Going Out on a Limb

"Creativity equals failure…Creativity requires a willingness to look stupid. It means getting out on a limb-knowing that the limb often breaks!"
-John C. Maxwell

De-li-cious!

For a short period of time, I gave up my favorite candy, Hot Tamales. For all of those who know me, this was a big commitment. It was worthwhile, but I was definitely hurting. Nothing could replace the craving I had for these candies. I began to eat other candy in the attempt to fulfill that craving, but absolutely nothing satisfied me. So when the day came that I fulfilled my commitment, I popped one of those delicious mouth-watering candies into my mouth and the boiling craving began to simmer. After I completed my first box, I was feeling quite good.

Isn’t this how it is with God? When we are away from him, we try to fulfill the cravings with other things. We may even pick up a few bad habits along the way. But, nothing can satisfy that craving until we get a dose of Jesus. Once we try Him, we can’t get enough. (God is not bad for your teeth, so you can fill up as much as you’d like.)

I Wanna Give...

Sometimes, when I think about God’s goodness, I just wanna…
Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance all night.
&
Shout, shout, shout, shout, shout all night.

I have been basking in God’s goodness and learning how to lean on His promises. You want to know one thing I have come to understand. That God deserves…
Praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, all night.

Even when the times seem to take a turn for the worse, and things seem to be out of whack. He is in control, so just give Him the….
Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, all night.

When you give credit where credit is due and continually put God above all the problems and the mess that can build up in our lives, God will bless powerfully.

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalms 34:1-3)

“But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.” (Psalms 68:3)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

Built for Change

"To be built to last, you have to be built for change!"
—Jim Collins, author, "Built to Last"

Y 2 K – T h e y e a r 2 0 0 0. 2 1st C e n t u r y.
A NEW YEAR. A NEW CENTURY. A NEW GENERATION. A NEW BREED.

As a 20 year old college student, what did Y2K mean to me? It meant there was going to be a global crash of technological systems because our code was not written to support the new century. I could remember thinking what idiots (yes, I said this because of course I was a college student who knew everything and felt I was always right) we must be to not be able to support a century change. We’ve only been expecting this for 100 years. Are you telling me that my clock might not work or I can’t pull money out of the ATM machine because it was not built to support zero’s in the code sequence? I didn’t mind that the computers would not work because that would allow me extra time with my reports, but don’t mess with a college student’s money.

Well it turns out that everything was fine. I could pull money out of the ATM machine (I just had to figure out how to get more money in). Any ways, this situation and the panic that arose from it with the realization that in building our technological foundations did not account for radical change brought about many questions. Are we ready for change? Are we built to support radical, profound change? How can we prepare for change?

A few years later, I realized much change has occurred in the 21st century. What was nearly the end of many businesses, became the cause of their success. A change was required in order to endure and changes were indeed made. We have cell phones that now fit in your pocket. I once had a cell phone that couldn’t even fit in my purse. There are CDs instead of records. Internet instead of libraries. Email instead of snail mail. Atari use to be high tech, now Ninetendo is outdated and Xbox has filled the spot. Blackberrys, iPods, you name it and something more technologically advanced has been created in order to not fall behind and possibly lose everything due to the inability to change.

So what has this meant for the church running into the 21st century? In the past 6 years, how have we changed and what can we benefit from in order to not fall behind and become extinct?

First, technology has become a vital role in our existence. Technology has been able to support our desire to reach a broader audience. Outreach is no longer limited to your city, let alone your state. You now have the ability to reach others nationwide as well as worldwide. Email, Internet, and podcast, have contributed to the growth of the church.

Secondly, a more relaxed approach has been taken. Relaxed environments create more welcoming environments. On my job, we are given casual Fridays. On this day we come in to work in relaxed attire. This creates a more productive atmosphere. I am more comfortable and open when relaxed. I am more willing to listen and more productively communicate when comfortable.

Thirdly, a more open mentality has been taken. We are not of this world, but we do live in this world. We cannot be oblivious to what is going on around us or else we have put ourselves in dangers path. We must build our offense by knowing the defense. Know what appeals to as well as what offends the other team. Learn their style, their technique and build a “game plan.”

So how do we build a foundation upon change without bringing about fear? Well, change is always scary. If it wasn’t, then it isn’t change. However, things do not need to drastically change from one day to the next. Everyday shouldn’t be a guessing game. When baby’s get their immunization shots, they are received during different times throughout their first years. You can’t give them 20 shots at one time and (1) expect the doses to work properly without one immunization reducing the effectiveness of the other and (2) expect that baby to be quite unhappy and more than likely traumatized from such a dramatic experience. Likewise, we must inject the changes in phases. Inject one thing let it sit, and then inject another. Build a “treatment” plan. When one change has an adverse side effect, know what substitute you can give in its place. You don’t want to digress in your treatment, but sometimes a slower pace or substitute may be required to proceed.

So remember, we cannot stop change, but we can build a foundation that is prepared to support change. Build your “game plan” or “treatment plan” and be sensitive to your surroundings. Are your team captains on board with your new strategy? Are your nurses ready to administer a substitute drug? To build a lasting foundation, be prepared for change.

Standing on the Promises of God

On April 11, I wrote the following:

I am so sick of the devil trying to interfere in my life and in the blessings of God, that I began to claim this victory in Jesus name. God never intended for us to live our lives at the mercy of the devil, so there is no need for me to get all caught up in the devil’s manipulative power but to declare victory in the power of the Almighty God.

I did exactly this, declared His victory and believed. I was determined to change my way of thinking because I realized that it was a hindrance and the plan of the devil and not the will of God. I never realized that I was locking the blessings out of my life. Only when I got so fed up with the devil did I figure out that too many times did I believe the lies of the devil.
So, I battled with the devil. I kicked up my investment in God a little bit more and declare victory on His promises. I wrote down what I was believing for God to do so that I would not forget the goodness of Jesus when Victory became mine.

Today, two days later, I have received 3 out of the 8 miracles I was seeking. One thing I was told I would receive on April 25. I told the devil to get behind me because I believed it would come it on April 13th. The first came this morning and the remaining two came in within hours and the fourth will be delivered tomorrow. What comfort is received when standing on the promises of God!

I say all of this not for you to think I am only concerned with financial miracles. My April 11th submission used my raise as an example. I am still believing that this is going to be worked out. God delivered on other blessings. You see, we don’t have to believe that God can only bless us with money. The real reward is not in money. The reward I received out of this was the conformation of God’s promises; a conformation in my spirit and the answer to my prayers. My prayers were beyond financial blessings. They were prayers of the heart and assurance of the changes I am trying to make in me.

Worthwhile Investment

Tonight, my pastor spoke on the priceless value of worship. He said you either have sight or insight. Some think that that the investment we make in loving God is a waste. Today, talk is all about the investment in our future. Instead of pensions, we receive 401K. IRAs and HRAs are that investment of our future. We go to school to invest in our future careers. Investment is in. Well, investment in our future begins with the investment in our relationship with Jesus. What we invest in now is for our eternal future, but God is so good that He even rewards our investment here on earth. So I have to agree with the current mindset. Invest, Invest, Invest…but do it in God. His return on our investment is likewise priceless and far greater than any material ROI (Return on Investment).

Sick &Tired of being Sick &Tired

About a month and a half ago I testified of the financial blessing God provided me on my job. I had been claiming this blessing for many months and it came, just like God promised. In fact, my manager said the blessing I received is nearly unheard of in my company. Today, a month and a half later, I still have not received the full increase promised. After many days and emails, the problem still exist. So when I hung up the phone this morning, I began to really get upset with the devil. In fact, I just got fed up. I am so sick of the devil trying to interfere in my life and in the blessings of God, that I began to claim this victory in Jesus name. God never intended for us to live our lives at the mercy of the devil, so there is no need for me to get all caught up in the devil’s manipulative power but to declare victory in the power of the Almighty God.

Jesus said in Mark 11:22-23, "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." The key to this scripture is to have no doubt in your heart, but have faith that will move mountains.

Joy Haney states that to live in the miracle level, "Just begin to fearlessly step out on God’s Word, and believe Him for a miracle." Again, do not doubt, but have faith. Trust God and believe in Him.

So if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then move those mountains with faith. Don’t doubt God, but believe in His goodness and in His desire to bless you. But you better doubt the devil!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Anthony

Today is my son's 5th birthday.

I am in church today because

I wanted something better for my son.

If it wasn't for that,

I would not have wanted better for myself.

I love you Anthony and Happy Birthday!

A Belief

“Belief is not just an idea that you possess; it is an idea that possesses you. A belief holds great power, because it changes an individual’s expectations.”
-John C. Maxwell

When you see a vision, you don’t necessarily see bumps in the road as another obstacle to overcome, but you see overcoming that obstacle as a closer step to achieving your vision. Think of it this way, a paved street was only created after the dirt road is no longer sufficient for the need of that community. Someone had a vision after identifying the need and decided to act upon that need. But achieving that smooth paved road came about after necessary preparation and labor. After the blue prints were drawn, the materials gathered and the workers hired, work could begin. Sometimes rain would create intolerable working conditions, and others the son would allow for smooth sailing, but each day, each new problem was one step closer to achieving the end product. That smooth paved road was created because you believed and expected it to happen. The time and work required to achieve the goal was not merely mandated labor, but an investment in the vision. A belief requires investment or else it’s just a thought. A belief requires high expectations so that when you hit a dead end your high expectations require you to find another way to the other side. Or else you will not achieve what you believe to receive. As John C. Maxwell stated, it is an idea that possesses you.

Management Style

One of the hardest things about management is getting people to see your vision, to conform to your thinking. You don't simply want to tell people what to do and have them complete the task, but you want them to not only complete the task but see the vision and take the necessary steps to achieve the vision. Therefore, when hiring staff, you hire like minded people. When taking a new leadership position with current employees, you work with your staff to get them to conform to your thinking. Either way you gain a leadership position, it takes adjustment on both parties.

However, as management are we too focused on the way they think instead of how they think? Do we want people to think like us or people who see the same vision but might think to achieve it differently? As management, we want to retain the vision but remain open to the strategies and techniques that might differ from our own. Management growth is dependent on the strength of the team as well as the direction of leadership. Strengthen the strengths and develop the weaknesses. Get people to that same page, but don't knock their strengths in order to get them there.

Positive Thoughts

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you.
You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."
-James Allen

"Food feeds the body, but positive thoughts feed the mind that affects the body."
-Joy Haney

To every thing there is a season...

I finished reading Joy Haney’s book. Living in the Miracle Level. I was so excited about this book when I first began to read it that I knew I would have finished it sooner. However, I unintentionally began to slow down. A few things I began to read again in an effort to absorb all that I can. So, when I laid this book down last night, I realized (though I have been told this before) that God perfectly planned the timing of my reading this book. Since I picked up this book (1 ½ weeks ago), I can literally point out all of the different situations that have presented themselves during this week and a half, that applied to the very chapter I was reading at that time.

I am a visual person, I learn from seeing and doing, not just hearing. God used my strengths and built upon them. God allowed me to see the answer (The Bible and this book), He gave me the trial (the doing), I applied the answer to my questions (prayer & fasting for my trials) and then I understood. He answered the question before I asked. He gave me the way out before I saw the need. It was cause and effect. God was saying, here is the effect of prayer. Then he would present a cause for prayer. He would say, here is the effect of fasting. Then He would present a cause for fasting.

Do I take this as coincidence? No, I do not. We are presented with trials in all times of our lives, but most times we do not understand why we face these trials. We may never know. But in these instances I can strongly say, this is what God wanted to show me. Can I be wrong in my assumptions? Yes. Do I believe that I am wrong? No. Why? Because this is God’s perfect timing. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecc 3:1)

I have prayed and I have fasted
I believe that I will receive.
I have claimed in Jesus Name
And He’s promised the victory!

Victory in Prayer

There is Victory in Prayer
There is Triumph in Prayer
There is Comfort in Prayer
There is Strength in Prayer
There is Joy in Prayer.
There is Peace in Prayer
That which is good is provided from Prayer
That which is acceptable can be found in Prayer
The perfect will of God can be obtained through prayer
And in all things, we will win with Prayer.

Living with The Ark of God

This morning as I was reading Joy Haney’s book, Living in the Miracle Level, I began to think about the blessings of God. After being blessed so wonderfully in the last several weeks, I couldn’t help but wonder how do I stay within God’s realm of blessings? How do I continue to receive what He desires for me to receive? I don’t want to just feel blessed when I physically see the blessing, but I want to feel blessed everyday. So how do I stay on this path when there are so many twist and turns in the road? How do I stay consistent when living for God?

Sister Haney pointed out that when we touch Jesus, we are blessed. She said “It is interesting to note that this blessing is also demonstrated in the Old Testament, and it was centered around the Ark of God. Whoever possessed the ark was blessed.” Although I am not physically in the presence of the ark of God, but I am capable of touching Jesus everyday. Just like the title of the chapter, “Living the Blessing,” I can live in the blessing by staying in His presence at all times. I must glorify Him and lift Him up. Draw closer to Him and allow Him to lead me and guide me.

There is no limit to His blessings and there should be no limit to mine. As stated in Psalms 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” By giving my all in praise, in worship, by glorifying Him and mirroring His behavior, I am allowing myself to live in the blessing. In my giving, I will receive more abundantly. To live with the Ark of God, is to glorify God at all times.

Exciting Change

God has been moving in the church so powerfully that sometimes I have to sit back and observe all the wonderful changes that have occurred. As a church, we’ve begun the hike up the mountain in an effort to reach the peak. The climb can be challenging and some parts seem to progress slower than others, but when we turn around and see all that we have accomplished, the reward is great. As we continue to have more powerful services, more united prayer, and more fasting, we overcome milestones and the reality of the vision becomes more and more clear. I am excited about what God is doing.

Blessings

Each day is a wonder to live and behold
All the blessings of life and miracles untold.
To enjoy the dawn of an early morn.
In which new opportunities are borne.

Be thankful for the blessings God does send.
Thank Him for wealth of home and friends.
For the beauty of His creative hand.
And wondrous sights throughout the land.

Let the glorious sun that shines on high
And the stars at night that glitter in the sky.
All the singing of birds and fragrant flowers
Whisper hope to your heart in weary hours.

May God’s guidance, promises and love
Keep you in blessings that come from above.
This is the day to thank the Lord for all things
And to life Him up as King of Kings!

-Joy Haney

His Goodness

Did you know that in the beginning God designed everything “good”? The word “good” is mentioned seven (7) times in the very first chapter of the bible.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness.
10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

And He created all of this good for us.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

What an awesome God! God is Good!

Be Glad and Rejoice

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:9)

I will praise thee, O Lord with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee; I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)

Praying Like a Child

Each night, Anthony (my son) and I have prayer request before we go to bed. We each pray about three things. It never ceases to amaze me how He always remembers those in need. When someone was not at church, he asks God to send him or her to church. When someone is sick, he asks God for their healing. All of that and he never forgets to thank God for his toys. God answered his prayers too. On more than one occasion, shortly after he started praying for someone to come back to church, they came back to church. After he thanked God for his toys, he was blessed with more by relatives or family friends (mommy sometimes too). He makes it look so easy and it should be. He asks for it and he believes God can do it. What examples our children set for us!

Sunglasses

I think as a vision begins to stir within our souls, the light tends to shine more brightly everywhere we go. It's funny, I just began to wear sunglasses to protect my physical eyes, but God has been shedding the layers of sunglasses off my spiritual eyes. The bible says "But the path of the just is as the shinning light, that shinneth more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18).