The Plan is Unfolding

How often have you heard the phrase "God has a plan for your life." Some folks hear that phrase and then they sit back and wait for the 'plan' to come as if its a package from FED Ex. It's almost like we sit back and expect to unwrap the box and say "yep that's the plan, all laid out in front of me." However, the plan doesn't come so cut and dry most times. Could it be that the plan is unfolding even as you are reading this blog? Could it be that all of your trials and dilemmas and frustrations you are facing right now are a part of that very plan that God has for your life?

Think about this: God said in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you; thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Therefore our future is already laid out in God's mind. You are already walking in one of the many phases you will go through. The plan for your life is not only one specific thing, but a collection of events, experiences, tests and trials that will shape you to be the man/woman of God you are destined to be. The bible says 'many are the afflicitions of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver you out of all of them.'

Yes, God does have a plan for your life. And the plan is unfolding right now. We must learn to go through each phase and stage and stop trying to make our own way, out of no way. "In whatever state you are in, be content."

Unworthy on Purpose

(I know its been a while, but for those who still keep check on my blog, thanks. As you read this post, please pray for me. This is my most honest blog to date, but my hope is that my testimony will become an encouragement to someone else.)

While battling a bout of depression, I decided to try and pray… again. It was hard because I’ve been down this road so many times before; my mind clouded with negativity, but being a Christian I knew that prayer was what I should do. But when I get on my knees and try to pray, the negativity turns into condemnation and I feel too ashamed to come before the Lord and ‘waste’ his time. After another round of excuses and reasons why I should just give up, I went into the bathroom. There I stood with my back to the mirror because I was even ashamed to look at my own face. How can I call myself a Christian, much less a minister, when I can’t even pray my own way out of this depression? Right then and right there, something happened. A spiritual rebuke! But it was done with such love and kindness that I could not help but to receive it.

Here’s what the Spirit said:
You say that you cannot come to God because you feel unworthy to be in His presence. And that feeling of unworthiness keeps you from “wasting his time.” The truth is you are NOT worthy. But that is exactly why he died for YOU! You deserve death for your sins. Instead God extends mercy and grace. He allowed himself to come down in the fleshly form of Jesus because no one on this Earth was worthy enough to carry out the great plan of salvation. Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed by one of his own followers, because you were not worthy enough. He allowed himself to be arrested and falsely accused by the “church folk” of that day. He allowed grown men to whip and beat him until THEY got tired, and he never said a word. Jesus allowed himself to be spat on, ridiculed, and mocked because you were not worthy enough. He allowed them to drive nails through his hands and feet, attaching him to a rugged cross; and when he did speak he asked the Father to forgive THEM!

How dare you hold back from God because you are not worthy! You are unworthy on purpose! No good thing dwells in our flesh. But by accepting this great plan of salvation, you have every right and privilege to come to God with whatever it is that is troubling you. Don’t let satan fool you; there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ. Get in Christ and get away from satan. Know that God loves you no matter what. Imagine being able to openly and honestly confess your faults and sins and feel the loving arms of forgiveness embrace you. That’s God. No greater love can be found among your acquaintances, your friends or even your family.

What's the Purpose?

There is a purpose and a plan for each of our lives. Do you realize that some folks are purposed to bring you pain? Others are purposed to criticize you until you reach another level in God. Even Judas Iscariot, the disciple that betrayed Jesus, was purposed for that task and Jesus knew it (John 13:27). Now understand me, I do NOT want to be the one purposed for evil. But this thought does put a different light on my tests and trials.

I often find myself asking God what is my purpose. Just what is that thing that I’m supposed to be doing? I see others walking in their purpose; seeming to know exactly what they are called to do for the Lord. But for some reason my purpose alludes me. Why is that God? During a morning of prayer, fasting, and worshipping I received a breakthrough in my spirit, but still had no answer as to what I was supposed to do. I received a refreshing in my spirit and felt better about getting up in the mornings, but still had no reason as to what I was supposed to do once I did get up. In the midst of the sweet presence of God was absolute stillness. I’m talking stillness to where I would have heard a pin drop in another part of the house. It was like God said, okay I’ve received your worship, but I want you to wait some more. I begged for an answer now so that I would not go back to my mental prison of depression, low self-esteem and confusion. God did not say one word to me. I finally said okay, so I’ll wait. Now I need to learn how to wait with patience and expectancy. And I rebuke the enemy’s voice telling me that no answer will come. Because God is a just God; he is faithful and mindful of me. His word said that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. So I’m seeking… and just waiting on my reward. Stay tuned for the testimony.

Accepting God as Father

Did you know that your relationship with your earthly father can affect how you see God as the heavenly Father? I heard this amazing revelation from another young woman. Her father was an alcoholic for most of her life, so she had a different ideal of what a "father" was in her home. Now, as a Christian adult she realized that she had accepted Jesus as her savior, but had never accepted God as a heavenly Father. The reason? She didn't know how.

Her idea of a father was one that was hard to please, demanding, quick to point out failures, etc. So then in her eyes, God was the type of Father that's distant and terrible, and quick to rain down fire and brimstone on you if you screwed up. That may be hard for some of you to believe, but I can relate.

If you have a great father-daughter relationship, you are truly blessed. For those of us who have not the experience, it can be a real (and subconscious) struggle. God IS the epitome of fatherhood. One who loves his daughters, wanting the best for them, and willing to move mountains to make it happen. God is a fierce protector of his daughters, and doesn't want them to get involved in foolishness. Not every man is worthy of His daughters' hands, which is why He says that you can't be "unequally yoked." In essence, God is the type of father we expect to have. But in reality, Satan has destroyed that chance in many of our homes.

My prayer today is that I learn to allow God to "father" me. I'm asking Him to break up the pain, sadness and disappointment that's in my heart from past experiences, and mend it with His gracious love. Forgive those earthly fathers who did not meet the expectation, and let us experience a true father-daughter love with the Creator.

Let's Dance with God!

I heard a dynamic and encouraging message by a pastor out of Decatur, GA about learning how to "dance" with God. Based on the scripture Joshua 1:1-9, follow these steps to get spiritually "in step" with living the life that God has called you to!

STEP DOWN - and humble yourself in prayer before the Lord
STEP BACK - and remember all the things He's done for you in the past
STEP OUT - on faith and believe that He can do just what He says
STEP UP - your commitment to serving Him and seeking His plan for your life
STEP OVER - the obstacles that you are faced with; aren't you're more than a conqueror?
STEP IN - the blessing that God has in store for you!

So break out your favorite high praise CD and let's dance with God!

Take It Personal

Ever made a comment to someone and found yourself saying, "don't take it personal!" Well, when it comes to God's word, you need to take it personal. Because His word is directed to you and me.

Don't get caught up thinking that those stories of deliverance and promises are only for those in the Bible days, or just for those folks who have reached a certain place in God. Not so, according to God. John 3:16 says that whosoever believeth on the Lord shall have everlasting life. That is a promise of God! The word "whosoever" simply means anybody. Doesn't matter your age, your race, your income, where you live or what you have achieved in life. If you believe on Him then you shall live.

The problem is that not everyone believes that this promise is for them. They come up with all kinds of excuses as to why they aren't included under the covering of John 3:16. They'll say I've done so much wrong in the past; I gossip or lie or cuss too much; God couldn't love me. Why are we so quick to find reasons NOT to accept God's promises? Forget what Satan says and take what God says personally!

When Satan says you're a loser; remember God said you're more than a conqueror!
When Satan says you can't do it; the Bible says you can do ALL things through Christ!
When Satan says nobody loves you; remember God said He'll NEVER leave you nor forsake you!

Re-read John 3:16 and make it personal. "For God so loved {insert your name} that He gave His only begotten son, that if I believeth on Him I shall not perish, but have everlasting life!

Whatever God says, TAKE IT PERSONAL!

Not a Heavenly Butler

Butler: def - man servant; usually head servant of the household; paid to serve you, whom he calls master of the house

Have you ever found yourself thinking of God as your "heavenly butler?" Before you shout at me "Not ME, never!" think on this...

When you send a petition to God, you expect to hear yes, correct? After all, the Bible does say ask & you'll receive, seek & you will find, knock & it will open. But what happens when God says "no" or "wait?" How do you react? Some folks (including me) have gotten upset and wondered why not. Lord, why won't this man/woman marry me? (He/she is not the one I designed for you.) Lord, why can't I get this 2007 vehicle? (Because you really can't afford it right now.) Lord, why can't I do this, that and the other? (Because it's not your time/it's not for you to do/I'm still preparing you, etc.) Lord, why am I going through this trial? (I bragged to Satan about you like I did about Job. He didn't believe that you could make it either. Keep proving him wrong.)

Aladdin had a genie that would grant his wishes. All he had to do was rub that lamp, out pops the genie who calls Aladdin master and asks what can he do for him. As Christians we do not intend to take advantage of God and make Him our servant like the genie. But as humans, we want what we want, when we want it. And can get caught up in expecting God to answer ALL of our prayers a certain way. God really does love us and He wants to give us the desires of our hearts. But if the desire is detrimental, aren't you glad that God can see it before we can? Maybe you can't afford that 2007 vehicle this year, but you may be able get that 2008 BEFORE it hits the lot.

Trust God with all thine heart... and lean not unto thy own understanding. (In other words, just go with the flow of God's plan for your life!)

Spoken from the Heart

It's madness, it's sadness
the evil of this world can make you depressed
how can men kill, lose their own will
do they even feel the pain left behind?
what's in their mind?
murder, rape, death
the sound of someone's last breath?
But the fact is that THEIR back is against the wall
left feeling small
like there's no one to call for help
I see a dark hole
a lost soul
someone in need of love
change that can only come from the Almighty God above
my head aches
my heart breaks
when I see and hear the news
pictures of young girls covered in blood
bodies battered and bruised
my prayer is for the victims
those that are living and those that are dead
I even pray for the killers
God, please get inside their heads
they're on the edge, standing on the ledge
the devil's calling them to jump
society cries, angry words fly
the jury decides to "fry the chump!"
can I ask why
the reason I cry
for the souls lost and bodies found?
I know God is in control,
cuz His touch has made ME whole
yet I weep for those still bound
I pray for you
I pray for me
Lord keep us from the hand of the enemy
let us be holy
let us be pure
Dear God this race...
let us endure.

Superwoman vs. Virtuous Woman

As women, we often wear (and juggle) many different hats - wife, daughter, sister, mother, active church member, business-woman, confidante, friend and maybe even caregiver. Often times we can get overwhelmed and feel like yelling "I am not superwoman!" Indeed you are not superwoman; but you are a virtuous woman. And there is a BIG difference.

Superwoman is a fictitious comic book character who could display super-human strength in times of distress. She was powerful and strong, but just like her counterpart Superman, she had to hide her weaknesses from the enemy lest she would be taken advantage of. Kryptonite or some form of it was the thing she feared most, for she knew it was the thing that could bring her down and stop her from being successful.

Now the Virtuous Woman is different. Her super-strength comes from directly from a supernatural God. She doesn't have to hide her weaknesses, because she is blessed in spite of them. She has brought her weaknesses to God and has been forgiven. It doesn't matter what her enemies try, they cannot destroy the power that lies within. Because "this joy that I have, the world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away." The Virtuous Woman understands that she can't save the entire world, so she paces herself with her tasks and responsiblities and does what she can. She is valuable to her family and to God. Her family, her home, her job would not be the same without her.

The Virtuous Woman is not lazy. She works while she can, making the most of the time she has. Priorities are established and plans are made. She meets the need of her household; taking care of husband and family. She doesn't rely on fancy capes, skin-tight outfits or invisible lassos to get the job done. No, her weapons are prayer and praise. These are what helps her to defeat that "Kryponite" of weariness, self-condemnation, depression, low self-esteem and the other tricks of the enemy.

My sisters, don't worry about being a Superwoman. That's not what you were created to be. The Superwoman relies on her own strength. The Virtuous Woman relies on the strength of God and the joy in knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

The EXIT Sign

Imagine yourself in a building with dozens of other people. A fire breaks out; there is smoke and flames everywhere. You see the EXIT sign up ahead and notice that everyone else is rushing towards that door. Would you stay right where you are or would you head for the Exit sign too? Hopefully you would head for the door, because you know that's the only way to get out alive.

Jesus said that "I am the door," meaning He is the way out of that "burning building" of sin. Why stay in the place that is going to kill you when you know there is an Exit up ahead? In the example above, it seems real foolish to stand there and watch others get to safety. But yet that's what many are doing. If there's a situation you need to get out of, do it today! You do not know when that door may shut, and your opportunity has passed. Don't stand and burn while watching others live. Life more abundantly can be yours and as well as mine. Oh my sister/my brother, grab my hand; let me help you get to the "door" so that you may live.

How's My Dress?

I recently attended a funeral for the mother of a friend. The night she fell ill she was heading to church. During the funeral, the preacher told us that prior to leaving the house she had asked a family member, "how's my dress?" This lady was known for always looking her best and for being a fashion pioneer in this area. She made it to church that night, but died a few days later.

The preacher stated that we as Christians ought to ask the same question when it comes to our spiritual garments: how is my "spiritual dress?" Such a powerful question! How do we look in the eyes of the Lord? Are our outfits too tight and "binding" in certain areas - i.e. envy, jealously, unforgiveness? Have we put on the garment of praise? Or are we still cloaked in the spirit of heaviness? Are you wearing your armor today (you know the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of rightousness, etc.)?

The next time you get ready to leave your house and go out into the world representing God's kingdom, ask yourself "how is my dress?" (Remember, God has a great return policy on used garments! No receipt necessary because He's already paid it all! Hallelujah!)

Drive It Out

In their efforts to possess the Promised Land, the children of Israel were told to drive out the inhabitants that were living in Canaan. God said that if they obeyed this instruction, He promised to help them win their battles. But instead of driving out the inhabitants, the Israelites got a little "friendly." They married into the Canaanite families, took on their idol worship and other practices. As a result they never fully possessed the Promised Land and eventually fell into capitivity. (Judges 1). Something that Joshua warned them about, saying that if they go back and cleave to a remnant of these nations that there would be hefty price to pay. (Joshua 23:12)

Sometimes God instructs us to get rid of or "drive out" some things in our life. These are things that are keeping from us from walking in victory, and possessing whatever the Promised Land is for us. But instead of driving these things away, we start to remember the good times and try to compromise. Hanging on to just a remnant of the very thing that is actually killing us spiritually. These things later become a snare for our souls, leading us into Satan's captivity. God told the Israelites since they proved to be unfaithful to Him, that these inhabitants would now be a thorn in their sides, and their gods would be a snare unto them (Judges 2:3). The only thing the Israelites could do was cry.

Let's not even consider the consequences of disobedience, because the rewards of sacrifice are so much better. If God says drive it out, put the pedal to the medal and be blessed.

It Ain't Over

Are you faced with a situation that seems to be dead? A loved one that you just don't think will get saved; a dream that seems like it will never be realized; a ministry that just can't seem to grow. In your mind it may be over, but it is never too late for God. Not only can He work a miracle with the living, He can even resurrect the dead.

Check out the story of Lazarus. No doubt his friends and family loved him and had expectations for him. But when he died, they buried him and started trying to figure out how to live without him. As far as they were concerned he was gone, never to return again. When Jesus arrived 4 days later, Lazarus' sister told Him "if you'd been here earlier maybe Lazarus would have lived." It was like telling God "you're too late! I needed you then but you did not come. I've already buried him (it); what can you do now?" But my God is not limited by time. He is the creator OF time! And it does not matter what time or stage you've reached in your situation, God can turn things around.

So whatever it is that you've given up on, understand that God can still bring it to pass. He can still saved that loved one. He can place a baby in a barren womb. He can restore love in your marriage and give life to a dead situation. Those desires/goals/wishes you've buried in your mind and heart can still come to pass. Is there anything too hard for God?

Praising in Pain

A young woman had one child, but really wanted to have another one. The first child was already a miracle because doctors told her she would not get pregnant. So she thought God would again honor her request with no problem. The pregnancy came but ended in a miscarriage. And so did the next one. Had she done something wrong? She had prayed so hard, laying hands on her womb, speaking life and calling those things that weren't as though they were. But yet God had allowed death instead of life to touch her body... twice. It was her Job-like experience; a time of great pain while doing all she knew how to serve the Lord. Well-meaning church folk said that "it's just God's will," and that she should "be glad, because the baby could have been deformed." Her response was simple: if the child had abnormalities, isn't God the Almighty healer?

Through this pain, life still goes on. And so do her praises. She is not foolish enough to "curse God and die" as Job's wife suggested in his time of sorrow. She has decided to trust God that the pain is for a reason; a purpose that only He could design. When you see her lift her hands towards heaven, its not because the praise team said to do it; its because she has finally learned to surrender everything to the only one who can control it all. She's just going with the flow.

The All-Seeing One

How many times have you been faced with a situation or problem and you were ready to take action, only to discover you didn't know what to do? You prayed but you heard nothing; there was no strong desire to do any particular thing. Could it be that there is nothing for you to do? As women, we have a subconcious desire to fix everything; to make it right for everyone around us. But is that God's will? Sometimes He allows the problem or situation to come so that you can ask HIM to do something about it. We don't have all the answers, but He does. Because God is all-seeing and all-knowing, He alone knows what type of action is required for each situation.

For example, if you have a loved one with an alcohol problem, you cannot force that person into rehab. If they are not willing to get help, they will not be rehabilitated anyway. It can be extremely frustrating, especially if this is a long-term problem. You want to see that person healed, but they just don't seem to want it for themselves. But instead of beating your head against the wall for someone else's problem, ask God to help you see it from His perspective. You will feel a weight being lifted as you take the focus off of your frustrations and see the alcoholism as a stronghold for that loved one. Your words will go from anger to a desire to see God's healing power take over and destroy that stronghold. God may not want you to do anything except pray. So just go with the "flow."

Whatever the situation - loved one's addiction, a friend's impending divorce or a negative work situation - turn to the all-seeing God for your instructions. He's the perfect Commander-in-Chief because He will never lead you astray.