So many godly people stay in bondage after they have “messed-up.” They feel unworthy, ashamed and they think how or even why would God restore them after all they have done. This is even worse for someone who is a leader in the church. They fall into corruption, sin or the likes and they are not only judged by society, but it’s a rebuke to God. “He is nothing but a fake anyway.” “Let’s see what God does now.” You know how people put God on trial right along side of the culprit.
I remember (I am almost ashamed to share this story, however, I was very young and didn’t know any better) I had a teenage cousin and he had given his life to God and you could visibly see him trying to live a life that was pleasing to God. However, we (me and a few of our other cousins) use to make fun of him, especially when he did something that was not “god-like.” It became a running joke to say “you such a God man” whenever he did something that we deemed was ungodly. Looking back I can see the pain in his eye as we relentlessly made fun of him and how we associate his wrong doing with relationship with God as if that relationship was not real because he messed-up. But that is exactly what is done to people who have a relationship with God and they “mess up.” They are relentlessly taunted and they are made to feel like their relationship/walk with God before the fall was not real. They then come to believe that God has written them off.
Well just like as a child, I was being used by our foe the devil, these same people are being used by the devil to keep you down and not allowing God to restore your relationship with Him. You don’t have to stay in bondage to your wrong-doings. We must confidently trust in God- even in deep difficult and hard times. Trust in the Lord for redemption because He will redeem you. Say to the devil and those who are lead (many time unknowingly by him) and pray to God what the prophet Micah prayed in Micah 7:
7 As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. 9 I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him. But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies. The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. 10 Then my enemies will see that the Lord is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me, saying, “So where is the Lord—that God of yours?” With my own eyes I will see their downfall; they will be trampled like mud in the streets. (NLT)
It does not matter how many times you have fallen, done wrong, messed-up or behave ungodly, if you have given your life to God then your relationship with Him is real and He is just to forgive and restore. He is always on your side and He loves us through our mess. That does not mean correction will not occur, but, like any loving parent He will bring correction. However, it is always with a loving hand.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Not Subject to the Times
There is much discussion these days about the economic system of the United States of America. So many people are out of work and don’t know where their next meal is coming from. As would be expected, this is the cause of great anxiety in the lives of millions. But do we really need to have such great concern? Well, it depends on which system governs your life.
There are always two different types of systems operating at a given time, and we get to select which one we will be subjected to- the kingdom of God system or the world system. If you are sold out for Jesus Christ then you operate in the kingdom of God system. As such, we are not subject to, nor do we live under, the dominion, rule, control or influence of whichever way the economy and the world system is going at the moment. In short, these times are subject to the authority of the Word of God, the precious blood and matchless name of Jesus spoken and acted upon by us~ the believers. According to Psalm 31:14-16, our future is in the hands of the Lord and because of His unfailing love for us, He favors us. Trusting in Jesus gives us a peace that we don’t have to be subject to the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, or S&P 500.
Because Jason and I believe these times are subject to us due to our position in the Kingdom, we have peace about our recent decision to step out on faith and for me to become a stay-at-home mom. Now for many people, including some of our own friends and family, this was not a wise decision. Giving up such a stable income in the mist of these “economic times” goes against conventional knowledge. “It’s not a very wise thing to do.” That my dear, depends on which system you subject yourself to. We abide in the secret place of the most high God. We shall fear no evil, and lack is evil. We shall walk by faith, and not by sight. We will continue to put our confident trust in God—Our maker, protection, and provider. Therefore, we are not subject to the Times and we invite you to join us. We live under the open windows of Heaven. So now the question becomes, which system governs your life? Then act accordingly.
There are always two different types of systems operating at a given time, and we get to select which one we will be subjected to- the kingdom of God system or the world system. If you are sold out for Jesus Christ then you operate in the kingdom of God system. As such, we are not subject to, nor do we live under, the dominion, rule, control or influence of whichever way the economy and the world system is going at the moment. In short, these times are subject to the authority of the Word of God, the precious blood and matchless name of Jesus spoken and acted upon by us~ the believers. According to Psalm 31:14-16, our future is in the hands of the Lord and because of His unfailing love for us, He favors us. Trusting in Jesus gives us a peace that we don’t have to be subject to the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, or S&P 500.
Because Jason and I believe these times are subject to us due to our position in the Kingdom, we have peace about our recent decision to step out on faith and for me to become a stay-at-home mom. Now for many people, including some of our own friends and family, this was not a wise decision. Giving up such a stable income in the mist of these “economic times” goes against conventional knowledge. “It’s not a very wise thing to do.” That my dear, depends on which system you subject yourself to. We abide in the secret place of the most high God. We shall fear no evil, and lack is evil. We shall walk by faith, and not by sight. We will continue to put our confident trust in God—Our maker, protection, and provider. Therefore, we are not subject to the Times and we invite you to join us. We live under the open windows of Heaven. So now the question becomes, which system governs your life? Then act accordingly.
Just Surviving? Think Again
Have you asked someone lately how they where doing and they responded, “Just trying to survive?” If so, then you have an opportunity to preach the good news. Tell them that their goal should be more than just surviving; their goal should be to thrive. Confused? To survive could simply mean to just be alive in it simplest state---barely getting by or merely existing. We are called to do more then just get by- we are called to thrive, to flourish, succeed, advance, and prosper despite what is going on around us.
I know this may be a hard message for someone who has been out of work and/or under employed for a while. However, receive it and believe it we must. I would rather lay my head on my pillow at night with hope (the hope that God’s Word gives us) and my neck stretched out (in expectation) then to lay down with doom and gloom. You see, I have seen the Word “work” when it is “worked” time and time again. I have seen immediate miracles and I have seen prayers that were answered over the course of days, weeks, months, and years. God is good, and more importantly God is faithful to keep His Word.
When we become born again and accept Jesus as Lord of our life we are made holy. We are saved not by our good works, but to do good works and to live a holy life. As we enter into this covenant relationship with God, we are no longer subject to this world---we become separated from this world, set part. Now don’t get deep with me when I use the word “Holy”. Holiness does not mean not wearing make up or wearing only dresses. Holiness is not what you do to your outer body, but an inner belief that manifest in actions which are pleasing to God.
In John 17:14, Jesus states in prayer to God that we are not of this world, just like he was not. He goes on to ask God not to take us out of this world, but to keep us from evil. And no, He was not just talking about the “scary” little devil, He was talking about evil of not having any money, food; the evil of not being able to pay our bills or the evil of accepting or thinking that you are subject to this world and all the “evil” that goes on in it. What is so cool to me is that Jesus was specifically praying for His disciples here, but in verse 20 He says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word…” Wow, we are included in that prayer. Jesus prayed and is stilling praying for us. (Romans 8:34) With Him on our side, how could we fail?
We are separated and cut away from the effects of these times. We thrive and prosper in tough times. Repeat after me, “We are not subject to the economy; we flourish in spite of what is happening.” Amen!
I know this may be a hard message for someone who has been out of work and/or under employed for a while. However, receive it and believe it we must. I would rather lay my head on my pillow at night with hope (the hope that God’s Word gives us) and my neck stretched out (in expectation) then to lay down with doom and gloom. You see, I have seen the Word “work” when it is “worked” time and time again. I have seen immediate miracles and I have seen prayers that were answered over the course of days, weeks, months, and years. God is good, and more importantly God is faithful to keep His Word.
When we become born again and accept Jesus as Lord of our life we are made holy. We are saved not by our good works, but to do good works and to live a holy life. As we enter into this covenant relationship with God, we are no longer subject to this world---we become separated from this world, set part. Now don’t get deep with me when I use the word “Holy”. Holiness does not mean not wearing make up or wearing only dresses. Holiness is not what you do to your outer body, but an inner belief that manifest in actions which are pleasing to God.
In John 17:14, Jesus states in prayer to God that we are not of this world, just like he was not. He goes on to ask God not to take us out of this world, but to keep us from evil. And no, He was not just talking about the “scary” little devil, He was talking about evil of not having any money, food; the evil of not being able to pay our bills or the evil of accepting or thinking that you are subject to this world and all the “evil” that goes on in it. What is so cool to me is that Jesus was specifically praying for His disciples here, but in verse 20 He says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word…” Wow, we are included in that prayer. Jesus prayed and is stilling praying for us. (Romans 8:34) With Him on our side, how could we fail?
We are separated and cut away from the effects of these times. We thrive and prosper in tough times. Repeat after me, “We are not subject to the economy; we flourish in spite of what is happening.” Amen!
Living Without The Mask
Just a few years ago, you could not have gotten me to post a pic of myself in this state. Not that I am a big make-up wearer, but this pic reveals a true natural state for myself, both spiritually and naturally. This is me not hiding behind make-up, clothes, hair do and any other thing we, especially us women, hide behind.
In my upcoming book, “In Search of True Beauty,” I talk about finding beauty from the inside out. Read an excerpt below:
“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD…” (Psalm 27:4 AMP). When we come in contact with Him, we come in contact with real beauty. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror, the glory or beauty of the Lord, are being transformed into THE SAME IMAGE…, just as from the Lord” (AMP). And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.
Notice the two scriptures referenced above, “unveiled face” or “Nothing between us and God.” Before we can put on the “veils” of God’s true beauty, we must take all other “veils” off. In other words, before we can put on His beauty, we Have to come clean, “Will the real you please stand up?” Take off the mask. We must remove all of our false sense of security (the make-up/clothes), all of our defenses, all the things we have put our confidence in (people/possessions), all the reasons we feel insecure- take down the walls. This is when we can see Him in all of His beauty, and that’s when we shall be changed!
Are you living without the mask?
“In Search of True Beauty” will be out this fall.
It’s time to start plowing!
The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing. Proverbs 20:8
During my quiet time today the above scripture stood out. It seemed like I have read it or heard someone ministered on it before. Nevertheless, this time, like the word always does, it came alive to me. It’s exactly what we do. Because of how the conditions look we fail to “work.” We are always waiting on perfect conditions before we will step out on what God has told us to do.
From a natural stand point it makes since. Why would you plow in the winter? The ground is hard and it’s COLD out. It’s a lot of work to try to start preparing the ground in the winter for planting season. With snow on the ground and the trees weighed down with ice, what could come of your hard work?
I remind you child of God as well as myself that we walk by faith. What we can’t see is more real then what we can see. Don’t be limited by the season that you are in. You might be in the middle of a snow storm, hurricane, tornado, flood or a heat wave, but don’t be moved by what you see. Sure, these conditions may not be right for the full vision that God has given you, but there are steps you can take now. It’s the perfect season to write your vision and make it plan. The conditions are perfect for research. Start looking up information; get Connected with others who could possibly be resources for you.
Don’t get caught begging during harvest time because you didn’t do enough plowing in the winter.
Much Love,
CindyTuesday, September 6, 2011
Detoxifying My Home
Today was a really good day. Can’t believe how cool it is. September is usually hot~ putting the hot in Hot-lanta. Don’t see this type of weather in the “A” often during this time of the year. I decided to take advantage of it to air out my house.
Recently, I recommitted myself to detoxifying my home. For me, this means going more natural with my cleaning products. Who knew it was this hard to stop using good ole Clorox bleach and other toxic products. It’s almost like having an addition. Ok, maybe not, but we rely on toxic products way too much. Any who, I opened the windows for a couple of hours to ride our home of stale air. I am not an expert, but I do know that indoor air quality is very poor due to the toxins in cleaning products, carpet, bedding, paint, etc. So unless we air out our house we are stuck breathing the same stale, toxins filled air over and over again. And we don’t even give much thought to it!
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