It’s Time to get off the Sofa

Let’s face it, there are times when we may feel so weighed down by life that we just don’t want to do anything but curl up on the sofa, read a good book, watch a movie or eat our way out of our funk. But how many of you know that nothing I have just described has ever solved anything. To the contrary, because these behaviors have used up the one resource we can never get back we often regret wasting our time on such unprofitable acts…and let’s not talk about eating our way out of our funk. Although I’m not a stress eater I have watched a movie or two, or three, or four (and I’m stopping there), while indulging in a few snacks that I have yet to work off.

 

But enough, we may not be able to redeem the time we have lost, but we can put the error of our ways behind us and move forward. Unless we share our thoughts, bad habits and for lack of a better word, wastefulness, with others we are usually the only ones that know we are off our game, not doing what we know we should be doing or missing a step. And believe me we do know, but don’t let knowing cause you to beat yourself up, grab your favorite snack and get back on the sofa.

 

Recognize and acknowledge you are not doing what you know you should be doing. Maybe the year didn’t start of the way you expected. Perhaps you were expecting a new job or new relationship. Maybe you received disappointing news, or even something more devastating that has caused you to lie down on the sofa.

 

The sofa is just an analogy for the place you go to hide, sulk, rest, or remove yourself from your ‘real life’, the life God has predestined for you. The trials, tribulations; defeats that we face in this life are ‘world experiences’ but you my friend are a spirit living in a body. Your body, emotions; thoughts are impacted by the world, but your spirit is not. We read in Galatians 5:17 for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

 

I think Paul says it best in Romans 7:15, for that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. How many times have you said just one more chapter when reading that book, or I just want to see how this ends while watching a movie?  Perhaps you are eating your favorite snack and make a decision to finish it all so it will no longer be a temptation, only to find yourself purchasing a replacement the next time you are shopping, then vow you will eat the replacement snack only in moderation.

Well it’s time to get off of the sofa, time to move away from whatever has immobilized you and is preventing you from doing what God has called you to do. How many times have you said tomorrow, next week, or next month I will…

 

Today is your tomorrow, your next week and your next month. There is no time like the present.  You may not be able to take the bull by the horns and move full force into what you need to do, depending on what it is you are working on, how long you have been away from it, or what it’s going to take to move you to the next level.  Take baby steps. Any step is better than no step at all.

 

Each of us has a purpose, and as I often say ‘no one can do what you can do exactly the way that you can do it.’

 

Learn from the past.  Your experience is your testimony. It should be used to encourage yourself as well as others, but it’s just that, the past. Forgive yourself for lying on the sofa, get up, get moving and don’t look back.

 

Are You Waiting for The Other Shoe to Drop?

Solomon, who is credited for being the wisest man that ever walked the face of the earth, said in Ecclesiastes 9:11I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Have you ever heard anyone say if it wasn’t for bad luck they wouldn’t have any luck at all? Well my friend, first I’d like to assure you that there is no such thing as luck, neither bad nor good. As Solomon so wisely stated, sometimes things just happen. And even those things just happen nothing happens that God does not already know is going to happen. Things may take you by surprise, but nothing is a surprise to God.

Sure, each of us encounter experiences in life that are less than favorable, and often times we wonder why. We read in James 1:2-4 my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Believe it or not our less than favorable experiences build character. They are the foundation of our testimony; our encouragement for others.

We read in Proverbs 23:7 for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. If you are going around thinking that because you have experienced a couple, a few or even several less than favorable encounters that you are doomed and nothing good is ever going to happen to you, then guess what, you are going to get exactly what you are thinking. Change your mindset and change your future.

Jeremiah 29:11reads for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Stop expecting bad things to happen. Stop walking around sad and depressed thinking things will never get better. Negative thoughts tie Gods hands and prolong the blessings and abundant life He wants each and every one of His children to possess.

If you have been waiting for the other shoe to drop I ask you to make a conscious decision today to change your way of thinking. Jesus said in John 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Take hold of what is your inherent right. Grasp hold of the abundant life today. Don’t waste another moment sulking, hold your head up high, stir up the joy inside of you and live the abundant life!

 

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Nothing’s Changed

We read in Isaiah 55:10-12 for as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watererth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

How many times have you received a word from the Lord, but when things seemed to go contrary to what He has said you get that sinking feeling in your stomach and begin to lose hope?

After receiving not so favorable news I started getting that sinking feeling in my stomach. As I readied myself for my pity party The Lord quickly reminded me “nothing’s changed.” The word that He had previously spoken to me remained steadfast. It could not and would not change.

How often we are swayed by the thoughts that go through our mind, but they are simply that…thoughts! There is no validity. Our carnal senses have persuaded that what we think might happen is reality when truly it is not. Our mind, based on what we have heard or what we have seen has come to a conclusion on its own, but where are the facts?

The fact is if God has spoken, as we have just read, His word shall not return unto Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases. The fact is as Christians we are to exercise our faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…things hoped for. The things that we hope for are things that prosper us, things that have a good ending, things that bring peace, joy and comfort. If the thoughts that are going through your mind are contrary to the things that you are hoping for then they are not rooted in faith.

While our mind is wandering, conjuring up the worst thing we can imagine our spirit fights back reminding us of what God has said in His word. We read in 2Corintians 10:5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

As Christians we have the authority to call those things which be not as though they were. Take a stand. Refuse to believe the thoughts the enemy tries to shoot through your mind that are contrary to what you know is Gods truth. Stand firm. Don’t give in to worry, stress, anxiety or fear. When has worry, stress, anxiety or fear ever caused something to turn in your favor?

What God was telling me and what I am telling you is that it doesn’t matter what you’re facing, or what anyone says or does. When God speaks He already knows what you are going to face in the future. When your future becomes your right now His word is still valid. It has not changed. Whatever His word to you was, it still is. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith if for now. Faith is for the time that you want to give up, cave in and quit. Faith is for the time things look like they are not going to change. Faith is for this moment. The moment that you receive bad news, the moment you think you can’t go on.

God is saying nothing’s changed, so don’t you change. He hasn’t changed his mind about what He has said He is going to do, so don’t you change your expectation.

Secret Thoughts - Things We Are Afraid To Say Out Loud



What are your Secret Thoughts?

 

What are you afraid to say out loud?

 

Lean how to release your secret thoughts without fear of embarrassment, ridicule, envy or jealousy, and become empowered to speak out loud.

 

Join me at Medu Bookstore

Saturday November 8th from 2-5

 

Greenbriar Mall

2841 Greenbriar Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30331

 

 

 

 

 

Be Excited But Don’t Be Anxious

As I was praying one day, seeking the Lord concerning His Plan for my life He began to reveal things to me. As He spoke to me he said “It’s okay to be excited but don’t be anxious.” 

Sometimes during our journey, especially when we know we have heard from God we may have a tendency to become anxious. We have a vision and we are ready for it to manifest. In our eagerness to see our desired end we may become discouraged. 

We may lose sight of why we are doing what we are doing. We become focused on what we have defined as success, when success is each step we take towards our goal.  

We place undue pressure on ourselves. Instead of resting in God and His ability, we try to accomplish His Goals within our strength. When you think about it, what sense does this make? We must have faith and believe, but our belief must be in Him and His ability to work through us. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief Hebrews 4:11-12. Our labor should be to trust in Gods ability rather than in ours, and as you are aware it does take labor to believe when things all around you are causing you not to believe.  

We think we are running out of time. If things don’t happen the way we expect them to happen when we expect them to happen we begin to second guess ourselves, but we are actually second guessing God.  We think we may have missed our time. What we must remember as we read in 2 Peter 3:8 but, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Be Patient. He will bring everything He has placed in you to fruition in His time. 

Paul said in Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Learn to be content wherever you are in your journey. Every step that you make takes you closed to your destination. What may appear to be a step back may be a step that is required to ensure your foundation is firm. Have you ever taken a step forward as you were walking, felt as though you were losing your balance and quickly took a step back? God wants us to stand on that firm foundation, the Rock that the gates of hell shall not prevail against.  

You will experience trials and tribulation during your journey my friend, but be of good cheer. Be excited, but not anxious for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Give Thanks

 



We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. As we move through the month of October I would be remiss if I did not mention how grateful I am to be a breast cancer survivor.

In February 2004 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am celebrating 11 years of life this year. As I thank God for my health I also remember those that fought but did not survive. I pray for Gods healing hand on those that are currently in battle fighting to concur this attack which no man nor woman should have to endure.

I can’t say for sure why I was attacked by breast cancer. The doctors attribute it to genetics as my mother, now deceased but not from breast cancer and my sister both survived this monster. My sister was tested and was told she did not have the genetic marker for breast cancer.

What I can tell you is that I was forewarned as I prayed in November 2013. I heard The Spirit of the Lord say to me “you are going to get breast cancer but you are not going to die”.

When told of my diagnosis was I shocked? Of course I was even though I’d already been told what was going to happen.  I cried, but what I didn’t do was allow this enemy of life to steal my peace. I underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy as I was told the cancer in my left breast could reoccur in my right breast. I had a tram flap and received implants.

Today I still feel the side effects of the chemotherapy. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I recall as I was interviewing for jobs when I prepared to return to the work place I was wearing new shoes that were too small but I couldn’t tell initially because my toes were numb due to the neuropathy. I laugh at this now and am thankful I kept my joy even during the times I was nauseous, tired, bald, and could barely open my mouth.

I have many things for which to be thankful including life itself but life on earth cannot compare to eternal life with my Lord and Savior.

Whether your battle is with cancer, or some other sickness or disease. If your struggle is an addiction, affliction or vice. Whether you are seeking emotional, physical, financial or spiritual healing God is always there. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is waiting for you. If you have not already done so make a decision today to give your life to Christ. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior and allow Him to fight your battles, heal your heart and deliver out of the clutches of the enemy.

Be Blessed,

A thankful survivor

 

 

 

Are There Toxins in Your Life?

A toxin is defined as poison.  Poison can be defined as something harmful or pernicious, as to happiness or well-being. It is a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.

What toxins are there in your life? What, or who is causing you harm emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually? What or who is ruining or destroying your life? What or who is standing between you and Gods divine purpose for your life?

When I ask myself these questions I think about relationships that are not productive or are not life enhancing. I think about time used for activities which are not aligned with one’s character which could be allocated elsewhere.  I think about people and things that drain ones energy causing a person to be depleted of the strength needed to persevere.

In all these things, these toxins or poisons that threaten our ability to move forward, I also think about the role we play in allowing these toxins or poisons to have power or a place of existence in our lives. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:11…time and chance happen to us all. There are some things that will just happen in our lives. Please understand God does not cause bad things to happen in our lives, but He does allow certain things to occur. Also remember we read in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

When I think about my own life I know that there are decisions that I have made that led to less than favorable outcomes. If it were possible would I change some of the choices I have made, of course I would. I also know however that the choices that I have made have molded me into the person that I am today. Whether our choices are good or bad that are still part of the fabric of which we are woven.

As we read the account of Samson and Delilah we read of Delilah nagging Samson to the point that he grew so sick and tired of her nagging that he gave in to her request to know the source of his power. Samson lost his power, his eyes were gouged out and he was taunted. Samson sought God to avenge him. His power was restored and he slew more Philistines, those that sought to kill him, at his death than he did during his life.

Samson’s relationship with Delilah was toxic. It fits the description of poison as it ultimately led to his death. I pray that you are not in a relationship or behaviors that are poisonous. Are there however relationships or behaviors that you need to change or end? Perhaps they are not literally threatening your life, but they may be preventing you from moving forward.

Take a self-assessment. Ask yourself the following questions:

·         Do my relationships enhance or hinder?

·         Do my behaviors energize or are they weighing me down?

·         Do I allow myself to become engaged in activities that are counterproductive?

·         Am I pursuing Gods purpose for my life or allowing myself or others to sabotage my journey?

If your responses to these questions lead you to believe you are involved in toxic or unhealthy behaviors or relationships I strongly encourage you to take the necessary steps to make changes and healthy life choices.

It’s not always easy to end relationships or change behaviors. There may be times that you revert to your old behaviors and contemplate returning to old relationships. I am joining with you in prayer that God will give you the strength that you need to move away from the things that are hindering you and preventing you from pressing forward.

No matter how far you may have gone to the left or to the right God is more than able to help you get back on track. As we read in Philippians 11:6 being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.