What are you seeing?

You know what? Life is hard! Yep, that’s the big statement of today. Life, with all of its dramas and struggles, is hard. It’s sneaky too, right? Always throwing curveballs your way when you least expect it…sickness, marital issues, money problems. It’s just plain hard. Some of you are stuck right there! Everything that you have faced over the last couple of days, weeks, months, maybe years has dug you a little hole and plopped you down and left you right there at…HARD. Well, God spoke a single word to me today that has had me sitting in one spot for the last 20 minutes, staring into space. PERSPECTIVE. And it’s not just the word perspective itself…no…it’s God’s perspective. It’s time to change your mindset and how you are looking at your life. There’s no doubt that life is hard, I’m a witness. But today, God wants you to stop looking at the burden and look at the One who can bear it.

How many times have we read or quoted Isaiah 55: 8 & 9? “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” But do we really get that? Do we really understand that the way we see a situation could be completely different from the way God sees it? You might look at your marriage and the struggles that you are having as reasons for a divorce whereas God could be looking at opportunities to show you how to deal with the struggles so that you can help someone else down the road. You could be looking at your inability to have a child as a punishment whereas God is preparing you for the orphaned child that needs your specific kind of love. You could see not getting your dream job as a huge rejection but God is seeing how you avoided a heart attack because of the stress it would have brought. It’s all about perspective.  Do you trust what God is doing in your life? Have you asked Him what His view is of a certain situation in your life?

God lead me this morning to a passage of scripture in Hebrews 2 that I have read many times. But today, when I read it in the Message translation it really spoke to God’s perspective. It took me off guard because it was a little deep. 2 questions popped in my head. What was God thinking when He sent Christ to die for us? I mean, how did He see salvation working for us? I am pulling out verses 10 – 18 but I encourage you to read the whole chapter.

“It makes good sense that the God who got everything started and keeps everything going now completes the work by making the Salvation Pioneer (Jesus) perfect through suffering as he leads all these people to glory. Since the One who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus doesn’t hesitate to treat them as family, saying, “I’ll tell my good friends, my brothers and sisters, all I know about you; I’ll join them in worship and praise to you.” Again, he puts himself in the same family circle when he says, “Even I live by placing my trust in God.” And yet again, “I’m here with the children God gave me.”

Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.

It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.”

When Jesus was on the cross, most people were not thinking to themselves, ‘Praise the Lord! Now I am free because He died!’ As a matter of fact, those that were closest to him were grieving and confused as to how this could have happened. They forgot what He had been telling them throughout His entire ministry. But God was seeing the big picture. He was seeing Ebony thousands of years later in her mess, needing a Savior and His grace! He was seeing you in your sickness, needing a Healer. He was seeing you in your stress, needing a perfect peace. Remember that when you look at your life and only see the struggle. Remember that God has a bigger plan for you and your life and you don’t have to stay stuck at HARD. You can ask the Lord to show you His perspective. You can ask Him to turn your thinking in an upward direction.

I challenge you today to see breakthrough instead of struggle, victory instead of defeat, and provision instead of lack! Remember the words of Paul in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT) It’s all about perspective…

Amen

Are you different?

So...it's a new year! New you, right? You've written down your goals for 2015 and a made a list about what you will change. It's week 4 and you are progressing nicely. Sometimes it's a bit of challenge though and you pray to stay the course and not get distracted. You are trying your best to not let people or things cause you to fall back into old things. But it can be difficult and test the strength and peace that you have built up.

This morning the Lord asked a question that really caused me to think. What's  different about you? I must admit to be a little indignant. What do you mean, Lord? I am saved and set apart. I do what you tell me to do. I pray for others, encourage people, work hard in ministry. I was ready to go on when He asked the question again. But this time, He heard my not so silent plea to rephrase the question. What's so different about you this year from last year that you feel ready to change, to move forward, go higher. I realized then what He was saying. Every year or season in life, you start out with gusto and then fade out a few weeks or months in. It could be that you haven't truly made the commitment in your heart to carry the plan to completion or perhaps something major happens that throws you off course. Whatever it is, today God wants to see you come into your own. He wants to see you change into your new role, your new position in life. You see, He wants you to be different and not just temporarily but in a lasting and powerful way. He doesn't want you to be swayed so easily to go back to the way you used to do things but rather able to stand steadfast in who He has made you to be. It's time to be different.

You know, it's funny because God doesn't change but He does switch up how He will use you. Every time I get comfortable with how Rhema "should" go, He changes it up on me. Whether it's how He gives me the word or the format in which to share it, He keeps me on my toes. He doesn't allow me to stay in my comfort zone just because that's how I always do things. I think that's one of the reasons that He is giving this word today. He wants you to take the limits off of Him and off of your thinking. He wants the changes He is making in you to last. So as I was writing, God gave me a couple of scriptures to share with you. The first of which is very familiar. "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ NLT) In order to be different, your thinking has got to be changed. If God is shifting you this year, are you prepared for the transformation? Have you taken your eyes off of the world's expectations and asked God what His will is for you in this season? It's time to be different.

The other scripture that He gave me was more practical. I love the NKJV version to share but have been blessed by multiple translations so I encourage you to study the one that speaks to you.  "He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on." (‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭4-15‬ NKJV) This is one of my most favorite passages in the entire Bible. It tells you how to live and it speaks so profoundly as you are starting this year or season in your life. God doesn't give instruction and leave you hanging. No, He will tell you how to carry it out, though it may not be on your timing. Trust me, I know! But your job is to be listening for when He gives you each part. Your job is to use wisdom and heed His word. It's time to be different.

I encourage you today to be steadfast in what God is speaking to your spirit. It may mean that you have to make different choices and be in different surroundings and around different people. But you can trust that if God has brought you to it, He will carry, shift, lift and grow you through it. So I ask you...what's really different about you?

God bless...Amen

He's still writing your story...

As I was praying this morning about what to share with you, God kept showing me words being typed on blank pages. Then He said, “I haven’t finished writing your story.”  I immediately felt a leap in my spirit because I thought about all of the people that I have encountered lately that have wondered about the next step in their lives. They have asked hard questions. How do I recover from the blows that life has dealt me? Am I too old to start over? I’ve been in this place for so long, how do I launch out on my own? I was often left telling them that I would pray with and for them or just encourage them to trust God. But today, He told me to remind you that He isn’t finished with you. No matter at what point you find yourself, there is a next step and God is the master planner. I realize that this is not my normal format. But I’ve come to realize that this year, God is not going to let me stay where I am comfortable. My normal is shifting. And so is yours. God has a purpose and a plan for your life that is not based on your age, your past, or your circumstances. He can use all of those things but He had the plan and the purpose before you were even born. So the question is, are you open to what God is writing?

So…He gave me two scriptures to share with you and I hope that they minister to you and remind you of how great God is in your life. He’s so great that He continues to write your story even when you thought the book had been closed long ago. So the first scripture, He showed me was Habakkuk 2:2 - 3. Very familiar, right? Habakkuk was not in a good place. He was trying to understand why there was so much evil going on and why God seemed to be silent on these issues. Been there? I think most people have had those “Where are you, God?” moments. God answers Habakkuk with this often quoted verse. “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” (Hab. 2:2-3 NLT) God says something key that He wanted me to point out to you. “It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.” If God told you something, showed you something, it has to come to pass. He is not a man that He should lie. Even if you are 50 and He gave you the vision at 35, it will be fulfilled. Even if your life is not turning out as you imagined it, does not mean that God’s purpose is not at work. Your job is to be open to God working things in His timing. Your job is to seek His face for direction and then being obedient. The end of your story has not been written.

I’m sensing that you still need something else. Well, here it is. The second scripture the Lord showed me can be found in Psalms 138, verse 8. I love the New King James translation. “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” It is a declaration from David, in the face of trouble, that God is faithful and present. I believe the Lord wanted me to share it with you for that very reason. Sometimes the weight of your circumstances can cause you to doubt that better or greater is coming. I mean, if I’m honest, I can say that there have been times that I have looked at my situation and said ‘I don’t think I’m going to make it out of this.’ But every time God said, I have the final say. Look at the verse again. It says the Lord will PERFECT that which concerns me. Perfect means to bring to final form or to make perfect. That means that God is not going to end your story until He has brought you to your full purpose. He doesn’t do halfway. God does a complete work. The end of your story has not been written.

Some authors don’t have any idea how their story is going to end when they start writing so they often have to rework and fix things as they go along. Aren’t you glad that God preplanned your story? He already knows the ending and is monitoring every chapter and word.  I want to encourage you today to keep moving. God is doing something in you that you may not be able to see. He is working out His plans for your life and they are plans for your good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11 NLT). Be encouraged! God is still writing your story!

God YOUR God

Vashawn Mitchell has a song out now called God My God. It’s a great song with an even greater message about who God is. The thing that really stands out to me about the song is the words God my God. It’s a personal declaration and reminder that God is mine. He is MY God! He is MY strong tower, MY deliverer, MY protector, and MY provider. Sometimes you can get so caught up in sharing God with the masses that you step away from really cherishing who God is to YOU! This is not a knock on evangelism by any means. All of us have been called to the ministry of reconciliation and drawing people to Christ but that’s not what I mean. This year, this month, TODAY, God wants you to know without a shadow of doubt that He is YOUR God. You see, the truth of the matter is that you can’t effectively share Him or His message with anyone else if you haven’t completely taken hold yourself.

God is. I mean, He just IS! You can fill in the blank of who He is to you and that can change by the hour. Some days you need Him to be Jehovah Rophe, your healer. Some days you need Him to be Jehovah Shalom, when the storms are raging and you need His peace. Some days you need Him to be Jehovah Shammah, and know that He is present for you. In fact, He is so big that when Moses asked Him what he should say when the Israelites ask His name, the reply said it all.  “And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Ex. 3:14, NKJV) Think about that for a minute. When God says I Am who I am, He is telling you that everything that you need can be found in him. EVERYTHING. There is nothing that can out “be” God. So many things try to take priority in your life but God is the only One that can be everything that you need.

Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed with life that you just felt lost? Or you felt frustrated and couldn’t easily describe why, you just knew that things were not flowing the way you needed them to. Saints, this happens when you allow other things to get between you and YOUR God. It’s just like when your car is out of alignment. The car will veer to the left or the right and it just doesn’t feel completely stable.  What do you do? You take the car to the mechanic and let them do an alignment. Well, today, God is calling you to re-align yourself with Him. It is a new year and time for renewal and restoration. Let that start with you and YOUR God. Let Him be in charge, in control, and out front. Let Him be your strong tower and your guide. You’ve tried to do it on your own for long enough. Jehovah Tsidkenu is calling and reminding you that He has made you righteous through faith in Christ! El Shaddai is calling and reminding you that He is more than enough for you! El Roi is calling and reminding you that He sees you and your circumstances!

There is nothing that God cannot handle for you. I know you are strong, smart and confident but He is all powerful, all knowing, and self-existent.  He never changes and His promises never fail. He is the great I AM and I challenge you to seek and find whatever you need in Him. After all, He is God YOUR God!

AMEN  

Time to Move!

 

This is the day, the moment, the time for you to rise up! This is a call to action and a motivation to move. You see, this morning The Lord told me not to mince words. I didn't have to make it pretty but rather, just express to you the urgency to act. Some of you have been at the threshold of your dreams, your call, your business for so long that you have forgotten what God told you to do next. Fear, circumstances, and habit have been allowed to the take the lead but it ends today! It's time to move.

This morning, God gave me what I thought was an odd scripture to give you but I get it now. He said, "What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me?" (Psalms 116:12 NKJV) At first, I didn't really see what this had to do with a call to action but He kept repeating it and I finally heard Him. God created you for a purpose. I mean, really hear this. He put you on this earth to live out some specific things and He placed every gift, talent, and skill you need to accomplish those things inside of you. Over time, He has kept you through experiences and places in your life that you never imagined just so you could use the lessons to do what He made you for. Now, He wants you to act. The New Living Translation puts that same verse like this. "What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?" (Psalms 116:12 NLT) Does it make more sense now? What better thing can you offer the Lord than to live out His purpose for your life?

I know, I know! It sounds like the normal first day of the year word and, perhaps it is if God has been calling you to action for the last 5, 10, 20 years. Don't get confused into thinking that God is just pressuring you to do something that you aren't ready for. Nope! He's calling you to what He has placed in you that He needs right now. God has perfect timing so if He has told you to do something, He has also equipped you to carry it out as it is needed. And you know what? It might not be this super deep thing. It could be He wants you to start volunteering because people need to see His word in action. It could be to start calling people and encouraging them because people need to feel His love in action. It could be to start visiting and praying for prisoners and veterans because people need to know that His power is still in action. 

The key is hearing His voice and obeying. Isn't that the best thing you can give back to the Lord for all He has done for you? It's time to move.

I challenge you today to look back at your journal, your bible, your notes and see what God has been saying to you. Some of you won't have to do that because He has been speaking to you constantly about what He wants you to do. Whatever it is, DO IT! This year will not be like last year. You are going to move toward purpose this year and it starts today! What shall you render to the Lord for all of His benefits toward you? Let's start with an obedient and willing heart and He will do the rest. It's time to move!

May God grant you power, boldness, and peace to do what He is calling you to in 2015. Greater is coming...Amen