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

Impacting Your Work Environment this Christmas Season

Ministry@Work Monday: Impacting Your Work Environment this Christmas Season

I'm always thinking of different ways to minister and impact my colleagues at work. Since my student worker days while in undergrad, I've always had an opportunity to either offer sound counsel, prayer, and encouragement. My goal has always been to glorify God. So, I began thinking how can I make an impact this Christmas Season. Thus, I'll be sharing some ideas I've gathered that you may be able to use as well.

1. Give away Christmas music that glorifies Christ, and not just holiday music.

You'll find me at any point singing "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" or "The weather outside is frightful, but the season is so delightful." However, these songs fail to glorify the birth of the Savior that this holiday indicates that it was designed to do. Some suggested music includes Kari Jobe's Bethlehem, Chris Tomlin's Glory to the Highest, or Israel and New Breed's A Timeless Christmas. 

2. Twelves Days of Christmas

While working for an employer one year, apart of our gift exchange each day we secretly gave very small inexpensive gifts to our gift exchange recipient. Perhaps, you can give small inexpensive gifts with scriptural notes that glorifies the character of Jesus Christ.

3. Calendars/Pocket Planners

This could be the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it is a daily dose of biblical encouragement, a psalm or proverbs of wisdom, this would be a practical item in which seeds would be sown to win an individual to Christ, and or encourage one who may have a personal relationship with Christ.

4. Personalized Letter, Card, and Framed Poetry 

Be creative and be led by the Holy Spirit. Write a personalized prophetic letter to an individual. Pray and ask God what he would like to say to the individual. Listen to hear, look to see, and sense to feel. Print is on nice stationary, handwrite it in a nice card or frame it as artwork. Here's an example: 

5. Bible Study.

This season we will certainly see many nativity scenes of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. But, Jesus was not a baby forever. Jesus at the age of twelve was found in the temple talking with teachers (Luke 2:40-52 KJV), Jesus did a sermon on a mountain (Matthew 5:1-7:29). Jesus was also a healer, deliver, and is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). Use this as a opportunity for discipleship. Take someone to lunch, study and teach the word, and use this as an opportunity to widen their view of the little baby Jesus to a Lord and Savior full of majesty and power. 

These are just a few ideas on how to impact your work environment this Christmas Season. Remember we've been commissioned.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19, 20 KJV