Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: 2013

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

MARRIAGE: Covenant

In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with his people. A covenant is a promise or agreement. God thought it important to make an unbreakable covenant with the Israelites because he loved them and wanted to commit to them and have an intimate relationship with them.

Marriage is founded on the same principle. A marriage covenant exists between two people who have agreed to partner together for life. Marriage is a covenant that allows a couple to become one flesh and is a commitment to love, honors, and serve one another all the days of their lives. (Ephesians 5:31)

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

WORK: Being excellent

I normally take my car to a certain tire repair shop and I’m normally pleased with their services. One day, though, my tire was going flat so I took it to a local store that would patch it while I shopped. The man that took care of my tire was astounding. He was professional, courteous, and very enthusiastic about his job. He won me over and from now on I will take my car to him for any tire needs.

Are you good at what you do? Do you excel or just do enough to get by? Is customer service your number one priority? If your aim is to be excellent at your profession, chances are people will want your services. Excellent customer service sells and you may even find yourself getting promotion after promotion. God tells us that whatever we do, we should do our best for him and not for man. (Colossians 3:23) Make the extra effort and go the extra mile. God is watching.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

MARRIAGE: The role of submission

Peter writes in the New Testament that wives are to submit, or accept the authority of their husbands. He tells them that godly behavior will win over their husbands and be a testimony of God’s love. He also tells husbands to honor their wives and be understanding, stating that the wife may be weaker than the husband, but is an equal partner. (1 Peter 3)

This passage disturbs many women as they feel that it is unfair to be called “weaker” and have to be submissive to their husbands, especially if their husband does not treat them well. The author here is not trying to be hard on women, but laying out a biblical model for marriage. To be submissive does not mean to be weak. Peter is talking about partnership here. No one is better than the other. It is a team effort.
Jesus and God are partners. In Philippians 2:5-7 it states, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."

Jesus was not trying to be equal or better than God. His heart was to partner with him and serve him. Husbands and wives are to do likewise. Partner together and serve one another.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

WORK: Laziness a curse

If there is one thing I wish I could drill into the youth these days, I would impress upon them the blessings of having excellent work ethics and the curse of laziness. In a world of facebook, television, and video games, it seems much of our younger generation has become less concerned with getting out to “work” and more concerned with their social status.

Proverbs 14:23 states that, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” It is important that the youth learn that hard work will bring them the necessary means to pay their bills and that too much time doing recreational activities may cause them to be unfruitful. Let’s encourage the younger generation to diligently follow God’s design for productivity and someday they may just thank us.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

MARRIAGE: What do you focus on?

In any relationship, focusing on the positive instead of the negative is helpful when it comes to having a joyous and satisfying relationship. Oftentimes, when couples are struggling it is because they are putting too much emphasis on the character defects of their spouse and not enough emphasis on the positive qualities.
We must consciously make an effort to focus on our partners good qualities and appreciate him/her because of them. God gave your partner to you as a gift and it is important to be able to treasure your spouse despite their character defects.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

WORK: Personal and Spiritual Development

I’ve heard it said that today’s action becomes tomorrow’s habit. What actions are you taking daily toward your personal and spiritual development? How about toward your career?

Success in your career will have a direct correlation with your success in personal and spiritual development. Growth is a process and we ought to challenge ourselves to continue growing all the days of our lives. Developing growth plans in various areas of your life will benefit you incredibly. Take some time and create a spiritual, personal, and career growth plan. Don’t settle for mediocrity.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Veil is Torn

One of my favorite scenes in the Passion of the Christ is where upon releasing His spirit, we see that there is an earthquake and the temple veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was rent (torn) in two. The bible says that the veil was torn from top to bottom. On the surface, this does not appear to be a big deal. Anyone can rip a veil right? Wrong. The temple veil measured about sixty feet high and four inches in width. No human could have torn the veil—it was supernaturally torn by the power of God to show that God had opened a new way for everyone to approach Him. We no longer had to rely on Priests to go into God’s presence on our behalf and atone for the sins of the people. Instead, the Most Holy Place was now readily accessible because of the work Christ completed on the cross.
It symbolized that because of the shedding of Christ’s blood, atonement for sin had been made for all people.

God has always desired an intimate relationship with man. Until sin showed up, God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. He conversed with them and enjoyed a close connection with them. It was never God’s plan for man to be cut off from His presence. But Joyce Meyer says it best: He knew that His holiness was so powerful that it would destroy anything unholy that came near it. Simply phrased, God’s glory and sin do not mix. He is a holy God and sin is like a foul, rotting stench in His nostrils. Hence, there had to be provision—a way to ensure that man could have access to Him. Christ is that provision. His death on the cross, the shedding of his blood to atone for sin, ensures that anyone who believes in Him and claims Him as Savior would have free access to the Father. No priests. No veils. It’s just you and God. Samudaya attests that there is a cause for suffering. In this instance, Christ suffering paved the way for our reconciliation to the Father, once and for all.

19Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus,20By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh – Hebrews 10:19-20

We have full freedom and confidence to enter the Holy of Holies. We can approach God’s throne without reservation. However, if we are living a worldly lifestyle or not abiding by the holy standards as set by God, coming before His presence might be a problem. Sin separates us from God. It impedes our ability to hear God and receive the fullness of what He has for us in this day and time.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

I Dare You to Ask For It!

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.15And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. – 1 John 5:14-15

I dare you to you to ask God for it! It does not matter if your request is big or small or if your desires are critical or superfluous. We all have the right to approach God’s throne of grace with boldness and expectation. God does not require that our prayers be lengthy. They do not need to be replicated in Shakespearean tongue. Prayer is simply a conversation between you and God. If you typically greet someone with “hey, honey what’s going on” or “I missed you,” then begin your prayers the same the way. God would love it if you spoke to Him with adoration and affection.

The key is not to allow fear or feelings of inadequacy to rob you of your right to approach God. The enemy would love to deceive you into thinking you need experience or have to meet certain criteria in order to pray. This is a lie! The word of God says that when we pray, we can ask anything of our Father, according to His will, and He listens to and hears us. No where does it explain that you need courses in seminary, need a college education or even need to know how to read. Prayer is simply opening your mouth and speaking from what’s in your heart. Remember, God knows your heart. He knows what you need even before you open your mouth.

So, when you approach Him, be bold. Ask for the desires of your heart. If it is not something you should have, then God will not open the door which still works in your favor. If that is the worst that can happen, then go for it! Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He proclaimed, “Father I thank you that you hear me and that you always hear me.” God hears our prayers. He always has and He always will.
The passage goes on to expound on prayer: 15And (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. The bible says that God’s answers to our prayers—when they align with His will—are yes and amen. Because we know with all surety that God’s answer is yes, we should not be afraid to ask Him anything. Jains believe in satya which is speaking the truth. When you pray speak truthfully and be bold.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Still Standing

We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; 9We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

You took a couple of shots to the head, perhaps a few to your chest but you are still standing. Your opponent matched you stride for stride. He caught you off guard with a few jabs and uppercuts. You are stunned but you are not finished. You take a few more shots to the body and maybe one or two the face. You look around you. You see the faces in the crowd calling for blood. Some are laughing; others are shaking their heads. You look at your opponent. He’s taunting you as you struggle to maintain your balance—to keep your dignity. Then you feel it. Hope. You remember that you’ve read the end of this script and you know all to well how it ends: you win! You remember that regardless of what it looks like—what it feels like—the referee, the judges and the corner man are all on your side. They are all rooting for you. The same applies to every day life.

The scripture tells us that there are moments in our faith journey that will seem like hell itself has declared war against us. It attests to times where we’ll feel abandoned, hurt, troubled, embarrassed and confused. It speaks of those times where we are inundated with emotion and tribulation. We simply want to give up. It is at those times where we must remember the battle is not ours, it is the Lord’s.

God never deserts us. He never allows us to be swept away by life’s tumultuous currents. He is always there rooting for us and orchestrating things to work for our benefit. The reality is painful situations and uncertainties are apart of life.

There is no escape from them but there is a way to thrive in spite of them. In fact, the scripture goes on to explain: our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!]. Simply phrased, our afflictions will eventually pass. But in the meantime, they prepare and produce glory in our lives.

They position us to receive abundant blessings just like Christ received for enduring the cross. Each of us has a cross to bear but there’s always a silver lining or a blessing in it for us! This is the crux of God’s wisdom. His ways are not like ours. Buddhists call this prajna.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Are You Not God?

And Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord [yearning for Him with all their desire].5And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord before the new court 6And said, O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In Your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand You. - 2 Chronicles 20:4-6

Wow. Talk about perspective. When King Jehoshaphat had a problem, he went to the Lord about it. He didn’t just do the typical “God, here’s my problem. Can you show me how to fix it?” He did what many of us need to learn to do more of: remind God who He is.

The passage explained that the entire nation of Judah gathered to seek the Lord because they yearned for Him with all their desire. They did not want to hear from any of the friends nor did they care about listening to their own reason. They yearned to hear from the Father. This set the atmosphere to speak to God. How many of you know that desiring the Father above all things creates an atmosphere for worship and reverence? When those are present, the Father is present as well.

Next, the King stood in before the nation and proceeded to remind the Lord of His promises to the people. Are you not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In Your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand You? In other words, King Jehoshaphat was praising God for all that He had done and for who He is. He is the God of heaven. Does not ALL power and dominion belong to Him? There is none like Him in all of heaven or earth. No one can withstand His glory.
Proclaim the good works of the Lord. Remind yourself of His faithfulness and of His amazing deeds. Set the atmosphere for God to inhabit your praises for when the King of Glory comes in He brings His power and omnipotence. He brings His wisdom and deliverance. He brings Himself. With God all things are possible!
The next time you have a problem and want to put it in God’s lap, begin by reminding God of who He is. No, it is not because He forgets, it is because we forget. We forget that time does not bind God. We forget that He’s already solved our problem. We forget that He knows all things and He is not caught off guard by our latest dilemmas. David says that he encouraged himself in the Lord. We need to do the same.
Arjavam teaches people to be simplistic, straightforward and truthful. We have to go before the Lord proclaiming the truth of His word and of His character.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

The Fight of the Century

16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. – Galatians 5:16-17

Living an upright, holy and transparent life is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Many people embark on a journey of faith thinking life, things and people will fall into place. They presume that life’s storms will inexplicably pass them by. They conclude that hardship and emotional turmoil are all but dead—they are wrong. While it is not impossible to live a victorious life, the bible tells us that there is a war going on inside each of us.

Our flesh is continually at enmity with our spirit. The flesh and spirit constantly compete against each other always vying for control. Each one wants to assert its will and power so as to topple the reign of the other. Neither plays fairly. Neither wants to lose. The bible says that we cannot serve two masters. Who is master in your life?

If you find yourself controlled by appetites like food, sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol and the like, chances are your flesh is master of our soul. The desires of the flesh are never satisfied. It always wants more. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to overcome the reign of your flesh.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot fight fire with fire. You must use the Living Water to put out the flames of your flesh. The bible explains that if we live a life submitted to the Holy Spirit, we will by default deny the cravings our flesh. In other words, being guided and responsive to God’s voice will automatically give us victory over our flesh. You don’t have to throw a punch or have a tantrum. Simply submit yourself to God, live according to His will and your flesh will be defeated.

Aparigraha teaches that abstaining from self-indulgence brings unity with God.
Our spirit desires to be with God, live for God and be in right standing with God. It craves His presence and desires to worship Him in truth and in spirit. Our spirit needs Him. Our flesh, however, has other plans which include emotional bondage, self-sufficiency and death. Love God? Deny your flesh.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

You Mean God Really Cares About Me?

Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice. But even the very hairs of your heard are all numbered. Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows. – Matthew 10-:29-31
Much to God’s dismay, the world is filled with calloused hearts. The love, compassion and grace that we ought to have for ourselves and those around us have grown cold. We can be distant and self absorbed—insensitive and unkind. In short, we can be human.

It certainly is not an easy thing to treat others kindly, when we have been trampled on. Our experiences with pain, rejection or abandonment shape our hearts. We are impacted by our past; but fashioned by the God of Grace. God loves us deeply and without reservation. He truly cares about you and about me.
The above passage reveals the extent of God’s love and affection. God is not just concerned with the foremost issues that affect your life: health, employment, or prosperity. He also takes an interest in the little things like how much you love to sing in the shower or how you felt when your favorite song played on the radio. God really does care about everything especially when it comes to you. You are the apple of God’s eye. The word of God tells us for surely He will not withhold any good thing from those whom He loves.
God wants to share in our triumphs and in our failures. He wants to shoulder our pains and our joys. He wants us. God desires for us to embark on a relationship of intimacy, joy and peace of mind. This desire stretches back to before we were even born. Before you were in your mother’s womb, I called you. God calls us friend and He longs to lavish His love on us in ways that will renew our minds and bring healing to the inner places of our hearts. Not only does God care about us, He has a plan and purpose for our lives. This plan or purpose is not solely for you or I—it includes every single person on the planet! It seems inconceivable that God could have a purpose for every member of humanity, but it is true. He alone has the power and wisdom to breathe life into the very things He has created us to do—we need only ask Him. Sikhs practice building a loving relationship with God.

Nothing happens by chance. God is Sovereign over all things. If He has the power to ensure that sparrows are taken care of, He has the omnipotence to ensure we taken care of too. We are more valuable to God than sparrows. He takes care of the little things and He takes care of us.

God can take life’s chaos and turn it something that strengthens and rebuilds our faith.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Excuse Me, Do You Know What Time it Is?

There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; [a] 3 a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build;4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance… - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

If someone stopped you on the street and asked do you know what season you’re in would you be able to answer the question? One of my favorite passages on seasons and God’s timing is Ecclesiastes. It serves as a reminder to the people of God that there is a season for everything. Everything on earth and in heaven has its place and its time.

Many of us, unfortunately, either do not know or understand what season we are in. We frequently operate with limited understanding or knowledge. The only way to discover what we want to know is to seek God. We must be willing to pursue the Father in order to learn about His will and plans for our lives. Doing the right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing to do. We must commit to strengthening our relationship with the Father so that we can discern and perceive God’s timing. Relationship rouses us to worship God, to digest His word and listen to the voice of His Holy Spirit when He speaks. This will cause us and the Father to be on one accord—to be in sync.

God’s purposes for us extend beyond our personal fulfillment. He is not solely focused or concerned with maintaining our comfort levels. In fact, just about every account in the bible indicates that God often thrusts us out of our comfort zone, stretches our capacities and empowers us to align our will with His. In other words, He’s not all that interested in our personal comfort. His plans extend beyond our desires. However, the only way to know what His plans are is to hear directly from Him.
To hear from God, we must trample self-will which continually keeps us focused on carnal-centered things. Self-will causes us to seek advice from personal insight or experience rather than divine wisdom and revelation. Samma Samadhi calls for right concentration to gain wisdom. In addition to self-will, we must be willing to dispose of doubt and disobedience.

Doubt causes delays and creates an atmosphere conducive to confusion, fear and pride. When doubt is present, faith is not. Doubt suffocates, destroys and works against God’s timing and seasons. Chaos, distractions, and struggles attest to doubt’s inner workings. The bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please God or receive anything from Him.

The LORD has prepared everything for His purpose.5 Every one with a proud heart is detestable to the LORD. – Proverbs 16:4-5

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Extra! Extra! Divine Revelation is Yours

17 [I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, [h] would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray] that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling,what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength.
The word revelation means “to uncover, unveil, and disclose truth.” Revelation is imparted to human kind by God. It is not something we can force Him to do nor is it something we can conjure up. True revelation comes as believers—those who accept Christ as Savior—transcend their carnal tendencies and seek to satisfy their spiritual appetites. In other words, as believers transition from casual to intimate relationship with the Father, revelation, love and wisdom are exchanged. Old mindsets, habits and precepts are trampled giving rise to holiness, prayer, wholeness and liberty.

It is impossible to receive revelation from God with a carnal, untransformed mind. Samma Sati implores others to exercise right mindfulness. Likewise it is unfeasible that God will grant us wisdom or a deeper insight if we don’t plan to have an intimate relationship with Him. Relationship not religion is what God looks for. He wants us to love Him with our whole heart, our whole body and our whole soul. He is not interested in spiritual trysts, prayer one-night stands or friends with benefits. God wants to love us fully. His revelation comes as result our relationship.

It is God’s desire that we be granted a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. He wants us to know Him better. He wants us to see Him in ways we never thought were possible. I believe Moses had that kind of relationship with God. God revealed himself to Moses in ways that boggle the mind. Moses encountered a burning bush, a parted Red Sea, and delectable Manna. Moses was enamored with God. Although he did not make it into the promise land, Moses hungered for God. The more he saw God, the more deeply he desired to know him. It is this desire that caused Moses to plead “God, show me your glory.”

Relationship forces us to move past superficial formalities and pretentious tendencies. It subdues false pretenses and selfish ambitions bringing them under the captivity of the Spirit of God. Our will yields and allows the innate presence of God to sweep through us—to purify and seal us. We are in Him and He is in us. We are one spirit and one flesh.

God wants to enlighten the eyes of our heart so that we know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance. God has a divine purpose and inheritance for each of us.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

We are arranging a radio show

We are in the process of establishing a radio show on blog talk radio. Look for announcements in the near future.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Don’t Go It Alone

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it is all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. – Ephesians 6:13-18

We live in a society that tends to exalt individualism. One need only look to the world of sports to see this concept in action. Despite the fact that each team has dozens of players, commentators and fans routinely look to one individual to lead the team to victory. When the team fails to live up to its expectations, some individuals are all but crucified. On the other hand, when the team is successful it is the individual who receives the honor. The kingdom of God, however, has a different stance.

God knows there is safety in numbers. No one person can handle all of the turns and spirals of life on their own. As believers, we are expected to recognize that for some situations we need to get a little back up. We know there are consequences for letting pride, not wisdom, dictate our actions. In the above passage, God makes it very plain what we should do: take all the help you can get.

Many of us have family members, friends or church members who would welcome the opportunity to bless us. Often times, we decline help because we genuinely feel we have everything under control. We quickly discover, however, we do not. Pride hinders us from allowing others to be a blessing to the people of God. It subtly triggers a false sense of sufficiency which eventually evolves into arrogance or denial. This causes many people to reject help even though they need it.

The bible says be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Your sickness, unemployment, inner turmoil or emotional pain is far more than you can handle. It is so beyond your capacity to deal with it that God directs us to take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it is all over you'll still be on your feet.

Problems, distractions, pain, doubt, fear and hopelessness all work to knock us down. This is where Samma Vayama is important as it promotes good thoughts and efforts. The word of God says that the enemy roams the earth looking for those he can devour. He purposes to kill what God has ordained for us in the earth. He will use any means necessary to drain our faith and resilience. His plan is simple: turn us away from God.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Apple of Your Eye

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.- Isaiah 41:10

Make me your focal point in your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. – Sarah Young

Scripture tells us that we are the apple of God’s eye but the question begs to be asked: is He the apple of ours? So many times, we find ourselves trying to orchestrate our own lives. What begins as a simple thought about next steps, quickly escalates into a full-scale analysis complete with pros, cons and alternatives. While this is certainly the human response to problem resolution, it is not God’s preference for us. God desires that we lean on Him completely. He knows that we crave feelings of security and safety. He wants us to come to Him so that He can satisfy our needs.

Relying solely on ourselves does two things. First it sets us up to fail. It is impossible for us to plan the course of our lives apart from the Father. We need his long range insights and His wisdom—without them, we’re doomed to a journey riddled with setbacks, confusion and immobility. Second, it places us at odds with the Father. Self-reliance separates us from the Lover of Our Souls in the same way that sin acts as a barrier between man and God. Self-reliance and pride go hand in hand and signifies to the Father that we do not trust Him. If self is involved, trust is not present.

Proverbs tell us plainly don’t consider yourself to be wise. When we are in need of support, answers or a spiritual hug, relying on the Father indicates our desire to trust Him. It demonstrates that even in the midst of adversity or tribulation, we can focus on God and His abilities rather than our short comings. The presence of problems in our lives serves as a gateway to the presence of God. It is an opportune time to celebrate God’s faithfulness, direction and love. God’s faithfulness, wisdom and guidance are celebrated and discussed in the Talmud and in the Torah.

We do not have to be afraid for the God of Love and Power is walking beside us. He promises to strengthen us, to help us and most importantly, to hold us as we walk through life’s fiery furnace. With God, fear dissipates, worry flees and hope prevails. He is our strong tower and refuge.
Life will not always feel predictable, comfortable or easy. The only constant in life is change. By making the Father our focal point, we rely less on self and more on Him—just the way it should be. We rely on His strength.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

How Much is That Dream In the Window?

Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities. D not be afraid, for you will not be put to shame. Isaiah 54: 2-4

Inertia is likened to our tendency to slip back into old habits or linger in old comfort zones. It speaks boldly of human kind’s abilities to adopt complicit ideologies that create atmospheres conducive to procrastination and self-sabotage. In this place, inferiority complexes, fear and stagnant thoughts take center stage as our dreams and purposes wane in the distance. For some, inertia is a welcomed toxin that lulls us to dormancy. For others, it represents all that we refuse to confront or change in our lives.

For many of us, dreams are mere thoughts. They are not entertained or afforded an arena in which they could freely express themselves. Dreams are little more than childlike fantasies that serve to provide a temporary escape from real life. It is what children do to pass the time—nothing more, nothing less.
The word of God, however, has a different take on things. In the aforementioned passage, the people are encouraged to enlarge their tents. They are admonished to stretch out their tents, to lengthen their ropes and drive their pegs deeply. Have you ever seen a deflated balloon? While in its dormant state and void of air, balloons are not very attractive or fun. However, when it is expanded to full capacity, these splendid wonders float and delight both the young and the old. Such are the same with our dreams.

Our dreams are meant to be more than wishful thinking—they are meant to be fulfilled. Samma Sankappa promotes right thinking. In order to breathe our dreams to life, we must be willing to pay the cost. Sometimes it means a loss of time, financial resources or even a loss of our desires—all of which are temporary. God wants us to enlarge our capacity to dream big. He desires us to stretch not only our dreams but also our faith, hope and trust in Him. It is written that God brings us from faith to faith and from glory to glory. If we want to see our dreams manifested—no matter how big or small they may be—we must be willing to move outside of our comfort zones. It has been said “if you want something you’ve never had, you have to be willing to do something you’ve never done.” The same holds true for our dreams.

Many of us allow fear and feelings of inferiority to quench our dreams and visions. But know this: fear and inferiority breathe on your say so—neither can affect you without your permission. Get out of old habits and enlarge your capacity to dream.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Your Blessing is Coming Part 2

Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

We revisit this passage understanding that God does not want us to re-examine or relive past events in our lives. Not only does He want us to forget about them, He does not want us to even pay attention to them. He wants to prevent us from repeating past mistakes and relying on personal wisdom to move forward in the future. He will not hold our pasts against us. We also grasp that God is constantly making provision for our lives; however, sometimes we can miss Him especially when our focus is consumed by what happened yesterday.

God desires to speak to us about His purposes and plans for our lives. He desires to equip and prepare us to handle whatever He is orchestrating on our behalf. In verse 19, God admonishes us to stop and pay attention to what He is doing in our lives. While He does not readily give all the specifics about what to expect, we know from the latter part of the scripture verse that the new thing will be spectacular. I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

It is safe to conclude that God’s provision will be nothing short of miraculous. Causing rivers to thrive in a wasteland or carving out a path in a jungle is quite impressive, not to mention astonishing. It requires careful planning and perfect execution. It is not something you can blink or snap into existence. Instead, it is something that requires sovereign coordination and execution.

To receive the new thing God is trying to bring forth, we must be willing to let go of old things. Aparigraha explains we should detach ourselves from old habitual things. The same way God does not hold our pasts against us is the same we must not hold it against ourselves. The new move of God in our lives marks the end of the old things we tolerated or condoned. God’s new provision marks the end of old mindsets and old habits. Behold old things are passed away and now we are made new. Being able to receive God’s new provision requires more than just preparation, it requires obedience. The righteous inherit the kingdom of God—that’s what the bible tells us.

Living a Christ-centered life causes us to willingly forsake long-standing provisions in favor of God’s abundance. God wants to bless us. He desires to birth miraculous, amazing things in our lives. But first, we have to let go of our past. If we want to receive the fullness of God’s provision and blessings, we must allow Him to transition us. We have to be willing to cooperate with Him. Letting go is never easy. Make the decision to embrace tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Joyful Not Jealous

You have probably heard the phrase God will not put more on you than you can bear. When you’re going through hurtful situations, it is not uncommon to hear believers retort Lord, I just wish you didn’t trust me so much to bear this. Burdens are not designed to break us. They are intended to help refine and reform us bringing us ever closer to the divine character of the Holy One.

What better way to exercise that character than when it pertains to others? God has a purpose for each of us. We know that he ordains and equips us to accomplish our purpose. We also know that while He is not a respecter of persons, sometimes it can certainly feel like He is. We may pray for one thing and not get an answer. Someone else may pray for the exact same thing and receive an answer within days. Better yet, maybe you be were hoping for a big promotion and instead, your friend ended up with it instead. This is where jealousy can really become a problem.

It is human nature to feel a tinge of ill-will or envy when someone else is the recipient of the blessings we feel we deserve. As a result, we often feel rejected, punished or initially jealous. If left uncorrected, jealousy can multiply and evolve into discontentment. It is then that we must turn to the word of God. The word of God is alive and rightfully divides truth from falsehood thereby transforming our minds. Just because God may allow others to have more than you is not a reason to be jealous. Aside from leading to discontentment, jealousy often results in a loss of joy, peace of mind and hope. Where there is no joy, there is no strength.

Choosing to focus on what you may not have, indicates a lack of lack of faith and maturity. How much a person possesses or desires something, pales in comparison to how they use those possessions or desires. According to Aparigraha, it is the custom of Jainists to deny their personal desires. In other words, what you have is not nearly as important as how you use what you have. When our focus habitually spotlights what is missing in our lives we become discouraged. We begin to doubt God’s word and His promises. We go from trusting God to secretly despising Him because He’s not our Genie in a bottle. Consider what happened to Eve. Once she stopped appreciating all she did have and began to focus on the one thing she couldn’t have, disaster ensued. The same principle applies in this case.

When God blesses others, rejoice with them! Making a conscious decision to celebrate someone else in their time of joy will definitely keep your focus where it should be: on God. It will encourage gratitude, joy, humility and hope. If you want to kill the green-eyed monster in your life, begin by celebrating someone else’s good news.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Delayed but Not Denied

You pray. You fast. You believe God. With is very similar to what Muslims do. Your prayer seemingly goes unanswered. It may even feel like it may have hit a brick wall. Despite your best efforts, nothing happens. There is no manna. There is no answer. There is only silence. For many of us, this is the story of our lives. However, it is not where the story has to end.

In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I didn’t eat any rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth and I didn’t put any oil on my body until the tree weeks were over. On the 24th day, I saw a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like the brilliance of lightning…He said to me “Daniel you are a man treasured by God…from the first day your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.” – Daniel 10: 2-12

Daniel had been fasting and praying for twenty-one days. He did not hear anything from heaven during that time. He may have felt rejected. He may have even felt alone. One thing we know is that regardless of how he felt, his actions told a different story. Daniel did not stop praying. He continued to fast. Why? He fully expected God to hear his prayers and respond accordingly. The bible indicates that Daniel was exhausted from fasting and prayer. It also says that he did not stop until a representative from Heaven paid him a visit. Notice the first words spoken by the angel: Daniel, you are treasured by God. The angel goes on to explain that Daniel’s prayers reached God’s ears the moment he released them. How about that?

God hears our prayers the moment we release them to Him. As a result, He sets things in motion the moment we ask Him too. Just because the answer to our prayer is delayed does not mean God is denying us. In the account of Daniel, the bible tells us that the answer to Daniel’s prayer was delayed because the adversary opposed the angel delaying him for twenty-one days.

In life, there are many delays we will experience. Whether it is a delay in being healed or a delay in finding employment, there is little we can do to prevent delays. However, what we do while we’re waiting for delays to become deliveries can make all the difference.

Daniel continued to fast and pray about his vision. He was diligent and consistent. Some of us tend to give up too quickly. We release a prayer on Monday, only to declare by Friday that God wasn’t listening. We’re so busy waiting for God to speak that we often don’t realize that He wants us to move—to do something. In order to have something we have never had, we have to do something we’ve never done

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Be Not Afraid Pt. 2

Today, we continue our examination of the biblical account written in the book of Jeremiah. We consider the exchange of dialogue between Jeremiah, then a teenager, and the Almighty God. What we discover is that with God and by God all things are possible regardless of age. We resume our discussion of lessons learned from this historic account.

I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. But I protested, “oh no Lord, God! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth.” Then the Lord said to me: do not say, “I am only a youth,” for you will go to everyone I send you to and speak whatever I tell you. Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to deliver you. Then the Lord reached out His hand, touched my mouth…” Jeremiah 1: 5-9

In the passage, it is evident that God was not giving Jeremiah any wiggle room. He was not entertaining any of Jeremiah’s objections or fears however valid they might have been. God needed someone of integrity to minister to the people of God. He needed someone who was teachable and obedient. He needed the right person for the job. Clearly, that person was Jeremiah. With the excuses out of the way, God proceeds to tell Jeremiah what his purpose entailed. He was specific about His directives: you will go where I send you and say what I tell you. Lesson 4: God will give you direction about your purpose. He will be specific and to the point. He may not give you all the in-between aspects but He will reveal to you what you need to know when you need to know it. You have to be teachable and obedient.

Next, God gets firm with Jeremiah. As a parent, I can relate to this type of tough love. Sometimes, you have to exercise love by being firm with loved ones. If we allow our family or friends to give up or make hasty decisions without calling them on the carpet about it, then we fail to act in their best interest. According to Satya, we must avoid speaking falsehoods. If we allow them to quit at the first sign of hardship, they’ll never fulfill their purpose or operate in their full potential.

God told Jeremiah: do not be afraid of anyone. I imagine God looked Him square in the eye and spoke firmly. He knew Jeremiah was still a kid. But He also knew that Jeremiah had a purpose to fulfill. Lesson 5: tough love is not designed to break us. It is designed to propel us. Each of us has a purpose to carry out. God loves us enough to hold us accountable and to exercise tough love at strategic times. In the end, Jeremiah went on to fulfill his purpose and operate in the fullness of God’s prophetic anointing.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Practice Obedience

Obedience is the act of conforming to the command of a superior out of regard for his or her authority. Did you notice how it said that obedience was adhering to a superior’s commands because you felt it was the right thing to do? Did you read where it explained that obedience was predicated on whether you agreed with your superior, liked him or her, or even that your opinion on the matter was relevant? Neither did I.

Obedience and authority are interconnected. If you find it difficult to obey those in authority, count on not being given access to positions of authority or even being very successful in many areas of your life. Submitting to authority is one of the methods God uses to prepare us to live victoriously. When we submit ourselves to the authority of God’s word, we can avoid making decisions that have long-term dire consequences. Yielding to what is right is a conscious, deliberate choice. It is not something we stumble onto. Obedience requires intentional thought and action.

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to me above all people – Exodus 19:5

This passage promises that obedience will cause us to be favored by God above everyone else. We will be God’s special treasure. Treasures are prized, well cared for and given special attention. They are not tossed into a junk box or stuffed into an overcrowded container. They are handled with thought and love. This is how God handles those whom He treasures.

Disobedience often creates problems or situations of great distress in our lives. Let’s look at David and Bathsheba. David clearly disobeyed God when he coveted Bathsheba. He clearly did not regard the law that forbids a man from sleeping with another man’s wife. As a result, their first child died bringing great distress and heartache to David. If we choose to conduct ourselves in a manner that is contrary to God’s word, we should expect intense pain and suffering to journey with us.

The same applies to submitting ourselves to authority. Whether the authority is on your job, at your church or in your home, refusing to obey a person in authority will only bring about strife, stress and unhappiness. God cannot bless disobedience.

Just think about Lucifer, Cain, Jonah, King Saul, and Adam—all disobeyed God and suffered judgment. Now think about Gideon, Joshua, Abraham, the Apostle Paul and Jesus—all yielded to God and his chosen authorities and were blessed. The goal of Sikhism to foster an intimate relationship with God—obedience accomplishes that.

If we expect to live victoriously or be counted as God’s special treasure, we must actively participate and commit to obeying God, his word and his delegated authorities. Doing so will afford us access to all of the benefits we are entitled to enjoy as believers. Deliberate obedience brings transformation in our minds and spirits. It activates God’s power in our lives.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Keep Silent

Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying “you shall not shout or make any noise with your voice nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth until the day I say to you, ‘shout!” Then you shall shout. – Joshua 6:10

We know that the bible is the inspired word of God. It is God’s divine inspiration imparted to man so that the word of God could be learned, heard and understood. The bible is not comprised of stories, folktales or myths. It is an actual account of various events that have occurred throughout history. Nothing was written by happenstance nor is it a coincidence.

When I first read the phrase you shall not shout or make any noise with your voice nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, my curiosity was piqued. At first glance, it appears as though Joshua is giving the same command three times. Clearly, the writer made a mistake, right? No one walks around saying I want quiet. I don’t want to hear a sound. Not even with your mouth. Many of us would find it strange. However, upon closer examination we understand that was not the case.

In earlier chapters in Joshua, we see the children of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years most likely due to their incessant murmuring, complaining and doubt of God’s provision and power. Little did the Israelites realize that the negative words they spoke brought death and destruction to their lives. The bible tells us life and death is in the power of the tongue. In other words, what you say has the power to give life or inflict death. For this reason, Joshua issued his command. He knew that negative emotional outbursts, outward displays of discontent or unconstructive vocal opinions would cause one thing to happen: the will of God to be thwarted. He would not allow this to happen.

Could you imagine walking up to the massive, heavily guarded wall of Jericho with little more than the Ark of the Covenant, a few psalmists and worshippers? I’m pretty sure a fear-laden gasp or two might have been in order. You might have even wanted to let out an anxious sigh or moan. Maybe you might have whispered “Lord, what has Joshua gotten us into now?” All are normal, human reactions. The circumstances, however, required nothing less than the fullness of God’s power. In order to receive that, doubt could not fester nor could it be present. Why? Without faith it is impossible to please God. One of the tenets of Judaism is faith in God.

Joshua commanded the people to keep silent because he understood that when life hands you some of your greatest challenges, speaking unbelief is a sure fire way to bring defeat, powerlessness and death. Joshua could not control what the people saw or heard in Jericho but he could help them exercise restraint with speaking doubt. His command helped the people remain focused on what God could do rather than what they could not.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Learn to Be Content

For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:12-13

We live in a society that is perpetually bombarded with the belief that those who have are those who are happiest. We live in an age where we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against ideologies that glorify unbridled self-indulgence. Daily, we are inundated with the same societal messages: happiness can be bought; it can be attained but only with the right things. The word of God, however, provides a different point of view.

This passage suggests that regardless of our current circumstances—even the unpleasant ones—we can be content in just about any situation. Not too long ago, I was watching a program on the Public Broadcast Station about a few teenagers who had the opportunity to journey to Ghana, West Africa. What they discovered altered the course of their lives forever.

Despite severely impoverished regions in the country, the region natives and locals shared all they had with the American strangers. They gladly gave what little they had to welcome the strangers to their villages. They never complained and much to the students’ surprise, seemed genuinely happy. When the students asked about how the locals cope with their dismal surroundings, one of the villagers said this: happiness is not about having all that you want, it is about learning to be glad with whatever you have. This is the same premise of the bible passage.

Whether you are driving a luxury car worth eighty-five thousand dollars or a used car worth eight-hundred and fifty dollars, you can be content with whatever you have. Jainism teaches implores us to avoid excessive possessions and over indulgence. Contentment is not based on the number of your possessions, the length of your collegiate title or your socio-economic status. Contentment is a choice. It is an attitude birthed from wisdom and it grants us the ability to look beyond the limits of today and see the promise of tomorrow. Contentment produces hope; hope produces faith and with faith we please God.

We need only look to Paul and Silas. They had been beaten, lied on and imprisoned. Yet Paul said that he counted his afflictions as joy. Hence, while shackled in prison, he began to worship the Lord with an attitude of contentment and the bible tells us that God responded, quickly. Not only were his shackles opened but so was the door to his prison cell! Contentment coupled with worship compels God to move speedily on our behalf.

We can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength. We can learn to be happy in the midst of life’s storms.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Covered by the Blood

The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you. – Exodus 12: 12-13

The biblical account of the first Passover is powerful. In Exodus 12, we see God preparing to execute judgment on Pharaoh, and those in his kingdom, because he refused to release the people of God from captivity. Pharaoh was used to giving orders not taking them. He ruled a vast kingdom and was the Commander in Chief of one of the richest, most prominent nations in the world. He was the judge and the jury. It is not difficult to understand why Pharaoh didn’t take too kindly to receiving orders from God. After all, in his mind he was god and no one in the land refuted that except Moses.

Pharaoh had been on the receiving end of several of God’s plagues none of which prompted him to release God’s people from captivity. In truth, he became more defiant openly daring Moses’ God to do something about it—so God obliged. God released the plague of death which claimed the life of every first born male (human and animal) in Egypt. The people of God, however, were safe from this plague because of the blood applied to their door posts. The blood was a distinguishing mark that caused death to pass over them.

The blood on the door posts kept God’s people safe from harm. It stayed the hand of death that would have otherwise devoured them. Likewise, it ultimately resulted in the release of God’s people from captivity.

No matter how tightly the adversary attempts to bind you or overwhelm you, the blood of Jesus causes him to lose his power over you. No matter how long you feel you’ve been shackled or chained, the blood shed by the Risen Lamb will cause the enemy to release you. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our enemies no longer have the right to keep us captive—they have to let us go. Much like Pharaoh, the Adversary does not get to refuse God’s demands. God is Sovereign and is LORD. His decrees are not subject to debate or consideration. They are directives not requests.

You don’t have to allow life’s circumstances or hurtful situations to suffocate you. You don’t have to permit the adversary to hold you captive to your emotions or keep you bound to your past. Behold all things have passed away and now you are new. You are not who you used to be because you have been made new in Christ.

The blood that Christ shed on the cross is a distinguishing mark that identifies who you are. There is a purpose for suffering, as Buddhists proclaim. Christ’s work on the cross acts like a birth mark signifying to all who see you that you belong to Him. Because of this mark, the bible says that when God looks at you He sees His beloved son.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Delight Yourself in the Lord

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. – Psalms 1: 1-3

Many people tend to think of rules, commandments or ordinances as burdensome. They tend to view laws or boundaries as unnecessarily restrictive. Many are quick to dismiss its relevance or protective properties citing “free will” which grants us the ability to do as we please—without thought or consequence. The word of God, however, implies something entirely different.

According to the afore-mentioned passage, the person who delights in the Lord’s instruction and makes every effort to live it on a consistent basis is happy. This person is like a tree planted beside streams of water. This person will bear fruit in their season and their leaves will not wither. In short, this person is stronger, healthier, firmly rooted and prosperous.

In case you didn’t realize it, trees that are within close proximity to a water source are stronger and healthier than those in the distance. Their roots grow deeper. Their leaves are lush and their fruit is appealing to the eye. The same is true for believers. For us, God’s ordinances and instruction feeds our heart and strengthens our spirit. We grow deeper in relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are continually refreshed in His presence causing us to flourish. The works of our hands will thrive allowing the glory of God to be seen in the earth. We are like the trees planted by the waters of His Holy Spirit. We will not wither, dry up or become impotent. We will walk in abundance and joy knowing that whatever we do will prosper. This is the promise of God to us.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are benefits to following rules. By honoring God’s instruction or guidance for our lives, we can enjoy His protection. No one likes to hear the words “no” or “you cannot have it.” Our carnal nature wants what it wants when it wants it even though the thing we want could harm us. Yielding to God’s instruction, helps prevent us from making wrong decisions. Jainism teaches right actions honor God. It also frees us from the responsibility of orchestrating our own lives. We need God to navigate the twists and turns in our lives. We need God to look one, three or five years down the road and put up detours and road blocks, in the present, so that we don’t end up in ditches or stranded.

There is gladness in submitting to God’s plans and designs for us. There is liberty and joy in honoring His instructions. The bible tells us that those who follow God are happy, prosperous and thriving.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Rest. Peace. Joy.

11The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

The word peace is defined as freedom from war, or the time when a war or conflict ends; a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise; a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety. In other words, having peace is a sign that you are lacking in the things that oppress or depress you. It means that your lack of turmoil, conflict, hostilities or anxiety gives rise to serenity, clarity, hope and joy. It means you are no longer bound by the parameters established by unrest and angst. You are free.

The bible tells us that the Lord gives unyielding and impenetrable strength to His people. God’s gift of strength to us prevails against everything. It does not give way or succumb to the pressures around it. It stands against massive assaults launched by the enemy and does not cower or retreat when punches are thrown. God’s strength is impenetrable. It has no Achilles’ heel. It is fortified on all sides and designed by the power of God to withstand any attack. As if His strength weren’t enough, God then says that He will bless His people with peace.

If you are constantly waging war against the enemy, regularly on the defensive, or continually in battle without remedy or rest, there is a problem. Yes, there is a time to fight and stand your ground. There is also a time for rest and peace. Ask God for peace. The word of God says it is His blessing to you. It is God’s promise to you.

Have you ever seen a war ravaged building? It is riddled with shell casings, debris and holes. It lacks structural integrity and solid frame work. In other words, the building is fragile and easily collapsible. The same holds true for our soul. When we are ravaged by stress, worry or day to day tribulations in life, the spiritual integrity of our spirit is comprised. Without God’s strength or His rest, we will eventually collapse or implode. Without God’s blessing of peace, we cannot effectively handle life’s ups, downs and curves.

God wants to bless us and protect us from the hurtful things we encounter. He wants to be gracious to us and give us peace so that we are equipped to deal with whatever comes our way. It is the Father’s design that we come to Him in our brokenness and weariness. It is His desire that we would cast our cares on Him so that He can shoulder our burdens, ease our fears and strengthen our hearts. God is the ultimate source of comfort, encouragement and strength. His resources are limitless. He is the Father with outstretched hands. God is a god of peace and hope. The term Muslim means one who is of peace. God promises peace and rest to us when we need it most.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Keep Me Safe, oh Lord

Hearing from God clearly and avoiding the possibility of deception comes only from spending regular time with Him, learning His word. Listening for God’s voice without having knowledge of His word is a mistake. Knowing God’s written word protects us from deception. ¬ - Joyce Meyer

Deception is very subtle. It mimics or patterns itself after things that appear to be truthful or factual. It disguises itself as one thing while secretly promoting something else. It causes us to view reality in a manner that is out of sync with real life. We unknowingly (or sometimes knowingly) juxtapose our altered sense of what’s real onto other people and even onto our faith. This is where the word of God comes in.

But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.- 1 Thessalonians 5:21

We must test everything by the word of God. Attempting to listen to God without spending time in His word to understand His character is a huge mistake. Evil spirits exist and they are all too eager to speak to us masquerading themselves as the “voice of God.” This is how deception works. It preys on those who of us who really want to hear God’s word but have not yet made the commitment to studying His word or spending quality time with Him. People like that set themselves up to fall victim to deception.

When Jesus was in the wilderness and the devil came to tempt him, his response began the same way: it is written. He didn’t entertain the devil. He didn’t mull over what the devil had to say. He simply countered every offer or challenge with what the word of God said about the situation. He did not debate with the adversary. He did not cower because the devil challenged him. Christians need to respond the same way.

We must compare every thought, emotion or prompting that comes to us with the word of God. It is our measuring stick. It tells us which things are out of whack and which things are noble or true. Please keep in mind, not every thought, prompting or feeling that comes to us is from God. The enemy does have a voice. The enemy is out to rob, kill or destroy us. The enemy is looking to deceive us. The only way to know for sure is to test what you hear or feel—prove its position using the word of God as a standard.

Also, keep in mind that just because something seems logical does not mean it is from God. Logic is defined as a sensible argument or thought often influenced by emotion or whim. In short, logical things make sense to us. They are things we can wrap our minds around and embrace. Jainists embrace the concept of heaven. Just because we can embrace a concept does not mean the concept is God sanctioned. Test the thought or concept by the word of God.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Home is Where the Heart Is

We’ve all heard the saying. We all have come to know its meaning: the place where you enjoyed your most treasured moments and memories is the place that holds your heart. This is the place you call home. When the cares of the world overwhelm and confuse, rushing to this sanctuary of rest and safety becomes your primary priority. You know that if you can just make it home that everything else will fall into place. Home holds your heart. Home shields your heart.

17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, 18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; 19[That you may really come] to know practically,[e]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [f]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [g]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [h]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Christ can dwell or make our heart His home! Can you imagine a home filled with magnificent glory? Kaleidoscopic rays of peace, prosperity, wellness and joy permeating every corner in every room. Hopelessness is defunct. Sorrow is defeated.

Joy, grace and spiritual abundance is rampant and welcome. Christ can feel at home inside each of us. As born again believers, the Holy Spirit dwells on the inside of us. He comes alive in each of us and helps to prepare the way for the Lamb of God to make our heart His home. How does Holy Spirit do this? Holy Spirit reveals the things that are offensive to God. Anger, bitterness, wrath, gossip, lying and lack of self-control are the things that deter Christ from making our heart His home.

Imagine living in a beautiful mansion with glass chandeliers, spiral staircases, indoor pools and marble pillars. Now imagine that home filled with furniture from the local garbage dump: soiled sofas, stained rugs, and broken chairs and end tables. It doesn’t fit, does it? The same holds true with our hearts.

When we are new believers, our spirit has been renewed but we still have soiled, broken things that must be removed. Our heart is the dwelling place of God. We have to examine our inner selves. Buddhists traditionally practice self-examination.

Believers must be willing to commit to making Christ feel at home in their hearts.

We ought to want to become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself so that we may have the richest measure of the God’s divine presence! God’s presence can dwell in us. Let us do all that we can to make Him feel at home and to welcome him in.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Wisdom Speaks

Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures,5Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God.- Proverbs 2:3-5

Ever find yourself facing a situation in which you absolutely knew what needed to be done only to learn that what you thought was the solution only added fuel to the fire? This scripture passage implores us as believers to cry out for insight—to position ourselves to receive understanding and revelation. When the bible says God’s ways are not our ways it is not professing an empty claim. Because God sees the end from the beginning and effortlessly orchestrates the steps of humanity, His wisdom far surpasses that of mere human beings. In truth, our most innovative ideas, solutions or reasoning cannot compare with the knowledge of the Omnipotent God. God sees through false pretense, selfish ambitions and wrong motives. He looks past our actions and peers deep into our heart. He sees what man cannot. He comprehends what man deems mysterious. He is God and His Sovereignty—the breadth of His power—is unsurpassed.

As believers, we need the wisdom of God to guide us in every situation. Whether it is the mundane things that occur in every day life or a full scale attack initiated by the adversary, having God’s wisdom can and does make a difference. Why? With God’s wisdom comes anticipation, peace of mind and a strategy for action. With God’s wisdom comes keen insight into situations and circumstances. The ability to look at a situation with full clarity and a course of action is one of the best gifts God gives to His children.

The Bible instructs us to seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures. In laymen’s terms, we have to pursue wisdom as though it is the most valuable thing in the world. We have to search for it and ask for it whenever we are before the Father. Once we ask the Father for wisdom and actively seek it out through prayer and bible study, the bible says 5Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. We will understand why God is awe inspiring and deserving of our worship. We will find knowledge which will draw us closer into His glorious presence.

We must begin to think of wisdom as something we cannot do without. Much like Muslims habitually pray 5 times a day, we must make it a habit to pray and ask God for wisdom in every situation—small or large. God’s wisdom is unmatched. If we want to understand worship and gain greater insight into the knowledge of God, we must be willing to pursue wisdom. We must recognize it is worth its weight in gold.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

All In Due Season

The bible instructs do not despise the little things. I often listen to mature Christians speak of their life. I listen, intently, as they speak of early hardships and hard times. Sometimes, they laugh at memories. Other times, they get teary-eyed or stoic. It never fails, however, to end with Lord, thank you for those hard times. They really matured me and made me strong.”

When I listen to them, it brings me back to the story of David. Before he was King and before he killed Goliath, David was just a boy. He was a scrawny little kid who hung out with animals in the field. He had a staff and seemed to have a knack for ticking off his older siblings. When God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse’s house to anoint the next King of Israel, Jesse invited all of his sons to stand before the prophet—all except David. He didn’t even think about David until the prophet asked if all of the sons were present. When David came in the Lord instructed the prophet to anoint David as the next King.

It would be a long while before David would assume the responsibility of being King. He had to endure a great deal of hardship to wear the crown. Much like David’s hardships equipped him to be a stronger, wiser king, your hardships and trials can do the same. Do not begrudge the hard times you encounter in life. Do not give up or refuse to move forward because you are exasperated or angry. Frustration immobilizes faith and prevents you from pressing through the tough times. Allow yourself the chance to see your situation through. Often times, it’s only after we pass the test that we get promoted to the next level.

Can you imagine King David wallowing in filth pretending to be insane? Can you imagine him being openly hunted because God anointed him to lead a nation? David had to endure some really difficult times before he could walk in His purpose. The same held true for Joseph. It has been said that there is no dream that comes from God that will not be met with a pit of discouragement or a prison of despair.

Looking back, we see how David and Joseph’s hardships prepared each of them to operate in the fullness of God’s purpose for their lives. David was able to lead the nation because he learned to rely on God in his time of trouble. He learned to turn to God in prayer for everything. Joseph learned to be wise with his visions and not lord them over his family. He also learned humility and strategy because He turned to God for everything. Are you sensing a pattern?

When we rely on God to bring us through our hardships, it matures us. It forces us to admit how little we know and much we truly need God for everything. Sikhism teaches that believers should build a loving relationship with God.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Greatest Love

“The greatest love of all is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”

I remember the first time I heard Whitney Houston sing this song. The lyrics leaped from the record and into my heart. She verbalized a truth that often remains unspoken: loving oneself is the greatest evidence of love.

Contrary to popular belief, love is not a noun it is a verb. While it is an emotion that can be experienced, its presence directly correlates with a person’s behaviors. Actions do speak louder than words. Saying I love you to someone a million times a day is not indicative of love. Doing kind things for that person, spending time with them and genuinely taking an interest in things that concern them is love in action. What does this mean?

When you see a homeless person in the street who is asking you for money for food and you do nothing to help, the love of Christ in you falls silent. When you see a young person who seems upset or may really need someone to talk to and you pass them by without so much as a word of encouragement, the love of Christ within you grows weak. When you look at yourself and loathe your body size or skin color to the point of self loathing, the love of Christ in you crumbles.

In order to love the way Christ loves, we have to walk in love. We have to operate in it daily or we run the risk of being frigid, calloused Christians. We must sow what we hope to reap. If we sow love then we will reap love. If we sow kindness then we will reap it in return. Buddhists call this the principle of reciprocity or the Golden Rule.

The bible says that while we were still sinners, Christ died for our sins. Jesus did not wait until we were ready to make His sacrifice. He made the sacrifice because He loved us. His love for us compelled Him to act. The same has to be true for the believer. Our love for Christ has to compel us to act on His behalf. Do not allow your actions to kill off the love of God living on the inside of you. Do not allow indifference to suffering to prevent you from exuding compassion on those less fortunate than yourself.

Some times, people are insensitive to the plights of others because they do not love themselves. In truth, how can we expect persons with hardened hearts to exude kindness, compassion or love? We cannot. Much of the sadness or indifference we encounter in life, could be a direct result of how we deal with others. This is when it becomes poignant to ask the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts. We need His help to transcend the walls we’ve built inside us. Allow God’s love to help you love yourself so you can love others.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

The Secret Place

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalms 91

Every time I read this passage, my soul sighs contently, a smile sweeps across my heart and joy leaps into my spirit. God is my secret place. He is the place I retreat to when life stings and things do not go as planned. He is the place I run to when I’m weary and feel as though I cannot go on. He is the place where I find comfort, healing and protection from the onslaught of pain, doubt and hopelessness.

God is my secret place.

The bible paints a spectacular picture of the Father. In this particular chapter, we get an intimate view of the Father’s character—of His unfailing love. Not only can we find rest in the shadow of the Almighty God, we can also find protection and provision. God is our refuge. According to the dictionary, refuge is defined as “a place that provides protection from danger or distress.” Feeling overwhelmed by parenthood, work responsibilities or life in general? God is your refuge. Run into His dwelling place with open arms and he will guard you from the cares of the world.

His faithfulness to tend to your wounds and your needs will be like an impenetrable force field. You will be guarded from the fowler’s snare and the deadly pestilence.

In other words, those traps that the adversary designed for you will be nullified and rendered ineffective. Those deadly things that the adversary orchestrated with you in mind, will be cancelled and rebuked. He will hide you under His feathers. You will be hidden in His bosom—snuggled closely to Him. You will not have to be afraid because the I AM is right there with you. If God be for you then none can stand against you!

This passage goes on to reveal that if we make the Lord our refuge and dwelling place then no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him…

What a powerful passage. Disaster will not come near you because the Host of Heaven will guard you and lift you up in your time of need! Jainists believe the right faith can produce the right things.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Greater Works

I am endowed with power. Not the power of princes and kings; it is the power to do greater things. It is the power to soar on the wings of eagles; to dance on the back of oppression, depression and spiritual regression. I am endowed with power to see the impossible, and hope for the incredible. I sing in the face of pain and laugh at the turmoil that surrounds me. I am endowed with power. Now, watch me work. – An excerpt from I Am by Sassy Red

God created each of us for a specific purpose. I imagine that as He scooped up the precious earth into His hands and began to fashion it, He called out every name of the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve: Brandon, Raheem, Selena, Ivanka. Imagine that as He was chiseling the lifeless clay, He was infusing Adam’s DNA with traces of His glory and power. He was speaking prosperity and dominion into the man’s seed not just for the time in the garden but for the time to come. I imagine that as God breathed of His holy breath into the mouth and nostrils of His workmanship that He whispered His plans into the depths of Adams soul, staining Him for all eternity. I imagine the creation of man was spectacular, just like it is today.

When we embark on a journey to assess our purpose and visions as given to us by God, we are—on a smaller scale—doing what God did. We are laboring to bring life to areas that need them while cutting off nourishment to the areas that do not. We in turn become fashioners or molders of our destiny. We breathe life into dark crevices and speak healing to dry places. We call forth the inbreathed power of glory on the inside of us and command it to come forth. As we partner with our inner glory, we may realize that we are a long way off from where we should be. We may realize that we have not lived up to our fullest potential. We may even discover that what we thought was our purpose, was actually a stepping stone to something greater.

God’s original plan for us never goes out of style. Yes, it has existed for millennia but it is every bit as relevant now as it was when He etched into the human DNA. You are designed for greatness. You are created to do more, be more than you ever thought possible. Even Christ decreed that those who love Him would do greater works than me. If the Risen Lamb, the Lord of Hosts, says that you will do greater works than He did, who are you to say otherwise? Like it or not, greatness is etched in you. You cannot deny it or get rid of it so why not embrace it? Just try it. Hindus believe the righteousness in one’s spiritual life produces success and enjoyment.