Month: October 2018

“The Great Regurgitators”

Regurgitate – repeat (information) without analyzing or comprehending it.

There seems to be a popular trend going around. I am seeing more frequently people posting, tweeting, and speaking things that they have heard someone else say, or sharing things that someone else posted. That’s one of the great things about how far we have advanced technologically as a society. Thanks to social media, something that I post here in America can be shared, with a simple click of a mouse, anywhere in the world. Before you know it, one can have thousands of likes, comments, and shares; even though he/she was not the originator of the content, just a Regurgitator.

The Days of The Great Regurgitators

My concern is that we aren’t just regurgitating what we’ve heard, but that we are actually reading, studying, researching, and learning for ourselves, comprehending it before we try to push it on someone else. This is especially important for Believers, we can’t just go to church, hear a great word or watch a great sermon on YouTube, then go and regurgitate everything that we heard and expect people to be as receptive as we’d like. That’s not how it works. People want to SEE the Word in action. People want to SEE us living the life that we are talking about. Besides, God is not calling us to be cheap carbon copies. We are Designer’s Originals and we should act accordingly.

Ask yourself this: Would you take investment advice from a person who has never invested? Would you take advice on purchasing a car from a person who has never driven a car and who knows nothing about cars? Would you take employment advice from a person who has never had a job? Would you allow a person who has never been to medical school to perform a major surgery on you? Would you receive counsel on relationships from a person who cannot maintain a relationship? I would hope not!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

I really believe a BIG part of the reason people don’t take the “Church” serious is because we want to spread this Word that we’ve heard, and we stop there. Perhaps we are more concerned with people following us than we are with showing them how to follow Christ…

Let the world SEE the Word at work in us, in our lives, in our interactions. Let’s stop settling for just being Great Regurgitators.

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:20 KJV).

I wholeheartedly believe there’s a greater level of glory upon the person who is not just speaking the Word, but who has revelation of the Word, who studied it, and one who has experience. How do we accomplish this? We study God’s Word, and we meditate on it. We pray the Word. Then when we face tests and trials, that’s the time to use what we’ve learned from the Word and apply it to those situations. Once we pass those tests, think of how effective our witness will be because we’ve “walked the walk,” and we’re not just talking.

Does that mean that we can’t witness now? No, we should witness as often as possible, but let’s speak about what we know. We should speak about what we’ve experienced and that which we ourselves have studied. Let’s speak about that which the Lord has given us deeper revelation through His word. Even if we may not know as much as another, that does not make our witness any less effective. The key is to continue seeking Him and learning of His ways for ourselves, and our knowledge will increase from thirty, to sixty, and eventually to a hundredfold revelation. We have to remain patient with ourselves and grow at the rate we grow. Trying to step out prematurely can be detrimental to us and the message we are trying to share.

So, That Settles It. The world doesn’t need anymore Great Regurgitators. We are better than that. The world is looking for the Believers who know and possess the Spirit of the True and Living God. Get to know Him for yourself, then run and tell the world about the God you serve. O, what an impact, and a greater level of Grace upon those who not only speak, but live the Word.

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“True Disciples”

I was recently watching a popular crime show on television, and this particular episode was about an airplane that was at risk of falling from the sky and potentially harming and killing thousands of people. The government had a protocol in place that called for the plane being shot down from the sky. The 300 passengers on the plane would probably die, but the lives of thousands of people on the ground would be spared. What a tough decision. I would not want to be the person making that call. Either way, people will die, but it may come down to sacrificing the lives of a few to save the lives of many.

I began to think about the True Disciples of Christ. These are the few who make a choice every day to lay down their lives, so that many others will be saved. True Disciples begin each day willingly facing death (to self, to the flesh, to the things of the world). I’m sure they want to just take a day off here and there, but the lifestyle they have chosen doesn’t allow days off. They can’t quit and they can’t ask someone else to cover their shifts. True Disciples have to show up even if no one else will. Think about the Disciples who followed Jesus. They gave up everything, family, homes, jobs, etc. to follow Him, and many of them literally died for the cause; but their dying was not in vain. They died so that the Gospel would be preached throughout the world, so that the lives of many could be saved. They were martyrs, but they did it without regret because they knew it was for a Greater good.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it (Luke 9:23-24 KJV).

How many of us can honestly say that we are True Disciples of Christ? Do we really consider the needs of others before our own? How often do we allow interruptions in our schedules to pray with someone, or help someone in need? How frequently do we look for opportunities to bless others (secretly, without acknowledgment)? Do we esteem others higher than ourselves? Is the expansion of the Kingdom of God and seeing souls saved our primary focus? Are we willing to “die” for it (spiritually, and if need be, physically)? I believe that I am ready spiritually, but to be honest, I am not sure that I am prepared physically. What about you?

There are times that I just want to take a day off and live like the world. There are days I want to live without conviction, but that’s no longer an option for me. See, there are countless people who I am praying for and believing they will be saved. There are people watching my walk and being encouraged and strengthened by my faithfulness. I think about my family members and those close to me who Shall be saved. For these reasons, I make a conscious decision to “die” daily. There are times that I stumble and I threaten to quit, but I am quickly reminded of all the lives that are at stake; and I choose to deny myself for their life’s sake.

So, That Settles It. There is no way for me to sugar coat this week’s blog post, God is calling for His True Disciples. Now is the time. This is the hour. So, I ask you, “Are you willing to “die,” so that many others may live?”

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him (John 12:25-26 ESV).

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“Then…”

This week’s blog post is a reminder to Self and all Believers: After we have been forgiven, cleansed, and converted, it is our responsibility to ensure that others are converted.

Why is it up to us?
Think about it…who better to relate to a sinner than a sinner saved by Grace. We know how it feels to be where they are, because we were once there. We can encourage them, tell them about (and show them) God’s Grace, Mercy, and Love. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time receiving instruction from a person who has never done it. I feel more comfortable learning from a person who has been where I am, a person who can say, “Hey I messed up too, I was once where you are.” A person who can relate to me makes it easier to receive from him or her.

Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee (Psalm 51:13 KJV).

What must happen first? Let’s look at the verses leading up to it (Psalm 51 KJV)…

Repentance – Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 

Cleansing – Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Receive Forgiveness – Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Conversion – Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Joy Restored – Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Then – (after we have been converted) will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Word of Caution: Don’t fall into the trap of “Placing the cart before the horse,” because it won’t work. More often than not, Believers try to convert others, but their message is not received well, because their lives don’t reflect the Christ they are speaking of. What usually happens is we are overzealous and excited about God, and though we may have tons of head knowledge, it hasn’t transcended into our hearts and our lifestyles yet. Nevertheless, we try to skip the process of transformation and attempt to jump right into trying to transform others. It won’t work! Believe it or not, non-Believers know when you are the “real deal,” and when you’re not. They know when you are living the life you are trying to convince them to live. So, just allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in all truth. Speak about that which you know, and if it’s something you don’t know, be honest and say, “I don’t know, but I will research it and get back to you.” Then, actually follow-up with them.

So, That Settles It. Let’s get ready for “Then…” Let’s submit ourselves to God, allow Him to finish the work He started in us. If we allow Him, God will work in us and through us, according to our ability. Then we shall see souls saved and lives transformed.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 KJV

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“Season of Sifting”

I want to encourage anyone who is feeling unloved or unappreciated at this very moment. You may feel as if your entire world is being flipped upside down. Things are not going right on your job, in your family, in your personal life, in your relationships, or even in church. Often times, what happens for many Believers, especially the outcasts (those of us who were rejected by the world even before we were converted), is we receive Salvation and we join a church or ministry, and it starts off great. The people are there when we call, they are patient, they sing our praises for every little thing we do… Then, one day, we PERCEIVE that it’s harder to reach people when we really need them. People don’t seem as encouraging as they once were. We feel isolated. We may be surrounded by people, but still feel alone. Those feelings of rejection start to arise, and it feels like deja vu.

Now, I know some will say something like, “That’s a trick of the enemy, he will isolate you from the Saints so he can play with your mind,” and I will not argue with that. But, scripture tells us that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, and who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 KJV). Could it be that the other people have not changed at all, the change is actually taking place in us? If so, it’s not a bad thing. We may be in what I call a Season of Sifting.

The definition of Sifting means to go through especially to sort out what is useful or valuable. A Season of Sifting is a time of removing every hindrance that will distract us or cause God’s plans for our lives to be aborted. God is removing everything and everyone that is not of Him. This is a time of circumcision, a cutting away of the flesh.

 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Colossians 2:11 KJV

God is showing us where we are and the real intent of our hearts. This is a time of maturity. God has Great Plans for us to do Mighty Exploits! However, we must not forget that when we are involved in Kingdom business, it is inevitable that we will, at some point, have to go against the popular opinion, and we may not be received well by men. That’s why God is preparing us, so that we will know how to respond and not react, in every situation. This is character development. God wants to make sure our character will sustain us wherever He may send us.

So, That Settles It. Stop wallowing in self-pity. Stop thinking people don’t love you. Stop thinking you don’t matter. Stop thinking that you are ineffective. It’s not true! You are in a Season of Sifting. What you have to do in this season is ask God to show you the areas in your life that need to be Sifted for His Glory. Ask Him to purify your heart and your motives. Be encouraged. Don’t lose faith; for this Sifting is not just for you, but it is also equipping you to strengthen others.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32 KJV

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“Watch What You Say”

This week’s blog post is more of a prophetic warning. If you are a Spirit-filled Believer who obeys the commandments of our Lord, please Watch What You Say. It will truly Bless you!

I’ve noticed throughout this year, that everything I said has come to pass. Hear me. Read that last sentence again…

“Throughout this year, everything I said has come to pass.”

For example: I said I want to do more traveling, and even as I am writing this blog, I am away on travel (I’m working, but nevertheless, traveling). The funny thing about this trip is, I was joking when I said I wanted to come to the mountains, but I am here right now.

I said it was time to upgrade to a better living space. Guess who moved to a beautiful new place in June? That would be me.

I said my sister and her family were going to get a bigger place. Guess who just moved into a five bedroom two bathroom home? You got it, my sister and her family!

I said I deserved a raise. I received three raises in this year alone.

Now, I haven’t just asked for material things, but I knew leading with those would get your attention. I spoke healing for people and they are healed. I told God that I desire a more intimate relationship with him, and that’s where things got a little tricky (it wasn’t what I expected)… See, this deeper level of intimacy caused me to look deep within myself and see things that I didn’t like, and that I know He doesn’t like. I prayed and cried out to God, repenting for any time I tried to steal His Glory, knowingly or unknowingly. I told God that as much as I believe I am supposed to be famous and make it “BIG,” if that’s not what He has written in the books in Heaven concerning me, then I don’t want it, but instead I want His Will to be done in my life.

What am I saying?

I am saying that as we obey the commandments of the Lord and walk in His ways, we shall have what we ask (according to the Will of our Father). I believe that’s when we truly get to experience living under the Open Heavens. What sense would it make to hope and pray, except we believe we will receive that which we ask?

You may say, “Well, that’s not a bad thing,” and you’re right; but if we don’t exercise wisdom and sound judgment, it could be. The same way our words have power to manifest good things, if we aren’t careful and speak foolish things, we risk those things manifesting as well. Which brings me to this point: We must keep our hearts pure, even when we are playing around. (I believe there is a measure of truth in every joke). That’s why it’s so important to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45 ESV).

If you have spoken some things that are contrary to God’s Word and what you want to receive (even jokingly), then repent and ask God for forgiveness, renounce those ungodly word curses you’ve spoken. Then speak and decree that which you desire to see (according to God’s Will).

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways (Job 22:28 KJV).

So, That Settles It. Remember it is so important to Watch What You Say. If you speak it and believe it, then you shall receive it (good or bad). The time is now! Don’t waste your words on vain babble, call those things which be not as though they were, and so shall they be (Romans 4:17)!

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:21-22 NKJV).

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