COME ALIVE!

I happened across the following poem sometime earlier this year after so long- (of) hoping that I could put my hands on a copy of it. It was penned (shortly over) some 3 years ago for the reopening of our Youth Group for the New Year. If the memory serves me correctly, it was also the first time I had an encounter with Holy Spirit prompting and guiding me in putting it together- after I finally decided to yield entirely to His doing. Boy was I in for a painful but joyful ride! Particularly due to my unwillingness (at first) to let go of the weights that hindered me from discovering His true purpose for my life. I truly am thankful for His presence in my life and truly see the fruit of total surrender!

Happy reading!

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So engulfed in perpetuating tradition is this world, that it loses sight of what is morally correct,

Do not become a victim to this plight lest you be found unrighteous in His sight

Christmas, Easter, politics and all other common misconceptions amplified through media relations

They are rejoicing, their pockets weighty with hearts of gluttony;

But their spirits are dampened, distressed and destroyed.

You are now anxious for the next weekend, fortnight or month end,

That your frown may be replaced with a crown *Smile! Say cheese!*

Only to become a victim of foolish greed (tsk tsk tsk)-

Your ignorance magnifying Kingdom abominations, without giving any heed.

Let me take some time, trigger a spark in your brain:

When was the last time you tithed?

When was the last time you prayed?

Did you ever thank God for His provisions?

Have you ever been to the holy gathering of the called out ones?

(You know- that thing we so oft refer to as “church” not realizing that WE ARE THE CHURCH!)

Do you even know what that means?

Have you ever shopped extensively in the Word, to gain the true meaning of these so-called “traditions”?

If not, keep shopping because you forgot to purchase faith, understanding and knowledge- in that precise order!

After all, what is the earth without salt or light? Without you?

Not convinced?

Well keep watching others die and ask yourself: ‘Why am I still alive when my actions are similar?’

You steal. You cheat. You lie. (Sounds like you are a walking Lucifer eh?)

Now do you see your testimony?

Why do you think I speak? This story was once mine!

Submit and choose to perpetuate the tradition of Jesus Christ- for living is Christ, and to die is gain-

And watch your life transform, no longer conforming but seeking to inform of the fullness of joy that is in His presence.

Be prepared to Come Alive!

SET APART (A Painful yet Life Saving Operating Procedure)

So...... Does the topic leave you curious as to the contents of the message? Or did you already guess what I am about to say? Before proceeding further we examine the definition of "SET APART" as it pertains to this article:

“1. To reserve for a specific use.

2. To make noticeable: character traits that set her apart. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/set+apart)”

I grew up, pretty much, as an only child. Save for my brother who is 12.5 years older and whose interest would obviously be much different than mine because of age and gender. Hence, in some cases, I would consider myself an "only child". 

To top things off, though I have had friends  throughout my lifetime- finding the right circle or attempting to fit into a particular circle, proved challenging and often led to me departing and becoming the lone party to my crowd. To this day, I still consider myself a "lone ranger" (lol), and have embraced it so much because of the understanding and appreciation as to what it all means.

Long before I became saved, My Father had determined that I was and am different and I had no choice but to accept it. Of course I wondered whether I had a problem because it seemed like nothing worked for me. I admit, it was painful at times, feeling shunned especially by those to whom I (allegedly) created no offense. I would sometimes hear of the insults and it would have to take will and determination to move on pass the hurt and let go. (Till now, I am learning to let go before offense takes root). But the questions kept pouring in:

1.      Why did others seem to fit easily into groups, but I didn't?

2.      Why did others seem to have (so-called) long lasting spousal relationships, but I didn't?

3.      Am I not "pretty" enough for them to at least acknowledge me?

4.      What am I doing wrong?

5.      Am I not worthy of their companionship?

6.      When will I know my rightful place?

A further introspective reminded me of David's proclamation in Psalm 139:16 (KJV):

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; 

In your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

You see there is a particular plan and path that my life is supposed to take, but I didn’t entirely understand it- and still don’t sometimes. But drawing from the love relationship that God has called me (and you to), there must be certain characteristics present for that relationship to flourish and for your representation as a CHRISTIAN to be validated. Some of which comes from being SET APART.

Just by being SET APART I have drawn/ learned some valuable conclusions, which would NOT have been possible without God opening my eyes, mind and spirit, including these subsequently listed:

a.       Discovering My True IDENTITY in Christ

b.      Receiving God’s Best Takes Time (and Patience)

c.       Always Remain Humble- You never know who you may meet in this life and who God may use to transform your life. Never let the notion get to your head that “I’m too rich to mingle with the poor;” “I’m too cute to have ugly friends;” “I’m too saved to talk to a criminal” and so forth.

d.      Complete Trust In God- even when friends and family disappoint, God NEVER disappoints. His plans for my life are way above my comprehension, so when I opt to trust His plans and abandon my selfish ones- I save myself plenty of heart and headache.

e.       100% Surrender to God’s Will- directly relative to the above point.

f.       The Abundance & Extent of God’s Love and Support

g.      We serve a Just In Time God- when I think no one is listening nor understands my plight- God is and does. And when I just about think I’ve had it and are getting ready to “throw in the towel”, He sends me a love note to keep me going. He is simply amazing.

Would any of these lessons be learnt had I not been through what I had been through? No. So instead I choose to embrace these SET APART moments, especially when it allows me to build my relationship with my Beloved and bask in His love laced glory.

Having shared my story, I hope you are motivated to endure your operating procedure. I know I have (and still am). Child of God, my prayer is that you embrace your process.

You are blessed!

Pulling Me Through- The Fight for Your Life

It's definitely been a while since this (my) blog and I have seen editorial faces, but for what seems like ages is merely but a few months. Has this ever happened you? Sometimes because of a delay or interruption in the "regular" flow of your life, months and years seem to drag on- because of a simple thing that takes discipline to practice- PATIENCE. I cannot deny- walking through to God's promises has been a task- particularly when your/ the world's timing and His timing are far apart. TALK ABOUT FRUSTRATION! But it is in these moments that our spiritual fruit develops in line with Christ-likeness. So in essence- I am still on the EXTRA-ORDINARY FAITH- BUILDING journey. It's like like God is saying: "Your faith is strong, but not exactly where I want it to be. I need you to wait a little longer, love Me a little stronger, praise Me a little deeper, reach for Me a little higher, trust me like none other and I will be all that you need and more! Friend to Friend!" But then of course, sometimes the opposite threatens to reveal its ugly face- back sliding, reaping of premature fruit- and the fight for survival ensues.
The song below represents that walk to remaining immovable, arrested in Christ not through personal efforts but God's strength. Even He knows our true feelings and struggles and keeps tugging us through when we give up (or approach the borderline therereof). Cheers to your understanding of God's matchless supremacy, abundance of grace and undying love.

May your worship elevate you to a new dimension in Christ!

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Pulling Me Through (Todd Delaney)

 
Through all lord that I have gone through
Lord it was you

Chorus: Through all lord that I have gone through
Lord it was you x2

It was You , It was You that now pulling me through

It was you, Lord it was You pulling me through

when I stumbled, when I cried when it felt like I wanted to die,
when my friends turned and they walked away
you were right here right here to stay

It was You It was You pulling me through

It was you, Lord it was You pulling me through

Yes, when I stumbled, when I cried when it felt like I wanted to die

When my friends turned and they walked away
You were right here, right here to stay

It was you, Lord it was You

He'll never walk out on you
No never, no never (lead x2 chorus x4)

I'm a witness that He'll never, no never x2

Oh ohhhhh ohhhhhh oh oh ohhhh oh ohhhhhh x3

Click on the link below to listen to the song:
Pulling Me Through - Todd Delaney

Walking The Line

There was a wedding approaching and I for one, could not miss it. Clothes, hairstylist, accessories, make-up artist were already in tow- only one thing left to be determined- my shoes. I desperately needed a pair. Now, my friends and I were close knit; or as some would say, birds of a feather. So close, that even our shoe sizes were (almost all) identical. So, there had to have been a pair that I could use from theirs…. After all, the last thing I wanted was to pay for my own pair when there could be one I could borrow! (After all, this girl’s gotta be cost efficient).

Ouch!

That’s the feeling I felt when I walked in their shoes. Joya’s taste in shoes far different from mine; Kristen’s shoes slant inwardly as she tends to walk the same way- leaving no room for my balance; Darla walks on her toes and wearing her shoes is like walking in Kristen’s- only all cardinals (and problems) point north.

I had to harshly realize (and accept) that I needed my own pair- and quick! I was due to make my grand entrance at this wedding!

And so…. Off shopping I went…. into a couple stores and you would not believe the variety that I saw before me. The colors; styles; labels; heights! Oh my! If I could take then all I would. Man, I felt like a child surrounded by candy- talk about sugar rush!

Now time for fittings and the following is a verdict on some fitted pairs:

i.        Too tall- couldn’t even take two steps without “tripping”

ii.      Too short- couldn’t fully support the arch of my feet

iii.    Others- let’s just say the costs were enough to turn my like for the shoe into a dislike.

With that, I forcibly narrowed down search to using two components:

a.       The price and

b.      Which pair fits perfectly (the key deciding factor)

But either way, I had to keep searching until I found that which was made for me.

“Where is she going with all this?” you may ask. Well the answer (using reference to the above) is quite simple yet deeper than its mere appearance:

“In your journey (marriage) with Christ, embrace your process.”

Embracing your process means getting comfortable or accepting your curves- flaws, weaknesses and more importantly- your uniqueness. Walking the road entails finding the right pair of shoes (identity) for the journey (process); one that will take you through to the end (endurance) with minimal or no detours (shortcuts).

Unveiling your identity in Christ is by no means, a walk in the park. You may sometimes experience selfish desires entangled with God’s will for your life; to the point where you may try to pursue your own paths- only to turn up with a dead-end. Sometimes, it gets so bad that you begin to live your life through others’ lives- becoming envious of their success especially in that which you experienced failure (trying on others’ shoes).

But here’s my encouragement to you:

Just like the time you realized that your friend’s shoes did not fit and you subsequently became motivated to find your own pair…. be motivated to discover your own identity. The search may be lengthy, but you will eventually find that which is undeniably yours. And when you do find the pair that fits, you will not regret the journey you took to discovering your “perfect shoes” (Identity in Christ).

Food for Thought

Did you ever consider the costs you would have to pay to walk in someone else's shoes? What may have seemed easy for one in not necessarily the same for another. What if I had ignored my instinct (Holy Spirit’s counsel), went ahead and borrowed Darla or Kristen’s shoes- or- bought the shoes with heels that were knowingly too tall? Maybe a twisted ankle or broken leg and insurmountable doctor’s bills (far exceeding the cost of finding an appropriate pair) would be the result! All because I was attempting to lower costs and avoid the process of finding MY OWN. Think about it: IS IT WORTH IT?