"When ye see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it." (Joshua 3:3)
I read an article concerning the end of Tiger Woods dominating the sport of golf. In the article, the writer made a profound statement, "But when it's time to change you've got to rearrange." In order to successfully shift with God, the children of Israel had to see the ark of the covenant, which represents God's presence. When the ark moved, they were to move and follow it. I don't know about you, but that was not just relevant for the children of Israel. It applies to my life also. As the writer stated, some form of rearrangement needs to follow to signify the change that is taking place.
Well, here are a few questions I have for you. Are you willing to rearrange some things in your life to prepare for a change? Or is it too inconvenient for you to make those adjustments? I thank God for some life-changing lessons learned in this season. It was startling at times, challenging at other times, but it was worth the learning experience. I realized how important it is to rearrange priorities that really are not important. I also rearranged some people that I gave too much influence and power over my life. It was when I decided to change my mindset and what I considered most valuable that I allowed God space to move. He replaced the individuals I prioritized as "important" with individuals who were divinely connected. He opened doors that were meant to be walked into in this season, and he put his stamp of approval on this heavenly shift in my life.
As I conclude this post, here are some tips on how to allow the change to cause you to rearrange!
1. Discover where God is taking you and weigh what you consider to be most valuable.
2. Learn to appreciate those who love you and have courage to release those who reject you.
3. Understand that your purpose will be birthed when you surround yourself with people who know their assignment in your life. It's a mutual bond that should be divine!
4. Tune out the negativity and distractions and keep your eyes stayed on Jesus!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
God's promise of his presence!
Exodus 29:45-46
"And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God."
In this passage of scripture, God is making one of his many precious promises. He gives the children of Israel assurance that he will dwell amongst them. They shall not fear anything because God's comforting presence is a reminder of who he is and how he delivered them from bondage.
Today's devotional has been very encouraging to me, and I pray that it encourages you also. It is a reminder that my God will never leave or forsake me. He promises that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He promises to lift the standard when the enemy comes against me. I am exceedingly glad for this particular season of my life. I would never know that God is a deliverer unless he delivered me from a land of bondage, a land that held me captive and denied my free existence. I know what it's like to live in a land where taskmasters take great pride in burdening the people of God physically, emotionally, and financially. I know what it's like to live in a land where I've been afflicted; yet, I still multiplied. I would never know that God could comfort me with his presence unless I experienced what it feels to be abandoned and rejected. I listened to Cindy Trimm make a simple, but powerful statement I will paraphrase. When others reject you, don't cry. Say goodbye and throw yourself a going away party!
It is easy to look for validation, affirmation and confirmation from others. However, I encourage you today to simply look for God's presence. In His presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Isn't it exciting to know that he is looking to be found by you? "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I remember playing Hide and Seek as a child and always thinking of the best location to hide. I would often find the places that people would never think of and stay hidden for a long period of time. It was almost like I was daring the person to sneak up on me and find my hiding spot!
Well, here is a challenge for you. Since God is omnipresent, we know that he is everywhere. Why is it hard for you to find him? Why is it hard for you to hear from him on a daily basis? When was the last time you are confident that he spoke to you? It is easy to hear everyone else's voice, but have you heard clearly from God lately? He is not hiding behind a tree to purposely avoid you. He has made himself readily available to you - for you to call on him and for you to hear from him.
Take advantage of his presence through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2); through his word (Jeremiah 15:16), through his still small voice (1 Kings 19:12); and through the various ways he communicates with you. He is present, and if you can't find him, it's not because He is hiding. Maybe you are! (Genesis 3:9)
"And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God."
In this passage of scripture, God is making one of his many precious promises. He gives the children of Israel assurance that he will dwell amongst them. They shall not fear anything because God's comforting presence is a reminder of who he is and how he delivered them from bondage.
Today's devotional has been very encouraging to me, and I pray that it encourages you also. It is a reminder that my God will never leave or forsake me. He promises that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He promises to lift the standard when the enemy comes against me. I am exceedingly glad for this particular season of my life. I would never know that God is a deliverer unless he delivered me from a land of bondage, a land that held me captive and denied my free existence. I know what it's like to live in a land where taskmasters take great pride in burdening the people of God physically, emotionally, and financially. I know what it's like to live in a land where I've been afflicted; yet, I still multiplied. I would never know that God could comfort me with his presence unless I experienced what it feels to be abandoned and rejected. I listened to Cindy Trimm make a simple, but powerful statement I will paraphrase. When others reject you, don't cry. Say goodbye and throw yourself a going away party!
It is easy to look for validation, affirmation and confirmation from others. However, I encourage you today to simply look for God's presence. In His presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Isn't it exciting to know that he is looking to be found by you? "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I remember playing Hide and Seek as a child and always thinking of the best location to hide. I would often find the places that people would never think of and stay hidden for a long period of time. It was almost like I was daring the person to sneak up on me and find my hiding spot!
Well, here is a challenge for you. Since God is omnipresent, we know that he is everywhere. Why is it hard for you to find him? Why is it hard for you to hear from him on a daily basis? When was the last time you are confident that he spoke to you? It is easy to hear everyone else's voice, but have you heard clearly from God lately? He is not hiding behind a tree to purposely avoid you. He has made himself readily available to you - for you to call on him and for you to hear from him.
Take advantage of his presence through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2); through his word (Jeremiah 15:16), through his still small voice (1 Kings 19:12); and through the various ways he communicates with you. He is present, and if you can't find him, it's not because He is hiding. Maybe you are! (Genesis 3:9)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Delight!
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4)
My husband and I have discovered a new restaurant that we consider our favorite for this season. We randomly chose this location for a dinner date and found how much we loved it. As we surveyed the menu, we purposed in our minds to try everything on the menu at least once. Of course that can't be done unless we return time after time again to experiment with the wonderful menu choices. That is the only way we can delight in that restaurant.
When you delight in something, you express a high degree of gratification. You experiment, enjoy and get to know "that thing" for yourself. So, that is our main objective. We plan to delight in every menu option that is available to us. Honestly, if we can do that for a restaurant, how much more can we show that same enthusiasm for the Lord? Do you find yourself delighting in the Lord everyday? Do you taste and see His goodness? Do you get excited when you think of His love for you and the ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross? Do you find extreme satisfaction from knowing who He is?
Well, that's what it is all about! Don't let this day go by without delighting yourself in the Lord. The Bible already promises you that He will give you the desires of your heart if you delight in Him!
My husband and I have discovered a new restaurant that we consider our favorite for this season. We randomly chose this location for a dinner date and found how much we loved it. As we surveyed the menu, we purposed in our minds to try everything on the menu at least once. Of course that can't be done unless we return time after time again to experiment with the wonderful menu choices. That is the only way we can delight in that restaurant.
When you delight in something, you express a high degree of gratification. You experiment, enjoy and get to know "that thing" for yourself. So, that is our main objective. We plan to delight in every menu option that is available to us. Honestly, if we can do that for a restaurant, how much more can we show that same enthusiasm for the Lord? Do you find yourself delighting in the Lord everyday? Do you taste and see His goodness? Do you get excited when you think of His love for you and the ultimate sacrifice He made on the cross? Do you find extreme satisfaction from knowing who He is?
Well, that's what it is all about! Don't let this day go by without delighting yourself in the Lord. The Bible already promises you that He will give you the desires of your heart if you delight in Him!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Love What I Got!
I must honestly say that it took time for me to figure out this next topic of discussion for my readers. I was logging into my email account today and came across the Sesame Street clip of the new character that is teaching kids to become self-confident about their personal appearance, especially their hair. This new puppet through singing and dancing has come unto the Sesame Street scene to display the versatility in her beautiful hair. She no longer has to feel inferior to the dolls that portray attractiveness as long, straight and blond. She understands that she is also beautiful with braids, an afro-puff, locks and various other styles that allow her to show her self-confidence. What makes this puppet special is that she "loves what she got"! And because she "loves what she got", she is able to help another child love what she got also.
Although it is targeted towards a special racial group, it immediately sparked my curiosity. It is my sincere desire to see individuals within the body of Christ as a whole become more self-confident. I believe one of the reasons why it is so hard to show love to one another is because people have not yet achieved the self-confidence within themselves to "love what they got"! That is one of the first devices the enemy used against mankind. Original sin entered the world because Adam and Eve were not 100% content with what they had. Although they were given the entire Garden of Eden, the enemy knew how to get them to focus on the one tree they did not have.
Do you find yourself in that position? You often forsake the blessings of the Lord because you ignore everything that you have for the little that you do not have? You ignore life, breath, health and strength, a roof over your head, and a family that loves you. Instead, you focus on what you do not have and what your neighbor has that you secretly desire. I firmly believe that if you can love what you got, it makes it easier to love someone else for what they got. If you are driving a 1996 Honda, just love what you got. Do not envy or despise your neighbor for driving a 2010 Mercedes Benz. If you are working a janitorial job, just love what you got. Do not hate your brother or sister for working a job that earns six figures. If you notice that some people are able to run a peaceful and efficient household, don't hate on them for establishing a system. Ask for help (if need be) and love what you got.
I have seen so much hate within the church - hate that exist between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters; hate that fuels sabotage, ambush, competition and jealousy; hate that plagues the church as a living organism; and hate that serves as the root sin for severed relationships in the house of God. I already love this new Sesame Street puppet and look forward to seeing the positive messages she has to offer. She loves what she got, and so do I! Love is contagious if you know how to first love God and then love yourself. You will then be able to spread love to someone else the Bible way.
Check out the clip on YouTube. Let it be your inspiration to love yourself and love what God has given you. No one else has what you got because God uniquely crafted it for you. So, I encourage you today to love God and love yourself! Only then can you help someone else love him/herself.
View "I Love My Hair" on YouTube.
Although it is targeted towards a special racial group, it immediately sparked my curiosity. It is my sincere desire to see individuals within the body of Christ as a whole become more self-confident. I believe one of the reasons why it is so hard to show love to one another is because people have not yet achieved the self-confidence within themselves to "love what they got"! That is one of the first devices the enemy used against mankind. Original sin entered the world because Adam and Eve were not 100% content with what they had. Although they were given the entire Garden of Eden, the enemy knew how to get them to focus on the one tree they did not have.
Do you find yourself in that position? You often forsake the blessings of the Lord because you ignore everything that you have for the little that you do not have? You ignore life, breath, health and strength, a roof over your head, and a family that loves you. Instead, you focus on what you do not have and what your neighbor has that you secretly desire. I firmly believe that if you can love what you got, it makes it easier to love someone else for what they got. If you are driving a 1996 Honda, just love what you got. Do not envy or despise your neighbor for driving a 2010 Mercedes Benz. If you are working a janitorial job, just love what you got. Do not hate your brother or sister for working a job that earns six figures. If you notice that some people are able to run a peaceful and efficient household, don't hate on them for establishing a system. Ask for help (if need be) and love what you got.
I have seen so much hate within the church - hate that exist between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters; hate that fuels sabotage, ambush, competition and jealousy; hate that plagues the church as a living organism; and hate that serves as the root sin for severed relationships in the house of God. I already love this new Sesame Street puppet and look forward to seeing the positive messages she has to offer. She loves what she got, and so do I! Love is contagious if you know how to first love God and then love yourself. You will then be able to spread love to someone else the Bible way.
Check out the clip on YouTube. Let it be your inspiration to love yourself and love what God has given you. No one else has what you got because God uniquely crafted it for you. So, I encourage you today to love God and love yourself! Only then can you help someone else love him/herself.
View "I Love My Hair" on YouTube.
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