Month: December 2016

Spiritual

Dwell

Dr. R. A.

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“He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty,” Psalm 91:1

Whenever it is summertime, we often complain about the temperature being sweltering.  Often the heat prevents us from wanting to even venture outdoors. Whenever we are taking a stroll outdoors, we look for the shade to walk in as it takes away the direct penetration of the sun’s rays. As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. Often the temperature in our spiritual climate can be filled with intense heat that we feel we are about to get a heat stroke. However, the master designer has already devised a plan for us to remain cool even in those extreme conditions.

The Bible admonishes us that “He who dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This simple means that as children of God we need to dwell in the presence of God. The word actually said “dwelleth,” which from parts of speech let us know that is present continuous tense. As such, we are to live in the presence fo God now (present) and continually. The issue we face is that we like to go on vacation and often think that the presence of God is a place for us to go when we want to spend time away from home and work. However, that is contrary to what God wants for our lives – He wants us to live in His presence.

Not only does God wants us to live in His presence, but He wants us live in the secret place. A secret place is a place where only the privilege can enter. Yet, He wants us to enter the secret place so that the correct identity of ourselves can be reinforced. He wants us to know that we are truly a peculiar people, the apple of His eyes and so He beckons to us to come and dwell in His secret place. Come and dwell so that we can follow Him closely and be conformed to His image and likeness. Come and dwell so that all insecurities of safety can vanish. Come and dwell so that you can abide in fulness of joy and have pleasures forevermore. Come and dwell so that you won’t endure the heat of the sun, but instead be in the shadow of the Most High.

Spiritual

Finish the Task

Dr. R. A.

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9 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Be strong and finish the task!  Zec 8:9

As humans, we are intrinsically goal oriented and have an innate desire to be the best representative of ourselves. We often contemplate goals that we would like to achieve and devise ways of accomplishing set goals. These goals vary in size, nature.  At the initial stage of goal execution, we are bursting at the seams with zeal and determination. However, as time progress the zeal that once consumed us vanishes like dew as the sun rises.  Changes in the atmospheric conditions of the goal accomplishing environment result in feelings of fatigue, weariness, exhaustion, discouragement, etc.  As such, many goals that were started are left unfinished. So many of us even die without attaining that which we set out to perform.

This is not unique to our generation as the scriptures make us aware that the chosen people of God faced similar situations. They had the goal of building a temple, but because the pathway to goal execution was paved with obstacles, they became despondent and quit working.  The Lord himself had to admonish them through the prophet to “be strong and finish the task!” He was making them aware that goal accomplishment requires strength. Strength is gained from lifting weights. One may not be able to benchpress or lift their body’s weight initially as it would take practice. This means that they would need, to begin with, a weight that they are able to lift easily without harming themselves, and slowly adding more weight over time. Sometimes in the process of increasing the weight, we may fail all together at lifting. I believe that failure is the determining factor that either breaks or makes us.

Failure is often viewed negatively. However, it is in failure that we learn vital lessons for success. Winston Churchill stated, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm” Enthusiasm is derived from the Greek word “Entheo” which basically means “in God” This simple means that if we are rooted in God, then we will have the strength that we need to be successful at goal execution. Finishing the task would, therefore, require us to be consistent at working. The struggle of consistency is an issue that we have as humans. This is because we are cultured to think that everything should happen in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, I dare to say all good things take time, so be strong and finish the task!

Finishing the task requires:

  1. Being Rooted in God
  2. Being Strong – add weight, burdens, task, etc a little at a time
  3. Being Consistent- go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm

 

12/9/16 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

Keys to Inner Strength

Dr. R. A.

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16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Eph 3:16

As humans, we have a need for certainty as it produces a sense of security within our psyche. However, no matter how young or old we are, life teaches us that unpredictability and uncertainty are the components of its backbone. There are no guarantees in life and the only thing that we can be certain of is change. As such, knowing that life goes on is key to our development and success. This is important because we often think that we are about to die in our dilemma. But, as time rolls on it proves that life really does go on.

I know that when we encounter situations that break us and shatters the core of our being it ‘s hard to process the concept of life going on. It is even more difficult when we defined what was lost as the reason for our existence, as without that person , thing, etc. we grapple with the knowledge of who we really are. I have had many of those core-shattering experiences that forced me to examine who I am and to whom I belong. It is those moments, however, that I believe brings us back to our center – realigning us,  as life has a way of getting us off balance. In one of life’s teachable moments, I was told a story of a king who had asked a jeweler to give him a gift that would make him happy if he was sad, and sad if he was happy. This request weighed heavily on the jeweler as without producing this he would loose his life. For days he went sleepless until he prayed and asked God for a revelation as to what he should give the king. With God’s instructions, he made a ring for the king. Upon delivery, the king looked at it with a puzzled look, but when he read the inscription he understood clearly and knew it was the perfect gift. The inscriptions read “This too shall pass.” When I heard the story, it pierced me through like a very sharp two-edged dagger, because of the profundity of its  truth. I shared this because it is one of the keys to the developmental process of inner strength. Knowing that there will always be experiences reflecting the terrain of mountains and valleys. Your circumstances will change whether good or bad.

I also know that society and life teachs us to be guarded. However, if we are honest, we know that beneath our hard exterior that we sometimes portray is a soft interior filled with various vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities that if exposed gets damaged easily, resulting in us locking our true selves behind invisible bars of steel. I also know that the only way for healing to take place if for the wound to be exposed to a physician who can administer the necessary drug, ointment, bandage or surgery, etc. Therefore, the final and most important key to developing inner strength is looking to God. We look to Him through prayer. The Apostle Paul stated, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” God is the one who has an unlimited supply of whatever we could possibly have need of. If it is love that we need- the songwriter said: “His love has no limits.” If is is grace that we need it is also said: “His grace has no measure.”If we have need of power, it is also said: “His power has no boundary.” God is capable of empowering us with inner strength and supplying all of our needs. When we expose our vulnerabilities to God, He will administer the right care according to the need.

A brief recap of the Keys to Inner Strength:

  1. Look to God – Pray and expose your vulnerabilities
  2. Know “THIS too shall PASS” – circumstances will change
  3. Life goes on – you will not die in your dilemma

 

12/7/16  Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

An Opportunity for Great Joy

Dr. R. A.

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It is a known fact as stated in the word of God that man (mere mortals, humans) that are born are of few days and full of trouble. It shows us just how fragile humans are and also that having severe problems frequently is a part of life. Yet, although this is no secret whenever we as humans face troubles, then we begin to panic. Fear set in and begins to paralyze us from accomplishing our goals. Hopeless thoughts of “woe is me” begins to flow through our minds like streams from an endless source. All that is seen by the mind’s eye is doom and gloom. Our immediate thought process is not “what a great opportunity for joy.” Something about the human psyche preclude us from associating problems with joy readily.  Honestly is tough to wrap our minds around problems bringing happiness or comfort. Nevertheless, the word of God admonishes us that when faced with troubles of any kind that we should consider it an opportunity for great joy. Troubles of ANY KIND – meaning no matter how much or whatever classification it falls it should be regarded as an occasion for great comfort. This alludes to the fact that problems in your health, finance, marriage, relationship, etc. are not what they look like; they are not harassment, agitation, hassle, tribulation, suffering, grief, heartache, misery, etc. Instead, they are KAIROS moments for bliss, euphoria, exhilaration, happiness and joy.

It is also a known fact that a lobster shell does not grow. In fact, whenever a lobster is in the growth process it gets to a stage where it is too big for its shell, and it is in a place of constant agitation. Now it could remain in that place of problem and remain stagnant or even die. However, because it recognizes that the problem of not being able to fit in its shell is an opportunity to get beyond its current size it gets within a safe place and get out of its shell and continue to grow until a new shell is formed on its flesh. Taking a lesson from the lobster, could it mean that when faced with problems all we need to do is to get out of our current shell and get to a safe place where we hide in God and grow until a new “shield of protection” is formed around the areas that are soft/fragile. Could it really mean that all the problems that we are faced with are just in our lives for us to grow and when growth takes place then we will be delighted?

Whatever the issue you are faced with, I implore you to take another look at it. Let the scales fall from your eyes and truly see it for what it really is…a moment for you to grow and have joy. That broken heart, loss of job, loss of loved one, loss of a friend, failed exam, loss of a car, loss of a house or whatever earthly possession took place so that you can grow and have joy. I know that currently, your mind is echoing that this is how things will remain for the remainder of your days, but that is not the truth. Things are about to change as all you need to do it get out of that shell that is too small for you. Get out of that place of darkness that you have found your heart and mind – that shell is too small. Get under the ROCK and hide. Stay there and endure the process of being alone until a new shell is formed. God wants you to have a bigger shell, a larger sphere of influence, a greater impact on those you are associated with. He wants you to get to a stage where you can feed others. Joy awaits you- get out of your current shell that is too small- step into greatness – cease your Kairos moment.

12/6/16 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

Vanish

Dr. R. A.

Man: I love you

Woman: I love you

Man: I love you more

Woman: I love you more

The constant back and forth of who loves who more is the theme of every conversation in newly established relationships.

The desire to speak and be in each other presence consistently rages like a fire with the most vehement flame.

Sharing of dreams, desires, accomplishments, hopes and fears builds a bond that seemingly is indestructible.

Both parties have wings and strength to run through troops and leap over walls.

Giggling is the order of the day until the appearance of a pot hole on the smoothly paved roadway called love.

Why would there be such an imperfection on a pathway that seemed flawless?

Keen attention to the defects results in further erosion of what was perceived to be unbreakable.

Declaration of who love more no longer reverberating

Laughter dissipates

Passion vanishes with conflict like frost when the sun comes out

via Daily Prompt: Vanish

Spiritual

Gift of Peace

Dr. R. A.

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27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

In a world engrossed with constant activity possessing peace becomes challenging. From the moment one’s eye open an imaginary list of things to do is presented on a silver platter. The race is on for not letting anything be carried over. Constant movement and rushing from place to place to ensure that everything on the list is scratched off before the day ends. The regular watching of the clock to evaluate time for completing a task further adds tension. Everyone trying to be their own super hero both for self-gratification and the satisfaction of others. Sometimes the pressure to perform can be overwhelming and deplete the reservoir of peace in our hearts.  This diminution often leaves us feeling fatigued, empty, abandoned, spent, miserable, downhearted, and downright wanting to throw in the towel. Matters can be further complicated when we feel like we are being left behind, as this produces feelings of bereft, abandonment, loneliness, anxiety, fear and hopelessness. What to do? Where to turn? Who can help in alleviating the stress? You think you are the only one in this situation, but that is not true.

In the book of John, the disciples found themselves in somewhat of a similar predicament where they had to evangelize the world and if that was not pressuring enough they were now being advised by their leader that he will be leaving them. One can only imagine the panic that took place in their mind as they tried to process what was being said. They must have wondered how on earth they were going to accomplish such a task with the rug being pulled from under their feet. An assessment of their environment showed that they were not the most loved and accepted. After all, what they represented was against society’s status quo. What will we do? Where will we go? Who will help us?  These questions highlighted their minds as they would no longer have a crutch to support. However, their leader spoke resounding tranquility in their hearts. Yes, I will be leaving you to accomplish a great task but I am leaving you with a gift. “I leave you the gift of peace of mind and hearts.The peace I give the world cannot give, so don’t be troubled or afraid.” He was basically, saying you have no need to panic or be alarmed because when I leave the comforter will come and because He will reside on the inside of you, there will be greater within you that whatever it is that you will be faced with.

The same promise has been passed on to every believer, the God of peace, whose peace surpasses all understanding is  on the inside of us. He gave us the gift of peace in our hearts and minds which means, He resides in our hearts and minds so we need not become discombobulated. He is the Creator of the universe, Who has and is orchestrating all things as it pertains to us. We are in His hands and He is constantly watching over us. He is our protector, provider and just about anything we could have need of. He is the great I AM, that which we have need of and more. Rest in His peace because there is nothing that will ever happen to us that takes Him by surprise. He is in control. He is Sovereign! He will never leave of forsake us! Let His peace saturate your emotions and your intellect. The peace that the world offer can only partially satisfy one component of us at a time. But God’s gift peace satiates every part of our being at the same time. Again I say, don’t let life’s circumstances causes you to become distraught or upset, instead, let His gift of peace saturate your emotions and intellect.

12.05.16 Dr.R.

Spiritual

Sacred Silence

Dr. R. A.

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Pandemonium everywhere, tumult filled the air

Constant chitter chatter

Wheels turning, horns honking, pots whistling,

Wind blowing, thunder blasting, blades spinning

Birds chirping, snakes rattling, wolves howling,

Bees buzzing, dogs barking, children screaming,

Bells ringing, music playing, phones blaring.

It’s a ruckus, that’s what it is!

They say silence is golden

And so I ask “where oh where can it be found?”

It’s not in schools, churches, hospitals or homes

Definitely not in a nursery or in a monastery.

Is it under a rock somewhere far into a cave?

Oh sacred silence, be thou no longer hidden

Show thyself, so there can be peace

Demonstrate the beauty of your sacredness silence

Shhh….oh Silence!

via Daily Prompt: Sacred

Spiritual

Do-Over

Dr. R. A.

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Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; Don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He is the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all.Run to GOD! Prov. 3:5-6

Every now and again when the hustling and bustling of life activities come to a halt, we find ourselves in reflection mode. The choices that we have made rummage through the proverbial magnifying glass within our minds. It is within these moments that no matter how well established and successful we have become that secrets deep within our heart surface, and we admit to ourselves silently that we could have made better choices in some aspects. Better choices where success was at the expense of happiness; instant gratification at the expense of self-esteem and pride at the expense of love. There are areas where choice wounds cut so deep that although it’s been years the wound has still not been healed. It is in those moments that we furtively wish for a do-over. Although in the open we pretend that this is not applicable to us, behind closed doors we allow the light to enter the darkest room in our hearts.

Contrary to popular beliefs even stalwarts of old like Abraham, David, Paul, Jonah to name a few, had these pensive moments, but they allowed the light of God to shine in the darkness of their heart. They had a revelation of the “do-over” God. There are several keys required to unlock the doors of the do-over process. The first key to having a do-over is to ALLOW the light of God to shine within our dark areas. David stated emphatically in the book of Psalm that he wanted God to “enlighten his darkness.” After letting the light in, the next crucial step that we must take is to TRUST God. I say trust… really TRUST God. We often profess that we trust God, but when put to the test we fail miserably as we murmur, complain, whimper, whine, look for other options and sometimes even become stagnant. However, take God at His word and Trust Him from the bottom of your heart not trying to figure things out on your own. You see God can be trusted. He can be trusted even when we mess up. If we should go back to the beginning of the Bible, we read the famous story of Adam and Eve’s poor choice, which resulted in them needing a do-over. In their time of need, they did not run to God and asked for the do-over instead they tried to cover themselves and hide from the presence of God. However, God showed up consistently, and inquired Adam where are you? When they reluctantly admitted where they were and allowed the light of God to shine in, God introduced them to the “do-over” God. Proving that even in your mess God can be trusted.

The next vital key is listening. LISTEN to the voice of God. We are a generation who love the sound of our own voice. This I believe is the genesis of problems but that’s another story. To prove this point where we converse we often listen to respond to the individual and not to hear what is being said. Listening to the voice of God is key as it will keep us on track to our destiny. It is listening to our own voice and the voice of others that causes us to be hijacked and held as captives on our journey to our purpose. As such, we need to LISTEN to God’s voice, listen not to respond but instead LISTEN to FOLLOW. The voice of God not only guides, reproves and admonish but it also comforts. Whenever we fail to listen, just like sheep we end up falling in ditches and cannot come out unless drawn out by the shepherd. Therefore, LISTEN to God’s voice to get instructions for a do-over.

Finally, we need to run. RUN to God. Whenever we are faced with heightened emotions, our first instinct is to run. This I realize is a good thing as the reason it was embedded within us is that we can RUN to GOD. It is said that the reason we are given a leap year is that the calendar does not truly reflect God’s time and so it drifts. Whenever there is a leap year, we get to spring forward to where we should have been before we drifted. Just like it is in the natural we in our spiritual lives have often strayed from God and need a do-over that will cause us to leap into the place that was designed for us to be. As such, we need to run to God. Run to God like Joseph did when he was faced with the choice of satisfying his flesh. After all, the Bible did say that we should flee youthful lust. Run to God. Run like a deer runs into the water whenever it is thirsty or afraid. Run to God, as He is the only one that can give the ultimate do-over.

Now, never forget that the keys to a do-over are ATLR. Allow the light of God to shine within our darkness; Trust God; Listen to God’s Voice and Run to God.

12/3/16 Dr.R.

Spiritual

Faded

Dr. R. A.

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Like a bright light, you entered the scene

All cameras began rolling to capture the depicted essence of your being

Vibrant colors were everywhere as you seemingly brought life

Flowers in full bloom, fragrance the air

Music and laughter was the undertone sound

Quick let’s take a picture so the memory won’t be lost, but instead, would be captured

Snap

 

We say this will be forever

Days turns to weeks and weeks turn to months

The light began to dim

Shadows overcasted  colors

Flowers hang low…the air was filled with a stench

Music and laughter could no longer be traced

Snap

 

All that was captured was the pinnacle of pain

Life defining moments of impact

Like an enchanter, the illusion was now seen

Slowly vanishing like vapor

OH SNAP

Just like that you faded

12/1/16

via Daily Prompt: Faded