When it comes to sharing my work online, I have to do what I am told, according to the Lord. Sometimes I am received by like-minded believers and the unsaved and other times I am not. Some people, both on and offline, rather discredit me because I don't hold certain titles, am not the person they think I ought to be, or don't have the kind of associations and influence they might have. When working for the one true God, no man-made things, groups and the like matter! I go about my work, in Jesus name! I try to give the kind of information to make people want to come up higher while revealing truth. I warn people about things that I know myself I have gone through. I also seek healing when some things just burden me; therefore, God moves me to write about them.
So these days I heard in the spiritual realm, "completion." God's number 7 -- completion. Last year, a prophetess shared the word "Release" to those in attendance at a worship service in Pittsburgh. Now in 2012, I am hearing the word, "Completion." I rarely share such information on or offline because I know, for some, this kind of talk is over their heads and besides God doesn't always move his saints to share words with the general populace. This is why spending time with God and his people is so important--it keeps you in the know! If believers and unbelievers not seeking the Lord for self, reading his word and doing other things to keep their ears to God, then they just don't get it.
The word, "Completion" to me as well as to others in my networks, such as: Facebook and Blogger, simply means, all that you started during the past year must be finished this year, according to the Lord. This means if you started or was in a relationship last year, your answer of whether to stay or go has already been given to you. Now is the time to finish it--whether at the altar or bring it to an end. If you started a book, project, or some other assignment, completion means to you just what it means to me, complete it! God says, make the time to finish it! If you have been searching for a job, it's time to get one, you already had some opportunities, but some of you passed them by in the hopes for more. If you have been having some financial difficulty, it's over! You have the information to get out of debt, so end your difficulty by doing the right thing. There is no need to keep seeking the Lord about things that you know already, you are only procrastinating!
For those of you who have people around you who keep at you over this thing or that one despite your doing the right thing, the time to put a stop to such behavior is now! You must rid yourself of such negative people! God wants believers to complete old business, because there is a new work in you that needs to be tended to! Like a woman in labor, it has long been time to birth out what God has given you! Some of you are headed for a C-section. God will be like a doctor cutting you to get to "it!" Whatever the "it" is that he put inside of you, God may take it and give it someone else, if you don't take his word seriously! You know this sort of thing doesn't happen without pain! This is the word God gave me.
Now, the prophetess who shared the word "Release" in Pittsburgh back in July, with myself and others, also spoke of a spiritual abortion as recent as January 2012. This means that those of you who have a word from the Lord and know that you need to be working on this issue and that one, this project and that one, as well as handling negative relationships and habits, God says, you are literally killing what he has put in you! You are basically committing an act of abortion on yourselves! God isn't happy and when you kill something of his, you curse yourself! Get back on track, before it's too late! If you would like to hear this message and other ones, visit Talk Shoe.com and put in code 87382. The group is called, Destiny International Ministeries with Overseer/Prophet Deshawne Coles. I am not a member nor do I get paid for recommending this person or her group.
So if you are one of those individuals who have been in need of some kind of confirmation or revelation on what is happening in the spiritual realm, this is all you get from this blog post. For further details, take out your own lamp, fill it with oil and tarry for the Lord--metaphorically speaking of course. In the Bible, be like those brides waiting for the groom and don't let your lamp go out when he comes!
Be blessed.
Nicholl McGuire
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's will. Show all posts
Wednesday
Do What God Has Called You to Do
God will tell you at some point in your spiritual walk to do something for Him and you ought to be prepared to take instruction. However, what many believers will do is ask others for confirmation on what God wants them to do. This will get you into a lot of trouble with your maker especially if you are talking to the wrong people about what he has laid in your spirit to do! Remember the story of Jonah and the whale. Jonah tried to circumvent God's plans for his life, but it didn't work, did it?
Some of the things people will do when you share with them what God has called you to do are as follows. First, someone will ask you, “Are you sure God wants you to do that?” Another will say, “God wouldn’t tell you that. And still another will be indifferent to what you are telling them. Their lack of enthusiasm, negative response, or nonchalant mood might discourage you or cause you to question whether you heard from God or not.
I remember a time when I told family and friends about a 40 day fast that I knew without a shadow of a doubt God called me to. I had received confirmation first, by a word in my spirit, then an unanticipated biblical passage, and finally a radio broadcast that I just so happened to tune into one day. But, by the time those who seemed initially positive and impressed with my dedication to my faith got a chance to ponder with others, there seemed to be an all-out effort to get Nicky off her fast. “Why would God put her on a fast like that? Is she trying to kill herself?” some asked.
As I grew older in my walk with God, he used mentors to tell me: to be careful sharing what God wills me to do with others and to be cautious of "my" dreams, and don’t always feel a need to share everything that I had learned spiritually with others. My mentors reminded me of Joseph the dreamer in the Bible who shared the message he received from God in a dream with his brothers only to one day find himself in a pit due to his brothers’ jealousy. One of the greatest lessons to be learned from the biblical story is that although the enemy opposes what God has willed for you to do, God’s plans will not be stopped! As we know, despite all the challenges placed before Joseph, God’s plan was still accomplished.
I found that with every task God assigns me, as long as I keep my focus on him and ask him questions like, “What's next, Lord? What should I do? Should I wait on this or that?” and other similar questions when it comes to put what his will is for me, I move forward and am fulfilled by the end of the day. But, when I take my eyes off God’s plan, that’s when the enemy comes with all sorts of distractions. For example, before I know it, nothing gets done!
Keep your eyes on the Lord, but also pray that whatever plans of the enemy to keep you off your tasks will not be accomplished. Sometimes God will test us for a variety of reasons including whether or not we are about his business.
Some of the things people will do when you share with them what God has called you to do are as follows. First, someone will ask you, “Are you sure God wants you to do that?” Another will say, “God wouldn’t tell you that. And still another will be indifferent to what you are telling them. Their lack of enthusiasm, negative response, or nonchalant mood might discourage you or cause you to question whether you heard from God or not.
I remember a time when I told family and friends about a 40 day fast that I knew without a shadow of a doubt God called me to. I had received confirmation first, by a word in my spirit, then an unanticipated biblical passage, and finally a radio broadcast that I just so happened to tune into one day. But, by the time those who seemed initially positive and impressed with my dedication to my faith got a chance to ponder with others, there seemed to be an all-out effort to get Nicky off her fast. “Why would God put her on a fast like that? Is she trying to kill herself?” some asked.
As I grew older in my walk with God, he used mentors to tell me: to be careful sharing what God wills me to do with others and to be cautious of "my" dreams, and don’t always feel a need to share everything that I had learned spiritually with others. My mentors reminded me of Joseph the dreamer in the Bible who shared the message he received from God in a dream with his brothers only to one day find himself in a pit due to his brothers’ jealousy. One of the greatest lessons to be learned from the biblical story is that although the enemy opposes what God has willed for you to do, God’s plans will not be stopped! As we know, despite all the challenges placed before Joseph, God’s plan was still accomplished.
I found that with every task God assigns me, as long as I keep my focus on him and ask him questions like, “What's next, Lord? What should I do? Should I wait on this or that?” and other similar questions when it comes to put what his will is for me, I move forward and am fulfilled by the end of the day. But, when I take my eyes off God’s plan, that’s when the enemy comes with all sorts of distractions. For example, before I know it, nothing gets done!
Keep your eyes on the Lord, but also pray that whatever plans of the enemy to keep you off your tasks will not be accomplished. Sometimes God will test us for a variety of reasons including whether or not we are about his business.
Friday
The Holy Spirit
He told me don't go back to man,
but I did.
He told me don't touch man,
but I did.
He told me don't live with man,
but I did.
He told me to wait on God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
So He cried and He cried
and God's wrath came upon me
like fire raining from a black sky.
God's volcano blew
and I was burned.
He asked me to come to God
and I did.
He told me that God loves you
and I accepted
He warned me don't cross God
and I froze, yet He put his arms
around me
and moved me still.
but I did.
He told me don't touch man,
but I did.
He told me don't live with man,
but I did.
He told me to wait on God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
So He cried and He cried
and God's wrath came upon me
like fire raining from a black sky.
God's volcano blew
and I was burned.
He asked me to come to God
and I did.
He told me that God loves you
and I accepted
He warned me don't cross God
and I froze, yet He put his arms
around me
and moved me still.
Wednesday
When God Speaks, 10 Things God Told Me in the Spirit
1. Observe your surroundings.
Know that I, Your God, Am Creator. Pay attention to strangers and strange happenings.
2. Listen to my voice.
(I speak) in the clouds, through the birds, through song and dance. Listen to my messengers - people. I use all people, places and things to communicate.
3. Use your head.
Think first what is your initial thought on a matter -- a major decision.
4. Let everything you do be spiritual.
Ignore the natural man inside for his desires and wants are of the flesh.
5. You are not of Me when you decide to do things according to your own will rather than my will.
6. Ignore criticism unless I tell you otherwise.
7. A day without me is a day without protection.
8. No matter what you do, wherever you may go, stay in prayer and fasting. Refer to the Bible for answers.
9. Everything happens for a reason. This is your test.
10. You will move on to eternal life if you follow these ways. Look to the commandments -- look to scriptures. Know that I AM in the plan.
Know that I, Your God, Am Creator. Pay attention to strangers and strange happenings.
2. Listen to my voice.
(I speak) in the clouds, through the birds, through song and dance. Listen to my messengers - people. I use all people, places and things to communicate.
3. Use your head.
Think first what is your initial thought on a matter -- a major decision.
4. Let everything you do be spiritual.
Ignore the natural man inside for his desires and wants are of the flesh.
5. You are not of Me when you decide to do things according to your own will rather than my will.
6. Ignore criticism unless I tell you otherwise.
7. A day without me is a day without protection.
8. No matter what you do, wherever you may go, stay in prayer and fasting. Refer to the Bible for answers.
9. Everything happens for a reason. This is your test.
10. You will move on to eternal life if you follow these ways. Look to the commandments -- look to scriptures. Know that I AM in the plan.
Who Can You Trust?
Darkness surrounds the individual who rejects the Lord. He wallows in his sorrows looking for a solution to a problem. His focus is not on the positive answers, because in darkness there is none. Looking amongst various family and friends, he hears several different solutions to one problem. Unfortunately, many are based on lies and selfish reasons. Misplaced trust that is his first problem.
Who will he trust when a loved one dies? Who will he trust when his money is gone? Who will he trust when his taxes are due?
His or her enemy isn't a neighbor, the government or a spouse. The enemy is within the individual, the devil within him or her.
For example, she trusts in her own solutions to solve problems at work. The boss is upset, because now it has been four times and she is still making the same mistakes. She knows that if she makes one more error, she will be on her way out the door. Eventually, the error is made and now she is left jobless. Her "instinct" tells her to trust in God. "Where was God before the mistakes occurred?" she asks herself. Answering her own question, she says, "My confidence and pride caused me to forget about God when things were fine."
How often must God's children go round and round to see what God is trying to say when things are good as well as bad? One can prevent the enemy of self by doing one thing and that is trusting in God.
So how does one trust in God? First, he must begin asking the Lord his opinion on the day-to-day activities he plans. If he knows he has a meeting to go to during the day, he may ask the Lord what shall he bring to the meeting or should he even go? Another example, he may have to prepare dinner after work, why not ask the Lord what to make for supper? In addition , there are house chores to be done, he may ask the Lord, "What task shall I accomplish today?" These little questions he asks God today will lead to bigger questions he will ask God tomorrow. Then , when times are rough and they will get rough, he can say, "Lord I trust that whatever happens in that operating room will be a success."
Remember the following scripture below as you begin to build a trusting relationship with God.
"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3.
Who will he trust when a loved one dies? Who will he trust when his money is gone? Who will he trust when his taxes are due?
His or her enemy isn't a neighbor, the government or a spouse. The enemy is within the individual, the devil within him or her.
For example, she trusts in her own solutions to solve problems at work. The boss is upset, because now it has been four times and she is still making the same mistakes. She knows that if she makes one more error, she will be on her way out the door. Eventually, the error is made and now she is left jobless. Her "instinct" tells her to trust in God. "Where was God before the mistakes occurred?" she asks herself. Answering her own question, she says, "My confidence and pride caused me to forget about God when things were fine."
How often must God's children go round and round to see what God is trying to say when things are good as well as bad? One can prevent the enemy of self by doing one thing and that is trusting in God.
So how does one trust in God? First, he must begin asking the Lord his opinion on the day-to-day activities he plans. If he knows he has a meeting to go to during the day, he may ask the Lord what shall he bring to the meeting or should he even go? Another example, he may have to prepare dinner after work, why not ask the Lord what to make for supper? In addition , there are house chores to be done, he may ask the Lord, "What task shall I accomplish today?" These little questions he asks God today will lead to bigger questions he will ask God tomorrow. Then , when times are rough and they will get rough, he can say, "Lord I trust that whatever happens in that operating room will be a success."
Remember the following scripture below as you begin to build a trusting relationship with God.
"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3.
Tuesday
Part Two: Is it god or God?
I really thought my spiritual teachers had it altogether so I hung on their every word back during those naive days I mentioned in another blog entry. However, what I didn't know back in the mid-nineties is that there is the god of the world that people praise and then there is the God of the Bible. What makes things a tad bit complicated is which Bible God do you serve?
There are so many bibles! How do you know which one is right? You don't unless you have the gift of the Holy Spirit or receive guidance from a believer who you know reads the word and you can see the wonderful things that are happening in and around his or her life. So how do you get the spirit? Well you can't get the spirit, he has to come upon you. That doesn't happen unless you open yourself up to the word of God, pray and fast, ask God for the gifts of the spirit, and allow the one who is appointed by God to lay hands on you. This usually happens when you walk down an aisle at a church or are in the presence of sincere, anointed believers who will pray with and over you.
Now while these things are going on around you, inside your mind you have to fight the thoughts like, "I have to get back to my seat, I bet people think I look stupid standing here, When will this all be over?" You have to think about things like how grateful you are to be alive, talk to God about the things you have done and ask him for his mercy, thank Him for the favor he has shown you even when you didn't deserve it, and ask him to draw near to you. This is what some of the people are thinking about when they are standing in front of the congregation crying and looking as if they are ready to pass out from grief.
God has a hold on the true believers who really want something miraculous to happen in their lives! All the ugly that those who walked in darkness said about God, what wrong they did to other people, and many other things is what causes them to grieve on the inside. It is through their convictions that they finally say, "Enough, I can't do this by myself Lord -- I need your help!" At that time some will fall out on the floor, shout, cry, even foam at the mouth because some very ugly things they are dealing with are being exposed. Afterward, they feel a sense of relief, a hope that things will get better.
For me, I studied a few chapters that were assigned to me after attending a class before I walked down the aisle and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.(The study was in the Book of Acts, Galatians Chapter 5, and I John.) I wanted to know what I was getting myself into and even after reading the Bible and the teachers providing me with education and instruction I still didn't necessarily grasp what I was doing. All I knew is that where I was in my life between the physical abuse, drinking, clubbing, and acting a fool 95-96, I needed some guidance.
When I got up to the front of the church back then, I cried and the man of God touched my head. I didn't feel anything at that time, but as the days passed things began to change and I realized that there was something different about me. In time, I stopped having the desire to go out to places I didn't feel comfortable, end a relationship that wasn't good for me, and cut off some so-called friends that did nothing more than take from me. I still had problems back then that I struggled with and even now, but I am nothing like I used to be.
I don't recommend everyone go down any aisle especially if you haven't learned anything about the church, read the Bible, or don't feel right about the people, because the scripture does say, "many are called but chosen are few. " But what I do suggest is that if you attend a church and fill this tugging to walk down the aisle in your mind and body -- like Nike says, "Just do it!" You don't know what God has in store for you and you definitely don't want to miss a new and improved you!
For some of you it could happen this Sunday while you are visiting someone else's church. Better study up! That might be the first and last time you will get a special calling. Then once you get to the front of the aisle, listen to what the leadership says and go to a class so that you understand what this all means. If you don't get any understanding you will be walking between two worlds wondering why things seem to be getting worse.
You see things got worse before they got better for me because I didn't surround myself with prayer warriors back in the 90s. Sure, I got the minister's blessing and studied for a little bit with the mothers of the church, but in time I purposely lost contact, because I wasn't completely sold on God, so to speak. I made excuses because I wanted "to do my own thing." And doing my own thing almost got me killed! You see, in my mind I thought I was a "little god"--the god of self! I thought I didn't need anyone to tell me anything and if I wanted to know something I always had the Internet or a book to read. That is until God got a hold of me!
I leave you with this, if you think that you are a "little god" or you serve little gods then why aren't they saving you from your troubles? Could it be that the god you have been waiting on to answer your prayers isn't really God but just a figment of your imagination? The only way to know the truth is to read it.
Nicholl McGuire
There are so many bibles! How do you know which one is right? You don't unless you have the gift of the Holy Spirit or receive guidance from a believer who you know reads the word and you can see the wonderful things that are happening in and around his or her life. So how do you get the spirit? Well you can't get the spirit, he has to come upon you. That doesn't happen unless you open yourself up to the word of God, pray and fast, ask God for the gifts of the spirit, and allow the one who is appointed by God to lay hands on you. This usually happens when you walk down an aisle at a church or are in the presence of sincere, anointed believers who will pray with and over you.
Now while these things are going on around you, inside your mind you have to fight the thoughts like, "I have to get back to my seat, I bet people think I look stupid standing here, When will this all be over?" You have to think about things like how grateful you are to be alive, talk to God about the things you have done and ask him for his mercy, thank Him for the favor he has shown you even when you didn't deserve it, and ask him to draw near to you. This is what some of the people are thinking about when they are standing in front of the congregation crying and looking as if they are ready to pass out from grief.
God has a hold on the true believers who really want something miraculous to happen in their lives! All the ugly that those who walked in darkness said about God, what wrong they did to other people, and many other things is what causes them to grieve on the inside. It is through their convictions that they finally say, "Enough, I can't do this by myself Lord -- I need your help!" At that time some will fall out on the floor, shout, cry, even foam at the mouth because some very ugly things they are dealing with are being exposed. Afterward, they feel a sense of relief, a hope that things will get better.
For me, I studied a few chapters that were assigned to me after attending a class before I walked down the aisle and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.(The study was in the Book of Acts, Galatians Chapter 5, and I John.) I wanted to know what I was getting myself into and even after reading the Bible and the teachers providing me with education and instruction I still didn't necessarily grasp what I was doing. All I knew is that where I was in my life between the physical abuse, drinking, clubbing, and acting a fool 95-96, I needed some guidance.
When I got up to the front of the church back then, I cried and the man of God touched my head. I didn't feel anything at that time, but as the days passed things began to change and I realized that there was something different about me. In time, I stopped having the desire to go out to places I didn't feel comfortable, end a relationship that wasn't good for me, and cut off some so-called friends that did nothing more than take from me. I still had problems back then that I struggled with and even now, but I am nothing like I used to be.
I don't recommend everyone go down any aisle especially if you haven't learned anything about the church, read the Bible, or don't feel right about the people, because the scripture does say, "many are called but chosen are few. " But what I do suggest is that if you attend a church and fill this tugging to walk down the aisle in your mind and body -- like Nike says, "Just do it!" You don't know what God has in store for you and you definitely don't want to miss a new and improved you!
For some of you it could happen this Sunday while you are visiting someone else's church. Better study up! That might be the first and last time you will get a special calling. Then once you get to the front of the aisle, listen to what the leadership says and go to a class so that you understand what this all means. If you don't get any understanding you will be walking between two worlds wondering why things seem to be getting worse.
You see things got worse before they got better for me because I didn't surround myself with prayer warriors back in the 90s. Sure, I got the minister's blessing and studied for a little bit with the mothers of the church, but in time I purposely lost contact, because I wasn't completely sold on God, so to speak. I made excuses because I wanted "to do my own thing." And doing my own thing almost got me killed! You see, in my mind I thought I was a "little god"--the god of self! I thought I didn't need anyone to tell me anything and if I wanted to know something I always had the Internet or a book to read. That is until God got a hold of me!
I leave you with this, if you think that you are a "little god" or you serve little gods then why aren't they saving you from your troubles? Could it be that the god you have been waiting on to answer your prayers isn't really God but just a figment of your imagination? The only way to know the truth is to read it.
Nicholl McGuire
Saturday
Is God whipping or empowering believers?
Too busy to give thought to this question, I understand. But for those who enjoy thinking philosophically, I ask, is the God you serve whipping or empowering his church?
I have personally witnessed God's action and inaction on a personal and professional level in my own life. He has blessed me at the right time to receive something I may have not been ready for during times when I was being whipped. You see, I believe he whips and empowers. I know for some teachers and counselors they don't believe that God whips, but only empowers. If that is the case, then I pose these questions, "Why would there be a need for hell in his Bible, why would he take Job through struggles, kill many Israelites who were in route to the Promise Land, and deal with Adam and Eve in the way that he did?" People were getting whipped in the Bible whether they deserved it or not for purposes that we don't completely understand and it still happens to this day!
Sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping. Let me repeat that, sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping! Just like children who disobey their parents' wisdom and face punishment, so do we. The cost at times is very high from losing money to losing a life. Even with all the losses, some people never learn from their mistakes or "on purposes" if you know what I mean. They like to cover up the whipping with blame, false stories, hide, fake smiles and so on. But I know better, I see a whipped woman or man of God a mile away. You can say, "You are blessed and highly favored of the Lord" all you want, but when God whips people especially Christians we can all see it. When I got whipped God called me to write a book about it then turned it around for his glory, wonder what he will do with some of you hiding from his word?
I am amazed at the awesome blessings God gives people and how they are quick to raise their hand and say, "I did it!" What did they really do? A situation that seemed impossible suddenly comes through with a phone call or some cash and the nerve of some people to take credit for a situation that only hours maybe even days ago kept one up worried. "Please pray for me..." they say. Sad, how some have faith in God when nothing seems to be going their way then later have faith in self when everything is going their way.
I don't think God likes this attitude either because just as quick as one feels good about self, notice how he or she often comes down just as fast! God really does want to empower us, but are we ready? Do we pay attention to the writing on the wall? He uses people, places, and things to warn us of impending trouble but yet we argue about what we see, feel, hear, and read. "That's not God...God wouldn't do that...I don't believe God would...That's nothing but the devil..." The truth is the devil doesn't have the power to whip us if God isn't giving him the belt.
I think of those that I have talked to about health issues, money problems, relationship drama, and many other challenges that keep some up late at night and I hear the same thing, "I just want...I need for you to pray...why is God doing this..." Sometimes we can stop most whippings if we change our mindset. Rather, look at the wonderful things of God and act like it (Galatians Chapter 5 for starters.) Instead, many people focus on the negative reported on the following: TV, radio, Internet, books, and lips who tear others down! It's like looking at a painting, you can either see the line and the dots in the middle of a white board and call the painting ugly, or you can see what looks like hills and raindrops and call it beautiful.
Your life is in the eye of the beholder -- in this case yourself and God. If an individual presents him or herself before God, the world and (of course) self, as nothing more than a gossip, a liar, a thief, a cheat, ugly, crazy, loud, or something else, then expect all the drama and whippings that go along with the negative perception. Chances are some of you know someone like this and they aren't proud of who they are, that is why they are giving you so much grief! They spend an awful lot of time in everyone else's business. But if an individual presents him or her self, as a child of God, with a purpose, positive, productive, loving, and other positive qualities (irregardless of one's age, what he or she looks like, etc.) then that is what the world will see and so will God!
When you feel good about who you are in Christ, you are therefore empowered to go the distance, but when you find yourself weak and can't stand up against the enemy schemes then God doesn't have to whip you; instead you are whipping yourself. Consider this, Jesus already took many beatings for you and me. Don't beat yourself up about people, places and things! Just do better the next time. Pray, repent and keep it moving!
The way you choose to see yourself (flaws and all) is up to you. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and the God you serve sees himself in you!
For those of you struggling with seeing the beauty in you, know that you must labor to love yourself. I wrote "Laboring to Love Myself," a poetry book that reaffirms this point.
I have personally witnessed God's action and inaction on a personal and professional level in my own life. He has blessed me at the right time to receive something I may have not been ready for during times when I was being whipped. You see, I believe he whips and empowers. I know for some teachers and counselors they don't believe that God whips, but only empowers. If that is the case, then I pose these questions, "Why would there be a need for hell in his Bible, why would he take Job through struggles, kill many Israelites who were in route to the Promise Land, and deal with Adam and Eve in the way that he did?" People were getting whipped in the Bible whether they deserved it or not for purposes that we don't completely understand and it still happens to this day!
Sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping. Let me repeat that, sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping! Just like children who disobey their parents' wisdom and face punishment, so do we. The cost at times is very high from losing money to losing a life. Even with all the losses, some people never learn from their mistakes or "on purposes" if you know what I mean. They like to cover up the whipping with blame, false stories, hide, fake smiles and so on. But I know better, I see a whipped woman or man of God a mile away. You can say, "You are blessed and highly favored of the Lord" all you want, but when God whips people especially Christians we can all see it. When I got whipped God called me to write a book about it then turned it around for his glory, wonder what he will do with some of you hiding from his word?
I am amazed at the awesome blessings God gives people and how they are quick to raise their hand and say, "I did it!" What did they really do? A situation that seemed impossible suddenly comes through with a phone call or some cash and the nerve of some people to take credit for a situation that only hours maybe even days ago kept one up worried. "Please pray for me..." they say. Sad, how some have faith in God when nothing seems to be going their way then later have faith in self when everything is going their way.
I don't think God likes this attitude either because just as quick as one feels good about self, notice how he or she often comes down just as fast! God really does want to empower us, but are we ready? Do we pay attention to the writing on the wall? He uses people, places, and things to warn us of impending trouble but yet we argue about what we see, feel, hear, and read. "That's not God...God wouldn't do that...I don't believe God would...That's nothing but the devil..." The truth is the devil doesn't have the power to whip us if God isn't giving him the belt.
I think of those that I have talked to about health issues, money problems, relationship drama, and many other challenges that keep some up late at night and I hear the same thing, "I just want...I need for you to pray...why is God doing this..." Sometimes we can stop most whippings if we change our mindset. Rather, look at the wonderful things of God and act like it (Galatians Chapter 5 for starters.) Instead, many people focus on the negative reported on the following: TV, radio, Internet, books, and lips who tear others down! It's like looking at a painting, you can either see the line and the dots in the middle of a white board and call the painting ugly, or you can see what looks like hills and raindrops and call it beautiful.
Your life is in the eye of the beholder -- in this case yourself and God. If an individual presents him or herself before God, the world and (of course) self, as nothing more than a gossip, a liar, a thief, a cheat, ugly, crazy, loud, or something else, then expect all the drama and whippings that go along with the negative perception. Chances are some of you know someone like this and they aren't proud of who they are, that is why they are giving you so much grief! They spend an awful lot of time in everyone else's business. But if an individual presents him or her self, as a child of God, with a purpose, positive, productive, loving, and other positive qualities (irregardless of one's age, what he or she looks like, etc.) then that is what the world will see and so will God!
When you feel good about who you are in Christ, you are therefore empowered to go the distance, but when you find yourself weak and can't stand up against the enemy schemes then God doesn't have to whip you; instead you are whipping yourself. Consider this, Jesus already took many beatings for you and me. Don't beat yourself up about people, places and things! Just do better the next time. Pray, repent and keep it moving!
The way you choose to see yourself (flaws and all) is up to you. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and the God you serve sees himself in you!
For those of you struggling with seeing the beauty in you, know that you must labor to love yourself. I wrote "Laboring to Love Myself," a poetry book that reaffirms this point.
Sunday
Embrace the People Who Come into Your Life for a Season...
Embrace the new people who come into your life for a season, but when things seem to have come to an end, rather than work to keep them in your life, be willing to let them go. This is a message I have learned through experience.
When I think about what I have just written, the people who overstayed their welcome in my life comes to mind. Their welcome should have been canceled years ago, but I fought to keep them there! You see, I am usually the person that reaches out to others, I have my good memory to thank for this. I am the kind of person that will take you back to a time you may have forgotten about and bring you back to it again (those from my former elementary, high school and college know this by the photos I have posted in my social networking photo albums.) Depending on where you were during that time of your life, you may have good memories or bad, but I don't intentionally set out to hurt people. So when someone comes into my life or vice versa, rather than hold my hand up in a cross formation and wonder, "What does this person want with me?" I watch them like a movie; I listen and learn. What they say for the time being may be pertinent to my life then again maybe not.
But what happens when the friendship or relationship has served its purpose? A series of warnings also known as "red flags" come up. Everything from promise after promise to meet one another but your gut says "don't" and arguments about one thing or another while neither party is willing to compromise.
I am one of those who try to keep relationships and friendships going long after the expiration date. What do you think usually happens when you keep a carton of milk past the expiration date? You got it, it spoils! Then when you dump it out, it stinks! That's how expired relationships and friendships eventually work out! When this happens, I am usually the one losing the most money and/or time. If a person promises to call, but doesn't, I would try to keep in touch anyway even though the writing on the wall would say, "Keep away." If a loved one invites me somewhere I rather not go, I would sometimes go against my better judgment and go. There are usually warning signs when it comes to these expired relationships and friendships, but at times I would still "give them the benefit..." However, there are those times when doubt would kick in and the safety warning would blink "back away," sometimes I would put an end to those connections and sometimes I wouldn't. I am learning as I go along in this journey called, "Life."
Everyone who comes into our lives are just not "meant to be!" That's why when I see these large networks of people online who claim "friendship", these huge mega churches, and other gigantic organizations, I can't help but think how many people are really meant to be in that person's life/network/group. How many of those people you are trying to reach are really a waste of time and energy? While one is fighting with a negative person who should have been gone out of his or her life a long time ago never to be reached again, others are building worthwhile connections that are getting them somewhere.
When people are "meant to be" in our lives, they bring gifts not excuses, attitudes, disagreements, and fights. That's not to say that you won't disagree with your quality connections, because you will, but you must know when to take heed to warning signs that a person has overstayed their welcome in your life.
Just as I have picked my share of people to disconnect from, there have been others that have disconnected from me. Rather than, feel like this is some great loss or a bad reflection on the woman "I am," I consider it a blessing, because for every one person that leaves there are two more that come into my life whether on or offline. I have had discussions in the past about this issue of "seasonal" friends and most will say that the relationship or friendship started off great, but then took an ugly turn. I must say from personal experience that ugly turns are just warnings to avoid opening the doors up again to a person or group unless you absolutely must (and usually the "must" part falls under the category of family--sometimes you don't have much of a choice especially if you know you need to resolve matters that are affecting others in your family circle.) However, making peace doesn't mean be a fool!
Now some people may have never had an "ugly turn" experience, but that doesn't mean that these same people are significant to your destiny, so why create a bad experience to get them out or wait until it gets to a negative point in the relationship or friendship? Just step away quietly. You don't have to go out with a bang! I have had some people who came into my life with a bang and went out with one as well! There simply is no need to keep gathering around the table with Judas. How many times did Judas sit at the table with Jesus? (Hello!)
These days I am welcoming those who are meant to be while dismissing those who aren't and avoiding the temptation to open up anymore doors that were meant to be closed and stay closed years ago. Not every door should or needs to be open. I rather have two friends I know are "meant to be" (God's will) then have ten that aren't.
When I think about what I have just written, the people who overstayed their welcome in my life comes to mind. Their welcome should have been canceled years ago, but I fought to keep them there! You see, I am usually the person that reaches out to others, I have my good memory to thank for this. I am the kind of person that will take you back to a time you may have forgotten about and bring you back to it again (those from my former elementary, high school and college know this by the photos I have posted in my social networking photo albums.) Depending on where you were during that time of your life, you may have good memories or bad, but I don't intentionally set out to hurt people. So when someone comes into my life or vice versa, rather than hold my hand up in a cross formation and wonder, "What does this person want with me?" I watch them like a movie; I listen and learn. What they say for the time being may be pertinent to my life then again maybe not.
But what happens when the friendship or relationship has served its purpose? A series of warnings also known as "red flags" come up. Everything from promise after promise to meet one another but your gut says "don't" and arguments about one thing or another while neither party is willing to compromise.
I am one of those who try to keep relationships and friendships going long after the expiration date. What do you think usually happens when you keep a carton of milk past the expiration date? You got it, it spoils! Then when you dump it out, it stinks! That's how expired relationships and friendships eventually work out! When this happens, I am usually the one losing the most money and/or time. If a person promises to call, but doesn't, I would try to keep in touch anyway even though the writing on the wall would say, "Keep away." If a loved one invites me somewhere I rather not go, I would sometimes go against my better judgment and go. There are usually warning signs when it comes to these expired relationships and friendships, but at times I would still "give them the benefit..." However, there are those times when doubt would kick in and the safety warning would blink "back away," sometimes I would put an end to those connections and sometimes I wouldn't. I am learning as I go along in this journey called, "Life."
Everyone who comes into our lives are just not "meant to be!" That's why when I see these large networks of people online who claim "friendship", these huge mega churches, and other gigantic organizations, I can't help but think how many people are really meant to be in that person's life/network/group. How many of those people you are trying to reach are really a waste of time and energy? While one is fighting with a negative person who should have been gone out of his or her life a long time ago never to be reached again, others are building worthwhile connections that are getting them somewhere.
When people are "meant to be" in our lives, they bring gifts not excuses, attitudes, disagreements, and fights. That's not to say that you won't disagree with your quality connections, because you will, but you must know when to take heed to warning signs that a person has overstayed their welcome in your life.
Just as I have picked my share of people to disconnect from, there have been others that have disconnected from me. Rather than, feel like this is some great loss or a bad reflection on the woman "I am," I consider it a blessing, because for every one person that leaves there are two more that come into my life whether on or offline. I have had discussions in the past about this issue of "seasonal" friends and most will say that the relationship or friendship started off great, but then took an ugly turn. I must say from personal experience that ugly turns are just warnings to avoid opening the doors up again to a person or group unless you absolutely must (and usually the "must" part falls under the category of family--sometimes you don't have much of a choice especially if you know you need to resolve matters that are affecting others in your family circle.) However, making peace doesn't mean be a fool!
Now some people may have never had an "ugly turn" experience, but that doesn't mean that these same people are significant to your destiny, so why create a bad experience to get them out or wait until it gets to a negative point in the relationship or friendship? Just step away quietly. You don't have to go out with a bang! I have had some people who came into my life with a bang and went out with one as well! There simply is no need to keep gathering around the table with Judas. How many times did Judas sit at the table with Jesus? (Hello!)
These days I am welcoming those who are meant to be while dismissing those who aren't and avoiding the temptation to open up anymore doors that were meant to be closed and stay closed years ago. Not every door should or needs to be open. I rather have two friends I know are "meant to be" (God's will) then have ten that aren't.
Wednesday
No One is Good but the Father
Wisdom isn't well-received by everyone especially people who think that they and their lives are good so they criticize people when they attempt to share their faith, "What do I need a belief system for? My life is good. Christians are sheep they need a shepherd, I don't need one! That's why God gave me a mind and I use it!" These statements are absent of wisdom and hypocritical, because these same people when tragic circumstances come for a visit in their lives affecting self, family and friends, they want people to pray for them and may even go to God themselves with, "Lord if you do this one thing for me I'll..." and they will list promises. Others may buy something holy (like a cross or anointed oil,) attend a church, or send money to a Christian organization, all the while believing that their loved one will get better. People who usually have a hard time accepting wise teachings are those who don't want to change, after all, they think they are good. To listen or read wise information, one will begin to feel a variety of emotions all designed to convict one's spirit to change his or her ways such as lifestyle and harmful habits that may lead them to death. (That's why many denounce the most powerful book in the world, the Bible, because they don't want to change. When reading the Bible the truth looks you right in the face especially the Book of Proverbs!)
Some of the emotions you experience when you read the book of Proverbs and other teachings of the Bible is a desire to want to argue, change the meaning of the scripture, ignore it, or defend your thoughts. For example, Proverbs 16 "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands."--New Living Bible. Now a person who thinks he or she is good would definitely not credit something greater as having control over his or her life. Rather, he or she will mock people who believe this and create what sounds like an intelligent argument to back it up. This wise teaching opens up a Pandora's box of thoughts. For instance one may reason that "Whatever plan I make somehow they all come back to God." This scripture also tells just how important it is to seek God for direction when making plans.
In other parts of the Bible wisdom is prevalent such as Romans 3:10 "No one is good-no one in all the world is innocent." -- New Living Bible. Immediately some readers will start with, "I don't agree with that. What about...?" This scripture doesn't refer to your specific situation, your personal experience -- nothing of the sort. But when one can't see past his or her own experience, they will debate and begin to argue using the "what about" defense. However, if you look at this statement on a broader scale and you say how people will throw around the word "good" as if it's nothing more than a simple word, you will find, when examining each and every person closely, such as you, me or they, we aren't good (that's why we need help mentally, physically, and spiritually!)
I continued to read the passage of scripture and noticed Romans 3:11 "No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to." --New Living Bible. How true is that statement! No one has ever really followed God's paths; this reaffirms why we can't be careless when calling men and women of God "good." We also can't assume that everyone who says they are a believer, Christian, disciple, priest, evangelist, a sister or brother in Christ is good.
To call someone good is to put a person on a pedestal. When a crisis comes in a believer or unbeliever's life everyone wants to run to a person they deem "good." But what they don't realize is that they have the same access to God as any minister, pastor or teacher. Go to the ones you call "good" for the training, but ultimately you won't need an intercessor for every matter that comes in your life. At some point God is going to say, "When are you coming to me for yourself?"
This word "good" is not only used amongst believers, but it's also used outside of spiritual groups as well. Your mother may tell you, "Visit this doctor she is good!" A friend may brag about "How good my husband is!" And, a boss may pat you on the back and say, "What a good worker you are!" That's all well and "good!" But just when you believe this flattery that is when something will happen to reduce the praise of this individual everyone thinks is so "good" and increase his or her humility while showing you their flaws.
It just doesn't pay to believe in what man or woman says about others being "good!" When people call you good, just thank them and keep it moving! The minute you allow the compliment of "good" to take over your mind, that is when people will start talking about how bad you are! Instead of keeping it real, keep it humble!
Some of the emotions you experience when you read the book of Proverbs and other teachings of the Bible is a desire to want to argue, change the meaning of the scripture, ignore it, or defend your thoughts. For example, Proverbs 16 "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands."--New Living Bible. Now a person who thinks he or she is good would definitely not credit something greater as having control over his or her life. Rather, he or she will mock people who believe this and create what sounds like an intelligent argument to back it up. This wise teaching opens up a Pandora's box of thoughts. For instance one may reason that "Whatever plan I make somehow they all come back to God." This scripture also tells just how important it is to seek God for direction when making plans.
In other parts of the Bible wisdom is prevalent such as Romans 3:10 "No one is good-no one in all the world is innocent." -- New Living Bible. Immediately some readers will start with, "I don't agree with that. What about...?" This scripture doesn't refer to your specific situation, your personal experience -- nothing of the sort. But when one can't see past his or her own experience, they will debate and begin to argue using the "what about" defense. However, if you look at this statement on a broader scale and you say how people will throw around the word "good" as if it's nothing more than a simple word, you will find, when examining each and every person closely, such as you, me or they, we aren't good (that's why we need help mentally, physically, and spiritually!)
I continued to read the passage of scripture and noticed Romans 3:11 "No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to." --New Living Bible. How true is that statement! No one has ever really followed God's paths; this reaffirms why we can't be careless when calling men and women of God "good." We also can't assume that everyone who says they are a believer, Christian, disciple, priest, evangelist, a sister or brother in Christ is good.
To call someone good is to put a person on a pedestal. When a crisis comes in a believer or unbeliever's life everyone wants to run to a person they deem "good." But what they don't realize is that they have the same access to God as any minister, pastor or teacher. Go to the ones you call "good" for the training, but ultimately you won't need an intercessor for every matter that comes in your life. At some point God is going to say, "When are you coming to me for yourself?"
This word "good" is not only used amongst believers, but it's also used outside of spiritual groups as well. Your mother may tell you, "Visit this doctor she is good!" A friend may brag about "How good my husband is!" And, a boss may pat you on the back and say, "What a good worker you are!" That's all well and "good!" But just when you believe this flattery that is when something will happen to reduce the praise of this individual everyone thinks is so "good" and increase his or her humility while showing you their flaws.
It just doesn't pay to believe in what man or woman says about others being "good!" When people call you good, just thank them and keep it moving! The minute you allow the compliment of "good" to take over your mind, that is when people will start talking about how bad you are! Instead of keeping it real, keep it humble!
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