It’s Working! It’s Really Working!

Sometimes we encounter circumstances or situations that beg to ask the question: what on earth could I possible learn right now? If we’re honest, there are just some things that occur in our lives that we simply have no frame of reference for. Whether it’s the premature death of a young one or the sudden loss of a job, our minds simply cannot comprehend how anything horrific or disappointing can ever lead to something worthwhile.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. - Roman 8:28

All things—good, bad and ugly—are fitting into a plan for good for all the ones who love God. Amazing! In this scripture verse, God is partnering with us in our labor.

We are not alone! So the strenuous burdens, occurrences and sudden things that we encounter in life will all work together for our benefit. This is why some individuals can go on to create successful businesses that would have never been born without a lay off. It’s also why some people rejoice after the discovering they have early stage cancer; it was found early and could be treated early. While these stories aren’t the norm for everyone, they do point to an undeniable truth: all things are working together for our benefit.

We may not understand why something has happened to us. We may be tempted to condemn ourselves or cast blame on others. We may even think that somehow we have made a mistake and as a result, we are being punished. Many of these thoughts and emotions can be disheartening. God promises that when we move in childlike obedience and faith, He will make the crooked places in our lives straight. He promises that He will make our missteps our foot stool. Our mistakes will work to our benefit.

Much like Gnosticism believes there are mysteries surrounding the bible, some believers tend to think the “working together for our good” tenet is mysterious. It isn’t. It’s simply another way in which the Father takes special care in keeping watch over us. It His way of letting us know that even when things seem like they are spinning out of control, they aren’t. He’s still sovereign. He’s not surprised or taken aback. More importantly, He is still in control.

God is working everything out for our good. We need only trust Him and allow Him to time to move. Remember Paul and Silas? After being beaten and imprisoned, their songs of worship invoked the power of God to move on their behalf. The result? Many attested to the glory of God and came to know Him in a deeper more profound way. Remember Gideon? God reduced his army to 300 and they were still able to defeat tens of thousands of the enemy! God is working.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

The Search is Over

They will not hunger or thirst, neither will mirage [mislead] or scorching wind or sun smite them; for He who has mercy on them will lead them, and by springs of water will He guide them. – Isaiah 49:10

Did you catch that? As believers we will not hunger or thirst or be misled. We will be insulated from the damaging effects of the elements. It isn’t because we deserve it. It isn’t because we’ve earned it. It’s solely because God has mercy on us and His mercy leads us to springs of water that refresh and cleanse.

I may not know what it feels like to go hungry but I certainly know what extreme thirst feels like. Your throat is dry and your mouth feels cottony. You feel tired and worn out. Your head throbs and your lips begin to crack. When it gets to this point, you could care less about whether the water is cold or hot, you just want the water. You don’t care how much it costs, or what you have to do to get the water. You simply want a drink.

This is the kind of stance we should have when it comes to our relationship with the Triune God. Our desire or fundamental need for anything should not supersede our desire or need of the Father. He is who we want and need in our lives. Don’t fall victim to the effects of the mirages in your life. Don’t allow your focus and attention to remain on things or people, instead of God. By committing to keeping God first in our lives, we are aligning ourselves with His desires for us. The bible tells us to seek you first the Kingdom of God and all other things will be added to you. Can you believe it? Just by pursuing God, the Father, we position ourselves to have our own desires met! Instead of being distracted by life’s mirages, we are free to be lead by a holy God.

God wants to meet our needs. He wants to ensure we give him first place in our lives. By doing this, we demonstrate our trust and faith in God to “add these other things” to us. God loves us and desires the best for us. There isn’t anything He will withhold from us that will benefit or prosper us. He promises that we forego our pursuit of things; we can attain the spiritual intimacy and maturity that comes as a result of making God our first priority.

Much like the main principle of the Sikhs, the purpose of every believer is develop a close, loving relationship with God. So, don’t try to come to God to get His presents; come to God to bask in His presence. Let His glorious love and power permeate every aspect of your life. Let Him kiss you on the inside of your heart. Remember, pursuit of things can only lead to deception. So, put God first.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

What’s In Your Wallet?

Have you ever seen those Capital One credit card commercials? They are absolutely hilarious! One of my favorites is the commercial where the Vikings are all doing various jobs. There’s one Viking who’s a flight attendant whose ball & chain smacks the passengers in the face as he walks by. There’s another Viking who works in a women’s shoe store who storms out of the store in frustration. The tagline for the commercial is always “so what’s in your wallet?” The premise of the commercial is simple: if you’re looking for security and peace of mind in a credit card Capital One is the way to go. In other words, what you kept in your wallet determined the level of peace and security you felt. Let’s take this one step further in another direction.

Out of the fullness [the overflow, the super abundance] of the heart the mouth speaks. – Matthew 12:34

The things that you carry inside the wallet of your heart and soul are the very things that will flow out of your mouth. Got maxed out credit cards of doubt, fear and hopelessness? Eventually, the things that crowd your mind will come out of your mouth. Whether it’s a slow, periodic trickle or a steady stream of water, your mouth will attest to the condition of your heart.

The more you dwell on a situation without releasing it God, the more that situation takes center stage in your life. The fastest way to ensure spiritual bankruptcy is to harbor unresolved issues and problems. Pain and disappointment are very powerful emotions as are anger and discontentment. If left intact, without a God-orchestrated withdrawal, the register on your account will begin to reflect a deficit. This type of deficit can often feel like a prison or an endless abyss of angst and let downs. But it doesn’t have to be that.

The bible instructs those with heavy laden burdens to come to the Lord. It reminds us that by casting our cares on the Lord, we position ourselves to be restored in our souls. If you find yourself running in the same circle on the same issues, ask God to help you release those problems to Him. Ask Him to help you focus on your attention on the things that are above and not below. For whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue or praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8.

Right thinking and focus can go a long way, especially with God in the center. The Talmud teaches that customs are greater than laws. In other words, what you do speaks louder than what you know. There should be a direct correlation between your actions and your beliefs. Hence, a deficient heart and spirit contradicts this principle: there is no lack in God.

Pray to God and ask Him to make a deposit into your heart’s account.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Correction Means I Love You

If you have children or have ever been around you children, you know that they require constant supervision. Turning your back for one moment can spell disaster for any caregiver or parent. Bed times can quickly become impromptu games of hide-n-seek. Feedings, often times, are a combination of bath time, clean up time and supper time. In most cases, the child is covered in much more food than they’ve actually consumed. We know these moments. These are the moments we treasure; the ones that’ll carry us through decades of development and maturity. While most caregivers or parents relish these moments, there are simply sometimes when the opposite is true. As parents, we know there are times in our parenting journey where discipline and correction have to take center stage.

Most parents understand the necessity for discipline and correction. Many parents, however, are not too fond of doling it out. After all, we don’t want to intentionally upset our little angels do you? What purpose would that serve? Contrary to popular precepts, children require instruction, direction and discipline. Without these vital tools, children can find themselves in scary or dangerous situations. When my nephew was about 3 years old, he was playing “I’m gonna get you” with my son. He ran into the kitchen where the burner was on. He was fascinated by the flame and instinctively reached out to touch. His mother saw him and in her loudest, scariest voice she yelled “don’t touch that!” Just in the nick of time, my nephew snatched his hand from the flame and began to cry. My sister cojoled him, explaining why it was dangerous.

If my sister had decided to let her son discover, on his own, what fire does to the skin, would you think she made the right decision? Of course not. My nephew could’ve have suffered extensive burns and loss of one or more of his fingers. She corrected him because it was necessary to keep him safe. That’s how it is with the Father. The bible tells us that God disciplines and corrects those whom He loves. – Hebrews 12:6 If you’re like me then being corrected does not top your all-time list of things you enjoy. In fact, you may despise it. But the same way my sister’s correction kept her son safe, is the same way the Father’s correction keeps us safe. God desires to speak to us and provide insight into the muddled areas of our lives. He’s constantly looking to shine a light on those dark places so that pride and rebellion would not grow inside us. Why? Because pride always comes before a fall and rebellion is considered the same as witchcraft, in God’s eyes.

The same way Unitarianists believe that God is all-knowing and loves us is the same principle Christians adhere to today. We know that God’s correction may seem harsh at the time given, but is absolutely needed to ensure we are safe from harm. He corrects us because He loves us.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Tender Mind. Tender Heart. Part 2

Last time we learned: “when we are angry, it is virtually impossible to hear the voice of wisdom. When we’re brooding in negative or destructive emotions, we are not sensitive to the spirit of God.”

As believers, having a tender heart toward God is essential to developing a relationship with Him. God speaks to the believer through their mind, will and emotions as well as through His word. In short, our soul is a communications portal in which there is a consistent exchange of information from us to God and from God to us. Think of it like a two-way street. The two-way street can only function if all the vehicles are within their lane and going in the right direction. Emotions like anger, rage or bitterness sends us in the wrong direction which as you know will result in head-on collisions, pile ups and catastrophe.

We should approach the throne of grace and ask for God to soften our hearts. We want God to tenderize us so that we have the capacity to discern when we are out of alignment with God’s will for our lives. We want to be able to know when we are hurting others or when we are openly disobedient to God. When we ask God to restore tenderness in our hearts, we give Him the permission to tear down the strongholds that have occupied our hearts for years. We ask Him to lead us beside still waters and restore our souls. We ask Him to give us soft hearts that are responsive to His voice. The bible says:

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you… - Psalm 50:15 My help comes from the Lord… - Psalm 121:2

Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. – Matthew 6:8 We don’t have to let damaging emotions like anger, rage or having an offense trap us. They don’t have to hinder our maturity and intimacy with God. Instead, we need only call upon the Lord in our time of trouble, knowing that our help comes solely from Him. We need only open our hearts to receive all that He has for us. As believers, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and follow His leading. Because He knows the heart of God, the Holy Spirit will—with our participation—help to keep our thoughts kindhearted toward the Father. This allows us to forego the attitudes and thoughts that are offensive to the Father.

A tender mind will yield a tender heart and a tender heart yields a pliable spirit. A flexible or teachable spirit is one that can be taught, corrected, edified and entrusted. These are the people who are like clay in the hands of the potter. They allow themselves to be cut, trimmed and sculpted into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that is absolutely flawless and 100 percent authentic.

Spontaneous, deliberate submission to God—a tenet in the Druze faith—will help God soften our hearts.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Tender Mind. Tender Heart.

Have you ever noticed how nothing feels right, tastes right or even goes right when we’re angry? It could be something as simple as doing your hair. At first, no hairstyle feels right. Then your outfit looks hideous even though you loved it last week. Next, you hate the accessories, the color and the list goes on and on. It’s like anger, or strong emotions like it, chips away at the walls that keep our other emotions in check. When we’re angry, we are more likely to be short or argumentative with friends or family. We tend to be short-tempered, irrational and emotionally incoherent. In fact, in Proverbs 29:22 it goes so far as to say that an angry person stirs up strife. Anger is the type of emotional misery that is always looking for company.

Anger can be persuasive and very seductive in that it can quickly leads us into other destructive emotions like rage, bitterness, resentment and hatred—all of which can result in sin if it’s not properly dealt with. Think of cancer like a dripping faucet. Initially, dripping faucets don’t seem to be that big of a deal. After all, the sink is pretty big. However, if the sink should become clogged or closed off for some reason, the water from the dripping faucet can and will add up. In no time at all, your sink will be overflowing with water bringing with it water damage and mold. The same holds true with anger.

If we don’t address the dripping faucet of anger in our own lives eventually it will flow out of us and affect everyone and everything within close proximity. Hence the bible gives us good advice on how to deal with anger.

When angry do not sin; do not ever let your wrath, fury or exasperation last until the sun goes down.

Did you catch that? From the time we encounter anger we have twenty-four hours to work through it. So, if your spouse, child or co-worker does something to make you angry, don’t keep that anger bottled up inside you. Go to the person, honestly and express your feelings. Give them a chance to possibly right their wrong or at the very least apologize.

Much like Buddhists believe in ridding themselves of destructive emotions like anger, God tells us this: The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. – James 1:20. Anger does not bring out the best in us. It does not lead others to the cross. It does not testify to the goodness of God nor does it bring God glory. Anger is an emotion that we all experience at one point or another. But refusing to work through our anger gives the adversary the opportunity to steal our joy and peace of mind.

Moreover when we are angry, it is virtually impossible to hear the voice of wisdom. When we’re brooding in negative or destructive emotions, we are not sensitive to the spirit of God. Instead, we’re hard.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

God, Are You There?

I’m sure you’ve all heard of the game hide and seek. It starts with one person who’s chosen to be the “seeker” and the other who’s selected to be the “hider.”

The “seeker” closes his or her eyes and proceeds to count to ten or twenty.

The “hider” takes the time to find a clever hiding place; one that will outwit or stump the “seeker.” Hide and Seek is definitely a fun favorite for children—and adults—of all ages unless of course, you can’t locate the “hider.” This is when things tend to get ugly, especially with kids. Being the “seeker” is only fun if you can find the “hider.” Failure to locate the “hider” often results in tantrums, stints of anger, and frustration. Kids tend to give up looking for the “hider” and move on to some other less stressful game or activity. Sometimes we feel like that with God.

We’re in the midst of a situation that we deem important or urgent. We look for the place where we normally find Him and much to our chagrin, God isn’t there. No big deal right? We simply proceed to some of His other well-known “hang out spots” like church, television evangelist programs and sermons on CD. We listen. We watch. We wait. Still, we feel like God’s just not there. There was no sign that read “be right back in ten minutes” or “on break.” There was only silence. The still small voice that once comforted our hearts is drowned out by the booming echoes of panic and dread. God are you there?

Believers need to understand that spending time with God is a necessity. We have to be persistent in seeking His face. We simply can’t give up or abandon ship because we cannot feel His presence or get an answer to our prayers. Doing so is a sign of immaturity and impatience. We don’t want to be the “seeker” who quits the game simply because they cannot seem to find the person they’re looking for. We don’t want to be the “seeker” who runs away in frustration when we’re so close to finding what we seek.

When believers spend time with God, they gain greater insight into God’s holy character. This insight is deepened when we read God’s word, converse with Him and listen to His voice. Through deliberate, persistent practice, the believer is able to invoke the presence of God. Imagine having a deep wound or cut that requires stitches. Wouldn’t you rather the doctor came to you than you having to roam about in a fit of panic trying to find the doctor? I would.

Caodaists believe that the deeds practiced in every day life dictate the future. The bible says that the practice of seeking or inquiring of the Lord will lead to one thing: finding Him. Resist the flesh when it prompts you to give up seeking God. Spending time with God daily can help keep frustration and panic at bay.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Seek and You Will Find

Just about every other day, I misplace my glasses. I know what you’re thinking: put a leash on it, right? I asked—they don’t make them for glasses. Anyway, the reason I misplace them is because most of the time, I can’t tell where they are. Because the frames are made of an iridescent material, it’s almost impossible to spot them once I’ve put them down. As you can imagine, without my contacts finding my glasses is a lost cause unless, of course, I had some help.

Having an extra set of healthy eyes to help you look for the things that seem lost is absolutely vital! After looking for my glasses for what seemed like an eternity—but was really only ten minutes—I asked my sister to help me. Within two minutes, she spotted my glasses on the couch. At first, my initial reaction was one of disgust. I spent ten minutes looking for something that was right under my nose?!

But the more I thought about the less angry I became. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to find my glasses, I just couldn’t—my abilities were limited. What a powerful truth for the rest of us.

Why is that we get so bent out of shape or angry with ourselves for falling into ditches that we never saw coming? We point fingers, cast blame and condemn ourselves into “knowing better.” In spite of doing all of that, we’re no better off than we were before. Here’s a timeless truth: human beings are limited. There I said it. We lack the capacity to fly the plane, be the passenger, the co-pilot, as well as the flight attendant. We simply can’t do it all and that’s okay. The Shinto faith encourages its believers to aspire to “makoto” which is sincerity of heart. The first step to sincerity is honesty. Are you being honest about your abilities?

You will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

The bible says that we all fall short of the glory of God. In other words, if we could do it all there would be no need for God. There would be no need for the work of the cross. We need God to show us the seemingly hidden things in our lives. We need a God who can see clearly. We need a God who can look miles into the future, see the ditch and alert us to the danger. We need a God whose abilities are limitless. We need a God who is every bit as multi-faceted as we are so that if the moment calls for a flight attendant and a pilot, He’s got it covered. He doesn’t have to bring in someone to fill the role.

Let us not become slack in seeking after God. Let us be mindful to prioritize our lives so that we’re spending quality time with God.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved