be completely honest, my workouts have been intermittent more recently than they have in the past.  I woke up the other morning determined to get one in, get some endorphins moving and have fun.  I was a Zumba Instructor, so sometimes I like to do routines I find on YouTube or those used in the past. (Of course some of the movements and songs are modified or omitted altogether LOL)  One thing is for certain that when you get back on the grind of working out, you have to build up your resistance and endurance to make it through the regimen.  Depending on the intensity, you may have to take breaks or drink more water than usual. 

This was the case for me.  Now, Zumba workouts include lots of lateral movements and twisting so they have what they call sliders that you can place over your shoes on the ball of your foot.  This is specific to working out on carpet to ensure safety and help with these movements.  Despite having on the sliders, doing this type of workout on carpet is hard due to more resistance. 


Remember I said that I hadn’t worked out in a while?  
Well my body did.  As I went through the routine that
I know well, it was hard, hard, harrrrd! My breathing
was labored, legs heavy and I was sweating more
than usual for a Zumba workout.

​​One of my favorite routines is to a song by
Ray Charles called “Hit the Road Jack.”  It is a high
intensity, simple and repetitive routine, but you
have to pay attention.  With all of the obstacles
I was working with, it would be easy to get hurt.  

Somewhere in the song, I noticed how focused I became, watching my foot placement and making sure I wasn’t slouching or dragging my feet.  My movements were sharp and calculated....how much more should we do this in our walk with the Lord? This confirms John 14:26 that says:
 
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
Scripture after scripture tells us that God will be with us when we go through tough times, how we should endure, and be strong and courageous, yet we don’t always remain persistent in the situation.  As I worked out, I thought about how this is similar to trials and tribulations in life.  Although my workout was only an hour, life’s situations may last longer. 

For me, it was something that kicked in that I later recognized I had been doing without thinking about it.  Becoming more focused and concentrated in what I was doing was paramount to my safety and the completion of this task.  The Holy Ghost is there to kick-in and stir up the word of God in us to cause us to press past how we feel about the trial we may be going through and remember the things that will get us through safely, with concentration and wisdom.  Jesus is there to help us in times of need, no matter the storm. He wants us to remember that if we will endure until the end, there will be a reward. 

What is this reward you ask?  Many will be pushed harder, longer, farther than you ever thought you could go and realize your strength.  You may learn a new skill and things about your character.  Some may have to grieve over loss and make it through.  Romans 8:28 talks about all things working for good.  Many people who go through trials that result in an outcome that is not was they expected or desired, get angry with God.  

They are thinking of the word “Good” in the context of the word, but I read something that I’ll quote Pastor Tony Evans saying that this word means our benefit.  It does not have anything to do with God being good, because He is and always will be.  There are some things in the earth realm that he allows – some things that we do not deem as “Good.”  This does not change his character. 

As with that workout, it was challenging.  I dealt with some soreness afterwards.  I had to continue to work out so that it could be easier.  That same routine with the song that I like (Yeah the difficult one), the resistance of the carpet (Even though I have the sliders), the ups and downs of energy (That gets better the more I work out) and my increased concentration (It automatically kicked in for my help!)

It is the same with us in our spiritual walk with the Lord.  The concentration that kicked in is Holy Ghost bringing up the word of God that I know, read, heard and have studied.  If the word of God is not in you, there is nothing to pull from.  Scripture is the thing that helps us get through trials as it is literally enacting Jesus in our lives.  He is the present word and was in the beginning, now and forever more. 

If anyone is going through a trial, I don’t mean to oversimplify life’s conditions to a workout.  When I was in it, heart beating, and lungs full-panting for air and legs burning, I could see the spiritual parallel or the Kingdom Perspective (wink). The goal here is to encourage you to push past all of the physical distractions and keep your mind on the end goal – to make it through the immediate situation and ultimately to spend eternity with Jesus!  

Be encouraged to endure until the end (Matt 24:13) and face every obstacle in your way strong (Acts 20:23-24). Most importantly, as God told Joshua many times – Be strong and very courageous! The lord is with you everywhere you go and in all that you do (Joshua 1:9). 

​
Deuteronomy 31: 6 tells us that God will never leave or forsake you. Forsake means to quit or leave entirely; abandon; desert.  This is God talking about you – yes YOU!  He will NEVER forsake you.
May the Lord give you comfort and peace through it all.  He is a God who knows your name.  He knows your situation and be encouraged to get more intimate with Him.  He will guide you through.

Lord Jesus, please be with the person reading this right now.  They need you or know someone that is going through a not so easy situation.  We all need you.  As you are the God of all comfort, peace and direction, please provide them with what they need in order to activate their spiritual strength, endurance and concentration and you guide them through. We believe that you are able and will provide all they need and more.  Thank you and we know that you are working things out for our benefit. 

In Jesus’ Name we pray – Amen.

Be encouraged to work it out today (Physically, spiritually, emotionally, situationally)!
​You ARE NOT forsaken.
 
#LetYourLifeShine ~ Matthew 5:16
#HisWordHisPerspective
 

ReplyForward

​How about when WE are the ones that have placed ourselves in such a position – God has set everything up, the only thing to do is walk straight through the door and we somehow miss it
and hit the wall?  

As Children of God, we must remember that we have an enemy that is lurking to find us at our weakest point – See 1 Peter 5:8.  This is where we insert the answers to the many questions listed above in our own lives.  ​

This is not to say that we always have to have a state of equilibrium in our lives.  We know that unexpected events and situations knock us off course or presents many challenges, let us look at another definition of the word poise:  To old or carry the head in a particular way!  Now this brings to mind how royal families that are taught to hold their head a particular way – especially in public. 

What more for the Christian?  We live poised lifestyles!  Whether in peace, in the storm or out of the storm to be poised in the positioning of their heads?  Looking to the hills from where our help comes from! The very Creator of Heaven and Earth! God is the one that sustains us in all things - See Psalms 121:1-3

The Lord spoke the title of this blog to me while sleeping.  We can win the battle of sin and death by making application of the Word of God.  There is a sense of urgency with this.  If we were to assume the worst possibilities as to why the Cavs lost the game, please don’t find yourselves in that position! 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the environment of evil has stepped up in our world, however so has spiritual haughtiness (having a proud attitude of superiority).  “Church” has its’ own deviant culture:  Style, lingo, attitude, comedy (males with beards and wigs acting like women and people mimicking the elders of the church) and there will be a day of accountability. 

After every game, LeBron James has to shower, change clothes and sit at a press conference to give an account for the win or loss on behalf of the team.  Standing in accountability for our actions now will help us maintain our poise and equilibrium.  Everyone will have to do the same at the last judgment.
See - 2 Corinthians 5:10. 

For the record, I make no speculation on exactly what was going on with the Cavs to make them lose game 3, but there are some principles that we can draw from and apply to our spiritual walk.
​Poise listed above also means to put into readiness.  Another way to say this is to brace oneself.  Not that we live in fear, but to brace ourselves for the situations that lurk nearby is to live the poised lifestyle
that God has intended for us! 

Remember:
The Lord is with us in battle against our enemies – See Deuteronomy 20:4
Jesus’ teachings are there to give us peace in trouble – See John 16:33
God is faithful to forgive our sins if we confess and turn from them
(Maintaining equilibrium – my emphasis added)  – See 1 John 1:9
 We must be strong in the Lord and the power of His might – See Ephesians 6:10
Deliverance comes from the Lord – Psalms 3:8
All those who are born of God can overcome the world. Jesus victory overcame the world – See 1 John 5:4
If God is for us, who can be against us? – See Romans 8:31

Prayer:  
​Dear Heavenly Father, We pray that we do not become haughty and prideful in our walk with you.  When the turbulence of life comes our way, help us to remember that because of you, we live poised lives and maintaining equilibrium is possible. 

Let us brace ourselves while we walk with you, being sober and vigilant but living full and free lifestyles so that we can hear well done.  For the person that needs to repent, we pray right now that they humble themselves and learn from you the thoughts, words and behaviors necessary for righteousness. 

Thank you for your grace and mercy.  In all honor and humility we submit this prayer
in the Name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Have you ever been doing something and been brought to an immediate halt? 

The other day, I was preparing to leave home.  I was going from room to room, gathering all of my stuff that I needed for the day.  As I quickly turned the corner to leave my bedroom, I was abruptly yanked back.  I thought to myself, “What in the world?” It startled me at first but then I looked to see what happened.  My sweater got caught on the door latchet. I have this green and cream striped hooded sweater that has three buttons on each side at the hip, and one of those buttons got caught.  I must’ve turned the corner too close – obviously so!

Several things simultaneously went through my mind:

1. What in the world just happened?
2. Did my sweater rip?
3. Do I need to change?
4. What was I doing next?

Regarding that last question to myself…whatever I was doing next went far to the wayside.  It totally put my thought process to a halt so that I could see the status of my current situation.  I had to take a step back and evaluate my surroundings, come to a conclusion and make my next move.  Well, thankfully, I was sensitive enough to stop and investigate what was going on before it ripped the button off - I really admire that sweater and was thankful that it didn’t happen!  If it did – it wouldn’t have been the end of the world.
​
God does the same to us in the spiritual realm.
Ever been going along with life and then something abrupt happened?
Lose a job, have an abrupt end to a relationship,
or any other quick change in life – not initiated by yourself?

These are quick ways of God in His infinite knowledge, presence and power, setting us on a different course in a situation.  As I went throughout my day, I thought about the button of my sweater putting my body and course to a halt.  Although it didn’t take long for me to go about my way, there can be times that the halt we experience are very painful.  We then have to go through the steps that I went through with my sweater and door. 
We have to stop what we were doing, and ask God:

1. Lord what is happening? Why is this happening to me…now?
2. Will you help me get past this?
3. What changes do I need to make in my life?
4. Where do I go from here? 

 
We have a Heavenly Father that knows our life plan.  Jeremiah 29:11 expresses this:
 
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.
 
Leaning on, trusting and believing in His Word, brings our yanks in life into perspective.  Often times, we can have a negative response to these times.  Our hearts and time are often invested and it doesn’t appear to be going “The way WE wanted it to go.” 
Let’s go back to my sweater situation.  I was relieved that it was still intact – but what if it wasn’t?  What if it tore the button off, or ripped a hole in it?  What would my attitude have been?  I was ready to leave home and would have had to change, possibly be late and on and on.  What would my countenance have been…..then?
God knows what is best for us.  When he does give us those abrupt yanks in life, we have to stop, evaluate the situation, come to a conclusion and make our next move.  To translate that to a kingdom perspective would be the remainder of the scripture referenced earlier:

Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me,
 and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me,
when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13
  
If you have been yanked in an aspect of your life, have good cheer!  God has taken you and set you on the right course.  It may hurt or be difficult, but is an opportunity for you to increase in faith and trust in the Lord.  He loves you and wants the best for you!  As I was when I realized that my sweater was intact, relief will come in your situation as well!
 
We come to a close with another helpful scripture that will help with having a Kingdom Perspective:
 
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord.            Psalms 27:14
 
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge you in your greatness for all that you have done for us.  Although those things sometimes go against what we think or feel is right, help us to get into the mindset that you have ultimate knowledge, power and presence. 
 
We repent right now for any contrary thoughts or actions and accept your perfect will for our lives.  We yield unto you and focus on receiving your healing, protection and guidance.  We reverence you in all things and rejoice for being set on the right path. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray - Amen

We've heard that statement many times.  We often use it when we describe a difficult interpersonal or life situation that we may need help with.  The thing about it is that often times cynicism or sarcasm is lurking nearby.   
 
Hmmm...let's marinate on that.  James 3:5 says:  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.  Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  Our tongue is the small mechanism by which the sentiments of our hearts are formed, articulated and expressed.
 
Conversely, Luke 6:45 expresses the contents of a man's heart: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the  abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
 
I was almost in a terrible accident last week and Jesus literally took the wheel!  I was in the exit lane and a bronze Saturn cut over to exit the freeway to my left at the last minute.  To prevent them from hitting me, I sharply cut the wheel to the right, but the guard rail was there.  I sharply cut it back left then the car stopped.  They must not have seen me in their haste to get off of the exit.  If I would have kept driving, I would have collided with an SUV that was fast approaching from behind. 
 
I screamed in reaction to what I saw out of the corner of my eye, while God through his spirit took over and completed the tasks that I described above.  Me being the processor that I am, I didn't have time to think about what to do.  My car was rocking and unstable, but the movements of my hands were in complete control - Jesus took the wheel.
 
Modern Psychology will explain the process that took place as the intelligent design of the brain's capacity to take over and complete these tasks without actually....working in its normal functioning.  Uh - yeah...not buying that!
 
If there was any brain functioning in that moment, I thought to myself, this could be a really bad accident - Jesus!  All the while, the cutting of the wheel was happening at the same time.  It happened just that fast. 
 
I wanted to share this experience with you.  I'm sure many of you have stories of the miraculous works of Jesus in your lives.  I come to you as one who has been humbled by the mighty saving grace of God and giving a call to accountability to watch what we say.  Sarcasm has become ingrained in nuances of our daily conversation and is never acceptable when referring to the Lord.  The work he did on the Cross and that which does for us daily is not funny or lighthearted; therefore we must treat it as such.  Remember, as mentioned earlier the tongue is a little member but boasteth great things and can get us into a world of trouble! 
On the contrary, we can use this little member of our bodies to build up and share good news.  Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on the things that are true, honest, just pure, lovely, and of a good report. I am writing of my experience to focus not only on the grace God gave me in hindering an accident, but to encourage us to watch what we say.  It makes the world of a difference.
 
Father, we come to you in the Name of Jesus Christ thanking you for your grace, patience and love.  We appreciate all of the times you protected us from dangerous situations – some that we don’t know about.  Forgive us for using your name in vain by using cliches, joking around or being cynical outside of real situations where we really needed you.  We want to please you and be examples of light in the world to be used for your glory.  In Jesus Name – Amen.
 

I learned a tough and resounding lesson the other day while driving.  I wanted to get to my destination early to have enough time to get settled into my desk and not be rushed before the meetings, discussions and the rest of the day.  I approached my exit and was in the farthest right lane to proceed but there was one thing.  My exit was backed up a few miles before the exit and at a complete stand still. 

Now I consider myself a very patient person, but I really dislike bumper to bumper, inching along traffic!!!  I sat there for about a minute and contemplated what to do.  Why contemplate you ask?  Well, the remaining 4 lanes of traffic were crystal clear for some extended moments.  That clear terrain was just calling me.  There was not a car in sight! Why should I sit here eons away from my exit inching along, when there is another route that I could take.  It had a bit more city driving, but hey not much….right? 

 I make the decision to get over and check my rear view mirror.  Just as I was about to cut the wheel and accelerate, I notice a car approaching very quickly in my desired lane, so I stopped and let them pass.  Since I was at a complete stand still, I didn’t have enough time to accelerate with them behind me.  A few seconds another car was coming so I waited, but right after that one, I went for it.

Ahhh yes!  4 full lanes of clear driving.   I was on my way – doing it my way.  I drove for a half a mile around a long curve and there it was.  All four lanes filled with nothing but red lights and stopped cars! Whomp, whomp, whoooomp!  Goodness, I had forgotten about how happy I used to be getting off at my exit while those other unfortunate people were stuck in the inch-along.  Sometimes my exit would be a little backed up but not for long.  This day it was further down than what I was used to, but it still existed.  I was one of the other poor people stuck in traffic (at least in my sight) – I was the real unfortunate one! 
I was on the right path to get to my destination. 

At the exit I would have turned left and then a quick right, down the road a bit; another right and into the parking lot I should have gone.  2 to 3 minutes tops. I thought my way was so much better.  (Can you see where this is going?)  Here I was, up and out of the house, prayed up, praise music going, bopping along and then this.   

In Luke 13:28, Jesus talks about weeping and gnashing of teeth for those who do not make it into the Kingdom of God.  I reference here the gnashing of teeth which is an expression used for grinding one’s teeth in anger or frustration.  While the depth of this situation is not as finite as what he was discussing, it is based on our decisions and God wants his children to have minimal teeth gnashing moments. 
Here I was in the right place at the right time, going in the right direction. 

​ One decision made took me off course.  I was definitely gnashing my teeth!  There was instant frustration…that moment when you knew you did the wrong thing and there was nothing you could do about it.  I thought about driving on the median, but considered how unsafe that is and how much I dislike it when others do the same.  As in these telltale moments, I thought Jesus definitely wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t have been in this situation to begin with; he would have stayed in his lane!

After the initial shock wore off, lots of prayer and refocusing, I started to laugh at myself.  This was a clear example of remaining in the will of God.  He has chosen a path for us and often times we go on our own detours.  Think about the Children of Israel in the wilderness under Moses’ leadership.  Their journey was to take 40 days, but ended up being 40 years because of their complaining and disobedience.  See Numbers for a full example.

I’m pretty sure you get the gist of what God is showing through my decision.  This situation is a simple one that took me 15 minutes out of my way, but what if that choice turned it into years?   Often times we do not stop to think about such things – we only consider what is the best, shortest, and easiest for us when God knows in an ultimate way!

My original lane started to pick up and I sat there watching the cars that were lined up wiz by wishing I had not made this decision.  I made a poor assumption in getting over.  Once I made it off the highway, many others had the same idea I had and thus, more bumper to bumper traffic.  You could sense the frustration, not only my own, but of others trying to maneuver through and find shortcuts to our destination.  At least on the highway, people know what it is, but those of us trying to cut corners not so much!

It would be easy for someone to insert Romans 8:28 here:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
 
Let me tell you what this is not.  It’s not an opportunity for me to insert Romans 8:28.  By going my own way, I was not in his will but my own.  This was a minor situation in a sea of moments in a day, but we must think about fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.  There are no detours, no shortcuts.  We don’t want to miss out on the pleasure in sharing his work in the earth and being in right standing when he returns! God is merciful and will be with us when we do step outside of his will, but he will permit some things to come forth because of our decisions.  That’s totally his perspective.

I will end this entry by encouraging you.  Many may be in situations where the wrong decision has been made.  Instead of an added 15 minutes to a morning commute, the consequence may be a child outside of marriage, a broken relationship or even incarceration.  All disobedience is disobedience in God’s sight. I have made my share of wrong decisions and found myself in this position too.  No matter what the situation may be, God loves us and says so in his Word:

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)
​
He manifested himself in the flesh as a person, Jesus Christ to show us his love and be an example of staying in the right lane.  He ultimately died being accused of sin, but was sinless. 
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life” (Psalms 26:6a). Despite my decision, God’s grace still kept me while I was on the detour and does the same for all of his children.

No matter what detour we find ourselves on, the key is to get back into alignment.  He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead guide and direct us.  Those cars that came out of nowhere were symbolically like him whispering to me not to get over but to stay in my lane.  Although sometimes we choose not to listen, he is always there giving us instruction.  Why?  Because of his love for us! We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  As long as we keep Jesus Christ in front of us, we can do all things…even when we detour.  We must understand the lesson and choose otherwise every other time (Repent).  It is possible for all of us!

Heavenly Father, we pray for everyone that finds themselves in a detour in life.  We know that you gave us the ability to choose and you want us to choose you each time.  Forgive us of choosing the shortcut or easiest way to complete something and show us the way you would have us to go.  We want to be in your will in all that we do.  For the person who has lost hope in the detour, I pray that they see the light that shines from your spirit that dwells in them right now in the Name of Jesus.  You are our hope.  You are our peace and with you, we will get back to the right path – the path of righteousness.  In honor of your name Jesus we pray – Amen.
 

A few weeks ago, I had a meeting at the hospital where my Uncle works.  I contacted him to let him know that I’d be in the building and we made arrangements to get together.  When the time came, he met me at my location, and then we walked over to where he was having lunch with co-workers.  On the way, he said hello to several people, introducing me…”Hey, this is my niece!”  He walked with confidence and assurance as he led the way.  We sat with his co-workers of whom he had prepared lunch for and shared laughs about not eating sweet potato pies with strings (It’s a Southern thing if you don’t understand lol).

When it was time to go, we walked as far as our joint paths would carry us.  He gave me money to pay for parking (I had turned down his offer to buy lunch) and embraced.  He told me he loved me and I did the same.  Right there in a very busy, four cornered hallway we lingered in our hug with each other transferring that verbally expressed love through our minds, bodies, souls and spirits.  After that we departed, walking in different directions.  My heart was full, beaming.  I was smiling from ear-to-ear and it remained until I made it to my car.  I settled in to jot this entry down not thinking about the weight of reports, presentations and other assignments that were due, but resting in the moment. 


People, whether we determine family to be biological or not, we must take the time to connect.  In all, our visit that day was about 20 minutes in total but I received a deposit in my heart that creates lasting memories.  Those that carry us through – those that carries….me through.  With today’s technology, there is NO reason why we can’t reach out.  No excuses either.  There can be the relative that never calls you – but you find yourself being the only one reaching out – SO WHAT! This starts with me seriously.  It really does!  So I, we need to GET OVER IT!  Be the REACHER (Another made-up word!) and see that we are the ones who really benefit.  Since I gave a new term, let me define it for you. 


A Reacher is someone who is in a difficult relational situation with another person and is the one to “Reach Out” in some form of communication to connect in a positive way and rebuild that relationship.  It’s kind of like what they say about being the “Bigger or Better person” in a situation.  Think about reaching to grab something that is inhibited by a barrier.  The object is a millimeter or finger tip away and one has to over extend their reach with everything they’ve got to touch or grab it….that’s the context here.  Straining and stretching. Just as how the Woman with the Issue of Blood reached out for Jesus (See Matt 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34 or Luke 8:43-48). In the emotional or intellectual realm, it is often hard because the other person may not even be cognizant of your reach but that doesn’t matter.  They will know.  It may be a 30 second phone call consisting of, “Hello….how are you?  How have you been? Just calling to say hi or I love you…ok take care.”  Who knows what the Lord will do through that one thing.  It takes strength, courage and assurance that no matter what we are looking in the mirror of God by following through. Not to mention all other forms of communication – text messaging and social media are a few.


                   Psalms 23:6a tells us that: Goodness and mercy follows us all the days of our lives.


God’s love extends beyond the times when we fail to speak to him through prayer, appreciate him through praise or acknowledge him for exactly who he is through our worship.  This is why we need to mirror him with reaching out to our family.  Good, bad or indifferent, God has forgiven us, so we can do the same and keep the connectedness with those that we love.  Tomorrow is not promised and it is better to act today than have actions of sorrow tomorrow because of our neglect.  However we identify these people who mean so much to us is less important than the connectedness we have for encouragement, support, sharing, laughs and memories. 

Jesus reaches for us in all tenses – past present future.  It’s more like he reached:

• When he was born of human flesh
• When he walked in obedience and love
• When he endured the beating and crucifixion with OUR sin on him
• When he was buried and endured death
• When he rose on the 3rd day
• While reigns in Heaven and is our intermediary
• Until he returns to reign in the earth.

I am able to experience this love when I connect with ALL of my family members – bio/spiritual/physical at work, at church and quite frankly everywhere I go. 

So as I stated, there is no excuse.  Especially during this holiday season when people are reminded how much they don’t have and how alone they really are.  If God puts it in your heart to reach out, do the supernatural thing. Forget about your emotions and DO IT! He won’t let you down!

I challenge you to be the Reacher today…..

Prayer:  Father God I thank you for adopting us into your family through Jesus Christ to call us your own – your sons and daughters.  Thank you for pursuing us every day.  Help us to acknowledge, address and deal with the pain others have put us through so that we can heal and be the light that you created us to be – even in the darkness that surrounds that particular relationship.  We want to be the REACHER that mirrors your love.  There is no God like Jehovah.  In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray – amen.


                       #ReachOutandTouchSomeone     #LetYourLifeShine        #KingdomPerspectives

I was leaving a meeting in a Downtown Office Building the other day and when I came around the corner, I almost bumped into two gentleman that were coming out of the elevator.  I figured they were completing some type of repairs because the first one was carrying a medium sized ladder and the second walking behind him.  A bit startled, we stopped short in our steps, moved out of each others' way and kept going about our business.  As I entered the elevator, I noticed a strong smell of alcohol and medicine or mouthwash. 

It was VERY strong.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I have a very keen sense of smell.  I was taken aback at first, but I got over it.  Made me wonder tho.....
Was this smell of alcohol coming out of someone's pores from the night before?  
Was it coming from either of the gentleman that had just exited the elevator at all? Or,
Did someone take a sip of something today and try to cover it up with mouthwash?
I also thought about the potential safety of the gentleman - remember one of them had a ladder. 

As I drove back to my office, I really hoped that they would be okay while doing whatever task they were completing.  The person obviously believed that whatever they used would mask the alcohol smell - but it didn't take a Rocket Scientist or even a Sharp Smeller (totally made up word!) OR anyone with a nose to notice - that's if we're paying attention.

It's like this with God.  We go about our way - doing what we do - masking those things that don't bring Him glory.  This = SIN and if it stinks to us, it stinks to Him.  Then we often go along with our day with that unpleasing smell...lifestyle, decisions that become actions, thoughts etc., and often go on before him as if nothing happened. God is Omnipresent, which means everywhere at the same time.

 Jeremiah 23:24 says:
 
                      Can anyone hide himself in secret places that I cannot see him? saith the Lord.  
                                           Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.  

There is nothing that we can do that He doesn't already know about so rinsing with spiritual mouth wash does nothing but make US feel better about covering up our sin (and give us a funny smell!)

One definition of perceive is to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses. Going back to the scenario, let's presume that a person consumed alcohol at some point previous to entering the elevator, rinsed with mouthwash and went about their day.  In their mind, as long as they covered up the smell all was well and the new smell of mouthwash covered the initial smell of alcohol of which smell could potentially get them fired!  The thought process was to remove the smell or evidence of the alcohol that was consumed, but in all actuality it was only a cover-up!

Another definition of perceive is to recognize, discern, envision or understand.  To the person in the building that is ready to deal with the drinking issue and all of us dealing with this same or other issues in our lives that STINK, it is our responsibility to have this perspective.  It's a Kingdom Perspective (Wink;) Much of our sin is covered up whether we profess Jesus Christ or not.  It's in our nature to be aware of good and evil.  God created us that way.  Abiding by this definition means that we recognize and acknowledge that we are covering something up that is not right - not good and although being comfortable in the sin that we are or were in is familiar, there is another way!

When I think about the most beautiful fall scenery - the colorful sunsets - fields of wheat, corn and flowers...the mountains topped with snow caps where beautiful valleys dwell at the bottom - humongous bodies of water, rivers and streams, the literal creator of all these things inhabits all of this at one time and is here to help us!  While no one is perfect but Jesus Christ, having knowledge of this is not a pass to sin.  We must continually give our flesh as a living sacrifice.  While we yet live, we kill those things that make us try to hide behind spiritual mouthwash.

He is our helper, our maker and desires that we live in harmony with him now and in eternity.  As it says in Psalms 121:2 - My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.  That same God who is in all places at all times, who created the heaven and earth is here to help is in our strengths and weaknesses.  

This is a word of encouragement for all who know that they can and need to do better.  We can do it - through Christ who gives us strength! (Phil 4:13 one of my favorites!)

Be encouraged
Be strong
Be confident that you can do it - NO MOUTHWASH NECESSARY....it really doesn't work anyway!

If no one has told you they love you today............I LOVE YOU with the love of Jesus Christ!

Prayer:  Lord be the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path in this life.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray forgiveness of all things we have done to sin against you, all things that do not give you a sweet fragrance from our lives.  To the person that needs to be restored in their relationship with you, we call every heart unto repentance right now and all disobedience devoured with instant obedience.  For those that want to walk in relationship with you I pray that they pursue you like never before.  Lead them to a place where they can learn more about you, grow and be free from all bondage.  I pray that we all can make this day the first of the rest of our lives regardless of our position - we want to do better, know more of you and about you.  Let get over our situations, histories and pain so that we can reach back and help our brothers and sisters who deal with those issues.  We want to be the living examples of your love redemption and light today.  Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for us - we will not take it in vain.  In Jesus' Name we pray - Amen.

                                             #LetYourLifeShine                    #HisWordHisPerspective