Complete Your Calling

His Understanding Will Guide You

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness. Proverbs 2:10-13 (BSB)

Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. Good sense will scout ahead for danger, insight will keep an eye out for you. They’ll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions. Of those who are lost themselves and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed. Proverbs 2:10-13(MSG)

Well, this morning, I realized why I was led to start re-reading Proverbs again, especially now. The need for divine wisdom and discernment for our own protection is such a critical priority, that the feeling will not leave me; drawing me into deeper intimacy. God has been waking me up earlier and earlier each day this week to highlight to me the importance of NOW. As I read these verses in different iterations, I kept thinking about the bible verse in 2 Thessalonians 2 regarding a strong delusion that will be sent during the end times to those who refuse to believe the truth.

It almost feels like that is where are right now. But God wants to deliver us from any way of evil that would try to ensnare us into darkness. And this can only be completed by becoming insistent on cultivating and strengthening our relationship with Him. This involves our seeking Him intentionally daily, minute by minute, and sometimes second by second so that we not only harness the fear of the Lord, but also that we being to receive much needed wisdom during this perilous season.

Harnessing knowledge creates a path that will keep us safe and provide a way of escape. It also gives us foresight, hindsight, and divine sight. We can see clearly through the dark and the murkiness of the atmosphere. We can remain calm and at peace in these unstable environments. We are more discerning of the time and lead life with Him at the forefront of our mind.

I encourage you to dive back into Proverbs. It literally enveloped me this morning in a deeper truth about what we are all witnesses to everyday. I know that we are all here for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14). Everyday, I am in awe of God more as He exposes me to certain realities and permits me to really see the hidden message by worldly messengers. He is teaching everyday that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding supersede offense, contention, and frustration. I pray as His children we become more aware of His leading, and that we take delight of how much He loves us and that even if we see differently in the natural, that He is ultimately in control.

Stay Encouraged and Stay Seeking Wisdom.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Intention over Idleness

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 (ESV)

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. Proverbs 4: 25-27 (ESV)

A couple of weeks ago, in the midst of a conversation with a friend, I mentioned that I kept hearing the word intention bubbling within me, as I sensed that “being very intentional” next year would be critical. She too agreed as many decisions that will need to be made next year, start now as we posture ourselves correctly. Then this morning in my prayer time, the word idle came up as the antithesis of being intentional.

I began to think about ways to avoid idleness and was directed to the book in the Bible known for wisdom- Proverbs. I take it as a cue to start reading Proverbs this month as we approach a new year since the action steps in my path to get to this new year begin in this present time.

I think the reason this has been something on my mind recently is because I know God has many plans that if I am not invested in my development through Him and intentionally seeking Him, I might miss it. I asked God for His guidance to keep me on the narrow path and to not lose focus, to tend to my affairs, to remain rooted in Him and to be more intentional about what and who I am around, listening to, and interacting with.

I know for me that the only way my feet can remain sure is to tap into His instruction and guidance even more. But this requires dedicated time in His presence, a determination to act in intention, and focus on the decisions made day to day, that will in the end, impact the final destination.

Stay Encouraged. Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Level Up

“So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?” Jeremiah 12:5 MSG

Have you ever complained to God about some difficulty, trial, or storm that you were dealing with and the response you received was to stay in it to win it? I am raising my hand right now as I typed this. I think this is why I can relate to this chapter in Jeremiah. Jeremiah was going through it and in the early verses of this chapter was complaining to God about the state of affairs. He was tired of the wickedness and those who were not of God prospering during his time. Sound familiar?

But there was something that stirred in my spirit when I reached down to this selection verse above. It made me think of the coming time when “the last will be first and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). And I sense we are getting very close to this revelation, but it takes preparation. One just doesn’t metaphorically race with horses. The fastest horse reported to date can run 55mph compared to the fastest human reported at 8 mph.

Remember, God knew what Jeremiah was capable of and why he placed him in that time and season. This is the same with us. We may be weary as we contend with men, but we are being built from the inside out when the spiritual chariots of horses come. We cannot jump to the end of our race, we have to go through it. We may fall, acquire callouses, and become discouraged, but in these times, allow God to grow you in your spirit. Things are breaking loose all around, and we need to be ready to occupy the areas that are becoming available.

Trust God in this season. He is the only one that possesses all revelation and spiritual reasoning. If weariness tries to overtake you as you interact with others this week, call on the name of Jesus, seek direction from the Holy Spirit, and walk in that way. We have to learn to crawl before we walk, walk before we run and run before we race. The beauty is that we are not alone. We are surrounded by others rooting for us, interceding on behalf of us and running with us.

Stay Encouraged. Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Prioritize Patience

By your patience possess your souls (Luke 21:19) NKJV

I was never one who particularly enjoyed patience. I guess that is the “go-go-go” nature within me. It was not until I was really forced to become patient a few years back after a health setback that I realized what you learn about yourself during the “long suffering” process. As I read Luke 21 this morning, and pondered on the disciples and Jesus’ interaction related to the sign of the times, this Bible verse positioned me right back to patience and I became enthralled about its priority in this season.

I know you may be experiencing some type of discomfort, a period of shaking, an uncertainty of what is next and even perhaps persecution by others. And these are all things that we must understand have to happen for what is to be revealed. Jesus provides information for His disciples during those times and since His Word is living, He is also giving us clues and comforts of what to expect.

Our soul; that piece of us that can either be run by the world (our flesh) or ruled by our spirit (connecting us to the leading of the Holy Spirit) is constantly being tested. Of course no one likes to experience of trials, afflictions, temptations, and storms, but during these times, we end up truly seeing who we rely on. I remember having a conversation with someone about not “fitting in” and I reminded the both of us that we can never truly fit into the world’s standards, if we are led by the Holy Spirit.

Possessing something means to have complete ownership of it. And if you just look around your current environment, on social media, on the television, you can see what this world is truly becoming-aggressively. Nothing makes sense these days, people are losing love and empathy and the world is becoming more manipulated by evil and greed. I had to ask myself a hard question as I thought about the tug of war on the soul. I asked, “what is all this world worth, for me to lose my soul to accomplish some man-made goal?” or to “live in alignment and one day in eternity with the One who sits on the throne?”

As you move through your week, I challenge you to read Luke 21. Identify outside influences that may be trying to steer you off guard and ask God to help you resist what He has not intended for you and consult the Holy Spirit for proper direction that must start within.

Stay encouraged and vigilent.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Revisit Your Prayer List

First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2: 1-4) NRSV

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

I was recently in prayer recently with a group of students that I advise. I have been more intentional about including all leaders and everyone in positions of leadership on our prayer list. Being in a position of leadership requires a certain level of resolve and wisdom, that is not earthly derived. Some think that leadership and being in a position of power are the same thing.

However, there are many people in the world that are in positions of power, but are not equipped to be a leader. This can be devastating for any organization; especially in this volatile economy flooded with workplace instability. When I came across this verse, I was reminded by Paul, who was writing to his “spiritual son” Timothy about the need to pray, intercede and offer thanks for everyone. This led me to become more fervent about those I pray for daily, including those in positions of power.

I had to revisit my prayer list as there were those that I did not include but know the power of prayer and how deeply rooted we must be in prayer in order to navigate where we are and what is coming. Leaders without wisdom, discernment, or integrity are weapons that can be used by the enemy. I am sure you can think of a few leaders right now that you either know directly or indirectly that have been used by the enemy in this way, which created chaos, confusion, and many counterproductive environments.

But God desires that we lead a “quiet and peaceable life”, not one marred with unfruitfulness and strife. I thought to myself, “imagine what could happen if we all made the decision to pray for our leaders, pray for everyone that we encounter, and intercede for others?” If we are truly here to be lights, to be a representative of Christ, then let us consider who we include on our prayer list and thank God for that powerful gift of divine sight.

Stay encouraged and pray without ceasing.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Abound in Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) NRSV

Have you ever read a Bible verse and felt, “this is exactly what I need to read today”. Well, that was me this morning as the tiredness of the week attempted to steal the true joy, peace, and hope that only God can provide. As I read the word abound, I wanted to know more about it as it was linked to the word hope, which happens to be my middle name. I guess when my mom named me, she knew how important that word would resonate with me all my life.

The word abound correlates to overflow and what a wonderful existence to have an overflow of hope. Hope is the expectation of things to come that can provide great peace, even in the midst of adversity and weariness. Being filled with all joy can only be accomplished by allowing the Holy Spirit in, so that the power of the Holy Spirit can literally ooze out of us which can literally remove the worries and the cares of life that this current world beats down on us.

I had to read this verse about 7 times just to take in what was being delivered. I had to ask God to let it be rooted in me and to carry it with me through this month. As I am minding my business and being more intentional about that, I am also protecting my heart, which is linked to the feelings and the fruit that I produce. And I desire for the overflow of hope, that I be filled with God’s joy and peace and that I make every effort to invite the Holy Spirit in this journey of my life. But it takes the act of intention, the casting off of troubles and placing His armor on each and every day.

Can I get an Amen?

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Mind Your Business

…But we urge you beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12) NRSV

Aspire to lead a calm and peaceful life as you mind your own business and earn your living, just as we’ve taught you. By doing this you will live an honorable life, influencing others and commanding respect of even the unbelievers. (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12) TPT

In my devotional time this morning, I read this verse in several versions and thought to myself, how practical the word of God really is for daily living. I chuckled to myself and thought, we are being told to “mind our own business“. This is something that we may say to others or think about when interacting with others and here in the living Word of God, we are told do just that. And to be honest, I cannot think of a time when this mattered more.

It is so easy to get “caught up” in what people are doing, not doing, pretending to be doing or blatantly disregarding, but at the end of the day, that’s not our business. We have so much more to be focused on… what God desires for us, which requires our focus, attention, and correct position. I needed this as a reminder after having a particularly frustrating day when my fleshy self wanted to react negatively about the actions and demonstrations of others and then I heard God say to me, “focus on what I have you to do”, which I interpreted as, “mind your business”.

There is something so freeing about walking this text out and to be transparent, when I read this, there was like a light bulb that went off and I had to get aligned to this instruction. It produces so much more in the long run as it provides the opportunity to not only be a light in this corrupt, evil and narcissistic world, but it even has influence on others that we interact with; even non-believers.

This was another wake up call as we enter a new month at the end of a very interesting year. I have decided to commit to this for the rest of this year and focus on being intentional about it. We cannot get back time and the world can be very demanding, but focusing on what God is asking you to do, must be primary, so lets focus on just that and prevent whatever or whomever comes to try to distract.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Stay Encouraged

Get Up & Go

I asked, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus; there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.’ Acts 22:10 (NRSV)

I was recently reading the book of Acts during my Bible study time and became enriched in my spirit after receiving a reminder of Paul (formerly known as Saul’s) journey. I am so thankful for the truth that is layered throughout God’s word; especially in this time we are living in, when the world’s view of truth is the exact opposite. As I read this chapter, this dialogue jumped out at me and I became encouraged about the journey of uncertainty.

The journey of uncertainty can often feel like a blessing and a curse. And if I can be honest, many times we allow what we feel to control how we handle the unknown. More common than not, God will give us the information that we need in our season at the time we need it, not before, but in the present time. Of course we would like to know what to expect, but I am learning by leaps and bounds in this current time of my life what “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14) really means.

I am sure Paul had many moments in his life when even though he did not know what was up ahead, he received clear instructions from God to just go. Here we see in Acts, Paul recalling his own process of dealing with the unknown terrain: obedience and surrender. I am not sure where you are on your path, but what I do know is that it is very uncertain, because life is just that; uncertain.

But in the uncertainty, do not become overwhelmed by the “what if’s”. Use your faith to say yes to where He is calling you to, or drawing out of you. God is way smarter than us. We may think we know what is best for our life, but we are often led carnally and He is more concerned about where we will spend eternity. When He calls, just obey, because at the end of the day…. He is the only Way.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment

Stay Encouraged.

The Weight of Opportunity

…..”Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!” Luke 12:48 (MSG)

…..”From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded”. Luke 12:48 (BSB)

…..”Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more”. Luke 12:48 (HCSB)

I recently read a post that stated “opportunity is calling, will you answer?” In reading this post I started to think about the dichotomy of opportunity. On one hand it’s exciting and on the other hand it’s burdensome. It can feel heavy and light at the same time. As we receive more opportunity, then more responsibility ensues. This thought drew me back to Luke. I have been reading this chapter over the course of the month as I work my way through the Bible again this year. I read this verse a few weeks back, underlined it and asked God why it kept resonating day after day, not realizing that I would experience this weighted blessing in the near future.

As I began to read this verse in different biblical iterations, I shifted my focus on what God is asking of me and in turn what is required from me. Surrendering our life and will to His is not a natural feeling by any means. It requires separation of self and intense periods of pruning and preparation. God blesses us all with many gifts and inherent abilities that are designed to be sown into the world, but we have the free will to decide how we will use what He has given.

Sometimes the opportunity that is on our doorstep is wrapped up in other’s expectations, our worries, doubt in ourselves and the opinions of man. But, if God presents something to us, which is His will for us and we move in faith, then our response will become what seems to many and even to ourselves as unnatural or even unpopular. This movement is not something that just happens overnight. We literally have to partner with Him which takes a certain level of spiritual diligence to hear when He is drawing us to another level.

As we continue to walk this walk of endurance facing the weight and all of the pressure, let us fully understand that we are not in this alone and if He has provided an opportunity for us, then He will assist in carrying the load with us. Trust His process, not the world’s pressure.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Worthy Fruits

Bear fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8) NRSV

I am pretty fortunate to live in a location where fresh fruits are everywhere. I often visit the local markets to pick up the fresh produce that local farmers have sown and reaped. As I thought about the fruit stands, I was reminded of this verse in Luke. In this passage, John the Baptist is speaking to a crowd full of people including the Pharisees and the Sadducees petitioning not only that audience, but us as well to- examine our ways.

I studied this verse and have been thinking about this verse since early this week, asking God what it means and how it pertains to the life of believers in this time right now. To bear something is to endure and what we produce in our life including our actions is the fruit that should be in alignment with Gods will for us; not what the world desires to see. Living a life in deep repentance requires a level of humility, that, to be honest is very rare to see these days.

Many, even in church systems, perform instead of produce and those actions are not rooted in revelation but more so demonstration. And to be transparent, there was a time in my own life when I thought performing was producing, until I realized that my spiritual walk was stunted and I felt far from God although I thought I was doing “holy” things to please man instead of prioritizing God.

I am thankful for this reminder of what true repentance represents. Turning away from that act of religion and devoting time to true relationship with God, the Body of Christ and to all has caused death to pride and has given me more access to His grace. What we are sowing daily can either produce the fruit that as John the Baptist states is “worthy of repentance” or be just for show without any long term sustenance.

I pray that we all continue to examine what we are doing, saying and becoming each day. As God continues to highlight areas that require repentance and submission, let us all so diligently seek His guidance and His gentle embrace.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment