Tag: God

Daily Post, Spiritual

None

Dr. R. A.

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Who is like the Lord?

Who is like God?

Who else but God can make crooked paths straight?

Who else but God can dry up rivers and seas?

Who else but God can mend a broken heart without surgery?

Who else but God is from everlasting to everlasting?

Who else but God can keep you alive in a burning furnace?

Who else but God can keep you alive in a den of hungry lions?

Who else but God can quench a thirsty soul?

Who else but God can give peace that passes all understanding?

Who else but God can set shrubs on fire, and the bush is not consumed by the flames?

Who else but God knows your every thought and sees your every tear?

Who else but God knows your uprising and downsitting?

Who else but God can satiate every desire?

I could go on and one but I say None

None to all of the above.

 

5/3/2017 Dr.R.A.

via Daily Prompt: None

Spiritual

Your Hair will Grow Again

Dr. R. A.

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Life is filled with choices being served as a dish on a platter. This results in us constantly making decisions, whether right or wrong. These decisions sometimes have a way of sapping our strength, leaving us extremely vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. Unfortunately, sometimes our choices may even lead to our ultimate demise as they have ripple effects.

As we grow older, these decisions become harder to make as we become more aware of the consequences of our choices. However, the pressure to perform or to prove that we are grown can tip the scale to the left. Therefore, supplying us with a greater degree of influence for making wrong choices. As everyone wants to be their own superhero and advertise their independence.

This is not unique to our dispensation. As a matter of fact, it was quite prevalent in the days of old as depicted in the Bible with stories about the patriarchs. Some of these choices made by these patriarchs were good and showed great rewards. Whereas, some decisions were wrong and proved to be very costly.  Regardless, however, because of their desire to serve and please God, He had a way of working things out in their favor.

In the book of Judges, we learn of a man named Samson who although was chosen by God and dedicated to Him from birth seemed to be prone to doing only that which was wrong because of the lust of his eyes, lust of his flesh and the pride of life. He placed a downpayment on temporary pleasure with his future power which was extremely dangerous and costly. The consequences of his choice left him blind, head shaved and imprisoned by his enemies. This left him in a position of shame, ridicule, bondage, pain and loss.  From the perspective of his enemy, all hopes were lost for him. As a matter of fact, he may have believed for a moment that there was no hope left and this would be his destiny. However, somewhere in the pitch darkness his eyes and heart got fixed on God, and he began to pray.  The change of perspective and his spiritual disposition resulted in his hair starting to grow again. His strength was regained with every strand sprout until his strength was matchless.  He then was able to destroy his enemies, essentially taking back everything that the enemy had stolen from him.

Maybe like Samson, you feel despondent, and your life is filled with despair because of the decisions that you have made. Maybe like him, you are experiencing ridicule, shame, pain, broken heart, sickness, insecurity, drug addiction, promiscuity, loss (financially, emotionally, physically, etc.). Maybe you feel like all is lost and there is no reason to continue to live. However, I say to you that your hair can grow again. Regardless, of what you have done if you fix your eyes on God, your hair will begin to grow again. This is not the end although it seems like the end. How do I know this? Because things always work out in the end. The fact that your heart is beating is proof that there is still hope for tomorrow. Therefore, if it has not worked out it only means that it is not the end. God can make a way out of no way. He can turn every crooked path straight and every Red Sea into dry ground.

It does not matter how deep you have fallen. You could be beneath the deepest depth of the sea, God can still reach you if you are willing to be pulled up. It does not matter how sick you are. The only thing that matters is if you are willing to be made whole.  You may want to disqualify yourself because of the numerous times that you have fallen, but remember that a just man falls seven times but gets back up. All you need to do is be willing to get back up. God has a future plan for you that is filled with good and not evil to give you and expected end.

Prayer: God, please let Your light shine in the deep dark areas of our heart. Let failures, weakness, insecurities, hopelessness, etc. be exposed so that Your people can regain strength. Let our hair begin to grow again. Open the prison cells that we have locked ourselves in because of bad choices that we have made and set us free to fulfill our purpose which is to worship You. Clothe us in Your righteousness as we ask for Your forgiveness. Help our eyes to affixed to You from this day forward. Amen.

4.27.17 Dr. R.A.

life, Spiritual

Discouraged- Now what?

Dr. R. A.

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The vicissitudes of life have a way of breeding discouragement in our lives. If this feeling of despair is not handled effectively, it can lead to our detriment. This is because discouragement can cripple us and prevent us from accomplishing our dreams. It has a way of making us want to take a break. Making us want to hit the pause button on life (if one existed) and catch our breath before we continue on the journey of life. Additionally, sometimes to be quite frank, discouragement has a way of making us want to throw in the towel and just calling it a day. It makes us want to hit the stop button and never hit play again, causing all the sounds from the music of life to end.

Discouragement may be defined as the loss of enthusiasm. As we all know enthusiasm comes from the Greek word “entheo” which means “in God.” This simply means that when we are discouraged, we have lost our grip in God.  Discouragement shows that God is no longer at the center of our focal point but rather has been replaced by whatever “boisterous winds and waves” that is causing turbulence in our sphere.

Becoming discouraged is very common to all humans, and its causes are too many to mention. Therefore whenever we find ourselves in this state, we should not become alarmed. Instead, we should employ tools that will cause us to break free from this prison and get back into the game of life and enjoy the music.

The Bible tells a story of a woman named Hannah who was barren. She had married the man of her dreams, and he loved her like none other. He would always show her ways of how much he loved her. Yet all this display of affection did not satisfy as she could not bear children. Although, Hannah’s life seemed perfect in regards to love and material needs she had an adversary named Peninnah who would taunt her for being barren. This made Hannah very discouraged, so much in fact that she no longer had an appetite for food. Additionally, nothing her husband said brought any comfort to her. She could have remained in her state and become bitter and become consumed by the “woe is me” syndrome, but she took a different approach.  She instead decided to pour herself out to the Lord. At a time when everyone was rejoicing and being merry, she made a sacrifice unto the Lord and pour out the anguish of her soul. This was being done so emphatically that the priest noticed and thought that she was drunk in the temple. However, in the end, we know that the Lord heard her petition and granted her request.

So how do we really push through these dark clouds of discouragement? How do we pick up the pieces of the chips that have fallen and begin to build again? I am in nowise saying that it will be easy but it is very doable. With a little effort, one can push through and encounter astronomical breakthroughs. So how can this be achieved?

  1. Get Up. Move from the place that you are familiar with. Move from the area of your comfort zone. Often we become so comfortable with being discouraged that we just want to remain in that place. However, coming out is going to require some movement on our part.
  2. Let go of the crutch. Often we use things and people as a crutch and refuse to let go even when we are able to stand and walk on our own. Releasing the crutch will reveal to us that we are able to do the thing and achieve the goals that we thought would never come to pass. Take baby steps if you must but let go of the crutch.
  3. Pray. Do not be afraid to pour out the deep anguish and cry bitterly to the Lord. He is God and He will hear when we cry out to Him. There is nothing that is too insignificant or too major to pray about. Prayer should be a part of our lifestyle.
  4. Ignore the eyes. People will always be looking at you, whether you are doing good or bad. Learn to ignore the eyes and that include the voice. They may have all kinds of negative things to say about you as you are getting our of the discouraged state but press on as the reward is greater.
  5. Be thankful. Even before you receive that which you are hoping for be thankful. Being thankful even before receiving will show that you are resting in God. He is your father and the One who is more that able to supply all of your needs. Remember gratitude will determine your altitude.

4/23/2017 Dr.R.A.

life, Spiritual

Drop on Purpose

Dr. R. A.

Image result for woman picking up barley

Often when we think about receiving a blessing, we presume that very little effort needs to be exerted to obtain one.  This often proves to be a flawed perspective as often we miss out on great opportunities/blessings because we do not want to exercise the required efforts to receive. Moreover, we are of the mindset that whatever we are going to receive as it pertains to blessings will be placed in the palm of our hands. This is also a very erroneous view. Have you ever considered that your “blessing” may be falling at your feet? Also, is it possible that is it being dropped on purpose? Have you been missing that which is designed to sustain you because you will not bend to pick it up off the ground?

The Bible relays a story about a young woman named Ruth who lost her husband and went to a strange land to live with her mother-in-law.  She may not have been the most confident as she gathered leftover grains for herself and her mother-in-law to survive. However, while she diligently worked picking up these grains, her kinsman redeemer (Boaz) took note of her and inquire about her. He was a man who was very affluent and influential. Upon hearing her story, he advised his servants to pull some heads of barley from the bundle and “drop them on purpose” for her. Now one may think yes that is a blessing, but not one that is “big of a deal,” since she did not receive it in the palm of her hand. Additionally, she had to exert the effort of picking it up from the ground. It was not gathered together and placed neatly in a bundle for her to take home. Instead, it was being dropped on purpose a little at a time, and she had to bend and pick it up to receive her “blessing.”  It was deliberately being placed at a low place.

I wonder if we could adapt Ruth’s attitude and never be too proud to bend and pick up what is already laying around to bless us.  Is it possible for us to take our eyes off the lofty things, the get rich quick schemes and look at what is already laying at our feet to bless us? Could glancing at the ground instead of gawking at the cloud be more profitable now?

The Bible admonishes us to be clothed with humility so that we can be exalted. Furthermore, it requires us to serve so that we can be leaders.  These both show that there is a purpose to being in a lowly position. Besides, when we pick up what seem insignificant an even greater blessing awaits us. Do not be distracted by the position of that which you need. Bend if you must and pick it up as it is being dropped on purpose.

Prayer: God help us not to be too high-minded that it prevents us from receiving that which you have purposefully given to bless us. Let there be a shift in our perspective as it pertains to receiving. Help us to recognize that as our father you will drop that which we need on purpose. Strengthen us to exert the effort required to receive a blessing. Amen.

life, Spiritual

A Crown of Life

Dr. R. A.

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The society in which we live is saturated with the notion of everyone being royalty. Almost everyone refers to themselves as queens/kings or princess/prince.  Yet although this is being professed the fact still remains that they wear no actual crown in this life. However, there is an opportunity to obtain a crown to wear. This crown will require us to “go through.”

To hear that one has to endure testing and temptations does not sound very enticing.  If the question should be asked who wants to undergo intense periods of testing, no one will volunteer. Nevertheless to obtain this crown then one has to endure these things. God designed this training regiment to build us up in our most holy faith. As such, the Bible declares that we should count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptation. It is only through these difficult periods of suffering and our faith being tested that our need for patience/endurance is developed.

Developing endurance is very critical as we as when endurance is fully developed we will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. And who really does not want to perfect and complete? Who does not want to have no need of anything? I am in no wise saying that enduring testings will be easy, but I say, it is doable. When persons join the army or the navy, then they usually go through a period of rigorous testing, and if they do not quit, they get the honor of serving their country. It is the same way with believers if we do not quit then we will receive a crown of life. Then we can definitely declare without the shadow of a doubt that we are royalty.

Do you find that you are currently going through diverse testing and temptations? Has the trials and temptation been so overwhelming that you want to quit? Do you love God enough to endure the testing phase? Would you like to one day receive a crown of life?

Prayer: Lord life can become so overwhelming at times because of its various testing and although we want to serve You wholeheartedly our flesh becomes weak. We are frail and sometimes are not able to withstand the fierce winds that are blowing. As such, we ask that You take our weakness during this phase of testing and give us Your strength. Empower us to endure these diverse temptations so that we can obtain a crown of life. Lift every spirit of being overwhelmed and give us the clarity that we need to see the purpose. Help us to fix our eyes on You so that we do no sink in these troubled waters. We ask for Your divine provision and guidance. Your word admonished us to ask if we lack anything and so we stand on the principles of Your word and look to You with an expectation to receive. Do in our lives only that which You can do and we say thanks. Amen.

4/13/17 Dr.R.A.

Spiritual

Thankful in the In-betweens

Dr. R. A.

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Being thankful always is not the easiest thing to do, especially when things are not going according to our desires. It is difficult to stay positive or be grateful in the “dark times” in our lives. To be thankful during times of sickness, death, rejection, failure, etc. can seem impossible. However, truth be told there is always something to be grateful for even during those trials of life.

Unfortunately, sometimes we also struggle are not thankful when we have that which we desire. This is because our society’s culture is that of consumerism. It teaches us to find fault with what we have so that we can get a newer model with the latest improvements. Which leaves us constantly discontent and unhappy, not being able to recognize that there so many things to be grateful for even when we do not see it.

Having an attitude of gratitude even in times of despair can be very beneficial to our entire being.  Sometimes it is embracing a grateful spirit that will empower us to get through difficult moments. So how do we possess gratitude during difficult times? How to we remain grateful in the in-betweens of life?

  1. Be Intentional. Being thankful is not going happen arbitrarily. It is something that we are going to have to do on purpose. Especially on days when the sky is falling, and we want to complain about everything we have to purposefully display an attitude of gratitude. So in these moments, we have to intentionally count our blessings.
  2. Be Humble. When we are clothed with the spirit of humility, then we will be able to to be thankful for what we already possess. Sometimes because our vision is not aligned right, we tend to focus on what we do not have instead of the things we already have.
  3. Serve. When we learn to serve others instead of being served, we will discover the true joy. Serving others will also take our minds off our own issues as sometimes we will see that there are others who are more in need.
  4. Huddle. When we get together with others (family and friends), it strengthens us. It gives us a better view of the picture and helps us to recognize that we are not alone. Often why we become unthankful is because our peripheral view only consists of ourselves. We think we are the only ones going through what we are facing and that we have to bear the burden alone. However, we need to remember that no man is an island. We need each other, so spend time with family and friends.
  5. Break the mold. Find ways of doing things differently. When we get stuck in the same routine, our lives can seem mundane and that there is nothing to be thankful for. Breaking the mold will cause us to step out of our comfort zone and discover new things, people, and culture that can be very pleasing.

When we practice these things we will recognize that the in-betweens are not as bad as it seems. Additionally, we will understand that we are operating in a controlled environment. Remember the word of God admonishes us that we should be thankful in everything for it is the will of God as it pertains to our lives. Happiness may not cause us to be thankful but being thankful will make us happy.

4.11.17 Dr.R.A.

life, Spiritual

Fan into Flame

Dr. R. A.

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Given the advancement in technology, it is easy to start a fire. However, there are key components that are required to keep that fire blazing, namely oxygen, fuel, and heat. If any of these elements are missing, then it will have an enormous impact on the intensity and even the existence of the flames.  Sometimes at the beginning stage of a fire, the flames are most vehement, but as time rolls on, it begins to dwindle until it eventually goes out.

The same scenario can be used to describe our passion for God and the things of the kingdom. As we continue along the pilgrim’s pathway, the flame that was once filled with zeal and passion begins to lose its intensity. This can be a result of many factors such as disappointments, sickness, broken heart, fear, etc. However, regardless of the circumstances that cause us to lose fervor, whenever it occurs we find ourselves in a perilous zone.

The Apostle Paul was aware that this could take place as such he admonished Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God.” What was the gift that God had given to Timothy? Was it fear? Was it timidity? Was it defeat? Was it hatred? Was it lack of self-control? No!!! Paul continued to “for God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This simple means that if we find ourselves at any point being fearful, envious, malicious, hating, not having self-discipline, etc., then the spirit we are operating in is not of God. We were never made to live in fear, cowering in shame and defeat, overwhelmed by depression or oppression and trembling because of inadequacies. Instead, we were created to live in victory, consistently displaying His power, love and wise discretion.  Therefore, we should fan the flames by thinking about things that are praiseworthy, lovely, admirable, right, pure, true, noble, honest and of good report. Additionally, read and meditate on the word of God, and pray about everything.

Has your passion gone dim? Are you fearful of things? Do you have malice in your heart? This is a sign for you to draw closer to God and fan the flames of His gift.

Prayer: Lord, please help us to be confident in Your Word so that we can be confident and victorious in every aspect of our lives. Realign our thoughts so that we can focus on the things that promote growth within us and make us better individuals. Empower us to draw closer to you so that our feet can be planted on higher ground. Wherever our flame of Your gift has gone out, I pray that You will rekindle.  Show us the areas that have gone dim so that we can fan them into flames. Amen.

4/5/17 Dr.R.A.

 

Spiritual

Overcoming Cravings

Dr. R. A.

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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.

 

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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.

life, Spiritual

Stepping into the Unknown

Dr. R. A.

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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.”

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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.

Spiritual

Permanent vs. Temporary

Dr. R. A.

Temporary Vs. Permanent The Pros and Cons

 

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.