Tuesday, August 31, 2010

IN A DESERT LAND

Desert: 1.a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all 2. any place lacking in something (Webster’s Dictionary)

Desert, dry land, or the wilderness is what we call periods of time when we feel unproductive, experience spiritual dryness, face struggles, hardship, and do not feel God’s presence. I will refer to this period as a desert land. This is not a comfortable place to be. It is not something I look forward to and I hate to be in this place. One thing about a desert land is not knowing how long you will remain in this place.

Why I am in a Desert Land

There are many reasons why a person finds himself in a desert land. Those reasons include sin, participating in things which dull spiritual sensitivity or cause distraction, and there are times when nothing is wrong, but right, and God leads one to this place for the purpose of training and blessing. These are just a few of the reasons why a person may be placed in a desert land. Whatever the reason, God is trying to tell you something. It is during this time one should seek God for answers and determine what it is he/she needs to do or receive while in this dry place.

When you find yourself in a desert land, it is important that you go through it. By this I mean you should continue to worship God and spend time in prayer with Him. It takes an act of faith to continue do these things when you experience such spiritual dryness. In fact, it seems more faith is required during the periods in which you do not see, feel, or hear from Him.

Beware of Temptation

There are dangers in the desert land. It is tempting to believe God is far from you during a dry season. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves asking, "Does God still love me? Does He really care for me?" In reality, God is working on us; so, yes, He still loves and cares for you!

Another thing to be aware of is the temptation to let your beliefs and trust in God waiver. You might find yourself tempted to question the promises of God. This can lead to resentment or bitterness towards Him. As a result, you can let others pull you away from God, and reject what you know of and about Him.

From Desert Land To Flowing Waters

After time in a desert land comes flowing waters. There is renewed life. Hopefully you have grown spiritually, and gained a deeper connection with God. You may find that you are now more productive and more in tune spiritually.

If you find yourself in a desert land, there is something to be learned. You are placed in a desert land for a reason. God is trying to get your attention. Stay in prayer, in His Word, and patiently wait for what He has to say to you.

Be blessed.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

FACT OR FICTION

Have you ever been so sure of something, but later, you begin to second guess the very thing you were so sure about? Well, I’ve been there, recently. Very recent! I consider myself a very strong person. I am a real strong woman. Just because I am not so sure of all things right now does not make me weak at all. At least this is my opinion. I am a real strong woman, meaning I am real enough to say although I am strong, I go through my “moments” in life, too.

Fact or fiction? What is real and what is fake? This is what I asked myself. This is the question I asked of my Father. I know I am not the only person challenged during her spiritual walk. You may be asking yourself, “What is so challenging to her?” My answer to you is that I am struggling with dreams, visions, and some decisions I have made for myself. Maybe you are perfect and never miss the mark, but I am the first to say I am not perfect and I certainly miss the mark sometimes. So I pondered the following: Fact or fiction? The Lord gave me those dreams. Fact or fiction? The Lord gave me those visions. Fact or fiction? I sought the Lord and made the right choices when it came to making major decisions.

Maybe the uncertainty results from the extended wait I am experiencing. I guess one can say I second guessed all of these things because I allowed myself to become vulnerable to the enemy’s nasty and poisonous lies. I must agree. I cannot argue with that statement. Just as the enemy whispered lies and I admittedly allowed the lies to creep in, I am now reminded of these things:

Fact: I am a child of God.
Fact: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10 NKJV)
Fact: God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 NKJV)
Fact: There are rewards in waiting on the Lord.

Posting this blog has been very therapeutic for me and I hope you are blessed by it as well.

SN: Satan ought to know by now, he didn’t win! I am an overcomer. I am victorious!

Be blessed.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

AVOID ACTING IN ANGER

Have you ever confronted someone with anger because you felt that you were offended or wronged in some way? Did you make the situation better or worse? Taking matters into your own hands may have allowed you to feel better for a little while. Maybe you said something you later regretted. Most of us can say we have found ourselves in both situations. More than an exchange of hurtful words can occur when we act with anger. Possible injuries or even death could be the result when a person acts in anger.

It is not easy to walk away from every negative situation that comes our way. I do believe there are some instances in which we must defend ourselves or others, but there is a proper way of handling those situations. The best way to handle negative situations is to give them to the Lord. Reacting to these situations with anger more than likely will not give you the results that you desire.

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19,20 NKJV

Be blessed.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

TODAY IS A NEW DAY

Are you a new creature in Christ, but still find yourself haunted by your past? Are you allowing your mind to replay mistakes you made years ago or even on yesterday? Does a vessel move forward once it has been anchored? No, it remains in place. So it is the same for those who are anchored by their past. They cannot move forward. The past is yesterday, so let it go. Live in the present. Today is a new day.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

"All things have become new" is good news. No, it is great news! It is great to know we are stripped of the old person. It is great news to know Jesus gives us a new life. Do not be a new creature trapped by thoughts, guilt, and other negative feelings from your old life. Today is a new day.

Be blessed.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

I find it is rather easy to hold on to items that I feel may be needed at a later time. Most things can be stored on computers now, but I still have a strong need to hold on to receipts, letters, and other important documents just in case the unthinkable happens. Over time, I discover it is not necessary to hang on to all of that paper, so I decide to get a hefty bag and throw out the trash. After I rid my dwelling of trash, my place has more space. There is less clutter. We should apply the act of taking out the trash to the junk we accumulate in our lives.

Hurt, anger, bitterness, and resentment are some of the clutter found in everyday life. Negative emotions are like trash taking up space. It clutters the minds of people. Decisions are impacted by holding these negative emotions. Some of the worst actions and mistakes are driven by negative emotions. Negative emotions are garbage. You have to take out the trash. Hanging on to trash keeps you from living your best life. It can hold you back from all the good things God has for you.

Allowing others to dump their trash on you is just as bad as holding on to your own garbage. We must help others and there is nothing wrong with allowing others to vent or share their problems with you. It is time to remove yourself from toxic relationships when you have helped others all you can and they decide they do not want your help or choose to remain negative people. You cannot let negative people continuously dump their garbage in your life. If you are storing garbage which does not belong to you, take out the trash. Once you take out the trash cluttering your life, you will be able to breathe fresh air and look at your life in a fresh new way.

Be blessed.