Complete Your Calling

Maintain Order

A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order. Proverbs 28:2 (BSB)

I have to say again as I have said many times in previous posts that although I have read the book of Proverbs over many years, when I read this chapter and verse, it just “hit differently” today. I guess one of the reasons is due to everything that I observe happening in this fallen world and how so much of it is rooted in that word rebellion. I looked up the word in the Oxford languages dictionary and it is defined as : “an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler“. I then remembered the verse specifically describing rebellion in the Bible in 1 Samuel 15:23, when Saul decided to be disobedient and the consequences of his decision, which cost him his kingship and eventually his life as well as his lineage.

I guess the reason God led me down this path is because of a book that I am currently journeying in by Pastor John Bevere entitled the Awe of God, which I highly recommend if you are ready to dive into the importance of the fear of the Lord. This week I am reading all about obedience and it is sobering to see just in my own life the “many rulers” which had occupied my existence, until I sought deep repentance and forgiveness. You can see all around what rebellion is doing to the world and in the nations we occupy.

We are being ruled by many things daily that have become a priority over God and His divine order, not the carnal worlds disorder. If God is not the author of confusion 1 Cor 14:33, then who do we think is creating the chaos and disruption that we see and experience daily? Just this morning,I asked God for forgiveness if I have allowed anything to compete for His headship and lordship over my life. I challenge you to do the same. Our many rulers can be in the form of our pride, ego, career objectives, relationships, habits, and hangups. The many rulers can be good things like goals that become idols and place God in second place.

As you search out your own moral compass and commit them to God, consider the following to meditate on: Matthew 6:33, 1 Peter 1:13-16 and James 4. This “race” is not for the faint of heart and we may all start the journey with proper footing, but what is of utmost importance is will we finish well?

Be Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

When We Know Better

For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:26 CSB

Earlier this year, there were three words that I committed to God to assist me in: healing, intention, and transition; all of which I am or have been doing. As I think more on the word intention, I have sought God through a lot of prayer and fasting to continue to remove certain sins out of my life that if I can be fully transparent, I did not want to let go of, but the gravitational pull to draw even more closer to Him kept echoing in my spirit. The best way to describe how I have been feeling is from a quote from Ellen G. White- “the closer you become to Jesus, the more faulty you appear in your own eyes”.

One thing that I have been more intentional about is what I watch or listen to daily, because for me, I am fully aware how that may impact my behavior. So, last night while folding clothes, I listened to this testimony from this young man who was struggling in his walk, just like we all are. He noted that as he committed certain sins that would grieve the Holy Spirit, he would hear Hebrews 10:26 in his head. After finally surrendering his entire self to the process, he began to meditate on the verse that states that God will give us a way of escape ( 1 Cor 10:13) and began to apply it to every temptation.

I reflected on what he shared and could most definitely relate to earlier years (and now) when what I wanted superseded what the Holy Spirit desired and as a consequence, I created unnecessary trouble. Can you relate? If you are honest with yourself and our Heavenly Dad, then I am sure something immediately comes to the surface of your mind. Although sobering, I was very thankful to hear that testimony yesterday. It gave me a different perspective on what “dying to self daily” truly means. The beauty of our life is that we have been saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). God loves us, He forgives us, and He wants the best for us. And when we know better, we should desire to do better.

I pray that on this Father’s Day, we can all reflect on the importance of honoring our Heavenly Father more intentionally through our willful obedience faithfully.

Stay Encouraged.

A Multi-Hyphenate Servant

“I am sending you a master craftsman—my famous Huramabi! He is a brilliant man, the son of a Jewish woman from Dan in Israel; his father is from here in Tyre. He is a skillful goldsmith and silversmith, and also does exquisite work with brass and iron and knows all about stonework, carpentry, and weaving; and he is an expert in the dyeing of purple and blue linen and crimson cloth. He is an engraver besides, and an inventor! He will work with your craftsmen and those appointed by my lord David, your father. So send along the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine you mentioned. 2 Chronicles 2:13-15 (TLB)

A couple of weeks ago, during my quiet Bible reading time, I re-read the story about Solomon’s mission to build the temple for the Lord. A temple that if you read through all the detailed intricacies involved in its construction, the instructions had to have come from God. During the beginning stages of development, Solomon requested a craftsman from Huram king of Tyre, whom his father reached out to prior when David was building his own home.

This king of Tyre responded with the perfect person-Huramabi. When I read all of the skills that God equipped Huramabi with, I began to think about how God set up the exact person that Solomon would need to not only be a creative, but to also be a master craftsman and so much more. In modern day terminology, Huram-abi would be described as a multi-hyphenate . He not only knew how to work with precious metals, but he knew how to use stone and wood and make use of linen as well as being a professional engraver. It was even noted that he could “execute any design that is given him” (verse 14-BSB).

As I mused on Huram-abi’s variety of skills, I thought about our many gifts, talents, and innate abilities that God has placed in us- some we have not used, take for granted, or let grow dormant due to “life lifing”. I started to wonder what all of our multi-hyphenates are and if we are investing time into discovering them and utilizing them for God’s glory. Then I pondered, what if we all intentionally invested in our God-given skills a little bit each day. Imagine what He could do through us, how much we could assist others, how pleased He would be and maybe just maybe we would discover His purpose in us that those around us and ourselves would see?

I challenge you to consult with God about what type of skills you have that He has given you that you have not used or tapped into. When we find the thing that draws us into closer understanding of our purpose in Him, we find out who we are, why we are here, which inherently continues to draw Him near.

Stay encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Inquire of God

And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had highly exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go” replied the Lord, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”

Once again the Philistines raided the valley. So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.” As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because this will mean that God has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 1 Chronicles 14: 2,9-10, 13-15 (BSB)

I was recently re-reading the story of David’s acceleration into leadership and was amazed again of his process. I was also very grateful to read about the level of intimacy he shared with God our Father, as I desire to emulate this type of relationship-where every moment of inquiry provides life details that I need for the next phase of my journey, according to His perfect will.

When I read about David, I think of that bible verse written in Zechariah 4:10 that notes “do not despise the day of small beginnings”. If we were to rewind and look back into David’s early part of his life, he was a shepherd, disregarded by his earthly family, but chosen by God who would eventually exalt him to kingship status over all of Israel; God’s beloved nation.

I was thinking about how David’s audience of family, employees, servants, adversaries, naysayers, and allies might have felt or thought as many witnessed the favor that God had for him. But this was not just because he was David. He had a very deep and intimate relationship with God. He talked to God and God answered. God not only answered once, but repeatedly and with different sets of instructions as you see in this scriptural selection. God even specifically told David which trees (balsam trees) and where to stand to attack the Philistines (in front of the balsam trees).

In reading about this type of tree, it would have been easier for David and his army to hide behind them. The balsam tree is an evergreen which according to a blog entitled Balsam Tree Strategy by John Curtis, “balsam is a conifer, an evergreen, which would make good cover but also a tree which would not make much noise even when blown by the wind”. God had very specific directions for David to only attack from the front but to listen out for the “sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. Only God’s army would have been able to march on the tops of an evergreen. What magnificent specific instructions and follow through right?

This was reminder for me and I hope for you too, to ask God first,listen intently, and obey. Many times we consult varying resources, which may be great counsel, but He is the chief Counsel of our life, which requires that we inquire of Him first before others. So lets inquire of God like David. If you decide to read more of David’s story, you will see that he “did as God commanded him…” ( verse 16). So not only is asking God essential, but obeying is as important. What God has in mind for us is to be the “head and not the tail” (Deut 28:13), which requires a level of faithfulness and divine obedience so that we will not fail.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

Moment to Moment

Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)

I was listening to a podcast recently about inviting God into every part of our life. One of the women speaking mentioned focusing on Him in the moment. When she said this, although a very simplistic statement, it made my spirit flutter as I started to understand the importance of one of my three words for the new year: intention. How intentional one must become to acknowledge God moment to moment.

And in thinking about what that represents, the most insignificant detail that we think of becomes very poignant. Our journey in this life is filled with many moments that build on each other that become the fabric of our experiences and the tapestry of our spiritual development. If God is not in the moments of our existence, then how can He be the center of our life? I had to sit with that over the last couple of days as one of the other words for the new year is unfolding: transition.

Seeking Him in the little moments provides so much strength for the valleys and mountains that we face day to day. In the moment, gratitude surfaces and I become more aware of His presence when I consider the minute details that He created for my benefit. I may not have thought that they were important, but in this stance of gratefulness, my last word for the new year continues to occur: healing.

So in your day to day, whether you consider it mundane or magnificent, think on the moment to moments with God-continually.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

YESHUA

Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6 (CJB)

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Everyday this week, a song with the title of todays devotional has been the first thing on my mind and within my spirit each morning when I awake. And today, which is a day that we reflect on the tumultuous journey Jesus had to walk through to complete His assignment, the word “Yeshua” just kept penetrating. So like anyone else, I went online to research the meaning of the word which brought me right back to Jesus’ mission and meaning.

One of the meanings of “Yeshua” is “The Lord is Salvation”. No wonder the Holy Spirit kept bringing this to my forefront day after day. And if He is the way and the Truth and the Life, then it makes sense then why He is considered “the Savior”, not one of but the only. Every time this year, I am humbled more and more when I think about what it took to physically walk through the pain of being rejected, tormented, accused, oppressed, hated, betrayed and abandoned by the very people that He came to save and the very people that He died for in a very painful and horrific way.

But He did and oh how fortunate we are to have someone to stand in for us and die for us because of our sins and wicked ways. So today, as you enter into a holy weekend, remember the sacrifice and the obedience Jesus demonstrated for us, not Him. Think about how much love and selflessness that would take and how much He-Jesus had to humble himself for us. It says something about the character of Jesus the Christ. And remember today, if He did not obey His own call, we would not have eternal life.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

The Replenisher

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore them from captivity ^b, they will once again speak the word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the Lord bless you, O righteous dwelling place, O holy mountain.’ And Judah and all its cities will dwell together in the land, the farmers and those who move with the flocks, for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak. ” Jeremiah 31: 23-25 (BSB) ^b ^{Or restore their fortunes}

This morning, as I arose, a bit weary from the past few weeks as the semester draws to a close, I watched from my balcony, the rain cascading off of the plants as the sparrows intermittently approached the dew filled flower petals. I usually do not sit very long to watch this transpire, but yesterday after discussing the power of mindfulness with my students, I took a “slide out of my own lecture” and decided to spend time just watching and being present.

After a few minutes, I thought about how God replenishes everything around us and in us. Then in usual fashion, a word began to percolate within, causing me to meditate more on the word replenish, which led me right to Jeremiah. And if this was not a word for me and you today, I do not know what is. I am sure, like me, you could use a refresh and desire to be replenished right ?

The world in all its busyness can take, take, and take until we are running on empty-physically, emotionally, financially, and most importantly, spiritually. But then God reminds us where we are to dwell before we reach this state; Him. As you ready for the day, make time with Him so that He can replenish you in your weariness. We often allow what is outside of us to strip us from His loving care and attentiveness.

But we have the power to change that. So, as you are reading this, pause for moment. Take in what He is doing around you. Focus your thoughts on His presence within you and meditate on the promises that He has already given you. Last but definitely not least, thank Him for replenishing you.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

The Expansion of Favor

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with man (1 Samuel 2:26) BSB

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) BSB

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About a week ago, as I studied the Word, I found myself reading the verse in 1 Samuel and remembered reading similar words in the book of Luke. Again, I continually find myself in awe when God highlights a detail in His life’s instruction manual that resonates. After my time this morning with Him, I felt the prompting to re-read the Old Testament verse and locate its New Testament compliment.

In reading these mirrored verses, I started to thank God for His grace (that unmerited favor) in my own life as I have seen Him move in ways that I sometimes have a hard time believing myself if I was not going through these life events. God has a way of showing us how much He loves us through others, even in dark times.

And when we fully embrace, let go of our own need to control, and submit to His leading, we see this over and over again. Both the boy Samuel and the younger Jesus, had a unique calling for their life and over time they both grew not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and relationally with our Father. They also became more respected and valued in the eyes of men.

We have to remember that when God is in the midst of our situation and top priority in our life, He will ensure that favor finds us, not just with Him but expanded through others. This morning, take some time, reflect on His goodness, His mercy, His favor, and thank Him. We are living in very volatile times, where everything is topsy turvy, but with God, a curve ball can be converted into an unusual blessing.

The best way I can think of to explain this is through His Word. I challenge you to dwell on the verses above and to meditate on Ephesians 3:20-21 (BSB), Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call, Complete Your Assignment.

Increase in Love

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)

I have this mini-calendar that a friend gifted me a couple of years ago with daily Bible verses as a word of encouragement. As I stumbled on today’s verse in my waking slumber, I stared at it intently, thinking to myself, “God that is exactly what we need to hear”. I am sure like me, you have been feeling and seeing the turmoil around you wondering where are we headed as a people? I think about this daily as I witness how insensitive we have become towards each other. It is sickening and disheartening and when re-reading this verse, I began to check my own heart and pray.

In order for our love to increase, we must seek and grow in love with the One who created us. I think back to a time when I turned my back towards God’s love, when I stopped investing in our interactions daily, and when I allowed the world to dictate how I felt and responded towards others. But then, He gently tugged at my heart and pulled me out of the world-influenced quagmire and redirected me to one of the most important attributes that we should display and walk out each day: Love.

I hope that today and each day moving forward, we can demonstrate the love of Christ to others we encounter; and yes I know what you are thinking, “even my enemies?” Yes, even your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Overflow in it each day. God, I wish everyone would get to this place. Could you imagine for a minute what this would create and how much hate could be erased?

Stay encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.

His Specific Word

Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole congregation of Israel, ‘Come before the LORD, for He has heard your grumbling.’ ” And as Aaron was speaking to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there in a cloud the glory of the LORD appeared. Then the LORD said to Moses, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’ ” Exodus 16:9-11(BSB)

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I cannot tell you how many times I have read these Bible verses before and of course in my quiet time with God, my spiritual ears perked up and I had this new found desire to read more. I find it interesting that I never really picked up before that God spoke directly to Moses in the cloud of glory, although the entire congregation of Israel, including Aaron were present.

The Lord even said to Moses, “Tell them”. I mean this is God, the most powerful and supreme being who created everything in the universe including us. He did not need a man to speak on His behalf, but He chose one man specifically for that time to be a conduit for His voice.

I thought to myself, “Wow, God, how moving”. This relationship between God and Moses points out a very important fact to me. If Moses did not have an intimate relationship with the Lord God, he may have been just like one of the spectators; watching the cloud from a distance in the desert, but not actually hearing the voice of God.

I started to think about many who are just like that today. People we know, love or maybe even dislike. Friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances that are so distant from God, unable to receive a specific word from Him, which incidentally leads to that deep haunting feeling of being lost.

I was there a few times in my life, which was due to my stubbornness, blatant disobedience and inability to surrender. I wonder how many specific words I may have missed in those moments, but am grateful that God still desires to draw near to me as I draw near to Him (James 4:8). What about you my friend? Can you hear Him? Are you searching for Him or observing from a distance? I feel deeply the need to ask you to reconsider your relationship with our Father and go the distance by seeking Him first a little further.

Stay Encouraged.

Seek Him. Obey the Call. Complete Your Assignment.