On the cusp standing firm on Your word
My will totally surrender to Yours
Heart racing because of all the expected changes
Yet there is a peace that resides on the inside
As I look ahead, I smile
In my mind’s eye, all I see is rainbow
Reminding me of the surety of Your promises
I inhale and exhale deeply
As my diaphragm expand and contract, I am assured of Your very present spirit
I am ready for the journey
So I step off the cusp onto the path that You have destined for me
4.4.17 Dr.RA.
Whether or not we want to admit it there are things we carve especially in moments of vulnerability. If we decide that we are going to exclude things from our diet, then our bodies begin to crave the exclusions. It seems like everywhere we go that the things we decide not to consume are the only things that are available. They jump out at every angle ass if they are begging to be consumed. Sometimes in the avoidance process, we become so vulnerable that we cave into the demands. Much effort has to be exerted to stick to our new diet.
As it is in the natural realm, so it is in the spiritual realm. There are things that we crave and often struggle as the enemy of our souls have a way to show up armed when we are most vulnerable. He comes and offers that which will satisfy our appetite whenever we are most hungry. Truth be told this often poses a challenge as the temptation to satisfy such cravings is seemingly overwhelming but know that we should not partake as the consequences of such actions will be too great.
Often we are misguided into thinking that the temptation(s) of the enemy is just on a large scale basis. As such, we often guard ourselves against the “big sins” (fornication, murder adultery, etc.a great) attack and overlook the “little sins” (malice, envy, strife, worrying, doubt, gossiping, people-pleasing, etc.). We tend to forget that a little leaven will have a significant impact on the whole. Did I just include people-pleasing? Is that even a sin? Yes it is a sin! Galatians 1:10 posed the question “am I now striving to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” Sometimes we become so caught up in becoming accepted socially that it clouds our judgment. And anything that is put before God is an idol. But we will delve into that more deeply another time.
So how do we overcome these cravings? Well, we are often misguided into thinking that avoidance is all that will be required. We try to convince ourselves that if we ignore these things, then they will just vanish. However, more effort is needed to overcome things. To overcome something by definition is to succeed by dealing with it. There is no way to ignore and overcome. So how can we overcome? Lets cut to the chase – we use the word of God.
Sounds simple right? It is somewhat harder than we think because of our perception of the Word of God. This is because we generally perceive the Word of God as a light to our path (which it is) and not as the weapon that it is (two-edged sword). Whenever we view the word of God as only light to our path, we miss its real power. That is because when you are traveling in the wilderness, the torch (which gives light) is also used to ward off insects and reptiles that will attack (a weapon). Therefore, our perception of the word of God needs to be broadened.
Jesus knew that the word of God was a weapon. Therefore, when He was tempted by Satan in His most vulnerable state, He drew the sword (the word of God), wield it skillfully and cut the enemy to pieces. The word of God was the best weapon available to defeat the tactical schemes of the enemy. It empowered Him to overcome the cravings of His flesh.
Have the walls of your mind’s eyes been expanded to see the word of God as more than just light? Do you know what the word of God has to say about that which you crave? Are you capable of wielding its truth skillfully to your defense?
Prayer: Lord, please remove the scales from our eyes as it pertains to Your words. Cause the minds of our understanding to become enlightened. Help us to recognize that it is in knowing the truth of Your word that we will experience true freedom and victory. Empower us to study Your word so that we be able to pick up its sword and practice with it until we are able to overcome whatever comes our way. Thank You for reminding us that we can be victorious and overcome our cravings. Amen.
4/4/17 Dr.R.A.
It is often said there are no certainties in life except for change. I want to add to say that facing the unknown is also a guarantee. The longer we walk this journey called life, the more we will face the unknown. Whenever these situations present themselves panic often set in our minds. We start to hyperventilate because of fear, our heartbeat race and our limbs begin to feel incapacitated. However, stepping into the unknown does not need to be scary. All we need to walk into the unknown with confidence is God because He knows exactly what the future holds. Additionally, the best part about walking into the unknown with God is that He is a God that is loving, kind, merciful, who has good thoughts towards you, a God that will give you an expected end, and a God that can be trusted. Therefore we can have faith in Him and step into the unknown. F.Buechner states “Faith is stepping into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp.”
In the Bible, we read about a young woman called Ruth who after suffering the loss of a loved one still clung to God and walked into the unknown. She made up her mind that she would follow her mother in law back to her homeland. Her mother-in-law tried to persuade her not to because she believed she had nothing more to offer her. Nevertheless, Ruth declared emphatically, “entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
Ruth was completely unaware of what she was walking into. She was not familiar with the land, its customs or its people. Notwithstanding she was trusting God to keep her safe and guide her footsteps into the unknown. The outcome of stepping into the unknown with God was beyond her expectations. She became the wife of a very wealthy man, a man of prominence (Boaz) and had children. She was also able to turn her mother-in-law’s sorrow into joy. Additionally, it was through her lineage that Christ came. She was given quite a legacy because she entrusted her life to God and stepped into the unknown with Him.
Looking at your life right now you may not be where you had hoped. Your life may have been filled with disappointments and broken dreams. You too like Ruth may have encountered loss and you may feel there is no reason to carry on. Those who surround you may be encouraging you to remain in your place of loss. They may be encouraging you to play your life safe and remain in your comfort zone. However, life only begins when we step out of our comfort zone.
What unknown situation(s) are you faced with? Are you allowing fear to cripple you from stepping into the unknown? Do you have the courage to go wherever God leads so that you can receive the blessings that He has in store for you? Are you willing to step into the unknown with God?
Prayer: God please help us to be willing to let go of all our inhibitions and entrust our lives completely to you. Break off all the limitations from our lives and everything that will leave us feeling incapacitated. Breathe your strength and joy into our lives. Help us to recognize that as long as you are with us then there is nothing to fear. Empower us to walk confidently into the unknown with you, knowing that we already have the victory. Amen.
4/3/17 Dr.R.A.
Life is filled with constant hustling and bustling. It is a whirlwind of decisions to make, things to do, people to meet, problems to solve, places to go, dreams to accomplish, etc., that leaves an individual in a frenzy. One can hardly find time to catch their breath with the consistent demands for attention and affection. This result in one feeling pressured and downright obligated to continually be dressed in the “superhero cape.” Notwithstanding, the need for pause is quite eminent. As Mark Twain stated, “the right word may be effective, but not as effective as a rightly timed pause.”
Pausing gives us time to breathe and to have clarity of thoughts so that the right decisions can be made. It also affords us the privilege of not operating from an emotional standpoint. Additionally, when we pause, we get more accomplished. Usually, when we succumb to external forces and make a decision, we encounter more harm than necessary.
In the book of Ruth, we learn about a man who left his home with his wife and kids to live in a strange land. At the time he made that decision his homeland was experiencing the severe duress of famine. The external condition caused him to make a decision that would not benefit him as planned. The Bible lets us know that he died in the land of Moab along with his two sons, leaving behind his wife and children’s wives. The story continued making us aware that the wife and one daughter-in-law went back to their homeland and actually prospered in that land. One can only wonder what if he had implemented a pause before making such a decision. What if he had waited like the other inhabitants of that land? Would he not have experienced the overflowing abundance like the others?
Moral of the story is to implement the “pause” when making a decision. Do not let the pressure of external factor influence your decision-making process. Take time and breathe before making a decision. A pause could save your life.
4/2/17 Dr.R.A.
The first thing that Abraham did when he came into the promised land was to build an altar. This may not seem significant but it it is of utmost importance. Generally, humans tend to look out for themselves and seek ways of satisfying their needs first. However, after traveling for such a long period of time and although he may have been quite tired from the journey he put himself aside and build an altar unto the Lord. Putting one’s self and feelings aside is not an easy task and require great sacrifice one’s part. In essence, it demands that one be dead to their fleshly desires.
An altar represents something permanent. Abraham’s first desire was to offer to God something that would be lasting. He was determined to offer something to God that was indestructible and would remain unchanged indefinitely. It also represents a place of sacrifice and worship. Abraham was basically saying, God, I will put you first and permanently lay down my life as a sacrifice of worship unto you. His lifestyle of putting God first was also transferred to his son Issac.
In the book of Genesis, the Bible states that “Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well” Gen 26:25. The significance of this text I believe is that Isaac built an altar unto the Lord and pitched his tent. I say this because Isaac offered unto God that which was permanent(an altar) and built for himself something that was temporary (tent). A tent is something that can easily be erected and removed. Isaac was stating emphatically by his actions that the things of God were more important that anything and would always be permanent. Whereas, the things caters to his needs are temporary. He understood that they could be easily established and removed. He was also demonstrating that he was depending on the leading of God for his life and was willing to move whenever and wherever God wanted him to. He displayed that his life really belonged to God and that he would honor Him even with his body.
The word admonishes us to present our bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto God. Won’t you build an altar unto God with your life? Won’t you permanently lay down your life as a sacrifice of worship unto God? Won’t you give God that which is permanent as it pertains to your life?
4/1/17 Dr.R.A.
Often when we are fearful, we have a tendency to cower and hide. Fear causes our nervous system to be flooded with endorphins. These emotions transmitted throughout our body cause us to sweat, our heart race (beating so hard like it is about to break free from our chest), the hair on our necks rise and our legs shake. Every member of our body seemingly shuts down with the exception of our emotions. This causes us to generalize fear as that which cripples hampers and prevents us from walking in purpose and possess that which belongs to us. However, what if we could look at fear from another perspective. What if fear could be viewed as that which propels, pushes, and catapults us into the place that we need to be? What if fear is the ultimate driving force? What if fear is the really the gateway to freedom?
Life is consist of both mountain and valley experiences. Our perspectives often get skewed into thinking that there are more valley experiences than there are mountain top experiences. However, this is not the case as valleys are located between two mountains. Some valleys are wide whereas others are narrow which aids in our distorted view. Nevertheless, no matter how long, wide, short, narrow or dark our valleys may be what we should never lose focus of is that God is always present. Psalm 23 states “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death you are with me.” Because God is there the death that we see is only a shadow which cannot exist without the light. As such, God who is ‘light’ is guiding our steps so that we do not utterly fall in the darkness.This does not mean we will not encounter pain or sorrow, it simply means that no matter what happens we are on God’s watch, and if God is watching us and is for us, then nothing can stand against. Knowing this we really should not fear. Notwithstanding we do and blame it on being human. This action is not a thing of the present as it has been occurring since olden times.
The Bible tells a story about the children of Israel who we sent to spy out the promised land. When there returned of the twelve that went only two had a good report and believed that they were able to possess the land. The others cowered in fear and wanted to forfeit that which was already given to them. They opted to for “flight” instead of “fight.” Only two were able to see that there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Only two were able to see that what they feared was the gateway to freedom. Overcoming the fear would allow them to enjoy the blessings of the promise. Everything that they desired was on the other side of fear.
Only two chose to move forward in spite of fear trusting God to make possible that which He had promised. Fear was their ultimate driving force to obtain the promise of possessing the land. They knew that if they “fight” they would win.
Are you aware that you were born to win, to prosper and to rise? Do you know that defeat is not a part of the expected end that God has for you? What is is that you fear? Will you use that fear to propel you to the place you were destined to be? Will you face your fear so that you can experience freedom?
Prayer: God you see all the things hides in the dark areas of our hearts and minds that haunt us and causes us to fear. Today we are asking that you shed your light in these areas so that the darkness can be dispelled and fear dissipate. Please empower us to use fear to propel us into becoming and doing that which you have called us. Remove the scales from our eyes so that we can see that fear is only the gateway to our freedom. Take full control over everything that concerns us and let your divine will be done. Amen.
3/30/17 Dr.R.A.
The phrase “let go and let God” rolls off the tongue easier than it is to actually be implemented in an individual’s life. Often a believer will confess that they have let go and profess that they are allowing God to lead but as soon as there is a bump in the road then panic sets in. Understandably so as it is quite challenging to let go of the tangible and rely on that which seemingly is intangible. Life’s unpredictable circumstances have taught us to hold on to the experiences that we have gained. We never know when the tide of our lives will change and as a result, we often find ourselves in a quandary grasping at straws and gasping for air.
All the experiences can be deemed memorable. Some leave us feeling like we are floating on a cloud of air somewhere in the exosphere because of the joy and the bliss that they bring. Whereas the excruciating pain of others cannot adequately be explained by our limited vocabulary. Regardless of the occurrence, however, we have learned to cherish each experience and categorize as either a lesson or a blessing.
Unfortunately, however, the more we tend to hold on to these experiences (whether positive or negative) is the more we lose the ability to let go easily. These experiences sometimes leave us imprisoned in open door cells. I say ‘open door cells” because when opportunities present themselves instead of leaping and possessing that which is ours, we talk ourselves out of walking the course of destiny. We would rather settle for the bliss already experienced not realizing that there is greater joy ahead. Or nurture the pain of the past. Although either choice may bring some degree of comfort, it will hinder growth, as real growth can never occur in comfort zones. It is, therefore, imperative that we let go.
Psalm 46:10 profoundly states “be still and know that I am God…” If we should examine the phrase “be still” it originates from the Hebrew word raphah which mean to let go. The essence of this chapter is encouraging believers that no matter what the circumstances are we should let go and let God. Let go of all out inhibitions, fears, our vast range of emotions, intellect, etc., and let God. We can do this with confidence knowing He is God and that He will be exalted.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to let go of whatever causes me to be imprisoned in open door cells. Help me to realize that there is so much greater that you have in store for me, waiting for me to trust you and divinely walk into destiny. Empower me this day to start making steps to (even if they are baby steps) to walk out of these confinements so that every limitation can be destroyed. I confess that I am ready to let go and let you have complete control.
2/29/17 Dr.R.A.
People are often misguided into thinking that to achieve greatness then selfish desires must be on display. From an early age, the passion for aspiring for more has been ingrained into our psyche. We want a higher salary, corner office, lofty titles, etc. as the perception of having these things will validate our identity. However, our source of identity is never found in the things that we own. Our source comes only from the One who formed and fashioned us when we were in our mother’s womb. Additionally, greatness we desire is not obtained by achieving these things.
Many books, articles, and speeches have been given on how to achieve greatness. Most follow the concepts that have been outlined by Margret Thatcher namely:
Although these principles if applied may enable one to reach their goal of obtaining material things. These actually does not indeed allow one to become great. Greatness in its truest form can only be achieved through selfless service. Now I know that with technology most individuals are trying to prove just how selfless they are by helping others and recording or live streaming their actions. Sometimes these things are done to get notoriety which does not please our Maker. True selflessness is not focused on gaining a platform but loving and serving others where they are even if there is no spotlight.
The Bible states that whoever wants to be a leader must be a servant. God’s ways are always different from the ways of men. To be great then one has to submit themselves to God’s leading. Our thoughts have to be transformed by God so that we can know His will for our lives and be pleasing unto Him.
Do you want to be great? Well, give yourself completely over to God and let Him lead. It is within reach, just ahead if we allow Him to direct our path.
Prayer: Lord help us to surrender our lives completely to You and Your leading. Let the spirit of obedience rest on us so that we will walk in the precepts and statutes that You have outlined. Help us to surrender our emotions to You so that anxiety does not subdue us. Remind us continually that Your ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Strengthen us to resist the values of the world and the pressure to conform to its ideologies. Empower us to pursue the kind of life that You have created us to obtain. Amen.
3/26/17 Dr. R.A.
Often when we hear the word provoke our thoughts automatically assumes something negative. We assume that something is being done to cause someone to feel angry or annoyed. I am not sure if it is the evil inclination in humans that causes us to assume the worst first.
Provoke by definition is to stimulate a reaction in someone. What if we could endeavor to stimulate good reactions in others by provoking them? Not exactly the first thing that pops in our thoughts right. However, it is very possible.
The Bible in Hebrews 10:24 states “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” This simply means that our actions and words should excite, trigger, stimulate, etc. others to love and do good.
We have not been very cognizant of the fact that love begets love. The Bible says, that “for God so loved the world that He gave.” It was the giving of that love that causes us to love Him in return. His action of love provoked us into falling in love with Him. Should we therefore not let our actions provoke others to worship God and to love others?
What are your actions provoking others to do? Are your words seasoned with grace? Does your lifestyle excite others to worship God?
Today let us examine our words and actions and see whether or not they stimulate others to glorify God, love and do good works.
Prayer: God, please help me to let the words I speak and my actions align in giving honor to Your great name. Let my lifestyle be true worship unto you. Let the light that you have deposited within me shine so bright that others are able to see You evidently in me and come and glorify You. Remove far from me any actions, thoughts or words that do not give honor to you. As I endeavor to please you more. Amen.
3/22/17 Dr.R.A.
Everyone desires to be great. As a matter of fact, greatness is the undertone of every conversation. Various books, movies, and articles have been written about how to be successful. The definition of success for individuals is being skewed by that which society defines as success. Persons that are not yet at the pinnacle of society’s definition of success are feeling the weight of the waves of pressure to perform. The heights of the waves have gushed over them leaving them sinking into the dark deep hoping not to drown in their own despair. Appreciation for humble beginnings is almost a thing of yesterday. Instead of praise, the slow, long and tedious process of humble beginnings is acknowledged with a curse.
Appreciation for humble beginnings is almost a thing of yesterday. Instead of praise, the slow, long and tedious process of humble beginnings is acknowledged with a curse. However, if we stop allowing society to define success for us, then the pressure to perform will lessen. We will be able to enjoy the journey knowing that success lies in the journey and not the destination as it has been depicted.
We often tend to forget that in the process of small beginnings we learn how to have humility. That may not seem to be rewarding, but its value is priceless. I say this because pride always comes before destruction, however, with humility comes greatness. Humility is like fertilizer to our heart which results in us having a right spirit no matter our current circumstance.
Additionally, small beginnings teach us to have the proper work etiquette and how to be grateful.
When we are able to work with a cheerful spirit, knowing that doing the work is a blessing in and of itself. Then even God Himself will rejoice to see the work being done. This should cause us to rejoice knowing that if God is pleased He will reward with bountiful blessings.
Are you in a place of small beginnings? do you have the right attitude in this season of your life? Have you been grateful while putting in the work? Do you have a patient spirit or are you filled with anxiety of moving to the next big thing? Today ask God to examine your heart as it pertains to the “small beginnings” areas of your life so that you will be able to enjoy the journey and be rewarded greatly.
3.20.17 Dr.R.A.
Issues from the Heart 