesty, integrity, joy, peace happiness, love?
If your life does does not reflect this, maybe you need to consider the kind of fruit you are bearing. Maybe it is time to start over, fertilize the soil of your heart and mind and allow God to plant new seeds that will bear the wonderful fruits described above. After all, who really wants to be cut down???
At the end of the how do people recognize you? Good Fruit or Bad?
What is the produce of your life? Is it a wealth of family and friends, successful business, honesty, integrity, joy, peace happiness, love?
If your life does does not reflect this, maybe you need to consider the kind of fruit you are bearing. Maybe it is time to start over, fertilize the soil of your heart and mind and allow God to plant new seeds that will bear the wonderful fruits described above. After all, who really wants to be cut down???
At the end of the how do people recognize you? Good Fruit or Bad?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Joy in the Morning
Psalm 30:5 says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Weeping, crying or wailing are all expressions of deep sorrow. It's not a fun activity, and certainly some men were taught as children not to cry, but to "be a man" and deal with their issues.
That says a lot about what the world thinks, but God wants us to express ourselves in all of our emotions! I dare you to read the book of Psalms and see just how much emotion is expressed from happy to sad, from peace to anger and every other emotion in between.
Know that you don't always have to put up a brave front! Someone might need to see you weep, in order to comfort or to know that it is indeed okay to express themselves. Weeping may be the only way to deal with your concerns! So if you feel it, just do it and don't stop until it's done because God already promised us joy will come in the morning!
Blessings!
Weeping, crying or wailing are all expressions of deep sorrow. It's not a fun activity, and certainly some men were taught as children not to cry, but to "be a man" and deal with their issues.
That says a lot about what the world thinks, but God wants us to express ourselves in all of our emotions! I dare you to read the book of Psalms and see just how much emotion is expressed from happy to sad, from peace to anger and every other emotion in between.
Know that you don't always have to put up a brave front! Someone might need to see you weep, in order to comfort or to know that it is indeed okay to express themselves. Weeping may be the only way to deal with your concerns! So if you feel it, just do it and don't stop until it's done because God already promised us joy will come in the morning!
Blessings!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Doing What You Love, Loving What You Do
I got so tied up with work yesterday, I did not have an opportunity to submit a Thought for Today! I enjoy submitting these blogs because for me, it is a part of my vocation: to share the Gospel of Christ first with my family, friends and then to the world! It is my hope that this blog, though a small part of my ministry, a vital part in order to have a global reach to man and woman kind! So, until God decides that He wants me to blog full-time, I continue to work the job God has blessed me with.
My situation brings to mind a scripture verse from Psalm 90:17, "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes establish the work of our hands."
When God called me to ministry nine years ago, I had such a zeal to leave the job I had at the time and I dreamed of full-time active ministry and all the good I would do in the name of the Lord! Yet, God did not provide that open door to walk away from my secular job, and I waited, got frustrated, and continued to wait.
God eventually revealed to me that the ministry He has in mind for me is to let Christ shine through me everyday! The work God has called me to secular and ministry is a sacred calling. God will eventually open that door to a clergy position working full time as a Christian counselor, continuing to blog and participating in overseas ministry, but until then I continue to work willingly as though I were serving the Lord Himself and not just my earthly master. (Col. 3:23)
What about you? Are you feeling a little antsy about moving on to the next chapter of your life? Maybe not loving what you do right now? Perhaps feeling like you were meant for more? Consider asking God to establish the work of your hands and see where He takes you!
Blessings!
My situation brings to mind a scripture verse from Psalm 90:17, "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes establish the work of our hands."
When God called me to ministry nine years ago, I had such a zeal to leave the job I had at the time and I dreamed of full-time active ministry and all the good I would do in the name of the Lord! Yet, God did not provide that open door to walk away from my secular job, and I waited, got frustrated, and continued to wait.
God eventually revealed to me that the ministry He has in mind for me is to let Christ shine through me everyday! The work God has called me to secular and ministry is a sacred calling. God will eventually open that door to a clergy position working full time as a Christian counselor, continuing to blog and participating in overseas ministry, but until then I continue to work willingly as though I were serving the Lord Himself and not just my earthly master. (Col. 3:23)
What about you? Are you feeling a little antsy about moving on to the next chapter of your life? Maybe not loving what you do right now? Perhaps feeling like you were meant for more? Consider asking God to establish the work of your hands and see where He takes you!
Blessings!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Remembering King?
What did your holiday weekend consist of? I remember when so many people sought and fought to make Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday a holiday. I have read extensively about the Civil Rights struggle and Dr. King's involvement and one would have to ask, why did it take so long for the holiday to come about?
Yet, the date was established as a national holiday and there was great celebration and even a popular R&B song was made about it. We as a people made a great accomplishment!
Fast forward to 2010 and I again ask the question, What did your holiday weekend consist of? Was there a service or program dedicated to the man that fought so hard for civil rights for our people? Was there a discussion in the home of how far African Americans have come and where we have yet to go as a people? Did you stop to ponder in what way have you contributed to the betterment of African Americans or to humanity as a whole?
Or was your holiday weekend a weekend of catching up on chores, sleeping or other mindless duties?
We must never forget that men and women died for us to have what we have!
Yet, the date was established as a national holiday and there was great celebration and even a popular R&B song was made about it. We as a people made a great accomplishment!
Fast forward to 2010 and I again ask the question, What did your holiday weekend consist of? Was there a service or program dedicated to the man that fought so hard for civil rights for our people? Was there a discussion in the home of how far African Americans have come and where we have yet to go as a people? Did you stop to ponder in what way have you contributed to the betterment of African Americans or to humanity as a whole?
Or was your holiday weekend a weekend of catching up on chores, sleeping or other mindless duties?
We must never forget that men and women died for us to have what we have!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Worth the Wait
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
The saying goes, "patience is a virtue" which is true, but who truly likes to wait? Does the child on Christmas Eve desire to wait one more day to get his/her gifts? Do you enjoy waiting on the line at the grocery store or any kind of store for that matter for the cashier to check your items? How about at your favorite restaurant, is your wait for a table or to get served a wonderful experience?
For most, waiting is frustrating, annoying and something one does not like to do. I personally have grown into patience and have come to respect the "waiting period." I was a go-getter from the time I was little, and when you think you can get something for yourself, waiting is hardly on the agenda. But as I matured, I found that there is a reason and a season for everything!
The verse in Psalm 27 reminds us that there are indeed things worth waiting for! God has so many promises of prosperity, happiness and contentment on this side of heaven and in heaven as well. However many of those promises require that we wait for His movement and His timing!
The Bible says, "All good things come from the Lord!" and I believe this to be a true statement for all of us who would believe, but are you willing to wait for God to make manifest His vision for your life- in your life?
Yes, the world says whatever you want-right now; but are you willing to take a leap of faith and trust God enough to wait on His wonderful and glorious blessings??
My friend, I am a witness to what God can do in His time and He is more than worth the wait!
Father, be with us as we become weary in the wait. Help us have greater faith in what You can do! In Jesus' name, Amen.
The saying goes, "patience is a virtue" which is true, but who truly likes to wait? Does the child on Christmas Eve desire to wait one more day to get his/her gifts? Do you enjoy waiting on the line at the grocery store or any kind of store for that matter for the cashier to check your items? How about at your favorite restaurant, is your wait for a table or to get served a wonderful experience?
For most, waiting is frustrating, annoying and something one does not like to do. I personally have grown into patience and have come to respect the "waiting period." I was a go-getter from the time I was little, and when you think you can get something for yourself, waiting is hardly on the agenda. But as I matured, I found that there is a reason and a season for everything!
The verse in Psalm 27 reminds us that there are indeed things worth waiting for! God has so many promises of prosperity, happiness and contentment on this side of heaven and in heaven as well. However many of those promises require that we wait for His movement and His timing!
The Bible says, "All good things come from the Lord!" and I believe this to be a true statement for all of us who would believe, but are you willing to wait for God to make manifest His vision for your life- in your life?
Yes, the world says whatever you want-right now; but are you willing to take a leap of faith and trust God enough to wait on His wonderful and glorious blessings??
My friend, I am a witness to what God can do in His time and He is more than worth the wait!
Father, be with us as we become weary in the wait. Help us have greater faith in what You can do! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Real Wealth
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6"
Every night on my way home, I gaze out of the express bus window and see the huge sign set up by the state lottery system that indicates how much the lottery is offering for the next drawing. I admittedly allow myself to wonder what I would do with the large amounts of money that are offered. How my life and lifestyle could improve in certain areas, how I can bless my family and friends.
In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul writes to Timothy and lets him know that better and more valuable than any money or possessions you may have, with godlieness and contentment there is great gain! Paul closes this section telling Timothy that the love of money is the root of all evil.
We live in a material oriented world and let's face it, there is very little one can do in this life without money. But if you have been blessed with reasonable means to make a living, and have what you need to live and support your family why not be content with what God has blessed you with?
How do you define real wealth? Is it the millions that can be one with the lottery, the massive homes, cars, clothes and all the trimmings? Or is it the love and care of your family and friends, good health, a job, a roof over your head and safety?
Decide what will be your barometer for real wealth!
Every night on my way home, I gaze out of the express bus window and see the huge sign set up by the state lottery system that indicates how much the lottery is offering for the next drawing. I admittedly allow myself to wonder what I would do with the large amounts of money that are offered. How my life and lifestyle could improve in certain areas, how I can bless my family and friends.
In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul writes to Timothy and lets him know that better and more valuable than any money or possessions you may have, with godlieness and contentment there is great gain! Paul closes this section telling Timothy that the love of money is the root of all evil.
We live in a material oriented world and let's face it, there is very little one can do in this life without money. But if you have been blessed with reasonable means to make a living, and have what you need to live and support your family why not be content with what God has blessed you with?
How do you define real wealth? Is it the millions that can be one with the lottery, the massive homes, cars, clothes and all the trimmings? Or is it the love and care of your family and friends, good health, a job, a roof over your head and safety?
Decide what will be your barometer for real wealth!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Enduring Until the End!
What are you striving for??
Yes, every new year there are so many people who make resolutions for the days ahead. And even those of us who decided in 2010 they would not make any New Year's Resolutions, still have in mind what they would like to accomplish this year--I know I do!
Whether or not you make a resolution or have goals for the future, the point is that you don't give up!
In the Bible, Paul wrote in the letter to the Philippians 3:12-14, " Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one think I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
If you have a God-given dream or goal, we must endure to the end for it!! In Paul's case, it was enduring in the Christian life and being fruitful in that life. We must make sure and stay clear of whatever keeps us from following God and our dreams wholeheartedly!
Try to keep your load light; it is not hard to get caught up in nonsense: yours (or anothers), but instead stay focused! Forget what the world would have you buy into: material possesions and seeking accolades that do not last!
But do strive for those things: integrity, honesty, self respect -things that God can look at and say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy..."
Yes, every new year there are so many people who make resolutions for the days ahead. And even those of us who decided in 2010 they would not make any New Year's Resolutions, still have in mind what they would like to accomplish this year--I know I do!
Whether or not you make a resolution or have goals for the future, the point is that you don't give up!
In the Bible, Paul wrote in the letter to the Philippians 3:12-14, " Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one think I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
If you have a God-given dream or goal, we must endure to the end for it!! In Paul's case, it was enduring in the Christian life and being fruitful in that life. We must make sure and stay clear of whatever keeps us from following God and our dreams wholeheartedly!
Try to keep your load light; it is not hard to get caught up in nonsense: yours (or anothers), but instead stay focused! Forget what the world would have you buy into: material possesions and seeking accolades that do not last!
But do strive for those things: integrity, honesty, self respect -things that God can look at and say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy..."
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Every Morning!
What is the first thing you do and think about each morning? Do you turn on the radio or reach for the television remote to find out what the weather will be? Do you workout or think about all the things you have to do for the day? Do you pray and meditate?
Well, during my morning devotions, I considered Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. The are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
We take for granted that despite what we may have gone through yesterday, God's great love, His mercies never fail! We take for granted that we are not consumed, that though our circumstances and situations may not be great, every morning God gives a new chance! We have an opportunity for new perspectives, new vision, new dreams!
What new thing has God given you today?
Well, during my morning devotions, I considered Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. The are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
We take for granted that despite what we may have gone through yesterday, God's great love, His mercies never fail! We take for granted that we are not consumed, that though our circumstances and situations may not be great, every morning God gives a new chance! We have an opportunity for new perspectives, new vision, new dreams!
What new thing has God given you today?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Becoming like a slave
Without question, the word "slave" has such negative connotations! As an African American who is well aware of her culture's history it certainly stirs us some harsh feelings in me. However, as I read my Bible today, I came across the scripture passage in Romans 6:22-23: "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NIV)
How many of you considered that if you decided to give your life to Christ, you can indeed be free from the chains of sin! If you are already a believer, how many of you have felt defeated because now as a saved Christian, you still fall into the same sin as before you knew Christ? It is through repentance and faith that God thru Jesus Christ can really deliver you from that sin that makes the difference!!
You don't have to remain in the state you are in, set yourself free by becoming a slave to God in Christ!
How many of you considered that if you decided to give your life to Christ, you can indeed be free from the chains of sin! If you are already a believer, how many of you have felt defeated because now as a saved Christian, you still fall into the same sin as before you knew Christ? It is through repentance and faith that God thru Jesus Christ can really deliver you from that sin that makes the difference!!
You don't have to remain in the state you are in, set yourself free by becoming a slave to God in Christ!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Will this be a New Year for you??
Last night I attended a Watchnight Service at my church and the sermon came from Luke 18:1-8; the parable of the persistent widow. The title of the sermon was "Pray and Never Give Up!"
As I looked and searched my own soul in the days prior to New Year's Eve, I pondered at the particular challenges and mistakes I made in 2009, where I missed the mark, the areas I really excelled in, I realized that with every new year there is new potential!
For me, as last night's sermon reached me, I resolved not to give up, and to continue to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
It is easy to get up when those things you resolve to do, does not work out the way you plan or at all. This is the same thing that happens every year, and therefore our opportunity for a new year is lost.
So, on this first day of the year 2010, consider doing things differently! Instead of rushing into the same resolutions from your past that did not work in your present, spend some time in prayer to determine what God would have you to do in this New Year!
Make this year a truly New Year just for you!!!
As I looked and searched my own soul in the days prior to New Year's Eve, I pondered at the particular challenges and mistakes I made in 2009, where I missed the mark, the areas I really excelled in, I realized that with every new year there is new potential!
For me, as last night's sermon reached me, I resolved not to give up, and to continue to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
It is easy to get up when those things you resolve to do, does not work out the way you plan or at all. This is the same thing that happens every year, and therefore our opportunity for a new year is lost.
So, on this first day of the year 2010, consider doing things differently! Instead of rushing into the same resolutions from your past that did not work in your present, spend some time in prayer to determine what God would have you to do in this New Year!
Make this year a truly New Year just for you!!!
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