Are You Listening?

We sometimes say it to our children, "You may be hearing me, but you're not listening!"

When you hear something, you're just acknowledging sounds with your ears. When you listen, you pay attention, heed, and obey.

Are you just hearing God, or are you listening to His Word?

As you read your Bible, are you just acknowledging what He has listed, or are you paying attention, heeding, and obeying those words?

It amazes me how often I hear saints talk condescendingly of other peoples' actions. They preach mini-sermons railing against the sin they see. They are so precise with the chapter and verse. Yet they turn right around and sin themselves justifying their actions all the way.

Clearly we all know how to hear, but some of need to work on our listening skills.

God wants all of us to be obedient in all of His word. He encourages us to strive to be like Christ who had no sin in Him. We are to work to be shining examples of God's love walking through the earth.

So, what has God been saying to you? What has He asked you to do, change, stop, or perfect? Are you listening to His requests? Or, are they going in one ear and out the other? Real listening is evidenced by changes in behavior according to what was said. Do your actions show that you're listening or hearing?

Verse of the Day: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

Work What You've Got

It's the beginning of another week, and I just want to give thanks to God for blessing my weekend. It was filled with games, studying, church services, and bus rides, and I'm glad to say that it was all blessed. I got to minister to the youth with my crew on yesterday, and we had a wonderful time! I'm proud to see my friends go forth in their anointing.

Just wanted to give God some praise for a fabulous weekend before moving forward with this week.

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I'm still focused on purpose. This morning I was thinking about how the Bible encourages to live our lives utilizing all of the gifts God has given us.

Jesus illustrated this thought in His parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14-30) A master leaves his servants with varying amounts of money (talents) while he goes on a trip. Most of the servants take that money, invest it, and are able to increase their amounts of money. However, one servant simply buries his in the ground and does nothing with it.

When the master returns and sees how the servants have multiplied his money, they are given more money to be responsible for.

It's the last servant who angers his master. This servant has his money taken from him, and he is fired.

In the same way, God has given us all talents. We all have various valuable gifts on the inside of us that God placed there for us to purposefully use for His glory. It is our responsibility to 'invest' in our gifts, work them to make them better, and use them in the world to bring in returns for God's Kingdom. When God sees how faithful we are with what He has given us, He will be all the more inclined to entrust us with more.

However, many of us don't utilize our gifts for God's glory. We hoard them to ourselves, use them selfishly, or devalue them altogether. God didn't just give you that talent for you to keep it all to yourself! You better open up your gifts and let the world be blessed!

When you get to heaven, what account will you have to give to the Lord? Will you be able to inform Him of how you used the gifts He gave you to bring others to Christ? Or, will you be trying to explain why you never used your gifts at all?

You've got some valuable assets. Don't let them just sit and collect dust. Don't let them get buried deep inside. Pull them out and use them for the glory of God!

Verse of the Day: To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Matthew 25:29

Thanksgiving Friday!

Wow.

It's been a heavy week here at My Morning Ti. Don't know why I was compelled to deal with all of these sadder issues, but hopefully you all were blessed by the messages and words of encouragement.

Now, it's time to pull up some joy and give God some praise!

This week I'm thankful  for teamwork. At my job, the teachers have been filling in for their colleagues who were out sick (even I had to sub a period one day). At church, I'm working with a great group of young adults who are going to help me minister to our youth on this coming Sunday. My cheerleading coach is leaving her post (temporarily, we hope) to take on a new job. But she's organized things so effectively I'm sure I'll be fine these next few weeks.

Thank you, Lord, for the support of all of these awesome individuals! Thank You for providing capable help in the time of need. Thank You for people with willing hearts to get the job done.

I'm also thankful for smiles. I have been encouraged to smile this week on several occasions. And I have encouraged others to smile as well. There's something about a good smile that has a way of changing your mood. You should try it too...

Smile!

Don't you feel better? :-)

Lastly, I'm thankful for getting things done. I'm on my way! It's so encouraging checking things off of my list of goals. Plus, I enjoy the satisfaction of having a beautifully completed project for me to reflect on. Yep, I  did that! Thanks, God!

What are you grateful for this week? What has you smiling? Are you proud that you got something accomplished?

Go ahead and give the Lord some praise and thanksgiving!

Have a great weekend!

Verse of the Day: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Dealing With Defeat

It happens.

The loved one you were praying so hard for passes away. The promotion everybody knew you deserved gets handed to someone else. The weight you worked so hard to lose somehow crept its way back, and you're right back where you started. The man you thought was The One breaks up with you.

The pain of defeat can lead to anger, depression, denial, and doubt. Defeat can cause you to question your faith. It even has caused some to lose theirs.

Yet, defeat in one area can be God setting you up for greatness in another area. We can never know the intricate greatness of God's ultimate plan. We can, however, always take comfort knowing that God is working everything - even our defeats - out for our good. (Romans 8:28)

So, when defeat knocks on your door, take the pain and questions to the Lord. Instead of running from His presence in anger, run to His arms and allow Him to ease your angst.

Hannah spent years feeling defeated in her barrenness. It was when she took her sorrows to the Lord, that He turned things around, and she wound up giving birth to one of the greatest prophets that walked the earth. (1 Samuel 1, 2)

David lived in apparent defeat for years when he lived on the run with a bunch of deadbeats as his friends. Yet, God raised Him up to become the greatest king Israel has ever had. (1 Samuel 22)

Your story is not over. As long as you're breathing, you are still walking to purpose. Don't let defeat keep you from your promised end. Don't let today's pain keep you from tomorrow's joy.

Stay tuned in to your Heavenly Father. He's got you safe in His arms. He's working it all out for your good.

Verse of the Day: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57, 58

Plus One

There are many moments in life where you will feel all alone. Sometimes the trials of life, pressures of responsibility, confusion in communication, or other odd things can put us at odds with the world around us. Human beings have a way of pulling away from things that they don't understand.

Feeling like no one cares about you or that no one gets you is the worst feeling. You can't talk to anyone, and even if you try those people still don't get it. So, you're left on your own to yourself. You alone have to sift through your thoughts and find a way to make it through whatever it is you're facing.

But, what if I told you that you're not alone?

You aren't.

You have Someone who is always with you. And that Someone understands you and gets you. He identifies with everything you're facing, and He can help you make sense of it all.

You just have to turn to Him and allow Him to be there for you. His arms are already outstretched to you just waiting for you to embrace Him.

You're not alone. Even though man may have abandoned you on every side, Jesus is there regardless of what you've done, what you think, or what you're facing. He doesn't judge. He doesn't condescend.

He just loves.

Don't go through another day feeling lonely. Don't let yourself believe the lie that you have no one who cares about you.

There's Someone who cares. There's Someone who wants to help you. There's Someone who loves you so much. Let Him be there for you. You don't have to be alone.

Verse of the Day: ...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20b

Playing Favorites

Everyone has a favorite. A favorite song, a favorite tv show, a favorite food... We all have something that excites us, that gives us pleasure, that makes us smile.

Some of us have favorite people. We will go out of our way for them. We'll deprive ourselves to make them happy. We will do our very best to make sure they experience the very best. All because we prefer them over other people we know.

God - thankfully - doesn't play favorites. He doesn't do more for one than He would another. He loves us all equally, and He wants to do His very best to make sure we all experience the very best.

Sometimes it feels like God is playing favorites, though. We see other people getting blessed when we aren't. We go through our own heartaches when others around us seem to be full of joy. We pray and don't feel like God is giving us any answers while our neighbors are testifying of how God came and spoke to them.

How can God not play favorites when He blesses some and not others?

God is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. When He allows dark times in our lives, it's only because He knows that we can handle it. He knows that we can overcome whatever trial that comes our way. Plus, He's working out every situation for our good. (Romans 8:28) He's bringing every person to their expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) And that end is prosperous for us all.

Today, you may be hurting, but God has allowed someone else to be full of joy just so they can encourage you. Tomorrow you may be the one that's full of strength for someone else who is at a weak point. You may not hear God's voice today, but tomorrow He may answer. God has everything in perfect harmony, so that all of mankind can be blessed.

God doesn't play favorites. He longs for all of us to love Him and to want to please and be close to Him. (1 Timothy 2:4) He sent His Son for all of us to be saved. (John 3:16) He doesn't want any one of us to perish. Whether your sky is gray or sunny, God is walking with you. He will never leave or forsake you. You are His special creation. You are His unique handiwork.

Don't ever forget how special you are to Him.

Verse of the Day: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee... Jeremiah 1:5a

The Storm Is Going To End

Last Friday, Chicago was bombarded with its first major snowstorm. We got between six to eight inches across the city. The snow came down so fast, they couldn't plow it away fast enough! A drive that normally takes me 15 minutes took an hour and a half.

Today, it's a "balmy" 40 degrees in Chicago, and the snow that we all had to struggle to plow and shovel away has almost totally melted away. It's as if it never happened.

Right now you may be in the midst of a major storm in your life. The trial may be pounding you so fast you might find it hard to recover or even react. What you normally find easy may be taking you much more time and effort to complete.

Don't let the storm knock you out! Don't let the trial have the upper hand. Remember that all storms eventually end. It will get better! The sun will shine again. You will feel its warm rays on your face again.

No matter how much the winds of life may blow, no matter how tired you are of slogging through hazardous roads, no matter how your body may ache from trying to clear away the problems you face... take courage and strength knowing that the Lord is bringing you to your expected end. He will not let you perish! He won't let you fall. He has great things in store for you.

So, you may have to bundle up a little more than normal. You may have to plan your route ahead of time and allow for extra time. Just know that you will reach your destination safely. You will hit your goal. And the sun is going to come out again.

Verse of the Day: ...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Thanksgiving Friday!

Well, another week has gone by. I pray that everyone is still making steps of progress in purpose! I know I am. I'm glad to still be motivated.

This week I am thankful for a clothes on my back, a roof over my head, a car that works, heat, and my health. It's getting cold here in Chicago, and today is supposed to be our first real snow. I'm so glad that I will be warm and toasty no matter what. There are many people who can't say the same. So, Lord, I'm thankful that you have provided me these simple blessings.

I'm also thankful for good friends. I had a couple conversations this week that were eye opening. Just being able to sit and talk with someone and have them give you some clarity... Priceless. Thank you, Father, for surrounding me with people of quality and vision!

Finally I'm grateful for my goddaughter, Diamond, who is turning five this weekend! She is so precious and greatly loved. For her alone will I give up my weekend to help chaperone a sleepover of little children. Thanks Father for sending this child into my life. I pray that she has many more happy, healthy years ahead of her. (And thank you Lord for the strength to get through this weekend!)

Make sure you send up your praise and thanksgiving as well! Have a fantabulous weekend.

Verse of the Day: Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1

Warning Signs

At times you can feel sickness sneaking up on you.

Your nose gets stuffed. You sneeze once or twice. Your back starts aching.

Before you know it, your body is under a full-blown attack trying to combat germs. You're downing medicine, taking time off work, and spending more time in your bed than you'd like.

At times we can see sin sneaking up on us too.

We start talking to some guy who we know is no good. We buy the ice cream knowing that the whole carton is going to get inhaled as soon as we get home. We go ahead to the party fully aware of the debauchery that awaits.

We know that no good can come of our behavior. Yet we choose to ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We choose to step in front of God and direct our steps the way we want instead of how He wants.

And before we know it, we've fallen prey to sin. We're dealing with drama. We're fighting weight gain and disease. We get caught up in the midst of an altercation we would have avoided had we not been where we were.

And then we want to cry out to God for deliverance.

There are now medicines on the market that are supposed to ward off sickness before you get sick. When you notice your first "warning sign" you can pop a pill to prevent the illness from fully taking over.

As Christians our spirits can always be healthy if they remain within the will of the Holy Spirit. He sounds the alarm to guide us away from sin. Even when things may appear innocent, He keeps us on track. We can be fully safe, blessed, and full of joy if we align our lives with His will.

Far too often, however, we choose to ignore the "warning signs" of impending sin. We choose to turn a blind eye to poor choices. And every time, we fall into the ditch. Every time we get snared by the enemy. It may not happen quickly, but eventually the consequences will be handed out.

Don't keep ignoring the "warning signs". Step back and let the Lord lead. Allow Him to navigate your life. You will avoid so much and benefit far more than you would if you participated in the fleeting pleasure of sin.

Verse of the Day: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11

Pick Me Up

I'm going to smile today!

How are you this morning? A bit earlier this morning I was feeling a bit down with no real reason to feel that way. As I sat here prepping to write and asking God what to say, I remembered that I could choose joy instead of remain in my funk.

I grabbed hold of the word of God, played a song of praise, and chose to pull up some joy. I found a reason to rejoice. I recalled how blessed I am. I meditated on the goodness of the Lord.

And now I'm feeling much better.

We don't have to take the negative emotions and feelings that may spring up on us throughout our day. Anything that doesn't line up with what God has for us, we have a right to dismiss. We don't have to stay depressed, angry, full of unforgiveness, or melancholy. Those things are only invites from the devil to waste a minute, hour, or even a day.

When the devil succeeds in getting us to take his negativity, we close ourselves off from hearing from God. We take our focus off of others and meditate on ourselves. We miss opportunities to show and share God's love because we're so distracted by our own misery.

Even if it's just for a few moments, who knows what moment of purpose we may miss! We can't let the enemy have any place.

So, if you're feeling down: Shake yourself! Wake yourself! Remember who you are! Remember Who holds you in the palm of His hand. Think on the One who filled you with the breath of life and is ordering your footsteps.

Look behind you and remember how far the Lord has brought you. Look around at the blessed life that surrounds you. Look ahead to the bright future that is in store for you.

You have no reason to feel anything negative. You are blessed! Now, go enjoy your day! I most definitely am going to enjoy mine.

Verse of the Day: Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:10, 11 (NLT)


Just because:

Power of Unity

I pray everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend! It zoomed by, and here we are back to our regularly scheduled programs.

Yesterday we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King had a remarkable gift that brought together people of all ages, colors, creeds, and backgrounds to fight on one team against the injustices of racism and prejudice. As they were united in their efforts, they were able to bring about drastic changes in our nation.

It's amazing what a united group can do! When people are on one accord, they are able to accomplish great things. It's one of the reasons that God interfered when the people were trying to build the tower of Babel. He knew that they wouldn't exactly reach heaven, but God also knew that a people united in their arrogance and pride were a dangerous bunch. (Genesis 11)

Gideon's army had to be whittled down until they were a group of men who were united in faith and ability. (Judges 7) The Holy Spirit only showed up when the saints were together praying with one mind and heart. (Acts 2) It was a united front that caused the walls of Jericho to fall. (Joshua 6)

There is a saying that a group is only as strong as its weakest link. Are you the weak link in your community? Are you working against the plans of your group? Can you be depended on to work in a team?

Whether it's for an office, church, business, or even a volunteer activity, no one likes to be in a group with a difficult or lazy person. No one likes to have to compensate for the weak link. No one wants to be on pins and needles because so-and-so is always liable to go off. Deep down, we all want to be united and work together.

Let's make today a day that we strengthen our link in the groups we are a part of. Let's make sure we are doing our part to the best of our ability. Let's quiet our murmurs and complaints. Let's stop being so disagreeable. Let's go above and beyond as we push toward our goal.

A house divided against itself is sure to fall. (Mark 3:25) Let's make sure that we are working to bring unity and strength everywhere we go. Who knows what great things we can accomplish once we start working together?

Verse of the Day: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Afternoon Ti: Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

So, earlier this week I posted a video that was clever, but I wasn't too fond of the premise.

This is a video where I love everything! The message and the delivery are on point. Good stuff!

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's another Friday, and we've had another week of living on purpose! I pray that all of you continuing with your New Year's resolve and not giving in to complacency, fear, or mediocrity!

This week I'm thankful for HELP! God is so good, and He has blessed me to work with some fabulous people who are willing to step in and assist in an excellent manner. I am part of a great team at work. We all complement each other in a way that let's our office run like a fine machine. And my church family is on the money as well. We are all aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we work together to bring everyone's ministry and service up to a higher level. Thank you, Lord, for giving me Help!

I'm also grateful for God's peace. Despite all of the busyness and changes that I've been experiencing this week, I have been at peace. I haven't been sitting up entertaining worry. And stress has bypassed my doorway. I'm at peace through it all! God, I'm so thankful to have your peace!

Finally, I'm giving thanks today for the fast that I am participating in. Each January I'm reminded of the blessing one receives when they turn away from distractions and focus in on God. I've been hearing from heaven, and I am so excited about what God is saying. I've also been able to spend more time in prayer and glean more from the Word of God. I don't even miss the food and entertainment I've stepped away from.

What are you thankful for this week. Lift up your praise and thanksgiving! God is good!

Verse of the Day: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward. Isaiah 58:6-8

Looking For Inspiration

Keep Going!

Sometimes even knowing that you are headed toward a great destiny is not enough to stay motivated. We all hit points where we grow tired, lose our spark, or just hit a wall and can't figure out a way around it.

The road to greatness is not an easy one. It is purposefully challenging to ensure that those who reach the goal are capable of handling the prize. Working our way down this path will not always be what we want to do. We may want to sit down and take a breather.

We cannot afford to take a breather, and we cannot take our hands away from our task. A moment of respite can easily turn into another destiny missed. In these times that we have to encourage ourselves to stay motivated and reach out to our Heavenly Father to keep our fire burning.

The Bible is full of stories where the people had to stay encouraged. Moses encouraged Joshua in helping him obtain the land God promised to Israel. David had to encourage himself when he was living on the run. Nehemiah kept the people uplifted as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Paul's letters to all the churches were to encourage them to continue in their faith.

Don't let complacency win! Don't get weary in well-doing! Encourage yourself in the Lord. Remember why you started down this road. Remember the vision God has placed in your heart. Find a scripture to stand on. Spend some time in God's presence and let His love re-invigorate you. Play a song that gets your motor running. Listen to a sermon that speaks to where you are.

Everyone has moments where they want to give in. Most people actually do. But champions keep pressing, they keep moving, and they don't give up! Encourage yourself and keep going! Greatness is waiting for you!

Verse of the Day: And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day. Judges 20:22

It's Not Just About You

Right now I am reading through the book of Esther. I make it a point to do this at least once or twice a year. Esther was a woman of purpose who was a great example of how to strategize with the Lord's direction and wisdom.

Yesterday I was reading about Mordecai's plea to Esther to go to the king in order to try and save the Jews from destruction. One phrase in particular stuck out: ...if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed... (Esther 4:14)

God always has a backup. He created man with freewill. We don't have to obey His word, and we don't have to live according to His ways. We have a choice. But God's word will come to pass.

When Saul failed, God had David already in place to take over. When Eli couldn't properly handle his priestly duties, God called out to Samuel. Both of these men's legacies were cut off because they did not heed the word of the Lord.

Mordecai knew that God would find a way to deliver His people. He also knew that if Esther didn't act, she would only be harming herself and her family. Her obedience to God affected those around her as well. When Esther chose to be obedient, God was able to work, and she was elevated along with her cousin Mordecai.

Are you afraid to move with God's call? Are you forcing God to raise up someone else in your place?

Your obedience not only affects your life but the lives of those around you as well. There are numerous families who are being sustained (spiritually and physically) just because of one person's obedience to the will of God. There are grandchildren who are living in wealth just because grandpa and grandma followed the word of the Lord.

It's not just about you. Your life is connected with those around you. Don't become a Saul or an Eli. Choose to obey God's word like Esther. You may find yourself creating a legacy that lasts for years to come.

Verse of the Day: For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Afternoon Ti: Super Grace

So, I came across the video for "Super Grace" in my Christian internet travels. Some college students got together and came up with a Christian version to Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass". I've placed it here for your viewing pleasure:

I must commend the young lady for her creativity in coming up with some interesting lyrics, but her premise... I'll pass.

We are in the world, but not of it. The fact that this girl's inspiration came from a secular song - Nicki Minaj nonetheless - does not sit well with me. Plus, this girl had to pretty much memorize the secular version in order to parody it in her Christian version, so she's got those original lyrics well embedded in her spirit.

There are other ways to be creative, funny, engaging, and inspirational other than take what's hot right now in the world and put a "Jesus-spin" on it to make it okay. Our God created music! I'm sure if we tap into Him we can come up with something that works in the same manner and is twice as effective.

This is just my opinion. You may think differently. Let me know.

What do you think of the video?

Your Ministry

It's All Ministry!

Believe it or not, you have a ministry. You are the leader of your own ministry that serves everyone you come in contact with. You may not be an ordained minister or pastor a church, but you are still a minister. Your ministry is your life. Your life is a service to others.

Whatever it is you do during the day is your ministry. Whether you are a parent, a secretary, a teacher, a cashier, a bus driver... you name it. Everything you do is a ministry. The question is if God is reflected in that ministry.

God has allowed you to occupy those roles and work in those places. He's given you your co-workers, students, children, etc. for you to impact their lives. The work that you do every day He's given expressly for you to handle.

How are you treating your ministry?

Are you working with a joyful spirit or are you begrudgingly trudging through your eight hours? Are you speaking life to those around you or are you speaking words of gossip, slander, and discord? Do you look for ways to be a light to those who you see that are living in darkness or do you even acknowledge their spiritual state?

Every facet of your life is ordered by God. How you handle your life - your ministry - is extremely important. Remember that you are not just existing, you're living on purpose! Don't neglect your ministry!

Don't see your life as just what you have to do in order to 'make a living'. You are supposed to be doing so much more. See each day as an opportunity to share the love of Christ, to minister to the lost, to reach someone who has never been reached, and to do something great for the Lord.

Doesn't that totally change how you look at your life? Your life is a ministry. Go ahead and make it one of the greatest ministries on the planet!

Verse of the Day: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation... 2 Corinthians 5:18

Let's Go!

Let's go to work!

I am excited! I don't know if it's the new year, the fast that I'm participating in, or something else, but all I know is God is talking and I'm listening!

God has been showing me that this year is a year of living purpose. No more should we just be existing, dreaming, praying, and waiting. This year we will make our way prosperous! (Joshua 1:8) We've written down the vision, now let's go out and bring the vision to pass!

There comes a point when you've done all the planning, analyzing, and forecasting. All of the wisdom on how to take the next step has been gathered. There's no more research that can be done. It's time to step forward. Let's all make some moves this year!

How long are you going to wait to move? What more do you need to begin? God has put His vision on the inside of you; it's time for you to let it out. Start moving in your purpose, begin to live in the promise now.

Don't let this year pass by and having you sitting in the same spot where you began. Let December find you leaps and bounds ahead of where you are now! Think of how proud of yourself you and the Lord will be looking back at how productive you've been this year.

But it all begins with you taking that step to move forward. Things can't start happening until you start the ball rolling. Get to moving! Start your project, live the dream, walk on purpose! This is going to be a great year! Your work will make it certain!

Verse of the Day: And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

Thanksgiving Friday!

Can you guess what I'm thankful for this week?

That's right! My purpose in God.

I'm thankful that I'm not an accident, that I'm not here by accident, and that God made me expressly for His purpose on purpose. It's wonderful to know that God took time to intentionally put together all of my qualities, talents, and abilities. I am perfectly suited to take on the assignment He's given to me. I can't lose! I'm here on purpose!

I'm also thankful for wisdom this week. I had some things on my mind and decisions to make, and the Holy Spirit was there to guide me in His great wisdom. I know that as I continue to look to Him in all things, He will not steer me wrong. I took some steps and know that I am on the right track. Thank You, Lord, for Your wisdom!

I'm also thankful for provision. I can say that I have lacked nothing in the past year. I have been in good health. My emotional well-being has been strong. I have not been financially pressed. And my spirit has been prosperously increased through my relationship with God. I am rich beyond measure! Lord, I thank You for Your marvellous provision! I give You praise that I lack no good thing!

What are you thankful for this week? What great thing is God doing in your life. Don't neglect giving Him praise and thanksgiving!

Verse of the Day: ...but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Psalm 34:10b

Reason For It All

Yesterday I referenced how Jesus was living on purpose long before He started His ministry. Jesus made a point to visit the temple to talk with the rabbis and priests and learn the Scriptures. He was such an astute student that He amazed His teachers! (Luke 2:47)

Jesus also studied His teachers. He recognized where they were making mistakes and mistreating God's Word. He realized how their lives were not lining up with what they were preaching to the people. And when His turn came to instruct, Jesus made sure that the same could not be said of Him. He was also able to use His wisdom to skillfully combat their criticism when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to stop His ministry.

The ordinary things of life also were impactful to Jesus' ministry. He took note of the farmer, the shepherd, and the fisherman as He grew up. He watched how they went about their work, and He was able to use that knowledge to reach thousands of farmers, shepherds, and fishermen when He began to preach.

You may be on your way to your ultimate moment of destiny. Yet, right now there are things going on that are still relevant to your mission. Every circumstance and every instance is an opportunity for you to learn, grow, and sharpen your purpose.

God leads you down certain paths for His reasons. You're not experiencing what you are for nothing. Begin to ask the Lord to show you how to link your current place with your future promise. Don't just allow life to wash over you. Recognize there is a purpose in it all.

Verse of the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

New Year, New Look

Hey All!

Just a note to let you know that when you log on during the month of January you'll be seeing some different changes and tweaks going on. I'm working to get this blog better: better looking, better writing, better all around. By the end of the month, it should be set.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for your patience!

Tiara

Here On Purpose

I'm meditating on purpose this week, and yesterday the Lord ministered this to me:

You were created by God on purpose for a purpose, and when you make God's purpose your purpose, all things will come together for your good.

Isn't that amazing?! God made you on purpose. Everything about you that makes you you, God put there intentionally. All of your gifts, talents, traits, and mannerisms, God packaged together specifically when He created you.

Then He picked the nation, city, family, mother and father, even the year to purposefully insert you into the history of this planet. He timed your birth perfectly for you to fulfill His special purpose. You are no accident. You are here for a reason.

When you look at purpose this way, you can't help but be humbled. And you can't help but be motivated. If God lined everything up 'just so' to get us here, the least we can do is walk in His purpose for us. We can't waste such a specific, special plan.

If you don't know your purpose in God, I suggest you get before Him and allow Him to show you why you're here. If you do know your purpose, identify what stage you're in and take those necessary steps to keep your mission going. If you're walking in your purpose already, keep going! Don't lose the faith and remain strong.

Jesus knew His mission. He accomplished it in about three years. Yet, before He hit the climax, he was in preparation years before. At twelve we see Him "about my father's business" sitting at the feet of the rabbis  in the temple. He had His eyes on the prize long before He spoke a parable or performed a miracle.

No matter where you are in life, you are still on assignment. God created you on purpose for His purpose. Sync up with your Creator and start living on purpose. You're not here just to exist. You're here to be a success. You won't experience true success until you embrace your true reason for living.

Verse of the Day: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:4-6

Living On Purpose

This past weekend we all marched into a new year. 2012 is in full effect, and most folks are rejoicing about their new opportunity to achieve something great. Everyone's Twitter, Facebook, and blogs were filled with declarations that 2012 will be "the best year ever" and that the new year would see them achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Everyone was taking note of the new windows, doors, chances, and openings that were suddenly available just because the calendar was changing to January 1st. And it's true: we all have an opportunity to begin anew. But can I say that the same old you is the one who is privy to all these new opportunities?

The same you that reveled in the new years of 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and as far back as you started realizing the new year was relevant is the you that's walking into 2012.

Now, we all grow and mature, but somehow we lose sight of our January 1st selves by mid-January. In a few weeks all of our excitement has dwindled to a simmer, and by February it's a distant memory. Those opportunities for greatness somehow fall by the wayside, and our aspirations to do better fall back into our normal output.

BUT NOT THIS YEAR!!!!

This year I offer that we live on purpose striving to do better, be better, and achieve more than we ever have before. This year we will change our mindset and begin to think with the mind of Christ. We will take on the work God has called us to do and watch our efforts bear fruit.

No longer will we just say the words. Nope, this year we will walk the walk and let our actions speak louder than our declarations. God has put us on this earth to achieve great things for Him, and this year we will purpose to get some of those things done!

Who's with me?

Verse of the Day: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7a (AMP)