Lately, the media and the African- American community have been ablaze with the focus on police officers shooting unarmed African-American citizens. I, for one, have been devastate in cases where the choice to use a firearm seemed excessive. Then, I realized that with all the media hype, we have completely forgotten about all the issues that our community faces on a daily basis. Some of us are so focused on what we consider "the enemy" killing us that we have completely lost sight of the insidious behaviors lurking within in our own communities and committed by our own people.
When I grew up in West Philadelphia, I always heard people speaking about "The Man" doing horrible things to our communities. Now, I knew what that terminology meant, but I was still confused. You want to know why? It wasn't "The Man" I saw hit my mother. It wasn't "The Man" I saw selling drugs two doors down from me. It wasn't "The Man" I saw writing graffiti on the walls. And it wasn't "The Man" I saw abandoning their families. Nope. The perpetrators of these crimes were people that looked and sounded like me. My people.
As I sit here reflecting on us as people, anger and shame feel my soul. Some of us have gotten so lost along the way. We have forgotten the struggle, the bodies beaten, and the blood shed which gave us an opportunity to be free, Our ancestors were ripped from their land, shackled to the bottom of ships, shipped across the Middle Passage and sold as inanimate objects. We've forgotten how our women were repeatedly raped by their owners. How our children were ripped away from their parents and sold in slavery. We've forgotten about lynchings, beatings, crosses burning, attack dogs, and fire hoses. Too many of us have let our ancestors die in vain.
Where are you black people? When our urban cities like Chicago and Philadelphia are racking up the bodies of black teens by other black teens. What are you doing about it? Where is your outrage? Where are your picket signs? Where are your strategy meetings? How are you teaching our people the value of life? If you won't start the revolution, who will?
Where are you black people? When our communities are being ravished by crack, cocaine, and heroin? Are you guarding the blocks? Are you stepping up to protect your own? Where is your plan? How are you improving the community?
Where are you black people? When gangs are stealing our sons and daughters because they "offer" the young people something they feel is lacking...a family. How in the world can our youth be willing to get "jumped in" or have a "train" performed on them to be adopted into a family? Where is your soul-searching and war cry?
Where are you black people? When grown men stand on street corners all day in jeans sagging down to their knees smoking weed to relieve their stress. Are you educating the brothers on the real meaning of sagging jeans? Do you let them continue to look like fools when they can't even properly walk down the street because the waist of their pants is near their own ankles? Are you letting them know that it started in prison culture? Are you letting them know that pants sagged because the prisoners weren't allowed to have belts to prevent them from hanging themselves? Have you told them that it morphed into a sign that men were available to have sex with other men, or do you let them think that it brings swag?
Where are you black people? When our young women are popping out babies by seven different men? Have you taught them their value? Have you invested time to get our women back on track or do you simply stare and point as their butt cheeks and breasts try to make an escape from their clothing? Where are you when men are having so many children by so many women that it's possible half-siblings could marry? Why aren't you marching about that?
Where are you black people? When too many of our people choose crime to support themselves instead of getting an academic or vocational education? Are you stepping in and becoming their mentors? Or are you waiting for someone else to do it?
Where are you black people? When our children are failing in school. Are you pointing to the teachers? Or do you see the numerous parents who, when they do come to school, are high, drunk, or violently spewing profanity? Where are you when children are raising themselves because their parents are in the clubs?
Where are you black people? When reality shows get rich off of making us look ignorant by selecting African-Americans who clearly hold no real value for themselves. They curse, fight, get drunk, and hop from bed to bed with absolutely anyone.
Why do you simply want to march when it comes to police officers? Why are you not as passionate about the way our culture is imploding? Why are you only concerned about the percentage of African-Americans in prison instead of what the individuals did to get in prison. We are destroying our own selves faster than any other group could ever do, Change starts from within our own community. We can't expect anyone else to value us if we don't value ourselves. Where are you black people?
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
It's a Strange Thing
It's a strange thing. The heart of a woman. Songs have been composed about it. Poems have given tribute to it. Nature's characteristics are attributed to it. A woman's heart can be as comforting as the cooling breeze caressing one's cheek as they sink their feet in the sand along the Atlantic Coastline. Yes. A woman's heart has the power to soothe the broken-hearted. However, our heart tends to get us into enormous trouble if not properly guarded.
As stated in previous entries, women are groomed for relationship and service. Our toys (baby dolls, Easy Bake Ovens, and play kitchen sets) groom us for domesticity. We're groomed to make things better or to make things sweeter through service. In our most innocent of thought patterns, we believe that a man will value the service and care we present to him. I know it sounds crazy, but women believe that loving a man and treating him with love automatically binds him to her. I'm sorry to tell you, but men and women are built so differently.
One major difference is that women tend to meditate on things. Our imaginations drift to the "I wonder would it be like" phase, and we quickly fill in the blanks. When I was about ten years, I knew I was going to marry Michael Jackson. I slept with the Victory Tour program under my pillow. I imagined what my life would be like in that world. Of course, I grew out of "love" with Michael and fell head over heels for New Edition member Johnny Gill. I imagined he would see me in the nosebleed seats and be smitten with my innocence. Of course that didn't pan out either, but I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like.
Truth be told, Snow White, Cinderella, and all those other fairy tales taught us that Prince Charming would only have eyes for us. Smack yourself! This is not a fairy tale. Life has taught me that we don't know what we want. We are fickle creatures always looking for the next best thing. You can give your absolute best to a person, and they reject you. It is their right as a human being to decide you are not what they desire. It is your right as a woman to guard your heart. We give our hearts away too easily- like Tic-Tacs after eating onion rings.
Of course when our heart is broken (and it will be broken), some of us will point at a man and place all the blame on him. The same rhetoric is usually spewed like venom from our mouths. "I gave you the best years of my life"! "I gave you everything!" It might sound like I'm being insensitive, but I'm not because I've made the same tragic mistakes as many of you. Like Frank Sinatra sang, "I did it my way." The problem is that our way doesn't work. If we're really honest with ourselves, we made a lot of wrong choices. We gave our hearts, minds, and bodies to men who were not ready or able to handle such precious things. But we gave our treasures away in hopes of a trade off. In hopes that men would really see the value in us. Look, we don't give the Hope Diamond to a newborn baby because we know the baby can't understand it's value. Why would we give our treasures to someone who is not mature enough to handle. A matter of fact, when women do such things, we show we are not mature enough to value the treasure God placed in us. If we did understand our value, we would protect it more. Let me show you what I mean.
Two days before my 17th birthday I was introduced to a young man. Our first unofficial date was to Dorney Park, and he treated me like a princess. I fell quickly for him, and in a few days we were "" "officially" dating. What was interesting about this relationship was that ALL of his siblings told me not to date him. They explained that he had another side that wasn't so pleasant. Of course, I ignored the warnings. What transpired next? Five years of unadulterated hell. Makeups and breakups. Infidelities on both sides. Another woman pregnant. Marrying another woman that he dated while he was with me. What was sad was that I didn't want to let him go. I told people that I loved him, but now I know the truth. I just didn't want another woman to get the benefits after I had put in the time. Now days, I laugh about it. What benefits? We knew nothing about each other. We weren't even friends. I had given my treasure to an individual that had not earned it. He was incapable of valuing me because he had his own issues. Truth is I failed me. He didn't fail me. Within the first thirty days of our relationship, I saw all the signs. Instead of walking away, I stayed because I wanted it to work out. If maturity means acknowledging your flaws, I am mature.
What's my point? In this country, we are allowed to pick our mates. This means we have a huge responsibility to ourselves and all those that will be impacted by our decision. Spend time with God and let Him direct you. I promise you if you let God lead you, 90% of your relationship drama will immediately cease because you learn that there are some men you shouldn't ever consider dating. Learn what God says about you. Meditate and treasure His view of you. Let His desire lead you and receive His best.
As a bow to this gift, please take the time to view a clip of Taraji P. Henson's view about relationships. It's a great way to evaluate your own standards.
Click here to see Taraji P. Henson's view on dating.
As stated in previous entries, women are groomed for relationship and service. Our toys (baby dolls, Easy Bake Ovens, and play kitchen sets) groom us for domesticity. We're groomed to make things better or to make things sweeter through service. In our most innocent of thought patterns, we believe that a man will value the service and care we present to him. I know it sounds crazy, but women believe that loving a man and treating him with love automatically binds him to her. I'm sorry to tell you, but men and women are built so differently.
One major difference is that women tend to meditate on things. Our imaginations drift to the "I wonder would it be like" phase, and we quickly fill in the blanks. When I was about ten years, I knew I was going to marry Michael Jackson. I slept with the Victory Tour program under my pillow. I imagined what my life would be like in that world. Of course, I grew out of "love" with Michael and fell head over heels for New Edition member Johnny Gill. I imagined he would see me in the nosebleed seats and be smitten with my innocence. Of course that didn't pan out either, but I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like.
Truth be told, Snow White, Cinderella, and all those other fairy tales taught us that Prince Charming would only have eyes for us. Smack yourself! This is not a fairy tale. Life has taught me that we don't know what we want. We are fickle creatures always looking for the next best thing. You can give your absolute best to a person, and they reject you. It is their right as a human being to decide you are not what they desire. It is your right as a woman to guard your heart. We give our hearts away too easily- like Tic-Tacs after eating onion rings.
Of course when our heart is broken (and it will be broken), some of us will point at a man and place all the blame on him. The same rhetoric is usually spewed like venom from our mouths. "I gave you the best years of my life"! "I gave you everything!" It might sound like I'm being insensitive, but I'm not because I've made the same tragic mistakes as many of you. Like Frank Sinatra sang, "I did it my way." The problem is that our way doesn't work. If we're really honest with ourselves, we made a lot of wrong choices. We gave our hearts, minds, and bodies to men who were not ready or able to handle such precious things. But we gave our treasures away in hopes of a trade off. In hopes that men would really see the value in us. Look, we don't give the Hope Diamond to a newborn baby because we know the baby can't understand it's value. Why would we give our treasures to someone who is not mature enough to handle. A matter of fact, when women do such things, we show we are not mature enough to value the treasure God placed in us. If we did understand our value, we would protect it more. Let me show you what I mean.
Two days before my 17th birthday I was introduced to a young man. Our first unofficial date was to Dorney Park, and he treated me like a princess. I fell quickly for him, and in a few days we were "" "officially" dating. What was interesting about this relationship was that ALL of his siblings told me not to date him. They explained that he had another side that wasn't so pleasant. Of course, I ignored the warnings. What transpired next? Five years of unadulterated hell. Makeups and breakups. Infidelities on both sides. Another woman pregnant. Marrying another woman that he dated while he was with me. What was sad was that I didn't want to let him go. I told people that I loved him, but now I know the truth. I just didn't want another woman to get the benefits after I had put in the time. Now days, I laugh about it. What benefits? We knew nothing about each other. We weren't even friends. I had given my treasure to an individual that had not earned it. He was incapable of valuing me because he had his own issues. Truth is I failed me. He didn't fail me. Within the first thirty days of our relationship, I saw all the signs. Instead of walking away, I stayed because I wanted it to work out. If maturity means acknowledging your flaws, I am mature.
What's my point? In this country, we are allowed to pick our mates. This means we have a huge responsibility to ourselves and all those that will be impacted by our decision. Spend time with God and let Him direct you. I promise you if you let God lead you, 90% of your relationship drama will immediately cease because you learn that there are some men you shouldn't ever consider dating. Learn what God says about you. Meditate and treasure His view of you. Let His desire lead you and receive His best.
As a bow to this gift, please take the time to view a clip of Taraji P. Henson's view about relationships. It's a great way to evaluate your own standards.
Click here to see Taraji P. Henson's view on dating.
Learn to value yourself before anyone else can valu
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Mediocre No More!
As I drove home a few days ago, tears slowly began to fill my eyes. "Why am I so mediocre?" constantly bombarded my thoughts like a hail storm on delicate crystal. I know to the average person it seems like such a ridiculous thought, but the world is filled with such exceptional people and things. It was sad to admit that I wasn't one of those exceptional creations.
When I looked back at my life, all I could see was how I was so average. I wasn't the prettiest girl by far. To be honest, boys didn't even notice me until 8th grade. (That's about the time that I learned the power of cleavage, tight pants, and short skirts.) I couldn't really draw, sing, or dance, but I went to a magnet high school where I was surrounded by artists and musicians. Even as a student, I was mediocre. I never desired straight A's or to be the valedictorian. Middle of the road is where I was comfortable.
My one clear strength was that I worked hard. I came from a family that believed in going the extra mile. No one could say I was lazy. First one into work and last one was out was my motto, but I never desired to move up in position. This mindset satisfied me until a few years ago. It was my 40th birthday, and I realized that I had not fulfilled one dream. You know what I mean by dreams, don't you? Those dreams that your adolescent mind conceived in your free time. The belief that you could be or do anything was always at the forefront of my thinking.
Fast forward three decades and I had what I thought I wanted. A stable job, loving family, and great friends. But I still felt mediocre. Why did everyone else seem so amazing but I was just...mediocre? Then, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me to look up the word mediocre. Merriam-Webster defines mediocre as "of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance, ordinary, or so-so."
At that very moment, I was filled with conviction. By calling myself mediocre, I was saying that God had created something mediocre, of low quality, or so-so. I was advertising that I served a mediocre God who didn't put much thought in to His design. How offensive is that? God is a God of planning perfection. Anything less would be opposite of His character. Mark 7:37 declares that God does all things well. Did you hear me? All things! God formed Adam out of ordinary dirt, breathed His breath in Adam, and created something extraordinary. This means I am extraordinary. You are extraordinary. The key is getting this thinking in our Spirits, and there is only one way in which to do this- learn what God says about you.
What Does God Say About His Children
- I am God's workmanship created to perform good works. For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].'' Ephesians 2:10
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made. "I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well." Psalm 139:14
- I am a child of God. "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name." John 1:12
- I am a friend of Jesus. I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.] John 15:15
- I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. "Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love." Ephesians 1:4
Moving Past Mediocre
So how did I move past mediocre? How did I realize who I was and whose I was? I moved past mediocrity by planting God's Word in my heart and allowing it to take root. What grew from those seeds were wonderful realities of God's extraordinary craftsmanship. God has given me numerous talents and abilities: writer, minister, worshiper, helper, and teacher. God is developing these gifts for a greater purpose and His ultimate delight. There is absolutely, positively, no mediocrity in me. And guess what? There is not an ounce of mediocrity in you!
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
You are fearfully and wonderfully made by a perfect God for a perfect purpose. Spend time with your Father and allow Him to groom you for His glory.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Microtears of Correction
Recently, I was working out at the gym. My goal for the day- strengthening my muscles. As I went through my routine, I had an interesting question. How exactly are muscles strengthened? I knew it had something to do with resistance, but I had no idea how the process actually worked. The Holy Spirit prompted me to do research on the topic.
When I began to do the research, I discovered something remarkable about the building of muscle. It is not the lifting of weights that builds the muscle but the recovery after the resistance training that builds the muscle. Whenever you lift weights, you are causing trauma or microtears to your muscles. In other words, parts of your muscle cells are being destroyed. The body's response to this trauma is to to repair it as well as replace the dead muscle cells with more cells. This leads to increase in muscle mass. Even more interesting is the fact that if you lift weights daily you will actually hinder your muscle development. This is because you are not allowing the muscles to recover from, replace, and increase your damaged muscle cells.
When I began to do the research, I discovered something remarkable about the building of muscle. It is not the lifting of weights that builds the muscle but the recovery after the resistance training that builds the muscle. Whenever you lift weights, you are causing trauma or microtears to your muscles. In other words, parts of your muscle cells are being destroyed. The body's response to this trauma is to to repair it as well as replace the dead muscle cells with more cells. This leads to increase in muscle mass. Even more interesting is the fact that if you lift weights daily you will actually hinder your muscle development. This is because you are not allowing the muscles to recover from, replace, and increase your damaged muscle cells.
Correction and Spiritual Muscle
This is the same process God uses when He corrects us. God doesn't tell us all of our flaws in some long drawn out list. He knows that kind of exposure would crush us. How could we even hope to conquer that list next to an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and most perfect God? Instead, God allows circumstances in our lives to reveal areas that we need to improve. The purpose of these circumstances or traumas is to reveal and destroy cells that are not like God. And like resistance training we are in pain at the revelation. There are moments where we seem paralyzed by the pain and wish it would come to an end. However, if you allow God to saturate your damaged flesh, He will renew and replace it with spiritual cells that will make you stronger and more of a threat to the Enemy. You see, it is the trauma and recovery that makes spiritual muscles grow.
An Ongoing Process
Any fitness trainer will tell you that resistance training is a life-long process. When you started training, you may have only been able to handle 10 pound free weights, but as your muscle mass grows you must increase your level of resistance. 10 pounds to 20 pounds to 30 pounds and so on. If you don't increase the resistance, your muscle growth will become stagnate. Like physical resistance training, spiritual correction and development is an ongoing process. In other words, you should always expect new and more challenging levels of resistance to come against you. God is in the maturing and development business. He he has to tear down the areas in you that are not like Him, so He can build you up in His strength, power, and overall anointing. Don't be distressed. God always allows the recovery time you need before He promotes you to the next level of resistance training. Please note: God may not give you the amount of time you want, but He will give you the amount of time you need to recover.
I Samuel 17:34-37 says, "But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”
David learned from his earlier traumas with the lion and the bear what God could do. Do you think God would have made David's next challenge a battle with a grasshopper? Of course not! It was a colossal battle against family and idolatry. David was the runt of his brothers. When he came to the site of the battle, his brothers ridiculed him. After all, look at this nobody who says he can beat this somebody named Goliath. Goliath the giant. Goliath the arrogant. Goliath the idol worshiper. Goliath the defier of God of the Angel Armies. David, strengthened from his past resistance training experiences and filled with the renewed and replaced spiritual cells of God, used one stone and the anointing of God to destroy the Goliath.
The Critical Spirit and Correction
Have you ever felt a yearning to alert somebody of their many flaws? It's a common urge when you feel like another person is very faulty. Too often, we feel it's our duty to alert them to the sea of issues in their life. We have the list and want to give it to them. One must be very cautious with this desire. Remember, God didn't give you your list of issues (and you have many) at one time. He knew the right time and allowed the right circumstances to cause those microtears in your muscles. He allowed you to master the 10 pound weights before you moved on to more intense training.
When we give a person a list of what we consider their shortcomings, it's like making a 500 lb man try to lift a 300 pound weight. The man is out of shape and lifting a 300 pound weight will damage his body. God starts where we are and develops a spiritual fitness plan to get us where we need to be. That's proper training. That's love. That's God!
More importantly, if God didn't ask you to point out somebody else's issues, just keep your mouth closed! If they are doing something against the Word of God, pray for them. Allow God to handle it. Maybe God is not ready to address that area in their life. Better yet, maybe the issue is YOU! Why is it when people don't do things the way we would do them we want to say the other person has an issue? Maybe God is trying to teach you something. Imagine that! And if God wants you to address an issue with another person allow the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to counsel effectively. As a Believer, you want to draw the person closer to God through His correction and not away from God by your condemnation.
The Cool Down- So what have we learned?
- Correction is a process. God allows forms of resistance to tear down negative strongholds and provides a period of recovery to replace the damaged cells with godly strength.
- Spiritual growth is ongoing and increases through greater resistance and more of God.
- Seek God's face before correcting others. Only God knows the correct timing and methodology to use.
- Don't ever give a person a list of flaws. No one can handle or address that level of criticism. God didn't do it to us, so we can't do it to others.
- Remember that what may be a flaw to you may be considered an area of strength by God. You're not the measuring stick of how things should be done. God is a God of variety and methodologies.
Friday, October 12, 2012
"A Letter to Man"
Dear Reader,
This entry is a departure from my usual format, but I think it will touch you just the same. I believe that the male species is under attack. Too often, women talk about how bad men are to them. How much pain and destruction they cause. The problem with that discussion is that it benefits no one. It uplifts no one. Let's try look at man the way God sees His wonderful creation.
Enjoy,
Dapoet
____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Man,
For the first time in my life I see you as God sees you. No longer are you a burden filled with excuses, carried by society, pardoned by the unknowledgeable. Now, I see you for who you really are. A MANifestation of God's unimaginable raw power. Every curve a testimony to His craftsmanship. Your muscles a prophetic reflection of His strength. As opposition makes each muscle strengthen is as opposition makes God's radiant glory even more expansive. What a wonder you are...MAN.
And how my heart breaks for you. How you've walked away from the very Foundation that makes you great. Captured by the lights and glamour of it all, you've given up. The serpent's sweet smell has called you into the night to be decapitated by temptation. And when the sun rises you return to me broken and bruised and defeated. The same abuse you suffered you inflict and afflict on me. How your heart has strayed from Him and therefore from me.
I had given up on you. Counted you out. Tried to move on. But He said, "No!" He told me I was your intercessor. The weapon Satan had not counted on. "The Help" He purposed for you in Creation. Oh how He loves you. I do too, you know. Because His love lives deeply and richly in me-- I love you.
So what do you say to all this? Do you deny His gift? Continue to stray? Or do you reconcile? Be blessed from now until...until forever. I love you.
Awaiting Your Response,
Woman
Monday, August 20, 2012
"Run, Joseph, Run"
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Joseph. It has all the makings of a great soap opera (jealousy, anger, betrayal, sexual tension, and the rags to riches plot that we all love). But there is so much more to the story. More than is traditionally told in Sunday School. It's about leaving no room for sin. Let's do a quick review.
The Joseph Run-Down
Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob (Israel). It was clear that Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons. Scripture says Jacob loved Joseph because he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:3-4). While I believe this is true, I, also, think Jacob loved Joseph because his true love, Rachael, gave birth to him. (Remember: Leah, Jacob's first wife, was a result of the old bait and switch trick by his Uncle Laban.) Anyway, Joseph experienced a prophetic dream in which his whole family bowed down to him (Genesis 37:5-11). This, along with a multi-colored coat which identified him as his father's favorite, cemented the jealousy and hatred his brothers felt for him. When the opportunity arose, his brothers cast him into a pit and sold him in to slavery(Genesis 37:23-24, 28).
In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the manager of Pharaoh's household. God anointed Joseph in his duties, and Potiphar became very fond of him. Joseph became Potiphar's personal assistant and had complete run of Potiphar's house. Now, this is where the story gets really interesting:
(Genesis 39: 6-15)
6-7 Joseph was a strikingly handsome man. As time went on, his master's wife became infatuated with Joseph and one day said, "Sleep with me."
8-9 He wouldn't do it. He said to his master's wife, "Look, with me here, my master doesn't give a second thought to anything that goes on here—he's put me in charge of everything he owns. He treats me as an equal. The only thing he hasn't turned over to me is you. You're his wife, after all! How could I violate his trust and sin against God?" 10 She pestered him day after day after day, but he stood his ground. He refused to go to bed with her. 11-15 On one of these days he came to the house to do his work and none of the household servants happened to be there. She grabbed him by his cloak, saying, "Sleep with me!" He left his coat in her hand and ran out of the house. When she realized that he had left his coat in her hand and run outside, she called to her house servants: "Look—this Hebrew shows up and before you know it he's trying to seduce us. He tried to make love to me but I yelled as loud as I could. With all my yelling and screaming, he left his coat beside me here and ran outside."
"Run, Joseph, Run"
Looking through carnal eyes, Joseph had a right to sin. He was a great kid. Honored God and his parents. Based upon his prophetic dream, Joseph was slated to be in some serious leadership role. Instead of great things happening to Joseph, he was despised by his brothers and sold for a price. Joseph was stripped from his mother's love and father's protection. Then, he was sold as a slave. While it was true he'd garnered favor from Potiphar, it still wasn't the same as having complete freedom. He wasn't allowed to run his own life. Scripture doesn't speak of Joseph having a social life or love interest. There were still so many limitations!
If anybody had a reason to sin, wouldn't it be Joseph? Seemingly, God had allowed him to be robbed of his parents and his freedom. Being obedient to God hadn't quite paid off in the way he'd imagined. Now, this woman is throwing herself at him day after day. She was his for the taking (if he wanted her)! Don't you think Joseph may have considered the offer for a split second? There's a good chance he did. I don't know many heterosexual males that wouldn't have considered the opportunity. However, instead of giving in to temptation, he ran for his life!
Don't I Have a Reason to Sin?
Did you know there are times Christians feel they have a right to sin? They feel they've tried to play by the rules and nothing has worked out for them. Their mind says, "Lord, I waited for you. I prayed, fasted, and honored you in every way I knew how. I believed what you showed me in my spirit, dreams, visions, and through your Word. Nothing has come to pass. Following you hasn't worked out for me."
The truth is you will never earn the right to sin. As a Believer, we are to avoid sin because we love God more. God sacrificed His best for us; we should give Him our best. If God doesn't give us what we want when we want, we shouldn't throw away His code of conduct. Don't we see this so many times?
God, you didn't bring me my husband, so I deserve to pick my own!
God, my wife isn't sexually satisfying me, so I deserve to have an affair!
God, my boss isn't paying me my fair wages, so I deserve to skim a little off the top!
It goes on and on. God doesn't give us what we want, so we rationalize our disobedience. Look at Abraham and Sara. God promised them an heir in their old age. Sara couldn't wait and took matters in to her own hands. She allowed Abraham to sleep with Hagar (Notice he didn't refuse the proposal, but that's another topic for another day). Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Then, Sara gave birth to Issac. To this very day, the lineage of Issac and Ishmael still have a heavy disdain for each other.
What would happen if we just trusted God? Yes, it can be very hard. There are things that we long for. Remember that God has something special just for you! Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." However, deciding to sin is never a beneficial resolution to the issue. Sin equals death. It could be physical death, relational death, financial death, death of peace, etc. Something has to die.
One More Thing
Just in case you want to use the "I just couldn't help myself !" excuse please remember God always provides a way of escape. I Corinthians 10:13 states, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." In other words, RUN! JUMP! HOBBLE! Do whatever you have to do to remove yourself from the situation. If it's pornography, turn the cable and Internet off. If it's gluttony, throw all the fattening food away. If it's gossip, place yourself on a silence fast. He always provides a way out; you just have to choose to take it. The way out may not be easy. It may not be pleasant. But it is critical! In spite of what Joseph's body told him, he ran! In spite of how fine she looked that day, he ran! He ran from sin and to God.
Happily Ever After
Joseph went through trials after making this critical decision. He endured false accusations and imprisonment, but oh my in the end! In the end, he was promoted to second-in-command under Pharaoh. He was reunited with his family. God used him to deliver his people from starvation. Joseph gained much wealth. He married and had children of his own to love. His obedience gave new life to him and the people connected to him.
Dear Child of God,
I know it seems hard right now. Nothing is working out how you thought it would. You've prayed but the heavens are as brass. Don't be discouraged. God gave His very best (Jesus) just so you wouldn't be eternally separated from Him. He hears your prayers. This is a faith walk. Yet, will you trust Him. Pass your test. Prepare for your breakthrough.
I do love you,
Dapoet
The Joseph Run-Down
Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob (Israel). It was clear that Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons. Scripture says Jacob loved Joseph because he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:3-4). While I believe this is true, I, also, think Jacob loved Joseph because his true love, Rachael, gave birth to him. (Remember: Leah, Jacob's first wife, was a result of the old bait and switch trick by his Uncle Laban.) Anyway, Joseph experienced a prophetic dream in which his whole family bowed down to him (Genesis 37:5-11). This, along with a multi-colored coat which identified him as his father's favorite, cemented the jealousy and hatred his brothers felt for him. When the opportunity arose, his brothers cast him into a pit and sold him in to slavery(Genesis 37:23-24, 28).
In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the manager of Pharaoh's household. God anointed Joseph in his duties, and Potiphar became very fond of him. Joseph became Potiphar's personal assistant and had complete run of Potiphar's house. Now, this is where the story gets really interesting:
(Genesis 39: 6-15)
6-7 Joseph was a strikingly handsome man. As time went on, his master's wife became infatuated with Joseph and one day said, "Sleep with me."
8-9 He wouldn't do it. He said to his master's wife, "Look, with me here, my master doesn't give a second thought to anything that goes on here—he's put me in charge of everything he owns. He treats me as an equal. The only thing he hasn't turned over to me is you. You're his wife, after all! How could I violate his trust and sin against God?" 10 She pestered him day after day after day, but he stood his ground. He refused to go to bed with her. 11-15 On one of these days he came to the house to do his work and none of the household servants happened to be there. She grabbed him by his cloak, saying, "Sleep with me!" He left his coat in her hand and ran out of the house. When she realized that he had left his coat in her hand and run outside, she called to her house servants: "Look—this Hebrew shows up and before you know it he's trying to seduce us. He tried to make love to me but I yelled as loud as I could. With all my yelling and screaming, he left his coat beside me here and ran outside."
"Run, Joseph, Run"
Looking through carnal eyes, Joseph had a right to sin. He was a great kid. Honored God and his parents. Based upon his prophetic dream, Joseph was slated to be in some serious leadership role. Instead of great things happening to Joseph, he was despised by his brothers and sold for a price. Joseph was stripped from his mother's love and father's protection. Then, he was sold as a slave. While it was true he'd garnered favor from Potiphar, it still wasn't the same as having complete freedom. He wasn't allowed to run his own life. Scripture doesn't speak of Joseph having a social life or love interest. There were still so many limitations!
If anybody had a reason to sin, wouldn't it be Joseph? Seemingly, God had allowed him to be robbed of his parents and his freedom. Being obedient to God hadn't quite paid off in the way he'd imagined. Now, this woman is throwing herself at him day after day. She was his for the taking (if he wanted her)! Don't you think Joseph may have considered the offer for a split second? There's a good chance he did. I don't know many heterosexual males that wouldn't have considered the opportunity. However, instead of giving in to temptation, he ran for his life!
Don't I Have a Reason to Sin?
Did you know there are times Christians feel they have a right to sin? They feel they've tried to play by the rules and nothing has worked out for them. Their mind says, "Lord, I waited for you. I prayed, fasted, and honored you in every way I knew how. I believed what you showed me in my spirit, dreams, visions, and through your Word. Nothing has come to pass. Following you hasn't worked out for me."
The truth is you will never earn the right to sin. As a Believer, we are to avoid sin because we love God more. God sacrificed His best for us; we should give Him our best. If God doesn't give us what we want when we want, we shouldn't throw away His code of conduct. Don't we see this so many times?
God, you didn't bring me my husband, so I deserve to pick my own!
God, my wife isn't sexually satisfying me, so I deserve to have an affair!
God, my boss isn't paying me my fair wages, so I deserve to skim a little off the top!
It goes on and on. God doesn't give us what we want, so we rationalize our disobedience. Look at Abraham and Sara. God promised them an heir in their old age. Sara couldn't wait and took matters in to her own hands. She allowed Abraham to sleep with Hagar (Notice he didn't refuse the proposal, but that's another topic for another day). Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. Then, Sara gave birth to Issac. To this very day, the lineage of Issac and Ishmael still have a heavy disdain for each other.
What would happen if we just trusted God? Yes, it can be very hard. There are things that we long for. Remember that God has something special just for you! Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." However, deciding to sin is never a beneficial resolution to the issue. Sin equals death. It could be physical death, relational death, financial death, death of peace, etc. Something has to die.
One More Thing
Just in case you want to use the "I just couldn't help myself !" excuse please remember God always provides a way of escape. I Corinthians 10:13 states, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." In other words, RUN! JUMP! HOBBLE! Do whatever you have to do to remove yourself from the situation. If it's pornography, turn the cable and Internet off. If it's gluttony, throw all the fattening food away. If it's gossip, place yourself on a silence fast. He always provides a way out; you just have to choose to take it. The way out may not be easy. It may not be pleasant. But it is critical! In spite of what Joseph's body told him, he ran! In spite of how fine she looked that day, he ran! He ran from sin and to God.
Happily Ever After
Joseph went through trials after making this critical decision. He endured false accusations and imprisonment, but oh my in the end! In the end, he was promoted to second-in-command under Pharaoh. He was reunited with his family. God used him to deliver his people from starvation. Joseph gained much wealth. He married and had children of his own to love. His obedience gave new life to him and the people connected to him.
Dear Child of God,
I know it seems hard right now. Nothing is working out how you thought it would. You've prayed but the heavens are as brass. Don't be discouraged. God gave His very best (Jesus) just so you wouldn't be eternally separated from Him. He hears your prayers. This is a faith walk. Yet, will you trust Him. Pass your test. Prepare for your breakthrough.
I do love you,
Dapoet
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Who's Steering the Ship?
Acts 1:6-10
They [Paul and Timothy] went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas.
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.
In the Beginning
One of the most exciting times of my life was when I truly decided to surrender my life to God. Although I was raised a Christian, I did not spend my childhood and teenage years active in the faith. I went to parochial school, so I was familiar with the Bible. Ocassionally, I went to church, so I was familiar with the "church" experience. But I had never developed a real relationship with God. It wasn't until my early adult years that I realized I had no idea how to run my life. A series of painful experiences had cemented that fact firmly in my head. I knew it was time to go back to basics.
Amazing things happened when I recommitted my life to Christ. God answered my prayers faster than delivery from Domino's Pizza. Wow! Is this what serving God is like? Instant answers! Why didn't I recommit years ago? This went on for the first few years of my renewed walk with the Lord. God was so clear and things moved so fast that I became the modern day Gideon seeing the fleece wet and dry (See Judges 6). Unfortunately, this didn't last forever. The instant responses and miracles I experienced from God had longer intermissions. I was no longer a Baby Christian. What's a Baby Christian? It's a person that needs results quickly or they will stop believing in God. Think about it. Babies need to be fed every couple of hours. When they are hungry, they kick, scream, and have a full out tantrum until their needs are met; however, as the child grows older, they understand that there are set times to eat (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). There is no longer a need to scream and shout. At the appointed time, the child will get what they need. It's like that in our walk with Christ. I was no longer a baby; it was time to grow up.
From Milk to Meat
I would be a liar if I told you I didn't like the taste of milk. Instant gratification is a wonderful feeling but a poor character builder. To trust God, you have to go through something! You have to encounter something that appears bigger than you and in which your efforts seem futile. You have to wait for God and keep your ears close to Heaven for His direction. It is in these times that you do what you can but leave plenty of room for God to intervene.
The Apostle Paul was on fire for God. He loved God with every fiber of his being and sought to share the Gospel of Christ to the world. After all, Christ commanded that the Word of God be taught to the ends of the Earth. In Acts 16, this is clearly what Paul sought to do. He made a plan of where he felt he wanted to go, "They [Paul and Timothy] went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province..." (Acts 16:6). However, the Holy Spirit barred them from taking that particular route, "but the Holy Spirit blocked that route." Notice that the Holy Spirit blocked the route but didn't tell Paul and Timothy where to go instead. Less mature Christians would've had a breakdown at this point. The monologue would go a little something like this, "God, you told me to preach your Word to the Earth. I studied, planned, and am ready to preach. Now, you block me from completing the mission. Plus, you won't even tell me where you want me to go." Paul did none of this. Instead, he simply changed course, "So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia..." (Acts 16:7). Again, the Holy Spirit blocked their way, "but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either." Wow! Twice Paul and Timothy did what they thought God wanted them to do; twice they were stopped.
Dinner is Served
Paul and Timothy could've been discouraged by the blocking of the Holy Spirit. They could've turned around and went home. I mean let's keep it real. The ships they sailed on were not cruise ships. Paul and Timothy weren't on the deck of the S.S. Carnival sunbathing while eating lox and sipping virgin pina coladas. This journey was far from a vacation. Moreover, they didn't see themselves as failures because they were heading in the wrong direction. Instead, they believed God would direct them at the appointed time, "That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans" (Acts 16:9-10). Paul and Timothy let God steer the ship. They understood that they were on God's time.
So often, we give God our timeline. God you know I need this done by such and such a date. God's Blackberry isn't broken. He doesn't need a personal assistant to remind Him when something is needed. What He is trying to do is make you trust Him. Will you trust him in the 23rd hour and the 59th minute? Do you believe that He is working in the midst of the silence? He is working on your behalf.
While I'm Waiting
What do you do while you are waiting?
1. Live. Too many times, people stop living while their waiting on God. Trust me. God doesn't work any faster because you stop living. He doesn't move up His plan because you're having a tantrum and refusing to do anything else until He answers.
2. Stay Connected. Continue to keep your spiritual ears sharp by staying in the Word of God and praying. By staying in the Word, your spirit man remains encouraged. And no doubt about it, when God finally speaks to you, you WILL hear Him.
3. Be Thankful. I know it's hard to see waiting as a blessing but it is. It's really a promotion. This is God saying that you're ready to go to the next level. He's watched you grow, and it's time to take the training wheels off. When the training wheels come off, God allows and trusts you to go farther and encounter new environments.
Child of God,
You can do it! I believe in you. More importantly, God believes in you! Live. Stay Connected. Be Thankful. Watch God move on your behalf!
They [Paul and Timothy] went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas.
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.
In the Beginning
One of the most exciting times of my life was when I truly decided to surrender my life to God. Although I was raised a Christian, I did not spend my childhood and teenage years active in the faith. I went to parochial school, so I was familiar with the Bible. Ocassionally, I went to church, so I was familiar with the "church" experience. But I had never developed a real relationship with God. It wasn't until my early adult years that I realized I had no idea how to run my life. A series of painful experiences had cemented that fact firmly in my head. I knew it was time to go back to basics.
Amazing things happened when I recommitted my life to Christ. God answered my prayers faster than delivery from Domino's Pizza. Wow! Is this what serving God is like? Instant answers! Why didn't I recommit years ago? This went on for the first few years of my renewed walk with the Lord. God was so clear and things moved so fast that I became the modern day Gideon seeing the fleece wet and dry (See Judges 6). Unfortunately, this didn't last forever. The instant responses and miracles I experienced from God had longer intermissions. I was no longer a Baby Christian. What's a Baby Christian? It's a person that needs results quickly or they will stop believing in God. Think about it. Babies need to be fed every couple of hours. When they are hungry, they kick, scream, and have a full out tantrum until their needs are met; however, as the child grows older, they understand that there are set times to eat (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). There is no longer a need to scream and shout. At the appointed time, the child will get what they need. It's like that in our walk with Christ. I was no longer a baby; it was time to grow up.
From Milk to Meat
I would be a liar if I told you I didn't like the taste of milk. Instant gratification is a wonderful feeling but a poor character builder. To trust God, you have to go through something! You have to encounter something that appears bigger than you and in which your efforts seem futile. You have to wait for God and keep your ears close to Heaven for His direction. It is in these times that you do what you can but leave plenty of room for God to intervene.
The Apostle Paul was on fire for God. He loved God with every fiber of his being and sought to share the Gospel of Christ to the world. After all, Christ commanded that the Word of God be taught to the ends of the Earth. In Acts 16, this is clearly what Paul sought to do. He made a plan of where he felt he wanted to go, "They [Paul and Timothy] went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province..." (Acts 16:6). However, the Holy Spirit barred them from taking that particular route, "but the Holy Spirit blocked that route." Notice that the Holy Spirit blocked the route but didn't tell Paul and Timothy where to go instead. Less mature Christians would've had a breakdown at this point. The monologue would go a little something like this, "God, you told me to preach your Word to the Earth. I studied, planned, and am ready to preach. Now, you block me from completing the mission. Plus, you won't even tell me where you want me to go." Paul did none of this. Instead, he simply changed course, "So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia..." (Acts 16:7). Again, the Holy Spirit blocked their way, "but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either." Wow! Twice Paul and Timothy did what they thought God wanted them to do; twice they were stopped.
Dinner is Served
Paul and Timothy could've been discouraged by the blocking of the Holy Spirit. They could've turned around and went home. I mean let's keep it real. The ships they sailed on were not cruise ships. Paul and Timothy weren't on the deck of the S.S. Carnival sunbathing while eating lox and sipping virgin pina coladas. This journey was far from a vacation. Moreover, they didn't see themselves as failures because they were heading in the wrong direction. Instead, they believed God would direct them at the appointed time, "That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans" (Acts 16:9-10). Paul and Timothy let God steer the ship. They understood that they were on God's time.
So often, we give God our timeline. God you know I need this done by such and such a date. God's Blackberry isn't broken. He doesn't need a personal assistant to remind Him when something is needed. What He is trying to do is make you trust Him. Will you trust him in the 23rd hour and the 59th minute? Do you believe that He is working in the midst of the silence? He is working on your behalf.
While I'm Waiting
What do you do while you are waiting?
1. Live. Too many times, people stop living while their waiting on God. Trust me. God doesn't work any faster because you stop living. He doesn't move up His plan because you're having a tantrum and refusing to do anything else until He answers.
2. Stay Connected. Continue to keep your spiritual ears sharp by staying in the Word of God and praying. By staying in the Word, your spirit man remains encouraged. And no doubt about it, when God finally speaks to you, you WILL hear Him.
3. Be Thankful. I know it's hard to see waiting as a blessing but it is. It's really a promotion. This is God saying that you're ready to go to the next level. He's watched you grow, and it's time to take the training wheels off. When the training wheels come off, God allows and trusts you to go farther and encounter new environments.
Child of God,
You can do it! I believe in you. More importantly, God believes in you! Live. Stay Connected. Be Thankful. Watch God move on your behalf!
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