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In Control

god-is-in-control

I recently took on a major new project, and getting it off the ground has consumed a lot of my energy. I landed this project unexpectedly, and though it was welcome, it upended my neat, organized life, disrupting my carefully planned schedule and interrupting all of my routines. And mind you, there was still all the regular stuff … you know, laundry, cleaning, family responsibilities, church work, other projects, staying connected to people I love, etc., etc., etc., etc.

Before I knew it, I was overwhelmed. I became so fearful that I was going to drop some really big ball that I started obsessing. (Yeah, I know that Scripture about not having the spirit of fear, but in the moment, well, let’s just say that that wasn’t the Scripture I was quoting.) And for me, obsessing means working overtime – mentally and physically – trying to control every little and big thing. And working overtime means no sleep. And a sista is cranky when she doesn’t get her eight hours!

After my third night of tossing and turning, list-making, and schedule planning, I decided that there was no way I was gonna win this battle, and, on the path I was on, this project was gonna get the best of me. Well, I am a daughter of the King and I refuse to be defeated!

So I did what I should have done in the first place: Acknowledge that the God I love and serve is the One Who is ultimately in control of everything. Release all my concerns and fretting to Jehovah-Jireh, the One Who Provides. Trust that He is working out everything for my good (Romans 8:28). And praise Him in advance for provision, solution, direction, and favor.

And you know what? Just like that, I got my peace back. My spirit calmed. My soul was soothed. And in less than 24 hours, I got confirmation that help was on the way. A door that had been shut suddenly reopened. I could see a clear path ahead. And, most of all, I got my eight hours.

The lesson: You and God can’t both be in control. So just acknowledge that God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Lover of your soul, is better at steering the ship than you are. So just let go and let God do what God does best. And love and adore God because God loves and adores you enough to make everything, everything little and big thing, work for your good. And God can accomplish this because he is in control of everything.

May God bless your week.

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The Benefit Plan

The Affordable Healthcare Act – AKA Obamacare – has generated lots of talk about what kinds of benefits employees can, should, might, and don’t offer.  Seems to me that at the root of all this is the central concern about how a company treats its employees.

Like most folks, I’ve worked at a few different places in my life.  And one of the first questions I ask when considering a new employer is: what benefits do you offer?  These days, every company seems to offer something different.  Some offer a pension plan, some don’t.  Some give free lunch.  Some give transportation passes.  Some give two weeks vacation, some give four.  There’s no set standard for what an employer has to offer its employees; it’s completely up to them and the offerings can vary widely.

But life in the company of God is another story.  He’s the ultimate employer.  His benefit plan is the “top-of-the-line” best, and it never changes.  And you don’t have to worry about His company going out of business – it was founded way before the Year of the Flood and shows no sign of slowing down.  Economic downturns, inflation, recessions, depressions are of no consequence to Kingdom enterprises, and don’t affect what benefits He offers to His folks.  And, best of all, once you join the company, the potential for promotion is endless.

The Message Bible says it best:  O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!  O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!  He forgives your sins – every one.  He heals your diseases—every one.  He redeems you from hell—saves your life!  He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.  He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.  He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.  Psalm 103:1-5 (The Message)

 

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What’s On Your Mind?

Your brain is a powerful thing.  It is operation central, sending signals and messages to the rest of your body, controlling your movements, your speech, your actions.  All the things we count as automatic – getting out of bed, into the shower, singing your favorite song, making coffee, getting dressed, reading the paper, etc – is really the result of just a nano-seconds worth of work by your brain.

With our minds controlling and directing our every action, it’s important that we keep ourselves focused on the right things, and our actions will fall in line.  Haven’t you noticed that when you wake up on “the wrong side of the bed,” everything that day just seems to go wrong and be wrong.  And it’s just a matter of time before we’re finding fault in everything and everybody.  Salt ain’t salty; sugar ain’t sweet.  Ice ain’t cold; water ain’t wet.  Everything – and everybody – is just a problem.

That’s why the Word of God tells us to direct and keep our thoughts on positive, good things.  Because our thoughts direct our actions.  Because ultimately, we attract what we think about.  So skip the negativity and the people who bring it.  Choose to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty.  Focus on what’s right instead of what’s wrong. Find the good and praise it.  And watch God bring your life into alignment with your thoughts.

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Choose Life!

I’m gonna date myself here – but I’m part of the “you’ve come a long way baby” generation.  “You can have it all,” they said.  That was supposed to represent the new power our generation had – to be able to do it all, be it all, and have it all.  (Still not sure what the “it” is, but I digress.)

It was years before I realized that “having it all” was a lie  . . .  a lie that our society tells us in order to disguise the true power that lies in choice.  Stop for a moment and think about it: you just can’t have everything.  It’s not possible.  You have to choose.  You can’t eat dessert all day long and be a size 6 – not gonna happen . . .  Not unless you’re eating dessert on the treadmill.  You can’t smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, and expect clear lungs.  Not gonna happen.  You can’t catch up on your beauty rest all week, every week and expect that promotion.  Not gonna happen.  You can’t be mean and evil all day every day and expect peace, joy, and sweetness to be part of your life.  Not gonna happen.

God just didn’t set things up that way.  God says: I’m giving you a choice: life or death, blessing or curses.  It’s your choice.  You decide.  Choose your path.  Now, your choices have consequences, but you already know that.

And God encourages us to think carefully  . . .  He says: even though I’m giving you the right and the responsibility of making your own choices, I really want you to choose life.  I want you to make decisions that will lead to abundance, and joy, and peace, and health, and prosperity, and love.

Consider the choices you will face today.  What to eat, where to go, who to talk with, where to spend your time.  Then choose life: make decisions that will give you the abundant life God wants you to have.  Eat healthfully.  Be sweet.  Encourage someone.  Call to say “I love you.”  Send some flowers.  Be on time for work.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Let go of bitterness.  Laugh often.  Read more.  Be a friend.  Choose life!

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Mind Over Matter

Sunny day versus rainy day . . .  Busy day versus lazy day . . .   Too much traffic versus a clear road . . .  Spending your day with friends versus spending your day in – horror of horror – a work retreat . . .Isn’t is amazing how outside circumstances impact your mood?

The irony is that none of these kinds of things can really change our mood or our outlook on the day, unless we allow it.  God has given us the amazing capacity to control our own emotions, our own actions, and our own reactions.  Which means that we simply have to make a decision  I’m going to have a positive attitude and a positive disposition – And I will not allow anyone or anything – not the weather, not the traffic, not the schedule, nothing – to get in the way of my good day.

That’s the affirmation of the psalmist: “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  He makes an affirmative decision to be glad and find happiness in the day that the Lord has given to him.  He hasn’t seen all that the day will bring, but it doesn’t matter – he’s already decided to make it a good day.  He’s decided that nothing and no one is going to steal his joy that day.  He’s figured out that it’s a question of mind over matter.  If he doesn’t mind, then it won’t matter!

Now, surely there are going to be days that will make you wish you’d just stayed in bed.  And on those days, maintaining a positive attitude can be, umm, difficult.  But I’ll share my secret with you: when “challenged” personalities seem set on destroying my good mood, I repeat the refrain of the psalmist:  “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  In this way, I take back my power, insist on my joy, and affirm the authority God has given me to declare victory and peace in my own life.

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Take Your Decision

Choice is a powerful thing.  The freedom and the ability to make our own decisions about our lives and our destiny is perhaps the greatest gift that God, the Creator of the Universe, gives to us, outside the gift of salvation.

In this Scripture, Jesus asks us to “let our light shine . . .”  I think that little word “let” is the most important word in this whole Scripture.  See, “to let” is “to allow”  . . .  and to allow implies permission, which means that we have a choice in the matter.

We can choose to hide our light.  To live single and solitary lives, focused solely on ourselves, hoarding our light and keeping our gifts, our talents, and our treasures under wraps and known to ourselves alone.

Or we can choose to shine as brightly as a 1000 watt bulb.  Lighting our own way, giving light to those around us, and sharing a small piece of God’s love, His grace and His joy with those who cross our path.

For many years, until his death, Wilfredo Angulo, was my church’s and my family’s “official” painter. When you booked him for a paint job, he’d bring the color wheel and lay it before you with a great flourish, and as you pondered the hundreds of choices, he’d say: “Take Your Decision.”

So what’s it gonna be today?  Will you be a nightlight or floodlight?   Will you choose the way of the nightlight?  Just enough light for you and you alone to see the way?  Just getting yourself through the day, oblivious to those around you.  Or will you be a floodlight?  Shining brightly and vibrantly so that everyone around you is encouraged and lifted just by your presence.  Being and bringing joy and peace and laughter to everyone you meet.

Take Your Decision.

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Sometimes, There’s Only You

A sister-friend of mine recently embarked on a new journey. She decided to go back to school to study something that’s become a passion for her. Given all she’s got going on in her life, just finding the time to pursue her dream is a monumental task in and of itself.

She shared her intentions with me. And I’m ashamed to admit that I was too preoccupied with something else to really hear her. I was half-listening and wound up not giving her the respect or attention our love for each other required. My reply to her: “oh yeah?” And then I moved on to the next subject.

She called me on it recently. I had to admit that I didn’t even remember her telling me about school. I was mortified and will be mortified for days to come. I apologized, kissed her feet, and offered her my favorite pair of shoes (since I don’t have children). I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see her first film.

Well, thank God, her passion and her program were not dependent on me. She followed King David’s example and encouraged herself. She didn’t get waylaid by my lack of attention. She understood that what the Spirit was calling her to do was bigger and more important than me saying “Amen” to her dreams, and they couldn’t and wouldn’t be drowned out or killed by my seeming lack of enthusiasm.

Look, sometimes, intentionally or not, your dreams, ideas, plans, and vision just will not be received or welcomed with open arms, loud praise, and a hallelujah chorus. In those moments, you gotta be clear about what God is calling you to do, and if you’re sure about your path, do like David and encourage yourself. Cause sometimes your own encouragement — and God’s — is all you’re gonna get. But then again, what else do you really need?

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GOT PLANS?

I  bet you have some plans for your life.  Maybe you’re thinking about  starting a business or going back to school or starting a family.   You’ve thought about it.  You’ve prayed on it.  You’re ready.  And since  you’re a good planner, you’ve already thought through how you’ll handle  the responsibility, and what kind of adjustments you’ll have to make in  your schedule, daily routine, budget, and relationships.  And if you’re  like me, you’ve also thought about what you’ll do when you’ve met your  goal.  Two weeks in Paris, anyone?  Yep, you’re ready.

Whatever  your plans, you’ve taken the time to think them through because you  want, no, you intend to be successful.  After all, who plans to fail?   And that’s a good thing.  Having a plan is a good thing.  Setting goals  is a good thing.  Making your own dreams come true is a good thing.

And  you know what?  God wants you to be successful.  He wants you to aspire  to good things.  He wants you to prosper.  God our Father loves you so  much that He has His own plans for you.  Big plans.  Huge plans.   Spectacular plans.  And as wonderful as you think your dreams are – and I  know they’re wonderful – God’s plans are even bigger and even better  and even more wonderful.  So wonderful that they exceed anything you  could ever imagine or even ask for yourself.

Whatever plans you  have, go ahead and get to work on them.  Give it all you’ve got.  Just  don’t be surprised when the outcome turns out to be even more, even  bigger, even better than you dreamed.  Cause our God has plans for you too.  Watch Him exceed your expectations!

May God bless your week!

Pastor Leah

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He’s Watching Me

There’s a scene in The Dark Knight where Batman sits high above Gotham City, surveying the scene, his eyes searching for some sign of distress or wrongdoing. And as soon as he spots such a thing, he swoops down from his perch and swoops in to save the day.

As much as I love Batman and his movies, I know that such a character cannot really exist. After all, what human has the ability to sit on a tall skyscraper and, with natural vision, spot a mugger stealing an old lady’s handbag on yonder street corner? Would be nice though, wouldn’t it?  To know that someone is always watching, with your protection and best interests at heart …

Well, that’s exactly who God is and that’s exactly what God does.  God really can see our situation, our every distress, our every challenge from where He sits. But He is no disinterested observer – His engagement doesn’t stop with the seeing. No, our God is always looking, searching, scouring the earth for the opportunity to show us just how strong He is, to prove to us that He loves us, that He is in our corner, backing us up, clearing paths, making ways, and removing obstacles.  And unlike Batman, God is not subject to human faults, foibles, or limitations.  And God doesn’t need the latest technological gadgets and gizmos to help Him discern your whereabouts or your needs and desires.

Now there is a catch: You have to love Him completely and you have to trust Him entirely. But that ‘s not much of a requirement, is it? And if you can manage those two small things, then the God of the Universe takes up your cause. Fights your battles. Opens (and closes) doors for you. The Creator of Heaven and Earth sits on His Throne, in His high Heaven and looks for ways to support you, empower you, and give you the abundant and joy-filled life He so greatly desires for you. Beats Batman every day of the week!

May God bless your week

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The Desert in Bloom

I once attended the NAACP Leadership 500 Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The conference hotel had its own Cactus Garden on two acres of land, featuring 350 different varieties of cacti. I love flower gardens of all kinds so as soon as I had the chance, I found my way to the Cactus Garden and took a stroll.

To say that it was beautiful is an understatement. The variety, the colors, the sizes and shapes were just staggering. cactus flowersBut what struck me most was that all this beauty, all this life, was springing forth from the apparent dryness and barrenness of the desert. With the sun blazing down and not a drop of water in sight, these plants grew strong and vibrant, seemingly in spite of their surroundings. To look at the bleakness of the desert, you’d never expect that such beauty could be found there.

Every so often, we have episodes in our lives that seem like that desert – just dry and incapable of producing anything worthwhile. When our friends, our families, our networks, and our resources seem incapable of supporting our vision. When even our own energy and creativity seem exhausted and unable to sustain our work and our dreams.

And in those times, we should call to mind the promise of God, that He will make even the desert places flourish. That he will provide resources where and when none are expected. That He will send nourishment and sustenance where we need it, just when we need it. See, God is not confined by boundaries and God is not constrained by facts. Just because you think you’re going through a dry spell or an unproductive time, and just because you can’t see where your help is coming from, doesn’t mean that God cannot work or is not working. Just look: He makes flowers bloom in the desert.