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.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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!
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!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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!)
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!)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, February 12, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, February 5, 2007
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.
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.
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