Category: Spiritual

Spiritual

Got Faith?

Dr. R. A.

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If the question regarding having faith was asked the answers would vary. However, the truth is that all of us have faith because we were all given a measure. Some of us choose to exercise our faith in God whereas other exert their faith in people, things, places, etc. But the bottom line is that we all have it. Now we should all know that the biblical definition of faith is “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Basically, faith is to trust completely in a person or thing. To see results, however, requires a certain amount of faith.

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In Matthew 17 a story was told of a boy who was demon-possessed and could not get deliverance not even from Jesus’ disciples. When the boy was brought to Jesus, He rebuked the demons, and they left the boy. The disciples pondered as to why they were unable to do the same thing.  Jesus responded, “You do not have enough faith!” What? How could the disciples been walking with Jesus all this time, performing miracles and do not have enough faith? Preposterous one might say.  But the fact of the matter was that they did not have enough faith even though they were a follower of Christ. Why did they not have enough faith? Maybe their faith had been eroded by life’s challenges. Whatever the reason was we don’t know and could offer several speculative assumptions. Nevertheless, the fact remains that they did not have enough faith.

One may think by Jesus’ response that great faith would be required to perform such a task. But that was not the case. Jesus continued speaking and stated that if the disciples had faith as small as a mustard seed they would be able to command the mountain to move and it would be removed. If they could have faith as small as a mustard seed, then nothing would be impossible. A mustard seed if one of the smallest seed and that is all the faith that is required to see desires manifested. Remember with that amount of faith NOTHING is impossible. What do you need to have faith for?

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Prayer today: Lord whatever circumstance stands before us like a mountain I pray that we will exert the faith to speak to these situations so that we can see them removed. May we stand upon the principles of Your word knowing that you cannot lie. May the things that we have long desire to see manifest in our lives suddenly. Today we are forwarding all our issues to you and releasing doubt and fear. Amen.

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2.28.17 Dr.R.A.

 

Daily Post, life, Spiritual

Center

Dr. R. A.

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Many people like to consider themselves as the center of the universe

They like to always have a role where they are center stage where all the lights and cameras are focused.

They could be described as egocentric as they have little regard for others.

They think every conversation is and should be about them

Me, me me, is their mantra.

Now I am not against persons being confident but to be self-centered is another level.

I believe that those individuals need a reality check so that they can be made aware that God should really be the center.

God should be the center of their thoughts, actions, hopes, aspirations, etc.

He should be smack dab in the middle of everything that concerns them.

I believe that if their focus could shift for a moment from themselves to God, the would be surprisingly satisfied with the trajectory of their “new” life.

It’s time to be God-centered instead of self-centered or man-centered.

 

2.27.17 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Center

Spiritual

Horses, Chariots vs. a Name

Dr. R. A.

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As humans, I must admit that we are more inclined to trust in things that are tangible. We like to have the assurance that we can see and feel things to believe in it. This is because it gives a certitude that the thing actually does exist. Due to this fact, we sometimes are prone to suffer from misplaced trust.

The Bible in the book of Psalm states “some trust in Chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Now for some, it may seem logical to trust in chariots and horses rather than a name.  Chariots have wheels and can travel at what could be considered high speed. It represents prestige, wealth, and status. It also speaks to durability. Horses, on the other hand,  speaks to strength, balance, and speed. Whereas what does a name speak to? Well, what we have to bear in mind it is not just any name that our trust should be placed in – it is the name of the Lord our God. The name speaks to identity. However, when it comes to God, there is much more in His name than identity.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower where we can run into and be safe from all harm. The name of the Lord our God is a refuge and fortress. The name of God is strong, mighty, powerful. At His name, every knee shall bow. At the mention of His name demons tremble and flee. The name of the Lord is all encompassing. Whatever we need we can find it in His name. Additionally, if horses and chariots are what we need, we can find it in His name also. The cattle on a thousand hills belong to Him. He is the one that gives man knowledge to gain wealth. therefore, we should put our trust in the name of the Lord and not in material things. Come on, do not let things that you have acquired cause you to have misplaced trust. Never esteem the gift above the giver of the gift!

Chariots can be destroyed or stolen. Horses too can die or become stolen. However, the name of the Lord our God remaineth forever. There is stability in God! He is the giver of all good gifts. Put your trust in Him!

2/27/17 Dr.R.A.

Daily Post, life, Spiritual, success

Arid

Dr. R. A.

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Sometimes we may be transplanted in areas that are dry and seemingly barren.

The parched earth shouts emphatically that no life can come forth.

If we listen to the voices we will soon like all before wither and die.

However, if we tap into what our Creator has to say about us and the purpose for which He created us .

Then we will recognize that no matter what environmental conditions we are placed in we are able to live.

There is something on the inside of us that is able to defy all the odds that are stack up against us.

Something on the inside that will enable us to sprout and cause our leaves to spread.

Regardless of the fact that the area may be arid – too barren to support vegetation

There is something on the inside compelling you to grow and bloom where you have been transplanted.

 

2.25.17 Dr.R.A.

 

via Daily Prompt: Arid

Spiritual

Lies

Dr. R. A.

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If any of us should say that we have never told a lie before then, we would know for sure that that person is a liar. People tell lies for different reasons. Some persons lie because they may be afraid of the repercussions of their actions, whereas some persons lie to make themselves look good. As a matter of fact, individuals lie so much that classification of lies has been developed.

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Some persons, however, lie for seemingly no reason at all, they could be classified as habitual liars. Their new names should be Pinocchio.

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Telling a lie whatever our justification maybe is just wrong!

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Telling lies is like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. It may seem to help but leads to greater harm. As temporary solutions usually result in permanent problems. Telling lies about ourselves is wrong. However, telling lies about others is even more dangerous.

The Bible lets us know that “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.” Proverbs 25:18

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 All of the above scenarios create great harm to an individual and the probability of the person dying from these actions is substantial. There is no need to lie about others to “tear them down” so that we can build up ourselves. Our goal should always be to lift up others. In building ourselves we should build others also. Therefore we should endeavor to speak the truth always.

There is a little memory gem that I learned from my grandmother. Something I have implemented in my life over the years. It says “speak the truth and speak it ever, let it cost what it will. For he who hide the wrong he does, does the wrong thing still.” It simply means that no matter what the consequence one should always speak the truth. If we lie then we will continue to do wrong.  It is a fact that whenever a lie is told then another has to be told to cover for the first. It is like a chain reaction of lies that will be unleashed. As such, to relieve ourselves of unnecessary burdens speak the truth. SPEAK THE TRUTH ALWAYS! Speak the truth also in love!

2.21.17 Dr.R.A.

Daily Post, life, Spiritual, success

Stop doing diddly-squat

Dr. R. A.

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As humans we spend an enormous  amount of time looking in the rearview mirror of our lives. Looking at “what if,” “could have”, “would have “, and “should have”, etc. while the present time passes is by.  We do diddly squat with our time that will be beneficial to our future.

Today let’s make an effort to change our customs. Let’s break the routine of monotony. Stop being complacent with doing diddly squat. There is a bright future waiting for us and all that is being required is our effort. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.  It doesn’t have to be something grand. Little efforts count also. Even if it is a change in your thought pattern. Stop procrastinating. Be consistent and you will be rewarded. STOP DOING DIDDLY SQUAT!!!

2.16.17 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Squat

Spiritual

Storm

Dr. R. A.

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Not everyone has had the privilege or misfortune (depending on the outlook) of being in an actual major storm. I am not just referring to a tropical storm or thunderstorm. I am making reference to storms like hurricanes. The ones that preparation has to be made for to increase the chances of survival. However, due to technology, we can see the effects of these storms and imagine what the impact of the encounter. The thing about major storms is that there is a timeframe in which to expect the occurrence. Not all storms, however, give that allowance. Some storms seem to occur suddenly, catching us off guard. Especially the ones that happen in our lives. These kinds leave us flustered, angry, sad, disappointed, broken, bewildered, forsaken, hopeless, panicking, etc.  I believe it is the somewhat “suddenliness” of it that causes the wind to be knocked out of our lungs. In addition to them occurring suddenly some are of prolonged which further contributes to the devastation.

One of the essential core characteristics of storms is that they never affect just an individual. Usually the affect an entire community, family, state, country, etc. Therefore at least one other person is experiencing the exact impact. This may not seem comforting, but to the contrary, it is, because t lets us know that no matter what we are experiencing we are not alone.

We are not the only ones either who have experienced storms. The disciples in the book of Matthew experienced a “suddenly” storm that left them distraught.  This was a storm that was so fierce that the winds were breaking into the boat. Even though they were fishermen and had experienced storm before and should know how to navigate the situation, this one caught them off guard. There was something about this storm that disrupted their thought process and their entire emotional state, causing them to panic. What was the exact reason? I don’t know. It could be assumed that it was the fierceness of the winds that penetrated them. Or maybe it was the boisterous waves, Or because it occurred suddenly. Whatever, the reason clearly their axis had been tilted.

And as if the suddenness of their seemingly tragic situation was not bad enough, their leader was sound asleep. Whatever triggered them to panic escalated when they recognized that their leader was oblivious to what was happening. In addition, all they could conclude was that certainly, he does not care. That thought pierced them through like a two-edged sword.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were experiencing a major storm, and it seemed like God was asleep? The person you were following and trying to obey their every command was unconcerned with what happening to you. Have you ever felt like you were the stepchild to God? Have you ever felt like He was indifferent to your pain? Have you ever felt like His ears could not hear your voice no matter how loudly you screamed? Have you ever felt like no matter what you did you could not get His attention? Or get Him to attend to your need? He is just “sleeping in your storm?” Well, maybe you have been there. As a matter of fact, maybe that is the exact location of your psyche. If that is the case then I want to let you know that is not the end of your story. How do I know this? Well because it didn’t end there for the disciples either. And because it didn’t end there for them it will not end like that for you, because God is no respecter of person. What He does for one He will do for all.

The story continued and let us know that Jesus arose and spoke to the wind and the waves. He stated “be still ” and the wind and waves obeyed. Him. He will speak to your storms and cause them to be still just like He did for the disciples. You see the disciples were focused on the storm and not the fact that Jesus was in the boat. But if Christ is in the vessel, then we can smile at the storm as the songwriter rightly penned. So shift your focus. Focus on God, the master who can make all things work for our good.

God is never indifferent to what you are going through or to what you have need of. The Bible lets us know that if we being evil know how to give good gifts, how much more our Heavenly Father. He will speak to our storms and cause them to cease. Just have faith. It is getting ready to happen!!!!

 

2.16.17 Dr.R.A.

 

 

 

life, Spiritual

Reminders

Dr. R. A.

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Some of us think of ourselves as superheroes. We get up every day and try to put out as many fires as possible and rescue as many people  as we can.  Although it may be a tiring and not financially rewarding job, it brings satisfaction to know our efforts helped someone have a beautiful day. Our lives consist of a constant  “ripping and running.” We do not focus on ourselves and our immediate needs but on others. Unfortunately however,  just like superman we have kryptonite that weakens us and our ability to perform. It is in moments like those that we are the ones standing in need.

I can’t honestly say that today was one of my weak days,  but it was one of those days that receiving a reminder filled me with gratitude.

So here is the story.  I came into my office to review my schedule for the day.  I did not do my usual greetings as I sat for awhile  diving into work. I had to leave the office for a brief minute and when I returned my light was off.  I  didn’t think anything of it as I knew that my friend had come to visit as he had not seen me as yet.  So I flipped the switch walked over to my desk and on my keyboard there was a note.  It was nothing I had not read before.  As a matter of fact I’ve seen the exact quote numerous times before.  I  read it quickly and was about to put it away when there was an urge to read it again.

This time I held the note in my hand and read it slowly.  It said “Good morning! This is God,  I will be handling all of your problems today.  I  will not need your help.  So,  relax and have a great day. ” I began to think of the many issues that I would love God to fix in my life some of which I consider to be mountainous. Some of  which although I’ve swept under the rug needed to handled as paramount emergencies. And to be reminded that God will be handling all those issues brought some comfort to me.

I re-read the part that says “I will not need your help.” I started to think of all the times I’ve tried to help God fix things in my life (only to make things worse) and chuckled.  I said okay God I will not help.  I’m leaving these into Your capable hands.

I shared this because reminders are good and necessary to have.   Not point out that we don’t know something, but serves to bring awareness to the forefront of our minds.

Today I’m grateful for reminders.

2.15.17 Dr.R.A.

Spiritual

Lukewarm

Dr. R. A.

What is the meaning of lukewarm? Lukewarm by definition means unenthusiastic as it relates to a person attitude or action. See below:

luke·warm
ˈlo͞okwôrm/
adjective

 

Now the question may be asked what is wrong with being lukewarm?

Well, the truth of the matter is that the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word from “enthous” meaning inspired by God. As such if we are lukewarm then we lack inspiration from God. If we are not God inspired then we cannot fulfill our purpose and live in the place that we were created to possess. Basically, we live below or privileges. Therefore, being lukewarm is not a good thing. The Bible confirms this by stating in the book of Revelation that if we are lukewarm, we will be spewed out of the mouth of God. There is nothing attractive about doing things halfheartedly or giving halfheartedly. Also, it is absolutely unappealing to love halfheartedly. Whatever we do, we should endeavor to do it with all of our might and our heart.

Are you in a lukewarm state?

2.14.17 Dr.R.A.

 

via Daily Promptendeavorm