Worship Wednesdays: "Who You Were" by Travis Greene

"Who you were is who you are,
Who you are is who you’ll always be,
Who you were is who you are,
Who you are is who you’ll always be."

This song is a reminder of God's unchanging character, continued faithfulness, and nature as I AM (Genesis 3:14.) It's an encouragement when we don't understand or concerned regarding the present or things to come. It is a reminder that God remains the Father "with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). Why? Because He is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Enjoy and let this song minister to you!

Travis Greene is a national recording artist with ministry experience as a as youth pastor and worship director. Travis is the artist of the popular single "Intentional" off of his album "The Hill." Travis with his wife Jackie have launched Forward City Church in Columbia, SC. To learn more about Travis Greene visit www.travisgreene.net.

The Resolve: Satisfaction as an Unmarried Adult

Set-Apart Singles

Many unmarried Christian adults are dissatisfied with their state of singleness, and attempt to find ways to solve this problem by dating and going from relationship to relationship in hopes of getting married. Marriage will, in their eyes, solve this most obnoxious problem in their lives and finally things will be all better. Not at all! Marriage is great and beautiful when it’s within God’s proper timing, and with two prepared (not perfect) individuals who desire to commit themselves selflessly for the well being of the other. Thus, unmarried Christian adults have to make The Resolve.

Resolve means to have a firm determination to do something. It is the act of settling or finding a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter). Additionally, resolve is the determination and decision regarding a matter. Synonyms include settle, sort out, solve, find a solution to, fix, straighten out, deal with, put right, put to rights, and rectify.

So what exactly needs to be resolved?
Unmarried/single adults need to resolve, settle, and firmly agree with their marital status. Why? Unfortunately, the focus is frequently how to become unsingle by dating, getting in a relationship, and/or getting married. As I indicated above, this is not bad. However motivation needs to be evaluated.

What are you motivated to address?
• Loneliness
• Low Self-Esteem
• Biological Clock
• Financial Woes

How do you resolve and become satisfied in you marital state?
• Improve the stewardship of your thoughts and emotions. (Philippians 4:8)
• Recognize where your true worth and value comes from. (Psalm 139:13,14)
• Trust in God’s timing! (Isaiah 49:23)
• Address your poor financial stewardship. Tithe! Save! Manage! (Proverbs 13:11 & Malachi 3:10,11)
• Stay focused on the goal, purpose, and task at hand! (Jeremiah 29:11 & Ephesians 2:10)

Sure there is nothing wrong with wanting to “spend your life with someone.” However, this is a great season of your life in which you can develop deepened friendships with like-minded individuals of both genders.

You want children? According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute there are “400,540 children are living without permanent families in the foster care system, 115,000 of these children are eligible for adoption, but nearly 40% of these children will wait over three years in foster care before being adopted." Sure these children may not be your own, and may have developed their personality, endured various forms of hardship, and may not be cute and cuddly babies.  However, their lives still require leadership and guidance for their future. If you want cute and cuddly, get a dog, SERIOUSLY.

Having a pet will teach you discipline and structure, and provide limited companionship. Travel! There’s a great big world out there God created, so go and explore it! This can be done as a missionary or for your own personal entertainment and enrichment.

But most importantly be content. Paul, a satisfied, successful, and set-apart single for Christ wrote:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13 NCV

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV

Friday Funny: "His Eye is on the Sparrow"

That's Just the Way the Father Is

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

How could He love me?

How could He know me?

How could one so awesome, ever care so much for me?

How could He love man, enough to redeem man?

How could He sacrifice, His only son to set me free?

That's just the way the Father is.

He'll be a friend when you're not His.

That's just His way, that's just the way He is.

He's nothing like your other friends.

He'll be with you until the end.

That's just His way, that's just the way He is.

 

 

That's Just the Way the Father Is comes from Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers' album Awesome Wonder released in 2001. This song highlights the loving, kind, gracious, and merciful character of the Everlasting Father! This song is an oldie but a goodie, and an all time favorite of mine. Enjoy!

Teachable Moment: Krokodil

What is krokodil? Krokodil, the street name for Desomorphine, is a homemade injectable opiate drug. Krokodil is common in Russia and the Ukraine, with estimates of 100,000 and 20,000 people respectively reported using the drug in 2011 (Christensen, 2013). The drug krokodil is developed by combining the painkiller codeine with commonly available chemicals that include iodine, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorous from matchbooks and solvents such as paint thinner and gasoline (Christensen, 2013). These ingredients are high in toxicity, and when injected intravenously causes severe tissue damage.

Krokodil garners the name due to the reported green and/or black discolored scaly skin changes like a crocodile (Bekiempi, 2013 and Christensen, 2013). The DEA reported that the long-term effects can include damaged blood vessels, thrombosis and damaged soft tissues surrounding the injection sites. These conditions can lead to gangrene (Behm, 2013). According to reports, the average lifespan of a krokodil user after starting on the drug is around 2.5 years (Bekiempi, 2013).

Jean-Paul C. Grunda, Alisher Latypovc, and Magdalena Harris (2013) found in their research study:
Localized damage
• Thrombosis of the major vessels and erosive bleeding
• Large open ulcers, phlebitis and gangrene at and around injection sites
• Skin and soft tissue infections to the bone
• Limb amputations
• Large scabs on the limbs and elsewhere on the body, pieces of dead skin that come off in one piece
• Veins that ulcer and rot away from the inside, requiring surgical removal of the main veins

Systemic damage
• Pneumonia
• Blood poisoning
• Coronary artery burst
• Meningitis
• Rotting gums resulting in tooth loss
• Bone infection, decayed structure of the jaw and other facial bones
• Sores and ulcers on the forehead and skull
• Gangrenous wounds on various part of the body
• Rotting ears, noses and lips
• Liver and kidney problems
• Death

Neurological damage
• Speech impediments
• Motor skills impairments
• Affected memory and concentration
• Personality changes

Jen Christensen with CNN reported in October 2013 five people were hospitalized in the Chicago suburb of Joliet, Illinois, with symptoms associated with krokodil. Additionally, similar cases have been reported by health care providers in Arizona and Oklahoma (Christensen, 2013) and Columbus, OH (Behm, 2013). The Drug Enforcement Administration has not confirmed these cases are directly associated with krokodil, but has directed law enforcement agencies and medical institutions to report any discovered forms of the drug (Bekiempi, 2013).

To learn more about krokodil, please review the Drug Enforcement Administration's drug fact sheet http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/desomorphine.pdf.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:14-18 NKJV

Sources:
1. Behm, J. (2013, November 10). Krokodil drug concerns in Lorain County. The Morning Journal, Retrieved from http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20131110/krokodil-drug-concerns-in-lorain-county
2. Bekiempism, V. (2013, October 21). Why You Don't Need to Worry About 'Flesh-Eating' Drug Krokodil. Newsweek. Retrieved from http://www.newsweek.com/why-you-do-not-need-worry-about-flesh-eating-drug-krokodil-613
3. Christensen, J. (2013, October 18). Flesh-eating 'zombie' drug 'kills you from the inside out'. CNN. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/16/health/krokodil-zombie-drug/
4. Grunda, J.C., Latypovc, A., and Harris, M. (2013). Breaking worse: The emergence of krokodil and excessive injuries among people who inject drugs in Eurasia. International Journal of Drug Policy. Retrieved from http://www.idhdp.com/media/41793/inj_damage_from_krokodil_in_eurasia.pdf

In the Marketplace: Workplace Bullying

Have you ever left work tearful, depressed, and feeling overwhelmed? However, these feelings of stress are not related to expected work assignments and productivity expectation, but the maltreatment of another colleague, supervisor, and/or manager? You may be the victim of workplace bullying.

The Workplace Bullying Institute defines Workplace Bullying as the repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators that take one or more of the following forms:
• Verbal abuse
• Offensive Conduct (i.e. threatening, humiliating, or intimidating)
• Work Interference

BullyingStatistics.org includes the following examples of Workplace Bullying:
• Shouting or swearing at an employee.
• An employee being singled out for unjustified criticism or blame.
• An employee being excluded from activities or having their work contributions ignored.
• Language or actions that embarrass or humiliate an employee.
• Practical jokes, especially if they occur repeatedly to the same person.

Workplace Bullying Statistics:
• 1 in 3 workers may be the victims of workplace bullying.
• Twenty percent of workplace bullying becomes harassment.
• Sixty percent of workplace bullies are men, and bully male and female employees equally.
• Female bullies are more likely to bully other females.

The impact of workplace bullying on employees can lead to high levels of stress, absenteeism and low productivity, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
Many individuals do not speak up regarding the matter due to the role of the perpetrator as a supervisor, and fear losing their job. Additionally, workplace bullying can be masked by the high demand of the job.

So how do we address this issue?
1. Address personal timidity and fear. II Timothy 1:7 NLT
2. Do your best work. Colossians 3:23,24 MSG
3. Address the perpetrator, especially if it is another believer in Christ. Matthew 18:15 NCV
4. Seek a mediator, employee/human resources, and/or compliance officer. Matthew 18:16,17 NCV
5. Forgive the offender. Philippians 4:2-7 NKJV
6. Ultimately, do not seek revenge. Trust in the Lord to avenge. Romans 12:17-21 NKJV

"Called to the Mundane"

My heart often breaks when I see any individual going about life aimlessly. Their body moves at a pace that shows no speed, no direction, and no urgency. Their facial expression lacks joy, lacks peace, and lacks hope. They’re often frustrated, dissatisfied, and defeated with their current state of affairs. More often than not this is frequently a symptom indicating that someone is unaware and disjointed from their purpose and destiny. Thus, they have either settled and/or accepted life to be mundane and void of purpose.

For the purpose of understanding, mundane is defined as lacking interest or excitement, dull, ordinary, commonplace, banal (BLAH, BLAND, HUMDRUM) and unimaginative. Certainly, certain aspects related to the fulfillment of purpose and on the pathway to destiny are routine in nature and have that “day-to-day” feel. Yet, we are called to greatness to live exciting and extraordinary lives. We can often feel our internal workings within our soul alerting us that there is something more, something greater, and something more impactful.

Biblical scripture provides solid evidence that we have purpose and we have destiny. This purpose and destiny has been prewritten and preplanned by the True and Living God. Let’s take a look:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old. God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many!

Psalm 139:16-17 NCV

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

Truly no one is called to a life of mundane existence. Mundane can further be defined as pertaining to this world or earth and temporal rather than heavenly, spiritual, and/or supernatural. Thus, I further understand and identify this to mean lacking the heavenly and spiritual influence that comes from God.  As I woke up this morning, I thought “no one is called to the mundane” and to settle for life void of joy, mission, and intention. In all, my hope is to stir, awaken, and encourage everyone to pursue God and the purpose and destiny He has predesigned for their lives.

I Shall Live and Not Die

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

Worship Leader. Songwriter. Radio Personality. Darlene McCoy releases a song in which one can encourage themselves on her new single entitled I Shall Live and Not Die. Enjoy!!!

 

Darlene McCoy hails from Atlanta, GA. Darlene is a worship leader at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, and has worked with recording artist including Darwin Hobbs and William Murphy. Darlene host a radio show on Atlanta's Inspiration Station Praise 102.5. Her debut album, self-titled Darlene McCoy, includes her hit single Fallen In Love which was featured on the soundtrack of Dairy of a Mad Black Woman.

The Benefits of Walking in Sexual Purity

Teachable Moment Tuesday

This started as a personal reflection. I began thinking about the benefits and/or freedoms one has due to walking in sexual purity. Sexual purity is living a life free of sexual sin; this includes the full shebang of intercourse all the way to one’s thought life. Remember Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman [man] lustfully has already committed adultery with her [him] in his heart.”

Nevertheless, I was able to identify physical, emotional, mental, and financial benefits for walking in sexual purity.

• Physical: An individual’s physical health is free of sickness and disease related to the contraction of sexually transmitted infections (AIDS, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, HPV, this list could go on and on).
• Emotional: An individual is free from unhealthy emotional soul ties. Soul ties develop due to the nature of the emotional bond developed during the sexual act. Emotional soul ties can develop in relationships free of sex due to unhealthy boundaries. However, the knitted/glue-like bond of sexual soul ties, developed outside of the covenant of marriage, can be damaging. An individual can be left feeling shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, depression, and loneliness after the encounter and/or the relationship dissolving.
• Mental: Related to the emotional impact, many experience mental anguish and confusion. An individual’s judgment can become clouded which can impact one’s decision making and lead to confusion. Additionally, many develop mental disgust for their former sexual partner due to the tearing apart/ripping of the soul ties that can lead to various wounds to the soul.
• Financial: There are the costs of physical exams, treatments, and vaccinations to determine, treat/cure, and/or “ward off” one’s STI status due to the repercussion of one’s deed. Additionally, there are the costs to support the children conceived in these situations. For the payer and/or the recipient it is either a financial sacrifice or an ill-sufficient financial mean to meet the cost of raising children.

These factors appear more so as things an individual will avoid by walking in sexual purity. However, avoiding these factors can be a benefit. As well, this is in noway a judgment to make one feel condemned. According to Romans 8:1 NKJV “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit". So, GET UP, dust yourself off, and keep it moving. More so, confess your sins, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Also, prayerfully seek out godly counsel for accountability (James 5:16).

These concepts of sexual purity are foreign to this culture. It's difficult for many to understand because we live in a sex-saturated world. Yet, Romans 12:2 suggest:

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

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. MSG

In all, this is the will of God that we walk in sexual purity.

For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, that each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will.

I Thessalonians 4:3-5 AMP

Being a Titus 2 Woman

I do not take lightly the calling and purpose of my life. Last night I had the opportunity to fellowship with some of the tween and teen girls from church. For the past few weeks myself and my fellow youth leaders planned and prepared a lock-in specifically for our girls ages 12 to 15 entitled, Girls' Night In. The agenda included practical knowledge and teaching on purity from our Senior Pastor's Wife, an additional guest teacher, and a musical guest. The event allowed the girls to speak candidly about their experiences, receive healing and restoration, voice their desire to walk in purity and see the same manifestation in the lives of their sisters, friends, and generation. It brought to mind one of my favorite scriptures, Titus 2:3-5.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Titus 2:3-5 NIV

This scriptural reference teaches women the following:

1. To live a reverent lifestyle. 

Our lives should bring reverence to the Lord at all times. This is related to our godly conduct, dress, and conversation. We are called to live our lives in holy fear and reverence to God. Proverbs 31:30 reads "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing: but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

2. Not to be slanderers.

As stated above, we must be mindful of our conversation. As women we must be vigilant not to be engaged in activities of gossip, fault finding, and false accusation. 

3. Not to live addicted lifestyles.

We are called to lives of sobriety. We should be watchful and receive any healing related to addictive lifestyles. This can include alcoholism, abuse and dependency on illicit drugs, abuse of food, and/or shopping. 

4. To be teachers of what is good.

We are teachers. This does not require formalized training, nor an ordered, structured, and/or arranged event. It is taking the time moment by moment and day by day to teach and to train those whom you mentor in what is good and pleasing to God.

The scripture directs the older women to teach the younger women to "to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands." Since the younger girls in which I mentor are not married I find that my role as a young and spiritually mature woman is to teach them the following: 

• To love God and their parents
• Be self-controlled and pure
• Be disciplined at home (comply with house rules, do chores, homework, etc).
• Be kind to others
• To honor and obey they parents

As I stated previously, I do not take this role lightly. I want to reverence God with my life and teach what is right and true to those who are younger so that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited)" as indicated in verse 6, Amplified Version.

Your Faithfulness by Jon Thurlow

While attending the International House of Prayer's onething 2010 conference in Kansas City, MO this past December, I encountered this song. A few teens from our youth group and I decided we would visit the Prayer Room. IHOP had been having 24/7 prayer for 10 years which has been the catalyst to revival, miracles, sign, and wonders. While in the Prayer Room, Jon Thurlow was leading Worship and the Word, and was singing this song Your Faithfulness. Here's a live performance of Jon and his team. Enjoy!!!

Jon Thurlow is a worship leader at the International House of Prayer and an artist on Forerunner Records. He can be seen a few mornings during the week leading worship in the Prayer Room at IHOP. To learn more about Jon visit www.ihop.org.

Teen Dating Violence: Date and Acquaintance Rape

Teachable Moment Tuesday

On several occasions I’ve come in contact with adolescent and young adult females who shared their stories that summed up to the definition of date rape. The variables were all similar, a young woman between the age of 13 and 19 years of age. This same young woman was attending a party with friends and/or acquaintances. This young woman was then coerced to engage in underage alcohol consumption to the point of inebriation, then encouraged to participate in sexual activity that could include everything from performing varying sexual acts to sexual intercourse. When confronted with the fact that they were in fact a victim of sexual assault and/or rape. They vehemently report that they were aware of what happened and they were in control. But, is that really true?

The Illinois State Police Department define date rape by the following:

Date rape is a form of acquaintance rape. It is the forced sexual contact by someone the victim is or has been dating. Regardless of the amount of time a couple has dated--in some cases, they may have just met and it may be the first "date," they may have been together for years, or even no longer a couple--when sex is forced on someone by the use of threats, intimidation, trickery, or in cases where consent cannot be given because of impaired judgment due to alcohol or drug intoxication, it is RAPE. And, it is against the law.

In most cases, the influence of alcohol or a chemical substance removes a person’s inhibitors, both physical and psychological. Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is not an excuse for sexual violence.

Unfortunately, researchers have not been able to properly calculate statistics, because of many victims fail to report these incidents. However, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) provide the following statistics for sexual assault among adolescent:

· More than 70% of rape victims knew their attackers, compared to about half of all violent crime victims.

· 90% of rape victims who knew their attacker did not report the attack to the police.

· 38% of acquaintance rape victims are 14-17 years old.

· 90% of rape victims under age 13 knew their attacker.

· 57% of the rapes happened on dates

· Only 27% of the women considered themselves to be victims of rape, although their assaults met the legal definition of rape, which is indicated above.

 

So, how do we prevent further incidents of date/acquaintance rape from occurring among adolescents?

1. Educate.

Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge. Don't be afraid to correct your young ones . . . (you) might save them from something worse than death.

Proverbs 23:12-14 Message

2. Support.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

3. Guide them to the comfort of the Lord.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

Trial by Jury: Decision Making

Ministry@Work Monday

It came in the mail. With dread I opened my call to serve Jury Duty. I'd received notices before. I had good excuses to avoid it in the past. My first notice came when I was an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. At that time they excused my attendance due to my school schedule. The next time I was a stand-by Juror, and was not required to attend. But, this time I had to show up early on a Friday morning, and was selected to serve. With great protest within I went this morning only to take on a role that is a great benefit to serve someone else, their livelihood, and their future.

Jury is defined as a group of persons selected to make a decision, especially in the court of law.

Role of a Juror

• Responsible for gathering information.
• Accurately and objectively weighing details and facts.
• Determining the best and most suitable decision for the parties involved.

Initially, I was resistant to the idea of being involved in the decision making process of a law proceeding. However a consulted a few scriptures to support me and guide in prayer in relation to my role. I’m sure I not the only one whose faced with the responsibility of decision making. Daily in our work lives we must rationalize and reason information and facts that will impact our own selves and others.

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

Isaiah 11:2 KJV

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 4:1 NIV

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 NKJV

Secrets of the Vine for Women: Breakthrough to Abundance by Darlene Marie Wilkinson

Suggested Reading Sunday

Six years ago I received this great book for my 21^st birthday. This was an awesome addition to my growing personal library. The book is written by Darlene Marie Wilkinson, the wife and ministry partner to Bruce Wilkinson. This book was written as a counterpart for women to Bruce’s bestselling book, Secrets of the Vine.

The book in written based on Jesus’ teaching to the disciples in John 15. Darlene begins discussing the importance of a Spiritual Harvest indicating God’s desire to bring us to an abundant life. Darlene continued in discussing Jesus as the Vine, God as the Vinedresser, and we as branches as God’s desire for us to produce good fruit. According to Darlene, God’s desire and process to produce fruit was by His love. God’s discipline comes to root out sin and is confirmed that God chastisement is for those whom He loves, Hebrew 12:7-8, 11.

One of the key concepts discussed in Secrets of the Vine for Women was pruning. Pruning as related to gardening was defined as removing unwanted plant parts for a purpose. Darlene wrote “pruning is God’s way of making room in your life for more of what matters most,” in accords to John 15:2 that reads “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” The abundant production of fruit is highlighted to be birthed from abiding in Christ, having an intimate relationship. Lastly, Darlene shared that commitment to the process and time was necessary to bring forth a prized glorious harvest of fruit.

This is certainly an awesome study companion to the teaching of Jesus as the True Vine in John 15. Hope you can grab you a copy of this great book. Enjoy!!!

Who are you going to tell?

Ministry@Work Monday

This morning while reading the Gospel of John, I took a mental note of how John the Baptist, Andrew, and Philip once meeting Jesus instantly found their nearest of kin or a dear friend to share with them Jesus. Let take at look a John 1:35-51:

³⁵ Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. ³⁶ And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” ³⁷ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” ³⁹ He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). ⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).⁴³ The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” ⁴⁶ And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” ⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” ⁴⁸ Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ⁴⁹ Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”  ⁵⁰ Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Who was talking?

1. John the Baptist was the first to declare to two students with him that Jesus was the the Lamb of God. These two disciples were instantly compelled to follow Jesus and learn from Him. They called Him Teacher and dwelled with him for the remainder of the day. 

                       

2. Andrew thereafter went and found his brother Simon, whom he worked with as a fellow fisherman, and spoke boldly to him that they had found the Messiah.

3. Philip was found by Jesus and was commanded "Follow me." Philip was so awed by this encounter that he found a friend, Nathanael and declared with great exclamation “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

What are the benefits of telling?

1. People need to know that Jesus, the Lamb of God, has come as a sacrificial lamb, who bore their sin, and that they can be redeemed by grace through faith. 

2. People's identity can be transformed. Jesus when speaking with Simon, which mean hot-tempered, volatile, and violent, was called Cephas or Petros in the Greek or Peter which stable a rock or stone.

3. People's hearts can be revealed. Jesus upon meeting Nathanael declared that he was an Israelite without any deceit or guile which meant having an intent for trickery, cunning, and/or craftiness. 

These are just a few insights from looking at the first disciples and their instantaneous response to go and tell someone else about Jesus Christ. So, make sure to find someone to tell about Jesus whether at work, school, or in your community. 

Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

Suggested Readings Sunday


Greetings!!! I've really been feeling a press in my spirit to share one of my favorite books. Every Woman's Battle  is written by Shannon Ethridge modeled after Stephen Arterburn's Every Man's Battle and Every Young Man's Battle. Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment was written to address the sexual and emotional compromise women face whether married, engage, or single. The books is written to encourage women to "keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life," Proverbs 4:23 KJV. 

The book begins with demystifying the myth that sexual compromise was just a man's battle. However, sexual and emotional compromise does present to be a problem with women. Ethridge then introduces the need for balance and integrity in the lives of women physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Etheridge continues with addressing seven myths women believe that intensifies the battle which could lead to compromise including everything from fantasy to inappropriate media material. Ethridge then indicated that need for a revolution by accepting and knowing who we are in Christ. 


Ethridge transitions and begin to introduce a defense against compromise which included taking thoughts captive, guarding your heart, being mindful of words/communication, and setting and keeping boundaries. The final section of the book address our need to release past pain, present pride, and future fears by surrendering to Jesus. Finally, to learn true intimacy with God and maintaining watch over boundaries. 



This is a great book. Every Woman's Battle can be used for small group and/or read individually. Every Woman's Battle can be studied with a workbook and there is Every Single Woman's Battle design specifically for unmarried women. I've also studied Every Young Woman's Battle which addresses the same need for adolescent girls to embrace and begin the process of guarding their heart and bodies against sexual and emotional compromise a sex saturate world.

Never Wanna' Leave this Place

Wonderful Worship Wednesday

WOW!!! It's been a really long time since completing a blog entry. I'd became very busy at work and wanted to complete some assignments before year end. Additionally, I traveled and attended the International House of Prayer's conference Onething in Kansas City, MO. It was AMAZING. It was truly a place of great prayer, praise and worship. I'll feature some of their artist in future post. However, today I wanted to share Never Wanna' Leave this Place by Valencia Lacy and Unquenchable Worshippers.

I heard this song ministered earlier in the week in an event I attended, and this song truly cried the desire of my heart. I truly love the presence and place of God. I really enjoy His intimate involvement in my life and love to rest in his presence. This song reminds me of a few scriptures:

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 NKJV

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

Valencia Lacy is a dynamic worship leader who maybe more known by her featured appearance of Shekinah Glory's Yes. Valencia is accompanied by Unquenchable Worshippers, which is a community based praise and worship ministry founded and formed by Valencia.  This song can be found on Valencia Lacy and Unquenchable Worshippers' long awaited and anticipated album The Gathering of Worshippers. 

I hope you enjoyed!!!

The Truth About Fear

Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Thursday: The Truth About Fear

I can remember being a little girl who would often succumb to fear. If I would see another school kid in public I would often hide behind my mother and refuse to speak. Once when asked to recite a speaking part in a Kindergarten program, during the practice I would spend several minutes crying excessively refusing to recite my part which I knew very well. I began to grow out of it as I had gotten older and more comfortable with my peers and teachers in school. However, transition always proved to be difficult for me. When going to high school and later to college I began to turn inward, introverted, reserved, and shy. It was safer to self-preserve from threat and discomfort. I respond now by being a risk taker. When I feel fear arising I try to do the opposite, and be bold and not allow time to past because it can make it even more difficult to progress.

What is fear?

Fear is defined by Webster as to feel afraid or apprehension; it is an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by or the anticipation or awareness of danger; implies anxiety and loss of courage.

Synonyms include:

• Dread
• Fright
• Alarm
• Terror
• Trepidation
• Anxiety
• Panic 

Anxiety is a painful apprehension, uneasiness of mind over an impending or anticipated ill. It is also defined as fearful concern or interest, and abnormal or overwhelming sense of apprehension or fear often marked by physiological signs (sweating, tension, and increased impulse).

Panic is defined as the sudden overpowering fright, unreasonable terror, of relating to or resembling the mental or emotional state induced by the god Pan. What?

A note about Pan: Pan has been described as a pagan god in Greek mythology and was believed to be responsible for sudden, inexplicable fear or panic. But, we are not called to idolatry. We are called to have holy fear, respect, and reverence to the One True God (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV). DO NOT BOW TO FEAR!!! Healthy fear is that of reverence and respect, awe to the true and living God, not associated with self-preservation due to an impending, irrational, and overpowering threat.

Hebrew words for fear:

• `Arats: to tremble, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, break, be terrified, cause to tremble.
• Yare': to fear, revere, be afraid.

Greek words for fear:

• Deilia: timidity, fearfulness, cowardice.
• Phobos:  fear, dread, terror; that which strikes terror

Mask of Fear

The Spirit of Fear may attempt to mask itself in terms like reserved, introversion, and shy. Introversion is the state or tendency toward being completely concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life; turned inward or upon self, a reserved or shy person. Shy means to shrink away from contact with others, to be timid (easily frightened or fearful), hidden (reserved), and hesitant (bashful).

In the psychological and psychiatry sphere of mental health there is a host of Anxiety Disorders in which I will discuss in-depth later in the month. But, they include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

How are we called to respond to fear?

1. Read what God told Joshua.

Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:5-9 AMP

2. This is Paul’s words to Timothy.

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination].For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:5,6 AMP

3. John wrote the following in an epistle.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 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 4:16-18 NIV

Fear should not be ignored or minimized. It can have paralyzing effects that prevents us from experiencing the fullness of our callings in God. It can cause us to hold back and withdraw, because of our intent to protect ourselves which is our self-image and pride. This is often because of the fear of making a mistake, shame that may result, and the fear of the inability to cope with it. BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS!!!

You Deserve it All by Christ for the Nations

Wonderful Worship Wednesday
I love the opening lines of this song. It indicates the beautiful creative power of God. Enjoy!!!

You decorate the skies with shades unknown

Your eyes are light at the dawn when I arise

Creation leads a symphony in song

And in awe I whisper my love because

You deserve it all

You deserve it all

You deserve it all

You deserve it all

Christ For The Nations is an international, interdenominational organization which exists to train and equip men and women with the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit and with a lifestyle of worship, to reach the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To learn more about Christ for the Nations please visit them at www.cfni.org. 

Pure Religion: Caring for the Fatherless

Teachable Moment Tuesday


Although, I'm rather young, I really care about marginalized youth. Those who are abandoned, abused, overlooked, and neglected. Many children experience the absence of a parent from their physical environment, but I find it can also occur with emotional and intellectual abandonment. According to June Hunt, author of Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook, indicates that we all need love, significance, and security.


For some reason my heart began to burn as I thought about children, adolescents, and young adults that I've encountered who were abandoned and/or neglected by their parents and/or guardians. The reasons vary, death, addictions, or being deemed an unfit parent. However, some individuals abuse their power as adults, and physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abuse children and adolescents. Either way their souls are fragmented, and their development is stifled and thwarted. Often times it leads to depression and anger, suicide and homicide, and other self-destructive behavior. It's because they feel unloved, unwanted, and many times unworthy to live.


I ask that those of us who have the opportunity to impact the younger generation to be considerate of them, and show them the GENUINE and PURE love, significance, and security they were designed to experience. God is truly concerned about the fatherless (parent-less). 

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27 KJV