It’s been said that I’m too emotional and the more I get to know myself, the more I’m glad God made me just the way I am.   Angie Stone, in her song, “Happy Being Me” says it this way:

Looking back on when I started
Had a lot of sun and a lot of rain
I’ve had some joy and broken heartache
But now that doesn’t mean a thing

I’m living for the joy and laughter
Longing for my befores and afters
All in all, it’s been cool
And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do

Stop reaching back for your beginnings
All those broken dreams that went down stream
As we grow, live and know
Somethings were never meant to be

Just like people, they come and go
Some will live forever and some will never know
That’s why God gives us memories
To lead us to our victories, I’m so happy loving me

So happy being me
I’m regretting nothing ’bout me
Too busy living life, living love freely
So happy being me

When I think further on the issue, I’d rather be known as one with lots of “e”motion than one who simply goes through “the” motion. Lack of commitment and lack of enthusiasm feels lifeless and having been faced with a disease that has rendered many “lifeless” I’m fully committed to living my best life now-full of emotion, love, compassion-totally emptying myself-purposefully determined to take nothing to the grave that was meant to be released in one way or another into the atmosphere. I pity the one that’s so calculated and so robotic always moving to the accepted beat of others yet dying on the inside from so much unleashed passion and unexplored personal interests.

That will never be me.  I’m passionate, loving, empathetic and I have been equipped with many tears to shed, I’m ME and happy being ME!  I pray the same for you-that you will be free in your emotions rather than be bound as you go through “the” motions.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Can you imagine the meek little lamb pictured above allowing what appears to be a shepherd this close to him, with his hand upon a very vital and life sustaining place on his body-only to find out that the one he’s allowed so close is actually a “wolf in shepherd’s clothing”?  To think that someone or something could be so cunning to trick a lamb into believing he/she/it is the one who will guide them and keep them safe yet is actually the one who is seeking to kill, steal and destroy them is hard to believe but is a harsh reality in today’s selfish, egotistical and narcissistic world.

I know we’ve all heard the term a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” but I come today to encourage you to stay on guard-not just from the wolf who will fit in with the herd and then attack, but rather the one who has been charged with leading, guiding, directing and protecting the flock-the shepherd himself has allowed himself to be molded into the “preying” tactics of the wolf and has continued on a mission to destroy all in his path.

I wish I could say that this is new territory but Paul in his final words to the church at Rome states: “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” (Romans 16:17-18)

The good news is that the word of God promises that these phony leaders will be dealt with harshly. “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” (Matthew 18:6-7)
 
I’m convinced that “little ones” in this text is not just in reference to children. I believe whether child or adult, even the purest, simplest soul, which has established any amount of faith, is not strong enough to resist all attacks he or she will face.

I am praying today that you will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God’s word.  You will need the complete armor-every bit of this protective gear if you are to have any chance of surviving the preying, swaying and destroying tactics of  “a wolf in shepherd’s clothing”.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Can you imagine the meek little lamb pictured above allowing what appears to be a shepherd this close to him, with his hand upon a very vital and life sustaining place on his body-only to find out that the one he’s allowed so close is actually a “wolf in shepherd’s clothing”?  To think that someone or something could be so cunning to trick a lamb into believing he/she/it is the one who will guide them and keep them safe yet is actually the one who is seeking to kill, steal and destroy them is hard to believe but is a harsh reality in today’s selfish, egotistical and narcissistic world.

I know we’ve all heard the term a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” but I come today to encourage you to stay on guard-not just from the wolf who will fit in with the herd and then attack, but rather the one who has been charged with leading, guiding, directing and protecting the flock-the shepherd himself has allowed himself to be molded into the “preying” tactics of the wolf and has continued on a mission to destroy all in his path.

I wish I could say that this is new territory but Paul in his final words to the church at Rome states: “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.” (Romans 16:17-18)

The good news is that the word of God promises that these phony leaders will be dealt with harshly. “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.” (Matthew 18:6-7)
 
I’m convinced that “little ones” in this text is not just in reference to children. I believe whether child or adult, even the purest, simplest soul, which has established any amount of faith, is not strong enough to resist all attacks he or she will face.

I am praying today that you will grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God’s word.  You will need the complete armor-every bit of this protective gear if you are to have any chance of surviving the preying, swaying and destroying tactics of  “a wolf in shepherd’s clothing”.

Today’s blog will “shoot straight” and “cut to the chase” as I ask you point blank: “What or Who in your life are you going through the motions with- continuing in and tolerating with only because you deemed it or them “good for business?” The motives that guide our choices and decisions have long lasting consequences so I pray today that we will begin to remove selfish ambition and allow God through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to choose wisely.

Focusing in on “who”, I rhetorically ask, “Did you choose her because she looks good to the camera?”.  “Did you choose him because he makes good money?” or “Will I choose them because they’ll be good for my image in this position or they know how to play the role in their position as my mate?”.  There is no sustenance to these self-serving rationales when decision-making. Furthermore, the lasting results are catastrophic at best.

As an African American woman, I am beginning to believe that we as a people believe that suffering is just our way of life.  We continue to stay in things with a warped mindset that God desires it be that way.  Looking over my 11 1/2 years of marriage, I saw decay after decay. The harsh reality was that while God allowed us to make the decision to marry, He(God) was never in it from the beginning.  If we are honest with ourselves, we married out of our own selfish ambition.  “His”(ex) choice was aided by the prompting of friends that “I was a good girl with a good job” and my choice was prompted by the fact that “my clock was ticking” and “something was better than nothing.”  The Holy Spirit was not a part of that and as such our vows were made before man with all the rhetoric and no life sustenance. The catastrophic end was insurmountable temptations, increased hard heartedness toward one another and an inability to build on such a groundless foundation.

The world has led us to believe that marriage is the one covenant you don’t break even if it kills you. Many have convinced themselves to suffer through it for “Christ’s sake.” Many have had numerous affairs outside the bounds of their marriages but continue to keep the façade reasoning that it is “good for business” which may include “ministry”.  If a Christ-centered marriage brings glory to God and your marriage does not, what kind of witness is that?   I am in total agreement that if two parties agree to “work together and to start or continue with Christ as its foundation”, then there is hope for a long lasting marriage that God can be pleased with and glorified in.” However, to stay “legally bound” and allow all sorts of corruption and chaos is purely insane to reconcile within yourself that God is “glad you stayed” in this manner.

If it is a “business decision” to stay because you feel your image will be tainted or the “empire” you have built will come down, rest assure that if you are living a life of sin under the guise of marriage, your empire is headed for destruction any way.

The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:22-23). You will be judged for what is done in the body (2 Cor 5:9-10). Need I say more?

When you are operating in the will of God, holy living not bible words or pretentious appearances is the result. Quit playing with God and fooling yourself.  What you’ve convinced yourself and others to be “good for business” will soon run you “out of business” and furthermore “bankrupt.”

At the beginning of each year, a lot of emphasis is placed on first fruits.  Often time we view this as just relating to our finances.  Today’s blog  encourages us to consider this area and much more.  In 2016, God wants us to give HOT (His Off Top) and live HOT (Holy on Through), and HOT (Heaven opposite Tophet)!

Our first fruits require that we give Him “His off Top!”

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10).  This is not just our money but includes our time.  Think of how much more effective your prayer and meditation time would be if you planned it for first thing in the morning and not at the very end of the day.

Additionally, God wants us to live so that what’s seen by others outwardly will not be hypocritical but instead will show evidence of what’s really operating on the inside of us. He wants us to live “Holy on Through”.

“If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.” (Romans 11:16)

He ultimately wants us to live with Him in Heaven.  The following scripture shows as He is the example for us in all things, He has been our greatest example of first fruit. He wants us to live in “Heaven opposite Tophet (To-fet)”.

“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.” (1Corinthians 15:20-25)

I hope during 2016, you will hear it said about you-Hey! That guy (That lady) is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!!!

Life is like a game, where we live and often compete according to rules with winners often determined by the best skill, strength or luck. The Christian life does not require competition and while salvation is free to all who choose it, embracing what Christ did for each of us should compel us to live a life that’s pleasing and aligned with God’s word.

Often times it seems that we are losing at the “game of life”.  Others appear to be prospering in the midst of wrong doing.  Unless you are able to walk every minute in the steps of someone else, it is best to not compare yourself to what you see and it is an even better idea to trust the process God has orchestrated for you and the promises God has made to you.  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, leaning not unto thine own understanding.  (Proverbs 3:5).

On the flip side of the coin is the person viewing you and assuming they have the upper hand or may be better off because on the surface or with the mask, their life to the outside world appears to be blossoming and in control.  Again, I encourage you to stay close to God and not get caught in the hype of “appearances.”  The Holy Spirit is real and reveals all truth.  “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Winners are free!  Free from judgment, free from condemnation, free from the weights of the masks, free from the opinions of others, FREE, FREE, FREE!  Winners don’t actually win by playing the games or competing.  Winners sit still and wait on God to move on their behalf.  “The Lord himself will fight for you.  You have only to be still (silent).  (Exodus 14:14)  So quit trying to keep up with the games.  Love hard and forgive often.  This is the only way to win!!!

Relocating to a larger metropolitan area has had its rewards and challenges. One of the challenges I had not anticipated was finding a church home.  It’s been almost 4 months now and what I thought would be too many churches to choose from has been not one that meets my simple expectations. Solid children’s ministry, reasonable commute (since I’m active throughout the week), sound doctrine being preached and evidence of the great commission are my primary criteria.  While I’ve been blessed to experience one or two of the criteria, I have yet to experience all of them in one place. Sadly enough, it’s been tough to get the opinion of others residing here, because many of the ones I’ve surveyed, in dealing with the same struggles have given up and resorted to staying at home, watching t.v. ministry or perhaps doing nothing at all.

This morning while riding to work a few thoughts crossed my mind.  Is a big church, known for it’s free programs and jamming choir but also known for it’s lackluster leaders better? Are sometimey saints who snuff the life out of new converts who join with fire burning to begin ministry but are kept at bay because Sis. So n’ So been “running” these activities-is this better?  When guest preachers, speakers and soloists come for revival or special services, these churches boast of “standing room only” but when scholars are brought in to teach discipleship and leadership in the church, attendance does not represent 5% of the active church membership?

What is the “big” church doing to attract members?  Better yet, what is it doing to retain them?  Frankly, speaking what is happening to distract new members? Is anyone taking note and adjusting where necessary? So many committees initiate for a good cause but turn into cliques that weed out others and form barriers for no additional entry.  Our gifts are to make room for us but yet there are obvious signs that some would be more comfortable if we used our gifts somewhere else.

In history, the church grew from opposition. Today, I believe the church Christ intended is dying from opposition. Those who love the Lord have grown discouraged by the enemy’s tactics and schemes within the confines of the church.  In many instances, the numbers maybe growing or remaining static but the growing  church has become the safe place for “meeting up” and hosting “red carpet” affairs but less effective in winning souls to Christ. It’s interesting that while many church buildings exist on every corner, crime continues to rise in mass numbers.  For many who have been willing to come into the fold, cliques have placed barriers for entry in many of the ministries in the church. The following passage is one in which the actions of cliques are forbidden in the bible:

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. ² Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³ If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?…..¹² So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. ¹³ There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:1-4, 12-13)

I’ve encouraged some not to quit yet I continue to see the devastating effects on those who stay and try to maneuver through the cliques.  A mature faith that teaches you who your true adversary is must be allowed to develop within the church. A person just coming into the fold looking for refuge from a world that’s dealt them hard knocks will not have the strength or spirit to wage war in an environment that looks so much like the world they just tried to escape from.  With the direction that many churches are heading, I can’t help but ask the question-Clique or Quit-which one is better?