Confusing Intensity for Love

As she described the relationship with her boyfriend, she continued to justify and minimize the intensity of their relationship. Mya, a 16 year old Junior at Craven High School, had been dating Jonathan, a 17 year old Senior, for only six months. Mya had been recommended to speak with the school's guidance counselor after her swimming coach observed several fairly large bruises to Mya's arms, legs, and shoulders. 

When questioned about the bruising Mya excused the bruises to making a clumsy fall. However, that story changed in later weeks. Mya shared that Jonathan became angry one night when she'd asked him to take her home, and because of her continued questioning he became violent. According to Mya, he apologized to her excessively promising never to do it again. She assured that she trusted him.

Mya began missing several days of school. She shared with her guidance counselor that she'd had been asked by Jonathan to skip school to hang out with him. Mya also shared that Jonathan would send her text messages frequently during the school day inquiring of her whereabouts, and only wanted her to walk home from school with him. When asked about other relationships with friends, Mya responded that Jonathan did not care much for her friends because they were too immature. Mya advised that she liked the attention and Jonathan only did it because he loved her. 

Mya had fallen prey to Confusing Intensity for Love. The common thread found among teen dating violence. Mya and Jonathan are fictional characters, but this story is true to several teens and tweens. 

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Between Friends, a Domestic Violence agency in Chicago, describes teen dating violence as the repeated pattern of mental, physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse where one dating partner makes the other partner feel scared, weak, isolated, hurt, or sad. 

A Few Statistics

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, loveisrespect.org provides the following statistics:

• 1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner. 
• 1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship say they've been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner. 
• 1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say their boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner. 
• 1 in 3 girls between the ages of 16 and 18 say sex is expected for people their age if they're in a relationship; half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would break up if they did not give in. 
• Nearly 1 in 4 girls who have been in a relationship (23%) reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure.

These are just a few statistics and serves as a brief introduction to provide some awareness of some alarming activity among teens. I'll continue to share more about myths and facts, warning signs, and the cycle of abuse later. But I'll leave you with a response to this intensity and an account of true love:

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 MSG

I Pity the Fool: The Need to Show Mercy to a Fallen World

I Pity the Fool is an urban phrase made popular by the A Team's character Mr. T. This phrase was often used when the actions of one would lead to relatively injurious and/or deadly consequences. 

THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right.

Psalm 14:1 AMP

As indicated in Psalm 14:1, a fool in his heart says there is no God. The Amplified Bible indicates that a fool is empty-headed. Fool is defined as a silly, stupid or a ridiculous person. Synonyms include blockhead, bonehead, buffoon, clown, dimwit, dope, idiot, imbecile, jerk, moron, nincompoop, nitwit, numskull, and victim. 

I'm sure we all know someone who fits this profile. We may have even called someone a fool or one of those other names. This individual may make statements and gestures that mock the existence of God. They curse our God with ridiculous, irrational, and empty-headed words. Their lifestyles are the very contrary of godliness and provide a picturesque view of life apart from God.  

Nevertheless, the question stands, how do we respond to these individuals? Ignore their ignorance as sheer ignorance. Dim our light of influence in order not to be offensive. Say to ourselves "well, if they only knew God." Well, that's just it they don't know God!

One of the synonyms for fool that stood out to me was that of victim. Victim is defined as a person who suffers from an injurious action or event or a person who is cheated. What has these individuals suffered and/or have been cheated? Were they denied love, security, and significance during major development stages of life? Did they experience neglect and remained unlearned and were left to their own devices to develop their own theories and standards for living? There may be many reasons for their foolishness, but we have a responsibility.

Hosea 4:6 KJV indicated that "people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Other versions and translations of the Bible states perished, ruined, and rejected. Thus, we should pity these fools. Pity means to have a feeling of mercy toward another. Synonyms include benevolence, charity, comfort, compassion, empathy, favor, forbearance, goodness, grace, kindness, sadness, sympathy, and understanding. 

We should show love (charity), compassion, kindness and mercy to those set before us, who appear to be foolish and ignorant, and simply do not know God. The repercussion for their ignorance and foolishness is a deadly consequence, which is eternal damnation. They truly are unaware of the truth and knowledge of God. I believe the greatness miracle is the miracle of salvation, because it is the quickening (becoming alive) of a dead spirit to life.

Let's not ignore the cries of these tormented souls. Let's not forget that we too once was 

ignorant and foolish. Let's remember that God loved us with an everlasting love, and by His lovingkindness we were drawn (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV). Let's offer a personal relationship with Christ that brings everlasting life, consolation, and peace. 

Perfect Praise (How Excellent) by Soul Children of Chicago

This is certainly an oldie but goodie!!! It's a classic that I remember from childhood, and one of my favorites. Enjoy!!!

Attitude by Charles Swindoll

Writings that Have Impacted My Life: Attitude by Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Background by Lecrae featuring C-Lite

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

With the release of his forth album Rehab, Lecrae includes a beautiful ballad of sorts that highlights the necessity for us as Christians to operate in humility. I find that this song makes me want to continually submit myself to the leading and control of the Holy Spirit in everything I do. However, often times I do forget my role and take the lead. This song makes me want to be more like John the Baptist in John 3:30 KJV "He must increase, but I must decrease." I pray that you enjoy this song. 

Lecrae Moore is an artist and co-founder of ReachRecords and ReachLife Ministries. Lecrae is from Houston, TX and attended the University of North Texas. Lecrae and his wife currently leads a small group at Blueprint Church in Atlanta, GA. Lecrae is currently finishing up the Unashamed 2010: The Movement Tour, which has had sell-out crowds across the nation. Lecrae is likely well-know for tracks Represent, Jesus Musik, and Praying for You. To learn more about Lecrae please visit www.reachrecords.com.

Choking Game: Warning Signs, Aliases, and Biblical Intervention

Teachable Moment Tuesday

This week I will continue the discussion from two weeks ago regarding the Choking Game. This week I've included some warning signs and a list of other names in which children and adolescents refer to the "game".

Warning Signs

• Discussion of the game or its aliases
• Bloodshot eyes and/or other sign of eye stress
• Marks on the neck which may be hidden by turtlenecks, scarves, or turned-up collars.
• Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
• Complaints of severe headaches, observation of loss of concentration, and flushed face
• Disorientation after spending time alone
• Change in personality marked by increased and uncharacteristic agitation or hostility
• Unexplained presence of dog leashes, choke collars, bungee cords, ropes, scarves, and belts tied to furniture or doorknobs
• A thud in the bedroom or against a wall—meaning a fall in cases of solitary practice.
• Any questions about the effects, sensations or dangers of strangulation.

Aliases

• Pass-out game
• Space monkey
• Suffocation roulette
• Scarf game
• The American dream
• Fainting game
• Something dreaming game
• Purple hazing
• Blacking out/blackout
• Dream game
• Flat liner
• California choke
• California High
• Space cowboy
• Airplaning
• Purple dragon
• Cloud nine
• Funky Chicken
• Tingling
• Gasp

Why are children and adolescent engaging in this behavior?

According to G.A.S.P, an international not-for profit created to put an end to the Choking Game, some children and adolescents do it for the high, which can become addictive. Others, continues G.A.S.P., indicates that it is “cool” and risky. G.A.S.P. reports most of the victims who died from playing the Choking Game were active, intelligent, stable children and adolescents who thought it was a safe alternative to the use of alcohol and other drugs.

So, what can we do to prevent and intervene this behavior?

1. Start talking and discuss the risk.

Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.

Proverbs 22:6 MSG

2. Teach them about their identity in Christ.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV

3. Support them, let them know you love them and care for them.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV 

4. If you identify there are deeper issues and/or concerns seek help from pastoral or professional (godly) counselors.

Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14 AMP

5. And above all, PRAY!!!

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

I'm Running Late: The Importance of Punctuality at Work

Ministry@Work Monday

Every Monday I know I have to attend an Orientation/New Clinicians Group at the agency where I work. Almost every Monday I race out the house at about 8:30ish. I expect to travel via the Lake Shore Drive and I-55 from the Southeast side of Chicago to Berwyn, a western suburb, in thirty minutes and expect to arrive on time for my 9:00 AM meeting. The same thing goes for my weekly team meeting on Wednesday. It’s scheduled for 9:00 AM, too. I’m usually scooting out the door at about 8:30. I’ll arrive in a nick of time, slide in a seat next to my supervisor, flash her a smile, and say “Hey,” just a few seconds before she says “Ok, let’s get started." Whew. I think "Sweat of my brow. I made it."  I know some of my fellow co-workers are going to be tardy as well. We text each other as we travel through rush hour traffic saying “Hey, I’m running behind. Can you tell . . . I’m going to be late? TTYL.” We may reply back to each other, “I’m running late, too. Whoever gets there first . . .” You can figure out the rest. Certainly, most of our team leaders and supervisors are very easy going, and understanding. However, punctuality is a very important characteristic to have in the workplace.

Punctuality comes from the root word punctual which means to be on time, and simply prompt.

Kristen M. Anderson writes in her article Why Punctuality Gains Respect in the Workplace the following:

1. Punctuality is polite. When you show up on time, you send the message, "Your time is important to me. I want to be on time because I respect your time."
2. Being on time indicates that you take deadlines seriously. Showing that you understand the value of a deadline will position you to receive important assignments, raises, and promotions.
3. Being on time shows your employer that you value what he or she is paying you. Punctuality is often perceived as loyalty, particularly if other employees are constantly late.
4. Punctuality shows you can be trusted with work from clients and other work groups.
5. Punctuality will help you get more done.
6. Being on time provides an opportunity to prepare for meetings. With more time to review the agenda and prepare your presentation, you will appear much more polished than your colleagues who rush into meetings late.
7. Punctuality offers opportunities for networking. Some of the most important networking happens before and after meetings take place.

This article was written for the general public, and of course as Christians we are held to a higher standard. Certainly, we may encounter various mishaps that may cause us to be late. I know for me I usually get distracted with changing my clothes, trying to make breakfast/lunch at the last minute, or watching one more feature on Good Morning America.

I've asked God to help me with integrity and character. I’ve been allowed to see where I can make some improvements, and punctuality is one of them. I would certainly like to gain respect among my colleagues. Not for my personal benefit, but to be able to prove my ability to be responsible to take on important tasks and represent the Kingdom of God as a leader in the workplace. Punctuality may seem to be just a minor factor in our everyday work lives, but as indicated by Kristen M. Anderson it can be a key to excelling.

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs 22:29 KJV

Overcoming Rejection by Frank D. Hammond

Suggested Reading Sunday

I gave my life to Christ 8 years ago when I was 18 years old. At the start of my Christian walk I became very interested in understanding myself in relation to Christ. I wanted to live my life in fullness and wanted to understand the impact that demonic influence had on my life and how to break free. I’ve always had a desire to walk in wholeness in body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV). I’ve also had a great desire to see myself and others work out our soul salvation (Philipians 2:12 KJV). The earliest writings I added to my library included books by Richard Ing, Derek Prince, Frank D. and Ida Mae Hammond and John Eckhardt. The titles included Identifying and Breaking Curses, Spiritual Warfare, and Pigs in the Palor. One of my favorite books of that collection was Overcoming Rejection by Frank D. Hammond.

The book begins addressing the need to heal inner wounds. It compared the urgent care we take to treat physical wounds in order to prevent infection. However, according to Hammond, inner wounds required the same immediate response with forgiveness to the offending party to avoid the infection of resentment, bitterness, and/or hatred. Hammond continued in identifying the root of rejection with the denial of love and its impact to healthy development. Hammond continued that rejection could have its earliest roots in children at conception either by an unwanted pregnancy (conceived early in marriage, financial strains on family, mother-to-be fears, and attempted and/or contemplated abortion.) Hammond also identified other causes of rejection to included children born with disabilities, victims of abuse, peer rejection, marital separation/divorce, and church related hurts.

The remainder of the book addressed how one can react to their experienced rejection, and their attempt to make error-full readjustments to the wound. The reactions can include, as indicated above, responses of resentment, bitterness, and hatred. According to Hammond, it could also include self-pity, inferiority, insecurity, and hopelessness. In order to compensate for one’s experienced rejection, Hammond notes, many would attempt to fulfill the voids in their life through perfectionism, lust of material goods, sexual lust, self-promotion, and more. Hammond completed the book by explaining the ramifications of responding and making wrong readjustments to rejection. The conclusion of the book identified the restoration process to overcoming rejection. Hammond suggested that overcoming rejection should come from forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, learning and receiving God’s love, and learning how to provide and expect healthy love to and from others.

This is truly a great book!!! My life, at that point 8 years ago, was experienced through a lens of being confused, misunderstood, and rejected. I wanted to understand what rejection was and how to break free from it. I remember reading this book in one day, and I remember crying and experiencing great breakthroughs in relation to my experience. I began to identify some potential causes for my experience of rejection. I’d learned how I’d responded through insecurity, inferiority, and resentment, and coped by attempting to be perfect and appear perfect. I began to experience freedom. I know I will be rereading this book very soon and suggest you should give it a read, too. I’m telling ya’ll it’s a page turner and a life changer.

You Are For Me by Kari Jobe

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

The song I feature today is entitled You Are For Me written and recorded by Kari Jobe.

The opening lyrics are so beautiful. The words are simple, but powerful. The words highlight the character and faithfulness of God, shows His love and kindness toward each of us, and the intimate involvement He can have in our life, especially in solidifying His promises to us. I hope you enjoy.

So faithful, so constant
So loving and so true, so powerful in all you do
You fill me, You see me
You know my every move, You love for me to sing to you


I know that you are for me, I know that you are for me
I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness
I know that you have come down
Even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who you are

Kari Jobe is the Worship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, TX. She had known since the age of 10 that she wanted to be a Worship Leader. Kari's dad was a traveling minister which allow her to begin singing at the age of 3. Kari Jobe studied at Oral Roberts University, Christ for the Nations, and Dallas Baptist University where she completed her degree in Psychology and Pastoral Ministries. She is probably better known for her songs Healer and Revelation Song. To learn more about Kari Jobe visit 

www.karijobe.com.

Have a Wonderful Worship Wednesday!!!

Ministry@Work Monday: A Little Monday Morning Encouragement

Ministry@Work Monday

Each Monday I will like to take a look at effective ways to minister at work. The topics can range from one-on-one discipleship to integrity in the workplace. Though, this morning I will like to offer a little Monday Morning Encouragement. Many of us are preparing to head to work this morning, later this afternoon, or even this evening. However, if you’re looking for work and things just don’t seem to be turning up, I hope to encourage you, too.

1. Start your day off in prayer dedicating your work to the Lord. Whether you’re facing a “To Do” list with a thousand tasks, a micromanager who thinks you’re incompetent, or a client/customer who just doesn’t ever appear to be satisfied, know that the Lord has your reward.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Colossian 3:17, 23, 24 KJV

2. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Cast your cares, concerns, and anxieties upon the Lord.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Matthew 11:28-30 AMP

3. Know that you are to prosper!!!

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

3 John 2 NKJV

4. Work with honesty and integrity.

GOD cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.

Proverbs 16:11 MSG

5. If you are unsure of your purpose, God has plans for you.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

Jeremiah 29:11 AMP

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Ephesians 2:10 AMP

Father, I pray that we will know that this is the day that You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). That we will know that there is no obstacle, trial, and burden that You cannot handle, and that we will learn to be still and know that you are God (Psalm 46:10). I pray that we are steadfast in doing good for Your glory and that we work with honesty to please You. Lord, You have great plans for each of us!!! Your plans are to prosper us!!! We are your craftsmanship and handiwork recreated in Christ to do good works that You planned before the beginning of time. Father, I pray that you will lead us to the path that we may walk in those plans.

I thank you, Father, in advance. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Suggested Reading: Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones

Suggested Reading Sunday
I like to go to the bookstore and browse the shelves for a must read. I can spend a good amount of time at Borders, Barnes & Noble, or Family Christian Bookstores. I like to read and share information. So, each week I will suggest reading material, either books from my personal library and/or articles I’ve encountered. This week I'll like to suggest one of my favorite books Lady in Waiting: Becoming God's Best While Waiting for Mr. Right.

Lady in Waiting is written by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. The purpose of the book is to emphasize the importance of deepening one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Authors, Kendall and Jones, brings to light the importance of women finding consolation for their hearts' desires and longings in making Jesus the Lord of their lives.


The book highlights ten characteristics of a reverent woman. Each of these qualities are connected to the life displayed by Ruth. The characteristics, which entitle each chapter, are reckless abandonment, diligence, faith, virtue, devotion, purity, security, contentment, conviction, and patience.


I absolutely love this book. It is also a book I frequently discuss with one of my best friends. We'll spend time discussing some of our favorite passages and share how each of those tidbits have impacted our understanding.


Another note to mention, I have the expanded addition that is pictured above. This addition includes several study questions at the end of each chapter, a journal, and an extended study section. The book is not just for reading, but to transform the thinking and to instill the development of godly character in the lives of women.

Set-Apart Singles: What does it mean to be single?

Set-Apart Singles Saturday

Each Saturday we will take a look at various topics related to the Christian Single Adult. 

Today, let's begin with a brief overview for understanding. We will also take a look at some of the advantages of being single in Christ.

What does it mean to be single?

 Webster provides the following definitions:

single: (adjective) not married; (noun) an unmarried person and especially one young and socially active.

Synonyms

unmarried: not now or previously married; being divorced or widowed.
unattached: not married or engaged
unwed

Side Note: I use a lot of definitions because it has been my experience that definitions bring clarity and understanding. Additionally, for the purpose of this entry, I would like to reinforce the understanding that persons that are in dating/courting relationships, who are divorced and/or widowed are defined as single. However, both terms single and unmarried will be used interchangeably, because unmarried is the term most commonly used in the Bible.

Worldly Advantages

• Opportunity to date and engage in uncommitted relationships
• Freedom to pursue education and career goals
• Independence to “Sow One’s Wild Oats”
• Liberty of a disposable income

These advantages aren’t all bad, but could be more advantageous if used to glorify God and establish the Kingdom of God.

Alright, let’s highlight some advantages to be unmarried as indicated in 1 Corinthian 7.

Kingdom Advantages

1. Singleness is a gift!

But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.

1 Corinthians 7:7 NLT

Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me—a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.

1 Corinthians 7:7 MSG

2. Paul writes that it is well and good to be single.

But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do.

1 Corinthians 7:8 AMP

3. Singles can live free of fewer concerns, anxieties, distressing cares, and complications; and live to please the Lord.

I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 

1 Corinthians 7:32 NIV

My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord.

 1 Corinthians 7:32 AMP

I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 

1 Corinthians 7:32 NLT

I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 MSG

4. Singles are called to live pure, holy, and self-controlled lives devoted to the Lord.

And the unmarried woman or girl is concerned and anxious about the matters of the Lord, how to be wholly separated and set apart in body and spirit . . . Now I say this for your own welfare and profit, not to put [a halter of] restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly and in good order and to secure your undistracted and undivided devotion to the Lord.  

1 Corinthians 7:34, 35 AMP

The unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions.

1 Corinthians 7:34, 35 MSG

5. Paul wrote a single person can be happier, more blessed, and to be envied!!!

But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry. And also I think I have the Spirit of God.

 1 Corinthians 7:40 AMP

These advantages may be difficult for some to believe and accept because of the culture that consumes our lives. However, we are called to have our minds renewed "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:2 KJV. Additionally, this is in no way a frown upon marriage, but the goal to help solidify the identity and purpose of the Set-Apart Christian Single Adult. I also, encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 7 in it’s entirely for continuity and contextual purposes.

God's Love

Five Promises Friday

Each Friday we will look at five simple promises centered on one theme. This week we will look at God's Love.

"Love has its source in God, for love is the very essence of His being." ~ Kay Arthur

1. God's love is sacrificial and the source of our salvation.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 

John 3:16 AMP

2. God's love is our protection.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love. 

Psalm 5:11, 12 NLT

3. God's love is everlasting.

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

Psalm 103:17, 18 NIV

4. God's love is incomparable.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 KJV

5. God's love cannot be lost through suffering.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38, 39 NKJV

Father, I love you and want others to know about your love. There is nothing that can compare to your love. Your love is faithful. Your love affirms. Your love keeps us, protects us, and redeems us. Your love is sacrificial and last forever. So, Father I pray that we will learn Your love, abide in Your love, and share Your love.

The P Word: Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination

Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Thursday

Each Thursday I will take a look at common irrational thoughts, unfounded feelings, and abnormal behavior in a realistic and practical manner with a biblical solution. Today we will take a look at procrastination.

What does it mean?

procrastinate: (verb) to put off intentionally and habitually the doing of something that should be done.

A Few Facts about Procrastinators (Marano, 2003)

1. An estimate of 20% of individuals refer to themselves as procrastinators
2. It is a maladaptive behavior which manifest into one’s life by:
       • Not paying bills on time 
       • Missing the opportunity to buy tickets to concerts and events
       • Not cashing gift certificates or checks
       • Filing tax returns late
       • Leaving Christmas shopping to  Christmas Eve
3. Lies they believe
       • “I’ll feel more like doing this tomorrow.”
       • “I work better under pressure.”
       • “It’s not that important.”
       • “I’m more creative.”
4. Find other meaningless distractions (i.e. like checking email, getting on facebook, twitter, etc.)

Reasons 
       • Perfectionism
       • Confusion
       • Thoughts of Inadequacy/Self-Doubt/Wrong Beliefs
       • Lack of Motivation
       • Laziness
       • Indecisive/Inability to Prioritize
In a nutshell, it really appears to be rooted in anxiety and fear. All the reasons can be interconnected in many ways, but let’s look at a few. Perfectionist wants approval and must prove their worth by being perfect. They fear that if they perform and make a mistake everyone will find out they are not perfect and will be rejected. It’s very similar for the confused. Confusion means to misunderstand and to be uncertain. The fear is that someone will know they did not understand something and doesn’t know everything. All, of which may lead to other feelings and thoughts of inadequacy and self-doubt, and make one indecisive, loose motivation, and become lazy and idle. 

What must be done? 

Ten ways to overcome procrastination could be listed. However, fear and anxiety must be addressed. 
1.  Pray, ask for what you need, and give thanks.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 

Philippines 4:6 NKJV

2. Trust and praise God.

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 56:11 NIV

3. Know that your worth and value is in God’s perfect love and not your performance.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:18 NIV

4. Know simply God did not give you fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

Personal Note: I can personally say each of those factors described me in one way or another. I can also remember stating each lie while in school and even at work every now and then. When the Lord gave me the assignment to start writing, it was back in July, and it took me until now to really be obedient to the vision. When completing my thesis for graduate school, it took eight months of procrastination because of anxiety and fear of rejection to submit my work that received rave reviews. A while back I posted "Don't lose the vision by procrastinating." Right after that, I was challenged by the Holy Spirit "you would likely over-think and underestimate. If you wait, the message will become irrelevant, and/or outdated. So, let's get to work so that God will be glorified." I challenge myself now when I find myself being unproductive, by pursuing the goals and purposes that God has designed and planned for me. I also, challenge myself with "be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15, 16 NIV). 

References:

1. Marano, H.E. (2003). Procrastination: Ten things to know. Psychology Today. Retrieved November 3, 2010 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/node/24800

He Wants It All by foreverJones

Wonderful Worship Wednesday


Many people like to call Wednesday "Hump Day" or make statements like "Wednesdays are rough!" or indicate how much more of the workweek they must tough out. But, I would like to spotlight worship music. Some old, some new, just simply some of my FAVORITES!!!


Today checkout this live video of foreverJones singing He Wants It All. 


This song brings two scriptures to mind, which reads as follow:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Matthew 22:34 KJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1 KJV

foreverJones is a family band led by parents Dewitt and Kim Jones. The remainder of the band include their children D'Jeniele' (Guitarist), Dominique (Guitarist and Keyboardist), DeWitt IV (Bass), Judah (Drums), and Mya (Vocalist). To learn more about foreverJones check them out on the links below.

I would like to thank foreverJones for this beautiful, yet challenging song. I also pray that each of us examine our lives to make sure we have given Him our all.

http://foreverjones.emigospel.com/

http://www.facebook.com/officialfjm