Her Life Speaks: Ruth’s Prayer Journal
This letter is inspired by the story of the Moabite woman found in the book of Ruth.
Dear Sisters,
Decisions, decisions. We make them 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Some carry more weight while others have short-lived, seemingly insignificant consequences. Often times, the decision-making process is thrust upon us at a time we least expect. We can even be forced to make a choice in the midst of pressure, anxiety, or heartache. That’s where my choice began: heartache.
I was given in marriage to a Hebrew man whose family left Bethlehem to escape a famine. Although we lived in my native land, his family grafted me in as one of their own, introducing customs, traditions, and a God I had never known. It seemed there was grace over me to accept and eventually love the new life allotted to me.
But after 10 years of this life, it was nearly stripped from my grasp. My husband died, along with his brother, and all that I had cherished as my own seemed determined to leave: my sister-in-law and then my husband’s mother.
I was scared. I was heartbroken and confused. The voice of the one I admired most bombarded my mind, I couldn’t think.
“Go back to your mother’s home instead of coming with me…things are far more bitter for me than for you,” my mother-in-law, Naomi, had said. (Ruth 1:13, NLT)
I thought of my upbringing, how I was trained to bow before pieces of clay. Was I to return and be mocked for the destruction the Hebrew God brought upon me?
Yes, it was true: I could expect nothing if I stayed with Naomi, nothing but a glimpse of the peace that surpassed the pain she had encountered. I remembered staring in awe of a woman who could lose her husband and two sons and still find purpose in the breath of each new day.
At that moment, something rose inside me, a familiar presence bringing boldness and surety. It must have been the same Spirit that resided in my husband responding through me:
“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. I will die where you die and will be buried there. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” (Ruth 1: 16-17, NLT)
What a thing to say. I’ll tell you, my sisters, it’s not the saying that landed me my own book in the Bible; it was the doing that was required after the words.
When we decide to live a life that pleases God, we continue making decisions that honor Him. Don’t allow fear or a lack of understanding to make you question the decision you made in the Spirit. Lean on His guidance and take comfort in His peace.
In business, choose integrity over convenience. In marriage, choose love over offense. In motherhood, choose patience over anxiety. I assure you, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my God, your God will honor you just as He honored me.
We’re on the team that has tasted and seen God’s goodness in our lives, so let’s choose His goodness every day.
In our Father’s love,
~ Ruth
How I Prepared for 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Get Ready to Grow
In my last article, I shared that I would let you all know how the Lord prepared me for my first real fast. To be effective, preparation is key. Here are the 5 steps I took to get started:
1. Pray.
I’d known for a while now that God was calling me to a fast. I always pushed it to the back burner because food has always helped me to cope. I wasn’t ready to give it up.
In the weeks leading up to my fast, I began to pray and ask God to prepare my heart, mind, and body for the fast. This is how I wrapped my mind around it. I would also pray at length specifying what I wanted the Lord to do in me through the fast, and hearing what He had in store for me as well. Some people fast for their purpose, healing, or guidance. It’s ok to have more than one focus area.
I believe that praying ahead of time about the fast and my intentions for fasting made me even more excited about the fasting journey. The anxiety I previously had about letting go of food left, and I couldn’t wait to hear from the Lord and receive all He had for me.
2. Find correlating scriptures.
If you are fasting about healing, then write down healing scriptures that you can study and meditate on during your fast. This is very important. It’s so much easier to have everything at hand during the fast rather than trying to find go-to verses while you’re in the middle of the fast.
With all the changes you will go through, you need the process to run as smooth as possible. Scriptures are also a motivational tool. At my job, for instance, I posted sticky notes around my area for encouragement and reminders.
3. Plan.
Unfortunately, most of us can’t get away to a secluded island to fast and commune with God. I’m a single parent working full-time. Meal planning was vital for me – I was fasting, not my daughter. I had to go grocery shopping ahead of time and make sure that during my fast I had everything we needed. Had there been any unexpected inconveniences with our meals, I may have given up and put off fasting even longer.
Also, God told me to fast for 7 days. Ask God how long you should fast as well as what you should sacrifice. Some of you may not have an issue with food like me. Perhaps you’re a vegan saint, but you need to fast from Scandal, Empire, or the NFL network. Maybe God will have you fast from technology or social media.
However you fast, it’s between you and God – so let Him lead you. Plan out as much as you can because any hiccups will seem magnified and you don’t need any unnecessary stress during this time.
4. Eliminate distractions.
What are the distractions? Doing things you don’t need to do. Yes, checking social media counts! Talking with girlfriends, leisure group outings – cut these out and take your time of consecration seriously. This is another reason why planning is important. You may not want to fast if it’s going to be a busy month for your family. Find time to dedicate all spare time to seeking the Lord in prayer and meditating on the Word. Obviously, you have to work, cook, and do housework – but just be mindful. Handle your responsibilities and then get right back to God.
5. Pre-fast (Optional)
Since I knew fasting was going to be particularly hard for me, I started fasting one day a week to prepare myself for the real thing. Mind you, this is my first real fast where God told Jeannette to fast – it was personal. I was doing this for me, and my next level depended on it. I had to be ready and a little practice helped.
How Did I Fast?
God took me on a 7-day Daniel fast. All I ate was fruit and veggies and it was an amazing experience. One of the things that stood out the most to me during this fast was that I could literally feel the duality of spirit and flesh. I honestly felt like a spirit inside of a body when I ordinarily feel like a body that has a spirit. There were times when my body felt fatigued because of the drastic diet change. But my spirit, which is the real me, never felt better! I felt very aware and my senses were heightened. It was as if my entire body was breathing and able to take in oxygen – not just my lungs.
Another difference I noticed was that it was very easy to get before God. What I mean by that is, sometimes you have to have total quiet or worship music playing, or you have to be home and settled to get into His secret place. Not when fasting! You could be in a burning building and have such a serenity and calm about you – nothing can move you from Jesus’ feet! It is so beautiful to experience that. The level of peace is unreal.
I also had prophetic dreams which I documented in my journal. Please get a journal if you don’t already have one – write down everything God speaks or shows to you.
Now, as wonderful as all of this was for me, I do have a couple warnings:
Hydrate. Before, during, and after. Just drink water even when you’re not thirsty. The first three days of my fast, I had the worst headache of my entire life! I don’t wish that on anyone! Drinking water will help your body eliminate toxins from all the bad food (and bad emotions) you may be dealing with.
Prepare for attacks! The devil does not want you to get delivered, Team. When you begin to step into the supernatural, the devil will be right there to do everything in his power to hinder you – especially after your fast – so be prayerful. You already have the victory through Jesus Christ.
So, what’s the play call?
If you believe God has called you to fast, give yourself plenty of time to prepare.
Have a focus and be purposeful. During your fast, seek the Lord for specific things and write down what He reveals to you.
“Be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour”. 1 Peter 5:8
Travis Greene Kicks Off U.S. Tour in February 2018
The Wait is Over for Travis Greene’s U.S. Tour
Two-time GRAMMY® nominated RCA/Inspiration recording artist TRAVIS GREENE will kick off 2018 with a U.S. tour beginning February 18 through March 1. Launching at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, the tour will hit Detroit, Michigan, Chicago, IL, Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Richmond, VA, Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA.
Greene recently reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart for his song, “You Waited,” marking his third consecutive #1 single, “You Waited.” Greene’s current album, CROSSOVER: LIVE FROM MUSIC CITY, also debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.
Greene, who launched his recording career with THE MORE in 2007 – shares fresh material with eager audiences in CROSSOVER: LIVE FROM MUSIC CITY, for longtime and new fans alike to partake in an experience that captures the artist’s passion, excitement and charisma onstage — and his ability to reach hearts with the gospel through music.
Greene has been nominated for two career GRAMMY® Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, 13 Stellar Awards, three Dove Awards and one Soul Train Award. This year at the2017 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, he won in seven key categories, including “Song of the Year” (for “Made A Way,” which also hit #1 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart), “Male Vocalist of the Year,” “CD of the Year (The Hill, which also reached #1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart),” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year,” “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Recorded Music Packaging of the Year” and “Praise and Worship CD of the Year.” In 2016, Billboard named him “Gospel Airplay Artist of the Year.”
2018 Tour Dates for Travis Greene
2/18/18 Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI
2/19/18 Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL
2/20/18 Mr. Smalls Theatre Pittsburgh, PA
2/22/18 B.B. King Blues Club New York, NY
2/23/18 World Café Live Philadelphia, PA
2/24/18 The Broadberry Richmond, VA
2/25/18 The Howard Theatre Washington, DC
2/27/18 McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square Charlotte, NC
3/1/18 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
But Wait, There’s More!
Travis Greene received a 49th NAACP Image Awards nomination for his album “Crossover: Live From Music City” for “Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary)! Be sure to tune in on MLK Day, January 15, 2018 at 9/8C on TV One.
Team, make plans now to support Travis Greene and prayers for God-sized success for this tour. For more information please visit: http://www.travisgreene.tv/
6 Strategies to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain
Beat the Holiday Weight Gain Woes
Holiday weight gain is dreaded by all. No one likes feeling their pants get snugger. While it does appear that holiday weight gain is common among Americans, research conflicts with exactly how much (likely 1-5 pounds). However, it does appear to show that even if only 1 pound is gained, it isn’t lost in the spring and summer months, leading to a steady weight incline. Those who are overweight or obese may have an even greater propensity for weight gain during the holidays according to some research.
The holidays are a season where we enjoy family, traditions, community, giving and celebrating life. They don’t need to be a reminder of the dreaded holiday pounds. But, weight gain is not a result of 1 big family meal, it accrues over weeks as small choices and little decisions add up.
By creating a plan early in the season, you can decide how you want to respond, choices you will make, and strategies you will implement so that you don’t have any lingering pounds following you into the New Year.
These are 6 strategies that will help you avoid the holiday weight gain…
Decide What You Are Bringing to the Party
Celebrations, gatherings, parties, meetups, gift exchanges- the calendar fills up fast as the holiday season approaches. One clever way to stay in control of your food choices and always have a healthy option available is to bring it.
No one can make you bring the triple chocolate pie or the buttery rich potato casserole or the decadent cheese dip with bread. You can always choose. The key is to make the decision in advance before you are asked so that you have a response ready. If invited to a party, it is likely you will be asked to bring 1 of 3 items: an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.
ACTION STEP: BEFORE the holidays sneak up behind you, decide on a healthy, but delicious dish that will fit each category that you are willing to make. Here are some ideas:
Appetizer
Side Dish
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Epic Kale Salad with Grapes, Blue Cheese & Walnuts
Cheesy Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
Dessert
No-Bake Carrot Cake Snack Balls
Plan Out Exercise at the Beginning of the Week
…and seriously consider early morning workouts.
Exercise tends to get neglected during the holidays because everyone is busier than ever. It feels difficult to squeeze it in, especially if you are an evening or after-work exerciser. Evening parties, shopping, and preparations suck up your time and energy. Don’t discount your available time or effort. If all you have is 15 minutes, then dedicate those minutes to a great, high-intensity workout. Even if you are out of town, you can get creative with these ideas and don’t negate the power of a short walk. Give what you have to give!
ACTION STEP: At the beginning of each week, view your calendar and determine…
- What days you will exercise
- How long you will exercise on each day
- Exactly what you are doing during your exercise session
Pray Before You Eat
The presence of God changes everything. Many of us pray before we eat a family dinner as a ritual or routine. It doesn’t mean we don’t mean what we say, but habits like these can often lose a little bit of their meaning.
Consider how nourishing your body gives glory to God! Think about how community meals, similar to the early church in Acts, are an act of worship. Your Heavenly Father wants to be involved in every part of your life – invite Him and thank Him! Ask Him for discernment, the spirit of self-control, and the ability to enjoy all the wonderful and diverse flavors of food!
ACTION STEP: Decide to pray before every eating experience. If you are driving to the office holiday party, pray in the car. If you are about to walk down the church hallway to the cookie exchange, pray. Make an effort to pray over your food even when it is in a secular environment or not a part of the formal meal.
Decide What to Do With Food Gifts
Growing up, my mom would receive dozens of treats – cookies, cakes, candies, pies, chocolates – during the holidays. As a teacher, her kids would lavish her with food gifts. The kitchen bar would become the “treat counter.” The heart behind the gifts was sweet and pure, but no one can or should attempt to eat all the treats that arrive on the doorstep every holiday season.
The key is to decide now, what to do with all of it. If you create your own method of disposal before the decadent treats arrive, it will be easier to handle them without feeling emotionally obligated to eat them. The goal is to get them “out of sight” and even better, out of the house.
A few solutions:
- Freeze a few treats and toss the rest.
- Create a goodie bags and keep in the backseat of your car when you drive past those in need on the side of the road.
- Move all treats to a difficult to reach place in the cabinet or pantry.
A few more thoughts… Consider what food gifts you intend on giving to others and accept that someone might toss your frosted cookies or family recipe fudge. Instead, give a healthy food gift OR non-food gift to be respectful of other people’s health during the holidays.
ACTION STEP: Decide what is and is not acceptable in your home. Create your plan now. How much will you allow in? Are you okay with throwing food away? If not, how will you dispose of it?
Make Half Your Plate Fruit and Veggies
This strategy works. It still leaves room for some higher calorie, rich or decadent foods, but sets a precedence and a focus. No matter what party you’re attending, whether you meal-planned or not for the week or whether you are getting a quick bite to eat while you are out Christmas shopping, the goal is simple: half a plate of veggies and fruit.
These foods are nutrient rich and have a great boost of fiber to help you get full and satisfied. Of course, a healthy meal would ideally have some lean protein for satiety and possibly some whole grains or complex carbohydrate as well. This also requires us to first scout out the food that is available so that we can find the veggies that aren’t covered in heavy toppings, breading and cream sauces.
ACTION STEP: Step up to the plate and make the decision that fruits and veggies are a priority during the holidays. No matter where you are, aim to fill half your plate with colorful produce.
Keep Drinking Water
According to the CDC, more than 50% of individuals drink at least 1 sugar-sweetened beverage per day, but during the holidays, I expect that number to increase. Eggnog, apple cider, punch, coffee beverages and cocktails in addition to soda, sweet tea and juice are quite common at parties and gatherings and these numbers might surprise you. But, it is also common to get busy and simply forget to drink during the day.
Dehydration can often be disguised as hunger. This might encourage us to eat more or snack when our body really isn’t hungry but instead is thirsty. Keeping a water beverage in your hand at a gathering may also help you eat less. This strategy isn’t hard but does require intentionality.
ACTION STEP: Set a daily water goal. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Use an app or an alarm if you need a reminder to take a sip. Try some of these hydrating beverages that are low in calories and big on flavor! When at parties, intermingle water or sparkling water with “party” or high-calorie beverages.
So, what’s the play call?
Celebrate! Have fun! Enjoy the season! There is no guilt or shame in enjoying some treats and pleasures throughout the holidays.
Keep those dreaded holiday pounds away from your waistline by implementing 1 or 2 strategies that will help you stay focused on your health values through this hectic and fast-paced season. That’s how you live with awe-inspiring joy and freedom.
Team, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is (3 John 1:2, TLB).
Strength From Our Sisters: Hannah’s Prayer Journal
This letter is inspired by the story of Hannah found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.
Dear sisters,
“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my strength is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies; for I delight in your deliverance.” (1 Samuel 2:1, NIV)
I found these words in my prayer journal this morning, and I remember the day that praise took root in my heart. I assure you, sisters, I haven’t always been this bold.
I held my son closer than usual that day, my arms further securing his place near my heart with each breath. His latch onto my breast seemed tighter as well. Did he know what had been planned for him before his birth?
I closed my eyes and remembered the morning when he first came into this world. I remembered the days when he was in my womb. And, I remembered the night of his conception. That was the night the Lord remembered me.
I was barren for years. The ridicule I suffered merely served as an echo of the shame that strangled my soul. I was showered with love from my husband; his adoration for me excelled that of my rival. But, societal facts spoke louder: a woman who cannot reproduce is worthless.
Though in despair, my heart never grew cold. I wept in the dark at the failure of my flesh, knowing in the morning, my hope would rise once again. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to bear this cycle. On our yearly trip to the Lord’s house in Shiloh, I broke down. In deep anguish, I cried out to the Lord, unabashed by the dignity of the scene before me.
“Lord Almighty, if You will remember me and give me a son, I will give him to You for all the days of his life.” (1 Samuel 1:11, paraphrased)
I didn’t care that everyone heard. I didn’t care that they saw my pain, that the hurt they spoke over me accomplished its work. All that mattered was that God heard my cry.
He remembered me.
And now I sit, caressing my treasure, confident in the God who sees, knows, and cares. I give this child, Samuel, to the Lord, honoring His faithfulness toward me by keeping my promise.
Almighty has been my strength, and sister, He’ll be yours too! Regard the truth of His Word over the jealous jargon of the unjust. Know that He is faithful and He is your exceedingly great reward.
In Our Father’s Love,
~ Hannah
Experiencing God’s Faithfulness with Faith and Belief
Today’s Scripture Lesson: Ezra Chapters 1-3, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-3
In a previous Bible Study To Go article, we took a look at Ezra and the story of the exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Today, let’s continue looking at this story, but we’ll also include Ezra’s contemporaries, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah.
When we left off, the people were rejoicing after having just completed the foundation of the temple. While most were shouting for joy, Ezra 3:12 tells us, “Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes . . .” I don’t mean to leave you hanging, but we’ll come back to that in good time.
Ezra, like Nehemiah, Ester, and Ruth, is void of one significant aspect – God never speaks in any one of these books. We never read words spoken by God to the people or to a prophet as part of the storyline.
Keep in mind, however, the simple fact that God isn’t speaking doesn’t mean He isn’t moving.
We see in the opening phrases from the book of Ezra, “. . .the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom . . .” (Ezra 1:1). A little later in the same chapter, we read, “Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites arose, even everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up and rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.” (Ezra 1:9)
The Bible leaves no doubt; God was on the move. Yet, while Ezra doesn’t record God’s spoken word, the books of Haggai and Zechariah reveal what God was telling His prophets and His people during this time of rebuilding.
Stop and Go Progress
After laying the new foundation, work on the temple continued for only a brief time. Men who were enemies of Judah and Benjamin, from the region of Samaria, wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes which convinced the king to send out a decree that temple building should cease. The work stoppage continued until the reign of King Darius.
So, what happened that the building of the temple resumed?
Ezra tells us, “When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them.” (Ezra 5:1-2)
It should be noted at this time that Darius had not issued a decree stating that building of the temple should resume. That didn’t happen until after the Jews resumed their efforts.
So, what changed? What did the prophets offer to the leaders of the Jews, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, that would cause them to make such a bold move?
Over the course of roughly 4 months, Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to Zerubbabel and Jeshua (whose name is spelled, Joshua, in Zechariah). It was Haggai’s initial prophecy which got the ball rolling again.
He went to these two leaders and told them, “Thus says the LORD of hosts . . . “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” (Haggai 1:2,4) Haggai continued, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! “Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD.” (Haggai 1:7-8)
What did the prophets offer to the leaders of the Jews? Authority!
When God Gives the Green Light
Over the next several months, they offered two other crucial components in the rebuilding of the temple. The first offering was encouragement. The second offering was vision of restoration through Christ. (It doesn’t say “Christ” but the message of Zechariah is full of Messianic symbolism.)
Read the words God spoke to the Jews through His prophets:
Encouragement
- Haggai 1:13 – “I am with you.”
- Haggai 2:4 – “work, for I am with you.”
- Haggai 2:5 – “My Spirit is in your midst; do not fear!”
- Zechariah 1:16 – “I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it, and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.”
Vision of Restoration through Christ
- Zechariah 2:4-5 – “Jerusalem will be inhabited without walls because of the multitude of men and cattle within it. For I will be a wall of fire around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.”
- Zechariah 3:4 – “He (the Lord) spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’ Again He said to him, ‘See I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.’”
When Zerubbabel and Jeshua were questioned, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?” (Ezra 5:3), they were no longer focused on their fears of an earthly king. They were focused on God’s authority.
Is God Stirring Your Heart to Go?
I don’t believe it is too much of a stretch to equate the stirring of the Lord in the people from Ezra 1 with what many of us consider the “feeling” of the Spirit in our hearts, minds, and souls. The exiles left Babylon on a great Spiritual high. The sense of God’s presence was upon them. It must have been a wonderful sense of the mission and task before them, wrought with anticipation.
As noted last time, their focus quickly moved away from God when they encountered the desolation of the past. The feeling, the stirring, was gone. Eventually, they returned to begin the work of laying a foundation and most of them rejoiced. Once again, the feeling was back. Well, for most of them anyway. Not long afterward, they submitted to the decree of a new king who said, “Stop.”
In Haggai 2:3, God speaks to the Israelites revealing what must have been on the hearts of those who wept. “Who is left among you who saw the temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?” He follows these words with encouragement in the next two verses, saying, “work, for I am with you,” and, “My Spirit is in your midst, do not fear.”
Are You Walking by Belief or Faith?
There is very little difference between the journey of faith by the Israelites and our own personal journeys. If you recall our study of Elijah, we distinguished between belief and faith. Though they are two parts of one whole, belief focuses on power and signs while faith focuses on sovereignty and authority.
The exiles returned to Jerusalem in belief, prompted by feeling the presence of the Lord. But just like Elijah, they didn’t have any issue with belief, they had a faith issue.
It is important to understand the difference between walking in Faith and walking in Belief.
Walking in faith is what we do when the feeling is gone. We move forward in faith. While the Holy Spirit doesn’t abandon us, we don’t always feel the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit emboldens us and prompts us to move by making His presence felt.
However, the resultant belief must be accompanied by faith if we are to keep from being stopped dead in our tracks as soon as the feeling is gone. Neither Belief nor Faith is a feeling. Instead, they are two parts of one complete understanding which, together, points us towards the Truth of God’s faithfulness.
You and I may not be prophets of Biblical proportion, but in faith, we experience the beauty of God’s sovereignty, and we join Him in His work of restoration and encouraging the fellowship of believers.
God’s Invitation: Calling all Comfortable Christians
What’s Next as a Christ Follower?
Recently, I’ve been feeling like I’m at a spiritual crossroads. When you think of a crossroads you imagine the option of two routes in front of you and trying to figure out which way to go. But, this was different in my case because it seemed to be less about “which way to go” and more about “I can’t keep going in the same direction”.
I didn’t even know how I wound up stagnant and it’s frustrating me because I know that in God we’re always moving forward. At this point, I’m wondering what’s the problem because I’m doing all I know to do.
When we get saved, we immediately step into an eternal Kingdom and receive the Holy Spirit as the Guarantor of the promise. In that moment, we are reconciled to God and become eligible for all spiritual blessings.
At first, there are obvious changes we need to make. Quit smoking, end fornication, stop cursing, lying, etc. These things can take time. When you’re accustomed to doing your own thing, it’s tough to submit. But, as time goes on, these behaviors become easier to let go. The Holy Spirit’s leading becomes clearer and even when tempted, you’re able to say ‘No’.
Fast forward a few years and you think you’ve got it all down pat. You are faithful in your church, you tithe, pray, and study the Word regularly. You’re coasting through this thing called the Christian walk!
So, how far does this train go? Should I get off here at comfortable and mediocre, or take this train to the end of the line?
From Glory to Glory
From my humble observation, there seem to be 3 levels or phases of Christianity. At Level 1, you’re recently saved, a mere babe in Christ. At Level 2, you get the hang of your new life in Christ, you’ve changed your habits, and you’ve learned the “Christian way”. Then, Level 3 is the signs and wonders level where God moves mightily in you and through you. You walk completely in faith every day.
We’ve all read the scriptures that say, “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5) or “He came that we may have life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). Well, why are many Christians battling sickness in their bodies? Why are there so many Christians who have financial struggles? We know that God’s Word says that these conditions are not our portion, so where’s the disconnect?
I won’t make any blanket conclusions, but could it be that some of us have yet to cross over into that 3rd level, thereby choosing to live beneath our promise and privilege?
The Call to Go Higher
For me, this was a big pill to swallow. I came a long way, I thought I was doing something. It’s like senior year in high school – you feel like the top dog and then you get to college and you’re back at the bottom of the totem pole.
So, I’m like okay God what are you saying to me, what do I have to do? God said,
“You’ve gone as far as you can go in your own human strength, and now it’s time to press in. Commit to fasting, there is a lot more I want to show you.”
Okay, Team, let me tell you how difficult this was for me to take in. I’m a single mom. My days are super long, I spend about 11 hours out of the house commuting and working. I have NO social life and my free time is spent doing housework and playing with my daughter.
I mean, can I just have some chocolate chip cookies and cold milk? A little pie here and there? Maybe a nice bowl of my favorite pasta. I totally self-soothe with good food. Not that I sit and stuff myself, but food is a comfort to me and God hit me where it would hurt because otherwise, it wouldn’t be a sacrifice.
I guarantee you that whatever you use to medicate yourself, that’s what God will tell you to give up in order to come in closer to Him.
Let’s Go All The Way
I am writing this from the midst of this journey. It’s so common to hear from people after they’ve overcome, but rarely do we hear from those who are overcome-ing. I have not “arrived” and I do not have all the answers, but I am intentional about my relationship with the Lord and I refuse to go back!
I am excited to level up in God and I can’t wait to share my experiences as I fast and zealously seek God.
We love to hear stories of people who have reached extraordinary heights in life. We’re fascinated by their determination and their accomplishments, but what do we do with that inspiration? Why aren’t there more Bill Gates in the world, more Michael Jordans, etc.
Every human being was fearfully and wonderfully made by an amazing God. We all have purpose and destinies to fulfill, but we can’t get off at the corner of Mediocre and Comfortable – we have to take this to the end of the line. We have to press in, strip ourselves, and sacrifice our comforts in order to hear what God is saying and what He wants us to do. Let’s cross over into the supernatural life God ordained for us to have, Team.
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
- Do a self-assessment and be honest with yourself – are you moving forward? If not, ask the Lord to show you what He wants to do in your life and to reveal any hinderances.
- Be mindful of your relationship with God and don’t just settle for a religious regimen.
- If you haven’t already, make fasting a part of your walk with God. It will bring you closer to Him and strengthen your spiritual hearing.
- Stay tuned as I update you guys on how the Lord is preparing me for my fast (which began on Nov 1, 2017), and the good, bad and ugly things I’m going through during my journey to the supernatural – 3rd level here I come!
The Working Season: Do What God Called You to Do
As we wrap our series on “seasons”, let’s take a minute to look back on what we’ve learned.
First, we talked about the dangers of comparing our journey with Christ with the journey of others. This misjudgment of our season causes discouragement and can hinder our growth.
In the Waiting Season, we explored the misconception of the phrase “waiting on God”, and discovered exactly what to do while we wait.
In the Writing Season, we recognized the importance of putting pen to paper and identified how to write God’s vision for our lives.
This series concludes with a focus on the Working Season – doing what God called us to do.
Clock In
The Working Season is the time when you are actively walking toward what God has revealed to you during your Writing Season in prayer. It is in this season that you are functioning in obedience and following His direction. In the Working Season, you are being used by God to promote His Kingdom and bring Him glory. As you do what God has called you to do, you find fulfillment in His purpose for you.
While the idea of finding fulfillment in God’s purpose sounds appealing, what do you do if you feel like the vision you’ve written for your life is beyond your reach? If you’re not working in your Working Season, has fear stopped you? What should you do if you are already working, but feel overwhelmed and frustrated?
The Keys to Success While You Work
Fix Your Focus, Adjust Your Eyes
If you feel that the vision you’ve received from God is beyond your reach, the first thing you must do is adjust your focus. Check your eyes and renew your vision.
In order to walk in the fulfilment of God’s purpose for your life you must see yourself as God sees you. Resist the urge to see yourself as less than. Whatever we think in our heart, that’s exactly what we are (Proverbs 23:7). How you see yourself determines how you show up in the world.
Agree with God and look at yourself through His eyes. Scripture says in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God’s masterpiece. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are created in the image of God. According to Psalm 8:5, we are crowned with glory and honor. The assurance of knowing that you are created in God’s image and are His masterpiece should cause you to fully stand up and own the greatness He has placed within you. You can do and be everything God has called you to be when your focus is right.
Stop Looking to Yourself and Look to GOD
Looking to yourself as a source of strength is a big mistake. As believers, we can do nothing without His power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to operate and be effective in what He has called us to do. It is not in our own strength. It is God who gets the work done.
Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that great things are accomplished by the power of His Spirit, not our strength. The vision that God placed in your heart may, in fact, be far beyond what you can do in your own strength. This is precisely why you need HIM to accomplish it!
Fix Your Mouth, Adjust Your words
Take a moment to listen to the ongoing conversation you are having with yourself. What are you saying?
Are you speaking words of life to yourself or are you speaking death? Are you encouraging yourself or are you speaking words of self-doubt and defeat?
May I encourage you to make the mental shift to replace the negative internal chatter with the Word of God? In order to fulfill God’s purpose, you must make a conscious choice to speak words that agree with God’s Word and what He has said about you.
God, in His word, says you are holy, chosen and blameless (Ephesians 1:4), and that you have been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). You must remind yourself of His thoughts about you multiple times throughout the day. Change your internal dialogue and come into agreement with God. This internal shift of positive God-energy, will empower you to do what He has called you to do.
Don’t Allow Fear to Freeze Your Feet
Often we stall and we miss opportunities to be used by God because we worry about making the wrong move. Fear paralyzes us, causing us to do nothing. It is imperative that we face our fear with focused action. We must push past the fear of making a mistake.
As we follow God in faith, He fills in the gaps. He’s gracious to forgive the mistakes we may make as we pursue what we feel He called us to do. God sees our heart to please Him, and if we stumble, He will allow mistakes to work for our good.
Once you begin to make steps, in faith, God will bring people into your life with divine alignment to your assignment. He will strategically put people in your path to help you fulfill what He has called you to do. Please don’t dismiss these acquaintances as coincidence – see them as divine connections.
On other occasions, we allow the fear of public opinion to take precedence over the vision that God has given us. Too many times we are looking for the approval of others, rather than walking in the vision God has for us. We place too much value in what “they” say. What “they” say is irrelevant when God has called you to do something. It is imperative that we all move beyond the fear of men.
What if You’re Already Working and Feel Overwhelmed?
At times we find ourselves working on projects or activities that cause us to feel weighted and stressed. When we first started, the tasks were manageable. In the beginning, these activities may have appeared to be good things but, in our running, we never stopped to ask if they were GOD things. It is perfectly acceptable to stop and evaluate the activity, things, and people in your life.
Re-evaluate what is important. Take a good look at what is occupying your time. If you are exhausted, perhaps you have overextended yourself. God specifically graces us for the assignments in our lives.
The remedy to this problem is simple. Go to God in prayer and ask Him to move people and things off of your agenda that don’t align with His plan for your life. Ask God for the wisdom and the clarity to see what you should let go of.
So, What’s the Play Call?
As you begin to walk in what God has called you to do, please keep in mind a few things:
God’s vision for your life may not manifest in the way you expect it. Be open to how the vision will unfold. His plans may be birthed in a place you have not considered before.
Take time to prepare yourself for the vision by actively working on your spiritual growth and personal development.
Remember, numerical success does not equal spiritual success. Your effectiveness will not be based on man’s measure of success, but on God’s. When we obey His voice, we always win!
30 Days of Gratitude Challenge with Team Jesus Magazine
What are YOU Grateful for?
Team Jesus,
One of the best ways to view life with clarity, focus, and joy is through the lens of gratitude. Ten times out of 10, the things we are grateful for in life are things we’d love to have more of or things we’d miss dearly if they were gone.
So, why not give those things an opportunity to grow with the power of gratitude!
Join our 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge!
Every day for 30 days during the month of November, join us for a beautiful moment of personal gratitude. Each day, we’ll post a gratitude prompt on our Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter page (make sure you’re following!).
We would love for you to reply, comment, and share your gratitude reflection using the hashtag #TeamJesusGratitude. And, for deeper personal reflection, we encourage you to use the prompt and any other feelings of thankfulness to write in your Gratitude Journal. You can write in the morning, at night – no rules, just a commitment to show gratitude for at least one thing every day.
Why Should I Participate?
Have you noticed moments of recent discontentment, frustration, or dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life? Expressing gratitude for what you do have has a way of re-adjusting your perspective for the better. No matter what we may think we lack right now, there is someone somewhere who would give the world to have what we often take for granted.
As we develop a stronger attitude of gratitude and thankfulness, expect reduced stress levels, better rest, more joy, and for sweet moments with God. You’d be surprised what God can reveal to us when our hearts are in a continuous, grateful place!
We are very grateful for everyone who will shine the light of gratitude with us this month!
Ready? Let’s GO!
Gratitude Prompts
11/1, Day 1: What lesson learned are you grateful for today?
11/2, Day 2: What tool, innovation, or technology are you grateful for?
11/3, Day 3: What color are you grateful for?
11/4, Day 4: What food are you grateful for?
11/5, Day 5: What sound are you grateful for today?
11/6, Day 6: What in nature are you grateful for?
11/7, Day 7: What memory are you grateful for?
11/8, Day 8: What book are you most grateful for?
11/9, Day 9: What place are you most grateful for?
11/10, Day 10: What opportunity to be forgiven are you grateful for today?
11/11, Day 11: What personal skill, talent, or ability are you grateful for?
11/13, Day 13: What relationship are you grateful for today?
11/14, Day 14: What teacher are you grateful for today?
11/15, Day 15: What season are you grateful for?
11/16, Day 16: What about your body are you grateful for?
