Category: Uncategorized

The holidays are fast approaching.   In addition to this being considered the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, it can also be a struggle for us single or unmarried people of the world.

I’m a woman over the age of 35, who has never been married.  Yes, as wonderful as I am, marriage is still on the horizon.  Today, I am fine with waiting for that special someone ‘to have and to hold until death do us part’, however, there are days when waiting is easier said than done, especially during the holiday season.

The holiday season can stir-up feelings of social inadequacy for an unmarried or single person.  It’s like the fact that you are unmarried or single goes ‘viral’ and is tweeted all over the world as a national incident.

I decided to help out my fellow Single-ites with a few holiday tips that may ease any heart-pang or social frustration you might experience this holiday season.

Pedestal Note:  Hold on for a quick moment, as I get on my ‘pedestal’…. 🙂   I want to be clear that these tips are not based on the ‘because you are single….here are your advantages’ train of thought.  I believe that statement alludes to singleness as an inadequacy of your life.  I personally don’t think that is a realistic or a healthy way of thinking.  These are simple self-care, self-management tips that aren’t always obvious when we are walking through sensitive moments, unseen pressures and thought processes that can impact the choices we make no matter your relational status.   Okay, I will step off the pedestal, now.  Lol!

Here are the tips:

• STOP Binge-Watching the Hallmark Channel

Yes, Hallmark has some great holiday movies, however, remember ALL of their movies are focused on romance.  They have the cutest couples that have these accidental encounters and then they fall for each other; then 15 minutes before the end of the movie, they have a falling-out and threaten never to see each other again.  However, 14 minutes later all is right with the world and they are getting married and everyone is living ‘happily ever after’.  Also, all this happens in the most picturesque imaginary town, and the characters are wearing very cool and stylish clothes and not a hair is out of place, ever.  The reality indicator in this scenario is a bit skewed and it all happens in 2 hours.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I really like watching the Hallmark channel.  Not just because of the movies but it is also, unfortunately, one of few ‘safe’ channels to watch these days where your eyes and ears are being assaulted with profanity or innuendos.  However, one Saturday I caught myself watching at least 4-6 hours of Hallmark movies. Can you believe that? I still shake my head when I think about it.  Well, after that immersion, I realized I started having more thoughts around being single. Not good ones, either.  You know, thoughts that ranged from asking God when my “accidental” encounter with my future husband was going to happen and why am I still single.  Reminding Him that I’m getting older and I have to get my hair dyed more often.  I even had unpleasant flashbacks of previous relationships wondering if I let that one ‘get away’.  I think you know what I mean.

Those types of thoughts can be frustrating, to say the least, because we are focusing on something that is not our current reality.  Goodness, if we let that stream of thought continue, it could easily cause us to spiral into an ice cream coma or shop for things we don’t need or binge-watch something else just to get our minds out of that unhealthy zone.

So, just hit the ‘off’ button on the remote, take a deep breath, talk to God about your heart’s desire (yes, again), reaffirm to yourself of who God is and that He loves you and has your best life waiting for you.

Here is a scripture that makes you wonder:  Ecclesiastes 1:8 – All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing.

• Hang around your HAPPY friends during the holidays

This may seem counter-intuitive because they may be the ones asking you the ‘why are you still single’ question.  True.  However, because they are your friends they are more interested in being with you and enjoying your company instead of grilling you about your relationship status.  I say, HAPPY friends because you may be vulnerable and can easily join someone else’s pity party.

Here is a scripture that makes me giggle every time I read it:  Matthew 15:14, “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”  This is why you hang out with HAPPY friends. 🙂

• Do something that will make YOU laugh

This again could be hanging out with HAPPY friends with the intent of having fun.  Go to an amusement park, or a clean comedy show or find a good clean movie or play.

Sometimes just people-watching can be hilarious, especially in a mall during this holiday season.  Take a friend.

Here is a scripture that makes me smile:  Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”   Take your medicine!

• Do something that will make YOU feel special

I know doing things by yourself can sometimes be discouraging or even intimidating.

So, for this tip, it’s okay to ask a friend to join you.  However, if they can’t make it then take YOURSELF to one of the best restaurants in town.  You could also treat yourself to a day of pampering and special shopping.  Really do it up, hair, nails, facial, massage, etc.  How about going to the most expensive section in a high-end department store or boutique? You know the one you’ve walked past or only heard about.  Remember, it’s not about the buying, it’s about treating yourself to a special experience.  So, as you look through that high-end store, browse for the least expensive thing and buy it.  It could be the lip balm they are offering at the register.  At least you can say, you went to the store and actually purchased something!  Guaranteed you’ll have a great memory and get a giggle out of the experience.

Here is a scripture that proves you are special:  Psalm 139: 14, “I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!  Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.  It simply amazes me to think about it!  How thoroughly you know me, Lord!”

• Don’t overindulge in your holiday celebrating

Sometimes this happens when we are trying to ease a pain in our life.  We can fall into this mindset of I’m just going to ‘enjoy myself’ and we cast off all personal discipline.

I heard this statement the other day as someone was describing an outing with friends.  They said, “We were ‘one man down’.”  What they meant was one of their friends had celebrated a bit too much the evening before and was unable to participate in half of the next day activities.

Don’t be that ‘one man down’.  Be present and aware (the Bible actually uses the word, sober) during your holiday celebrations.  Enjoy the people and every moment of this wonderful holiday season!

Here is a scripture that hit home for this tip (ouch!):  1 Peter 2:16, As God’s loving servants, you should live in complete freedom, but never use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.

• Volunteer

Now, you may be saying this is not ME-centric.  I know and that is why it is something you should do.

You can volunteer at your church, a convalescent home, senior center, a children’s home, a local non-profit organization, or even a for-profit company.  Also, if you know your neighbor, you could volunteer to help them with some projects.  The goal of your volunteering is to remind YOU of the value YOU alone bring to others in any situation.  You don’t add value because you are coupled up with someone but because YOU are enough just as YOU are.

Golden Rule:  Matthew 7:12, “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you’d want them to treat you, for that is the essence of all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets.”

This is a most wonderful time of the year!  Surround yourself with friends, family and perhaps a new acquaintance or two.   Celebrate that God is still on the throne and Jesus is Lord of your life.

Remember what God says about YOU through Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Merry Christmas and God Bless You!

For the past few weeks God has been speaking to me about Holy warfare. Holy warfare is not a political agenda; the location on any particular land, or country; Holy warfare is set on the battlefield of your own mind and circumstances.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” Ephesians 6:10

First, we must recognize that we cannot rely on our own strength and intelligence, but it is God’s power, intellect, and unfailing love for us that we must lean on. We cannot even begin to understand the infinite wisdom of God, or His ways with our mind. We must allow the Holy Spirit to instruct, chastise, and encourage so that we can become totally submitted and useable for His plans and purposes. Allowing ourselves to be led by the Spirit and not by our own passions and desires is the first step to becoming the warrior of God that He has called us all to be.

” Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12

Ask and Listen

So often we allow our personalities to conflict with others, we are hurt, or so angered by someone we want to strike back, get even, or crush the one who has seemingly rose up against us. We allow emotions to dictate our action and our words and push aside the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit urging us to pray. I am not saying to allow yourself to become a doormat, there is a time and place to make a stand against injustices, but what I am suggesting is that…first wait..LISTEN for the word of the Lord to speak into your heart and mind, ASK for direction and peace, and believe that no matter the outcome at that moment, God’s grace and power are sufficient to get you through ANYTHING.

At other times, we shut out a person who has hurt us, using silence and rejection as a wall of protection we raise up in our defense. But God wants to be your DEFENSE, your Protector. God never raises walls, but He IS our fortress. What is the difference? A wall blocks all light, entrance and exits. Imagine a room that only has 4 walls, no windows, no doors. Doesn’t that sound more like a prison? A wall is used to separate, to keep anything from going in, or going out; it not only prevents the bad, it also prohibits any good to penetrate.

But if we recognize that God is our fortress, our place of security, rescue, and safety; we have peace; even though we do not understand how we have it, we do.

Psalms 46:1-7
     1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
     2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
     3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
     4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
     5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
     6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
     7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Put on the Whole Armor of God

It is so important that we abide in Him, for it is a vital necessity for our success. When we hide ourselves IN HIM, and refrain from building our own defenses; we become mighty warriors for God. When we saturate ourselves with the His Word we are strengthened and nurtured with faith. Faith is a mighty resource! Without it, we cannot please God, we stumble, we are discouraged, and we fall into dangerous territories of our enemy, Satan. We are vulnerable to our own lusts and desires, and become open for attack.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18

It is important to note that Paul instructs us to put on the WHOLE armor, not just an article or two. And after putting it on to stand! The term “Stand to” is often used in the Armed forces. It is the act of immediately occupying your assigned position to defend against an attack. Each soldier would be assigned a place around the perimeter of the army’s position. This was known as your “stand to” position and in the event of an attack this is where you would go. It is worthy of note that the soldier is not alone; just as we are not alone. The body of Christ is standing with you; each a different part of the body, but each is essential to success. No wonder Satan tries to bring division and confusion to the church body. For where there is division nothing will stand or be effective. When we become disgruntled with one another, we cannot see beyond the circumstance we strive to plead our causes, or exalt ourselves. We then become vulnerable to discouragement, frustration, disillusionment and anger.

Each piece of the armor is of vital importance; and strategy for our victory. His first instruction is…To STAND with our loins girt about with truth. Loins refer to the pelvic region of the body, which is very vulnerable. Girding the loins in the Roman era was a common practice not only for the Roman soldiers, but also for the people living in this area. It meant to draw-up and tie the lower garment between your legs to increase your mobility and agility. This prevented the loose ends of the tunic from becoming snagged or entangled with your feet which would cause you to stumble or fall down. Paul was telling us to secure anything that would cause us to stumble or fall down when moving quickly in the Christian daily battle. To be spiritually sharp and aware, alert, ready to respond with spiritual mobility and agility. The truth is God’s word; the battlefield is your mind. So when you are standing in the battlefield, draw-up from the word you have hid in your heart, so you are quick and agile in the battle to cast down any imagination or anything that would exalt itself against your knowledge in God.….”having on the breastplate of righteousness” the breastplate covered the body of the Roman soldier from the neck to the thighs. Its purpose was to protect the heart. Our focus must be on the Lord Jesus Christ and His righteousness, and that focus must be protected. When we receive Christ into our hearts, God counts us as righteous. However a soldier must PROTECT his heart. Protecting your heart is living righteously, with integrity, holiness and purity of life. Righteousness keeps the heart from ever being wounded and losing focus. The Christian soldier must strive after the righteousness of Jesus Christ and to live righteously in this present world. When we are clothed in righteousness we are impregnable.

Satan often attacks our hearts-the seat of our emotions, self-worth, and trust…God’s righteousness is the breastplate that protects our hearts and ensures approval, not man’s approval but His. He approves of us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us. The lack of integrity or some defect in character will leave us exposed to the assaults of the enemy. A point of corruption in integrity or character flaw will be that unguarded point of attack by Satan or his demons. Just as a soldier’s breastplate protected his heart, chest and vital organs from an enemy’s attack, so holy and righteous living guards a believer’s heart against the assaults of the devil.

“Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin: but yield yourselves to God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 1 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:13-14

Then he instructs us to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; to me that means you are prepared to be a witness of Jesus everywhere you go. To walk in confidence of whom you are in Christ, and what He is able to do in not only your own life, but others. That God wants us to share the good news of salvation, and the hope of Jesus Christ. Again, this is emphasizing the importance of the Word of God.

Next, to take the shield of faith which enables us to “quench the fiery darts of the wicked” Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God. It is crucial to know God’s word in order to lift it up as a shield in an attack. If you do not know, or are unaware of your position you are vulnerable to attack and defeat in an area. God’s people perish for the lack of knowledge. Faith in God and His word over our lives is our defense, protection, and victory.

Next is the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. When our mind is covered with the blood of Jesus and the acceptance of Him into our heart and life by the Word of God we have heard to bring us to repentance, we are able to lift up His word in the stance of a warrior armed for battle. He has already gone before us, preparing a way of victory! Knowing this, as we face a trial, temptation, discouragement, attacks against us of any sort, GOD IS OUR REAR GUARD, and with God standing behind you protecting your position, what enemy could stand against you? In every part of the armor, God’s word is the substance.

Then Paul instructs us to PRAY always with all kinds of prayers and requests, not only for ourselves, but for all of His saints; His people.Prayer is vitally important; it is communication with the Father. He desires to speak with us; He wants us to call upon Him for; and in all things. He wants to speak personal things to us, He wants to deposit good things into our lives, and prepare us for what lies ahead. Prayer the atmosphere around you, prayer changes you.

When we come to the knowledge of God’s power and strength, when we become steadfast and determined to stand in the storms of life, when we acknowledge our weaknesses and frailty on our own might, but realize that through Christ we can do anything, when we rely on, and depend on Him that is when we become mighty warriors. That is when we become effective tools in the Kingdom of God; when we can be offensive warriors bringing light to a kingdom of darkness, and shining in the glory of our Savior. When we arm ourselves with His armor, and fight not against each other, but against those powers, principalities and ruler of darkness that come against us, and our loved ones with and by the WORD of God, we will be victorious, we will be strong, and we will be fulfilled.

He is Defeated Already

Sometimes the evidence of victory is not quickly accomplished, sometimes it appears that we have failed, or we have lost a battle; but the Lord would have you be encouraged in Him. You see, Jesus defeated the enemy already. The end for him has been already determined. Our enemy Satan wants to devour our faith with his lies and subterfuge, he wants to destroy our salvation, our witness, our hope, to weary us with struggles and temptations so that we are ineffective, unreliable, and even make us give up in defeat. BUT our God is our fortress, if we resist the temptation to build up a wall in defense, and run to our fortress the Lord; He will strengthen, protect, encourage and give us boldness. When our eyes are truly open to see, we will see that enemy defeated and the shining glory of the Lord’s victory surrounding us. His word in our hand, a mighty weapon; a weapon that defeats and destroys wickedness; yet brings healing and deliverance. His word dividing the evil intent of our own hearts, and delivering us from the evil one. Clothed in His armor of righteousness; standing firm in our faith, and waiting expectantly for God to move on our behalf we will be that armed and dangerous Army of the Living God.

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

In the world today there seems to be an emphasis on “Being the Greatest” or “Being the Best”. I see it everywhere, in schools, in universities, on the job, on television, in movies, even in the arts. In fact, we even reward those who we identify as the “Greatest or Best”. Best in class, best qualified, greatest performer, greatest athlete, etc. Do we dare say the definition has changed? Yes, because being the greatest or the best has changed from servanthood to a competition. And the winner is …….. the one who achieves the most. Really?

What is true greatness?
Being great isn’t about obtaining wealth, prestige, authority or power. Being great is about servanthood and character. How do I know this? Well, the disciples themselves ask Jesus this same question – Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? Matthew 18:1. His answer may surprise you. It wasn’t one of the religious leaders of the day, or a rich prominent person, or even one of his disciples. Instead Jesus selected a little child. (verse 2)

What qualified the child as great?
Reading further in Matthew (verse 3 in the Everyday Life Bible translation) the characteristics of a child are identified. They are trusting, lowly, loving and forgiving.
– Trusting means having complete confidence in or reliance on the character, ability, strength and truth
– Lowly means not to put yourself above others being free from self-assertive pride
– Loving means to feel or show warm regards for one another
– Forgiving means to allow room for error or weakness, without offenses or feeling resentment for one another

How can we be one of the greatest in the Kingdom of God?
Jesus answers that question in verses 3 & 4. “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted (change your character) and become as little children (trusting, lowly, loving and forgiving), ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble (reflect a spirit of submission, not proud, arrogant or haughty) himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Let’s make a point every day to remind ourselves what being the greatest really means. And the winner will be ……. The Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because in being the greatest, you will have put on His character and become His light unto the world revealing who really is the greatest, Jesus.

“He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” John 1:11. Why didn’t the Jews receive Jesus as the Messiah? To many Jewish people Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection was never accepted. So you have to ask, why? Why with all they saw Jesus do could they not receive Him as Lord?

“Behold I have come, (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7. Jesus came and filled every office they had – Prophet, Priest and King. But their traditions blinded their eyes so they did not receive Him in any of their offices. In Jewish law the volume of the book was from Genesis all the way through their laws of the prophets.

Let’s consider some of the ways they missed seeing him.

ARTIST – to the artist He is seen as the one altogether lovely,

ARCHITECT – to the architect He is the chief corner stone,

ASTRONOMER – to the astronomer He is the son of righteousness,

BAKER – to the baker He is the living bread,

BANKER – to the banker He is the hidden treasure,

BIOLOGIST – to the biologist He is the life,

BUILDER – to the builder He is the sure foundation,

CARPENTER – to the carpenter He is the door,

DOCTOR – to the doctor He is the great physician,

TEACHER – to the teacher He is the great teacher,

ENGINEER – to the engineer He is the new and living way,

FARMER – to the farmer He is the sower and the Lord of the harvest,

FLORIST – to the florist He is the rose of Sharron, the lily,

NURSERY MAN – to the nursery man He is the true vine,

JUDGE – to the judge He is the righteous judge of all,

JUROR – to the juror He is the faithful and true witness,

JEWELER – the jeweler He is the pearl of great price,

LAWYER – to the lawyer He is the counsel, the law giver, advocate,

NEW MAN – to the new man He is the good tiding of great joy,

OPTOMETRIST – to the optometrist He is the light to the eye,

PHILOSOPHER – to the philosopher He is the wisdom of God,

PREACHER – to the preacher He is the word of God,

SCULPTOR – to the sculptor He is the living stone,

SERVANT – to the servant He is the good master,

STATESMAN – to the statesman He is the desire of all nations,

STUDENT – to the student He is the incarnated truth,

THEOLOGIAN – to the theologian He is author and finisher of our faith,

TOILER – to the toiler He is the giver of rest,

SINNER – to the sinner He is the way, the truth, the life, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of all,

TO US – to us He is the living God, our saviour, our redeemer, and our Lord.

Now we know that there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22. In Jewish law, the sacrificing of animals was done with great care being sure to carry out their rituals exactly. The knife that was used had to be devoid of notches so the blood would flow freely to prevent even the slightest unnecessary suffering. Once the animal was killed, it was examined and declared “Kosher”, meaning fit for food, or “Terefar”, meaning unfit.

The Jews marked Jesus the messiah (the slain lamb) “Terefar” unfit. His death was marked unfit because it did not follow their traditions and rituals. In God’s eyes, Jesus had to become unfit in man ways before he could become fit  by God as the sacrifice for our sins. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peach was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her his shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.” Isaiah 53:5-11.

Jesus met the demand of justice on our behalf, God saw it and was satisfied. Even though he was rejected by his own, and they marked Him as Terefah unfit. Thank God our eyes are opened to recognize Him as the lamb slain from the foundation of the world. We see Him and mark Him “Kosher”. Our life as a believer is an exhibit of the fact He is Lord.

We live in a beautiful world of views and vistas, sunrises and sunsets, cityscapes to shanty towns.

One place known for the best of these is in the State of Hawaii of the United States of America. Its tropical climate, fresh fish, and sandy beaches make it the perfect place to vacation, relax and rejuvenate.

I had the privilege of working in Hawaii and experienced some of its culture and sights. It is a great place to visit; you should make plans to go!

During my time there, I dined at a popular outdoor restaurant in an up and coming part of the city.  As I sat at my table, I noticed this beautiful mural. The mural was painted on the wall of a parking garage near the restaurant. It was an image of a Hawaiian woman wearing a head lei. As I admired the painting, some very noticeable gaps in it started to distort and interrupt the flow of the image.  Do you see them in the picture?

These gaps in the mural caused me to ponder how we sometimes see and think about ourselves.  We try to present a beautiful image, but if someone were to look at our lives close enough or long enough, they would see gaping holes that distort and interrupt the flow of our lives.

So, as you can imagine, my time at the restaurant ended up being a delicious yet contemplative dining experience.

During my off days while in Hawaii, I like to take the public transportation to get the feel of local island life. As I sat waiting for a bus, like anyone waiting for a bus, I people watched.  The area had a mix of business professionals, blue-collar workers, students, tourists and the homeless.

I watched the people around the bus stop; some were either standing or sitting waiting for their bus to arrive to take them to the desired destination.  As I watched the people get on and off buses, I noticed a few people around the bus stop who never boarded a bus.  They might stand in line to board the bus or look in the door of the bus and never enter. After a while, it became apparent they had already reached their destination.

These people appeared to live in an invisible world, a world that only they or a few could see. A world where the best of times and worst of times seemed to have collided.  They would have sudden outbursts and arguments or perform actions making them look like they were responding to people and a place no one could see but them.  To the passersby, these people are dismissed as merely someone just “talking to themselves” or someone who has taken too many drugs.  Some people call it living in an “imaginary” world.

I would tend to agree that it could be an imaginary world they live in only because it does not line up with what others see as reality or a present moment. However, as I watched these people at the bus stop, their acts and outbursts did not always seem so random.  I believe if I were able to hang around them for an entire day, I would have seen them repeat the same outbursts, arguments, and reenactments several times during that day.

As I continued to watch and wait for my bus, a question came to mind about these people at the bus stop; what can cause a person to:

• start a random argument that escalates to screaming and yelling with someone that only they can see or
• intensely wave their arms at the base of a streetlight mimicking cooking at a stove or dusting off a piece of furniture and taking invisible things off an invisible shelf or
• pick up invisible objects off the ground and place them in their invisible jacket pocket, or
• engage you in a general conversation that suddenly turns violent because they are no longer talking with you but with someone that only they can see

I continued to watch the collided worlds of several people at the bus stop that day.  As I watched, I pondered another question, “Where are they in their mind, right now?”

Now, you probably think the obvious question should be “how did they get in that state of mind or situation?”   Well, that was my first thought, but then I realized I honestly did not want to know the answer to that question.  I was more curious about the place they got stuck in.  Each one of the situations I listed above is a place where I believe their minds literally said, “Halt – Rewind – Replay – Repeat!”  The place or experience that is invisible to others but oh so real to them to the point that they are unable to get through it mentally.  Unfortunately, it appears in their world, this place or experience happens over and over, hour after hour, day after day, month after month, and year after year.

How powerful is the mind that can create a world or hold on to a place or experience that causes a person to live in, what we might term, an “imaginary” world.

I shared those experiences because they both highlight how our state of mind impacts everything. Whether it’s a subtle assault on our minds hidden by the busy-ness of managing our public and private lives, that includes family, friends, colleagues, and the shifting worldviews that are competing with our spiritual values or it’s an all-out DEFCON 1 assault on our minds to take us out permanently.  Our mental state is what determines the path of our lives.

There is a story of a prominent family whose son had experienced a DEFCON 1 type of assault on his mind. It was so intense that the man kept himself in the cemetery among the tombs, shouting and cutting himself.  He would also show up in public places completely naked.  I don’t know all the details of what caused this assault on his mind, but thankfully, he did recover and was able to share his story and inspire many in his country.

Let’s talk about the ‘Halt – Rewind – Replay – Repeat!’ state of mind. What experiences or memories are causing you to ‘Halt – Rewind – Replay – Repeat’?  Think about the areas of your life where you are afraid to move forward; moving forward in your business, relationships or executing on new ideas.  Is it because of some previous negative experience that keeps playing over and over in your mind, something that didn’t work last time and the fall-out was painful?   Possibly you experienced some unfortunate pain or abuse that has stopped you in your tracks, and you can’t move through it?

You may not be at a point as extreme as random outbursts to invisible people and performing imaginary tasks, however, you may be at a place where you feel like the safest thing to do is retreat, which can be good for a defined period.  However, sometimes this retreat starts to look a lot like depression, anxiety attacks, stress, fatigue, loss of appetite, restlessness, nausea, and frequent headaches; I think you get the idea.

Now, if you are experiencing these symptoms, you might be saying, “I’m doing just fine.  It’s nothing I can’t handle.”  Unfortunately, for many women, these words have become our mantra.  However, if we are honest with ourselves, that little voice inside is saying, “Yes, that’s me but please don’t tell anyone.”   Okay, I won’t tell, but if you don’t seek help, your actions and reactions will begin to tell the story you don’t want people to know.

At some point in our lives we all experience some form of the ‘Halt – Rewind – Replay – Repeat’ state of mind; what keeps us from becoming the ‘people at the bus stop’ is determined by how long we stay there.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is 2 Timothy 1:7 that says, For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of a sound judgement and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

In it, I find reminders of what I can do to avoid or at least lessen the amount of time I am in the ‘Halt – Rewind – Replay – Repeat’ state of mind.  It also helps me ‘flip-the-script’, on it as well.  Here are 3 things you can do to help maintain a healthy mind:

• Quiet Yourself (Halt) – This is sometimes the hardest thing to do. However, it is the most powerful. As you quiet yourself, you are telling the situations in your life and the voices in your head to ‘Halt.’ It’s just you, and you are giving yourself the opportunity to recognize your God-given power.
• Forgive (Rewind, Replay) – specifically forgive anyone that has hurt you. Unforgiveness is a time bomb waiting to go off. In it are fueled memories that are consciously and sub-consciously played, repeatedly. When you forgive you open yourself to ‘Rewind’ and ‘Replay’ forward moving and positive memories and future possibilities. It also flexes your love muscles.
• Practice Safe-Thinking (Repeat) – this means you are in a place of sound judgment, disciplined thought patterns, and the ability to understand and make right decisions. It includes the qualities of self-control and self-discipline.  Safe-thinking is a moment by moment practice. When things get hard for me in this area, I pull out my WPC.  I worship and pray to my Creator, and I get wise counsel, which means I talk through my challenge with someone I can trust that knows me and they know my God.

I’ll leave you with this passage from the same Bible.   It comes from Philippians 4:8,  ^‘Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good reputation; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]’.

Peace!

Ever feel like you are the only one in your surrounding world walking with God? Feel like you did exactly what God asked you to do only to find yourself in the middle of persecution? Feel like everyone or everything is against you, causing you to despair?

If you said yes, then you are not alone. Even the great prophet Elijah had those perceptions and feelings. So, what then, do we just give up? In fact, that is what Elijah wanted. His despair was so great that He even requested for himself that he might die in I Kings 19:4. So what happened in Elijah’s life that he would reach such a point of despair?

To make a long story short, I will paraphrase it, however you can read it for yourself in I Kings chapters 18 and 19.

The story begins with an evil King named Ahab. I King 16:33 “And Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.” To provide some background, at this point in the story, God had already sent a famine in the land where Ahab was King, and God was honoring Elijah’s prayer to hold back the rain for three years. A decree to kill all of Israel’s prophets had also been given. We pick up at the end of the three years where God is now sending Elijah to speak to King Ahab directly.

So, what happens next?

Elijah meets with Ahab and God proves he is the one and only God to everyone. How?

• Elijah challenges Ahab, his prophets and his Gods. The challenge – build an altar and “call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answers by fire, let him be God.”
• Elijah tells Ahab to bring his 450 prophets and build an altar to their gods
• Ahab’s prophets spend all day, even until the evening sacrifice, calling on their gods but nothing happens; no fire
• Elijah then builds an altar to the Lord and calls on his God. Immediately the altar is consumed by fire.

Well when the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. Proving He is the only God. Seizing the opportunity, Elijah commanded the prophets of Baal to be gathered and he killed them all. With the land now cleansed, Elijah prays for the rain to return and it does.

Meanwhile   

Ahab runs to Jezebel (an evil and feared queen). Ahab tells her all that Elijah did including how he killed 450 of their prophets. Jezebel is so anger that she vows to have Elijah killed just like the 450 prophets within the next 24 hours.

Here is where Elijah’s persecution and despair set in. When he heard what the queen had declared against him, he arose and ran for his life. This is the same man that just finished doing the will of God and witnessing first-hand the power of God. Yet he fled in fear for his life until he felt safe and laid down under a juniper tree to rest. So, was God angry with him? I don’t think so, he actually sent an angel who gave Elijah food to eat and water to drink. Taking care of his physical needs. Elijah then got up and kept moving. He eventually reached a cave where he stayed. However, during his entire journey and angel gave him food to eat and water to drink.

He went from calling down fire to hiding in a cave

Now Elijah is hiding in a cave. He went from calling down fire to hiding in a cave. God, being the incredible kind God that He is, took care of Elijah’s needs and gave Elijah time to rest. Then when the time was right, God asked Elijah, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” In order words, hey Elijah what’s up, what’s going on with you? Then Elijah, like all of us, begins to tell his side of the story. 1 Kings 19:10 “And Elijah said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword, and I even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

How did God respond to Elijah?

Basically, God said, come to me. He told Elijah to come stand on the mount before the Lord. Then the Lord passed by the cave where Elijah was. A strong wind passed by braking the rocks, then an earthquake, and then fire, but God was not in any of them. Instead, after the fire He came in a still (calming) small voice. So, Elijah covered his face and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. And again God said to him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”

Misery loves company

Then Elijah, like all of us, begins to tell his same story again. 1 Kings 19:14 “And Elijah said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword, and I even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Next Assignment

Now God, didn’t even respond to Elijah’s pity party, but instead begins by giving him his next assignment. You see God knows who He is and that all things are subject to him, even Elijah’s life. The thing that Elijah temporarily forgot. You see, God reminded Elijah of his power when he passed by in the wind, the earthquake and the fire. And of their relationship when He spoke to him in His still small voice.

So what happened next, God gave Elijah his next assignment. Verse 15, “and the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.

Moving On

Now, Elijah went from calling down fire, to hiding in a cave, to moving on from his fear and despair.

How did he do it? Well, three things happened to Elijah in this story.

• He was reminded of the power and deity of God
• He was obedient and went to God for help when he stood on the mount before God
• He let go of what happened, the past, and moved onto his next assignment

This is truly how you move on when are you faced with adversity, persecution, or despair. Remind yourself of who God is, the King of the World. Be obedient and submit yourself to Him in prayer, for He will also be there for you. And finally, shake it off, let it go, and get busy with your next assignment.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Have you ever wondered what does John 3:16 really mean? I have, so one day I decided to look up the meaning of the words just to see what God was telling us. In the next paragraph, I listed the meaning of the preceding word in parentheses.

For God so loved (an intense feeling of deep affection) the world (the earth with all its people, natural features, animals) that he gave (freely transferred possession of) his only (solely) begotten (bringing a child into existence by the process of reproduction) Son (offspring, in the likeness of him), that whosoever (anyone) believeth (accept as true) in him should not perish (suffer death), but have everlasting (lasting forever) life (existence).

When you read John 3:16 using the definitions of the words, here is what you get:

“God had such an intense feeling of deep affection for the earth he created, the creatures he added, and the people he formed that he freely transferred possession of it all to the highest position in the universe (the only reproduction of himself-Jesus) so that anyone who accepts him as true will not suffer death but exist forever.”

To sum it up in one sentence: God gave everything away in order to hold onto it.

Since I will be turning 60 on my next birthday I have really been kind of bothered by that. You know, you begin to scrutinize yourself in the mirror, discover lines and wrinkles that seem to have appeared overnight.  You look at your sagging jawline, your body that seems to be destroyed by gravity, your energy level seems to diminish. You know, AGING.

I rush to buy the latest wrinkle creams, anti-sagging creams, firming creams, anything that I can afford creams…. trying to repair the effects of the aging process. The mirror is no longer my friend, and I look at the face and body of a stranger.  You know they say the first thing to go is your memory, but I disagree.  It’s vanity.  I see myself as not attractive, and a little depressed on something I have no control of…getting old.

But how does God see me?

Through a friend of mine, God gave me this picture and a lesson.

In our teens and twenties, we are like a young rose, a bloom so soft, and pliant, a promise of beauty.

In our thirties the flower begins to expand its petals, becomes fuller, and lovely, the true color of the rose begins to be visible.

In our forties the flower expands even more, the color begins to fade a little, maybe a petal or two will fall away. Still the flower is lovely and captivating.

In our fifties the flower expands larger, it’s petals are full and fragrant, a fully mature flower. People seem to be drawn to the flower, wanting to capture the beauty of it before it wilts and dies.

In our sixties and beyond the flower is fully expanded, the colors are fading, petals are falling away but the mature flower is the most fragrant of all. The Lord sees us as stunningly beautiful.

As Christian women consider this: A bouquet of roses is more interesting when there are flowers of each stage of its life. The bloom, the expanding flowers, the full flowers, and even the fading flowers.

Each flower contributes something to the arrangement.

The bloom is vibrant, and tender, and its aroma is just beginning to release its fragrance. Like young women who are discovering who they are and what they long to be.

As the flower begins to mature the shape of its life begins to open, and reveal the person that they are. The gifts, and the callings begin to become more evident.

Growing still, the flower begins to fully mature and become the stability and the center of the bouquet, it is inviting and lovely and fragrant.

Older blooms still…are fully shaped, and fragrant with the experiences and wisdom they have gleaned from life.

The word teaches us, older women are to teach the younger women, and younger women are to respect the older. Each of us have something to contribute to the lives we encounter.  Each of us are beautiful and fragrant with the presence of God.  Let us become the bouquet of the Lord, stunningly beautiful in His sight.

Titus Chapter 2

Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation or in the middle of what is known as ‘office politics’ at work? I believe it is safe to say at one time or another we all have. So, what do we do? Well over the years I have learned some valuable lessons. Here’s a couple that may help you.

Lesson 1 – Don’t Pick Sides

Let me tell you a story I remember as a young girl. Back then I worked in an office with several other women of varying ages. Our department had two managers. Both were bright, talented, ambitious and eager to move up the ranks. Needless to say, the two managers were always competing against each other and often had a difference of opinion. Their behavior began to disrupt the office, so much so that their subordinates began to choose sides. This caught the attention of senior management and soon the rumors started to circulate that one of the managers was going to be let go. So I, as well as the others, determined in our own mind which manager was on their way out.

Picking a side caused my opinion of each manager to change and therefore my attitude changed. One manager I was loyal to and the other, well let’s just say I paid little attention to their direction and treated them with little respect. After all, I was sure the manager I supported was going to stay.

Yup, you probably guessed it. My manager was the one who was let go and the other manager became my boss. Well at least long enough to give me the boot. The moral to the lesson is, always treat everyone with the same respect and don’t pick sides, because what happens down the road just might surprise you.

Lesson 2 – Avoid Getting Caught Up in the Conflict

I have found that keeping my motives and my attitude out of the conflict equation has always helped me to behave professionally and come out on top when difficulties presented themselves.

MOTIVES – Always ask yourself before you do anything. What is the motive for my reaction to the situation?

When you are in the middle of conflict don’t react out of anger because you disagree or out of pride because you think your way is better. But instead humble yourself, show respect for the other person and listen to what they have to say. Most of the time the best solution is a combination of the two opinions.

Philippians 2:3 KJV – Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

ATTITUDE – Your attitude will always drive your behavior.

When you find yourself in a situation where there is dishonesty or deliberate unacceptable behavior going on around you, be careful that you are not expressing a discontented or dissatisfied attitude creating further disagreements or a constant debate. Stay away from office gossip. Instead practice keeping the peace. Be sure to not abandon the truth (not your truth, the truth) but bring it into view without becoming offensive by doing what is right, so that when the situation escalates or comes to a head, you will be found innocent of wrong doing.

Philippians 2:15-16 KJV – Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.

 

Abraham – A Man of Faith  

Abraham is the father of our faith.

Genesis Chapter 12:1-3 NIV The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

The writer of Hebrews holds this view of Abraham;  

Hebrews 11:8-11 NIV “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Through Faith God’s Promise is Established

Genesis 22:7-8 NIV And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, “My father”, and he said, “Here am I, my son.” And he said, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

 Genesis 22:15-18 NIV “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Because of the Life Abraham lived through Faith before God and Man, the Lord God of Abraham fulfills his Oath through Israel. Abrahams descendants were chosen through Abraham, long before Moses and the Law.

Jesus, the Offspring in which all Nations are Blessed

Paul give us these Words in His letter to the gentile churches in Galatia;

Gal 3:16-19 NIV – The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed.”

Meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.

Through Faith, the Promise (Jesus) is Available to Everyone

Paul also teaches that the true descendants of Abraham are not physical, but those who have a heart like Abraham’s:

Romans 4:16-17 NIV “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring — not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.”

Romans 4:9-12 NIV “Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.”

All are Justified by Faith

I want to pose a question here? Was there anyone justified before the Lord while abiding under the under the authority of the Law? (Sinai Covenant-Law of Moses) Look carefully what the Holy Spirit says through Paul here;

Romans 3:30-31 NIV “Since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”

The circumcised Paul refers to here are the Israelites that our Father had justified. But it was not because of the Law they had ever been justified, it was because they honored the terms of the Sinai Covenant through Faith. It was those who, through a spirit of unbelief, brought forth the curse of death upon Israel. Yet in the coming of our Lord, we will see many in Israel sitting with Christ at Abraham’s table, even as Christ our Lord said.

The Promise was Always Intended for Everyone

Paul once again addresses the gentile church in Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:3-14 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession — to the praise of his glory.”

Note: The gentiles in Ephesians were chosen in Christ before the creation of the World, even as the Nation of Israel had been chosen in Abraham before they were born. Why? For Israel is was because of the Life Abraham lived before God. Is not the same reason Our Father adopted us not because of our Life, but because of the Life Christ lived? Had not Paul revealed that those who had lived under the authority of the Law, and walked in the same kind of Faith Abraham had were Justified? You and I who call upon the Name of the Lord, are we not called to cloth ourselves with the faith like that of Our Lord Jesus Christ?

Living the Promise

This was Paul personal testimony that gives us insight in to how we as believers should also live:

Gal 2:19-21 NIV “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

The Promise is Forever

Our Fathers Oath through Abraham stands forever throughout human history, and will become a physical reality at the second coming of our Lord Jesus.

 Matthew 8:11-12 NIV “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”