I wrote this note in 2009 and it's still relevant in 2012!
Faith is an area in which many Christians struggle. God has personally been working with me in the area of trusting him. In an era in which the devil is very busy in not only the world but in our very community, it is easy to think that God has forgotten about you, people dying left and right, bad economy, everybody is broke, bills due and no money...I could go on. But oh how sweet it is to trust in Jesus, just to take him at his word, just to rest upon his promise, just to know thus says the Lord (The lyrics to my favorite hymn). In 2009 when the economy is getting progressively worse, I can still have confidence in my God, knowing that even when Wall Street needs a bailout, he is still MY provider! Statistics suggest that only 2 of every 10 black women will get married because blacks don't marry anymore...I can still have confidence to know that God has hand picked my husband and he's preparing us for eachother. Even though friends suggest that you may as well do what everybody else is doing because black men aren't about anything...you have to remember that God PROMISED to give us the desires of our heart according to his will. Even though sometimes the devil will try to manipulate our minds to believe that the non-believers are more prosperous than the believers, they still MUST stand before judgement day!! God is good, I have yet to find anyone as trustworthy as Jesus...he NEVER fails! My point, don't be swayed to believed that God has forgotten about you, if you haven't received what you've been praying for, evaluate it to see if it falls in line with the will of God and if you can even handle the release that you are praying for.
7°N represents what I seek to do with my life. It represents complete elevation. My goal is to help others see the abundant life that is offered in Christ Jesus by Creating Opportunities for Real Engagement (C.O.R.E.) through community, small group resources, media, and blogging. 7 Degrees North Ministries empowers and inspires Christians to live out the word of God.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
What Are We Here For??!
I wrote this post in 2009 and i'm amazed at how much God has revealed to me over the past 3 years. As I stated then, If you give God an inch of desire for him, he will truly reveal himself to you. Thank you Lord!
I was feeling the pen this morning so I decided to record my thoughts. It may just provide encouragement to you....
The responsibility is not one that should be taken lightly, but often times it is. You realize that your life has purpose and you are here to fulfill that purpose but you take the responsibility as a hobby rather than as a full time job. You feel the constant voice of God calling you closer to him but you’re not ready to yield the that voice because you’re afraid of having to give up the worldly things that to you have become so comfortable. There is a war going on in your spirit and you know that the spirit of God within you will win, but at what cost?
God is always blessing me, I’m not worthy, I don’t do anything to deserve the blessings but because of his grace and mercy he continues to show me where he will take me if I will completely surrender to him and become a kingdom builder. God doesn’t bless us so that we can sit on our blessings; rather he places people in our lives that he wants to bless through us. He wants people to come into the knowledge of him through us, he wants people to be encouraged through us, he wants people to be financially blessed through us, he wants people to obtain jobs through us, he wants people to have healthcare through us, the list goes on. Whatever your spiritual gifts are is what God wants you to use to do his work and ultimately to build his kingdom. Many of us don’t mind using our gifts to give honor to God, the problem comes in with exemplifying him in our actions. Living a life that allows people to see Christ in us should be our first responsibility. We are called to show people the love of Christ, which means that even when people make us mad, or even when our fleshly desires warrant sin, we should strive to honor God with our lives.
Is this easy?!?! Not at all! But at some point, I began to feel selfish. Selfish because God wants to bless so many people through me but he is limited by me. If I am not in constant communication with God (my power source) I cannot fulfill my purpose. Sin separates us from God, the more we sin, the easier it becomes to sin, and the further we become from Christ. God doesn’t push us away but we simply unplug from the source of power. Without that power, tackling life issues become very difficult and giving God our all is nearly impossible.
When I spend more time with God, I feel secure and confident, this is not to say that life is always great, but God gives us the power to overcome any challenges. At some point, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our spirit. We have to give up the desires to fit in to the world, we have to give up the need to be popular, we have to give up the need to please people, we even have to give up sinful desires. We are here for a greater calling; we can bless people in a way that could transform their lives, we can touch people in a way that can save their lives. That’s what it’s all about!! You go to school to get an education….yes you get other things while you are there, social activities, fun, stress, and drama but the main purpose is education. The same is true with life, the main purpose is to serve God, build his kingdom, bring people into the knowledge of Christ, but while we are here we’ll have fun, family, friends, stresses, love, careers but we have to keep our eyes on the prize. So, I encourage all to challenge yourself to discover the purpose that God had in mind when he created you (we all have one) and get to work and I will be praying that we all succeed. Every day we wake is an opportunity for us to serve God.
I’m not completely there yet but every day that I seek the face of God, it gets easier. Most importantly is the desire, if we give God an inch, he will take a mile. Pray, seek God, and your desires will begin to change from your will to God’s will. From the bottom of my heart, I hope that if you are reading this, God speaks to you and I pray that you are blessed and that you use your life to glorify God and because of that you are glorified in this life and on the other side.
The responsibility is not one that should be taken lightly, but often times it is. You realize that your life has purpose and you are here to fulfill that purpose but you take the responsibility as a hobby rather than as a full time job. You feel the constant voice of God calling you closer to him but you’re not ready to yield the that voice because you’re afraid of having to give up the worldly things that to you have become so comfortable. There is a war going on in your spirit and you know that the spirit of God within you will win, but at what cost?
God is always blessing me, I’m not worthy, I don’t do anything to deserve the blessings but because of his grace and mercy he continues to show me where he will take me if I will completely surrender to him and become a kingdom builder. God doesn’t bless us so that we can sit on our blessings; rather he places people in our lives that he wants to bless through us. He wants people to come into the knowledge of him through us, he wants people to be encouraged through us, he wants people to be financially blessed through us, he wants people to obtain jobs through us, he wants people to have healthcare through us, the list goes on. Whatever your spiritual gifts are is what God wants you to use to do his work and ultimately to build his kingdom. Many of us don’t mind using our gifts to give honor to God, the problem comes in with exemplifying him in our actions. Living a life that allows people to see Christ in us should be our first responsibility. We are called to show people the love of Christ, which means that even when people make us mad, or even when our fleshly desires warrant sin, we should strive to honor God with our lives.
Is this easy?!?! Not at all! But at some point, I began to feel selfish. Selfish because God wants to bless so many people through me but he is limited by me. If I am not in constant communication with God (my power source) I cannot fulfill my purpose. Sin separates us from God, the more we sin, the easier it becomes to sin, and the further we become from Christ. God doesn’t push us away but we simply unplug from the source of power. Without that power, tackling life issues become very difficult and giving God our all is nearly impossible.
When I spend more time with God, I feel secure and confident, this is not to say that life is always great, but God gives us the power to overcome any challenges. At some point, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our spirit. We have to give up the desires to fit in to the world, we have to give up the need to be popular, we have to give up the need to please people, we even have to give up sinful desires. We are here for a greater calling; we can bless people in a way that could transform their lives, we can touch people in a way that can save their lives. That’s what it’s all about!! You go to school to get an education….yes you get other things while you are there, social activities, fun, stress, and drama but the main purpose is education. The same is true with life, the main purpose is to serve God, build his kingdom, bring people into the knowledge of Christ, but while we are here we’ll have fun, family, friends, stresses, love, careers but we have to keep our eyes on the prize. So, I encourage all to challenge yourself to discover the purpose that God had in mind when he created you (we all have one) and get to work and I will be praying that we all succeed. Every day we wake is an opportunity for us to serve God.
I’m not completely there yet but every day that I seek the face of God, it gets easier. Most importantly is the desire, if we give God an inch, he will take a mile. Pray, seek God, and your desires will begin to change from your will to God’s will. From the bottom of my heart, I hope that if you are reading this, God speaks to you and I pray that you are blessed and that you use your life to glorify God and because of that you are glorified in this life and on the other side.
My Testimony
So, as Christians, it is good for us to share our testimony with others for them to benefit. It is also good for us to constantly remind ourselves of our own testimonies to keep remain humble and keep things in prospective. This particular one isn't recently but very much alive in my heart. I hope you find comfort in the fact that God knows, he cares, and he will carry you through the process of healing. James 1:2-8
Jesus, The Ultimate Healer
When I was young I was diagnosed with a auto immune disease that the doctors said would claim my life by the age of 12, I was ALWAYS in the hospital and always missing school. I was put on a steroid that depleted the calcium out of my bones and caused me to break my bones often (so not only did I have weak muscles but I also had weak bones, lol). After the doctors saw that I wasn't going to die when they expected, they then said that I'd never walk again. I went on to be on the track team in high school and the marching band and I am still here to share my testimony. I was released from my neurologist just before I went to college and the disease that I was told that I would suffer with for the rest of my life is completely gone. My hospital even sent my family and me on a trip through the "Give the kids the world" program, the program is meant to grant children their last wish before they die. I say all that to say that God is truly awesome and powerful! Whatever we ask in his name according to his will, he will provide.
We are created for a purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled, we are here to stay. The thing that we must do in tune in to discover what that purpose is and get to work! And if you can't see the long term, bring it down to the day. Everyday we wake up, there is a purpose for us. It may be to bless someone financially, it may be to give someone an encouraging word or smile and it may just be to listen to God for your next assignment. The more time we spend with God, the more clear our purpose becomes. I am forever thankful and when I begin to think to highly of myself and my own abilities, I remember when I was at my most vulnerable state and could do nothing for myself, if it were not for God, I would have been in my little grave a lonnnnng time ago. Be encouraged!
Kris
Jesus, The Ultimate Healer
When I was young I was diagnosed with a auto immune disease that the doctors said would claim my life by the age of 12, I was ALWAYS in the hospital and always missing school. I was put on a steroid that depleted the calcium out of my bones and caused me to break my bones often (so not only did I have weak muscles but I also had weak bones, lol). After the doctors saw that I wasn't going to die when they expected, they then said that I'd never walk again. I went on to be on the track team in high school and the marching band and I am still here to share my testimony. I was released from my neurologist just before I went to college and the disease that I was told that I would suffer with for the rest of my life is completely gone. My hospital even sent my family and me on a trip through the "Give the kids the world" program, the program is meant to grant children their last wish before they die. I say all that to say that God is truly awesome and powerful! Whatever we ask in his name according to his will, he will provide.
We are created for a purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled, we are here to stay. The thing that we must do in tune in to discover what that purpose is and get to work! And if you can't see the long term, bring it down to the day. Everyday we wake up, there is a purpose for us. It may be to bless someone financially, it may be to give someone an encouraging word or smile and it may just be to listen to God for your next assignment. The more time we spend with God, the more clear our purpose becomes. I am forever thankful and when I begin to think to highly of myself and my own abilities, I remember when I was at my most vulnerable state and could do nothing for myself, if it were not for God, I would have been in my little grave a lonnnnng time ago. Be encouraged!
Kris
Job Security?? My Testimony
I have to make this short and sweet! I hope someone gets something out of it!
I graduated from Alabama A&M University in May 2008 and started a masters program in Public Health ( concentration: Health Administration, Management and Policy) in August of 2008. I graduated from that program in May 2010 (whoop whoop). I started looking for a position before I graduated however, I was having no success on finding a full time position. The job that I worked while In my masters program paid $21 an hour, I was also working as a research assistant making $15 an hour. Needless to say, I felt bless to be in school and have jobs that paid well and were relevant to my field (public health) and interest. So, God opened a door for me to do a 2 month fellowship program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maryland which was great...although it was not really in my interest, it was something that that I had experience in from undergrad (food science) I was also able to live in DC (something that I have always wanted to do). I came back to Atl after the fellowship ended and had no idea when I was going to get a full time position. So, for 2 months I was unemployed...broke...feeling like a loser! lol After 2 months God opened up another door for me to complete a fellowship program in Atlanta at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ASTDR). This fellowship was a 3 month position. I was happy
for the opportunity BUT i felt like I wasn't getting the most out of the experience. My mentor was really busy and I was basically on my own. But after a convo with my mentor (who works at CDC/ATSDR) she encouraged me to maximize my experience even if I felt that it wasn't a great situation, so...I did! I was able to be an author on an publication and develop a project that was beneficial to the agencies and present to senior staff at CDC. At the conclusion of the fellowship I was NOT offered a position.................... Pause.......................... it was only a fellowship and with all of my networking an opportunity was not available (it is VERY hard to get a full time position in the federal government).
So at this point I was back at step 1, unemployed and feeling like a loser. lol Although I had amazing people all around encouraging me I felt as though no one truly understood what i was feeling. I was 23 when I got my masters, ppl really take well to me so I had favor (not bragging but it's true), I excelled academically, I knew the right people, but none of this seemed to help. I was unemployed from November 2010 - February 2011. I got on food stamps (yes I had food stamps, I miss them dearly :( ) so in case I ended up homeless at least I could eat! lol I even got a job at a restaurant...and no it wasn't fancy...it was Shane's Rib Shack *straight face*....at this point I knew that God had something better waiting on me but since he gave me an opportunity to have an income I took the job (and I was geeked too) hahaha. While there, my goal was to identify someone(s) who I could show the love of Christ to and I did, I was focused on my purpose at the restaurant and that was it. I worked there until this happened, which was about 2 weeks...(see below)
In February I got a random phone call from my sib at MSM (let me explain- msm has a program where 2nd years are matched with 1st year students to serve as a mentor, support, etc.) asking if I had found a job, I said no, she told me to call someone who she interned with. When I called the lady we talked for about an hour and a half, she was leaving her position and was looking for someone to replace her. The position was directly related to the skills that I had gained at my "useless" fellowship at CDC/ATSDR and was in an area that I was very interested in and passionate about. So in a matter of a week I had interviewed for the position and 2 weeks later, I was hired. Praise God!
I say all of this to say, I thought that I had it all together, I knew the right people, I did the right things, I was really feeling myself...I have always been clear that we have to depend on God for everything, BUT this experience gave new meaning to that. Sometimes God takes us around the way (Like he did with the children of Israel) instead of giving us the direct path. Although that was one of the hardest moments of my life, I must say that I wouldn't change it for the world. During that time I had to run to God and that is exactly where he wanted (want) me. I got in my word (bible) because that was the only thing that I could put my hope and trust in, I communicated with God continually (as we are instructed to do anyway) and my focus was completely on him (God/Jesus). The things that God revealed to me in that 8 months were invaluable. It made me more compassionate to others, increased my capacity to love, revealed my purpose clearly to me in turn making me more passionate about what I need to accomplish in life and it made me more focused on Christ.
I have been working at my current position for 7 months now and I really enjoy it. There are challenges but to those challenges I say TO GOD be the Glory! God has already proven to me over and over that he is capable of providing and protecting me so why would I worry?! (this is a continual struggle-- complete reliance on Christ). I know this is only the beginning of God wants to do with my little life and I am excited about my future. I am totally blessed beyond measures. Even in my unemployment I was blessed beyond measures. This is why Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen...you can't always see how God is preparing your blessing but you better believe that he is working things out behind the scenes. Just trust him, love him more, walk more closely with him, check your life on a daily basis to make sure that it lines up with the Word of God and God promised that ALL other things will be added unto you. I can now say that I feel fully confident in myself through Christ! Many people get it twisted and think that self- confidence is all about your power, your strength, your looks, your success, etc. No. This confidence that I have cannot be taking away if I lose my job, if I am not "successful" by the worlds standard, or if I get in a car accident and get my face messed up (I rebuke that) but rather it comes through knowing who I am in Christ and the abundant love that Christ has for me. That type of confidence cannot be taken away.
I could go on, I promise I could but this is Facebook...lol But to those who are in a similar place as sincere as I can I encourage you to keep the faith. Know that God wants to bless you, that is his desire for you, know that you is smart, you is kind, and you is important (corny huh?! )
Now I had to check myself a couple of months ago because I started getting side tracked. I had my job, I was feeling myself (again) and the Holy Spirit convicted me...since then I have refocused and I hope that I I will continue to check myself for error...after all, I am a work in progress.
There is no such thing as job security, look at all that is going on in the world...nothing is secure. Security comes only through God!
I wrote this because I promised God that when I got a full-time job that I would make sure that he got the glory from it. For ppl to know that it was nothing that I did "right", but it was only God that moved for me. Lastly, I have an awesome support system. My family and friends, even though I was withdrawn during my time of employment due to my own insecurities, were always there with a word, a prayer, MONEY (heeeyyy!), etc. and I am eternally thankful to them for that. I still don't know how my bills got paid every month or how I still managed to have fun but I know that it had to be something supernatural (God). I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share life with. I love you all and BE ENCOURAGED!
****Praise Break***** ♥ So much for short and sweet ;(
Marriage is for the Birds?!
“Never Take Relationship Advice from A Single Girl…she is a just going to hate on you” how many of you have ever heard that said? I think it’s dumb but I may be bias because I am that single girl….So, if you believe that to your heart, then exit from this note because you’re about to think that I’m a hater. I assure you, this is out of love, not hate. My personal philosophy on advice is that I take it from people who 1) have similar morals as I, 2) shares my faith (this is flexible but definitely true for things like relationships), 3) who lifestyle I respect in the aspect that I seek advice.
I’ve noticed two trends that are alarming and disheartening
1) The Divorce Rate is going up at an alarming rate
2) Black People don’t get married much anymore
We can all name many reasons why this trend is so, but at the root of the problem is PREPARATION! Meaning…
Most people have a picture in mind how their life will look once they “settle down” perhaps it looks like this:
Attractive husband/wife, kids, dog, house, careers, faith, fun, vacation, travel, sex
All of that is great however many factors must be considered…
A) Have you made preparation to be the person that you have in your mind? For example, I can want to learn Spanish and imagine myself speaking fluently all day and night, but until I pick up the software and start studying then it’s all a dream (true story). The same is true for obtaining the type of lasting relationship that you have in mine. If you want to be an effective husband, wife, mother, or father -who your spouse adores and kids look up to you, you have to make preparation to get there. If you are not disciplined in your singleness then what makes you think that all of a sudden you are going to be the “marrying type” and it actually work?
Preparation is key, and it starts now, not when you meet the person who you want to be with. I have encountered many men who want to get married but when they meet a woman that they would married they are scared to death because they realize that they can’t really handle the woman that they want. So they end up either running from it or playing games and sabotaging the relationship because it requires too much work.
A theologian whom I respect, Andy Stanley, posed this question “Are you the person that the person that you are looking for is looking for?”
I think the question is genius! I honestly have to answer no, I am getting there, but I have a few more things that I need to work out before I’m ready for marriage. God has called me to a BIG purpose and in order for me to be most effective, there are some things that I need to change and examine. I also think it’s extremely important for me to guard my purpose, meaning, if a man doesn’t have purpose and passion for life…then I really shouldn’t get involved romantically. I have cousins, future children, brothers, sisters, friends, family, etc. to guide….when I allow someone to led me astray, it’s a chain affect…and God does not get the greatest possible glory out of my life.
I think marriage is a beautiful thing, my parents have been married for over 40years and I’m thankful for the example, I’m also thankful that it taught me that marriage is full of highs and lows but genuine love is the glue that holds it together. Strong families is essential to strong community and a strong nation. If you breakup the family…the devil has greater access. I hope that black love will grow and be sustained! Be encouraged!
Feel free to share your thoughts :)
G2G!
Kris
I’ve noticed two trends that are alarming and disheartening
1) The Divorce Rate is going up at an alarming rate
2) Black People don’t get married much anymore
We can all name many reasons why this trend is so, but at the root of the problem is PREPARATION! Meaning…
Most people have a picture in mind how their life will look once they “settle down” perhaps it looks like this:
Attractive husband/wife, kids, dog, house, careers, faith, fun, vacation, travel, sex
All of that is great however many factors must be considered…
A) Have you made preparation to be the person that you have in your mind? For example, I can want to learn Spanish and imagine myself speaking fluently all day and night, but until I pick up the software and start studying then it’s all a dream (true story). The same is true for obtaining the type of lasting relationship that you have in mine. If you want to be an effective husband, wife, mother, or father -who your spouse adores and kids look up to you, you have to make preparation to get there. If you are not disciplined in your singleness then what makes you think that all of a sudden you are going to be the “marrying type” and it actually work?
- Do you like to gain more than you give in relationships? If so, that is something that should be dealt with now, while single
- Are you chasing after shallow things? i.e. how someone looks, car they drive, how much money they make, etc. There is nothing wrong with wanting those things but they should by no means out shadow the things of substance
- Do you truly know how to love? Not surface love, but the type of love that Christ demonstrates. Lasting relationships requires us to display selfless love, unconditional/agape love. This is extremely important because marriage is permanent and everything isn’t going to be good all the time. You may have sick children that may shake your faith, someone might get laid off making paying bills a struggle, etc. and you made a commitment to be there, regardless! NOW… American society has spoiled us into thinking that we should get what we want, how we want it, when we want it so when things don’t go as planned, we walk away (which often times is fine because we didn’t make a commitment) ….many of us take that same mentality into marriage so when things get difficult, we bail.
- If you have not experienced God, you CANNOT properly love in a marriage…I’m sorry but it can’t happen. God is love, God demonstrates love to us and allows us to love ourselves and others. God wants to love and God will increase our capacity to love. I started praying that prayer over the last year and I promise it happened. “Lord, increase my capacity to love, forgive, show mercy”
Preparation is key, and it starts now, not when you meet the person who you want to be with. I have encountered many men who want to get married but when they meet a woman that they would married they are scared to death because they realize that they can’t really handle the woman that they want. So they end up either running from it or playing games and sabotaging the relationship because it requires too much work.
A theologian whom I respect, Andy Stanley, posed this question “Are you the person that the person that you are looking for is looking for?”
I think the question is genius! I honestly have to answer no, I am getting there, but I have a few more things that I need to work out before I’m ready for marriage. God has called me to a BIG purpose and in order for me to be most effective, there are some things that I need to change and examine. I also think it’s extremely important for me to guard my purpose, meaning, if a man doesn’t have purpose and passion for life…then I really shouldn’t get involved romantically. I have cousins, future children, brothers, sisters, friends, family, etc. to guide….when I allow someone to led me astray, it’s a chain affect…and God does not get the greatest possible glory out of my life.
I think marriage is a beautiful thing, my parents have been married for over 40years and I’m thankful for the example, I’m also thankful that it taught me that marriage is full of highs and lows but genuine love is the glue that holds it together. Strong families is essential to strong community and a strong nation. If you breakup the family…the devil has greater access. I hope that black love will grow and be sustained! Be encouraged!
Feel free to share your thoughts :)
G2G!
Kris
#Darkness is Trending
Take a good look at the world around you....have you noticed that #darkness is a trendy concept in society. What do I mean??....look at music icons today (Rihanna, Kanye, Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, etc), if that isn't enough take a look at the people around you who try so hard to appear mysterious because it's "in style". No, they don’t' all wear black everywhere and profess to be devil worshippers BUT it is a bold statement that is being made. I am currently at the library (doing some writing) and walked into the coffee shop to grab some things...I heard a song on the radio and the lyrics said "Love is full of darkness"...yea that was the hook line :-/ I am WELL aware that love is the complete opposite....Love is full of LIGHT and LIFE however, I do realize that this is a concept that is generally accepted in our society. This is evident by the amount of times you hear the phrases "Love is Pain, Love Hurts, etc", the music that reemphasizes this, media, Hollywood relationships and even relationships that we see on a daily basis. The Problem is...it's NOT TRUE! It's a lie! A myth! Whatever, it's a False representation. Love first has to be defined and then measured from the proper lens....if we have an inaccurate view of what love is then we can't truly define the characteristics of love. Right? Right. Love is not something that is relative....although we often try to make it that way. Off of that soap box because that isn't even the point of this note.
It seems to me that over the last 2 years the world has become so intrigued with darkness, mystery, spirits, etc. and to some this may not be a big deal but....it really is! One thing that I have realized in my 25 years of life.....every action causes a reaction. The phrase that I grew up hearing "You can be whatever you want to be" has taken a turn for the worse! Back then that phrase told kids to excel, soar to your highest potential and now that phrase mean (according to Lady gaga) that if you want to be a cat....be a cat, if you want to be bubbles....be bubbles, etc. Yes, I do respect the thought that we should aspire to be different, set apart (that's actually a biblical principle...be ye not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ Jesus) BUT is this fantasy world really the way we want to be "different". Rihanna use to have a sweet island girl appeal but since her transformation into darkness her popularity has soared. There seems to be some connection to this darkness....some pull that makes people want to be a part of the mystery.
What's the Point?
My point is, this is the enemies way of distracting us from the love that God wants to show us. Genuine love that is unadulterated. So many people get caught up in this false "love" and think that it's as good as it gets. Darkness seems so appealing because our flesh is sinful. That's why it's so important that we live in the spirit (God). If the devil can distract us with music, fake love, unproductive relationships, etc don't you think he will do that? And the sad thing is because we are so imperfect it's so easy for us to be distracted. Sometimes we get off course and don't even realize that or when we got off. The best advice that I can give us (me included) is to keep our eyes on God. This goes against everything that our flesh desires....we want to play in the dark...until we truly see God. Then we realize that the light is where it's at! Satan comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy.....don't ever think that he has something good in store for you. Sometimes we fall into his trap and he is laughing at us...LAUGHING! Take this visual with me, imagine someone who you thought was your friend...ya'll hang tight! Imagine that friend telling you to do something wrong but making it sound right...or fun..or whatever and you doing it. Then when you reap the consequences of your actions the friend laughs at you. Not a laugh like "i'm laughing with you and not at you" but the "i'm laughing at you because I control you and now look at you". Isn't that a hurtful thought...that's what we fall into when we get in the bed with Satan (or the world).
How about we make #light trend? Light is found in Christ.
This is extremely random. I guess I should get back to writing what I came here to write. Facebook is so distracting sometimes! eek!
Thanks for reading. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Kris
It seems to me that over the last 2 years the world has become so intrigued with darkness, mystery, spirits, etc. and to some this may not be a big deal but....it really is! One thing that I have realized in my 25 years of life.....every action causes a reaction. The phrase that I grew up hearing "You can be whatever you want to be" has taken a turn for the worse! Back then that phrase told kids to excel, soar to your highest potential and now that phrase mean (according to Lady gaga) that if you want to be a cat....be a cat, if you want to be bubbles....be bubbles, etc. Yes, I do respect the thought that we should aspire to be different, set apart (that's actually a biblical principle...be ye not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind through Christ Jesus) BUT is this fantasy world really the way we want to be "different". Rihanna use to have a sweet island girl appeal but since her transformation into darkness her popularity has soared. There seems to be some connection to this darkness....some pull that makes people want to be a part of the mystery.
What's the Point?
My point is, this is the enemies way of distracting us from the love that God wants to show us. Genuine love that is unadulterated. So many people get caught up in this false "love" and think that it's as good as it gets. Darkness seems so appealing because our flesh is sinful. That's why it's so important that we live in the spirit (God). If the devil can distract us with music, fake love, unproductive relationships, etc don't you think he will do that? And the sad thing is because we are so imperfect it's so easy for us to be distracted. Sometimes we get off course and don't even realize that or when we got off. The best advice that I can give us (me included) is to keep our eyes on God. This goes against everything that our flesh desires....we want to play in the dark...until we truly see God. Then we realize that the light is where it's at! Satan comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy.....don't ever think that he has something good in store for you. Sometimes we fall into his trap and he is laughing at us...LAUGHING! Take this visual with me, imagine someone who you thought was your friend...ya'll hang tight! Imagine that friend telling you to do something wrong but making it sound right...or fun..or whatever and you doing it. Then when you reap the consequences of your actions the friend laughs at you. Not a laugh like "i'm laughing with you and not at you" but the "i'm laughing at you because I control you and now look at you". Isn't that a hurtful thought...that's what we fall into when we get in the bed with Satan (or the world).
How about we make #light trend? Light is found in Christ.
This is extremely random. I guess I should get back to writing what I came here to write. Facebook is so distracting sometimes! eek!
Thanks for reading. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Kris
Friday, December 16, 2011
Come to Me, I will GIVE you LIFE
It's funny how God speaks to me through the WEIRDIEST situations, I have grown to expect God to speak in odd circumstances, this might be the most odd analogy that God has used to teach me a lesson. Nevertheless, I always appreciate the insight.
Recently I was at home in Tuskegee, Alabama (the country...think cows and chickens) spending time with my family. I decided that I was going to go exercise everyday while home so I wouldn't get out of the habit. On day one, I was driving to my old high school to do a workout and I saw a dog with a jug stuck on his head (Yes, as weird as that may sound). I immediately pulled over and beckoned for the dog to come to me so I could try to get it off but he took off running instead. One my way back home, I noticed the dog again, this time I ran in the house to get my dad so he could help me but when we went to find him he had run off. (yes,there is a point to this story)
That night for some reason I couldn't stop thinking about the dog (who my family has nicknamed "Jug Head"). I had a number of questions going through my mind about him (who did that to him or did he do it himself?, how long had it been there?, could he breathe? How will he get food or water?, was he weak from a lack of food or water?). I woke up early the next morning looking for him but I couldn't find him. Later that day I saw him again, I was thinking that surely this time he would come to me and let me get the jug off of his head but again, he took off running away from me. My mom laughed at me for obsessing over this dog and that's when God began to speak to me and this is what he said....
Kristin, my daughter, I understand exactly how you feel. I go through this same pain daily. I see my beloved children, with jugs on their heads too. They think that they are meeting their essential needs outside of me but they aren't. They are burdened down with pain, hurt, failure, broken hearts, sin, and envy and they will either Come to Me so that I can removed the jug (weight of their sins, pain,etc.) or they will suffocate and die. I know they see me, they heard about the things that I have done, they sat in church or encountered one of my disciples that told them that I am able to removed the jug, yet they turn and run away from me as fast as they can. I have sovereign authority so I could at any point force them to me, but I gave them free will. You see Kristin, I'm the only true way that they can have the burden of the jug removed, but I want them to love me the way I love them. I don't want to force my way to them. And I want to do much more than remove the jug, I want to replace it with abundant life, I want to give them the nourishment that they are truly longing for. I want to replace the jug with love, grace, mercy and peace. But instead, too often I have to watch my children die, the ones that I created, the ones that I created purpose for before they were even formed in the womb. I had big plans for them, I stood at the door and knocked, they peeked out the window and occasionally opened the blinds and looked at me, but they never came to me. Kristin, I am the only way.
Wow! God, thank you for your word. All I could do was cry. I have been Jug Head many times in my own life. God wanted to give me life in specific circumstances but I ran away thinking that It would be best handled on my own. I thank God that through his spirit I am growing to love and trust him more, with my everything.
Consider the times in your life when you have been Jug Head. Remember, God is saying, "Come to Me, I will GIVE you LIFE"
Recently I was at home in Tuskegee, Alabama (the country...think cows and chickens) spending time with my family. I decided that I was going to go exercise everyday while home so I wouldn't get out of the habit. On day one, I was driving to my old high school to do a workout and I saw a dog with a jug stuck on his head (Yes, as weird as that may sound). I immediately pulled over and beckoned for the dog to come to me so I could try to get it off but he took off running instead. One my way back home, I noticed the dog again, this time I ran in the house to get my dad so he could help me but when we went to find him he had run off. (yes,there is a point to this story)
That night for some reason I couldn't stop thinking about the dog (who my family has nicknamed "Jug Head"). I had a number of questions going through my mind about him (who did that to him or did he do it himself?, how long had it been there?, could he breathe? How will he get food or water?, was he weak from a lack of food or water?). I woke up early the next morning looking for him but I couldn't find him. Later that day I saw him again, I was thinking that surely this time he would come to me and let me get the jug off of his head but again, he took off running away from me. My mom laughed at me for obsessing over this dog and that's when God began to speak to me and this is what he said....
Kristin, my daughter, I understand exactly how you feel. I go through this same pain daily. I see my beloved children, with jugs on their heads too. They think that they are meeting their essential needs outside of me but they aren't. They are burdened down with pain, hurt, failure, broken hearts, sin, and envy and they will either Come to Me so that I can removed the jug (weight of their sins, pain,etc.) or they will suffocate and die. I know they see me, they heard about the things that I have done, they sat in church or encountered one of my disciples that told them that I am able to removed the jug, yet they turn and run away from me as fast as they can. I have sovereign authority so I could at any point force them to me, but I gave them free will. You see Kristin, I'm the only true way that they can have the burden of the jug removed, but I want them to love me the way I love them. I don't want to force my way to them. And I want to do much more than remove the jug, I want to replace it with abundant life, I want to give them the nourishment that they are truly longing for. I want to replace the jug with love, grace, mercy and peace. But instead, too often I have to watch my children die, the ones that I created, the ones that I created purpose for before they were even formed in the womb. I had big plans for them, I stood at the door and knocked, they peeked out the window and occasionally opened the blinds and looked at me, but they never came to me. Kristin, I am the only way.
Wow! God, thank you for your word. All I could do was cry. I have been Jug Head many times in my own life. God wanted to give me life in specific circumstances but I ran away thinking that It would be best handled on my own. I thank God that through his spirit I am growing to love and trust him more, with my everything.
Consider the times in your life when you have been Jug Head. Remember, God is saying, "Come to Me, I will GIVE you LIFE"
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