You know. I always look at these people who have degrees and children and people who have lost weight and gotten fit. Or people who walk in such power when they sing or preach or write. I realized that these people did stuff! It's HARD WORK earning a degree. Maybe they make it look easy; but that is not so.
You look at these people and you think "Man that's so awesome! I wanna be like them!!!" And you begin to COVET their PORTION. But you only want their portion of BLESSING. You want the FRUIT but you don't want the WORK. You don't know their story, their struggle or the heartache and pain it took to get where they are.
I would watch sermons and hear women preach and I would ask God to make me like them. But I quickly learned that prayer was not a good idea! Some people have gone through horrific things that I can't even imagine going through to get where they are! So stop wishing you were like somebody else! God has given you the portion just for you. The struggles, pangs, happiness and joys of life that you grow through were picked for you to make you stronger. GOD CHOSE YOU because the struggle you are in is not ALL ABOUT YOU!!!
I know, I know, how is it NOT about YOU?? YOU are the one with cancer. YOU are the one who got pregnant in high school. YOU are the one who was raped, hurt, abused, talked about, lied on, discouraged and mistreated. HOW is this not about ME?!!!
Let me tell you a story...
JESUS went through the UNimaginable. The undeserved horror that He experienced was awful. But out of LOVE He did it. He made it. He conquered it. Why? Because He understood that it was NOT about HIM.
God is taking you THROUGH THIS because there is someone NOW or DOWN THE ROAD who NEEDS your SACRIFICE.
God wants to teach you what it is really like to love. I'm always taken aback when I talk to women who have been through things that I know nothing about. I'm like, I don't know what to say to you! Thank God for the Holy Spirit who knows EVERYTHING; but it gets tricky when you cannot directly relate. And THEN God will send me someone who has been through a similar situation and I'm like WOW God!
For example, I've experienced a TON of rejection in my life. So when I can help someone who has been rejected overcome that fear, man. It is SO satisfying! And I can be like "Wow! God I THANK YOU for all the times I was REJECTED because it has allowed me to FREE SOMEONE ELSE!"
That's why I write in this blog! That's why I have confessed to all of you about my struggles with lust, rejection, fear and everything else. Why? Because God has taught me that the things I go through are not just about me!
That's why Peter said we REJOICE in suffering because like Christ we have the honor of suffering for the glory of God and for the salvation of others.
So I exhort you in these things:
1. STOP COVETING SOMEONE ELSE'S PORTION! You don't know their struggle! Be careful what you wish you had because you do not wish to go through what that person went through to get it. You see that person's amazing ministry or beautiful family or well paid job or delightful look when they hold their child, but what you did not see was the pain that they experienced during the birth of that thing. EVERYBODY wants a cute little kid to play with but NOBODY wants to go through LABOR! So think of that when you start to want someone else's life: Am I really willing to go through what they went through to get it? Eh, probably not. BE CONTENT with your portion and learn to MASTER your own temptations!
2. TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOU AND PUT THEM ON JESUS! Realize that what you are going through isn't all about you. But when you focus on YOU that's all you will see! When you are hurting or tempted to be depressed or angry FOCUS on the CROSS! FOCUS on where you're going not what you're feeling! FORGIVE somebody!!! Jesus died for what they did to you too!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
"Whoa! Dream Big!" :: A Commentary on Submission
I remember I was at a retreat with my church. I remember
hearing all about marriage and submission. I remember being taught that my
mission as a wife was to help my husband. I remember also being very young in
the faith and just young period at this time. So, I went to my pastor’s wife
and asked her with all the sincerity in my heart, for I was truly concerned,
“What am I supposed to do until he gets here?”
She looked at me sort of puzzled as she advised me to follow
the path God had for me. She said some other helpful things that I do not
recall, but what I remember most is that it seemed as if she was surprised that
I had some idea that there was nothing for me to do! But I really did not
understand.
There are so many extremes on submission in the church. I
grew up in a holiness church where men and women alike would preach from the
pulpit and minister to congregations and even be senior pastors. I’ve also
served in churches where that did not happen at all. I’ve even been told I
could not lead a ministry because I am a woman. All of this on top of coming
from a background of women whose men abused their strengths by hurting the
women they were supposed to love whether with words or with fists. So, it’s
safe to say I’ve been around the way when it comes to the idea of submission.
From a young girl seeing my mother get jumped on by my dad
during the short while he was in our home I decided that I would never let a
man run me. Not I. No. And thank God that I’ve never actually been in love so
that this inner vow hasn’t backfired like it has on most women. But that day at
the retreat my born again heart was truly curious as to what a woman is
supposed to do without a man. Especially since what I was being taught seemed
so contradictory.
They would say don’t be so consumed with finding a husband,
he’s supposed to find you, just serve the Lord until he comes, and all that
jazz. And I’m like ok, cool. Don’t worry
about a man, focus on God. And then comes the other lessons about
submission and how a woman is made to be a helpmeet. These teachers talked so
highly of being a helpmeet that I wondered if I’m made to do that what am I supposed to do in the mean time?
Is this making sense? I
was trying to not focus on wanting a husband while focusing on becoming ready to
be a wife. That just don’t make no sense in my head. Maybe I’m alone in
this?
Well, it wasn’t working. And I soon found myself playing a
waiting game and believing God for a man. I was praying to God asking Him to
make me a better helpmeet. I was preparing myself to give it all up to help
some man with his dream and his ministry. Boy, did I feel noble. I was surely
like Jesus now, willing to sacrifice it all. I was sure that I finally
understood submission when I was ready to give up all my dreams to help this
man with his ministry.
Long story short, I was wrong again.
I mean, this man was going on to do something COMPLETELY
unlike the life I wanted and the desires I knew that were from God. He needed
someone who would stay at home and care for his kids and all that jazz. Not
that I don’t want to do that. But God had/has something so different in my
heart. I want to be ablaze spiting the fire of God from my big mouth all over
the world, not sitting at home while my husband travels and spreads the gospel.
There’s nothing wrong with staying at home, but my heart yearns to travel and
preach.
I believed that submission meant giving up all of my dreams
and goals to help my one-day husband accomplish his. That way of thinking was only
half true. Yes, I am called to help a man one day, in God's timing. However, my
helping him, though it will involve sacrifice, as all true love does, will not
cause me to release God's plan for my life. I will not have to evict my dreams to make room in my heart for his
dreams.
Ladies, submission does not belittle us, it empowers us.
Submission does not muzzle us, it strengthens us. I encourage you to practice
submitting to the Holy Spirit and you will learn, like me, that submitting one
to another is in our best interest!
Besides, the man God has for you, and for me, man, our
dreams will be one in the same and we will each play a vital part in bringing
those dreams into reality.
So stop WAITING around to tailor your dreams to somebody
else’s. DREAM!!! DREAM BIG!!! And believe God that your future mate will have
the same dreams as you! And if a guy comes along that doesn’t, he might as well
move around.
1 Corinthians 7:34b-35
An unmarried woman or virgin is
concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in
both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of
this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I
am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in
a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Hey Y'all!!!
Discussion Topics for Remarkable Wisdom
Hello all!!!
So I have stumbled upon this internet radio business. I've been told that I need to be heard, and if you read my blog you already know I have A LOT to say about pretty much EVERYTHING.
However, I would love YOUR input on what to discuss on the show. I want to bring light and biblical wisdom to everyday topics and things that we deal with as people. Please go to this link and vote on the topics you're most interested in and I will do my best to bring a lively, humorous truth to said topic!
Thanks! Love you!
Hello all!!!
So I have stumbled upon this internet radio business. I've been told that I need to be heard, and if you read my blog you already know I have A LOT to say about pretty much EVERYTHING.
However, I would love YOUR input on what to discuss on the show. I want to bring light and biblical wisdom to everyday topics and things that we deal with as people. Please go to this link and vote on the topics you're most interested in and I will do my best to bring a lively, humorous truth to said topic!
Thanks! Love you!
Monday, March 3, 2014
PSA: For Young Christian Singles ONLY
Let me tell you a story.
I used to think I was a weirdo. I thought, what kind of crazy woman is always catching feelings for somebody? What do you want from me, God??? Want me to be a NUN? Want me to hide from every brother in Christ I see? Not talk to them? Be rude? What can I DO to not waste my heart ANYMORE??!!!
I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did (yes I sung that to the Backstreet Boys tune) you're NOT exempt from catching feelings for your brother or sister in Christ!
Guard your heart. From out of it FLOW all the ISSUES of life! You don't need to be letting all your issues flow all over the place in an intimate conversation in the middle of the night. Talkin' bout some "I was ministering to her."
Boy, please.
You're a MAN! Yes, you're saved. No, you not trying to hook up. But you must be WISE. I don't care who the woman is or what kind of excuse she uses, if she is following God and has a heart of flesh, she want you or she wouldn't be paying you any attention. I know this. I'm a woman!
I used to think I was special. Some kind of over dramatic woman who would fall for anybody. But that's not true. We are all essentially the same. So, beloved brothers, here are some things you oughta know.
***These are things that pertain to God fearing women. If the woman you talking to is not saved you need to let that GO! Immediately.
1. We want someone who will make us feel special. (Yes, she feels special because she cannot see all the other people, men and women alike, that you have in your inbox along with her.)
2. We want someone who can point us towards Jesus. (YES, it is MUCHO attractive to us that you love the Lord more than anything or anyone! We love it! Ask any woman. You can be as ugly as you wanna be, but if you preaching the WORD! You just got real fine. I'm telling the truth in this place.)
3. We want a man that is easy to respect. (We may act salty when you rebuke or point out our sin, but on the inside we want to submit to that! Be careful if she is practicing submission on you. She tryna get wifed up.)
4. We want someone who loves his mama! (Just please, be easy on the family details. If she is coming to your house and hanging out with your mama, she already grafted herself into your family in her head. Yes, that sounds crazy to you. But us women are in it to win it. If your mother is mentoring some young women in your church, don't take to them to quick. Cause they will have you claimed in a hot second. Just so you know.)
Now, these aren't things that are your fault, men. You're pursuing God, so you're gonna be awesome! Just be wise with who you share it with. And be aware that just as often as men are tempted with sex, we are tempted to spill our love and will get MAD when it's not reciprocated. Why? I have no idea. Ask the Lord. And let me know what you find out.
Ladies, I'm not a man. But I can tell you what I've been through. You need to guard your heart. Do not be afraid to set boundaries for yourself. PLEASE!!! Listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and cut off that one guy friend who is just a little too close and whose last name you already matched with yours to see if it's doable. Don't play me. You know what I'm talking about. Please, don't waste the treasure that you are on a man that is not your husband or future husband. The man God has for you will treasure you more than you can fathom. We have already processed how to keep our legs closed, now let's be emotionally pure as well!
Everybody wants to tell us how to not have sex! But, ladies, let's be real, most of us are past that and it is time to go on to maturity! You know better! This is not about legalism. So stop blaming it on the law and break that emotional tie. That's where it starts for us. We have given up having sex for pleasure, but if that man you've been eyeing and connecting with tried to get at you, you're already so emotionally tied up, you'd let him! Yes. I just said that. So, sister, let it go. He's not for you. And it's hard. And it sucks. But you have to break that tie. You have to break that habit. That's something you do not want in your future marriage. Get intimate with God and all other intimacies will pale in comparison.
So, I'm done with this post. Ladies, if you need prayer over that emotional tie, please call me and I WILL PRAY WITH YOU!
Gentlemen, read a book or two and learn how to guard your sister's hearts. Don't be afraid to say hey girl, you don't need to be telling me all that! Boundaries are not the law. All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial. Be wise. Please.
Song of Solomon says THREE times:
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
Vv. 2:7, 2:5, 8:4
Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24
I have a really bad habit of wasting my heart. Picture the
woman with the alabaster jar times like 12. I love to spill my love on Jesus,
yes, more than anything. But, I also have a horrible record of spilling my love
on men who didn’t deserve or even want it. I would leave with a long face and a
shattered heart, rejected and confused.
But about a year ago, God explained it all to me. I knew my
worth, but I was not wise with it. I was not walking in it. I was spilling my
love on a man who wasn’t at all for me, didn’t want me and didn’t have the
capacity to understand my worth because I was not his and I wasn’t going to be.
After doing this for months I finally got set free from the spirit of rejection
that seriously harassed me for years and years. And years! And it finally
exploded with this guy and my pastor told me that I was wasting my heart. I was
so convicted.
Since then, I’ve been trying to learn how to be hidden in
Christ. How to truly guard my heart and love at the same time. Love anyone and
everyone. But, here’s the thing. Maybe I’m some special breed of woman, but I
just can’t be close to a man without catching feelings. It’s statistically been
a fail across the timeline of my life. I’m too generous, my heart is too big
and I am too zealous to set reasonable boundaries. I mean, I have men that I’m
friends with, but they are in my outer courts. I don’t text them every day. I
don’t talk to them even every week. We know each other, but we have boundaries.
Some we set in place and most are just there without having to set them.
I used to think I was a weirdo. I thought, what kind of crazy woman is always catching feelings for somebody? What do you want from me, God??? Want me to be a NUN? Want me to hide from every brother in Christ I see? Not talk to them? Be rude? What can I DO to not waste my heart ANYMORE??!!!
I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did (yes I sung that to the Backstreet Boys tune) you're NOT exempt from catching feelings for your brother or sister in Christ!
Guard your heart. From out of it FLOW all the ISSUES of life! You don't need to be letting all your issues flow all over the place in an intimate conversation in the middle of the night. Talkin' bout some "I was ministering to her."
Boy, please.
You're a MAN! Yes, you're saved. No, you not trying to hook up. But you must be WISE. I don't care who the woman is or what kind of excuse she uses, if she is following God and has a heart of flesh, she want you or she wouldn't be paying you any attention. I know this. I'm a woman!
I used to think I was special. Some kind of over dramatic woman who would fall for anybody. But that's not true. We are all essentially the same. So, beloved brothers, here are some things you oughta know.
***These are things that pertain to God fearing women. If the woman you talking to is not saved you need to let that GO! Immediately.
1. We want someone who will make us feel special. (Yes, she feels special because she cannot see all the other people, men and women alike, that you have in your inbox along with her.)
2. We want someone who can point us towards Jesus. (YES, it is MUCHO attractive to us that you love the Lord more than anything or anyone! We love it! Ask any woman. You can be as ugly as you wanna be, but if you preaching the WORD! You just got real fine. I'm telling the truth in this place.)
3. We want a man that is easy to respect. (We may act salty when you rebuke or point out our sin, but on the inside we want to submit to that! Be careful if she is practicing submission on you. She tryna get wifed up.)
4. We want someone who loves his mama! (Just please, be easy on the family details. If she is coming to your house and hanging out with your mama, she already grafted herself into your family in her head. Yes, that sounds crazy to you. But us women are in it to win it. If your mother is mentoring some young women in your church, don't take to them to quick. Cause they will have you claimed in a hot second. Just so you know.)
Now, these aren't things that are your fault, men. You're pursuing God, so you're gonna be awesome! Just be wise with who you share it with. And be aware that just as often as men are tempted with sex, we are tempted to spill our love and will get MAD when it's not reciprocated. Why? I have no idea. Ask the Lord. And let me know what you find out.
Ladies, I'm not a man. But I can tell you what I've been through. You need to guard your heart. Do not be afraid to set boundaries for yourself. PLEASE!!! Listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and cut off that one guy friend who is just a little too close and whose last name you already matched with yours to see if it's doable. Don't play me. You know what I'm talking about. Please, don't waste the treasure that you are on a man that is not your husband or future husband. The man God has for you will treasure you more than you can fathom. We have already processed how to keep our legs closed, now let's be emotionally pure as well!
Everybody wants to tell us how to not have sex! But, ladies, let's be real, most of us are past that and it is time to go on to maturity! You know better! This is not about legalism. So stop blaming it on the law and break that emotional tie. That's where it starts for us. We have given up having sex for pleasure, but if that man you've been eyeing and connecting with tried to get at you, you're already so emotionally tied up, you'd let him! Yes. I just said that. So, sister, let it go. He's not for you. And it's hard. And it sucks. But you have to break that tie. You have to break that habit. That's something you do not want in your future marriage. Get intimate with God and all other intimacies will pale in comparison.
So, I'm done with this post. Ladies, if you need prayer over that emotional tie, please call me and I WILL PRAY WITH YOU!
Gentlemen, read a book or two and learn how to guard your sister's hearts. Don't be afraid to say hey girl, you don't need to be telling me all that! Boundaries are not the law. All things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial. Be wise. Please.
Song of Solomon says THREE times:
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.
Vv. 2:7, 2:5, 8:4
Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible - but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Heart of Worship
I'm sure everybody and they mama got a blog called The Heart of Worship.
Well here's mine. Lol.
People always say things to me about my worship. I even talked about in my blog There's A Story Behind My Praise how there were mock videos made of my extreme worship style. I'm pretty crazy for Jesus. I love Him. That's that. And for more about that please read the blog I wrote before.
There's some more things I want to say about worship.
First of all, worship is a lifestyle not an event.
I mean, people are always gung ho for a worship night, or worship before the sermon once a week on Sundays, but we forget about it the rest of the week. I don't mean just singing some songs and jumping up and down. I don't mean shouting all over the church and lifting your hands, maybe, if the song hits you just right. What I'm talking about is a lifestyle.
We have to learn to offer every part of our lives to God as worship. Before we go to work in the morning saying, "God I offer my work to you today as worship. I worship you with the way I do my job and the way I treat the people I serve and serve with." The same goes for school and running errands, and parenting and the McDonald's drive thru. Lord knows if we had more worshippers in the Panera drive thru on my side of the window and on the other side service would go well.
Because when we do things as worship we do them God's way. When we do things as worship we do them for God, not for us and not for other people.
So who do you worship? Who do you seek to please in your everyday life? Because I seek to please God, my bosses are pleased with me because God is not going to lead me to be lazy, irresponsible or rude.
Secondly, we have got to get away from our "worship preferences."
The way I grew up worshipping was way different that the church I first attended in college which was still very different than the church I was discipled in while I was in college. I've been in all types of worship services. From Negro Spirituals to Catholic hymns, to soulful gospel music to contemporary mainstream Christian worship to Baptist hymnals. I've seen a lot.
When I came to Christ no one had to teach me about worship. I mean, I owe Jesus my life and it somehow clicked in me to worship and sing praises to Him as gratitude. I wasn't shy about it either. I realized that I'm a more intimate worshipper. I like to be in my own zone when I worship. I love corporate worship, but I love my own space. I like the music loud. I like to feel the bass in my chest. I love to sing right to God.
In any worship service you may notice these three types of people. Take a look and see which one you might be. There's two sides to each.
A. The Spectator
This person is too busy seeing what everyone else is doing to focus on God. They are concerned with who is lifting their hands, who is crying, who is shouting and who is sitting down.
On the other hand, a person may be spectating because they are unsure what they are supposed to do. Maybe you're observing because you want to know how you can get to a place of intimate worship as well. I want to tell you this: JUST DO IT. Let the Lord lead you. Practice His presence when you aren't so overwhelmed by a crowd. Worship the Lord in your bedroom or while you wash dishes. There isn't much to this thing. His presence is available everywhere you are because He lives inside of you!
B. The Critic
Ok. Here it is. This person can't get in the presence of God because of their critical attitude. You so worried about if someone is worshipping in Spirit and in truth that you aren't worshipping at all! You got something to say about everybody's worship. If when worship is over you can give a rundown of how sister so and so was faking, then you are the one who's missing it, honey. Stop criticizing and start praising!
This person will not worship if they don't like the songs being sung. They always got something to say about the worship leader or the choir director. I've been this person. For example, there is this church and I know the worship leader did not show fruit of a Christian life. Because of some things that happened, I was completely adversed to worshipping while he was leading. I sat on my seat when I was there. Didn't move a muscle. I said "God how can I worship when I know He ain't right! This is not OK, God. He needs to get right with You. He needs to fear You and understand that just because You show up when he sings doesn't mean he has a place with you in eternity. C'mon, Jesus! Just let me show him Matthew 7:21 ONE TIME!!!"
And did I get rebuked by the Holy Spirit? HECK YEAH! The Spirit spoke to me and told me first of all that worship is not about who is leading, but about who I'm worshipping. Was God still good to me? Didn't He bring me into the marvelous light? In fact, isn't He the one who even gave me discernment in the first place? Then why wasn't I taking what I knew and laying this man at the throne of Jesus instead of judging him and boycotting his position in the church! This wasn't even my church! The Lord brought me down to size and reminded me that I ain't but that far from being where this man was. I was him. I would get up and praise dance and people would worship the Lord and I would walk away unchanged because I was LOST. But He still used me.
Needless to say, I got my butt of that seat and gave God the praise. I repented.
I understand your concern for people and order. It is important to do things decently and in order so that no one is lead astray. But God has a special blessing for you. God wants to take your ability to notice these things and use them for His glory! Get in God's presence and ask Him what His purpose is for this point of view. Use your discernment to edify the body of Christ instead of to tear it down.
C. The Sincere Worshipper
Ok, guys. This person really does love the Lord. If you're the sincere worshipper you really enjoy worshipping the Lord, it is your heart's delight to give Him glory. But sometimes you are inconsiderate of other people. The Bible says that Jesus is looking for true worshippers that worship Him in Spirit AND in TRUTH. (John 4) You are sincere, and God honors that, but it's okay to chill out sometimes.
I know I had an issue with this. I'm just so intense during worship. I'm jumping and I'm screaming and I'm yelling. Then God spoke to me one day and said He ain't deaf! He can hear even the faintest whisper that I speak. It is great to give God your all, but be aware of the people in the room that are spectators and want to see the truth aspect and not just the spirit. You don't have to cry every time you worship. You don't have to shout every time they play your favorite song. Be free to worship by all means, but don't cause someone to stumble because of your high on life.
Granted, sometimes it's just one of those days, man. It's like DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DID FOR ME THIS WEEK??!!!!!! Which is fine. But be Biblical. We live a supernatural life, but it is still NATURAL. Sometimes it don't take all that.
And sometimes it does.
Now for you truthers. You are definitely a sincere worshipper, and God hears your heart. But it doesn't hurt to let go of CONTROL sometimes and worship God with your whole HEART and not just your head! Let Him take you there. Do what you've been afraid of doing. LIFT your hands. PRAY in tongues. SING a little louder. Get into it. Hasn't God been good to you? He won't make you weird, He'll make you whole. That breakthrough you're looking for might take some brokenness before you get through. I encourage you to give it your all, whether at church or at home.
Thirdly, just listen to the words.
I've been walking with the Lord for almost 5 years, and it amazes me how many worship songs there are. What a BRAND NEW life and perspective I have! Man, I've been singing Christmas carols since I could talk; but WHO KNEW THEY WERE ABOUT JESUS?!!! I had no clue until I knew who Jesus was! If you're struggling with they style of a song, maybe it's a little slower than you prefer, just listen to the wooorrrdddssss. Man.
For example, some of my family is Baptist. I'm not. I prefer faster songs or more intimate songs. But every time we go to one of there churches they sing this sloooooooooooooowwwwwwwww hymn. Every time. It would stress me out. But instead of being critical I asked God to show me the beauty and worship in it. God began to illuminate to me how the song is about Him as a provider and to meditate on that when we sing it.
Have you ever actually thought about the songs that you sing during worship? Just think of a common Christmas carol. Let's take God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Here's an excerpt. Go here for the full lyrics.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
WHAT?!!! Christ was born to save us from Satan's power?!!! Because of that we sing tidings of comfort and joy! This song is about rejoicing because our savior has been born to save us from the power of sin and death?!! How can we not sing this with conviction and joy?!! I'm a little overwhelmed now! The people who wrote these songs were believers who had been waiting and believing for a savior for hundreds of years and He finally came! That's something to sing about! That's a reason to WORSHIP!
Here's one of my FAVORITE hymns!
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.
So old school BUT SO SO SO GOOOOOODDD!!! I challenge you to look through a hymnal or online hymnal archive and find one that speaks to you so close like this one does to me. Don't think about the tune or the beat, focus on the anointing in the words. Forget the way you prefer things to be sung and listen to the heart of song and Jesus will meet you there.
I love you all!
Grace and peace and an eternity of worshipping our Lord!
Well here's mine. Lol.
People always say things to me about my worship. I even talked about in my blog There's A Story Behind My Praise how there were mock videos made of my extreme worship style. I'm pretty crazy for Jesus. I love Him. That's that. And for more about that please read the blog I wrote before.
There's some more things I want to say about worship.
First of all, worship is a lifestyle not an event.
I mean, people are always gung ho for a worship night, or worship before the sermon once a week on Sundays, but we forget about it the rest of the week. I don't mean just singing some songs and jumping up and down. I don't mean shouting all over the church and lifting your hands, maybe, if the song hits you just right. What I'm talking about is a lifestyle.
We have to learn to offer every part of our lives to God as worship. Before we go to work in the morning saying, "God I offer my work to you today as worship. I worship you with the way I do my job and the way I treat the people I serve and serve with." The same goes for school and running errands, and parenting and the McDonald's drive thru. Lord knows if we had more worshippers in the Panera drive thru on my side of the window and on the other side service would go well.
Because when we do things as worship we do them God's way. When we do things as worship we do them for God, not for us and not for other people.
So who do you worship? Who do you seek to please in your everyday life? Because I seek to please God, my bosses are pleased with me because God is not going to lead me to be lazy, irresponsible or rude.
Secondly, we have got to get away from our "worship preferences."
The way I grew up worshipping was way different that the church I first attended in college which was still very different than the church I was discipled in while I was in college. I've been in all types of worship services. From Negro Spirituals to Catholic hymns, to soulful gospel music to contemporary mainstream Christian worship to Baptist hymnals. I've seen a lot.
When I came to Christ no one had to teach me about worship. I mean, I owe Jesus my life and it somehow clicked in me to worship and sing praises to Him as gratitude. I wasn't shy about it either. I realized that I'm a more intimate worshipper. I like to be in my own zone when I worship. I love corporate worship, but I love my own space. I like the music loud. I like to feel the bass in my chest. I love to sing right to God.
In any worship service you may notice these three types of people. Take a look and see which one you might be. There's two sides to each.
A. The Spectator
This person is too busy seeing what everyone else is doing to focus on God. They are concerned with who is lifting their hands, who is crying, who is shouting and who is sitting down.
On the other hand, a person may be spectating because they are unsure what they are supposed to do. Maybe you're observing because you want to know how you can get to a place of intimate worship as well. I want to tell you this: JUST DO IT. Let the Lord lead you. Practice His presence when you aren't so overwhelmed by a crowd. Worship the Lord in your bedroom or while you wash dishes. There isn't much to this thing. His presence is available everywhere you are because He lives inside of you!
B. The Critic
Ok. Here it is. This person can't get in the presence of God because of their critical attitude. You so worried about if someone is worshipping in Spirit and in truth that you aren't worshipping at all! You got something to say about everybody's worship. If when worship is over you can give a rundown of how sister so and so was faking, then you are the one who's missing it, honey. Stop criticizing and start praising!
This person will not worship if they don't like the songs being sung. They always got something to say about the worship leader or the choir director. I've been this person. For example, there is this church and I know the worship leader did not show fruit of a Christian life. Because of some things that happened, I was completely adversed to worshipping while he was leading. I sat on my seat when I was there. Didn't move a muscle. I said "God how can I worship when I know He ain't right! This is not OK, God. He needs to get right with You. He needs to fear You and understand that just because You show up when he sings doesn't mean he has a place with you in eternity. C'mon, Jesus! Just let me show him Matthew 7:21 ONE TIME!!!"
And did I get rebuked by the Holy Spirit? HECK YEAH! The Spirit spoke to me and told me first of all that worship is not about who is leading, but about who I'm worshipping. Was God still good to me? Didn't He bring me into the marvelous light? In fact, isn't He the one who even gave me discernment in the first place? Then why wasn't I taking what I knew and laying this man at the throne of Jesus instead of judging him and boycotting his position in the church! This wasn't even my church! The Lord brought me down to size and reminded me that I ain't but that far from being where this man was. I was him. I would get up and praise dance and people would worship the Lord and I would walk away unchanged because I was LOST. But He still used me.
Needless to say, I got my butt of that seat and gave God the praise. I repented.
I understand your concern for people and order. It is important to do things decently and in order so that no one is lead astray. But God has a special blessing for you. God wants to take your ability to notice these things and use them for His glory! Get in God's presence and ask Him what His purpose is for this point of view. Use your discernment to edify the body of Christ instead of to tear it down.
C. The Sincere Worshipper
Ok, guys. This person really does love the Lord. If you're the sincere worshipper you really enjoy worshipping the Lord, it is your heart's delight to give Him glory. But sometimes you are inconsiderate of other people. The Bible says that Jesus is looking for true worshippers that worship Him in Spirit AND in TRUTH. (John 4) You are sincere, and God honors that, but it's okay to chill out sometimes.
I know I had an issue with this. I'm just so intense during worship. I'm jumping and I'm screaming and I'm yelling. Then God spoke to me one day and said He ain't deaf! He can hear even the faintest whisper that I speak. It is great to give God your all, but be aware of the people in the room that are spectators and want to see the truth aspect and not just the spirit. You don't have to cry every time you worship. You don't have to shout every time they play your favorite song. Be free to worship by all means, but don't cause someone to stumble because of your high on life.
Granted, sometimes it's just one of those days, man. It's like DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD DID FOR ME THIS WEEK??!!!!!! Which is fine. But be Biblical. We live a supernatural life, but it is still NATURAL. Sometimes it don't take all that.
And sometimes it does.
Now for you truthers. You are definitely a sincere worshipper, and God hears your heart. But it doesn't hurt to let go of CONTROL sometimes and worship God with your whole HEART and not just your head! Let Him take you there. Do what you've been afraid of doing. LIFT your hands. PRAY in tongues. SING a little louder. Get into it. Hasn't God been good to you? He won't make you weird, He'll make you whole. That breakthrough you're looking for might take some brokenness before you get through. I encourage you to give it your all, whether at church or at home.
Thirdly, just listen to the words.
I've been walking with the Lord for almost 5 years, and it amazes me how many worship songs there are. What a BRAND NEW life and perspective I have! Man, I've been singing Christmas carols since I could talk; but WHO KNEW THEY WERE ABOUT JESUS?!!! I had no clue until I knew who Jesus was! If you're struggling with they style of a song, maybe it's a little slower than you prefer, just listen to the wooorrrdddssss. Man.
For example, some of my family is Baptist. I'm not. I prefer faster songs or more intimate songs. But every time we go to one of there churches they sing this sloooooooooooooowwwwwwwww hymn. Every time. It would stress me out. But instead of being critical I asked God to show me the beauty and worship in it. God began to illuminate to me how the song is about Him as a provider and to meditate on that when we sing it.
Have you ever actually thought about the songs that you sing during worship? Just think of a common Christmas carol. Let's take God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Here's an excerpt. Go here for the full lyrics.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
WHAT?!!! Christ was born to save us from Satan's power?!!! Because of that we sing tidings of comfort and joy! This song is about rejoicing because our savior has been born to save us from the power of sin and death?!! How can we not sing this with conviction and joy?!! I'm a little overwhelmed now! The people who wrote these songs were believers who had been waiting and believing for a savior for hundreds of years and He finally came! That's something to sing about! That's a reason to WORSHIP!
Here's one of my FAVORITE hymns!
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.
- Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.
So old school BUT SO SO SO GOOOOOODDD!!! I challenge you to look through a hymnal or online hymnal archive and find one that speaks to you so close like this one does to me. Don't think about the tune or the beat, focus on the anointing in the words. Forget the way you prefer things to be sung and listen to the heart of song and Jesus will meet you there.
I love you all!
Grace and peace and an eternity of worshipping our Lord!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Who Gave You the Right?
There's many things I'm passionate about, but there is one thing that just runs me hot and hurts my heart all at once.Abortion.
I can't handle it. I can't stomach. I can't sit still when I think about it. Not only abortion itself. Not just the fact that someone would even think of the idea.
What burns me to my core about abortion is the insane lengths people will go through to promote it, sustain it, fund it, represent it and cover it up. If only people would see it for what it really is.
They say politically no one is technically for abortion. But, hey. There's only two ways you can be. For or against. That's what my Bible reads. (P.S. Turning a blind eye to injustice puts you in the for category)
Let's start off with some abortion facts. What is abortion?
Let's copy and paste straight from Merriam-Webster.
abor·tion
noun \ə-ˈbȯr-shən\
: a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy and cause the death of the fetus
Full Definition of ABORTION
1
: the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus: as
a : spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus during the first 12 weeks of gestation — compare miscarriage
b : induced expulsion of a human fetus
c : expulsion of a fetus by a domestic animal often due to infection at any time before completion of pregnancy — compare contagious abortion
So there it is. In black and white.
Here's a link to the Planned Parenthood website that shows exactly what happens during an abortion and how much it costs.
Here is a diagram of the Dilation and Evacuation procedure that is described on the site:
I know, right. I don't know about you, but this was graphic for me. Even reading about the procedure...just...whoa.
I suppose the big debate is about when a fetus is considered an actual life with human rights. What do you think?
If we don't stand up for unborn children, who will? The state has no issue becoming involved when a mother wants to terminate her 4 year old child, why not a fetus with arms and legs and a heartbeat? And FINGERNAILS! (Shameless Juno plug)

I have never heard a good report about an abortion. Every woman I've talked to about it regrets it. It is almost always traumatic for the patient to have a fetus stripped from them. Most numb it with substance abuse or push it down just far enough so that it doesn't hurt anymore. They wish they could forget. But they can't.
Maybe it's my bad for hearing stories from women who have been redeemed by Jesus; but I highly doubt anyone else's story is much different. If you know of one, please, I want to hear it.
I'll tell you right now I didn't vote in the last election. I didn't know much about the replubican candidate, but I do know that the stance that the democrats have on abortion does not sit well with me. And it never will.
You can say the words "pro-choice" all day but it remains the same that no woman should have the "right" to murder.

It's not murder? Then why is it that we declare someone dead when their HEART stops beating, but we don't count an unborn baby as a LIFE when their HEARTS begin to beat. I've read that a baby's heart begins to beat as early as 22-23 DAYS after conception. Some mothers don't even know they are pregnant by then! If it's not murder then why is a drunk driver charged with TWO counts of man-slaughter when he crashes into a car and kills a pregnant woman?

Since when is our government so concerned with privacy that they overlook something as terrible as abortion? Sounds fishy to me.
There have been approximately 45,951,133 abortions since 1973. Don't tell me women are choosing abortion because of rape, incest and health problems. Ain't that many health problems in the world. Here's a breakdown of reasons why women get abortions.
So PLEASE, STOP covering up the fact that what you really want to abort is the consequences of your behavior by calling it women's rights. Don't cover it up any longer.
You know what women's rights are?? Try not being able to VOTE. Try being treated as PROPERTY. Try being BOUGHT, and SOLD, and TRADED. Try being BANNED from your family and friends every month by being commanded to leave town while you menstruate. Try living in the 1800s where selling your body was the main profitable thing you could do as a woman. Try living in some countries in THIS DAY AND AGE where your husband can BEAT YOU DOWN IN THE STREET and be patted on the back. Try being banned from things that are easily handed to us like education.
So, my fellow American women, those of you making six figures and those making $8.50/hr, the next time you want to come to me talking about some women's rights try to be thankful for the rights you already have. This is for the woman considering abortion. I beg of you. Consider something else. Consider your child. Consider yourself. This is for the woman who has had a pregnancy scare or two. Stop. If you aren't ready for the consequences, realize your worth and wait for a man that won't drive you to this dreadful option. It isn't worth it. The high emotional and physical cost of abortion is not worth keeping a man around who doesn't care about you. You're worth more than that. And whether you know it or not, this IS a PLANNED pregnancy. You didn't plan it; but God did. He is forming something great in your womb, precious woman. Don't abort the process.
Here's a poem I wrote a couple of years ago: I Was Almost a Mother.
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