In this economy, we often wonder how we will make it; bills are piling up, foreclosures in abundance, food prices skyrocketing, and millions of people are losing their jobs or can't find one. How do we find peace in the midst of these storms? I often reflect about the future by referencing the Bible or just thinking about God. As I sit here, doing just that, I am reminded about Joseph. The events surrounding Joseph's life are prophetically speaking to us today that WE CAN MAKE IT!
The Bible explains that God revealed to the King of Egypt several dreams that he did not understand. Joseph, a prisoner at that time, was known for interpreting dreams. It was revealed to the king that the dreams meant that there'd be seven years of more than enough and, then immediately following, seven years of lack. Because Joseph was able to interpret this dream, he was placed in charge of the process that would help Egypt negotiate through these trying times. His plan, get Egypt to save and store up food, then resell to those who did not.
It seems to be poetic justice that Joseph would have this job after being sold into slavery, incorrectly accused of violating his master's wife, and thrown in jail for a number of years. But my feeling is this was how Joseph was "trained" for this new responsibility. Unfair, maybe, but God knows just how much we can take. After Joseph went through the stress of the situation, he became stronger, wiser and adept in his ability to lead people through the storms.
How do you find Peace in the midst of these storms? First, look to God for guidance. Second, use this time to become stronger, wiser and more adept at handling these lean times. Third, continue to know that you are being prepared to lead others who have not been prepared. Just remember to be trainable, flexible, and less prone to complaining. God be with you as you "Go get 'em."
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Message
In the Bible, Jeremiah was the profit that was ordained by God from his mother's womb. Jeremiah did just what God ordained him to do, he related the messages. His messages were of hope to the ones who heeded his message or that of sadness and anger to those who wished to ignore it. It was difficult sometimes. People don't always want to hear what God has to say. Excuses that have plagued my ears have also plagued Jeremiah's ears and God's ears before that. But that does not negate the message or the fact that we still have to be told "What thus said the Lord."
Jeremiah 20:9-11 states "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it."
I can identify with Jeremiah's frustration in this scripture. He basically is saying that he is tired of telling the poeple what would happen should they continue not to listen to the Lord. Not because he was pretentious, but because he had to witness the results as the truth took place. An example would be a friend warning another friend of the consequences of skipping school; when the warning is not heeded a true friend would not relish. A true friend would almost feel as if they should have done more. The messenger actually has a constant struggle with the need to be protective while, at the same time, powerless to protect.
The messenger has to be willing but can be intimidated by those to whom the message needs to be heard. Their path is not always painless, convenient, or conventional. Seemingly as one side of the path could be to witness the unglamerousness of the downfall, the otherside is to identify with those that are growing and maturing in the Word of the Lord. In either event, we are part of what this world is for a reason. God does have a plan; God has The Plan for our lives and every part of this plan is for the good of His people.
Messengers have to realize that, technically, God is not someone with whom you'd disrespectfully argue. If you prefer to fight the battle on your own, God will respect that. You also have the ability to exercise your right to say, "No." God respects that as well. The most famous example of this is in the book of Jonah. Remember when God sent him to speak to the city of Nineveh and Jonah decided to go to Tarshish instead? Among other consequences, Jonah ultimately ended up in the belly of a huge fish. By saying "No" Jonah inherently chose a fate of vulnerability and exposure to the ailments that would have been withheld from him had he said "Yes" to God.
Saying "Yes" to God means that you have to:
-rearrange a few priorities.
-not pay attention to lifes non-essentials.
-keep focused on the mission.
-be ready to suppress a negative outlook and,
-stay in complete FAITH!
Jonah's choice was to take the road that caused him to fight a few battles that he may have avoided. The weapons Jonah chose were useless in combat and made him defenseless against the enemy. He was fighting this battle without anointing. Instead of getting stronger and wiser, Jonah was allowing the enemy to devalue his worth and destroy his life. Jonah was in so much turmoil that he neglected the spiritual battle that God really needed him to fight. What was worse, Jonah dragged other innocent victims down with him.
However God, with his infinite patience, was ready to wait until Jonah's priorities were back in line with God's will. Then God's mercy steps in. It took Jonah three days until he was able to demonstrate to God, Not my will but thine will be done.
Jonah experienced the same message of sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. God taught Jonah that love of others should come before love of self. In the end God always teaches us to be carriers of His message of Love.
Jeremiah 20:9-11 states "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it."
I can identify with Jeremiah's frustration in this scripture. He basically is saying that he is tired of telling the poeple what would happen should they continue not to listen to the Lord. Not because he was pretentious, but because he had to witness the results as the truth took place. An example would be a friend warning another friend of the consequences of skipping school; when the warning is not heeded a true friend would not relish. A true friend would almost feel as if they should have done more. The messenger actually has a constant struggle with the need to be protective while, at the same time, powerless to protect.
The messenger has to be willing but can be intimidated by those to whom the message needs to be heard. Their path is not always painless, convenient, or conventional. Seemingly as one side of the path could be to witness the unglamerousness of the downfall, the otherside is to identify with those that are growing and maturing in the Word of the Lord. In either event, we are part of what this world is for a reason. God does have a plan; God has The Plan for our lives and every part of this plan is for the good of His people.
Messengers have to realize that, technically, God is not someone with whom you'd disrespectfully argue. If you prefer to fight the battle on your own, God will respect that. You also have the ability to exercise your right to say, "No." God respects that as well. The most famous example of this is in the book of Jonah. Remember when God sent him to speak to the city of Nineveh and Jonah decided to go to Tarshish instead? Among other consequences, Jonah ultimately ended up in the belly of a huge fish. By saying "No" Jonah inherently chose a fate of vulnerability and exposure to the ailments that would have been withheld from him had he said "Yes" to God.
Saying "Yes" to God means that you have to:
-rearrange a few priorities.
-not pay attention to lifes non-essentials.
-keep focused on the mission.
-be ready to suppress a negative outlook and,
-stay in complete FAITH!
Jonah's choice was to take the road that caused him to fight a few battles that he may have avoided. The weapons Jonah chose were useless in combat and made him defenseless against the enemy. He was fighting this battle without anointing. Instead of getting stronger and wiser, Jonah was allowing the enemy to devalue his worth and destroy his life. Jonah was in so much turmoil that he neglected the spiritual battle that God really needed him to fight. What was worse, Jonah dragged other innocent victims down with him.
However God, with his infinite patience, was ready to wait until Jonah's priorities were back in line with God's will. Then God's mercy steps in. It took Jonah three days until he was able to demonstrate to God, Not my will but thine will be done.
Jonah experienced the same message of sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. God taught Jonah that love of others should come before love of self. In the end God always teaches us to be carriers of His message of Love.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Hannah Philosophy
While I do not profess to be "all knowing." I do know someone who is! I frequently refer to His writings for motivation and inspiration. The more I read the Bible, the more I find subject matter that completely fascinates me; I am really excited about the wisdom that the Holy Spirit provides. One example can be found in the first chapter of the book of 1st Samuel.
Hannah is an awesome woman. As I try to understand her, I see something in the Word and in the people that surround her. First, her husband Elkanah who states to Hannah "why weepest thou? And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am I not better to thee than ten sons?" Second, you have her priest Eli that witnesses her prayer and misinterprets her conversation with the Lord as her being drunk. And third, is Elkanah's other wife Peninnah who serves as Hannah's adversary. The Bible states that Hannah "was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore."
This was similar to a movie depicting a true story of a police officer who was determined to catch a murderer in a case that lasted over 19 years. Their focus was trying to solve the case by looking for a killer that fit a certain profile. The murderer eluded him for so long because the police were looking in the wrong direction.
Just like the people around and closest to Hannah. They thought that because she had things or people at her disposal that she was supposed to fit a "happy" profile. They were looking at the surface at what looked to be a simple issue. They didn’t see on the inside, deep and underneath the surface, was a deeply rooted problem that affected everyone around her and was so severe that no one could see or even correctly identify it.
The people around her suggested everything that they could think of to help or aggravate the situation. Hannah cried out and whatever she wanted to fix the symptoms could be given to her at a moment’s notice. Her husband offered her a “worthy portion” but money could not solve this problem. She had food at her disposal but food could not solve this problem. But these were quick fixes and quick fixes only mask the issue. The problem was so severe that it became a weakness to Hannah which was why Peninnah could serve as her adversary and Eli could misdiagnose the issue.
Hannah; however, refused to give up which takes a huge amount of courage and strength. She recognized that she had this hurt that touched her soul and wreaked havoc on her relationships. There is only one source that can fix this type of problem. And Hannah chose to go to this source. She asked the Lord to remember her and when her countenance was no longer sad and she could truly worship the Lord, she was remembered and conceived Samuel.
Some of us are just like Hannah. We keep being influenced to try these quick fixes like alcohol, drugs, anger, food, shopping, and etc. The truth is those quick fixes do not do anything to help us. We must stop focusing on the superficial things and target the real murderer of our souls. This is a murderer that forces us to dwell in negative bitterness and keep us from living the life that God ordained for us to live. Our hearts are grieved and heavy like a weight. These problems arise at times when we should be moving forward and letting go but this weight keeps holding us back. Like Hannah, we live with this weight of distrust that keeps us from enjoying the simple things in life. Before Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord, she couldn’t enjoy eating. She couldn’t enjoy her husband’s other children. Hannah couldn’t even enjoy her husband. But this changed that day that she poured out her soul to the Lord.
I pray that you develop a prayer life like Hannah. I pray that the Lord remembers you!
Hannah is an awesome woman. As I try to understand her, I see something in the Word and in the people that surround her. First, her husband Elkanah who states to Hannah "why weepest thou? And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am I not better to thee than ten sons?" Second, you have her priest Eli that witnesses her prayer and misinterprets her conversation with the Lord as her being drunk. And third, is Elkanah's other wife Peninnah who serves as Hannah's adversary. The Bible states that Hannah "was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore."
This was similar to a movie depicting a true story of a police officer who was determined to catch a murderer in a case that lasted over 19 years. Their focus was trying to solve the case by looking for a killer that fit a certain profile. The murderer eluded him for so long because the police were looking in the wrong direction.
Just like the people around and closest to Hannah. They thought that because she had things or people at her disposal that she was supposed to fit a "happy" profile. They were looking at the surface at what looked to be a simple issue. They didn’t see on the inside, deep and underneath the surface, was a deeply rooted problem that affected everyone around her and was so severe that no one could see or even correctly identify it.
The people around her suggested everything that they could think of to help or aggravate the situation. Hannah cried out and whatever she wanted to fix the symptoms could be given to her at a moment’s notice. Her husband offered her a “worthy portion” but money could not solve this problem. She had food at her disposal but food could not solve this problem. But these were quick fixes and quick fixes only mask the issue. The problem was so severe that it became a weakness to Hannah which was why Peninnah could serve as her adversary and Eli could misdiagnose the issue.
Hannah; however, refused to give up which takes a huge amount of courage and strength. She recognized that she had this hurt that touched her soul and wreaked havoc on her relationships. There is only one source that can fix this type of problem. And Hannah chose to go to this source. She asked the Lord to remember her and when her countenance was no longer sad and she could truly worship the Lord, she was remembered and conceived Samuel.
Some of us are just like Hannah. We keep being influenced to try these quick fixes like alcohol, drugs, anger, food, shopping, and etc. The truth is those quick fixes do not do anything to help us. We must stop focusing on the superficial things and target the real murderer of our souls. This is a murderer that forces us to dwell in negative bitterness and keep us from living the life that God ordained for us to live. Our hearts are grieved and heavy like a weight. These problems arise at times when we should be moving forward and letting go but this weight keeps holding us back. Like Hannah, we live with this weight of distrust that keeps us from enjoying the simple things in life. Before Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord, she couldn’t enjoy eating. She couldn’t enjoy her husband’s other children. Hannah couldn’t even enjoy her husband. But this changed that day that she poured out her soul to the Lord.
I pray that you develop a prayer life like Hannah. I pray that the Lord remembers you!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
PARIS
It has occurred to me that I never gave an update on my first international travel experience in Paris, France.As I mentioned before, my goal was to be led by the Holy Spirit. There were many opportunities for me, but I needed to remember that I was there on behalf of the Lord. When you are led by the Holy Spirit, there is one thing that you must remember. That you have to make sacrifices!
On the road to La Basilique du Sacré Coeur de Montmartre I found there were many distractions that may have resulted in me neglecting my purpose. First, was curtailing my affinity for the amazing souviner and reasonable shops long enough to get pointed in the right direction. Second, reducing the natural awestruck response to the many sights and sounds. Third, minimizing my need to complain about walking up the countless stairs as hot as it was. Other distractions could be mentioned as well. The entire experience showed me that this place could be a metaphor for life.
Many goals are left undetermined as many people don't even care. Many goals are left undiscovered as many people are lost on the way. Many goals are left unachieved as many people trade their investment resources for the first item they lay their eyes on. Many goals are left unmet as the challenges prove too hard to overcome. And this is why we celebrate those few who actually do make sacrifices thus obtaining their goals.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The most creative and sound advice that I was given was on a golf course. I was playing with a group of people who seemed nice enough. The goal was to keep the ball moving forward, indicative of the relaxed no pressure atmosphere. That still didn't keep me from "talking trash." As I was mentally teeing up, I saw myself swinging perfectly, the ball was fully poised to take immaculate flight. I had no problem sharing this with the rest of the players.
I commented on another player's stroke. Meaning to be complimentary, I told her that the clubs she as using must have improved her game somehow. I didn't realize until later that this would become an issue. The next round, I was allowed tee up. My mind was like a Tiger and my execution; however, was not even remotely similar. The player of whom I was "complimentary" told me to try again but she told me this time to use one of her clubs. At this I was completely thrilled and shortly thereafter disappointed when my execution still left a lot to be desired. As we began picking up after ourselves, I heard her say something like "it definitely is not the clubs that make you a better player."
As the lightbulb went off in my head, I started to smile because I realized that she not only taught me how to be a better player but a better person as well.
I commented on another player's stroke. Meaning to be complimentary, I told her that the clubs she as using must have improved her game somehow. I didn't realize until later that this would become an issue. The next round, I was allowed tee up. My mind was like a Tiger and my execution; however, was not even remotely similar. The player of whom I was "complimentary" told me to try again but she told me this time to use one of her clubs. At this I was completely thrilled and shortly thereafter disappointed when my execution still left a lot to be desired. As we began picking up after ourselves, I heard her say something like "it definitely is not the clubs that make you a better player."
As the lightbulb went off in my head, I started to smile because I realized that she not only taught me how to be a better player but a better person as well.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Headed to Paris
Next week I will be headed to Paris, France. Preparing for the unexpected while waiting in anticipation is a very interesting combination of emotions. I have gone over detail after detail: using my brand new passport for the first time, exchanging USD into EURO, where to create the most amazing memories and how to navigate using my limited French.
This should come as no surprise but my true goal is to make this a Spiritual retreat and I believe that my purpose will unfold as I am led by the Holy Spirit. I do know that I want to visit the Basilica de Monmartre to pray. I have been reading about Saint Francis whose words “My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you…you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore… always seek to praise God.” and life give me great inspiration.
It is said that when he said this statement, he was actually preaching to birds. Even more astounding, was that the birds surrounded him as they appeared to be listening!
I will go and be led by the Holy Spirit.
More to come, gotta go pack.
This should come as no surprise but my true goal is to make this a Spiritual retreat and I believe that my purpose will unfold as I am led by the Holy Spirit. I do know that I want to visit the Basilica de Monmartre to pray. I have been reading about Saint Francis whose words “My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you…you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore… always seek to praise God.” and life give me great inspiration.
It is said that when he said this statement, he was actually preaching to birds. Even more astounding, was that the birds surrounded him as they appeared to be listening!
I will go and be led by the Holy Spirit.
More to come, gotta go pack.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Appreciative to Kind Hearted People
Hello World...and welcome to my blog.
About me:
I am an Evangelist. That means I preach the gospel as led by the Holy Spirit.
My ministry:
Leads me to reflect and to write, a lot! My mission is to share, as you read it is my hope that you will be inspired.
I do have a daughter and years ago I sent her to California to visit my sister who was desparately homesick. She was flying for the first time and as an unaccompanied minor. This placed a huge amount of stress on me nevertheless we all overcame. As usual, for any mother, there were millions of details for which were accounted and due to lack of experience many details were also unaccounted.
One such minor detail is that I neglected to provide cash for the plane ride. I'd provided her snacks, reading material, things to occupy her time, etc. I knew that the plane also provided a meal. It never occurred to me that cash would be needed during the plane ride. I didn't even have the foresight to know that a movie would be offered. My daughter, as with many elementary school students, preferred being entertained by the in flight movie. Except that movie could only be heard by using the headphones that are only conveniently provided by the airline staff at a price of $5. Because of a kind hearted stranger, my daughter was able to enjoy the movie. I was thankful to God who had placed her on the same flight as this stranger who dug into her heart to donate a set of headphones to my daughter so that she could watch the movie. So to anyone who has ever given a young girl the chance to see a movie on a plane, Thank you!
Even now that I think of this story, it makes me smile to know that a stranger existed and was able to provide my daughter just a little happiness for only $5. I hope this blog serves a similar purpose.
About me:
I am an Evangelist. That means I preach the gospel as led by the Holy Spirit.
My ministry:
Leads me to reflect and to write, a lot! My mission is to share, as you read it is my hope that you will be inspired.
I do have a daughter and years ago I sent her to California to visit my sister who was desparately homesick. She was flying for the first time and as an unaccompanied minor. This placed a huge amount of stress on me nevertheless we all overcame. As usual, for any mother, there were millions of details for which were accounted and due to lack of experience many details were also unaccounted.
One such minor detail is that I neglected to provide cash for the plane ride. I'd provided her snacks, reading material, things to occupy her time, etc. I knew that the plane also provided a meal. It never occurred to me that cash would be needed during the plane ride. I didn't even have the foresight to know that a movie would be offered. My daughter, as with many elementary school students, preferred being entertained by the in flight movie. Except that movie could only be heard by using the headphones that are only conveniently provided by the airline staff at a price of $5. Because of a kind hearted stranger, my daughter was able to enjoy the movie. I was thankful to God who had placed her on the same flight as this stranger who dug into her heart to donate a set of headphones to my daughter so that she could watch the movie. So to anyone who has ever given a young girl the chance to see a movie on a plane, Thank you!
Even now that I think of this story, it makes me smile to know that a stranger existed and was able to provide my daughter just a little happiness for only $5. I hope this blog serves a similar purpose.
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