Grandma’s Advice When You’re Overwhelmed by Your Gifts & Talents

By

Kim Brightness

-

Jun 26, 2019

Are You Overwhelmed by Your Many Gifts and Talents?

Walking into my Grandma’s bedroom, there were 3 constants I could always count on:

A freshly-made bed that could bounce a penny (and you NEVER sat on it).
A small baby doll in a white lace dress propped against her pillows.
Stacks of tin pie crust pans filled with jigsaw puzzle pieces.

My Grandma loved puzzles – the 1,000 piece variety! She said they kept her brain young and active.

Seemed like a lot of work for an 85+-year-old. One. thousand. puzzle pieces! So many options to choose from. For one scene, a third of the puzzle was covered in clouds and blue skies. Other puzzle boxes displayed scenes from grassy fields or ocean waves.

Each box told a beautiful story – a story that requires one to try and fail many times until all the pieces fall in place.

Reminds me of life.

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Stressful?

gifts and talents puzzle pieces For many, life would be easier if it came in a 2-piece puzzle – just snap those 2 pieces together and BOOM! Life is all figured out.

But, God has graciously given many of us not just 1 gift, but an arsenal of gifts and talents as puzzle pieces. For example, not only can you write, sing, or cook, but you can act, dance, draw, manage, play an instrument, organize, administrate, fix stuff – the list goes on!

When you’re actually good at all or most of your gifts and talents, you may find yourself overwhelmed or stuck – not knowing which gift or talent to pour energy into and when.

This stagnation and frustration drives many into depression or withdrawal. It can keep you from manifesting God’s picture of purpose and destiny for your life.

Perhaps my Grandma’s strategy for tackling a plethora of possibilities will help. Let’s take a look.

Thomasina’s 8 Tactics for Tackling Life’s Puzzle

1. Establish Your Boundaries.

The first move Grandma would make in tackling her puzzles was to pick out all of the border pieces. These pieces were easy to identify, and there were fewer pieces with solid edges.

As an Author and Finisher, God has already designed the boundaries for your purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Know where your lines are drawn, and be sure not to mix in any pieces from someone else’s puzzle. Every gift and ability known to man does not fit with your purpose. Just because you can “do it”, doesn’t mean it’s your overall purpose and destiny in life. Don’t allow “success” in something to trip you up or oversell itself in God’s plan for you.

2. Identify Which Gifts Are Not Like the Others.

Next, Grandma would group the puzzle pieces together by color. In doing so, the big, overwhelming picture was cut down to the green grass pieces, the blue sky pieces…

See which of your gifts complement each other. Do any gifts fall under the same category, e.g. sports or entertainment? Could you receive training for multiple gifts at the same school? Take note of your gifts’ similarities and where they overlap.

3. Secure a Safe Place to Keep Your Gifts

Here’s where the tin pie trays come in. After sorting the puzzle pieces by color, Grandma would place each group in its own holding tray for safe-keeping.

As you commit your journey to God, have you written down the vision for your life in an orderly fashion (Habakkuk 2:2)? Do you have a go-to place where you can review your goals and purpose? Do you have a “safe” friend or loved one who can hold you accountable and cover your dreams in prayer? You may not have it all figured out, but at least you know where all the pieces are neatly stored and who’s helping you keep it together.

4. Dive In and Begin – Just Don’t Force It!

Now, it’s time to pick up a tin tray and start somewhere, anywhere.

She trusted the box came with the right amount of pieces. She knew that each piece had a match, and forcing a mismatch would only hurt the picture in the long-run.

Grandma didn’t worry about which puzzle piece she started with. She knew that each piece had to be touched at some point, and the picture on the box wasn’t going to put itself together.

Neither will your life portrait. There’s a time to write a vision, and a time to WORK the vision. Don’t try to force connections with people or places that don’t match your purpose. Don’t worry yourself with “what if I grab the wrong piece”. Just start moving towards your goals and enjoy the process as much as you’ll enjoy the destination.

5. Focus on the Little Things, Reference the Big Picture

As Grandma worked, there were moments where she was heads-down in her pie tin. Other times, she’d grab the puzzle box, look, then placed it back off to the side.

Know when to focus on the little things, and when to reference the big picture. There’s a time to study the intricacies of your gifts, and a time to reference your overall purpose to make sure you’re on the right track. Be careful, though. Studying the big picture too long will overwhelm you. But, trusting God’s big-picture plan for your gifts will always bring you peace.

6. Celebrate the Small Victories

No, the entire picture is not complete, but Grandma was so proud when “the grass” was done or “the sky” was in place. She never had to look back at those pieces – it was a finished piece of the larger picture.

As you put life together, celebrate the small wins. Give thanks when you’ve learned how to be effective in one area of your gifts, and keep growing. Note the patterns, take every lesson with you as you continue your journey.

Share your testimonies of the small victories with others. What may be a small win to you may be a huge deal to someone else.

7. Connect the Differences

Before long, Grandma could connect the “grass” to the “barn” to the ‘“sky”, and set empty tin pie trays off to the side.

Each one of your gifts may connect to different people for a different purpose. Discover how your unique abilities connect with each other to serve God’s purpose – in different venues, communities, and seasons of life. One gift may open the door for you to use an entirely different aspect of yourself. Be open to God’s plans that you didn’t even know were connected.

8. Rest, Renew, Rediscover

When the puzzle is complete, Grandma would rest and proudly let it sit on her table for weeks.

Before long, you’d find her scoping out her next puzzle box.

See, as long as we have breath, there’s something to learn and room for growth. Show gratitude for God’s beautiful portrait coming together for your life. When the season of your portrait changes, prepare yourself to rediscover the abundance of God.

Go with God from glory to glory for His glory (Colossians 3:23).

Pursue purpose, one piece of life at a time.

I hope at least one of these strategies helps you to re-think about your gifts, talents, and purpose, and how God plans to use you. Funny thing is, the Master Artist has connected every life portrait with another. We are all putting the pieces together, both individually and collectively.

Pacify or Edify: How to Speak the Truth in Love

By

Brandi Hawthorne

-

Jun 25, 2019

A Time to Speak the Truth in Love

Mirror talk is where you take a good look at yourself and perform a self-evaluation (James 1:23-25). And, we’re not talking about a glance in a regular mirror. Oh no, my friend. We’re talking about one of those beauty mirrors that magnify your face until you can see every pore and blemish in the handy light!

I’ve noticed that a lot of people are okay with a glance, but they don’t want to take a real good look at themselves. We all tend to overvalue one aspect of ourselves, undervalue the other, and dismiss any discomfort with, “That’s just the way I am.”

How do I know this? Because we are easily offended and quick to become defensive. Before we have given our brother’s or sister’s words of correction and self-check a second thought, we’re already offering reasons for why they’re wrong.

And, often times, when you know that a person isn’t willing or able to receive mirror talk, we can fall into the snare of it’s okay. We begin to flatter and pacify instead of speaking the truth in love.

So, what happens when we comfort our fellow teammates with an, “It’s okay”?

Pros

Sometimes what we’re trying to say is that God will work all things out for their good. God is a forgiving God who doesn’t hold grudges. And, not only did this situation not come as a surprise to God, but He knows exactly how to render restoration. So, “It’s okay.”

Cons

Sometimes we are missing an opportunity to give them God’s perspective. Why are they in that situation? Why do they think or behave that way? What is the lesson?

The key is knowing what God has laid on your heart to share and being obedient to His instructions, not our feelings or opinions.

Do You Have Oily Lips?

King David referred to flattery as lies rolling off oily lips (Psalm 12:2 MSG). When we don’t tell each other the truth, we allow the oil of fear to slip us into nice words that will do very little to help our teammate change. At this point, we are more worried about their feelings, how they view us, the relationship – than saying what God put on our hearts to say with love.

People may not accept your help, but remember who you are trying to please – God.

Speak the truth in love.

There’s a saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” A relationship isn’t required for you to be a truth-teller, but it can definitely help. And, then again, there are people who will refuse to bend whether you’ve known them 10 minutes or 10 years (Proverbs 29:1 ERV).

But remember, God never promised acceptance or popularity. He promised to be with us as we honor Him with our obedience (Matthew 28:20), and to send a Comforter who will lead us in the truth that we should speak (John 14:16).

Being a follower of Christ isn’t all glitter and roses. Sometimes we can become too focused on favor and blessings that we forget to take up our cross and speak the truth in love (Luke 9:23, Ephesians 4:15). Can it be scary and overwhelming? Absolutely! But there is a prize to be won for following Jesus.

The glitter and roses are the rewards of pleasing God and the gift of eternal life.

When Church Leaders Fall: The Impact on the Body and the Faith

By

Kristina Bolton

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Jun 20, 2019

“The Church is a Bunch of Hypocrites.”

I had a conversation with an ex-believer regarding their distaste for Christianity. They had been affected by the sin of a Pastor and believed Christian leaders were all hypocrites. Rest assured, I took a stance on the truth. In love, I had to tell them that not all leaders fall into sin. There are some genuine, consistent leaders on Team Jesus.

I had compassion for this person because I understood how they felt. I was once in their shoes. If it had not been for the grace and mercy of God, I could have easily been an ex-believer. And, while some things they said were true, I knew it was not enough to justify their rejection of Jesus.

So, I felt compelled to write. This topic should be brought to light. This is an uncomfortable topic, but people need to hear it because it’s a sad reality. We have so many leaving the faith because of flawed leaders. And, the world has generated a stereotypical image of Christians or “the Church” because some leaders lack integrity.

My Experience

Over ten years ago, I was a lay member watching a leader fall, repeatedly. That situation almost cost me my faith. I lost hope in God to change my life because the one preaching wasn’t changed. I almost walked away from God because of the sin of the leader. But, God had mercy on me and placed me with my current pastor to prove that it was possible to live a holy and righteous life before the Lord. Because of her example, I believed the words in the Bible were possible. This caused me to strive for purity, and God through His Holy Ghost changed my life. This is the power of a true witness. It can cause a person to run after God, even though they have not seen Him for themselves.

At one time, I was a person that said, “This is why I don’t go to church.” I have heard others say, “This is why I don’t believe in Christ.” The life of others was shaping our faith. This should not be the case. Leaders who habitually sin and continue to serve should know the pain that they can cause.

When Leaders Sin, It Affects More Than Them.

Let’s take adultery as our example of sin. While many may think that this intimate issue should be resolved amongst a leader and their spouse, I can agree partially. Indeed, the couple has some things to iron out because there was a covenant broken between them. However, when it comes to their position as church leaders, they will have to deal with God as well. Indeed, when everyone sins, they have to deal with God, but a church leader will have greater accountability.

Now you may ask – why? If a leader has a genuine call from God and accepts, they come into a special covenant with God. Peter did this when he agreed to feed Jesus’ sheep (John 21:15-17). This covenant involves God and the care of the Lord’s people. Leaders have a duty to sanctify the Lord before men.

To sanctify means to make legitimate or binding by religious approval. This means that church leaders have the responsibility to support God not only through word, but deed. When leaders fail to do this, they, in turn, aide the enemy in his attempt to discredit God and His power.

Accountability is based on the level of responsibility. It’s no different than when a CEO of a company steals, and the cashier of the same company steals. Both are punishable by law, but the CEO receives a larger display of judgment and punishment because of their position.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 talks about the qualifications of church leaders, and one qualification is the relationship of the leader with their spouse. So, it is Biblical for a private issue to become a public display when a church leader is involved. It is just as the Lord told David regarding his sin in 2 Samuel 12:13 “For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.”

The Unspoken Victim

When leaders sin, no one is thinking about the unspoken victim. Who is that? The people of God. When the leader sins, although the people are not directly involved, they are still affected. They are the ones who look to the leader as a tangible example of the power of God. They rely on the leader for guidance. The leader is supposed to be an example of the God they preach.

Remember Moses who parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14)? He manifested God’s power, and this caused the people to not only believe in God but also in Moses. When the leader falls into sin, it causes the people to lose confidence in the man and the God of that man. The scripture says in Romans 2:24 that God is blasphemed among the heathen because of “you.” Who is “you”? The people that proclaim God, but don’t live for Him. The hypocrite.

The Devil Made Me Do It.

The number one excuse of all time is the devil made me do it. Whenever people are guilty of sin, they like to blame it on the devil. But since the beginning of time, before the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, God has limited the power of the devil. I have yet to see the devil carrying men into the beds of women or women into the beds of men. The scripture says, “but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his OWN lust, and enticed. It goes on to say, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:14-15)

The devil uses what’s in you to tempt you, but he can’t force you to sin. When Eve ate of the fruit, it was her own fingers that embraced the fruit, and her own mouth that ate it. Likewise, for these adulteress leaders, it was their legs that carried them and their body that sinned.

Your Leadership Role Does Not Excuse Sin.

I want to give you an example of two people who did not behave responsibly before the congregation of God and were judged because of it – the beloved Moses and Aaron.

This can be found in Numbers 20:1-13. The short backstory of this passage is that the people angered Moses so bad that when God gave Him the commandment to speak to the rock, Moses hit the rock instead. While the people did get their water, the disobedience of Moses and Aaron caused God not to get the glory. The Lord told Moses, “Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel. Therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.”

Moses and Aaron could not enter “The Promise Land” because of their disobedience, and they died. Failing to do right in front of the congregation of God is a major offense in the eyes of God, even when dealing with something as simple as hitting a rock. Disobedience is disobedience.

Some Church Leaders Fall, Repent and Turn.

Every leader that has made a sinful mistake does not have the same heart. Some have made a mistake, genuinely repent, and turn from it. King David is one example. Moses repented, as well. Yet, their repented heart was not enough to stop the consequences of judgment that followed their sin. David did not blame his actions on the devil – he took full responsibility. He confessed his guilt. He did not make excuses for his sin (2 Samuel 12:13).

Teammate, if you are a leader, understand this is not like some casual, earthly career. The Bible says that the leader of God cares for the soul (Hebrews 13:17). That means how you lead a person not only affects this life, but it has an eternal effect because the soul is eternal. If you have some issues, go back to God. Sit down and redo your first works (Revelation 2:5). Consider the soul of your brethren in God’s flock.

As for other teammates, don’t allow the actions of a man to make you lose your hope in God. Don’t let the sin of another cause you to turn from God. We are all subject to the law and will be held accountable (Romans 2:6). Continue in the truth. There are other leaders that genuinely love God and obey Him.

God knows how to prove Himself, even in the midst of man’s hypocrisy. How do I know? Because He did it for me.

An Invitation to Heal from Fear and Anxiety

By

Drea Frost

-

Jun 19, 2019

Freedom from Familiar Foes is Here

I lived a life full of fear and anxiety for years. I wasn’t fully aware or even willing to admit that I was living this type of life. I was in denial, and it was destroying my mind and my marriage.

Our Playbook clearly tells us to be anxious about NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. If we do this, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6)

How difficult is it to really trust God in situations where you’re unsure of the outcome? I’ll answer, it is very difficult!

It is in our human nature to want to know what’s next, what’s the path, what will the next step be, etc. My husband and I were in a very intense test that lasted from the day we got married (October 2008) until March 2018. The test was not something that we chose or even something that we thought that we would ever go through, but it was indeed something that we experienced for close to ten years.

It can be very difficult to not be anxious about a situation when you have no idea if you will ever be able to experience what being on the other side of your pain, waiting, tears, really feels like.

Team, I had gotten so comfortable in that I honestly started to believe that maybe there was a possibility that God could not, or maybe even didn’t want to help us.

I gave up the pursuit of a life without anxiety, and I learned how to live with my pain.

How many of us have learned how to live with our pain, and now we don’t even seek God to be free because we’ve settled for fear, disappointment, and anxiety?

The Ugly Face of Fear

Anxiety is when you have fear and you panic about a place or experience that you are not familiar with, at least that’s the way it was defined in my life. I tried everything I could to not think or operate this way, but its ugly face was just there – no matter what I did.

As a believer, of course I prayed, I waited, I cried, I stayed in the Word, and I tried to believe past my current situation. But, Team, none of that seemed to work. I was still FILLED with anxious feelings.

After nine long years, I finally decided that I needed help. I couldn’t deny that I was indeed anxious even though the Playbook instructed me not to be.

My husband and I had issues with intimacy in our marriage for nine years. It wasn’t something that we talked about or discussed with others, but we knew we needed help. The Bible promises that if I release anxiety and really trust God, then I will experience the peace of God and it will surpass my finite understanding. Team, He even promised to guard my heart and mind, what a promise!

Accept God’s Invitation to Freedom

Our lives changed forever (for the good) in New York City in March 2018. During that experience, I learned that I really wasn’t trusting God like I believed I was. I was trusting my own ability to protect myself by covering up my insecurities and issues with a blanket of fear and anxiety.

People often talk about how we build up walls in our lives to protect ourselves, due to life’s experiences; well, I had not only built walls, I built forts!

The most beautiful thing about serving God is that He is always committed to us, no matter how many mistakes we make or how many issues we face. He loves us dearly! He has good plans for us! (Jeremiah 29:11)

After I was healed in New York, I had to really think about all the time I wasted being anxious, fearful, and wanting to be in control, instead of sincerely trusting God.

Drea leading Drea got Drea nowhere. On the other hand, Drea trusting God placed Drea in a new place of thanksgiving, peace, love, and true, deep joy! God is never late or slack concerning His promises, never! (2 Peter 3:9)

I thought He was super late with helping me, but everything that I needed Him to do was already available – the choice and decision to trust Him was mine. The benefits associated with trusting God and being obedient to His Word definitely outweigh allllllllll of our fears, insecurities, and issues.

Please don’t live another day being anxious. It’s not worth sacrificing the peace that’s available to you.

Yes, you may be facing a situation where you need to do more than pray and wait. So, get the help you need! But, on the road to help, trust God to be everything He promised He would be.

Take inventory of your heart. Looking into ourselves and the state of our hearts and minds is probably one of the most difficult things to do, especially if you’re in denial of where you really are at this moment in your life.

God doesn’t want us to be deceived into believing that He does not care! He cares deeply and intensely! (Psalm 103:17)

Keep praying, keep seeking, keep being thankful! Allow His love to rescue you! You don’t have to live in fear and anxiety. As a matter of fact, if you are living with anxious feelings, decide today that the Cross and Blood of Jesus Christ can and will handle it all!

Much Love.

No Gift Left Behind: God Will Use You for His Glory in Due Season

By

Alecia M. White

-

Jun 18, 2019

Here I Am, Lord. Use Me.

Who needs stamps anymore? Well, I did. I had some business mail to send and I needed a stamp… just one. Now, I could’ve gone to the post office or even to the ATM. Did y’all know that ATM machines sold stamps? Well, they do! But since I only needed one, I felt that would’ve been a waste. Anyhoo…

I had to have this envelope in the mail before the end of the business day. My mom came in town that same day and as she was settling in, I thought to ask her if she had a stamp. She checked her purse and pulled out this old stamp book with one lonely stamp still attached to the paper.

As she looked up at me, she said, “Do you know how long I had this stamp? It must’ve been just for you.” Of course I didn’t, but apparently, she’d had it almost to the point of forgetting, until I asked her for it. The last stamp in the book, set aside just for me to use.

No Purpose Wasted

See, I had a hard deadline to meet with that envelope. Yes, I could’ve gone and purchased an entire book of stamps, but I didn’t need that many. My mom had just what I needed.

When God provides, He never over gives. There is always a measure that is just right for you. That stamp was proof… similar to the gifts that God gives us.

If He were to give us too much, we wouldn’t be able to handle it all and something would be forgotten or go unused. If I had purchased a book of stamps, the remaining 19 would have gone unused. They would have stayed in my wallet until the cost of postage increased – annoying.

I want you to understand that the gifts within you are all meant to be used. There is nothing in you that God doesn’t know about or have plans for. There is purpose in you that you may have almost forgotten about, but He hasn’t. And, know that He has you set aside so that He may work through you as you utilize those gifts.

I know you have a lot going and you have deadlines to meet. I know you may feel like you’ve got too much going on to be used, but God didn’t make a mistake with you. You know just one stamp can take a letter across the country, right? He gave you that one “stamp” to let you know that the amount that He gave you will take you far. Here are a few things to remember when you feel short on postage:

God created you so He knows just what to do with you. “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.” Jeremiah 29:11
He fully intended to give YOU that gift. Sometimes we question if God really meant to choose us for a thing because of our feelings of inadequacy. We may even know of others that seem more fit for the job than we are. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29
Your gifts will bloom in perfect time. It may seem like God is using everyone else in their gifts and calling – and you’re left behind. Know that there’s an appointed time for your gifts to shine and glorify God. “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.” Habakkuk 2:3
Every gift you have is just right because God created it. Let Him show you how to use your gift and where to take it. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Don’t stop your journey, God has put His stamp of approval all over you. He has already equipped you to use each gift He’s given you. Please don’t shy away from what is in you, there are people counting on your obedience.

“Emanuel” in Theaters June 17 & 19: The Power of Forgiveness Over Hate

By

Editorial Staff

-

Jun 14, 2019

The Heart of Mother Emanuel Lives On in the Community

Four years after the devastating tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina that shook the nation, Arbella Studios, in association with JuVee Productions and Unanimous Media, presents an SDG and Fiction Pictures Production, “EMANUEL,” opening in movie theaters nationwide through Fathom Events on June 17 and 19 only. Documenting the events of June 17, 2015, “EMANUEL” is a powerful documentary that examines how faith, hope and forgiveness healed a devastated community after the heinous church shooting at Emanuel A.M.E., carried out by white supremacist Dylan Roof.

Executive produced by Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, Viola Davis and Julius Tennons’ JuVee Productions and directed by Brian Ivie (The Drop Box), the documentary compellingly weaves the history of race relations in Charleston, the significance and impact of Mother Emanuel Church, and the hope that somehow emerges in the aftermath. Featuring intimate interviews with survivors and family members, it is a poignant story of justice and faith, love and hate and examines the healing power of forgiveness.

“The documentary highlights how a horrible tragedy can bring a community together, and spreads an important message about the power of forgiveness,” says Stephen Curry, Executive Producer and co-founder of Unanimous Media. “Stories like this are the reason we created Unanimous and entered the entertainment space. I hope the film inspires others like it does me.”

“We, along with the country, grieved each family’s loss,” expressed Executive Producers Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions. “Yet, miraculously, from this devastation we witnessed tremendous benchmarks of humanity. The survivors found the courage to love in the face of hate.”

The film was made in direct partnership with the City of Charleston and all ten families affected by the tragedy. The producers of EMANUEL will donate their profits from the film to the survivors of the shooting and the families of the victims.

For more information on EMANUEL, please visit, www.emanuelmovie.com.

Follow EMANUEL, Arbella Studios and Fathom Events for updates on ticket information, group screenings and more:

Facebook and Instagram – @emanuelmovie
Facebook and Instagram – @arbellastudios
Facebook and Instagram – @fathomevents

About Arbella Studios

Arbella Studios is an LA-based film production company dedicated to telling stories of faith and social justice. Founded by writer and director Brian Ivie, Arbella produces mission-minded documentary and narrative content with the purpose of inspiring change and hope in audiences around the world. Arbella is also behind the documentary, The Drop Box, released in 2015. Visit www.arbellastudios.com for more information on the production company.

About Fathom Events

Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 975 locations and 1,578 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events, and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

Unleashing Your Prophetic Gifting

By

Tamsyn Cornelius

-

Jun 14, 2019

Activate Your Prophetic Calling

I recently attended the School of Prophetic Trainers at The Mission Church in Vacaville, California. Along with a group of about 150 prophetic voices from around the world (some as far afield as Russia, Cayman Islands and our own team from South Africa), we gathered to hear from God and receive training in prophetic activation. What an amazing time of hearing from the Father and connecting with fellow believers from across the globe.

I wanted to share some of the lessons I have learned along this amazing journey diving deeper into the prophetic call of God on my life. Some of these are simple life applications based on the Word of God that you can test for yourself. Others may challenge you to dig deeper into your relationship with God and find the answers you need in Him directly.

Is prophecy still relevant today?

God has been speaking from the very beginning of creation. His voice radiated over the waters and gave life to all of humankind (Genesis 1). His voice and the spoken word of God continues to resonate over the earth today and there is nothing closer to God’s heart than His longing to connect, speak, and commune with us as His children. If only we would take the time to listen…

In brief, prophecy is our ability to recognize the voice of God and speak out that which He is saying. It is often about dying to ourselves and our own voice, and all about tuning into God and connecting to the voice of the Father to find guidance, comfort, strategy, direction, and more from Him.

As the church today, we need only open our Bibles and find every resource to fully fathom the very basics of prophecy. Between the pages of each book, the Father spoke – and continues to speak; He called – and continues to call – men and women to be messengers and prophetic voices in their generation. As such, prophecy remains as relevant to us today as it did at the very beginning of creation.

God’s Prophetic Gift to Us

The Bible itself is a prophetic gift from God to the church today. Here we can find solutions for many of life’s problems, guidance for righteous living, and the skills needed to tune out the world and tune into the voice of God. In fact, the Bible is divine and God-breathed – it’s the very voice of God manifested to us.

The life of Jesus, too, is a living prophesy fulfilled. In fact, Jesus’s resurrection is God’s ultimate prophetic act, saving us from our own sins and granting us access into the family of God.

The Prophecies of God are True

Bible scholars have noted up to 300 old testament prophecies which spoke about the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Christ – long before he was ever birthed into the flesh. How amazing that God would share the hidden mysteries of His own Son during an era way before He was ever called to take our place on the cross!

Through Jesus, God gives us access to sit at His table and hear from Him. Prophesy is, therefore, a free gift, given to us by our Heavenly Father as a way of hearing and receiving from the Lord.

It may manifest in various ways – sometimes we receive new revelation in the Word of God, which as mentioned, is a prophecy in and of itself. Sometimes we hear words spoken to us – either audibly or directly into our hearts. Sometimes the Lord may give us a picture, a song, a vision, or a dream that speaks to us. Like Joseph who dreamed that he would someday reign over his brothers (Genesis 37:5); or Samuel who heard the audible voice of God calling him in the night (1 Samuel 3). In whichever way the Lord chooses to speak to us, we need to be open to hearing from Him and receiving what He has to say.

If in doubt, or if the voice of God seems hazy to you today, open your Bible. “For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and their marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12).

What can you do to activate the prophetic in your life?

First, spend time getting to know your Father. Make time with God a priority and get to know His voice. He is always speaking, but often, we do not take the time to even recognize His voice.
Secondly, know your rightful place as a child of God. We may not all be called prophets, but we have all been called to prophesy and to hear from God. Don’t be afraid to ask God the questions you have on your heart and receive the answers you need from Him.
Next, ask God to increase your prophetic gifting. Perhaps you have been too afraid to step out and receive from the Lord. But, one Word from God can change your life forever.
Practice and listen for the Voice of God. Ask God to speak to you today. Be open to the many ways He can and will communicate with you.
Stir the gift. Ask God for more and practice tuning into the Father’s voice daily. Ask Him to speak to you in new ways and you may be amazed by the results. “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy,” (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Batter Up: Trust God Through the Curveballs of Life

By

Drea Frost

-

Jun 13, 2019

You Are SAFE!

Imagine yourself at a Major League Baseball game on a perfectly beautiful, warm day. Picture the pitcher and the batter taking their places on the field.

The pitcher probably already has in his mind the type of ball he wants to pitch to the batter. Undoubtedly, the batter is trying to prepare himself for the pitch coming his way, but he still has no idea what the pitcher has in mind to throw. If you will, imagine the pitcher is life and the batter represents us trying to figure out which way, how fast and what type of throw life will pitch our way.

Expect the Unexpected

There is no doubt that life can throw some curve balls that you just weren’t expecting. It can come at you so fast and so hard that you don’t even get a chance to swing at it, and if you do try to swing, most of the time you will miss, terribly.

The current state of the world is a direct reflection of curve balls. Almost every day, there is a new headline or story that completely catches you off guard or even shocks you to disbelief. Ultimately, it should bring us all to a place of prayer for the world.

I believe this is why our playbook instructs us to not allow our hearts to be troubled.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1 KJV)

Jesus reassures us that if we believe (trust) in Him, then we will be alright, no matter the unpredictable pitch(es) that may come our way.

Life is never perfect, neither is it predictable, but our playbook tells us over and over again to TRUST God. I’ve never seen the playbook say, “figure it out!” Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.”

1. Try not to focus so much on the curveball, but focus on trusting that God knew the pitch was coming, so He will show you how to maintain and successfully deal with the unexpected style and speed of the pitch!

2. Don’t be troubled by what you see and hear. Guard your eye and ear gates – use wisdom! Stay focused on Him. Pray for clarity and peace!

3. When you feel completely defeated and/or depleted, God can and will restore your soul. Psalm 23:3 “He restores my soul…” Trust Him to take good care of you.

4. Each and every one of us will have to face something in our life that doesn’t feel, look, or seem good….it’s just a part of life! I’m so glad our playbook lets us know in Romans 8:28 “….We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

5. Keep walking and living on purpose! You have a purpose that can only be fulfilled by you in the earth. Don’t be discouraged by the curve balls; continue to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired!

Christian Dating After Divorce: Dispelling Myths, Encouraging Hearts

By

Jeannette Tyson

-

Jun 12, 2019

The Season of Dating After Divorce

Since my divorce years ago, I’ve learned so much. I want to share with other teammates out there who may be anxious or unsure about what to expect when you begin to date again.

I really want to dispel some of the myths as well as offer encouragement. Most of what we’re told has to do with being patient while keeping God first, healing from hurt, taking enough time to become whole, and even how to spot that Ephesians 5 man or Proverbs 31 woman.

All of these topics are great and certainly do provide insight, but there is so much more mentally and interpersonally that you’ll be growing through.

I truly believe that every encounter should either teach us something about ourselves, inspire us, or give us the opportunity to teach or inspire others. God is intentional and every meeting has purpose – whether it turns into a relationship or not.

Let’s start with a few mythbusters around dating after divorce.

1. Fear (of dating after divorce) means your not ready.

In the Word, we find many examples of God giving instructions to His people and them being fearful of what He told them to do. Moses is a prime example of this, who in Exodus 3:11 says, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”. Verse 12 says, “So He (God) said, “I will certainly be with you…”

Confidence does not always confirm instruction. Jonah is another example of this truth. Most of the time we fear because we think past mistakes may repeat themselves. It’s not easy to trust after losing in love. Sometimes, being alone feels like an easier option. Often the best way to get over a fear is to actually face it head on and just put yourself out there. I say this all the time – discernment is key. Seek God to find out whether your fear is just nerves or an actual cause to pause.

2. Being whole means I’m perfect.

Not so. Perfection, as in maturity, is a lifelong goal that all of us work daily to achieve. But, there will still be some things that you learn about yourself and ways you’ll change even after you get into a relationship or marriage. This doesn’t mean you weren’t whole.

In fact, I believe there are some lessons you won’t be able to learn until you get into a relationship, especially marriage. There are some things that only a certain level of intimacy can reveal in you. Don’t let those things freak you out, but thank God that you are able to grow from it.

3. I met someone who has the total package – s/he must be the one.

I wish I could say that’s true, but it’s not. More than once I have met great men for whom God simply said “No.” It doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with them or you – they might check all the boxes and still not be the one.

As I said before, I believe every relationship has purpose. Furthermore, everything in our life – where we live, what we do, our upbringing – all those things were tailor-made to create the right climate for us to grow and produce the right character and spirit we need to become all God created us to be.

That great individual may not be the one to aid us in our journey to destiny and we have to accept that. For example, when the prophet looked at David’s brother, Eliab, and said, “surely this is the Lord’s anointed” – he wasn’t. The Lord chose David instead (1 Samuel 16:6-7). We have to submit ourselves to God in every decision to make sure we stay in His will for our lives.

So You’re Ready to Date After Divorce?

Okay Team, here are a few tips for those who are dating after divorce or considering a relationship or marriage.

1. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

We have to acknowledge that our past may have lowered our tolerance level and made compromise and oneness difficult. This is especially true for anyone who has been single for a long time. Yes, we should learn from our mistakes, but we still have to be patient and give love time. This is a lot easier said than done, but if you lean on the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways, He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:6).

2. Love is not always pleasant, it’s simply a decision!

I can’t stress this enough. Love has little to do with feelings. There will be times that loving someone doesn’t feel good. This is across the board even with our children. Make the decision to commit and extend grace and mercy.

3. Trust yourself.

Simple, but not always easy. Remember the Holy Spirit is living in you and He will instruct you (John 14:26). Keep your heart and mind open to Him and don’t allow yourself to become jaded.

4. Remain true to you.

I see so many people get lost in love and forget their own passions and purpose. This is a surefire way to get burnt out. I heard Bishop Jakes say once, “Interests make you interesting”. Never forget that you are unique, fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.

Dating is exciting, so enjoy yourself as you begin meeting new people. I pray for true love and companionship for those who desire it. Remember:

Don’t be afraid to date again. God has not given you the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
Don’t be discouraged in your single season. Get out and socialize, try new things and don’t let your heart become bitter.
When you begin dating, keep God at the center of the relationship.

Crucify Him: Is the Church Persuading the World to Destroy Jesus, Again?

By

Kim Brightness

-

Jun 11, 2019

Is the Christian Church a Brand You Can Trust?

When we show our steadfast commitment to God, we become effective brand ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

Part of our brand behavior is not only our worship and praise – Hosanna! – but sanctification through the Word of God (John 17:17). We are constantly purifying thoughts, habits, and beliefs that don’t align with God’s will.

Sanctification or being holy may sound deep (and painful) to some, but it only means that we are cleaning our temples to be an acceptable home for the Holy Spirit.

Can the world see evidence of our practice of sanctification today?

The Current State of the Christian “Brand”

Let’s be perfectly honest. The same hot water the Pharisees and Sadducees found themselves in is where many professed Christians are today – in a boiling pot of Hypocrisy.

In Matthew chapter 23, standing before church leaders and the multitude, Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees “hypocrites” eight times! Do you think Jesus was a little upset and fed up?

Church leaders of Jesus’ day had done a poor job in exemplifying love, justice, and the basic tenets of God’s will and order. And, they failed to meet the mark while blatantly raising the bar higher for others. Sound familiar? Church members suffered under heavy expectations (Matthew 23:4), while church leaders were barely expected to lift a finger.

In the end, these same church leaders were the ones who persuaded or convinced the people to crucify Jesus over Barabbas.

Let’s take a brief look at the heart of these leaders and why they sought to kill Jesus.

Historical Perspective: What Did Jesus Do to You, Church Leaders?

First, Jesus is a problem for anyone with a pride-filled, un-surrendered heart. The word of the Lord is clear and irrefutable that our fleshly desires cannot overrule Christ. Take a look at what stony hearts in the church produce – see any similarities today?

Ahh, the consistent root of all evil – the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) – had infected church leaders’ hearts and caused them to err from the faith. Shall we be so naïve to think that the elders and priests weren’t “in bed” with the very money changers Jesus kicked out of the temple? God forbid.

This was one of Jesus’ first tasks as the revealed Messiah – to transform the temple from a den of thieves to a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). Jesus cared about His house and the people’s needs. Treat everyone with love and fairness.

How are we doing today?

Have we shunned the misuse of money or financial bondage tactics over God’s people?
Have church leaders served the people more than pass the offering plate?

If you want to disturb a prideful person with a title and position of power, let someone acknowledge another person over them.

When the children greeted Jesus in the temple after ‘Palm Sunday’, crying “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:15), church leaders were indignant – sorely displeased.

The handwriting was on the wall. The church had accumulated political power and it was all about to crumble – if Jesus wasn’t handled. The scribes and Pharisees would no longer monopolize the spotlight, and would now have to compete with Jesus for honor, respect, and praise from the people.

How are we doing today?

Have church leaders kept the focus on Jesus Christ, and egos out of the pulpit?
Have church leaders convinced the people to choose Barabbas-like figures for political gain?

How Can Jesus Be Destroyed, Again?

If Jesus died once for our sins (1 Peter 3:18) and is now seated at the right hand of God (Acts 2:32-33) – how in the world can He be destroyed or crucified again?

The answer goes back to the Christian “brand”.

When we profess Christ, quote scriptures on our social media pages, try to tell everyone else how they should live – and our lives bear no godly fruit, we make a mockery of Jesus Christ.

As such, we destroy or crucify the authenticity of Jesus Christ and the promises in the word of God.

When we fall away from the truth of God, after having professed Christ and tasted of the Word, we crucify our Lord and Savior over again (Hebrews 6:6). The shame brought on Christ not only kills your witness, but also the witness of faithful believers who practice sanctification. You are making the job of Team Jesus – to go and make disciples – that much harder.

Make up your mind and choose. If you’re going to serve God, serve Him. If you’re not, don’t lead others to think that you are. The blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ is too precious for fair-weather soldiers.

Church leaders, remember there’s a hefty price to pay for misleading the people and scattering God’s flock (Jeremiah 23:2). Repent from this evil and recommit to your calling – make your calling and election sure.

To those servants of God and Christian brand ambassadors, know that we are contenders for the faith in Jesus Christ (Jude 3). We fight for this. We’re loyal to Christ. Be serious about your walk with the Lord.

Are You Overwhelmed by Your Many Gifts and Talents?

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Stressful?

Thomasina’s 8 Tactics for Tackling Life’s Puzzle

1. Establish Your Boundaries.

2. Identify Which Gifts Are Not Like the Others.

3. Secure a Safe Place to Keep Your Gifts

4. Dive In and Begin – Just Don’t Force It!

5. Focus on the Little Things, Reference the Big Picture

6. Celebrate the Small Victories

7. Connect the Differences

8. Rest, Renew, Rediscover

A Time to Speak the Truth in Love

Pros

Cons

Do You Have Oily Lips?

Speak the truth in love.

“The Church is a Bunch of Hypocrites.”

My Experience

When Leaders Sin, It Affects More Than Them.

The Unspoken Victim

The Devil Made Me Do It.

Your Leadership Role Does Not Excuse Sin.

Some Church Leaders Fall, Repent and Turn.

Freedom from Familiar Foes is Here

The Ugly Face of Fear

Accept God’s Invitation to Freedom

Here I Am, Lord. Use Me.

No Purpose Wasted

The Heart of Mother Emanuel Lives On in the Community

About Arbella Studios

About Fathom Events

Activate Your Prophetic Calling

Is prophecy still relevant today?

God’s Prophetic Gift to Us

The Prophecies of God are True

You Are SAFE!

Expect the Unexpected

The Season of Dating After Divorce

Let’s start with a few mythbusters around dating after divorce.

1. Fear (of dating after divorce) means your not ready.

2. Being whole means I’m perfect.

3. I met someone who has the total package – s/he must be the one.

So You’re Ready to Date After Divorce?

1. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

2. Love is not always pleasant, it’s simply a decision!

3. Trust yourself.

4. Remain true to you.

Is the Christian Church a Brand You Can Trust?

The Current State of the Christian “Brand”

Historical Perspective: What Did Jesus Do to You, Church Leaders?

How Can Jesus Be Destroyed, Again?

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