life, Spiritual

What are you leaving room for?

Dr. R. A.

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We all have a tendency to leave room for stuff. For instance, if we are out dining then we ensure that we do not eat too much appetizer or entree. Instead, we eat in moderation so that we leave room for dessert. Additionally, whenever we are getting an apartment or house we also get an extra room in the event we start a family or have a guest. However, leaving room goes beyond these things. Have you ever considered that you are leaving room whenever a conversation takes place between you are others? Yes, you are.

Whenever we communicate how we end our conversation can create space for either good things to flow or bad things to brew. This occurs especially when we are angry, and we speak in anger. It is said that anger is the condition in which the tongue works faster than the mind. This only means that words flow out without calculating the damage of impact.  As such, we need to be cautious of the words that spew from our mouth especially when angry.

Image result for words spew from mouthRelated image

Being anger seems like a natural occurrence when we believe that we have been wronged. As a matter of fact, we often justify our right to be angry. And I might even agree as I have been angry more than a few times myself. However, there is a way that specified as it pertains to dealing with anger. The Bible admonishes us in Ephesians 4 that we should be angry, but not sin. Additionally, it implores us to ensure that the cause of our anger is addressed before the sun goes down. In doing so, we will protect ourselves from the tsunami of catastrophic events that can occur when the enemy walks into the room that we have left available.

Also, to be counted among the wise then we should keep our anger under control.

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As we progress throughout this year, let us monitor our words and our emotions. Let us ensure that we do not leave room for the adversary.

1/11/2018 Dr. R.A.

life, Spiritual

Get your sense back

Dr. R. A.

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Senses play a significant role in our everyday life. Without them, we would be utterly unaware of our surrounding environment. We would not be able to behold the beauty in the seasons of life. Neither would we be able to distinguish the exquisitely exotic flavors of life. We would not be able to perceive the vibrating percussion or the flattering rhythmically sound of music. Life would be extraordinarily uneventful and outright dull.

Unfortunately, however, we take these gifts of senses for granted and allow ourselves to be deceived into thinking that they are not essential and serve no real purpose. The glitter and the glamour of what is displayed as “good life” trick us into giving up or walking away from that which profits the most. Leaving us cold and empty as we have been robbed of what life’s splendor genuinely consist.

A story was told in the book of Luke chapter 15 about a father who had two sons. He was a wise man who ensured that he had an inheritance for his children. When the younger came of age, he decided that what the father had to offer in his household was mundane and there was no way he could spend the rest of his life that way. As such, he asked for his portion of the inheritance that he would receive so that he could go out and “live life” the way it was meant to be lived. He allowed himself to be deceived while passing through vanity fair street. Unknowingly to him, all that glitters was not gold. As he prolonged on the street, he lost all he had and everything he hoped to achieve and found himself lacking and in need. He, however, came to his senses as he was partaking of that which only pigs eat. He remembered that things were actually better in his father’s house and even his father’s servant had a better life than he did currently. Therefore, he arose and returned to his father’s house.

Sometimes like the younger son, we allow the enemy of our soul to trick is into thinking there is more to be done and better to be found outside of the father’s house. Upon leaving the house for the “better,” we realize experientially that everything that was shown to us was just a mirage. As we progress throughout this year, it is imperative that we do not allow ourselves to be fooled by the enemy’s tricks as they are always the same (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life). Instead, we put on blinders on your senses. Keep our eyes fixed on the precepts and statutes of the word of God as we continue to trod. However, if you have been enticed by the mirage come to your senses and return to the father’s house where his arms are outstretched. You don’t have to live without. Remember that even the hired servants in the father’s house have food to spare. There is abundance in the father’s house so don’t live in lack. GET YOUR SENSES BACK!!

01/09/2018 Dr. R.A.

life, Spiritual, success

Remove the Veil

Dr. R. A.

 

remove the veil

Life has a way of veiling our vision so that we are unable to clearly see who we are and who we were designed to be. Our sight gets blurred by life’s experiences. The resounding voices declaring that “you are not good enough,” “you will never become anything,” “you are nobody,” “you will never be anybody,” “you are stupid,” etc., repeats perpetually in the recordings of the mind. These echoes of despair paralyze the slender nerve of effort to achieve. Leaving us laying on the sidelines begging for a handout. The menial contributions further break our spirit causing us to hesitantly plead with closed eyes. However, if we could look again and muster the courage to remove the veil, then we will astonishingly be able to see our worth and abilities.

Our worth without the shadow of a doubt far exceeds the problems that we face. And our abilities are far beyond the thundering sound of naysayers. We were created with innovative and creative abilities that we have not begin to tap into. However, it requires us removing the veils. Remove the veil of doubt. Remove the cloud of fear. Remove the veil of insecurities.Remove the veil of what your mother or father said. Remove the cover of labels that were placed on you. Remove the veil of stagnation. Remove the mask of procrastination. Remove the veil. Peel off one layer at a time until your vision is clear.  We need to remember that we were created in His image and in His likeness.  He took time out to carefully construct every intricate fiber of our being. After construction, He breathed into us. His breath is assurance that we possess His attributes and characteristics, albeit we are imperfect. This simply means that have the same innovative and creative abilities flowing through our veins. And since those abilities flow within us we need not sit back and beg for bread. We should get up and consistently work on our dream. Prodd away one step at a time until we see it manifest before our eyes.

Remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself. That which you hope to accomplish is waiting for you to put in the work. Dig if you must and do not quit. Never forget you have been commanded to be fruitful and multiply and subdue. Rise up and conquer that which is yours.

In my Captain Planet voice “THE POWER IS YOURS!!”

01/02/2018 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

What’s in Your Cup

Dr. R. A.

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If we should be asked the question “what is in your cup?” our minds would automatically gravitate to contents that usually occupy a cup, such as, water, coffee, alcohol, etc. However, the question is being posed for us to take a deeper introspection of our lives.

A story was told of a man carrying a cup of coffee. As he walked someone, accidentally collided with him and the coffee was spilled making a colossal mess. When asked why he spilled his coffee his initial reaction was to blame the person who bumped into him saying that it was his fault that his coffee was spilled. However, truth be told if he carefully analyzed the question he would realize that the coffee was spilled because coffee was in his cup. Whatever the contents of his cup was that is what would have spilled with any collision. It went on to explain that the collision that took place is just like life and whenever “life happens” then we will be shaken. The important thing, however, is not to focus on the shake but to pay keen attention to what spills out because only the contents of the cup can be spilled from the impact of a collision.

Starting today and continuing daily, I want us to not think of literal cups but to think of ourselves as cups and ask ourselves the question what is in my cup.  Whenever we experience a collision what intrinsically spills out of us? Under extreme pressure does the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit spills out of us naturally or does the manifestation of the works of the flesh become more intrinsic? Does our fundamental reaction consist of harsh (curse) words, anger, bitterness, hatred, malice, envy, unforgiveness, etc.?

In Matthew 23 Jesus made reference to the Scribes and Pharisees as only paying attention to the outside of the cup, ensuring that the outside is clean and presentable, while the inside of the cup is filthy. Have we become a people who are more concerned with our outward appearance and ignoring the contents that are within us and flows out of us without a second thought? When we are overwhelmed by the vicissitudes of life wouldn’t it be more satisfying and pleasing if love, gratefulness, joy, meekness, temperance, humility, and peace spilled out of us?

We all have choices and life is filled with them with every scenario that we are faced with. What will you choose? What fruits will you decide to bear? What contents will you allow to spill out of you when encountering the impact of a collision?

In my Captain Planet voice “THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!!”

May your year be filled with prosperity and good success, and you choose to display Godlike characteristics daily.

01/01/2018 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

Manifest

Dr. R. A.

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Manifest speaks to readily perceiving as it pertains to the sense of sight. Often in our life circumstances and situation causes our view to become clouded.  Our authentic self is surrounded by clouds of obscurity, brought on by broken dreams, shattered hearts, fragmented hopes, and splintered emotions. This results in us groping around in darkness and accepting labels that have been imposed on us by the perceptions of others and even ourselves. Our true identity has been robbed by life’s daunting experiences. Flashes of unpleasant memories plague our minds. As such, we live below our privileges and often suffocate by the weight of the world, and momentarily gasp for air that sustains us while we try to survive in an environment that we were not designed to live in. However, God has ordained for us to live. He came and died that we may have abundant life. 

When He died, He gave us the power to become sons of God.  Some treasures were placed on the inside of us waiting to be discovered and unveiled in the world. The opportunity to walk in freedom, accepting the gift of abundant life was placed at our feet.  All that is required is for us to break free from the labor of sin that only rewards with the wages of death. 

Regardless of what has been said and what your present or past has been, you have been chosen to be set free. It is high time to become that which you were designed to be. You are stronger and more equipped than you think. Turn your eyes on the Creator and place your ears close to His lips so that He can reinforce your true identity. Creation has held its breath waiting for you to manifest.

11/4/2017 Dr. R.A.

Spiritual

Purifying Trials

Dr. R. A.

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Sometimes it seems like the trials you are going through is going to destroy you. They come at you from various angles swiftly. The sudden blows sucker punches the air from your lungs, leaving you curled up in a ball squirming and unable to breathe.Every time the impact of each blows lessens, and you manage to stagger to your feet, without notice you find yourself once again face down to the ground. This leaves you not wanting to muster up the courage to stand up again to fight.

Sometimes you even question in your mind whether or not it has a purpose. But I’m here to remind you that nothing in your life happens haphazardly.  Every step and every situation has been purposefully designed. The trials you face are just to purify, cleanse and refine you. God’s objective is to make you clean and shiny. He is ensuring that you become more and more like Him. Guaranteeing that you are without spot, blemish or wrinkles. Yes, you were created in His image, but His nature is being developed in you. He does not want you to be just a form without power. As such, the pressure comes so that the oil can flow. So that when you see yourself and others see you they can’t help but give Him glory. Be encouraged your trials are a part of the process of you being a reflection of God! !!!

9/30/17 Dr.R.A.

Daily Post, Spiritual

Coincidence

Dr. R. A.

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Making my way through the fogs of life.

Acting like I had everything mapped out right.

But as I trodded along I stumbled upon You.

Was it a coincidence?

Absolutely not!

All the while You orchestrated my every step.

Until I came to the place where we met.

I must confess I have never been the same,

As You turned all my pain into gain.

You traded my sorrow for joy

Weakness for strength

I gave You my pieces, and You gave peace.

You provided refreshing and restoration as the need arise.

Coincidence?

I say not.

09/27/2017 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Coincidence

Daily Post, Spiritual

Stay Focused

Dr. R. A.

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At the onset of pursuing our dreams, we are usually very spunked. However, as time progress we tend to lose the initial level of enthusiasm as we may not have accurately calculated the cost of pursuit.  Less and less effort is exerted to accomplish something that once consumed every waking thought.  Nevertheless, to achieve the desired outcome then we need to get back on track. Our goals need to be realigned to the center of our focal point.

It is the plan and work of the enemy to prevent us from accomplishing our goals through various forms of distractions (loss of loved ones, ridicule, discomfort, shame, poverty, discouragement, sickness, challenges, obstacles, etc.). Nevertheless, I dare say, STAY FOCUSED! Stay focus on the prize and not the pain. Focus on the pleasure to gain not the injury. Shut out the negative voices that echo with cynical remarks as it pertains to your abilities. Remember no one knows your true potential except God. Let your dreams be anchored in Him. Do not get caught up in focusing on your current environmental conditions. Where you are now is not where you will be forever. Storms don’t last always. Seasons will change. Mornings will come after every night season. And in case you forget joy is a by-product of the mornings.

Pull up your bootstraps and press on. Put blinders on if you must, so that you can stay focused.

09/26/2017 Dr. R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Focused

Daily Post, Spiritual

Mighty

Dr. R. A.

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Who is mighty like our King?

Who is great like our God?

There is none whose power or strength can be compared

Great and Omnipotent is He

He is from everlasting to everlasting

Gracious, faithful and loving

He is bigger than any box our minds can construct

There is power in His name

The righteous runs in and they are safe

His name is a strong tower

He has all protective power

He is the God of all gods

He is indeed mighty.

 

09/21/2017 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Mighty

Daily Post, Spiritual

Blessing in the Crumbs

Dr. R. A.

Image result for crumb that fall from the masters table

We are often of the persuasion that to be blessed then we have to receive all of that which we desire.  However, this concept is extremely twisted and needs realignment. Quite contrary to the popular belief even a crumb can be a can be a huge blessing.

A story was told in the Bible of a woman who was in need of her daughter being healed.  She was not of the fold of Israel and knew that going to ask Jesus for healing was a huge risk. Nevertheless, she did not allow her fears or the consequences of her actions to dissuade her from obtaining her goal.

After mustering up the courage she went to ask Jesus to heal her daughter. To her surprise, after being ignored she was slapped with a seemingly insulting comment (“it is not meat to take the children’s bread and give to dogs”). Although her instincts told her to forget about what she desired she brushed them aside, swallowed her pride and continued to press for that which she desired the most. Her response was quite alarming to Jesus. She said, “true Lord but even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their master’s table”.  He, in turn, granted her request.

This shows that there is a blessing in the crumb. You may not always receive a whole loaf of the bread that you desire, but if you can shift your mindset to accept the crumbs, you will realize that the crumb is and has always been more than sufficient to satisfy your need. Never forget that there is a blessing in the crumbs.

09/20/2017 Dr. R.A.

via Daily Prompt: Crumb