I have friends and family who have chosen to serve our country in many different branches of the military. While I have never enlisted and don’t have actual experiences in this area I’ll admit, I’ve always been fascinated by the actual process of becoming a soldier. There are many hours of preparation and training that are required. Basic training has many facets. First, one must learn discipline. This includes physical and psychological discipline. Soldiers have to learn how to obey exact instructions and react without thinking in certain situations.  Your actions must become second nature, almost a reflex.  Soldiers are taught lessons in respect of the chain of command, staying calm in emergency situations, and more. This process also requires soldiers to go through a certain amount of weapons training. It’s more than simply shooting a gun. You must know the proper technique in how to hold and aim the gun, how to clean and maintain it, as well as learning how to use other weapons such as grenades. A soldier learns lessons in communication using hand signals, radios, and how to interact with their team quickly and concisely. There are lessons in surviving living conditions that range from imprisonment to extreme environmental conditions (staying warm in cold conditions/stay cool in hot conditions). As a soldier, one is trained how to attack and protect themselves from attack. Following basic training, most will go on to learn specific skills in a particular area (military police, medical work, driving tanks, and more). Becoming a solider in the US military is more than simply making a decision to be involved. It requires preparation and hard work to be prepared for battle.

The same can be said of Christians. Becoming a believer is more than simply deciding to enlist. Being a Christian is going to require preparation, training, and hard work to prepare for the wars we will fight. Becoming a Christian is, in fact, becoming a solider in the kingdom of God. Many join the ranks but never move beyond their initial commitment. Those soldiers are of no use to the kingdom. One of the most important parts of our fight will be our attire. The word of God instructs us in Ephesians 6, “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.…Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” [vs 13-17] As I was reading over this portion of scripture recently I realized there was nothing to protect the persons backside. In that same moment I felt the Holy Spirit say, “That’s because you were never meant to run away from a fight!” Soldiers are trained for battle, not for retreating. Too many times we get tired of fighting and we’re happy to settle for half of our blessing. We stop at half-best because we’re not willing to put in the time and effort to fight the enemy for what God has promised. Today I encourage all of us (myself included)…..STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT!

Closing remarks and encouragement: The word of God reminds us, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7] We would like to think that process would be a quick and easy….but it never is. Unfortunately, God didn’t give us a time table revealing how long we would have to resist the devil. The only way to deal with a bully is to fight back. Eventually, the devil and his minions are going to get tired and leave us alone….at least for a little while. Don’t grow weary! Whether you’re at the beginning, middle, or approaching the end of a battle make sure you’re suited up, stay strong, and fight back!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Weeks, months and (eventually) years passed as we waited for the moment. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s that moment you realize your hopes and desires have been fulfilled and you are now expecting a bundle of joy. Countless doctors visits, medicines, embarrassing procedures and….nothing. “Wait, God! You promised me a family.” Nothing. It wasn’t until seven years later that God blessed us with our first child via private adoption. I remember those 7 years of mental pain, agony, the embarrassment I felt every time one of our family members or friends became pregnant while our arms remained empty. My wife and I were modern day Hannah’s from the Bible crying out to God for our greatest desires. This past week I was reminiscing how far God has brought our family. In that moment I was struck with a thought that left me questioning my life and motives in regards to our ministry work. I felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit and was forced to ask myself when have I ever desired God or the things of God as much as I desired a child during those years? When has my desire of salvation for those who are lost as strong as my desire for a family so many years ago?  I felt ashamed in that moment as I admitted the answer. I love God—I genuinely do. I love Him so much I’ve given my life for kingdom purposes and have become a minister. But I haven’t always been as committed to the cause of Christ as I should have been. There have been times my fleshly desires have taken center stage in my life. Rather than focus on God and trusting He would take care of me, I would sit for hours crying about what I wanted. Rather than thank God for what I had already been blessed with, I could be found complaining about what I didn’t have.

As Christians, we like to tout the word of God as a remedy for what ails us. It’s a genuine source of encouragement and gives us strength to get through the hard times. While this is a good habit, we’ve also formed some rather bad habits. Many tend to manipulate the Bible to sound the way we want it to. NEWS FLASH: God’s word stands on its own! I have blatantly heard others proudly proclaim, “God said He’d give me the desires of my heart.” Actually the word of God says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” [Ps 37:4] Furthermore, it also says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” [Matt 6:33] In school math class we were taught the order of operations. When you are presented with a math problem that requires multiple operations to solve a particular problem (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.) there is a specific order of operations you have to use to get the correct answer. It’s the same with God. Rather than focus on our fleshly desires, we’re instructed to delight ourselves in the Lord. Rather than concentrate on what we don’t have, we’re instructed to seek first the kingdom of God. How’s your order of operations?

Closing remarks and encouragement: We have a tendency to put the cart before the horse sometimes. We focus on our problems/frustrations rather than focus on the one who has the ability to fix them. Our flesh encourages us to do things one way while the spirit encourages us to do another. Be assured, if your order of operations isn’t done in the correct order, your answer/outcome will be wrong every time. You don’t have to be a math genius to get the answer right.  Just follow the order.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

Our family owns a dog. When he knows we’re home you can find him staring back and forth between the kitchen window (nearest his pen) and the sliding glass door. He’s eagerly awaiting with expectation and in anticipation of his next meal. Weeks ago, our state was slated for a direct hit by Hurricane Irma. In the weeks leading up to her arrival, the citizens of South Carolina could be found combing grocery shelves for bottled water, batteries, and more.  This was all done in expectation of the storms landing.  In early September, I was approached by a group of well-meaning Christians warning me of the coming of Christ. This ideal is not foreign to me. What was foreign was their adamant predictions of His return on September 23rd, 2017. Their projections were based on facts they surmised by twisting scripture paired with modern day happenings and natural disasters around us. Sadly, many in the Christian world were touting this same information as articles were published in a well-known Christian magazine. In each situation mentioned above there was a level of expectancy that drove many to prepare and anticipate something specific.

Matthew 25 reveals a well-known parable about ten virgins who were going out to meet the bridegroom. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” [vs. 6-13] Truthfully, I wasn’t concerned with Hurricane Irma because I was prepared and ready for her. My dog doesn’t seem concerned whether he’ll eat because routine has taught him my presence means mealtime isn’t far behind. I wasn’t concerned with Christ’s projected return September 23rd because I keep myself ready.  Our level of expectancy should be the driving factor in our preparedness.

Closing remarks and encouragement: What are you waiting for? A new job? Be faithful in what has placed before you now until your ‘next’ comes along. Are you waiting on God to send you Mr./Mrs. Right? Work on you during your waiting season. What do you wait in expectation of today? How are you using your waiting period? Being lazy isn’t a valid option. The bridegroom may not come today…. or even tomorrow. But His arrival is imminent. Be ready. Stay ready!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

My emotions are in overdrive today. It’s just too much. Another mass shooting. This one in Las Vegas. Lately, I’m finding myself speechless at the senseless acts taking place around me. There’s so much hatred at every turn. By now, one would assume we would have learned to agree to disagree without verbally or physically accosting someone (I’m not necessarily referring to the Las Vegas issue as things are still under investigation—I’m making a general statement). While I’m unsure of the exact reason for this particular tragedy, there’s no doubt it was hate related. How else could any sane person take another life? While there has always been an undercurrent of hatred in our world, the past few years have seen an uprising of intolerance for other nationalities, races, religions, and more. One group blames it on the President, another blames it on gun control, the right wing likes to blame the left wing, and vice versa. Have they not realized we’re all a part of the same bird, if you will? We’re all sharing this big earth together. I may not agree with the beliefs of the Muslim down the street but you will never find me purposing to disrespect him/her. It’s not my place to dictate anyone’s religious choices. As a believer, my goal should be to live my life as a testimony of the loving God I serve. We’re always quick to point the finger but slow to offer a valid and intelligent suggestion on how to deal with the issues at hand. Standing at the root of it all is the enemy, the true author of confusion. A Christian’s response to the Las Vegas shooting and the horrors surrounding us must be different from that of the world.

As a child, I remember singing a little song in Sunday School, “This little light of mine….I’m gonna let it shine…” I question every believer in this moment, are you letting your light shine today? News flash: THE WORLD DOESN’T NEED OUR OPINIONS…..THEY NEED OUR GOD! Rather than complain about the hatred going on around us, we should show the world how to love. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” [Mark 12:30-31] Rather than use our personal platform of Twitter, FB, and more to tout our disdain of the President, homosexuals, the KKK, and other groups (again, I’m referring to a broad spectrum of issues right now), we should show the importance in power of prayer. “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” [2 Chron 7:14] The world needs Jesus! Plain and simple. Will they see Jesus in you/me? I hope so. He was God before we were breathed into existence and He will continue to be God long after we’ve left this earth. Don’t lean on the temporal things of this world. If you do, you will be greatly disappointed. He is the solid foundation in a world filled with quick sand.

Closing remarks and encouragement: I realize we’re all reeling from the massive amount of sin running rampant in our world. It’s time we believers step up and fight the enemy! Not in our own strength and abilities, but with the strength that can only come from above. We must stop placing our attention on the faces that are in front of us. As believers, our battle isn’t again flesh and blood! Let’s aim our arrows at the real enemy and FIRE AWAY! Suit up men/women of God!!
I’m praying for you, my friends! Don’t lose hope! This is the time to let the light of His love shine in the darkness!

Bed time every night with our kids can be a bit of a chore. Many nights we have to start our routine early as our kids like to do things on their own time frame without being rushed. A few nights ago my son (the slowest and most hard-headed of the two) finished his routine and then hopped in the bed. My wife went to his room to tuck him in, get those sweet goodnight sugars, and pray with him (also part of our routine). Early on he stated, “Momma, my stomach hurts. Pray for it.” Being the wonderful mom she is, she prayed a sweet prayer and ended with, “Amen.” He said “Momma, it still hurts”. She said, “It will be okay. Just give God time to work.” He stated, “I know God is working– but I still hurts.” When she came downstairs she shared the story with me. It instantly blessed me. To know he had such faith and trust in God at that moment, but his tummy was still hurting him. In that moment his admission was an expression of two different realities. As I have spiritually matured, I’ve realized my heart and mind alternate between two different realities as well. They are the logical reality of a current situation as it stares me in the face, as well as the spiritual side which is constantly assuring me He is working things out and I have no need to worry. Sometimes it takes the physical a little time to catch up with the spiritual. Sometimes you sense things as they’ve already happened yet your physical eyes don’t see anything changing.

What is your tummy ache? What is that thing you have waited for yet it still hasn’t come to pass? You know in your heart, because you sense it, that God is moving. Yet your physical eyes tell you a different story. Who/What report will you believe? David reminds us in Psalms 145, “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.” [vs. 14-15] I’m sure many of you are tired and overwhelmed. Tired of waiting for your promise and have moments you believe it will probably never happen. You may feel you’ve been duped. I assure you, if He said it, He will do it. Your due season could be right around the corner. Is your struggle getting harder? You’re getting closer! After all, there is no fight where there aren’t spoils. If there’s nothing to fight for there wouldn’t be a struggle. In the words of my wife, “Just give God time to work!”

Closing remarks and encouragement: Just because you can’t see oxygen doesn’t negate its existence. Your eyes will lie to you. But your heart knows the truth. God’s time table is different than ours. He’s moving even when we don’t see it. He’s moving even when we don’t feel it. It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to get frustrated. It shows you care about what God has promised you. But don’t give up!
Have a blessed week, my friends!!

_{It was a beautiful day outside.  The sun was shining, the temperature was 75 degrees, and there was a constant breeze with this slightest hint of the arrival of fall.  All around me were trees, manicured grounds, and nature highlighted by the sound of the lake lapping at the shoreline.  I’m not the outdoorsy type but even someone like me would have to admit it was as close to the perfect day as they come.  Our church staff was there surveying the grounds in preparation for our upcoming annual baptism service.  Everyone was smiling and laughing while I kept to myself.  Someone would reference something that happened last year while I stood confused by my lack of ability to recollect any of it.  I had been there a year ago but it was during the time my grandmother (someone I was extremely close to) was lying in the hospital ICU fighting for her life following a massive stroke that led to a craniotomy.  The thoughts that crowded my mind were flashbacks of the sight of IV’s, the beeping of a heart monitor, and the sound of oxygen being thrust into her lungs as a machine breathed for her…… but only faint memories of my first day at that lake.  Those thoughts left me breathless, paralyzed, and feeling helpless.  As I stood on the shoreline staring at the ground I fervently prayed, “Please God……I need you right now….this is too much.”  Then my eye caught something on the ground.  I bent to pick it up.  Is that….?  I smiled as it smile back at me.  It may seem odd to you but I sensed the Holy Spirit say, “Don’t worry, be happy,” as that incessant repetitive tune from the late 80’s played in my head.  What I had found was a type of nut from a tree there at the lake (above is an actual picture of it) that had a smiley face on it.  No doubt the face had been created over time by nature and the elements though I like to imagine it was made just for me by God himself.  There were others on the ground, though none matched my own personal Wilson (a reference of the soccer ball from the movie Castaway-you’ll have to watch the movie to understand).  In that moment the peace of the Holy Spirit began to wash over me and the anxiety was replaced with genuine joy as I laughed at the little nut and showed it to everyone.  It was then I knew I would be ok.} 

_{Anything can trigger memories of a traumatic event.  Those moments can bring on wave after wave of all-consuming emotions, anger, frustration, hurt, guilt, and more.  As I’ve shared before, this past year has brought on a multitude of issues I’ve been forced to deal with for the first time in my life, all associated with personal tragic/traumatic events in my life.  Through Godly counsel, I’m am overcoming and learning how to handle certain issues as they arise.  I am learning how imperative it is to make sure I am processing my anxiety when those moments come.  I can’t prevent it from happening but I am learning the importance of, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” [2 Corinthians 10:5]  The enemy will use any trick he can to prevent us from being ministered to or ministering to others.  What we experience during those attacks are exactly what the above scripture references–imaginations/falsities/lies.  We feel helpless and overcome with uncontrollable emotions that leave us desiring to be alone and ostracize ourselves.  By doing so, we leave ourselves wide open to attacks.  There are many things that happen in our lives that we have no control over.  But it’s imperative we remember God promised us He would be with us every step of the way.  He never leaves. He never forsakes.} 

_{Closing remarks and encouragement:  Our first instinct is to feel shameful or frustrated by these types of issues.    I want to encourage you to search for and find the silver lining in each situation.  The very event that brought me anxiety (in the story referenced above) has allowed me to minister to others who are dealing with the same issues.  My test is becoming my testimony.  My stumbling block is now becoming my stepping stone.  I echo Joseph’s sentiment in Genesis 50:20 as I proclaim to the enemy, “You meant evil against me, but God used it for good!”} 

_{Side note:  I keep Wilson on my desk now as a daily reminder that God is always at work on my behalf.} 

_{Have a blessed week, my friends!}

Recently, my daughter attended her first church lock-in. When I arrived to pick her up from the church her eyes were a little swollen and blood shot but the smile on her face told me she had a blast. As soon as she came home we sent her to bed and she slept for nearly 4 hours until we woke her up. During those hours she slept it seemed to be a little more peaceful than normal around our home as I wasn’t forced to be a referee between my children (you parents know exactly what I’m talking about). My son, the instigator of the two, was actually more calm than normal as he didn’t have his sister to taunt. I decided early on to spend time with him. My body snapped, crackled, and popped as I made my way to floor to play on his level for the next three hours. We assembled lots of puzzles. As a young child, he always wants my involvement in what he’s doing. As he gets older (and it’s beginning to happen) he will most likely pull away and choose his friends over spending time with dear old Dad. Even when he doesn’t want me around, I’ll always be there waiting to assist him in whatever way he needs. Even when it’s inconvenient for me, I’ll be there because he’s my child. If it’s within my power and means, what I have is his simply because of his status as my son. One day I will die and leave behind my millions of dollars (in my dreams, lol) and everything I’ve attained on this earth to both he and his sister because of their position as my children.

Whether you want Him there or not, God is always there. For the good, bad, and, yes, the ugly—He’s always there. Whether it’s in those moments you choose to spend with Him, those times you are running from Him, or those times you’re in an hour of need– He’s always there. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” By definition, a refuge is, “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” No matter your position in life, He’s always there. Now I ask, do you choose Him every day? Or have you decided to do things on your own? I’m a firm believer that sometimes independence can be a good thing but not when it involves your relationship with your Heavenly Father. He never leaves or forsakes His children, but we constantly turn our backs on Him to run off and do our own thing. Are you choosing to spend time with Him today?

Closing remarks and encouragement: Our relationship with the Father is the most important thing in our lives. Let’s face it, without Him, we are nothing. Without Him, we fail to exist. He is the air that we breathe, the songs we sing, and the Giver of life. That one relationship will help us love others better, minister more effectively to those in need, and want to do and be better at whatever we put our hands too. Don’t forsake your time with Him today. You can’t afford to. He’s always there. But are you?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Have you read this Psalm recently (below)? I encourage you to do so. It such a great reminder and blessing.

Psalm 139
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Year ago I saw a movie titled Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  Though I’ve seen quite a few of the movies in the franchise, this one was one of my favorites because of the Christian undertones.  There was one particular scene I enjoyed the most.  It was when Indiana Jones was poised to cross a bridge he referred to in the movie as the Path of God.  The crazy thing was it looked like there was nothing there but a broad expansive canyon waiting to claim his life.  It was necessary for Indiana to get across.  Life and death literally hung in the balance as his father was poised to die from a severe wound that could only be remedied by Indiana’s crossing to the other side to retrieve what was needed to treat him.  After a minute or so of what looked like he was having a mild asthma or panic attack, he closed his eyes and took the first step into the expanse.  His foot hit solid ground, he opened his eyes, and he smiled.  At that point he changed his perspective and leaned a little to the side.  From a different perspective he could see there was a narrow bridge there that blended with the canyon and was invisible to the naked eye.  By the end of the movie, he saves the day…again…everybody lives happily ever after.  Well, until the next movie came along and someone else needed to be rescued.

Your faith is the bridge that will get you from where you currently are to the place of promise God has for you.  Just because you can’t see that invisible bridge doesn’t mean it isn’t there.  The miracle is in the unseen yet solid ground where you place your foot every step of the way.  The goal isn’t to look around you or under you as we all know there’s nothing there but an abyss of fear and doubt.  The goal is to keep your eyes looking forward. Better yet, keep your eyes looking upward as God is your map every step of the way.  Matthew 14 reminds us of a story that required similar steps of faith.  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”  [vs. 28-29] Talk about the miraculous!  If Peter had allowed his logic to dictate his actions he would have stayed in the boat.  Seems the safest place for someone who doesn’t have fins and gills.  Yet, he chose to step out blindly and relied on his confidence in Jesus.  The fear around you is a falsity placed there by the enemy to cause you to turn back.  It’s there to prevent you from reaching your place of promise.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The first step will always be the hardest as it can feel like you’re crossing a minefield blindfolded.  Keep moving forward.  With every step, your confidence in the One leading you will increase as you watch Him maneuver you in directions you don’t anticipate.  The first step is the beginning of an adventure in faith walking.  Your faith is like a muscle that will only grow as it is stretched and used.  You can’t expect to experience the miracle if you don’t take the first step.  Get to steppin’!!!!!

I was a chubby kid growing up with a mild activity level. While my mind wanted to perform feats of bravery and scale a 10ft fence in one fell swoop, my weight kept me closer to the ground. One weekend, I was over at my grandparent’s house and one of the cute neighborhood girls asked if I could come outside and play. Being the stud muffin I was back then, I figured I’d bless her with my presence (who are we kidding….she was bored, bless her heart–LOL!).  After a few minutes of being outside she seemed uninterested in the activities I continued to suggest. In an attempt to impress her I suggested we climb my Papaw’s pecan tree. Minutes later my chunky younger self was sweating to death while faking bravery and making my way higher in that tree. Being a proper southern gentleman, after climbing about 40 feet, I decided to take a break and sit down on a sturdy limb while I waited for her to catch up. Thirty seconds later I remember hearing her scream my name as I fell to the ground landing on my back, writhing in pain, and attempting to catch the breath that had been knocked out of me. After a long day in the ER, I left with a sore body, bruised kidneys, and a broken arm. The next 8 weeks were interesting as I learned to live life without the use of that arm. While I found ways to accomplish whatever I set out to do, every task was harder simply because I was, for the moment, mildly handicapped.

Have you considered how the body of Christ suffers when even one person chooses not to function in their gifting/anointing? Romans 12:4-8 states, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” We all have been gifted in different ways. We all make up parts of the body in our local churches.  We are also a part of the universal body of Christ. Some parts of the body seem insignificant and unnecessary yet God placed them there for a specific reason. While the body can still function without certain parts, it’s impossible for it to function to its fully intended capacity because of the void of those parts. A hand still works even if you lose a finger but there’s still the absence of a valuable part.  The body can function and survive without a gallbladder, appendix, or spleen but I assure you, there can be issues over time because of their absence.  What are you doing with what you’ve been given? Are you burying those talents like the slothful servant mentioned in Matthew 25? Or are you using those talents and gifting’s to benefit the kingdom?

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The body of Christ needs every part functioning at its greatest capacity. It’s my prayer that you never underestimate (or overestimate, for that matter) your value in the kingdom of God.  God doesn’t make spare parts. Find your place!  Lets work further the kingdom together!  Now……..get to work!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

The past few months have found me reminiscing about my past, sometimes, in great detail.  I remember specific instances that, at the time, didn’t make sense to me.  Vivid memories that left me confused because I wondered if my imagination had created certain thoughts.  Among the many issues, my heart and mind would be filled with frustration aimed at my parents because they prevented me from doing something I wanted to do, wouldn’t help me accomplish certain things by providing financial assistance, allowed me to reap the consequences of my actions when they could have helped me, and more.  My younger mind would be filled with anger at their lack of involvement in certain aspects.  The same question that always filled my mind was “Why?” or “Why not?”  Life seemed so unfair in those moments.  Now, I sit on the other side of the aisle.  I’m the one being labeled an unfair parent preventing my children from doing all the things they want to do.  The older they become, the more I understand the answers to those questions I had so long ago.  There were many things my parents didn’t explain to me because, mostly, I wouldn’t have understood it.  My mind couldn’t comprehend their actions were either for my safety or were allowing me to learn valuable lessons that would guide me as I have continued down life’s path.  I have found myself apologizing, in particular, to my Dad on numerous occasions for my past actions and the things I said.  My change in perspective has led to the understanding and realization of so much.

Ignorantly, I can be found doing the same thing with my Heavenly Father.  He is quite mysterious to me.  I don’t understand why He allows many things in this world to happen.  I don’t understand why He won’t rescue me from the ever growing list of frustrations and struggles around me.  But His perspective is different.  The things I view as hurdles, my Father sees as instruments that condition me for what lies ahead of me.  The struggles we all face have a tendency to humble us while reminding me that we are all powerless and quite pitiful without God.  The word tells us, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. … The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him” [Psalm 34:19-22].  That scripture never says we won’t have troubles.  It actually reminds us we may have many troubles.  But we do have the promise that he will deliver us from them.  Are you feeling broken and tired today?  The Savior knows where you’re at and He will meet you there.  Simply invite Him into your situation and forego the attempts at controlling every detail.  He is the Master Potter who specializes in putting broken things back together.  He’s a seamster that can mend what has been torn apart.  With God, there is always hope!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  God’s exchange rates are out of the world.  “…to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” [Is 61:3]  Test’s eventually become testimonies.  But some things must be endured as there are lessons to be learned.  Keep pressing forward, my friends.

Have a blessed week!