Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Got Joy? By Rev. Gill Ford
Joy is the most vivid sensation in the soul. It is depicted in one's countenance. It thrives in adversity; it grows amidst difficulty, hardship and misfortune because of a hope to enjoy forever the promises of a God. Being reconciled in Christ, demands we let go of anger, animosity, bitterness, wrath and other hurts along life's road, so it (hope) may reside fully in our hearts and mind (Eph 4:31). Letting go of the pain allows more room for joy in your life. If you really want to get even with those who hurt you, enjoy life.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Pack Light
One bit of advice for the 2012 journey, pack light.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, West Africa. I had about one year to make preparations. The trip was expensive so I took on a second seasonal job to earn money to save for related expenses. I got all the necessary medical check-ups and shots. I purchased all of the recommended items on the packing list. As the days drew closer for my departure, I found it difficult to pack. I would be gone for approximately two weeks to a country I had never been and traveling with 60 people whom for the most part were strangers, except 2-3 of them. I didn't want to forget anything that I may need or want to bring to comfort me so far from home.
I ended up taking three bags total only because that was the travel limit without additional fees. I made my way to the airport, checked my bags and was off to NYC for a short layover before heading to Nigeria and finally Ghana. My dream journey had begun. Of course, in all of the excitement, I hadn’t given much thought about how I would carry the three bags once I made it to my destination. It wasn’t until I landed that I realized I would be in for with all that luggage. It was quite overwhelming and a bit awkward lugging my bags from place to place. Apparently I wasn’t alone. We had to rent an additional truck beyond our charter bus just for luggage during our stay. After the first night, I felt kind of foolish because I didn’t really need all the things I brought. I only need the essentials, which for that particular trip meant travel documents, a few items of clothing, toiletries, a camera and spending money.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, if I had it to do all over again, I would pack light.
This life lesson to pack light reminds me of Hebrews 12:1…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. There are many things that weigh us down and interfere with the race that God has planned for us: sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hatred to name a few. I encourage you in 2012 to pack light. There are some relationships, habits, ways of thinking, etc. that are slowing you down and hindering you from running the race God has for you.
Think about it, even runners “pack light” to run their race to finish from the shoes they put on their feet to the types of food eaten to fuel their bodies to the clothing they run in. Runner only takes the essentials, because less is more when running a race.
I don’t know about you, but Jesus is essential to my journey. He gave His life for me, He sticks closer than a brother, He gives me peace, He provides protection, and He sits at the right hand of the Father and advocates for me…I could go on, but I think my point has been made.
Lord, help me to recognize those things that are weighing me down and give me the courage to unload my baggage, let it go, strip it off, so I will no longer be entangled or tripped up by it. I want to run the race you set before me to the end. To do so, I must pack light.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, West Africa. I had about one year to make preparations. The trip was expensive so I took on a second seasonal job to earn money to save for related expenses. I got all the necessary medical check-ups and shots. I purchased all of the recommended items on the packing list. As the days drew closer for my departure, I found it difficult to pack. I would be gone for approximately two weeks to a country I had never been and traveling with 60 people whom for the most part were strangers, except 2-3 of them. I didn't want to forget anything that I may need or want to bring to comfort me so far from home.
I ended up taking three bags total only because that was the travel limit without additional fees. I made my way to the airport, checked my bags and was off to NYC for a short layover before heading to Nigeria and finally Ghana. My dream journey had begun. Of course, in all of the excitement, I hadn’t given much thought about how I would carry the three bags once I made it to my destination. It wasn’t until I landed that I realized I would be in for with all that luggage. It was quite overwhelming and a bit awkward lugging my bags from place to place. Apparently I wasn’t alone. We had to rent an additional truck beyond our charter bus just for luggage during our stay. After the first night, I felt kind of foolish because I didn’t really need all the things I brought. I only need the essentials, which for that particular trip meant travel documents, a few items of clothing, toiletries, a camera and spending money.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, if I had it to do all over again, I would pack light.
This life lesson to pack light reminds me of Hebrews 12:1…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. There are many things that weigh us down and interfere with the race that God has planned for us: sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hatred to name a few. I encourage you in 2012 to pack light. There are some relationships, habits, ways of thinking, etc. that are slowing you down and hindering you from running the race God has for you.
Think about it, even runners “pack light” to run their race to finish from the shoes they put on their feet to the types of food eaten to fuel their bodies to the clothing they run in. Runner only takes the essentials, because less is more when running a race.
I don’t know about you, but Jesus is essential to my journey. He gave His life for me, He sticks closer than a brother, He gives me peace, He provides protection, and He sits at the right hand of the Father and advocates for me…I could go on, but I think my point has been made.
Lord, help me to recognize those things that are weighing me down and give me the courage to unload my baggage, let it go, strip it off, so I will no longer be entangled or tripped up by it. I want to run the race you set before me to the end. To do so, I must pack light.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Unfinished Business
If you are a list maker like me, I bet you have a never ending list of “To Do’s”
that seems to grow faster than you can check off the things you’ve done. My never
ending “To Do” list makes me feel overwhelmed and stressed out quite often. No matter how much I check off or cross out I really can't enjoy the sense of
accomplishment as a result because there is always some other unfinished
business to do.
So, on this 2nd day of January 2012, I have to ask myself some hard
questions. Will I take this list of unfinished business with me into 2012? Is
it worth my time and energy to complete this unfinished business? Is completing
my “To Do” list from last year really a prerequisite to grabbing hold of a clean
slate in 2012? Should I ditch the list making altogether? Because of how I'm
wired questions like these are never as simple as they seem.
Then it came to me. At the core of this back and forth in my mind about unfinished business was really this one question: Was it God’s will or my will that kept me tied to this unfinished business? It was likely mine and I was reminded that Jesus
finished it all at the cross.
Thinking about my unfinished business from this perspective, I am encouraged and hopeful. Even when there are things that I may never get to on my “To Do” list, I trust that God allowed me to accomplish exactly what was on His “To Do” list for me in 2011. I am at peace with my unfinished business.
My Prayer: Lord, I trust You to direct my path in 2012 according to Your perfect will for my life. I seek Your wisdom and ask for supernatural discernment regarding each and every decision I must make this year from my daily to do list to choices about ministry, etc. In Jesus’
name I pray.
that seems to grow faster than you can check off the things you’ve done. My never
ending “To Do” list makes me feel overwhelmed and stressed out quite often. No matter how much I check off or cross out I really can't enjoy the sense of
accomplishment as a result because there is always some other unfinished
business to do.
So, on this 2nd day of January 2012, I have to ask myself some hard
questions. Will I take this list of unfinished business with me into 2012? Is
it worth my time and energy to complete this unfinished business? Is completing
my “To Do” list from last year really a prerequisite to grabbing hold of a clean
slate in 2012? Should I ditch the list making altogether? Because of how I'm
wired questions like these are never as simple as they seem.
Then it came to me. At the core of this back and forth in my mind about unfinished business was really this one question: Was it God’s will or my will that kept me tied to this unfinished business? It was likely mine and I was reminded that Jesus
finished it all at the cross.
Thinking about my unfinished business from this perspective, I am encouraged and hopeful. Even when there are things that I may never get to on my “To Do” list, I trust that God allowed me to accomplish exactly what was on His “To Do” list for me in 2011. I am at peace with my unfinished business.
My Prayer: Lord, I trust You to direct my path in 2012 according to Your perfect will for my life. I seek Your wisdom and ask for supernatural discernment regarding each and every decision I must make this year from my daily to do list to choices about ministry, etc. In Jesus’
name I pray.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Are You Qualified?
When looking for a job, one usually reads through the qualifications section of the position to see whether or not you feel you are qualified. Stop looking for a job based on the worlds qualifications and start asking God for an assignment based on His.
There is an assignment where your qualifications will never come into question. That assignment is in “field services” aka the Army of the Lord. In His work we are all qualified to serve not as a result of anything we have done, but because of what He did at Calvary. Jesus qualified us when He went to the Cross…nailed hands, pierced side, bearing our iniquities. We just have to trust and believe in what He has already done. When you accept/ed Jesus and receive/d His gift of salvation you are immediately forgiven and washed of your sins. His blood qualifies you!
So the next time you even act like you want to question your qualifications or someone else beats you to it. Remember you ARE qualified because of Him.
Tip: If you ask God for an assignment, be prepared to surrender your right to say where you are positioned and for what length of service. His blood determines who (you) and His will dictates the what, where, when, how and how long.
I am grateful for the blood that covers me and qualifies me. Just another reason why I am Confessing Hope In Christ!
It’s not about you or me. It’s about Him…always has been and always will be.
Scripture Inspiration: Romans 5: 8-9 (NKJV)
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…having now been justified [qualified] by His blood, we shall be saved… (italic word added by author for emphasis).
There is an assignment where your qualifications will never come into question. That assignment is in “field services” aka the Army of the Lord. In His work we are all qualified to serve not as a result of anything we have done, but because of what He did at Calvary. Jesus qualified us when He went to the Cross…nailed hands, pierced side, bearing our iniquities. We just have to trust and believe in what He has already done. When you accept/ed Jesus and receive/d His gift of salvation you are immediately forgiven and washed of your sins. His blood qualifies you!
So the next time you even act like you want to question your qualifications or someone else beats you to it. Remember you ARE qualified because of Him.
Tip: If you ask God for an assignment, be prepared to surrender your right to say where you are positioned and for what length of service. His blood determines who (you) and His will dictates the what, where, when, how and how long.
I am grateful for the blood that covers me and qualifies me. Just another reason why I am Confessing Hope In Christ!
It’s not about you or me. It’s about Him…always has been and always will be.
Scripture Inspiration: Romans 5: 8-9 (NKJV)
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…having now been justified [qualified] by His blood, we shall be saved… (italic word added by author for emphasis).
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Today, I encourage you to take a deliberate leap of FAITH to LET GO TO GET BALANCE BACK! What do I mean?
Assess your priorities. Is God still first? If God is not first, you must choose to LET GO and begin the process of elimination. Anything that has replaced God’s #1 status in your life has become an idol. What do you need to eliminate to make room for God?
Establish healthy boundaries. Do you own a “Wonder Woman” cape? If you answered yes, it’s time to LET GO. You cannot be all things to everyone at all times, though you may try. What boundaries do you need to set for yourself? For your family? For work?
Add the letters N and O to your vocabulary. Are you afraid to say no? Why? Because of what people will think of you? LET GO of the need to people please. No is a simple little word that is so underutilized because we don’t have boundaries and we don’t hear God because He has lost His #1 standing with us. Practice saying NO with and/or without adding a reason or being apologetic.
◦ No, thank you.
◦ I appreciate the offer, but no.
◦ No, I have a date with God…me..my family, etc.
◦ No, that is not in line with my goals, purpose or beliefs.
◦ No, I am not able to now and I will let you know if that changes in the future.
How many times a day do you say yes without considering what it will cost you? Ask yourself, what do I need to say no to, so I can say yes enthusiastically and on purpose to God?
Delegate. Ask for help. Share responsibility. Is your independent spirit setting you up for failure? Are you juggling too much, hoping not to let anything drop? Eventually something will. LET GO and allow others to support you in marriage, ministry, parenting, work, etc. Pray and ask God to show you who can be trusted and who you should delegate or share responsibility with. Who are your accountability partners?
Work smarter not harder. When was the last time you asked God to order your daily agenda? LET GO you are not in control of your day no matter how you plan, create a To Do list or set goals, yet God is. Submit fully onto Him daily if necessary until it becomes a habit to ask Him to order your day and ultimately your life. Your flesh hates submitting to the authority of God. But you have the power of the Holy Spirit to submit. If you make God first by spending time in His presence, He will reveal His will for your life on a daily basis. Get your marching orders from the Master and your day will go so much better and you will experience peace beyond your understanding.
I pray that these words of encouragement challenge you to LET GO TO GET BALANCE BACK!
God has so much more in mind for you than what or where you currently find yourself.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Remembering My Independence Day
Today on July 4, 2009 America celebrates her 233rd Anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The significance behind the holiday is simply America’s independence from Great Britain.
While this is all fine and dandy, I want to redirect your attention to a much more meaningful way to commemorate Independence Day. Let me give you some food for thought. What if this year every believer who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior used July 4th to commemorate their spiritual Independence Day? I mean that would really be something to get excited about. The family gatherings, fireworks and fellowship would all be a way to mark that milestone annually in your spiritual history with God the Father.
America is the greatest country in the world and I feel privileged to have the freedoms we experience here especially when compared to other places around the world.
The Declaration if Independence states:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
However, America still has a long way to go to ensure that all people regardless of race, gender, or creed can truly experience the freedom that the Declaration espouses.
Well I know a man named Jesus who more than 2000 years ago died for you and me so that we could be saved from sin and death. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, kill and destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 – KJV)
I gave my life to Christ at an early age. I don’t remember it all, but I attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and began the process of what is known as the Seven Catholic Sacraments. I completed the first 4: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. I was confirmed in 3rd grade along with my other classmates and I would consider that my personal commitment to Christ based on my limited understanding.
My Independence Day was December 29, 1996 at the age of 25 in a Sunday morning worship service. This is the date where I personally decided to rededicate my life to Christ. God moved on my heart and I made the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. It compares to nothing I’ve done or will probably ever do. That day my life took a turn for the better.
So I challenge you to commemorate July 4th – Independence Day with a new sense of excitement and celebration by reflecting on what Jesus did for you and me more than 2000 years ago at Calvary. When all else fails, I know that without a shadow of a doubt that there is no expiration date on Calvary and the power of the Cross and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 – KJV).
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and experienced independence, freedom and a new life, don’t wait or waste another minute.
God loves you and longs to have an intimate or close and meaningful relationship with you…yes YOU! The Bible says that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 – KJV).
Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, what must I do to be saved? The answer is simple and the Word of God is clear in Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Pray this Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I invite you in my heart. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe that You were raised from the dead for my justification. I am now calling on the name of Jesus. I want you to be Lord of my life right now. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do believe with my heart, and I confess that Jesus is now my Lord. Therefore I am saved! Amen.
Welcome to the family and body of believers of Christ. I would strongly encourage you to not only read the Bible, but pray for understanding. Also, join a spirit filled church to support you in your spiritual growth and development.
While this is all fine and dandy, I want to redirect your attention to a much more meaningful way to commemorate Independence Day. Let me give you some food for thought. What if this year every believer who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior used July 4th to commemorate their spiritual Independence Day? I mean that would really be something to get excited about. The family gatherings, fireworks and fellowship would all be a way to mark that milestone annually in your spiritual history with God the Father.
America is the greatest country in the world and I feel privileged to have the freedoms we experience here especially when compared to other places around the world.
The Declaration if Independence states:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
However, America still has a long way to go to ensure that all people regardless of race, gender, or creed can truly experience the freedom that the Declaration espouses.
Well I know a man named Jesus who more than 2000 years ago died for you and me so that we could be saved from sin and death. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, kill and destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 – KJV)
I gave my life to Christ at an early age. I don’t remember it all, but I attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and began the process of what is known as the Seven Catholic Sacraments. I completed the first 4: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. I was confirmed in 3rd grade along with my other classmates and I would consider that my personal commitment to Christ based on my limited understanding.
My Independence Day was December 29, 1996 at the age of 25 in a Sunday morning worship service. This is the date where I personally decided to rededicate my life to Christ. God moved on my heart and I made the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. It compares to nothing I’ve done or will probably ever do. That day my life took a turn for the better.
So I challenge you to commemorate July 4th – Independence Day with a new sense of excitement and celebration by reflecting on what Jesus did for you and me more than 2000 years ago at Calvary. When all else fails, I know that without a shadow of a doubt that there is no expiration date on Calvary and the power of the Cross and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 – KJV).
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and experienced independence, freedom and a new life, don’t wait or waste another minute.
God loves you and longs to have an intimate or close and meaningful relationship with you…yes YOU! The Bible says that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 – KJV).
Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, what must I do to be saved? The answer is simple and the Word of God is clear in Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Pray this Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I invite you in my heart. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe that You were raised from the dead for my justification. I am now calling on the name of Jesus. I want you to be Lord of my life right now. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do believe with my heart, and I confess that Jesus is now my Lord. Therefore I am saved! Amen.
Welcome to the family and body of believers of Christ. I would strongly encourage you to not only read the Bible, but pray for understanding. Also, join a spirit filled church to support you in your spiritual growth and development.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
5 Ways To Respond to The Promises of God
1. Discover It! (Who Made the Promise?)
Study the Word of God to discover His promises. The maker of the promise cannot lie and His word will not return to Him void. Let’s look at the word discover a little closer. According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary discover means to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time: find (discover the solution) b: find out (discovered he was out of gas).[1]
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 (NKJV)
2. Decide It!
God calls every believer to make a choice. So you must decide to believe God’s promises.
And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
3. Discern It!
Ask God to help you discern the Word and its specific meaning and how to apply it in your life.
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. Ecclesiastes 8:5 (KJV)
“And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23 (NKJV)
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 (KJV)
4. Declare It!
Declare the promises of God by affirming it aloud daily.
I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. Psalm 22:22 (NKJV)
And in that day you will say: “ Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4 (NKJV)
But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. Psalm 75:9 (NKJV)
5. Do It!
Just do it! God requires active participation on our part in order for His promises to become manifest in our lives.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. Job 37:12 (NKJV)
[1] discover. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 27, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discover
Study the Word of God to discover His promises. The maker of the promise cannot lie and His word will not return to Him void. Let’s look at the word discover a little closer. According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary discover means to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time: find (discover the solution) b: find out (discovered he was out of gas).[1]
But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 (NKJV)
2. Decide It!
God calls every believer to make a choice. So you must decide to believe God’s promises.
And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV)
3. Discern It!
Ask God to help you discern the Word and its specific meaning and how to apply it in your life.
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. Ecclesiastes 8:5 (KJV)
“And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23 (NKJV)
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 (KJV)
4. Declare It!
Declare the promises of God by affirming it aloud daily.
I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. Psalm 22:22 (NKJV)
And in that day you will say: “ Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4 (NKJV)
But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. Psalm 75:9 (NKJV)
5. Do It!
Just do it! God requires active participation on our part in order for His promises to become manifest in our lives.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)
And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. Job 37:12 (NKJV)
[1] discover. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 27, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discover
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)