Who Are You Really?

When the angel of God visited Gideon, he hailed him as a mighty man of valor. At the time, Gideon was hiding out by a wine press trying to scrounge food for his family. He was youngest son of a poor family. Gideon in no ways felt he was a mighty man of valor. (Judges 6:12-15)

Yet, the angel of God called him so. The angel saw Gideon how God saw Gideon. Gideon hadn't even fought one battle. Yet God knew that inside of Gideon there was a mighty man of valor that needed to be pulled out at that moment.

Mary was told she was highly favored among women and was troubled at the thought. (Luke 1:28, 29) She was a young, virgin girl. No real credits to her name. She had done nothing significant or extraordinary, so why would she be favored?

Yet, Gabriel saw her as the Lord saw her. Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. She alone was the one considered worthy enough to bring the Savior into the world. God knew that inside of her were all the attributes necessary to bring forth and raise the Lamb of God.

Do you know how God sees you? Have you considered what God has hidden on the inside of you that he wants to pull out for His glory?

Every person He has created has a special purpose. God doesn't just have you here as a "filler" for all the other special people He created. No, you are special to Him as well.

Today, take some time and ask the Lord to show you how He sees you. Ask Him to reveal to you more of His purpose for your life. Ask God to help you to embrace His view of you.

You're not just some ordinary person. You are God's special creation for this moment and time. Stop seeing with your own eyes, and begin to see yourself with the eyes of the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began... 2 Timothy 1:9

A God Kind of View

The Apostle Paul went through a lot in his life after he dedicated his life to Jesus. He was ridiculed, jailed, whipped, put under house arrest, questioned by other Christians, undermined in his ministry, as well as a host of other things. Yet Paul was able to go through all that he went through because he kept his mind on Christ.

Paul knew that in the larger picture, it was more important for him to spread the gospel than to be swayed by the circumstances around him. Paul recognized that he could not give up or give in. He saw that the temporary pains and disappointments could not compare to the joy and reward that he gained in following Jesus.

I often look at my father who is going through a great battle right now. Despite being unable to walk or use his hands, my father still does so much! He is still preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord on Sunday mornings. He still takes care of what business he has with our family and church. My father has not lost his joyful spirit or the great love in his heart.

My dad is able to keep his sweetness because he sees things in terms of eternity. He recognizes that God's plans for him will ultimately prevail. He knows that God's Word is sure. And because of that rock solid faith, my father can face each day with a smile.

So this week let's challenge ourselves to look at things in the scope of eternity. Instead of focusing on what's going on in the natural, let's acknowledge the spiritual. Instead of accepting the devil's negativity, let's adhere to what God says about us.

Yes, we all have trials and circumstances that we have to face. But we can face them head-on knowing that in the end we overcome! We don't have to be sad, depressed, or downtrodden. God's Word tells us that we win in the end! Have faith, and believe God's Word.

This week, let's strive to be kingdom minded. Nothing should be able to steal our joy or keep us from enjoying our lives.

Verse of the Day: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9, 17, 18

All For His Glory

Yesterday, I talked about how you are the key to your own success. I've been meditating on this for a minute, and it is so amazing how God has ordered our footsteps!

At Moses' birth, God already had him walking on purpose. It was no coincidence that his mother sent him off down the river to escape the Egyptians, that Moses was found by the princess, that he grew up in the palace. God even used Moses' sin - the murder of the Egyptian who was beating an Israelite - for Moses' gain. It was no coincidence that Moses had to get out from the place of comfort he had always known and strike out into the wilderness.

God used each and every instance to prepare Moses for his destiny of leading the Israelites.

The fury that Moses felt seeing his kinsman abused, showed him that he had a deep love for his people. Despite growing up in Egypt's palace and knowing the rich and easy life, Moses still had a connection to his kin that was deep and visceral. He would need to tap into that connection over and over again when the people of God tried Moses' very last nerves on their journey to the Promised Land.

When Moses returned to Egypt, he already knew how the palace protocol worked. He was able to get an audience before Pharaoh because of his previous connections. No other Israelite would have even been entertained.

Moses needed to go out into the wilderness in order to meet the Lord. It was in Moses' time of solitude that he was able to hear from God and discover his purpose. Even while he shepherded his father in-law's flocks, Moses was gaining some skills he would need in shepherding God's people.

Look back at your life. Everything that has happened, God has allowed to happen. From your greatest privileges to your darkest defeats, God has ordered your steps. They're all there for a reason. They're all there to push you to your destiny in God.

Even now you may be in a painful place, hard situation, or a spot that doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe you're trying to recover from some sinful behavior, and you're feeling the guilt of your ways pressing down. Perhaps you've gotten a huge victory, and now you're wondering what's next.

God has you in mind! He's working all things together for your good. Don't allow yourself to lose hope, to despair or to even give up! Don't get comfortable where you are, keep your eyes ahead to the place where God is taking you to. As long as you're still breathing, He has work for you to do.

God is orchestrating your life for His glory. Every item in your life He will use to bring you to your expected end. No matter how things may seem right now, you have a great future ahead of you. And if things seem pretty great - buckle your seat belt - God can do even better than that! (Ephesians 3:20)

Verse of the Day: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Stick With It!

The Lord sees all that we do. He sees our faithful work, dedication, and drive. He hears our cries for help and is moved by our struggles. He sees it all, and He's working it all together for our good.

We can become discouraged at times from the day-to-day monotony of working our purpose in God. At times it can seem like what we're doing isn't worth it, that we're not appreciated, or that someone else is doing a much better job than we're trying to do.

As we continue to remain faithful, however, God has a way of causing every little thing to fit together in a beautiful story of fulfillment. We will reach a place where we can look back and see how God sustained us, elevated us, and caused us to do what we never would have dared to dream.

Don't get weary in well doing! Don't allow the cares of this world to keep you from finishing your work in God! Continue to persevere and stay with the call of God on your life!

Even Jesus had moments where He grew frustrated while ministering to people who weren't fully grasping what He was teaching. (Matthew 17:17) But He stuck with them, and those very men turned the world upside down after Jesus went back to glory.

Stay with the vision! Don't give up! If it's from God, your work is not in vain. God will reward your work in due season.  Keep on pressing... God's sending the blessing.

Verse of the Day: Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD... Jeremiah 31:16a

Thanksgiving Friday!

Well, it's the culmination of another week and we're still standing. Hallelujah! God is still good all the time.

This week I'm thankful for the vision of the Lord. We were instructed on Sunday at my church to be still and listen to God. I've been doing that, and He certainly has had a lot to say! I even laid in my bed early this morning listening to God's thoughts about an area of my life. It's so good to have a more clarified vision to step out into.

Lord, I thank you for caring enough about me to share Your vision with me! Thank you for loving me enough to personally share Your thoughts with me!

I am also thankful for my church's Bible study. I haven't been able to attend as much because I'm in school, but I was able to go this week. I'll probably expand more on what was taught next week, but here's a nugget: Stop being so nosy about how your blessing is going to come! Just as farmers plant their seed and don't fret about how that plant's going to grow, don't you fret about those seeds you've sown in God's kingdom.

Trust God's process. You've done your part, allow Him to do His. Your harvest is coming, and that is a fact. Stop worrying about the how/when/where/what of it all. (I really needed to hear that message. I was getting a little antsy with some things.)

Thank You Jesus for placing me in a church that gives solid revelation of Your Word. Thank You for speaking to me in my situation and giving me wisdom to have success.

I pray all of you have a blessed weekend. Make sure you offer up your own thanksgiving praise today!

Verse of the Day: The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

You Do You, and I'mma Do Me!

Good Morning, Everyone! So glad to have another week to give God praise!

You ever watch someone or see something and think, "I could do that!" or even "I can do better than that!"

I tend to get that way often when watching certain television shows. I am amazed sometimes that people are making top dollar or getting famous off of something that I totally could do myself.

And then I get to thinking, "Well, if I had their money, I could do this..." or "Well, if I had their connections I could do that..." or even "If I just had a bit more free time I could sit down and accomplish this..." The dreams and visions just swirl in my brain.

There's one big difference between myself and those folks: I'm watching them, and they're doing them.

God has made all of us beautifully unique. We all have special gifts, talents, and purposes that only we as individuals can fulfill. Yet, often we get so caught up in the shine and the glitter of somebody else's life, that we pay little attention to our own.

We can all day-dream, wish, and hope that one day we'll reach our golden palace. Yet sometimes we have to turn off the dreams and jump into reality. Our dreams will continue to stay dreams if we don't put some action behind them. We can believe all we want that we can be great, but if we don't actually start being great, we just have a really great imagination.

Think about it, how much time do you spend each day working on your own purpose? What gets accomplished on a regular basis that ensures that your purpose in life is going to be achieved? Do you even take time at all to work on yourself?

If someone looks at you, do they feel inspired? Are they driven to be better and do better than you (in a good way)? Or, do they even consider you at all when they think of success?

Just some thoughts as you kick off your brand, spanking new week. Let's fill it with some actual progress, folks! We can do it!

Verse of the Day: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26

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

Hidden Gems

Today I would like to ask for all of your prayers concerning my father. Right now he is undergoing a barrage of tests. His doctor wants to re-verify what we are fighting to make sure that we’re using the right methods.


I look at this as a good thing. Who knows? God could have some new item revealed that makes a world of difference in my father’s treatment. Something that was overlooked originally could now pop out… I’m hopeful.

So, your prayers are greatly appreciated.

It’s interesting how sometimes we can go back and look at something and see things we never saw before.

I’ve taken the same route to work every day for the past three and a half years. Yet only recently did I notice that the highway passes by a place that manufactures army trucks. I just saw the parking lot full of them, and I couldn’t believe that I never noticed them before.

Sometimes God has to take us back down paths and show us things of value that we may have overlooked.

Samuel, led by God, had to press Jesse whether he had presented all of his sons when Samuel visited them on his quest to find the next king of Israel. Jesse had not even considered his youngest son David, and it was this young boy that God chose to lead the nation. (I Samuel 16)

Elijah had his servant go back numerous times to scan the skies for the signs of coming rains after about a three year drought. It was on the seventh time that the servant finally saw a cloud the size of a hand floating in the blue which signaled the coming deluge. (I Kings 18)

So, keep your spiritual eyes and ears open to the tug of the Holy Spirit. Even in those areas where you consider yourself an expert, God can reveal new things and bring you into a greater revelation of His love.

Verse of the Day: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. Daniel 2:22

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

Making Plans...

I’m back, everyone! I took a couple of days off for the holidays. I hope you all enjoyed your festivities as well. We’ve got one more celebration to go! I’m so glad I get another extended weekend. I truly appreciate having some time off.

As 2010 is winding down, I am honing the milestones I’m setting for the coming year. In November, I wrote about how I was planning for my church’s youth group. Now I’m looking at my personal goals.

These plans are a bit harder to pin down. I have so many things I want to do! I have lists of items that I want to experience, implement, and develop. And I think they’re all perfect for where I am right now. The possibilities are so exciting, and I can see myself enjoying every one of them!

Then I think about getting started.

It’s overwhelming in some areas and confusing in others. Where do I begin? Which one should come first? Who should I partner with? Which path should I take?

In the past, these questions have stopped me in my tracks to the point where nothing I wanted to do got done. The indecision and fear caused me to miss out on the completion of my goals.

That will not be the story this year! This year everything on my list is getting a thorough editing by my Heavenly Father! Every project, every dream, every step will be scrutinized by the Leader of this mission.

No matter how excited I am, I will submit my will to the will of the Lord. He has the right to make additions and deletions that I may not have considered.

I will follow God’s direction on how to get started, keep motivated, and complete every item on His agenda. With this game plan, I know that I will accomplish every single one of my 2011 goals!

Verse of the Day: Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

A New Outlook

Recently I began planning the 2011 itinerary and focus for my church’s youth ministry where I serve as the leader. In my times of prayer and meditation, God has been showing me new and innovative ideas to continue reaching out to and involving our teens. I am getting excited that I get to implement such creative initiatives, and I know that my teens will enjoy them.

Sometimes we can get into a bit of a routine in our service to the Lord. Our participation becomes like a habit and we perform our responsibilities like a machine. We can even let the fire that God lit in us die down to glowing embers, and we lose the zeal we originally had.

However, all of that complacency changes when we get before God and allow Him to show us His vision and plans for every area of our lives. God has a way of making everything fresh, and His ultimate creative process can invigorate any situation.

I love how God can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary! Nothing is routine when God is involved. He always brings forth a new way that always delivers sound results. It’s just our responsibility to move with God in the change, so that our lives can continue to thrive with vitality. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

Take some time today to allow God to breathe new life into you where your service to Him is concerned. Allow Him to remind you of the call that you have, and open yourself to hearing His fresh take on your position. Let God quicken your spirit anew with His inspiration.

Verse of the Day: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? Isaiah 43:19a

Vision

It’s a New Week, and I have a New Outlook! I’m back on track and am doing what I do best! God is so good, and I’m grateful to still have the chance to walk in my destiny.

I know I’ve been gone for a while, but I couldn’t stay away. Writing this blog is so much fun for me. Plus it challenges me to walk in my purpose on a regular basis. So, whether I have two followers or two thousand, I’m going to do what I know the Lord has placed in my hands.

On yesterday my pastor preached on Vision, and the sermon could not have come at a more opportune time. I had already determined to take this week to go before God about what His vision was for me at this time. The sermon was confirmation that I was on the right track.

So often I try to do things on my own. I get ideas, and then I run with them. I try hard to bring them to pass on my own strength and innovation. Often, those ‘run with it’ plans end up in shambles of nothingness. Why? I never sat down and asked the One who gave me the idea in the first place how to execute His vision.

God is the one who gives us our talents, gifts, and creative ideas. Often, however, we take over trying to make them flourish on our own strength. And, often, we wind up never getting our projects off the ground or end up fruitlessly spinning our wheels in frustration. We forget that only a partnership with our Heavenly Father will cause our aspirations to be blessed and completed successfully.

This week, take some time to get before your Heavenly Partner and see what plans He has for you. Listen to His proposal of how to take those next few steps. One Word from the Lord will help us all to avoid countless days of fruitless labor.

Verse of the Day: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8