Being Christ-like Is Not That Easy!

Holy Week has passed and what have we done to acknowledge the Last Days of Christ and His Resurrection? Did we take the time to treat each other with respect, dignity and love? Did we meditate over the Last Supper and the body and blood that Jesus gave for us? And what about the suffering He went through for the sins of mankind? We seem to have forgotten exactly what Christians are really about. Going to church every Sunday doesn’t make you a Christian. Following the ways of Christ is not so easy. We need to be growing, be a part of something greater to encouraging and supporting each other. Yes, we all have our personal struggles and challenges. But by God’s Grace, we overcome them and do even better. Our actions should speak louder than our words. Treat each other the way we want to be treated. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” We forget this when someone does something to offend us. We hold grudges and want the same thing to happen to them. How quickly we forget to forgive! God asks us to love Him with all of our hearts, souls and minds. Put God first and trust Him! Christ broke the chains of sin and death by returning after death, but He first showed how much He loved us by giving His life. How much love can a person have to give his life for someone who even hates him? Let us all strive to be better examples of what we are supposed to be, Christ-like and practice our purposes year round.

Rest In Peace, Cookie! You Will Be Missed!

God bless you, my friend!

Happy Easter!!!

Remember the reason!

Lead Me, Lord! Guide Me!

The Will of God Will Not Take You Where The Grace of God Will Not Protect You!

April 1, 2014, was just another day the Good Lord gave us. In the biblical days, the Israelites used a rock as a monument to mark something special that occurred to them. It was a covenant memorial to God.  Even today there are many events that deserve altars. Yet, we still don't recognize our blessings. 

This first day in April was the day God’s plan for me was fulfilled! Believe me, my plan was a lot different than His! Forget that I’ve been praying for changes from my situation since last year. My compassion and trust in the workplace were gone. Ever since the previous year, subtle negative changes took place, like slow decaying of friendliness.

Undertaking new challenges can be both frustrating and stressful. When leadership is uncertain which direction to take, but still belittles the subordinates on their errors, who is really wrong? Fire burns off the dross and exposes the true character of the metal. I began to see the real people underneath their masks. Variables that we may never know influenced the outcome of the workplace’s environment. Deceit, vindictiveness, and static communication became apparent and morale was ignored. There is something to be said about a person standing at the end of the aisles to observe what time an employee comes in.  They didn't realize that they were becoming bullies. It was either their way or go. Of course, selected employees were exempted which became the norm.

My compassion and fire were replaced with distrust and discomfort. Distrust with some of the people in position and uncomfortable even being around them. I don’t put much thought in rumors because most of the time they are not true. However, there is a saying “where’s there is smoke there's fire” and sparks can start very large fires. This fire was not going to subside until it accomplished its objectives. Rumor had it that the leaders wanted to replace a certain section of office personnel, break them, discourage them and run them off.  I now question the lost reports and other irregularities. Temporarily, evil designs will bear fruit but “trouble don’t last always.” And eventually, their "deceit" will catch up with them. 

I prayed to God for His divine guidance. I had already committed myself to Him, but I expected God to do things my way. How ignorant to think God would do things my way. God’s timing, not ours, will be done! God is a merciful, loving Father. He knows what is best for all of us. We need to put our faith and trust in Him. Unfortunately, we like to be in control of our own destiny and limit our faith and trust. That is why we call on God to get us out of the mess we made! I prayed for wisdom and understanding but I left out a very important part of following God’s Divine Plan, forgiveness! 

When saying the Lord’s Prayer, say it slower next time. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Trespass is to offend. How many times have we offended others? Maybe we meant to and maybe not. But, how often do we ask for forgiveness when we offend someone, especially, the people we love? But love is another story, too. Can we forgive people that dislike us? Isn’t this part of the Lord’s Prayer? We definitely want God to forgive us but we find reasons to keep grudges towards others. Are we being obedient? Are we treating each other the way we want to be treated? Expect to be mocked and ridiculed doing the right thing. Hang in there! God’s purpose for us will not be denied!

I am blessed beyond my grandest expectations, I am working with people who I know that I can help and hopefully bring them hope. My faith and trust in God has grown exponentially since I have seen Him make a way out of no way. I am a witness to His awesome love and mercy. I always wondered how the men of God during the biblical days understood the power and love of God. They witnessed his grace and mercy every day! They gave God control of their lives and He never, not once, let them down. But the men did and each time was lifted up by God’s divine love and mercy.

We all have a lot to learn on this journey. If we become bitter and judgmental we block the wonderful blessings the Lord has in store for us. He’s already given the blessings to us; we must be open to receive them!

Whatever challenges and obstacles that we are faced with, thank God for the wisdom and strength to deal with them! Trust Him as a loving Father who wants the best for his children. God wants us to believe in Him at all times. When Peter took his eyes off of Christ and saw the white-capped waves, he began to sink. The foamy waves represent the obstacles and challenges we face in our lives and we sink when we let them overcome us with fear and doubt. Peter, in his moment of fear, forgot who was in control. He forgot who he was with!  I know that I have done this before.

There is a season for everything we deal with.  No matter what happens in life, never take your eyes off Jesus! The word became flesh! He knows the challenges we will undergo! He faced it here on earth and gave His life as God’s covenant with man! Let us all keep our eyes on the prize! 

A Flippant Tongue Will Cost!

James 3:1-12 (NIV) states that it’s easier to control animals by putting bits in their months to make them obey you. Ships are steered by small rudders to go into the direction where needed. But the tongue, a small part of the body compared to a small spark which can set a forest on fire. Animals of all kinds can be tamed by man but man can not tame his own tongue. With the same tongue we praise the Lord and curse our brothers. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says that the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

 Some of us find out the hard way! We said things in the past not realizing the consequences. We forget what was said and the past comes back to bite us. You cannot get back what was said in the atmosphere.We indeed reap what we sow. Still, it is not our timing when we want things done, but God's timing when it will be done.  I was at a point that I became distrustful and wary everyday.  That is an unpleasant and toxic environment.  It was a cloud that resulted from circumstances of more than enough but was no longer be creative, have fun, be productive and treat internal and external partners with respect.  The unspoken word was "Do it and I don't care how it gets done." I have learned that there will be those that will always be given a "special" treatment and their word will not be questioned despite the facts.  In other words, everyone will not be treated equally.

There are evil forces in high positions that cannot bear to see you doing God’s Will and they will find ways, large or small, to distract you. We must realize those folks have given in to their earthly desires of selfishness. They have forgotten who put them in positions of authority and believe now only in themselves. They can neither forget nor forgive any trespasses. Their hunger for vindictiveness will not be satisfied until the hardship is completed. How many of us have seen this happen to others or ourselves? We must pray for those. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) petitions "prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 

I have seen so many miracles take place in my life and some very recent. I know that there is a God!  But, if you refuse to move when God tells you to, He will move you. It’s remarkable that the Holy Comforter gives you the desire to prepare in advance. But you will have to obey and trust Him, God is always in control no matter what. We will "trust in the Lord with all of our heart and all of our soul and will not lean to our own understandings...God will direct our paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

 My own calmness is beyond my comprehension. I wish no evil on anyone. God is my vindicator. Proverbs 21:23 says those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from calamity. The New American Standard version has "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles." The point of a mistake is to learn from it and try not to repeat it. God did not bring us this far to leave us. Challenges will always be around us, hopefully we grow from them and get stronger. 

My faith is growing stronger every day. I am so grateful that God is with me.  He has put in place angels to watch over me.  In particular, one that maintains a listening ear and watchful eye over me.  Do not put your trust in man because his motives might be for himself. My trust is in God, my Father, who wants only the best for me and I have to trust and believe that His Divine Guidance will get me where I need to go. 

Psalms 146 (NIV) is one of my favorite passages, there are so many. David had a direct line to God’s heart. As a sheep herder, he had plenty of time to meditate, as a fugitive he had plenty of time to praise and give thanks and as a king, he had plenty of time pray. David knew what grace was all about.

In closing, we must continue to pray for each other.