I started this post weeks ago...and just now finishing today. I'm going to leave it as is and post it. I pray it blesses you.
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I was sitting in a meeting at work one day last week, and it donned on me that there are just so many things that are out of my control. There are things that I can do absolutely nothing about. It's in these times where we grow frustrated because we want things to change NOW!!!
How many times have you been upset about a decision someone else made? You've been upset about it because of how it affected you. Right? I've had this happen a lot in the past couple of years. I took time to resort to the "why me?", "this is just not right", "this is just a trick of the enemy", and the list goes on and on. But the reality that I always seem to come to is that things are not going to always be the way I want them to be.
I'm reminded of Jehosophat's defeat of Moab and Ammon in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehosophat received a message that a great multitude was going to come up against him. Instead of him asking the Lord why this was going happen, he prayed for guidance and declared a fast. In surrendering ALL to God and seeking Him, FIRST, Jehosophat received a Word from the Lord! Beginning in verse 15, he was told that the battle was not his; it belonged to God. He just didn't need to be afraid. The Lord was going to fight the battle for him! My oh my!!!!
The same God that fought the battle for Jehosophat is the same God that's fighting our battles today. He just wants us to properly acknowledge Him, worship Him in spirit and in truth, and keep His commandments. Life is just that...life. He never promised that it would be easy, and that things would go the way we want them go to. However, we have a savior, a protector, a father, and a forever friend who is faithful and with us through it all.
Just remember that though things are not like we want them to be, He knows what's best. Keep in mind that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He will never put anymore on us than we can handle. And if He brings us to it, He will definitely bring us through it.
Be blessed and receive...right there in that place,
Tee
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Seasons Change
Season comes from the Greek word KAIROS meaning - unique moment in time, a predestined era. According to Webster, a season is a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature. We are presently upon a season that
everyone’s familiar with – fall. We know when it’s upon us because we start to
see the leaves change color.
When the leaves change color, it’s because certain factors both inside and outside the plant cause the chlorophylls to be replaced at a slower rate than they’re being used up. There is a sugar-breakdown, and the chemicals and nutrients needed to keep the green color in the leaves moves out of the leaf and into the stem.
While I know this isn't a "science" blog or class, it's important to make an analogy for you between what’s happening in the natural realm and what’s happening in the spiritual realm. Just like the trees, some of us may be dreading “fall” because we are ill prepared for the transformation/changing of seasons that God’s is instructing to take place in our lives!
In order for God to fully work in and through us, we must align ourselves with His word! God tells us in Isaiah 55:8 that our thoughts are not His thoughts; neither are our ways His ways. Further
down in verse 11, it says, ‘my Word will not return to me void, but it shall
accomplish that which it was set out to do’.
With that said, I'm ready to embrace fall and all the change that He says is necessary in my life. What about you? I have made a choice already to make some adjustments in my life by the nudging of the Holy Spirit. And while some of those changes weren't easy or didn't feel good to my flesh, I believe they were ALL in His timing and necessary for my divine purpose.
In Him,
When the leaves change color, it’s because certain factors both inside and outside the plant cause the chlorophylls to be replaced at a slower rate than they’re being used up. There is a sugar-breakdown, and the chemicals and nutrients needed to keep the green color in the leaves moves out of the leaf and into the stem.
While I know this isn't a "science" blog or class, it's important to make an analogy for you between what’s happening in the natural realm and what’s happening in the spiritual realm. Just like the trees, some of us may be dreading “fall” because we are ill prepared for the transformation/changing of seasons that God’s is instructing to take place in our lives!
Transform: to change in composition or
structure; to change the outward form or appearance; to change in character or
condition
I’m
reminded of Saul/Paul – we’re all familiar with something about this apostle in
the Bible. Acts 9 speaks of his conversion/transformation. Paul was a blasphemer
of Christ; a persecutor of Christians. His plan to seek out and prosecute
Christians in Damascus was a plan of destruction. Christians fled Jerusalem and
Judea to Damascus for safety and refuge. Saul had a plan that was tweaked by
the almighty God himself!
Paul was sniffed out and snatched up by God to turn around
the evil for good. In the same manner, God has to snatch some of us up to get our attention! In
order for us to be receptive and fully understand our change, we must
understand that the timing is solely in God’s hands!
God
oftentimes tests us to see where we are. The tests only come to make us
stronger. We are tried in the fire to come out as pure GOLD! In spite of what
may come our way, we must do as Paul instructed in 1 Timothy 6:12 – fight
the good fight of faith!
With that said, I'm ready to embrace fall and all the change that He says is necessary in my life. What about you? I have made a choice already to make some adjustments in my life by the nudging of the Holy Spirit. And while some of those changes weren't easy or didn't feel good to my flesh, I believe they were ALL in His timing and necessary for my divine purpose.
In Him,
~Tee
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Don't Just Lay There...Get Back Up!
A few weeks ago, I was running down a main street in town. It was 6:00am, and I had my worship music going enjoying myself and the weather. On my way back to the house, I hit a particular spot on the sidewalk and fell. I rolled over into the grass over to the side, rolled over some kinda way, and got up immediately. Now mind you, I had just run this same way at the beginning of the run. This time, though, I tripped and fell! LOL!
There are going to be times in life when we encounter certain situations again. We're going to get in that same spot again, go through the same thing again, or even deal with those same people again. Whereas we were able to successfully bypass them or get through it before, this second time...we may actually hit an obstacle that may cause us to trip. However, the lesson to be learned is to not just lay there...get back up and get moving!
Each time, there is a different lesson to be learned. Will you embrace lesson or be discouraged for the mere fact that you fell? Proverbs 24:16-18 says that a just man falls seven times and gets back up again. For those that may even try to trip you up, guess what? As a child of God, you won't stay there long! You're going to dust yourself off, get up, (probably laugh at them and/or yourself), and keep moving forward.
I got back up. I will keep getting back up. And so can you.
Blessings!
~Tee
There are going to be times in life when we encounter certain situations again. We're going to get in that same spot again, go through the same thing again, or even deal with those same people again. Whereas we were able to successfully bypass them or get through it before, this second time...we may actually hit an obstacle that may cause us to trip. However, the lesson to be learned is to not just lay there...get back up and get moving!
Each time, there is a different lesson to be learned. Will you embrace lesson or be discouraged for the mere fact that you fell? Proverbs 24:16-18 says that a just man falls seven times and gets back up again. For those that may even try to trip you up, guess what? As a child of God, you won't stay there long! You're going to dust yourself off, get up, (probably laugh at them and/or yourself), and keep moving forward.
I got back up. I will keep getting back up. And so can you.
Blessings!
~Tee
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Struggle - A Matter of Perspective
We are
pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but
not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get
knocked down, but we are not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
As I read this passage, it says to me that our victory/breakthrough/healing is all predicated by how we use what we're going through. I find myself speaking oftentimes in this place of "going through". I guess the reality of it is that someone is always dealing with something all the time.
What amazes me about Paul in this passage is that no matter how much he went through or endured, he didn't focus on the pressures or even lose hope in them. He persevered and looked at the 'bright side'! He wants us to be encouraged even in our struggles, realize that they are temporary, and know that it's not as bad as it appears.
Further down in this chapter in verses 16-18, we see:
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Oh my...I'm blessed! I believe that once we change our perspective...once we begin to use our "stuff" as mere opportunities to watch God work in our lives, we will be in a much better place! So I want to encourage you and me, too - don't lose hope! Don't give up! You may be dying spiritually, emotionally, or even mentally. But the more you feast on the Word of God, your spirit man will be renewed and strengthened. This IS a light thing . Let it be used to glorify God. Let the power of Holy Spirit resonating on the inside of you stir up and propel you to go higher in Him! Whewwwww!
There's sooo much more I can say about this passage, but I want you to dig deeper in your spare time. Click here to read commentary on the above verses.
In Him,
~Tee
As I read this passage, it says to me that our victory/breakthrough/healing is all predicated by how we use what we're going through. I find myself speaking oftentimes in this place of "going through". I guess the reality of it is that someone is always dealing with something all the time.
What amazes me about Paul in this passage is that no matter how much he went through or endured, he didn't focus on the pressures or even lose hope in them. He persevered and looked at the 'bright side'! He wants us to be encouraged even in our struggles, realize that they are temporary, and know that it's not as bad as it appears.
Further down in this chapter in verses 16-18, we see:
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
Oh my...I'm blessed! I believe that once we change our perspective...once we begin to use our "stuff" as mere opportunities to watch God work in our lives, we will be in a much better place! So I want to encourage you and me, too - don't lose hope! Don't give up! You may be dying spiritually, emotionally, or even mentally. But the more you feast on the Word of God, your spirit man will be renewed and strengthened. This IS a light thing . Let it be used to glorify God. Let the power of Holy Spirit resonating on the inside of you stir up and propel you to go higher in Him! Whewwwww!
There's sooo much more I can say about this passage, but I want you to dig deeper in your spare time. Click here to read commentary on the above verses.
In Him,
~Tee
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Plan For Your Life
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
I allowed a song to minister to me over the weekend that talked about this very thing...the plan for my life. God has a plan for me...for my life, and for you, too! He said in His Word that His plans are for good and not for disaster. Many times, things happen in our life that appear to be disastrous. However, they are actually for our good!
We read the Word, but do we really receive it and allow it to manifest in our lives? Psalm 139:13-16 shares how God fashioned our days even before we were born! And because of this very thing, He knows what's going to happen in our lives...every step of the way. It's difficult to receive this when we're going through drama or calamity. It's even more difficult when a loss is involved (e.g., loved one, job). But even in all of that, we must remember some of the promises He made...
- I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
I hope someone is encouraged by this post. We must receive that no matter what happens in our lives, He's going to give us joy for our sorrow, hope for tomorrow, and STRENGTH for everything that we go through. He has a wonderful plan for our lives. Let's just trust Him for the divine instruction. Seek Him for guidance and ask Him for godly wisdom. He knows the plan...and it IS part of the process.
In Him,
Tee
I allowed a song to minister to me over the weekend that talked about this very thing...the plan for my life. God has a plan for me...for my life, and for you, too! He said in His Word that His plans are for good and not for disaster. Many times, things happen in our life that appear to be disastrous. However, they are actually for our good!
We read the Word, but do we really receive it and allow it to manifest in our lives? Psalm 139:13-16 shares how God fashioned our days even before we were born! And because of this very thing, He knows what's going to happen in our lives...every step of the way. It's difficult to receive this when we're going through drama or calamity. It's even more difficult when a loss is involved (e.g., loved one, job). But even in all of that, we must remember some of the promises He made...
- I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
I hope someone is encouraged by this post. We must receive that no matter what happens in our lives, He's going to give us joy for our sorrow, hope for tomorrow, and STRENGTH for everything that we go through. He has a wonderful plan for our lives. Let's just trust Him for the divine instruction. Seek Him for guidance and ask Him for godly wisdom. He knows the plan...and it IS part of the process.
In Him,
Tee
Monday, August 6, 2012
What's To Be Said About You?
I got a chance to visit a local church with some dear friends on yesterday. A young man (27-years old) brought forth the Word, as they were completing their Character Series at this particular church. His message was on the "Selflessness of Tabitha". When I looked at the leaflet for the service, I had no idea what I was in store for!
As he talked about Tabitha and her life, he gave her "two sentences": "In Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha; she was always doing good and helping the poor." (Acts 9:36)
When you look at the latter part of this description of Tabitha, it says that she was always doing good and helping the poor. Tabitha was a servant of the Lord who loved Him. She also graciously served poor people, especially the widows. In the midst of all of her "doing", she still prioritized RELATIONSHIPS! The preacher said: "Don't be so caught up completing tasks that you neglect relationships." I must say this was a serious point to ponder for me.
How often do we get so busy with work and outreach and just doing that we forget about or don't put as much effort and thought into relationships? Even in the midst of working, do we think about the lives we're impacting? I love my job, and I love my employer, for example. There are times where I consciously tap into the personal side of me in a meeting just to let the person(s) I'm meeting with know, that it's all good. We're talking about work, but I'm not neglecting the fact that we're all human. You know?
This message sparked something in me that had just subsided for a moment - focus on relationships...the RIGHT relationships at that :) I know I've gotten to a place where I've just stopped talking to some people. Then there are just some people that I don't talk to as much. Then there are those that I don't put as much effort into the relationships as I should. But all along, I've kept my hands to the plow working like it's nobody's business. Not only that, I HAVE been consumed with tasks. So...it's time for me to regroup!
At the end of the message, he asked us to think about our "two sentences" in the story that God is writing. I'm still thinking about mine, but I want to encourage you to think about yours, too!
In Him,
~Tee
As he talked about Tabitha and her life, he gave her "two sentences": "In Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha; she was always doing good and helping the poor." (Acts 9:36)
When you look at the latter part of this description of Tabitha, it says that she was always doing good and helping the poor. Tabitha was a servant of the Lord who loved Him. She also graciously served poor people, especially the widows. In the midst of all of her "doing", she still prioritized RELATIONSHIPS! The preacher said: "Don't be so caught up completing tasks that you neglect relationships." I must say this was a serious point to ponder for me.
How often do we get so busy with work and outreach and just doing that we forget about or don't put as much effort and thought into relationships? Even in the midst of working, do we think about the lives we're impacting? I love my job, and I love my employer, for example. There are times where I consciously tap into the personal side of me in a meeting just to let the person(s) I'm meeting with know, that it's all good. We're talking about work, but I'm not neglecting the fact that we're all human. You know?
This message sparked something in me that had just subsided for a moment - focus on relationships...the RIGHT relationships at that :) I know I've gotten to a place where I've just stopped talking to some people. Then there are just some people that I don't talk to as much. Then there are those that I don't put as much effort into the relationships as I should. But all along, I've kept my hands to the plow working like it's nobody's business. Not only that, I HAVE been consumed with tasks. So...it's time for me to regroup!
At the end of the message, he asked us to think about our "two sentences" in the story that God is writing. I'm still thinking about mine, but I want to encourage you to think about yours, too!
In Him,
~Tee
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
No Need to Panic
I recall growing up in the heart of South Memphis. We went to camp at the community center EVERY summer. It was hot as ever, but it was so fun (playing watermelon seed, sliding on the aluminum slide, and lunches in the Styrofoam containers)! We would oftentimes take trips to the pool that was just a few steps from the community center. Before I knew how to swim, I made it a point to not go near the 12ft end, which is where the diving board was. Even if I were in the 5ft, I had to be so careful to not "slip over" into the deep end because I didn't know whether or not I'd panic or be able to hold myself up.
Spiritually, we find ourselves in this very situations sometimes...not wanting to launch into the deep things of God. He already tells us that our ways are not His ways, and our thoughts are not His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). But that doesn't mean that we can't dig deeper and want more of Him! We run into problems and panic when we lose our focus.
I'm reminded of the story in the Bible where Jesus bid Peter to come to him as He was walking on the water. The moment Peter saw the wind, he started panicking and began to sink. As long as Peter kept His eyes on Jesus, he, too, was walking on the water. Likewise, the more we keep our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith, we will move forward and not sink! Glory to God!
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT): Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Psalm 121 (AMP): I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
I'm reminded of the story in the Bible where Jesus bid Peter to come to him as He was walking on the water. The moment Peter saw the wind, he started panicking and began to sink. As long as Peter kept His eyes on Jesus, he, too, was walking on the water. Likewise, the more we keep our eyes on Him, the author and finisher of our faith, we will move forward and not sink! Glory to God!
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT): Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Psalm 121 (AMP): I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah]—From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
While we may think sometimes we can't hold ourselves 'up' when we're going through or running this 'race', know that we have a comforter who's there...bidding us to come! Look to Him...He won't leave you nor forsake you...no matter how bad the storm is raging!
Be blessed,
Tee
Be blessed,
Tee
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