Come out, Come out, Wherever you are!

Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." NLT

Why are you trying to blend in? No, really?

We are all guilty of it, I know I am. Trying to make people comfortable by not ruffling feathers, not rocking the spiritual boat, not stepping on toes... But you know what?
You can only keep that up but for so long.

God has an assignment for you. You were chosen and pre-ordained for greatness and to share God's message of redemption with the world. As the scripture tells us, We are the light of the world. If you have ever been to a city or town that has a house or neighborhood on a higher elevation, you probably noticed that the towns folk are always looking up there. I'm sure you found yourself doing it as well. Seeing what "they" are doing, if their lights are still on, if there is anything exciting going on up there.

That's what the world is doing to us. Someone is watching You. Don't hide - but don't show off either ;-) Conventional society tells us to garner all of the attention we can get for ourselves. Our Lord tells us to recognize that the attention we garner is to turn the observers heart and focus on HIM.

Paradigm Shift: Contrary to popular belief, it's not about you (boo!).

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." NLT

When you do well in something people will recognize and commend you, that's a given. But where the shift in recognition comes in is when those recognizing you recognize God's work IN you to do what has been done. And this means everywhere - not just at church or your circle of Christian friends - but at work, in the grocery store, on the bus, in the mall when people stand in the middle of the walkway and block you from passing by (is that just me?), you get the picture.

Don't let the world wonder whether you are a Christian. Talk about Christ and His power in your life. Display a godly mindset in your actions and appearance. "Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead put it on a stand and let it shine for all." Matthew 5:15 NLT. The King James translation puts it this way: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candle stick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house."

See, I told you. Now get out there and light up the world girl!

Treasure Trove

“And so, since God in His mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up.

We reject all shameful and underhanded methods.

We do not try to trick anyone and we do not distort the word of God.

We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that.

If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, so that they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. We don’t go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us.

For God who said “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shines within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So that everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.

We are pressured on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken.

We are perplexed but we do not give up and quit.

We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.

We get knocked down but we get up again and keep going.

Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”

2 Corinthians 4:1-10

Our gracious Father has buried in each of us a treasure trove of resources to be used to glorify His kingdom. We are the light! We have His power harnessed within us! God knew when He planned your salvation that the power He was giving you would be held in a weak and perishable body, but oh how His goodness can prove to be a match for your sinful nature. When you demonstrate the power and strength that God has placed in you, and deny your fleshly desires and nature, you show others how God works. Both believers and non-believers will see that God is working in you.

You cannot do it on your own.

How many of us have failed miserably trying to show God just how good and worthy we could be? I can admit that my failures never seemed to end, but everything changed when I put my trust in Christ Jesus. God never abandons us. He is there to motivate when we feel down, reassure when we start to falter, guide when we need direction.

You have been given a wonderful ministry and you have been bought into the kingdom of God with a high price. You must never give up in your pursuit of the kingdom and in doing God’s work to claim our fellow man.

Now hop to it girls! Go get in the game.

The Pick of The Litter - Part II

“The Lord Almighty says…”A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master, but where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have despised my name. But you ask, ‘How have we despised your name?’ You have despised my name by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’ You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect.” Malachi 1: 6-7


For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting this post, in-boxing me, stalking me, stopping me on the street, begging for Part II, here you are. For those of you who missed Part I, take a look then read on :-)…

So after reading our first message some of you may be thinking, “Well what does God want me to do?  Cancel my membership with the Gamma Phi Beta group?  Drop out of the classes I just signed up for?  Not socialize with anyone, just read my bible and pray all day?”  Noooo… But He does expect you to prioritize your life and activities so that He is your first thought, not an afterthought.

Your thoughts dictate your actions, we all know that.  Give your Creator the blessing of your FIRST thoughts, your BEST time, your MOST EFFECTIVE efforts.  When you serve and volunteer at your church or local charity do it with a smile and a joyful heart.  No one wants to hear about how tired you are from work or how much your feet hurt from walking though the mall.  God doesn’t want to hear it either! (ok, let me qualify that...He wants you to pray about it, asking for His assistance in getting through the situation, but no blatant complaining.)  “You say ‘It’s too hard to serve the Lord’ and you turn up your noses at His commands,” says the Lord Almighty” Malachi 1:13a.  God has already seen the actions of people with this mindset and He has left us plenty of examples in the bible for review.  The bible spells it out for you, but only the Holy Spirit can convict you to do better.  God knows your heart. You do too.  If you know you are cheating God by committing to all other activities/ events/ goals besides His ultimate goal of glory and service for His kingdom, then it is time to readjust.

It may seem hard, or darn near impossible, but test God on this.  He will multiply your time and you will be amazed at the benefit! Give God the beginning of your day in prayer and meditation. Devote your best hours of each day and every week to joyful service for His kingdom.  Honor God’s name by giving Him the pick of the litter. Get the best strawberry, wash it off and slice it up, then give it to God!  Imagine, planting the seeds from your best fruit will reap the most beautiful harvest you have ever seen.

“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold onto what is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 19-21

Stay fly girls!

Yeah, Yeah, I know, "The devil is a liar"...

"Be alert and sober of mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

So it is no revelation that just as there is the existence of God and His angels, there is the existence of satan and his demons. Hopefully, we believers can all agree on that. Right? Well...because I can sense a slight bit of resistance from some of you (I see you back there! Yeah, you.) let's discuss today the penchant for some Christians to ignore the devil and his efforts to wreck havoc on the world.

During a conversation with a friend and classmate a while ago, the topic arose of satan's continued efforts to manipulate the minds and actions of people everywhere. My comment that we believers are not excluded, and are even targeted, was met with her response: "There you go with that devil stuff...". What? I went on to expound on my point and remind her that the devil is not only real, but that he is "prowling around like a roaring lion looking some victim to devour." Needless to say she was not impressed.

Of course, many well-meaning Christians believe that "the devil is a liar" and all that, but what else do they believe? It seems like far fewer believers in Christ are willing to confidently proclaim their understanding of satan's sole mission: "to steal, to kill, and to destroy." (John 10:10). But to steal, kill, and destroy what, you ask? Steal your dreams. Kill your hopes. Destroy your progress towards the mission God has set before you.

Job 1:7 reminds us that satan is busy "roaming about on the earth and walking around on it"...And don't think that he won't worm his way into your happy little Jesus party.

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and satan also came among them." Job 1:6

So there! Look over your shoulder, the folks in your circle may not all be saints. I'm just saying...

God has ultimate power over all things, yes. But recognize that satan was cast down to earth after being booted out of heaven and that dude is bitter. If he thought leading a revolt against God was going to work you know he is not going to play fair with you. We as believers have to recognize that satan will wiggle his tricky behind into anything he can get his hands (or hooves) on. Stop thinking that you can go about your merry way and he's going to be sitting on a park bench whistling for you to come over! He's much more subtle than that. Satan will:
- Cause your friends to not call you on your birthday so that you will want to curse them out.
- Proceed to get your dog to pee on your rug, just for you to step in it with bare feet, and cause you to miss bible study because you're cleaning up the mess. (okay, so maybe that only happens to me...)
- Try to allow bitterness and resentment toward your family to keep you from sharing the gospel with them.
- Have you thinking that the only way to get the attention of a fine young man is to flaunt your God given physical assets and give him access to them before marriage.
Recognize his craftiness ladies.

The next time the devil comes around trying to mess with you just put him on notice, "Get behind me satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests but man's." Matthew 16:23. Understand his mission, don't succumb to his foolery, and keep a level head. The devil IS a liar, but he's a hater too; don't drink the hater-ade.

Stay Fly Girls!

The Pick of the Litter – Part 1

“The Lord Almighty says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. I am your father and master, but where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have despised my name! But you ask ‘How have we ever despised your name?’ v.7 You have despised my name by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar. Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’ You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect."  Malachi 1: 6-7

If given the choice on any given day we would choose to pick the best options that are available. The best apple in the barrel. The best strawberry in the basket. The best outfit in the closet. Right? We are far less likely to reach to the back of the closet for the tired, run over shoes from a few years ago to wear to a party. We are going to immediately reach for the cute, fresh ones we bought a few weeks ago! Of course. We want the pick of the litter for ourselves. Likewise we should give the pick of the litter to God.

Malachi 1:7 begins our discussion on how we should consider what we give to God:

V.7 “You have despised my name by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.”

During this time sacrifices of animals were the custom and requirement for atonement. The giver, a believer in God, would give a living sacrifice to God as an offering on His alter. Things started going wrong when someone came up with the idea of sparing the best and instead offering the leftovers. Let’s be honest, if we were in the days of biblical times many of us would think “Why hand over my prettiest, fluffiest, fattest sheep/ goat/ ox as an offering? I could use that skin for a nice handbag, the fur to make a lovely sweater, and uh-huh, wouldn’t that make a month’s worth of delicious dinner for the family…I think I’ll offer the sickly little animal over there in the corner. Yeah, him. I can’t do much with that one, so I can just bring that as an offering and call it a day.” Now, may the Lord richly bless you if you think this is an appalling mindset; and may He also richly bless those of us who can be honest with ourselves and admit that we would have more than likely taken the above approach.

V. 8 “When you give blind animals as sacrifices isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord Almighty.”

So let’s put all of this in perspective for us modern women – you know, without the sheep and goats and oxen. Let’s look at our time and energy as our offering to God. God has blessed us with abundant life and resources to enjoy this life HE has given. When we hop out of bed, prepare for our workday or big event, push ourselves like mad women all day, then come home and fall into bed with barely enough energy to say our prayers, we are cheating Him. If I’m on the computer all day, uploading pictures of my great weekend outing or corresponding with friends, but don’t take the time to read and meditate on God’s word, I am cheating Him. I am giving God second best when I run all over town, to this event and that meeting, having brunch with the girls, setting up my plans for the rest of the weekend, but then don’t have time to attend church because ‘Sunday is the only day I get to sleep in and recover from my busy week’. Our Lord has made it amazingly clear in Malachi 1:12 “But you dishonor my name with your actions. By bringing contemptible food, you are saying it is alright to defile the Lord’s table.”


Let’s put a bookmark in that until next week ladies… (a little cliffhanger for those who like adventure!)


By God’s grace you will take the opportunity to worship this Sunday at your local church. It’s Resurrection Sunday y’all, this is what it’s all about for us Christians! Put on something jazzy and praise the Lord for sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.


Stay fly girls ;-)

The speck and The board (subtitle: Deal with your baggage girl!)

"And why worry about a speck in your friends eye, when you have a board in your own?"  Matthew 7:3

In the grand (and even not so grand) scheme of things, all of us have an Achilles heel.  That thing, or things, that can make us not only fall off of the wagon but jump off of it and then try to walk instead of just hopping back on...Some of you know what I'm saying!  One woman might not be able to control herself if a gallon of ice cream is in the vicinity - she will kick off her shoes, curl up on the sofa with a spoon and a dishtowel (to wrap around the carton so her hands won't get cold), then zone out into her own little world.  Another woman will melt into a puddle of sugar, spice, and all things nice when a handsome man walks into the room - with a flip of her hair and the bat of an eyelash she won't focus on anything but getting him to focus on her; a slow sache across the room to catch his eye, a brush against his shoulder, an extra chuckle or notable comment, a sly cross of the legs, anything to get his attention.  Neither of these women sound like you, huh?  Seems a little pathetic to you?  Maybe you can't imagine a woman would stoop to that level, but what may be incomprehensible in your view may be a way of life for someone else.  Criticism is a hill of rough terrain - the longer you travel on its path the bumpier the ride gets. 

"Judge not, that you not be judged."  Matthew 7:1.  This passage of scripture is so basic that it is confusing to some.  Let's look at the concept of the speck and the board and really break this thing down...

Matthew 7:3 "And why worry about the speck in your friend's eye when you have a board in your own?"  Duly noted.  But what if your friend calls attention to her "speck" and asks for advice/ feedback/ help with her speck?  Well, I'm glad you have asked such a poinient question missy!
 
Matthew 7:4  "How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye' when you can't see past the board in your own eye?"  So before we go running around, looking down at the woman that has lost one too many battles with Breyer's, we must analyze ourselves for the boards in our own eyes.

In verse 5 of the same passage Jesus calls this person a hypocrite. An He's serious about it!  A hypocrite is defined as 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, morals, or religious beliefs, principles, etc, that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs  2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

In review, it is hypocritical to bad mouth/ criticize/ look down on: a) an overweight person if you are an indulger in something that may not show on your physical exterior. b) a single woman with several children if you have had abortions, close calls, or multiple sex partners. c) a woman wearing a skirt that is too short/ top that is too low/ pants that are too tight if you seek attention in other ways like demeaning others to boost yourself up.  Get the picture?

Matthew 7:5 "First get rid of the board from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friends eye."  I see this last verse as a message of assistance rather than one of admonition.  I used to think the message was "Stop worrying about fixing everyone else until you fix yourself!"  But now I see it from a whole new perspective.  Think of an airplane oxygen mask.  When you take a plane, the instruction for dealing with a loss in cabin pressure is to place your mask on first before making an attempt to help others with their masks.  This is not because it is 'every man for himself', it's because I can be of no use to others if I am going down while trying to help them out.  Likewise, if I have recognized my board - overeating/ overspending/ lusting of the eyes and flesh - and am working to remove it, I will have more compassion for what the person with the speck is going through and be able to share with them the power that God gives to overcome the specks and boards in the eyes of life.

As followers of Christ we are tasked to help strengthen and build His kingdom.  Blind builders with specks and boards in their eyes are pretty ineffective... As we are working get our eyes board free we are to also be compassionate towards others around us who are working to do the same.  I'm praying for you ladies!  With God all things are possible.

Stay fly girls!

The Co-Minglers

Judges 2:2  " You were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead you were to destroy their alters.  Why have you disobeyed my command?"

Not too many years ago there was a message that was prevalent in American culture: "Separate, but equal."  This message, and subsequent judicial ruling used to justify or explain segregation, held sometimes opposing connotations by the two races it effected.  For black and white America it allowed the two races to function in separate worlds with their own economies and cultural norms.  Well... we know how all that turned out.  But let us rewind a few more years, how about a few more centuries, and look back at the Israelites and the mandate God gave them to live apart from pagan society.

Judges 2:1-3  " The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim with a message for the Israelites.  He told them "I brought you out of Egypt into this land I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you.  For your part, you were not to make any covenants with people living in this land; instead you were to destroy their altars.  Why then have you disobeyed my command?  Since you have done this, I will no longer drive out the people living in your land.  They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you."

Oh, how we see that God means business when He gives us guidelines to follow.  Verse 1 outlines God's promise - He will never break His covenant with us, verse 2 tells us His parameters - don't make covenants with these people, and verse 3 lays down the penalty for not following His guidance - the people who have invaded will be constant thorns in our sides.  God instructed His holy people to go and take over the territory He had given them.  For one reason or another, fear/ laziness/ disobedience, they did not do exactly what God told them to do, so what happened... Read Judges 1: 19-36 and take a look at how the Israelites compromised in their task.  Not only did they disobey God by not destroying the alters of the pagan gods in the land, but they began to worship these gods (Judges 2:12-13, 19) and even commingle with he people of the lands they were occupying (Judges 3:5).  Now, now, don't be so judgemental!  Take that look of shock and dismay off your face.  What? You can't believe that God's chosen people would so flagrantly disobey His rules, huh?  Just think, after all of the blessings and favor God has showered upon them, they make it a point to go an live any kind of way.  Hmph!  Some nerve, right?

Well let's take a look at our present day culture.  As Christians, we are to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14).  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16.  Yet how many of us allow ourselves to commingle so seamlessly into the culture that we are no more recognizable than a needle in a haystack.  We can become so entrenched in the worldview and culture around us that we compromise our own sense of religion and Christ's influence on our lives.  God has called us to set ourselves apart from the world at large - figuratively.  Although the though of moving to a state, country, or continent of only disciples of Christ sounds appealing (I think...), that's just not something that is going to happen.  So in the meantime, we must work against the system that can so easily ensnare us. 

This is our test. 

Can we seek God in the times when a little compromise could lead to a large setback?  " The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan... These people were left to test the Israelites - to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses." Judges 3:1 & 4.  How are you doing on your test?  We have been called to set ourselves apart - apart from the worldly, the un-Godly, the hedonistic.  It's not easy honey (trust me, I know firsthand), but as we focus on God and not the lusts of our eyes and flesh, we gain the strength we need to move forward.  So enough with all this commingling!  Separate yourself from that which hinders your progress toward he high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Start shutting those pagan idols down!  You know, in a Godly type of way...with finesse ;-) 

Stay fly girls!

The New Normal

2 Timothy 4:3-4
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

It's interesting to me when the Bible starts pointing fingers.  Not necessarily at us, but at "them".  "They", them, *their*, not you, me, or I, of course.  It's like putting us on notice in a 'round about, passive aggressive type of way... I like to think of it as conviction.

Today's passage, my lovelies, is an ominous revelation into what has become our present society.  Our dear Paul is mentoring Timothy in the ways of the Lord and on how to lead his people. Paul is commanding and encouraging Timothy to preach the word - to "convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" 2 Timothy 4:2b - and not to dilute it or stray from it.  Should be simple: unroll the scrolls or pull down the tablets from the bookshelf and tell the congregation what they say. Easy peasy, right?!

Well in a perfect, sinless, heavenly world it might be that easy (key word: might).  But you and I both know that A&E (Adam & Eve) changed the game and put an end to sinless perfection.  So here is Timothy in a town with a church that needs some guidance.  And there is Paul, in jail for preaching the gospel of Christ and sticking to his convictions.  If that were you and there was some dude or lady in prison calling you (collect more than likely...), telling you how to be a leader, how would you feel about it?  Maybe a little sceptical about what they were saying?  Maybe just a little.

The challenge that we face as believers, spiritual mentors, and individuals in today's society is that it becomes easy to boost up the people and ideas that conform to our way of life and way of thinking.  If I am an over eater and indulge my cravings for food with reckless abandon, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for my indulgences.  Likewise, if I am tired of my husband and am ready to peace-out, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for me to leave my spouse.  We are prone to link ourselves to the ideologies that are in accordance with the way we want to live.  We would rather support a lie that allows for us to live in comfort than adhere to God's rules that bring us closer to perfection.  This is what Paul was getting at when he sent this message to Timothy.

"According to their own desires...they will turn their ears away from the truth..."

And just to be clear, Paul's "they" and "their" is talking about us, that's you and me. FYI.

As believers we have to be mindful to adhere to the gospel. Even if what we read in the Bible or hear in a biblical message convicts us about an area that needs improvement we must comply.  Don't be "turned aside by fables" which is bible talk for "don't believe the hype" or "don't fall for the lie".  The devil is crafty and he will plant seeds of disobedience and rebellion in your heart that will cause your mind to regard sin as acceptable.  Sin is unavoidable - but it is also not to be touted as an acceptable way of life.  The bar has been set so low for levels of acceptable behavior, attire, and speech that it is hard to follow Godly guidance instead of the ungodly.  Spiritually discern and analyze with scripture any leader, mentor, or general guidance you receive.  God has given us a measuring stick - The Bible!  Use it as your baseline and you will gain God's perspective and not the world's.

2 Timothy 3:16-17  "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." NKJV

Stay Fly Girls! And Happy New Year ;-)

The Called. The Chosen.

"For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14

 

And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, andabodes),  So that they should seek God,in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.

Acts 17: 26-27 (AMP)

 
Judas.  We all know that name right?  He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, during His life he was considered one of the strong men of God, one of the followers of Christ; walking with Him, learning from Him, watching Him perform miracles and transform lives.  Judas was right there - one of the elect - he was in the crew, part of the entourage!  If we were there when Jesus was on earth we could have looked to Judas for guidance and counsel, thinking that because he was so close to Jesus he must have the answers.  You know how our minds work, if we see someone close to the boss we look at them as being in the direct favor of the boss.  Although we now know that Judas was the original sell-out, we wouldn't have known it then.  But Jesus knew. God knew.

 

In John 17:12 Jesus is speaking to God regarding the twelve disciples, "During my time here, I have kept them safe.  I guarded them so that no one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the scriptures foretold." (NLT)  Also, in John 6:39 Jesus says "And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day." Jesus makes a clear distinction: "Those He has given me."

You see, God made a choice before the Earth began who were the chosen, who were the select.  Judas walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus, he even had a powerful support team.  Imagine if your closest friends and co-workers (yup, them too...) were all Christ following, God believing individuals.  If you were in that position you would do everything right, right?  Clearly not...  And not to mention Judas was the treasurer!  He was the money guy, the accountant for the group.  The person everyone trusted to hold their cash... Seriously Judas?!  How could he cross over to the dark side?  Why did he lose focus and get off track.  He was called, but he was not chosen.

Judas may have been in the clique but his heart wasn't where it should have been.  Had we been there at the time we may not have known this, but God knew.  Jesus made a commitment to God not to lose anyone he had been given.  He keeps that promise - "I have not lost a single one of those you gave me." John 18:9 NLT. Jesus keeps His promises.  He will guide/ love/ motivate/ save those whom God has given to Him. Those whom God has chosen. 

 

If you have been called to redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior you must search your heart for the source of your existence.  Dig down deep in your heart and soul for the glimmer of light that God has placed in each of His creatures.  Dig down, through the mistakes, the hurt, the bitterness, anger, pride, hatred, envy, and even the shame.  Give all of that up and turn it over to God.  

 
You may associate with the right crowd of believers but you may also have the heart of Judas.  You may have been called; but have you been chosen?  Do you want the status of being 'with' the Jesus crowd or do you want the salvation of a clean heart?  Dig down deep girls...ask God to do the miraculous work in you that will purify your heart and renew your mind and spirit.  God has big plans for you my dear!

"Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me, so they can see my glory.  You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!"

John 17:24
 
How about that for a promise from God?  Stay fly girls!

Stay in Your Lane - Part 1

Romans 12:4-21

I used to work with a girl who was a powerhouse at work.  We were in sales, and I don't know how she did it but everyone she worked with she seemed to get a sale from.  Now I always thought I was good, but she was making me feel pretty inferior.  You see from my perspective, if she was in sales and I was in sales we had to pull the same numbers in order for me to feel valuable.  That makes sense right?  Not so much...

As I was doing my devotions and bible reading I came across Romans 12:6a "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."  In the context of this passage, this verse can be such a huge relief to most of us.  One woman who seems to keep her house clean and her life in order (all while in her sleep) may not have the ability to connect and relate to people the way another woman can.  Neither is inferior to the other - they simply have different God given abilities.

Romans12:4-5 "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are all parts of His one body, and we all belong to each other, each of us has different work to do.  And since we are all one body in Christ, we each belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others."

We all know how disastrous it can be to start comparing ourselves to others!  If your hands start looking at your feet and think "Wow, look at those nice shoes.  And sheesh, she doesn't soak us in those nice baths and get us massaged like that.  She must love them more than us..."  Then the hands are envious; they want to be feet and do footly things.  They don't feel their position is good enough so they stop being good hands because they are trying to be feet!  Now I know this may be an awkward analogy but you get the picture.  The moral of the story is - be a great hand instead of an awkward foot - Stay in your lane!  The kingdom of God needs hands and feet and all the other parts!

As you do all that you can, in the best way that you can, you will begin to see the areas where God has given you a special function to bless others - at work, at school, at church, and in the world.  If you are a great organizer help your local soup kitchen streamline their programs.  If you are a great encourager help motivate the people around you when you see they are down.  If you are a great cook come to my house and put your gifts to good service.  No really... Use your "special function" to benefit the kingdom.  God has a function for you, and your function may be different than those you work with or those in your inner circle or family.  "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Romans 12:5b 

Don't forsake your function; it is your assignment from God.  He has done a great work in you, now its time for you to work for Him with a renewed spirit. Amen.

Stay fly girls!

Truth in the Translation

"And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'" 
Job 28:28 NLT

KJV. NIV. NLT. NKJV. The Message.

In my women's discipleship class we would have frequent discussions referencing various scripture (naturally...) and the ladies would quote a passage that meant something to them.  Frequently I would hear two particular ladies say a passage from the bible then say "The Message".  Now me, a bit slow at times, was thinking "What on earth?..." But after hearing it a  few times I got it: The Message was the Bible translation they were reading from.

Now I was always a King James Version kind of girl - enjoying the olde world feel and sound of it.  I would think of the Bible figures with their sandals and robes on, sitting on a big stone in the wilderness and such, holding a tablet of rough hewn rock speaking to the people. (How's that for imagery?)  I was drifting in darkness because I couldn't really follow the meaning of what God had to say to me through His word.  I was not reading my bible daily, nor was I taking classes or going to bible study regularly to gain a better understanding of God's truths.  So in 2000 I bought a People's Parallel Edition Bible in King James Version & New Living Translation.  I still kept reading the KJV though because the NLT seemed watered-down and not quite 'holy' enough for me.  Well, one day I was reading and praying and came across Galatians 2:20 and I was so moved by what God was saying to me that I cried. 

"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live my life in the earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." NLT

To me this passage so awesomely details the walk that we face daily.  Having life and having it more abundantly is God's gift to us as believers through Christ Jesus.  I promise you that I have read that passage before, but it had not resonated with me the same way.  Then I understood why: it's all in the translation!  I read the same scripture in KJV - a little heart prick.  Then in the NKJV - eh, maybe a pinch that time.  Then again in NLT - there it is! Light bulb moment!

Each of us has to find a Bible translation that works best for us.  The Bible can't show you the path that God has for your life if you can't clearly understand it.  You may have an electronic device or other item at home that you don't use to the fullest potential because you haven't figured out how to work it properly.  God forbid you read the manual, right? (no pun intended)  If you don't already have a Bible that you can read and understand, go out and get one.  Plenty of Christian book stores and churches in the area that sell a number of options.  Take it from me girls, read the Lord's manual for your life.  It will make your walk as a Christian so much stronger.  Amen!

So you've given your life to Christ... Now what?

John 15:5-8 NLT "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted!  My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father."

 

Here is the Sunday morning routine:  Wake up.  Turn on the radio or TV to a gospel or preached word station.  Turn on the coffee pot or tea kettle.  Stand in the closet thinking about what to wear to church.  Take a shower, coif the hair, get dressed.  Start heading out the door.  "Ooops!" you think, "What do I need to bring with me so I can do the "other stuff" I want to do after church?"  Bring a change of clothes/ shoes/ etc. so that I won't go through the mall/ brunch/ dinner/ movies looking like I just left church... Could this be you? (*me: hand raised, looking at the floor in shame)

You've given your life to Christ, but are you living for Him?

Many of us shuttle through life desiring to put a check in each box:

• good job - check
• degree - check
• more degrees - check, check
• nice house - check
• nice car - check
• find a man - check (another topic for another time)
• go to church - check

We have a perceived sense of security in knowing that we have given our lives to Christ by being saved, going to church, maybe even going to bible study during the week.  We really feel secure if we are tithing, let me tell you!  Paying your weekly installment to get on the list, huh?  Not quite ladies.  Having things to do AC (after church) is not the problem; but living for all of the other things and not for God is.  You must ask yourself "Am I living for Christ?"  Do you live and breathe the fire God has placed in your heart or are you on auto-pilot?  Have you recognized yet that God has planted in you a seed that he wants to cultivate, till, and prune so that you will bear much fruit?  We are reminded of this in John 15:5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing."

Let's be clear and honest here, "remaining" in God can be a struggle.  Everyday it is work - staying in touch with God and keeping the lines of communication open so that he stays in touch with you - not always easy.  But is gets easier every day.  You pray to God, you listen to what He is saying to you, and you look out for what He is showing you.  He will show you how to live your life better by living for Him.  As you accomplish your goals and set out through life you will begin to take advantage of the opportunities God gives you to witness for Him; whether it's at work, at school, in your social circles, or with your family.  Be joyous and helpful in God's army!  Smile at the lady in your office that is snippy to you.  Wave every day to your neighbor who pretends not to see you.  Forgive. Open your hand to give.  Reach out to others.  Allow the power of God's grace to work in you so that others will see and experience His goodness.

God, through Jesus Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit, gives us assurance and purpose.  Profess your faith ladies, you have nothing to be ashamed of!

The Wellspring of Life

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

Going through adolescence in the 80's was major!  Coming of age during this era, I was exposed to all types of visual and mental influences by way of television and radio. (no Internet back then, can you imagine...)  One song that I remember clearly was by our dear old friend Madonna: "Open your heart to me, baby. I'll give you love if you hold the key.  Open your heart to me, darling. I'll give you love if you, you turn the key."  Now, besides the fact that Madonna is wrong on so many levels, I enjoyed her music back then.  This one song in particular speaks volumes about the culture and mindset that was dominant at the time and still is today - an open heart.

Many times we see women who are love sick, or love crazy, because they have let a man into their heart and he didn't know what to do with the prize he had been given.  We have all been there!  Thinking that if we open our heart and show a man how great we are inside that he will fall madly in love, stay in love, and put us on the queens' throne in his life.  Then we wake up from our dream with swollen eyes, a heavy heart, tear soaked pillows and soggy tissues all over the bed.  God built us to love and to be loved.  The issue is not whether to love, it is rather who we receive love from and who we give our love to. 

I was reading the book "Every Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge, and in it she gives such a clear understanding of the magnitude of our heart's capacity to love and what that means is God's eyes.
"I believe the answer is in he word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as 'source'.  The heart is the source of life.  When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being - physically, spiritually, and emotionally." 
Would you give someone your power source?  Especially if they haven't proven worthy to have it?  Many of us would need several sets of hands to count the men we have had a physical connection with.  Maybe only one hand to count those with whom we had an emotional connection.  But when is comes to a spiritual connection...silence, crickets, no comment. (If you can't say Amen, just say ouch. Ouch!)  Why then would we open our heart to a man who is not our husband, or one who is not hearing from God as the focus and center of his life?

Your ability to guard your heart is paramount to preserving the precious, life giving gift that God has blessed you with.  God knows your need and desire to be brought to the throne of grace.  He is ready to give you the desires of your heart!  But He wants you to guard your heart, leaving it open and accessible to Him first.  When we guard our hearts against the tricks and schemes of the devil we allow access to our Saviour Jesus Christ.  He loves us without conditions.  He loves us eternally.

Don't use this as a rationale for blocking any and all interest or advance from a man - you are too fly to become a bitter spinster!  But be discerning, be vigilant, be wise in your decisions regarding who to spend your precious time and interest with.  A spring is eternal, ever bubbling and refreshing; a well is purposed to make the bounty from the spring accessible.  Protect your eternal refreshment ladies, keep it accessible to God.  Guard your heart girls, above all else!  Amen.

The Struggle Continues...

Romans 14:4 "Who are you to condemn God's servants?  They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong.  The Lords power will help them do as they should."

Now is the time of year when many of us have either forgotten our New Year Resolutions or are acting as though we have forgotten them. As the Lenten season is upon us, we may have taken on a whole new task, or thing, to stay away from as we draw closer to God at this time. Raise your hand if you are struggling right now... OK, hands down. That was a lot of you! (yes, my hand was up too.)

As we roll along in our day-to-day lives many of us struggle in the area of criticism/ judgement/ condemnation. This struggle is often masked in different ways...
It could be a thought: "What is the world is he doing?"
It could be what is said: "I don't know what in the world she was thinking when she did that."
Or it could be an action: "I'm just going to move these over here because he doesn't know what in the world he is doing and I can't have him ruining my stuff!"

Truth be told, if we could count the times we think, say , or do something in a judgmental manner we would be ashamed of the number. During a recent trip I found myself judging everything from how long the person in front of me took to move out of the fast lane, to the tone of voice one of my lunch mates took with our waitress. It seemed like the only time I wasn't being critical was when I looked outside at the pretty sky and marveled at God's handy work.  I am ashamed of myself.  We should be ashamed of ourselves. 

Romans 14: 10 reads "Why do you condemn your brother?  Why do you look down on your brother?  Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgement seat of God."  Verse 12 continues, "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God."  These verses are profound because they confirm our personal testimony to God.  Trust and believe, you will not be called to the witness stand to testify against your friend' flaws and faults.  Nor will I be called upon to give my personal account of all the errors I think others have made in their lives.  God is not interested in my take on the behaviors/ words/ deeds of everyone else .  But on the flip side, no one will be called to testify against me either.  My life, my words, and definitely my actions, will be my testimony.  The impact I have made on others, both positive and negative, will bear witness for me.  The people who we may have condemned in our mind will not be called to the stand.  Those who we have talked about or looked down upon will not be called to the stand.  God has not put us here to be the sideline commentators for the missteps of others.  Instead, He graciously convicts us to do better and be better towards our fellow man.

"So don't condemn each other anymore.  Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another brothers path."  Romans 14:13

Now go ahead and pull out your list of New Year's Resolutions and write down one more: No Condemnation!  If there is one resolution that we should keep it should be this one.  Now the one about not eating cupcakes...you have permission to cross that one off your list ;-)

Stay fly girls!

Inner Substance vs. Exterior Materialism

Many of us know this girl, the one who greets you with a big smile and hug then proceeds to say "That top/ dress/ bag/ shoe is so cute! Where did you get it?". No evil eye. No hateful stare. Just a determined and transfixed plan to find out the details of the particular item she is focused on today. In the hierarchy of materialism, labels are worth more than fabrics, and status is based on material possessions. Now in the name of full disclosure, I do like myself a sassy bag/ shoe/ bauble on my person or in my possession. We all do, right? But I have to quell my natural desire to purchase too much material finery, lest I shift my focus on my stuff instead of my Savior.

The trap of materialism takes on many forms with each lady. One girl may not want anything that doesn't have a designer label. One girl may constantly acquire new things, any thing, just to have more. Another may not accept small or mid-sized anything, but instead desire to have the biggest everything - house on the block, car amongst her friends, diamond amongst her co-workers. Do any of these descriptions sound familiar?

Recently I was tasked to complete a project on a sin I have been delivered from and I choose Idolatry. Now my ole' time Christian understanding of idolatry was worshiping other god's above the Lord Jesus. Well, of course I didn't do that! But in gaining a deeper understanding of the term, I learned that craving the things that our conventional society tells us we should have is idolatry. Working extra hard just to get more stuff is idolatry. Focusing on material possessions to mask your internal character flaws is idolatry. Elevating people based on what they have or how they look is idolatry. Materialism is idolatry.

So, ladies scoop up your receipts and return your designer handbags, shred your department store credit cards, and trade in your luxury car for a modest economy car. Not so much, huh... Well let's at least make a commitment to God to honor Him in our outward appearance and our inward thoughts. God's focus is on your heart; your heart is the soil for your thoughts, your thoughts grow your outward actions and appearance. Ask yourself if a spot in your heart is filled when you acquire something that has external value. Then listen to how your inner self answers the question - is it a "yes, but with explanation"? Examine your explanation. As Christian girls we know who God is and His power to fill every void in our life and heart, but as human girls we have to put that knowledge in to action. That's the hard part.

God does not care where your suit was purchased or which season your handbag is from. God wants your whole heart - and if part of your heart is taken up by the things you have or want He can't get into your heart like He really wants to! You may not have to look in your closet and start giving things away, but hey, if the shoe fits...give it to me. (just kidding) If material possessions are driving a wedge between you and your walk with God, decide how to overcome this challenge. Whether by renewing your mind, changing your thought life, or changing your heart, shift your focus from the possessions to God. Remember "Seek ye first he Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33. That which you seek you can only find in God.

Stay fly girls!

The Great Transformation

"And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2


One of the first CD series I ordered from a radio ministry was by Dr. R.C. Sproul.  Great teacher; although he can be more descriptive than my little pea brain can handle.  His radio ministry is called "Renewing Your Mind", which I thought was a nice program title - short and accurate according to the focus of his ministry.  But how interesting it was for me to find this title in Romans 12:2.  "Hmmm, that guy is pretty clever."  I thought.  Little did I know! As I started to grow closer in my walk with Christ I gained a level of understanding for this passage of scripture that was indescribable.  So was the beginning of my great transformation...


As women in the world today, we are faced with continuous images and reminders of what "the world" finds acceptable.  Mainstream media and culture is just that, the main-stream that everyone follows and measures themselves against.  But the first part of this verse makes everything clear: "And be not conformed to this world," (People try to make it confusing, but the word of God is so crystal clear sometimes, isn't it?)  The New Living Translation says, "Don't copy the behaviors and customs of this world".  Easier said than done, right?.


TV shows, music on the radio, movies, magazines, computer and cell phone apps, they all promote and encourage the conformity of society to the world view and image.  We have to go out of our way not to be overly exposed to the mainstream view of normal.  I cut off my cable TV subscription and haven't turned a television in my house in 12 months.  Extreme?  Yup; to some of you it may be.  But that's what I had to do to start the transformation process.  For some of you it may mean ending your subscriptions to certain magazines.  For others it may mean not watching certain shows or TV channels.  God convicts the heart of those who love Him and search for His truth.


"But be transformed by the renewing of your mind," - Now we get down to the nuts and bolts!  Transformation by the renewing of your mind.  This is where God gives us the foot print of how to navigate this journey that is the Christian life.  You are not the same as you were before salvation.  Although you may do some of the same things, and have some of the same problems, you are not the same.  Sin is bondage, and we were born into sin, therefore we were born into bondage.  Think of your redemption through Christ as your breakout from bondage.  Like in the movie Shawshank Redemption - you are breaking out of jail.  Chipping away slowly at the rock wall built around your heart and wading through sewer lines to climb to your freedom!  This is the best visual I can paint for your mind renewal.  Not a pretty picture, I know, but work with me.


Ephesians 5:22-23 says "Throw off your evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.  Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes."  We have to think differently ladies.  When we think differently we act differently.  This leads to the third and last point of the passage..."that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Wow!  Did you feel that?  The power of God living and breathing in His word?!


When you think differently - not being conformed to this world...
You act differently - being transformed by the renewing of your mind...
Then you prove God's perfect will to yourself and to others - a testimony that God's plan is good and acceptable and perfect...How awesome is that! (I think I just wrote a sermon.  Look out Billy Graham!)


God gives us the outline all in one verse.  Don't get me wrong, God summed it up in a nice little package but this is not going to be an easy journey. (cue Shawshank visual)  But believe me, the tools you need to dig yourself out of the bondage of sin and this world are all in His word.  This verse is your little spoon, and the bible is the big poster protecting the big hole you have dug out to break free of your bondage. 


Renew your mind.  Change your thought life.  Free yourself from the world's mainstream view and practices.  Pull out your little spoon girls and get to work.  I'm rooting for you!

Number Crunchers

Scene: The dressing room of your favorite boutique/department store/dress shop.

Characters: You, your best shopping companion, your mom, the sales consultant.

Situation: A closure that will not comply with it's intended purpose.


You have managed to get into the dress without assistance, but when it comes to the zipper/snaps/buttons, you have to call for back up. Stat! Everyone takes a go at it while you inhale deeply and hold... 1-2-3-4... No luck. Enter 'man-logic': Just get a bigger size. (Thank God there are no men around to utter this horrific phrase that no one wants to hear, but everyone is thinking!)


Raise your hand if you have been one of the characters in this situation. Our self image is tied in so many cases to the numbers we are attached to. Clothing size, shoe size, weight, waist size, bust size. I've seen ladies with sparkling smiles and bubbly personalities reduced to blank stares and shrugs when they have to go to another size just to fit their hips/behind/thighs/bust/back. Neither shame, nor pride, should be derived from numbers.


Psalm 139:14 reads "I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." God's purpose for your life brings glory to the body that you may not be happy with. So who has the wrong perspective, you or God? My vote is that it's you.


Lord knows I've had plenty of days wishing that this was a bit smaller, and those were a bit bigger...but when I see myself through God's lens and not the world's, I can certainly appreciate what He sees in me. Amen!