Author: Dr. R. A.

A multifaceted gem who loves to worship the God of Angel Armies.
life, Spiritual

What Type Of Noise Are You Making?

Dr. R. A.

Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord | Bible Study Ministry

Noise is often perceived as an unpleasant sound. A sound that is unwanted, loud or disruptive to the hearing. This type of sound often causes an individual to cringe or even birth unpleasant emotions such as anger, annoyance, rage, etc.  Ironically, however, the Bible encourages us to make noise.  Psalm 100: 1 states “make a joyful noise unto the Lord…”  This text clearly stipulates that there are different types of noise that are being made unto the Lord.  So what would classify a noise as joyful as opposed to just being noise?  I am glad that you asked, but before I answer let’s look at what constitutes a joyful noise.

A joyful noise is figuratively splitting or breaking the ear with sound marked by joy.  Joyful noise is basically shouting or sounding an alarm of who God is and His goodness. This is the type of noise that God wants us to make.

Other noises that we make unto to the Lord comprises of anxiety, doubt, fear, complaining, bitterness, ungratefulness, unbelief, etc.  These types of noise tend to reverberate in our minds and out of our mouths whenever we feel like we have been placed in situations that we do not have the power to control.  This reaction is not unique to us however, a story was told of Jesus sleeping in a boat while the disciples were encountering a storm. The storm was so forceful and disruptive that it caused the boat to begin to sink. The disciples in fear woke Jesus and questioned His love for them because they were fearful that they were going to die. The story continued and informed us that Jesus spoke to the winds and the waves and immediately there was peace. In this situation, the disciples were making noise but their noise was not joyful.

How often do we find ourselves in positions like the disciples making noise unto to the Lord but not the kind in which He takes pleasure?  We utter the negative aspects of our life’s events like a broken record. Just making noise instead of letting our present circumstances know that we are believing God. We make noise instead of declaring His marvelous works among the children of men. We make noise instead of letting the environment and the various realms know that the God we serve He alone is God and deserves to be praised. We make noise instead of professing that He is the great I AM (whatever we may have need of and more).

Today I implore you to stop making noise and make a JOYFUL NOISE instead.

Father, I pray that you will open the eyes of your people and cause us to view our current circumstances through the correct lenses. I pray that as we begin to see clearly that we will speak accurately. We will make a joyful noise unto You, regardless of our condition and in spite of our situation. May we from this day forth be JOYFUL NOISE makers. Amen.

4/8/2020 Dr. R. Anderson.

Spiritual

Speak what you desire not your situation.

Dr. R. A.

We are often challenged with speaking the things that we see. The issue with this however, is that when we practice this, our circumstances remains the same. If we desire to see changes then we must practice expressing ourselves differently. We must speak what we desire to see instead of a continuous rhetoric of our current situation.

The Bible let us know that in the beginning God created the heaven and earth, and that the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. (Gen. 1:1-2). This basically is letting us know that the current environmental condition was very chaotic and seem hopeless. However, what I want us to take note of is that when the Spirit of the Lord hovered over and began to speak He did not confess what could be seen with the natural eyes. The Spirit did not complain about the situation. The Spirit  did not express how He felt about the seemingly  despair and destruction.  Instead the Spirit began to speak the things that were not as though they were. The Spirit spoke what He desired to see manifest in the midst of doom and gloom.

Since we are born into the Kingdom of God we have to speak like kingdom people and not confess our circumstances but rather speak what we desire to see until it begins to manifest in our lives. When we practice speaking this way even our faith will begin to increase.  Remember faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word. The more we hear ourselves confessing the changes we desire to see  is the more we will believe to see it. Speak that thing aloud until it reverberates in your spirit and manifest in your life.

Never forget that life and death lies in the power of the tongue. So speak life into that seemingly impossible,  dead, chaotic,  hopeless,  etc., situation.  Do not let the fear of your present circumstances  cower you down into confessing the negative aspects of what you are faced with.  Instead stand in faith and speak what you desire to see. Also remember, you shall have what you decree. So decree life over every dead and dry bones. Do not speak about what it looks like or even what it feels like. Speak your desire until it is established. Transform your mind and mouth to speak the word of God over your every circumstance.

God bless you. Much love.

Dr. R.Anderson

3/25/20.

Spiritual

Tasted Years

Dr. R. A.

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Often times the trajectory for our life’s goals seems to be offset by unplanned ‘life activities”, such s the dissolution of a marriage, losing a job, having a baby, losing a loved one, developing health issues, etc.  These breaks in our advancement often leave us in a state of contemplation, wondering whether or not we had made the right decision and how can we progress from where we find ourselves.  In the midst of reflecting despair set in as we feel like moving forward is impossible and the vision of progress has been shattered.  If we should muster the courage to take steps towards moving forward we are often faced with roadblocks which further reinforces our insecurities of how irrelevant we are.  Although these vulnerabilities are as thick as the Jericho wall we must never forget that these walls came tumbling down by the power of God.

As a believer, we should never allow ourselves to become utterly despaired as we serve a God that is all-powerful, One who keeps us as the apple of His eyes. No matter how bleak it seems if we continue to trust Him, He will show us just how relevant we are and always will be. The enemy’s plan is always to convince us of how many years have been wasted and how we can never recover all. However, with God, our years will never be wasted only tasted. With each year God allows us to gain valuable experiences,  expertise, and learning. He affords us the opportunity to become filled with wisdom even in our most trying and painful circumstances.  These experiences will certify us for our specific calling in the fulness of time and make us extremely relevant.  If you don’t believe me ask David, Moses, and Joseph. David spent most of his years out in the field attending to sheep which seemed irrelevant, but when the time was right he was appointed as king over a nation. Moses had to run away from all that he knew, he lost it all and was confined to the backside of the desert, but in the fullness of time, he was called to be the freedom leader of a nation.  Joseph, he too lost it all family, friends, etc,  and was sent to a strange land to perform strange task. He was also, thrown in prison for doing the right thing, but in the fullness of time, he was promoted to being second in command over a nation.  All of them thought that their life was going to be irrelevant but God proved that none of their experiences was ever going to be wasted only tasted.

The scripture says taste and see that the Lord is good. He is the One that will work all things together for our good as long as we love Him. Your years with God will never be wasted only tasted!

5/18/2018 dr. R. A.

Spiritual, success

Get out of the Boat

Dr. R. A.

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Often as we journey from one side of the shore to the next we are faced with unexpected storms which threaten to destroy both the vessel in which we travel and our lives. This result in a heightening of our fears as everything around echoes doom and gloom. The fact that we are several miles from shore robs us of the opportunity to turn around. Our vision is impaired by the darkness of the night.  And we find ourselves struggling to stand as we battle the rough sea and headwind.  Notwithstanding, forging ahead is the only thing that makes sense, therefore, with a death grip, we grasp to the smither of hope to make it safely on the other side. In these moments we feel alone and the thought of being rescued is definitely aloof.

The disciples Matthew 14 felt the same way. They were instructed by Jesus to travel to the other side and on their journey encountered a gruesome storm in their night season. With their lives at risk, they clung to the boat hoping to make it to the other side; their minds and hearts are stuck in panic mode. In the midst of all that was happening, the saw Jesus coming towards them walking on water. Captivated with fear they screamed that it was a ghost. However, Jesus spoke to them encouraging them to not be afraid.  At that moment, one of His disciples did the unexpected. He asked to step out of the boat unto the water. With permission granted he stepped out.

The boat at that time represented the only thing that was safe. Nevertheless, Peter was willing to abandon safety to walk on water with Jesus. Are you willing to ditch your place of comfort so that you can defy even the laws of nature? You see nothing miraculously impossible will happen in the boat. To experience the impossible you must be willing to step out.  It is time to get out of the boat and begin to walk on water. It is time to experience results from everything that you and others have labeled impossible. It is time to experience the change that you have been hoping for. Success is waiting for you to step out. GET OUT OF THE BOAT!

Dr. R.A. 5/8/18

Spiritual

Spiritually Malnourished

Dr. R. A.

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In an era where being health conscious is the order of the day the spiritual man is often neglected. The focal point of being healthy is on the physical man, while the theocentric part of man is left famished. Keen attention is directed to what should be consumed and its quantity. While this is good and important, I dare to say that we have missed the mark as it is not what enters a man that defiles him but what comes out. As such much focus should be given to the spiritual man.

The Bible characterizes humans as being able to display two types of reactions, namely the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit or the manifestation of the works of the flesh. Whichever is fed the more will be the strongest and more dominant in an individual. Although we all like to wear a mask and act like we are the epitome of perfection truth be told we are struggling have the correct characteristics on display at all times. The constant war within our members often leaves us critically wounded.  Unfortunately, our embedded pride will not allow us to admit or seek help to bind up the deep lacerations.

These spiritual injuries, however, are a result of us nibbling at the feast spread set before us by the master. We pick at the lettuce of love, gnaw at the jackfruit of joy, snack on the papaya of peace and the pineapple of patience. Also, we pinch on the kale of kindness and nip on the guava of goodness and the grape of gentleness.  Additionally, we nibble on the fig of faithfulness and masticate on the spinach of self-control. Even worst, often we turn a blind eye to the invitation to come and dine at the master’s table which leaves our soul famished and results in us being spiritually malnourished. Instead, we sadly turn to the landfill of sin and rummage for the alcohol of adultery, fornication, uncleanness, revellings, and lasciviousness. Seek for the whopper of witchcraft, idolatry, emulations, variance, and seditions.  Hunt for soda of strife, hatred, heresies, and wrath. Scour for the M&M’s of murder, drunkenness, envyings and such like. All of which leaves us even more depraved and spiritually faint.

 

Today, let us examine ourselves, remove the masks and choose to consistently dine at the Master’s table. Let us use our ability of craving to yearn for more of Him and His ways. Decided to redirect our misguided needs to the One who is more than capable of satiating every desire. Afterall, this path does provide both physical and spiritual benefits.

2/3/2018 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

Unrestrained Pleasure

Dr. R. A.

UNRESTRAINED

Pleasure is good. However, when pleasure is unrestrained, then it becomes a problem. For example, if eating chocolate gives pleasure then it can be viewed as a good thing, but when too much is consumed, then it becomes a problem for the body. Whenever we indulge in anything, it means that we are allowing that thing to take control of us. Additionally, it means that we are relying on the satisfaction of that thing more than we are relying on God.

We have all been there where we believed that we had to have what we desired. This often leaves us with an enormous price to pay. For example, the cost of losing weight, paying off debt, guilt, etc.

The Bible tells of a man called David who was anointed king of Israel. One day while his men were at war he remained home. He was on his balcony when he saw a beautiful lady bathing. He decided to himself that he had to have her although he knew she was someone else’s wife. His unrestrained pleasure led to an even graver issue as he had to indirectly commit murder in an effort to cover up his wrong.  David, however, did not remain in this state. When confronted by the prophet Nathan he repented for giving in to unrestrained pleasure.

Like David, we too must be willing to turn from giving into unrestrained pleasure. We should purpose in ourselves to surrender all to God. I mean really surrender to the point where we make radical changes for the sake of our spiritual health. Every pleasurable action that we give in to may not be a sin, however, some may just be the weight that is keeping us anchored in the flesh instead of soaring in the spirit.

Today, let us examine ourselves to see what unrestricted pleasure we are indulging in and make significant steps to change. It is time to recalibrate your soul.

2/1/2018 Dr. R.A.

Daily Post, Spiritual

Strategy

Dr. R. A.

Image result for strategy

Accomplishing your goal can be done by having a strategy

Steps to be taken must be keenly outlined in a strategic plan

One by one the wheels must turn

While adhering to time or date set for the next step

However, there is one key step you must never forget

That is to put God first at the onset of each new task

As you continue you will see

The dream unfolds and realize you have in your hand the victor’s cup

All this was done because of the clearly outlined strategy which incorporated the One who always gives us the victory

1/21/2018 Dr.R.A

via Daily Prompt: Strategy

life, Spiritual

Dream Stealers

Dr. R. A.

Have you ever noticed that when you have a goal in mind to accomplish that the actual pathway is paved with obstacles? With each step, you are bombarded with one hurdle after the other. These barriers often seem insurmountable.  If you focus on the challenges, however, you will become daunted and never accomplish the goal. This will result in your dreams being stolen.

Dream stealers come in various innumerable shapes and forms. They are usually disguised as “well-wishers” (family, friends, relatives, society, etc.). The Bible outlined a story of a man named Joseph who had a dream that his family would one day bow down to him. This resulted in his brothers hating him even the more. His brothers hated him to the point that they wanted him dead. One day as he was on his way to see them the saw him afar off and decided that they would kill him when he got closer and see what would become of his dreams. Looking at this story, you may be able to relate as you may have had several experiences of others trying to kill your dream. Nevertheless, dream stealers are not always external. In fact, I would dare to say that the biggest and most potent dream stealers are internal.

It may seem quite alarming, however, that dream stealers can be disguised as your very self. What? You might be saying to yourself that “I am the dreamer how can I be the dream stealer?” Well, to answer your question is very simple. You can be your own dream stealer as you allow the negative thoughts in your mind to dissuade you from taking the first step or to prevent you from continuing along the road to the destination in mind. These thoughts are usually anchored in the soil of guilt and fear and are consistently watered by insecurities.  Hear this may cause you to feel very hopeless. However, all is not lost. I dare to even declare that you will be victorious and your dream of greatness will manifest. How do I know this? Well, because you are still alive and there is still hope while you live.

So what do you need to do? This answer is quite simple.

  1. Simply get up. Get up from where you are. Make a move. Take a step towards that which you want to accomplish.
  2. Put blinders on so that you can focus on the dream and not the peripheral view.
  3. With each step change your mindset from a victim to a victor.

Most importantly remember you were born to win. The victory is already yours as the battle has already been won by the Champion of champions.

1/21/2018 Dr.R.A.

life, Spiritual

It is not what it seems

Dr. R. A.

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Things are not always what they seem. Our perceptions of things are not always are accurate as we are led to believe. Sometimes our situation seems like we have to go through great waters and great troubles all by ourselves. At other times it seems like we are going through great fire and we are being utterly consumed by the vehement flames. However, I’m here to say don’t focus on what it seems like. Instead, focus on the one who can turn things around or even keep you protected in the midst of it all.

In Isaiah 43 the Bible lets us know that the Lord promised that those who abide in him will never be left alone or be consumed with that which was designed to kill. It admonished us to take courage knowing that when we go through the great waters and troubles they will not overflow us, we will not sink, we will not drown, our situation will not get the best of us. The flaming situations that we encounter occasionally will not consume us, we will not be burned, as a matter of fact, we will not even smell like smoke.  Now it may seem impossible to be in the midst of fire and not be burned or worst not smell like smoke, but the God that we serve specializes in things that are impossible.

It doesn’t matter what the enemy is trying. Yes, the enemy may come in like a flood but the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard. God will be your defense in the in the midst of it all. Why would He do it? Well simply because He is your Savior. He is God who is your father and your defense. He also promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. He will never leave because the situation is really bad.  He will never forsake even when we are in the wrong. So no matter the situation resist the urge to panic and fight in your flesh. Instead, rest on God and watch him handle your situation. God can handle it better than Olivia Pope. … trust God and consider your case handled! !!!

1/16/2018 Dr. R.A.

Daily Post, Spiritual

Carve

Dr. R. A.

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Carve me out until I reflect the design You have in mind

You are the Potter, and I am the clay

So I say no to my will and yes to Your way

I admit that removing chunks of my lump will hurt

All the straightening, curving, bending, gouging and flattening

Will alter my shape significantly

The quick deep cuts may produce a sharp squeal

But I am assured that my beauty, in the end, will compensate

So carve me

Put me on Your sculpting board and carve me

Carve me until a reflection of You is all I see in me

1/11/2018 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Carve