12 Days of Christmas: Pay Attention!

One of the most intriguing aspects about Jesus' birth to me is the story of the wise men who came to visit Him.

These are men who traveled from a great distance all because they saw a star. Their studies of astronomy was so detailed and informed they knew that a king had been born all because a new star appeared in the sky. They knew that it was just any old king either. This king was special enough to warrant them travelling out of their countries, bringing along with them great gifts of great treasure.

All because of a star that appeared in the sky.

Do you pay attention to the 'signs' that God places in your path? When something new shows up on your horizon, are you handling it appropriately? You may just see a star, but is God trying to signal to you the birth of something greater?

Don't take anything for granted! Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Stay sensitive to what God is trying to show you.

That new relationship, new job, or new idea may be signalling something far greater than it's face value. Don't dismiss what you think you see. Don't discredit something that may hold great value for your life. Open up your eyes, put in the work, and watch where God brings you!

Verse of the Day: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him... And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:1, 2, 11

Know No Fear!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to encourage one of my friends who was going through a tough spot. I normally try to encourage those around me who need it, but this time I was especially motivated to say something because I saw my friend slipping too far into worry and fear. My friend was starting to stress out and I could see that the enemy was trying to lead them down into depression.

When trouble comes sometimes it's easy to just grab hold to fear, worry, and despair. We concentrate on what could go wrong, we start to fear that the worst could happen, and we stress out over the negative outcomes.

As believers in Christ, we should never give place to the enemy's suggestions! We should never entertain his lies or the fears he presents to our minds. Yes, we have to be practical in life and think ahead. Yet, with our relationship to the Lord, we should be thinking ahead with victory in mind! There is no reason for us to fear, worry, or get depressed. Even if the worst possible scenario does happen, God has us in the palm of His hand. He is still in control. We will still gain victory in the end.

Don't allow the 'what-ifs' of life to pull you down into a negative place. With God all things are possible! With Him, nothing can overtake you! Stop focusing on the negatives and start thinking on the positives! Everywhere you look there is evidence of God's love for you! Just being able to breathe in and out is evidence that He is keeping you.

Yes, things may be looking dark. I understand that the prognosis may actually be grim. It may seem like everything is going against you. But even if the only thing you have to hold onto is the fact that you are redeemed by Christ's love, that is more than the whole world against you!

Don't despair. God's got you. Rest in the strength of His embrace.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

Come Out of Dream Land!

All of us have dreams. We all have these scenarios that dance through our heads of things that we believe will make us exceptionally happy. Maybe it's getting a new job... It could be writing a novel... Somehow getting a whole lot of money, so we don't have to work... Or, maybe it's finally being able to fit into that size we've been chasing for years...

Many of us sit and mull over our dreams. We may even start planning and outline some action points for us to pursue. We might even start walking down the road to our goal.

Yet, so many of us lose steam and wind up giving up on our dreams. So many of us wind up never seeing the joy of fulfillment. So many of us look back with regret.

Today, I'm meditating on living the dream. And, you know what? Living the dream takes work. That's what stops a lot of us.

In order to get the new job, we've got to find it, send out our resume, interview, and secure it. Writing a novel means we have to take the time to write the novel. Money doesn't just fall out of the sky. Most of the time it comes from hard work and dedication to a great idea. Fitting into that size means we have to exercise and eat right.

So, a lot of us just default to regret. We give up and allow our dreams to remain dreams because it's too much work to make them real.

I don't want to wind up in regret. I'm sure you don't either. Let's all come out of dream land and make our dreams reality! Let's put our hands to the plow and work hard to achieve our visions of success!

Dreams can come true. Are you willing to put in the work to accomplish your dream?

Verse of the Day: Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT, emphasis added)

Distracted?

Cain was distracted by jealousy. (Genesis 4) For Abraham, it was unwarranted fear. (Genesis 20) David was distracted by a woman. (2 Samuel 11) Samson too. (Judges 16) The Israelites wanted to be like everybody else. (1 Samuel 8) Jacob wanted to please his mother. (Genesis 27)

The devil knows our number. He knows what he can throw out to get us off the track that God has us on. He knows which buttons to push to make us begin to doubt God's way, to lose faith in the plan God has laid out for us, to start living in a way that isn't pleasing to God.

We have to stay vigilant against the tricks of the enemy. Joseph is a perfect example of what it means to stay on task. He had the opportunity to commit adultery, but he stayed true to the Lord and fled the scene. He had every right to grow bitter while he languished forgotten in jail, but he maintained his connection with God. Even when he held the perfect position to exact revenge on everyone who betrayed him, he remained righteous in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 39-43)

Out of Joseph's steady walk of purity and love for God, he was exalted to a high position and was able to deliver his whole family from famine. He gained riches and honor, prestige, and fame. All because he stayed true to his faith.

Distraction can lead to temptation which can lead to sin. We all have moments where we pause and have to choose between right and wrong. Let's make the devil angry today and choose the right thing to do! No matter if no one will see or know of our decisions, let's always choose the righteous path in God.

No matter how much you may want to go the wrong way, remind yourself of what happened to the men mentioned at the opening of this post. Then remember what happened to Joseph. Which chapters do you want to have included in your life story?

Verse of the Day: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19, 20

About The Father's Business

I'm feeling a bit sluggish this morning, but I'm sipping on my tea so hopefully I'll wake up soon.

Jesus was always different from the rest. When his family went up to Jerusalem for the Passover, He - at twelve years old - chose to go to the Temple to discuss the Word with the doctors and scholars who were present. While the other kids were probably running around enjoying the festivities, Jesus was taking the time to sharpen His mind.

He was so serious, He wound up getting left behind by Mary and Joseph. When they returned for Him, Jesus told them that they should have known that He would "be about my Father's business." (Luke 2:49)

Life has a way of taking over. We sometimes can get caught up with the happenings of the days... beautiful weather, friends, events, tv shows, and other distractions have a way of entering in and getting us off focus at times. Not to say that we can't have a spontaneous moment and enjoy the world around us, but we also have to make sure we are taking care of our "Father's business."

Jesus knew a golden opportunity when He saw one. Leaders from all around the region had descended on Jerusalem for the Passover. Here was a time for Him to speak with men He might never again have the opportunity to chat with. He grabbed hold of His window and made the most of His time.

We too have to make the most of our time. No matter what is happening, we need to make sure that we are doing all we can to carry out the will of the Father. We can't idle away our days, or get lazy in our quest for destiny. We must always stay on track and stay focused in God.

Today, make sure you spend some time working on your purpose in God. Don't get distracted by the little things that seem to pop up and take over. Stay focused so you can accomplish God's will for your life.

Verse of the Day: And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:46-49

Staying on Track

This morning I woke up asking God to help me serve with patience and love today. I repeated it as I did my hair. I sent up another quick word as I logged on to my computer at work.

I need to keep myself reminded, so I can stay on task when the moments arise. I used to keep little notes posted in my cubicle at my old office. It always helps to randomly look up and see the Word of the Lord staring you in the face. Kinda keeps you on your toes.

I should probably set some reminders up in this office pretty soon... Scratch that, today.

David consistently reminded himself of the things of God when He faced adversity. Whatever came His way, David encouraged himself in the Lord. (1 Samuel 30:6) When he was feeling weak, he reminded himself of the strength of God who was with him. (Psalm 89:8) When David was afraid, he brought to his thoughts the security of the Lord. (Psalm 9:9) As David wrestled with sin, He looked to the heavens for inspiration to stay on the right road. (Psalm 6:2)

It takes an effort to stay on the right path. We so easily slip into sin sometimes when we get overwhelmed. That's why it's important to keep the word of the Lord ever before us. It should be ringing in our ears, marinating in our hearts, and on a constant playback in our minds.

How do you stay reminded of who you are in Christ? How do you keep yourself from slipping into reckless behavior?

Verse of the Day: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

Remembering the Surrender

Time for some transparency: So, lately I've been struggling with being alone. I haven't been single this long since I was in high school, I think. I mean there has been no one on Ti's radar. Not even a bug a boo.

And this has been since January.

I'm not struggling with being lonely. I got over that a while ago. I have faith to know that God's plan will prevail and He will bring me to my expected end. Husband and kids will be there when it's time.

Recently, however, there's been a new person trying to holla at me, and I've entertained some conversations and hung out with him a few times. No problem there. The issue is my own mind, thoughts and emotions. Because of this person's personality and tendencies, I could easily revert back to some of my old tricks and take advantage. I could even slip up and do some bigger things that I would most definitely regret.

All because Ti hasn't seen anyone on her block in a minute.

Last night I had a little chat with myself at the feet of the Father. I had to remind myself of who I was and Whose I was. I am a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Old things are passed away, and there is no need for me going and resurrecting what I have repented of. It was nailed to the cross for a reason. I had to cool my little self down.

So, I shook myself, adjusted my footsteps, and determined to stay on the path God has given for me to walk. I won't give up my joy for some times of fun. (Thanks, Joyce Meyer!) I'm going to remember my surrender. I gave it up to Christ for a reason. I'm not going to mess it up for anything.

Moving forward...

Verse of the Day: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.


Philippians 3:13-16

For Your Listening Pleasure:

Sneak Attack

So, you're walking along, going about your daily business, minding your own corner of the world, when... BAM!!

Out of nowhere, someone, something, somehow, you find yourself in the middle of a full on attack of the enemy. He's coming full-throttle, hitting all of your buttons, tapping all of your soft spots, and taking you to that place that brings out the worst in you all in one fell swoop.

Before you can think, you're reacting, giving him tit for tat, striking back with what you've got not thinking about who you are, Who you represent, and who just might be watching you.

Then it's over. You're left wondering how in the world you got so far out of line. You marvel at the way you behaved and feel the twinge of guilt recognizing that you slipped so badly.

Sneak attacks from the enemy are the worst. Which is why the Bible tells us to be vigilant and always on guard against him. (1 Peter 5:8) The devil is always searching for an opening, it's our job not to give him any room.

Keep your guard up by meditating on God's Word and keeping in constant communication with the Holy Spirit. Feed yourself His word, so that it will be the river of life that flows out of you no matter what comes your way. As you keep your ears inclined to God's Word, He will guide you in all truths. No matter what crosses your path, you can be assured that your response will originate out of the love of God that you keep in your heart.

Never fall victim to the sneak attack again!

Verse of the Day: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8, 9

Keep The End Goal in Mind!

Today, folks, I am tired. TIRED! I have been going at full speed for several days, and it's starting to catch up to me.

Yet, I am going to just grit my teeth, have another cup of tea and keep pressing. Why? Because I have a goal in mind. Waiting in front of me, shining like a glistening jewel, is my weekend...

It awaits, sparkling and free of responsibilities, work and deadlines. This weekend I can relax both mentally and physically. I can kick back my heels and partake in some engaging activities that don't require my leadership or assistance.

It can all be mine for the low price of non-stop work until Friday afternoon. Can I do it? Yes, I can!

When you have a goal that is of real value to you, you'll gladly sacrifice your comfort and put in the hard work to obtain that goal. When you truly get your heart fixed on something, you find the drive to get to that place, no matter how high the price may be to arrive there.

Often we say we have goals and aspirations. Are they truly goals? Or are they just wishes? Do we really aspire to possess those places of promise? Or are we just day dreaming again?

Everything that we want will not just run into our paths as we go about life. Sometimes we have to take the journey to arrive at our place of promise. And not every path is well paved and easily travelled.

Consider how Abraham obtained favor with God and as a result was made a wealthy man and the father of the nation of Israel. He had to step away from everything he knew, travel to a place without prior directions, and fully rely on God to show him when he arrived.

Imagine how much faith that took to make the first step! Imagaine how much faith it took to keep walking and not turn back!

God has shown you some places of promise that He wants to take you to. Have you taken up the charge and stepped out on faith despite the difficulty? Have you kept walking even when doubt, fear, and trials came knocking?

Keep your eyes on the ulitmate goal! Grit your teeth and take another step of faith. Obtaining God's promise for you is well worth the temporary struggle of the journey.

Verse of the Day: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him... Genesis 12:1-4a

A Promise is a Promise!

Okay, guys. I promised you an evening post… This is more like a nightcap though.


Right now I am on my GRIND. I am working hard to get my Masters in Christian Leadership.

So, my days consist of work – study on lunch – work – home – study – an hour to eat – bed – repeat.

Throw in my responsibilities as a Youth Leader, helping out with my dad, blogging, and other fun things around the way (currently I have a huge bag of laundry staring me in the face), and I have not really had time to sit and relax.

But I am working this hard because I have a goal in mind. I want to get this degree with a 4.0 average. And every ‘A’ makes the hard work seem effortless.

There are times in life where we have to square our shoulders, bow our heads and press in with gusto. Those times where we have to put blinders on, take on great sacrifice and get a long distance view in our eyesight.

In fact, our entire life is a press for the ultimate goal of making our Heavenly Father proud. Our times of denying our flesh, ignoring the world, and focusing in on living holy might be difficult at times. Yet, every blessing from God, every word that He shares with us, every insight into the mysteries of His Kingdom make the lifestyle easier.

So, keep on Grinding for Jesus! Keep the final goal in the forefront of your mind. The payoff will be more than worth it.

Good night!

Verse of the Day: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Shhhhhhh!

We are a plugged-in, noisy society.

We drive around in our cars with the radios on blast. We walk through the grocery store talking on our wireless headsets. We enter our homes and flick on the tv after dropping our coats. We work with our Pandora stations pumping through our computer speakers.

If we actually sit down for a moment in silence, our minds race a mile a minute or we drift off to sleep.

Yet, it is in the stillness and the quiet that we can hear God’s voice. It is those moments where we shut off all the noise of the world and focus in on Him that we can hear God’s words of life for us.

Often, I’ve even had to turn off my worship and meditation music just so I could quiet my mind down even further to hear what God was saying.

God’s speaking all the time. We just have to take the initiative to tune our ears to His station and listen to what’s being broadcasted over the spiritual airwaves.

When is the last time you sat in stillness before the Lord, and heard God speak? Can you remember the last time you were silent or still?

We cannot let all of the gadgets, media, and other distractions surreptitiously steal away all of our time.

Make a choice to turn off the radio on your ride home from work and instead listen to heaven. Cook dinner tonight conversing with God instead of your girlfriend. When you roll over to sleep, cut the tv off and fall asleep to the still small voice of the Spirit.

There is so much that God has to reveal to His people. We just have to silence the noise so we can zero in on His revelations.

Verse of the Day: This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:15 (NLT)

Try, Try Again

You’ll never fail if you don't stop trying. One of my favorite ministers of the Gospel, Joyce Meyer, said this on her broadcast the other day. Her words struck me and made me pause.

So often I have allowed failure to come into my life just because I gave up trying to succeed. I allowed a setback, fear, and my thoughts of what others could think to cause me to quit.

Yet it is those who are tenacious and persistent who reap the rewards of attaining their goals. The ones who dig their heels in and keep focused despite the surrounding atmosphere eventually win the prize.

You don’t have to look far to discover stories of successful men and women who had to overcome countless rejections, setbacks, and roadblocks in their journey to dream fulfillment. Many businessmen, athletes, celebrities, and ministers have had to deal with the pain of blocked progress.

However, these people chose to try again. They chose to ignore their past and even present discouragement. They instead picked themselves up and began again.

We all are on the road to success. We all have the potential to reach our goals and obtain the happy, purpose-filled lives that we envision. We just have to make the choice to continue to move forward. We can’t let our present situations dictate our end story.

Don’t give up! Keep working on that dream, keep trucking towards that goal! You haven’t failed yet! As long as you’re running towards the finish, you’re still in line for the prize.

Verse of the Day: And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:15

Hey, Eyes Over Here!

I have a weakness for the tabloids at times. Not to see all the gossip or get the latest story about some celebrity’s breakup or plastic surgery. No, I like to see all the glamorous outfits, the fabulous venues and houses, and hear about all the festivities, ceremonies, benefits, and dinners. It’s all so spectacular and fun. I would love to be a part of that hustle and bustle. I think it would be awesome to be invited to get an “inside” view of how the rich and privileged live.

It’s kind of funny that I can get lost in the sea of Hollywood. I am one of the most simple people you could meet. My idea of a good time is relaxing in bed with a thick novel while sipping a mug of hot tea. I hate dressing up. I’d rather wear some comfortable jeans and some Tims than wear a dress and heels. But there’s a piece of me that feels a tug when I see all of the star’s photos and read about their activities. I wonder what it would be like to be in the spotlight.

Often, we all can get distracted by wishing we had the lives of others. We see people who have more money, status, friends, connections… you name it, and we sigh discontentedly as we think about what we lack. It seems like so many other people have figured out the way to greatness, and we got stuck on the merry-go-round whirling in circles.

The Bible says that if we have just food and clothing – the simplest of things – we should be content. (I Timothy 6:8) But the noise of the world can sometimes fill our ears to distraction. The Word also says that the righteous man’s steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23), so we need to trust that God knows what we can handle. Many people run to destruction chasing after lives that God never intended them to live.

So while it’s fun to look at pictures and daydream, at the end of it all I know that God has me right where He wants me: in my bed, reading a book, and sipping on my tea. I’ve learned to be okay with that. If I’m supposed to be on the red carpet one day, He’s already got a plan to get me there. And I’ll leave it to Him to work it all out.

Verse of the Day: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11