One question that almost if not every believer has or will ask in their life is: "What is God's will for my life". Even those who do not know Christ have asked themselves this question. "What on earth am I here for?" It is clear that people want to have a sense of purpose for their life and even success and there is nothing wrong with that. My brother and sisters, let me share with you that your identity is in Christ. He is the one that created you and formed you, knit you together in your mothers womb.
Think of it like this: If you by a brand new t.v., how can you really know how it works? You may know the basics like how to plug it up and connect it to the dvd and remote, etc. However, I guarantee you that there are some special features that you will not know about unless you read the owners manual. Although you think you know all about that t.v. you do not, because you did not create it. Although it's your t.v., you still need that manual to tell you all about it. That's how it is with God, if we don't know Him (the creator) and seek Him (through prayer and His word) about the purpose of our lives, we will never know.
I encourage you to seek the Father and instead of asking what is His will for your life, ask Him what is His will period. The focus needs to be on God, not our life. Henry Blackaby, the author of experiencing God says: "Once you know God's will, then you can adjust your life to Him", not vice versa. " Once we know what God is doing, then we will know what we need to do!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth- Being a light
Happy Spring!!! One of my favorite seasons :-). It's a NEW season ya'll! New beginnings! Below is a short video on a discussion on living a lifestyle of worship, by being a light even in the workplace! I know you will enjoy it, as my guest had some really good wisdom to share!
Watch it here:
Watch it here:
Monday, February 28, 2011
"Do this because you love me"- A lifestyle of Worship
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him".
When you ask God to teach you something He will and it more than likely will not be in the way you thought He would or wanted Him to. I asked God to teach me how to live a lifestyle of worship. Well, my brothers and sisters, He is doing just that!
So, after much himmin and hawin today and basically on and off for the past few years, God has really turned the mirror on me. My pastor has been doing a series on family and the importance of unity in the family. I'm sharing this because God has been showing me SO many areas that He is working on and I know He desires this for all His children. But here it is:
A lot of time, as saved folk we do such a great job of joining all the ministries and being on this board and that board at church; we say the most anointed prayer, lift up holy hands and so much more. We look real good on the outside and people at church, maybe even people at work, think that we are these awesome individuals. But when we get home all these spiritual acts seem to cease. Sometimes we join so many ministries and are doing everything for everyone else, that when it comes to the ones closest to us and dearest to us; our families, we get tired and a lot of times even grumpy, basically we give them our last. Some people aren't talking to family members that live in the house with them; maybe an occasional hello and then close the bedroom door without even asking them how they are.
This grieves God, did you know that the way we treat our families is an act of worship? Who are you worshiping when you go home, is it the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? If so, it should show in the relationships closest to us. If we are doing one set of things at church and then get home and don't want to do anything for and with our families, that's a problem. God knows who we are when nobody else is around and His thoughts of us are what really matter.
If we a praying in church, we need to be praying at home.
If we are worshipping at church, we need to be worshiping at home.
If we are teaching at church, we should be teaching at home.
If we are serving at church, we should be serving at home.
Most importantly if we are exhibiting the love of God at church, we should be showing the love of God in our homes.
Worship is SO much more than singing, dancing, going to church once or twice a week and so on, praying or speaking in a microphone; it's also how we treat others and those who are closest to us. This is how we can and others can know if we are true worshipers or true wanderers.
Another thing when it comes to living a lifestyle of worship; we are always believing God for
something, but how are we doing with those possessions and relationships He has already given us. Let's do these things because we love God, that way our service and our relationships will last.
When you ask God to teach you something He will and it more than likely will not be in the way you thought He would or wanted Him to. I asked God to teach me how to live a lifestyle of worship. Well, my brothers and sisters, He is doing just that!
So, after much himmin and hawin today and basically on and off for the past few years, God has really turned the mirror on me. My pastor has been doing a series on family and the importance of unity in the family. I'm sharing this because God has been showing me SO many areas that He is working on and I know He desires this for all His children. But here it is:
A lot of time, as saved folk we do such a great job of joining all the ministries and being on this board and that board at church; we say the most anointed prayer, lift up holy hands and so much more. We look real good on the outside and people at church, maybe even people at work, think that we are these awesome individuals. But when we get home all these spiritual acts seem to cease. Sometimes we join so many ministries and are doing everything for everyone else, that when it comes to the ones closest to us and dearest to us; our families, we get tired and a lot of times even grumpy, basically we give them our last. Some people aren't talking to family members that live in the house with them; maybe an occasional hello and then close the bedroom door without even asking them how they are.
This grieves God, did you know that the way we treat our families is an act of worship? Who are you worshiping when you go home, is it the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? If so, it should show in the relationships closest to us. If we are doing one set of things at church and then get home and don't want to do anything for and with our families, that's a problem. God knows who we are when nobody else is around and His thoughts of us are what really matter.
If we a praying in church, we need to be praying at home.
If we are worshipping at church, we need to be worshiping at home.
If we are teaching at church, we should be teaching at home.
If we are serving at church, we should be serving at home.
Most importantly if we are exhibiting the love of God at church, we should be showing the love of God in our homes.
Worship is SO much more than singing, dancing, going to church once or twice a week and so on, praying or speaking in a microphone; it's also how we treat others and those who are closest to us. This is how we can and others can know if we are true worshipers or true wanderers.
Another thing when it comes to living a lifestyle of worship; we are always believing God for
something, but how are we doing with those possessions and relationships He has already given us. Let's do these things because we love God, that way our service and our relationships will last.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Do you Trust Him? - Barriers of living a lifestyle of Worship
David, was truly a man after God's own heart! Have you read Psalm 20 lately?
Psalm 20
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven; With the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
This Psalm was written right before David was about to go into yet another battle! I really admire David and I think He was a living testimony of God's grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Verses 1-5 were the people supporting him and praying for prior to him going into battle. Verses 6-8 are David's response and what he recalls to know about the Lord. Although he had plenty of resources, weapons, horses and so on that he could have been focused on winning the battle with, but what does David say his greatest source is? "Some trust in Chariots and some in Horses, but WE trust in the name of the Lord our God".
David clearly trusted God, and I truly believe this is why he wasso successful as the King!
If you have an area of your life that you are having trouble trusting the Lord, meditate on this chapter. If David can trust Him in a physical battle and come through victorious, you can to!
Psalm 20
1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; 3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven; With the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
This Psalm was written right before David was about to go into yet another battle! I really admire David and I think He was a living testimony of God's grace, mercy, forgiveness and love. Verses 1-5 were the people supporting him and praying for prior to him going into battle. Verses 6-8 are David's response and what he recalls to know about the Lord. Although he had plenty of resources, weapons, horses and so on that he could have been focused on winning the battle with, but what does David say his greatest source is? "Some trust in Chariots and some in Horses, but WE trust in the name of the Lord our God".
David clearly trusted God, and I truly believe this is why he wasso successful as the King!
If you have an area of your life that you are having trouble trusting the Lord, meditate on this chapter. If David can trust Him in a physical battle and come through victorious, you can to!
Friday, February 18, 2011
It’s not always “that deep”- Barriers from living a lifestyle of worship
One of the best moments are when we have teachable moments and we are open to learn from what we are taught through simply living. Lately, I’ve had the mirror turned on myself about some areas where I am being stretched, it can hurt a little sometimes but it’s really for my good. It’s easy to try and think things through and make sense of what God is doing in our lives before we reach the fulfillment of a season. But who in the world can figure out the ways of our MIGHTY GOD (Isaiah 55:8-9)!
One of the most common questions or concerns in the life of a believer is if we are in God’s will. This is very important and we certainly want to remain in His will, HOWEVER we can’t try to “figure” everything He is doing or going to do out (hence proverbs 3:5,6). I know for a fact that one of the enemy’s tricks and distractions is to have us living in fear, doubt, worry and unbelief; none of these emotions are from the Lord. I was talking to a co-worker about some things that I have been experiencing lately and why they were concerning me. She simply smiled at me and said: “Lynnea it’s not that deep”. “God, do you want me to take this job offer”, “Lord, is this the church you want me to join”, “Father, should I stay in this ministry”, “Daddy, is this the person you want me to marry”, “Jesus, should I move out of this state”. All of these are very important questions and God certainly wants us to remain in His will and make the right decisions, even when we don’t, if we allow Him to He will re-direct us. God wants to help us, He understands all and nothing surprises Him! Let His peace follow you and trust Him as you move forward in life.
One of the most common questions or concerns in the life of a believer is if we are in God’s will. This is very important and we certainly want to remain in His will, HOWEVER we can’t try to “figure” everything He is doing or going to do out (hence proverbs 3:5,6). I know for a fact that one of the enemy’s tricks and distractions is to have us living in fear, doubt, worry and unbelief; none of these emotions are from the Lord. I was talking to a co-worker about some things that I have been experiencing lately and why they were concerning me. She simply smiled at me and said: “Lynnea it’s not that deep”. “God, do you want me to take this job offer”, “Lord, is this the church you want me to join”, “Father, should I stay in this ministry”, “Daddy, is this the person you want me to marry”, “Jesus, should I move out of this state”. All of these are very important questions and God certainly wants us to remain in His will and make the right decisions, even when we don’t, if we allow Him to He will re-direct us. God wants to help us, He understands all and nothing surprises Him! Let His peace follow you and trust Him as you move forward in life.
Whatever we experience and whatever decisions we have to make, we CANNOT allow this to silence us from praising and worshipping the Lord in the process of receiving His answer. Praise and Worship silences the devil and even our own opinions.
With all this being said, if we are always worried about the decisions we have to make in life, we will be focused on our situations and not on the Mighty God we serve and what His word so plainly promises us. I’m learning to trust God and every time a worrying feeling comes, I think of the scriptures He has given us to help us along the way. So, don’t wait to PRAISE HIM until every question is answered or problem is fixed. If this were the case, we would be waiting forever. Don’t idolize your situation, worship the Lord God almighty in the midst of whatever! We will always be believing God for something; even if it’s our next breath. Don’t let your concerns and questions hinder or cripple you from giving the Lord the praise He is due. You never know, Praise may be the very thing He is waiting for you to do before He gives you that answer to your question, that answer to your prayer or delivers you from that situation!!
Thank you Jesus!
SPECIAL UPDATE: The Praise and Worship Him blog has some exciting things coming up. Starting March 2011. There will be at least 2 posts a month, one being a video. There will be some mighty men and women of God featured on the blog and I am SO excited to see what they have to share with us! Stay tuned :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Jesus- The way out!
Praise the Lord brothers and sisters in Christ and future siblings in the Kingdom!!!
I want to share with you all a fresh revelation the Lord gave me this week. This past month or so has been really difficult for me. I was not myself, I was feeling down, shameful, disappointed and even sorry for myself. Now we know these feelings are not from our Father God! Now, there is a season for mourning, the bible tells us that, even if its for a day, week or some months. God understands sometimes we need to vent and all. However, if all we do is feel sorry for ourselves and get upset, this is a distraction and it will hold us back from where God is trying to lead us. I refuse to be like the children of Israel, who were headed to the promised land and because of their murmuring, complaining and lack of faith; it took them 40 years to make a 11 day trip. NO THANKS, I cannot let this be me. I don't want this to be you either!
This week at work, I was sitting at my desk and began to think of my life over the past few years . I begin to murmur and complain and "woe is me" type of thoughts. So much that I began to cry at my desk, I mean tears streaming! I ran to the bathroom fell on my knees and began to cry out to God: "Lord, I refuse to live my life in frustration and unfullfillment". "I need your help Lord, please tell me what to dooooo!" As I was sobbing in the company bathroom, Holy Spirit dropped in my mind 1 Corinthians 10:13:
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
So, I began crying even more: "Lord, tell me, show me my way out. Even if it's just one word, I NEED YOU". Then in that still small voice with so much peace I heard: "Jesus"! That's it, Jesus is my way out and He is yours too! You know how sometimes we know something or someone so well that if we are not careful it looses its significance or impact to us?!
Why would we feel sorry for ourselves when Jesus loves us so much that He died just for you and just for me! He thought of you, when He was on that cross. Do you know what that means? Is there any greater love than this?
Self-Pity, insecurity, depression and so on are traps of the devil. When we really think about Jesus, dying on the cross for our sins, if it were not for Him we would either be wallowing in our sin or dead!! He came that we might have life and have it to the abundance! HALLELUJAH. Not only did He die for us, but He got out of the grave with all power in His hands and is now our intercessor, standing at the right hand of the Mighty Father! Who better to have as our prayer partner and intercessor than Jesus Christ? I'm getting so excited, that when I finish typing this. I'm gonna run around this house!!! I'm still not done, not only did He die for us and is our chief intercessor, because of Him we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!!
I could go on and on, but know that Jesus is the way and the only way! Because of him we can be free and have liberty, but we have to receive it. We don't have to be in bondage of anything (i.e debt, sickness, generational curses, past hurts/mistakes, etc.).
This year one of my personal goals is to learn more about the cross and what it means for me. I encourage you to do the same. God has a plan for us all and He has given us gifts and talents to use for His glory. Don't let your gifts be buried because your focusing on the have nots and wants and when he's going to do this or that. I truly believe our blessings are in our purpose, so start moving forward. I know I am! And I don't want to do it by myself, that's not as fun ;-). I want you to join me. Let's use those gifts our Father has freely given us and give it back to Him by using them for HIS glory!!
As Bro. Dave Ramsey says, " This is the year to be weird and do accomplish or at least begin accomplishing those things we have been Talking about for years"!
Love y'all!
****SPECIAL UPDATE: The Praise and Worship Him blog has some exciting things coming up. Starting March 2011. There will be at least 2 posts a month, one being a video. There will be some mighty men and women of God featured on the blog and I am SO excited to see what they have to share with us! Stay tuned :)
I want to share with you all a fresh revelation the Lord gave me this week. This past month or so has been really difficult for me. I was not myself, I was feeling down, shameful, disappointed and even sorry for myself. Now we know these feelings are not from our Father God! Now, there is a season for mourning, the bible tells us that, even if its for a day, week or some months. God understands sometimes we need to vent and all. However, if all we do is feel sorry for ourselves and get upset, this is a distraction and it will hold us back from where God is trying to lead us. I refuse to be like the children of Israel, who were headed to the promised land and because of their murmuring, complaining and lack of faith; it took them 40 years to make a 11 day trip. NO THANKS, I cannot let this be me. I don't want this to be you either!
This week at work, I was sitting at my desk and began to think of my life over the past few years . I begin to murmur and complain and "woe is me" type of thoughts. So much that I began to cry at my desk, I mean tears streaming! I ran to the bathroom fell on my knees and began to cry out to God: "Lord, I refuse to live my life in frustration and unfullfillment". "I need your help Lord, please tell me what to dooooo!" As I was sobbing in the company bathroom, Holy Spirit dropped in my mind 1 Corinthians 10:13:
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."
So, I began crying even more: "Lord, tell me, show me my way out. Even if it's just one word, I NEED YOU". Then in that still small voice with so much peace I heard: "Jesus"! That's it, Jesus is my way out and He is yours too! You know how sometimes we know something or someone so well that if we are not careful it looses its significance or impact to us?!
Why would we feel sorry for ourselves when Jesus loves us so much that He died just for you and just for me! He thought of you, when He was on that cross. Do you know what that means? Is there any greater love than this?
Self-Pity, insecurity, depression and so on are traps of the devil. When we really think about Jesus, dying on the cross for our sins, if it were not for Him we would either be wallowing in our sin or dead!! He came that we might have life and have it to the abundance! HALLELUJAH. Not only did He die for us, but He got out of the grave with all power in His hands and is now our intercessor, standing at the right hand of the Mighty Father! Who better to have as our prayer partner and intercessor than Jesus Christ? I'm getting so excited, that when I finish typing this. I'm gonna run around this house!!! I'm still not done, not only did He die for us and is our chief intercessor, because of Him we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!!
I could go on and on, but know that Jesus is the way and the only way! Because of him we can be free and have liberty, but we have to receive it. We don't have to be in bondage of anything (i.e debt, sickness, generational curses, past hurts/mistakes, etc.).
This year one of my personal goals is to learn more about the cross and what it means for me. I encourage you to do the same. God has a plan for us all and He has given us gifts and talents to use for His glory. Don't let your gifts be buried because your focusing on the have nots and wants and when he's going to do this or that. I truly believe our blessings are in our purpose, so start moving forward. I know I am! And I don't want to do it by myself, that's not as fun ;-). I want you to join me. Let's use those gifts our Father has freely given us and give it back to Him by using them for HIS glory!!
As Bro. Dave Ramsey says, " This is the year to be weird and do accomplish or at least begin accomplishing those things we have been Talking about for years"!
Love y'all!
****SPECIAL UPDATE: The Praise and Worship Him blog has some exciting things coming up. Starting March 2011. There will be at least 2 posts a month, one being a video. There will be some mighty men and women of God featured on the blog and I am SO excited to see what they have to share with us! Stay tuned :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
True Worship or True Wanderer...
Worship- A feeling of profound love and admiration. (word net web). Turning our lives toward the One whom we believe to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (ayneumc.org). Living our lives individually and corporately as living sacrifices to the glory of a person or thing. (theresurgence.com).Wander- to deviate in conduct, belief, to go astray: to move, pass, or turn idly. to stray from a path, to ramble without a definite purpose or objective.
True- real; genuine; authentic; honest; conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, or the like. (dictionary.com).
Happy New Year Everyone!!! So after reading these three definitions, what is your first reaction/thoughts? Lately, I have really been thirsty for a greater understanding of what true worship is and to live a lifestyle of it. You know the worship that Jesus talks about in John 4:23 - 24. I have learned that there have been times when I thought I was worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth (SAT) and indeed, I was not!
The reason why I gave the definition for wandering is because the times that I was not worshipping God in SAT, was because I had strayed from the true purpose and act of worship. We do this often believe it or not. Let me give you a few examples of mistakes we make that cause us to be "true wanderers" instead of "true worshippers":
- Not knowing what worship is and how to worship.
- Not dealing with things in our heart that need to be removed (not repenting).
- To stray from the true purpose and meaning of our existence.
- Putting others or things before God.
- Mastering what looks like worship to others (lifting of hands, dancing, shouting praises), without our hearts even being genuine.
- Thinking that Worship is only limited to songs and emotions.
It is so easy for us to shift our focus from God and onto something else, that's why we must ask Him to help us to fully surrender. Holy Spirit will actually show us those areas that God wants to refine, it's up to us to respond! When we think about it, it truly is an honor for God to desire our worship. Let me repeat that: God in all His greatness and all that He has so freely given us, desires us to worship Him. So, instead of offering up a half-hearted praise or worshipping other things instead of God, lets worship HIM in Spirit and in Truth!
Let me ask you this question: Are you a true worshipper or a true wanderer?
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