God's got you!

What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up this morning? What to eat? What to put on? Who was going to take which child? Or maybe the questions were more pressing…How will I pay the bill due today? Why don’t I feel well? Why don’t I have a job to go to? As you thought through these questions, did you come up with comforting or at least suitable answers? I’m sure your answers will vary. Life is full of these question and answer sessions that we have with spouses, children or just ourselves. This morning I was reminded of a sermon that my mother preached back when I was in my early teen years called Consider the Lilies. It was a memorable sermon that highlighted a faith survey that is key to maintaining our peace and remembering just who God is.

In Luke 12, Jesus is teaching His disciples about money and possessions but He is also showing them just how valuable they are to Him. “Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22 – 27 NIV) As you battle through rough times in your life, it’s time to focus on what God has promised rather than what your circumstances look like. When things are hard, it’s often hard to think or speak positive. Our flesh wants to worry but God is saying I’ve got you! What will the worrying change in your situation other than making things more stressful? Philippians 4:6 says “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God.”

Jesus goes on to say in verses 27 - 31, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” God has made it clear in so many ways that He has a purpose for your life. Though life gets hard and the enemy has you in his sights, God’s plan will prevail. Remember what He said, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11 NIV)

 Where is your faith?!  Just like those wildflowers, God knows just what you need. Don’t get caught up in the daily stresses of life when there is an expected end. I hear what you’re saying! Ebony, I don’t have a job. I’ve been waiting for years for my finances to get straight. I’m 10 years passed the age I had planned to be married.  I’m tired of seeing my family live the same cycles over and over again. My emotions are all over the place. But guess what? God’s timing is perfect. He doesn’t throw words like “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you” and not mean them. He says it Himself! “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void,But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”(Is. 55:11 NKJV) Have faith in His promises. Stand on His Word. Speak those things back to yourself.  Remember who you are to God. Like Job, you are being considered and your latter shall be greater!

So here’s a little exercise to drive this home. Tonight, go in a quiet place. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a field of beautiful flowers. As you look at them in your mind’s eye, ask God to minister to you like He does them. Like the winds blow over the flowers in the field, let a fresh wind from the Holy Spirit engulf and refresh you. Stay in that spot until you feel a shift. You see, often times we don’t get what we need because we rush God to do stuff quickly. God wants you to see and know what you mean to Him. He wants to fellowship with you and talk to you. But you need to listen and receive. Take the time to consider the lilies and you won’t have time to think about what isn’t right in your life.

As I close, I thought it was important to use more traditional versions of the Word today but I’m being led to end with The Message Bible’s translation of Luke 12: 29 – 32. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to take the love that God has for you. He truly has you and your situations under control. You are a beautiful flower in His garden! Be blessed!

“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

Thank you, Jesus! AMEN…

What happens when the locusts leave?

When it rains… it pours! We’ve all heard this saying many times in our lives and isn’t it true? I mean if it’s not, it at least feels like it. When things are happening in your life, it never feels like one of those summer rains when it’s been too hot. No…it feels like a straight downpour with thunder and lightning! No drizzling over here!  Do you remember the plague of the locusts that God sent when Moses was trying to get Pharaoh to let the people go? It was an epidemic that consumed what was left of the crops in Egypt’s fields and again showed God’s authority and power. It was powerful and overwhelming.   Many of us have experienced stretches like this is in 2012. The hard times or the emotional issues or the relationship problems overwhelmed you to the point that you wanted to give up. You probably felt like the victim of a plague or a never ending rainstorm.  I’m here to tell you today that there is restoration and healing at the end.

I was led this morning to Joel 2 and then the words “What happens when the locusts leave” popped into my spirit. Wooooo! It gave me chills. But I then wanted to know where the Lord was going with this. Locusts are big bugs that fly, some would say they are in the grasshopper family. I personally, HATE crickets & grasshoppers…things that jump at me or even worse fly at me… freak me out! So imagining a swarm of them taking over a land would be enough to turn me around. Obviously, it’s what happened to the Israelites. Once again they had fallen off spiritually. They were doing well financially but turned away from God and focused on their material wealth. So…God sent something to get their attention. Chapter 2 of Joel describes them as an army that methodically swept through the land terrifying the people and overwhelming everything in its path.  It was so bad that different types of locusts appeared. “What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.” (Joel 1:4 NKJV)  Isn’t that something? It’s like what your job didn’t take, your spouse took and what they left, the burdens of your past took.

I have noticed something though. Often times these valleys and struggles have served to get our attention. Think about it. Don’t hard times wake you up and send you running back to prayer and the Bible? In the midst of their situations, God speaks and He tells the Israelites some things that would serve us well. “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”(Joel 2: 12 -13 NLT) Instead of focusing on the physical aspects of your pain, change your life, adjust your heart. There are lessons in everything. They call everyone together – elders, children, babies- and the priests intercede and the Lord hears. I often tell people if you want to see a different result, you have to do something different. If you’ve been struggling on your own, seek out the elders of your church or your community and ask them to intercede on your behalf. God wants to restore. He’s not a God that likes to see His people suffer because He loves us.

He loves us enough to make the locusts leave. They have to! When God promises new blessings in verse 20, He also promised to get rid of the locusts. Your emotions that have wreaked havoc in your life, they have to come in order! Your finances that have stressed you out, they have to come to order! Your marriage that has caused all those sleepless nights, it has to come to order. When He gets rid of the struggles in your life, He puts it back in order because that’s who He is. A God of order! It however, requires you to turn your face to him for all of your help. No more battling the locusts alone. Just do what He says and let Him do the work.

I know it’s been hard. Sometimes you don’t even know how you got where you are. You look back over the last few months and all you see are tears and struggle but guess what God promises you restoration. The Lord says, “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.  You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.” (Joel 2: 25 -27 NKJV)  Everything that you have lost to your struggles will be restored to you. It doesn’t matter what overwhelming battle you have faced, whether it’s finances, emotions, or relationships. God can and will give you everything back. How? Trust Him at His word and step out of the way!

And it gets better. Restoration is just the beginning! He will then pour out His Spirit and show signs and wonders. So if you are drowning in what seems like a swarm of locust, and you’re struggling to see your way out, please know that God is faithful and He is present. He wants your whole heart so that he can bless you and restore you!

May your clouds turn to sunshine and you trade your heaviness for garments of praise! AMEN…

God has not forgotten...

I love God. He is not random or chaotic but rather is a God of order and vision. He has had a plan for you from the very beginning of time and He is a promise keeper. Naturally, we have thrown our own wrenches and curveballs into the mix but there is an expected end and purpose to your life.  This week, I have talked to quite a few people that have been struggling with waiting for that purpose to play out. You know when you are facing health problems or emotional challenges, even stressful relationships; you start to wonder “Is this really what God had planned for my life?” Sometimes frustration sets in or possibly bitterness and anger and it’s a struggle to just move forward. Has anyone been there? Today, I want to remind you that God has not forgotten.

I’ve been reading and studying in the book of Isaiah this week. As an English major, I love Isaiah because of its often beautiful language and structure but it challenges me for some of the same reasons! The early chapters focus on foretelling the condemnation of Judah for various sins with promises of redemption. The later chapters speak of forgiveness and restoration through the coming Messiah. I found myself on Tuesday night in chapter 62 and it has stayed with me. It is Isaiah’s prayer for Jerusalem but I think it speaks volumes to our stories.  If you go back to chapter 61, a very familiar passage, Isaiah is showing us the good news of salvation! So as we move into 62, I believe he wants the church to claim this new day of salvation and restoration and celebrate it!

When we are in the midst of a circumstance, we often get caught in the moment. It’s difficult to see beyond the fence of your struggle but I love how God uses Isaiah to shine forth restoration after the hard place. “Foreign countries will see your righteousness, and world leaders your glory. You'll get a brand-new name straight from the mouth of God. You'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God. No more will anyone call you Rejected, and your country will no more be called Ruined. You'll be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married), Because God delights in you and your land will be like a wedding celebration. For as a young man marries his virgin bride, so your builder marries you, And as a bridegroom is happy in his bride, so your God is happy with you.” (Is. 62: 3-5 MSG) Do you see your “after this” in this word? Your future will be greater. Look toward your new name! Look toward your spirit man being restored and rebuilt! If you are in a place where you feel frustrated, beat down, and stuck, you don’t have to stay there! God wants so much more for you.

“Walk out of the gates. Get going! Get the road ready for the people. Build the highway. Get at it! Clear the debris, hoist high a flag, a signal to all peoples! Yes! God has broadcast to all the world: “Tell daughter Zion, ‘Look! Your Savior comes, Ready to do what he said he’d do, prepared to complete what he promised.’” Zion will be called new names: Holy People, God-Redeemed, Sought-Out, City-Not-Forsaken.” (Is. 62: 10-12 MSG)  It’s time to get unstuck! God has not forgotten you or your struggle. He wants the very best for you but you have to grab hold of it! I know it’s hard. I’ve said this before but sometimes we get so comfortable with our pain that we make it our friend. We nurture it and encourage it. We look for people that will allow us to hold on to it. And before we know it, we are dying.

No more! “The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Is. 62: 8-9 NIV) God has promised that you won’t lose all that you have worked for to the enemy. You will have peace and be able to enjoy it. But here’s the key. Believe God. Get it down in your soul that He PROMISED to never leave your or forsake you. Yes, there will be hard times but He is invested in you and has been since before you were in your mother’s womb! He has not and will not forget you. You have a new name! Hello, REDEEMED, SOUGHT OUT, and NOT FORSAKEN! Wear it well…

AMEN!

Trust and Obey

I am the mother of two wonderful little girls, Sanai (3) and Kennedi (almost 2). I may be a bit biased but they are funny, smart, and unbelievably cute. However, they share one very frustrating trait that surely they MUST have gotten from their father – stubbornness! When I tell them to do something, sometimes it seems like a battle to the death. And if they have really decided they are doing something they want to do, I might have to tell them no or to stop 2 or 3 times. Now…I don’t know about you but I HATE to repeat myself. When I say it the first time, I mean it. Somehow at times, I’m guessing that doesn’t translate to them.

Needless to say, probably the most frustrating thing that parents deal with is not listening or disobedience. You don’t even have to be a parent to say AMEN! Just think back to your own childhood. Do you remember how many times your parents said, “don’t ask me why, just do it” or something to that affect? Or they gave you the death stare when you got bold and kept doing something they said not to do? The death stare usually took place right before the switch or belt! (Cover your eyes if you don’t believe in corporal punishment) Especially, as teenagers we thought we knew it all and acted accordingly. I bet my mama could write a book of all the “I told you sos” that she didn’t say. In the end, it all comes down to obedience.

As adults, we often find ourselves struggling with doing what God has said. We try and go our own way and end up asking for His forgiveness and saying “If only I would have listened…” Today, I found myself in 1 Samuel 15 reading about King Saul.  He had been anointed and appointed to be king and God had some instructions for him. He told him to kill all of the Amalekites and everything that came with them. Well…Saul was like many of us. He listened to the instructions and picked out what he thought was right and assumed that God would be alright with it. Isn’t that just like us? God tells us something to do and lays it out step by step but we decide that we know best and go our own way? “Then Saul slaughtered the Amalekites from Havilah all the way to Shur, east of Egypt. He captured Agag, the Amalekite king, but completely destroyed everyone else. Saul and his men spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything, in fact, that appealed to them. They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality.” (1 Sam. 15: 7-9 NLT)

Some of us are at a crossroads in life right now. God has given you instructions but for whatever reason, you have not put them into action and you are struggling. It’s time to listen. Just like any parent, God has been frustrated by having to repeat himself over and over again. Think back to the tone of some of the scriptures after the Israelites go astray again and God reminds them that He told them to do something different. We can avoid so many pitfalls in life, if we just obey. Read further in chapter 15. Saul was super proud of himself. He told Samuel that he had done what God had instructed and he was good to go. But he was wrong. God was so angry that he told Samuel that He wished he had never made Samuel. Samuel then told Saul something so crucial that we often forget. “What is more pleasing to the Lord:  your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”(1 Sam. 15: 22 NLT)

All God wants is our obedience. Jesus said in John 14:15 that if we love him, keep His commandments. We make the journey harder on ourselves when we attempt to fix things on our own. All we need to do is listen and obey. I know, I know…it’s not comfortable or easy but God never promised us easy. However, He did promise to never leave us or forsake us. He also said “blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” I challenge you to trust God at His word and believe that He would not lead you astray. I’m a witness. When God told me to start doing this blog, I had every excuse in the book. My main issue was that I didn’t want to expose my writing to criticism. (Hmmmmm…who is this about?!)But after listening a little further, I quickly shut my mouth and God has truly blessed. Everything is not that easy but the outcome is always a blessing. Sometimes all God is waiting on is a yes from you, a simple willingness to obey and He moves.  Saul lost everything at that minute and Samuel had to clean up his mess. Don't let disobedience be the thing that seperates you from what God has for you.

I will close with the first verse of a beloved old hymn that I can hear Big Mama singing to this day and pray that you walk in peace and obedience!

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. (Trust & Obey by Sammis & Towner)

AMEN