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.

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

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.

 

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

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.

 

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

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.

 

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

It’s Not About You

Children are amazing little blessings. I find it miraculous how they even come into the world. They begin as two separate entities but upon coming together life is created. With that spark of life begins the various stages of growth, discovery and sheer wonder. Mother and father begin to set the atmosphere so that it is conducive to the arrival of the life now swirling in the womb. Their priorities shift. Their hopes and fears evolve. Personal welfare and desires take a back seat to the hope for a beautiful healthy baby. In short, this is the time when parents first discover that life isn’t really about them. It’s about making sure that our children are provided for, protected and given all they need to thrive. This is where we learn to forsake the desires of our own hearts—for a time—so that we can help fulfill the needs and wants of someone else. This is the crux of the Christian perspective.

When we are new in the faith, our focus is on ourselves. We are excited about our new found love in Christ. We are teeming with joy as we embark on a journey of discovery, awe and power. We stretch our wings and delve into the realm of prayer, worship and intercession. We exercise our faith muscles by reading the word and applying its principles to our lives. Over time, we notice a change in our spiritual landscape. We are no longer spiritually flabby or lax. We are disciplined, spiritually buff and chiseled. We look good and we feel good. The only question left to ask is now what?

Now that we have been transformed into the image and likeness of the Holy I AM what is there left for us to do? As Ambassadors of Christ the answer is simple: help someone else. Each one teaches one to reach one. It’s Christ’s discipleship principle. The bible tells us that Jesus had dozens of disciples. There were many that he taught but only a few were closest to Him. Moreover, within Christ’s twelve, there were a smaller, select few that He kept with Him at His side. The point is this: Christ shared what He knew. He shared His knowledge and His heart which equipped the people to reach out to more people. Hospitality or reaching others is one of the Nine Noble virtues in Asatruism. Connecting with others is the foundational truth of the church.

We are not to hoard our gifts, talents or spiritual insight. Divine revelation is not something that is meant to be kept hidden. Sure, there are times when God will ask you to keep it to yourself. In most cases, however, He wants you to let others know about Him. We are the mouthpiece of God in the earth. Our experiences, triumphs and hurdles are meant to be shared. So many people are waiting to hear more about how God brought us through our valley experiences—tell them!

 

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

It Will Live

There are situations in each of our lives that appear to be dead. We’ve prayed and fasted; we prayed and fasted some more. There’s no change in the situation. Our hope, our dream or some other thing is officially on life support. It can no longer breathe on its own and the doctors have served us notice—death is imminent.

Initially we are shocked. We just knew we had a word from God. Didn’t we? We knew God said that it should live and not die. Still, here we were—on life support. There are no options or quick fixes. We have done all that we could do. We consulted every friend or family member. We’ve spoken to our pastors and co-workers. We’ve even prayed every promise that we know. Still, nothing. We have two options. We can do as the doctors suggest and pull the plug. The dream may breathe for a little while but eventually, it will die a painless death. It’s for the best, they say. The option calls for something a little more radical. It requires no money or consultation. You need only do what Elijah did for the widower whose son died suddenly. Elijah stretched his body out over the boy, cried out to the Lord and prayed for God to return life to the child. The bible says and the Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

When things look their bleakest, pray fervently to the Lord. Muslims pray five times a day. When the situation looks lifeless and there’s nothing left to do, cry out to the God who heals. We know that when we cry out to the Lord in our day of trouble, that He will hear our cries and deliver us from all of our fears and troubles. If God has birthed a dream or vision inside of you and it seems to cost you just about everything you have, know this: He’s the God of provision. The hardship or pain that results from following God’s instructions may not make sense. However, just like the widower’s obedience positioned her to witness God’s miraculous power, your obedience will position you to do the same. God wants to do amazing things in you, through you and for you.

Call on the name of the Lord. Wait for Him to hear your cry. Watch Him perform the impossible. God is the same God yesterday, today and forever. He does not change. His character, His word and His abilities do not diminish with time. The Lord’s power and capacity is infinite. He does not run out of miracles. He does not exhaust His supply of the miraculous. He is God and God alone. Infinite. Fantastic. All authority—all dominion—is granted by Him. He sees all things and oversees all things.

Are your dreams or visions on life support? Call on the Lord and He can and will answer your prayer.

 

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

A Blessing for Someone Else

I’ll never forget the time the Lord spoke to me during my time of prayer. I could feel His glory washing over me as He began to speak to me about His love for me; about the love of His people. He began to bring faces to my mind, asking me to join Him in pronouncing a blessing over their lives. I listened and I prayed. I wept and I laughed. It was certainly a splendid encounter. Soon after my encounter, I had asked the Lord to go shopping. I didn’t really need anything but I felt like shopping. The Lord said yes.
Excitedly, I went through the store carefully looking at clothes. I picked up a few items and tried them on—nothing fit. I went back on the store floor and picked up even more items—nothing fit. Just when I was about to leave the store, the Holy Spirit brought someone to my mind. I thought to myself, oh, that’s nice. Lord, bless her. I continued to make my way to the front of the store, when her face flashed again. My response was similar. A short prayer and a dash for the door. By the third time, I finally caught on. I stilled my thoughts and prayer inwardly asking the Lord to show me what to do. At that precise moment, a woman walked up to the counter and asked to purchase a gift card.

Ordinarily, my heart might have sunk or I might have rolled my eyes. I was in the store to shop for me not for someone I didn’t really know all that well. But I had ventured into the Holy of Holies that morning. I sat in the presence of His glory. I supped with Holy Angels that surround His throne and sang in unison with the Four Elders who forever proclaim the Majesty of the Lamb. The Lover of my soul entwined me in His arms etching the very fabric of joy through my existence. I would not deny Him. Instead of my heart sinking, it smiled.

I bought the gift card in a very generous denomination, more than I intended to spend on myself. I bought a lovely gift bag and gave the gift to the woman. Sometime thereafter, someone purchased me a gift card for double what I paid for hers!

Sometimes when we ask for God to answer our prayers, He might ask us to answer someone else’s. The woman was in need of clothing since she was returning to the workforce after being a housewife for seventeen years. Talk about an on time blessing!

Don’t be dismayed when God asks you to do something you do not understand. Do not allow fear or the need to know every detail deter your faith. You know that He has nothing but the best for you and you know that your obedience will yield a blessing just for you! Like Baha’i believe our works are a form of worship.
 

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

Abundant Rain

I hear the sound of the abundance of rain. – 1 Kings 18:31

This is definitely one of my favorite passages in the bible. As you know, this is the Prophet Elijah speaking. Earlier in the book, the prophet had declared that there would be no rain or dew in the land. He pronounced this judgment because King Ahab worshipped Baal and commanded the people to do the same. The judgment decreed that there would be no rain until the prophet said otherwise.

Fast forward some years and Elijah and King Ahab have a show down. The showdown will not settle who’s smarter, stronger or even who has more courage. This face-off is for the redemption of God’s people. This is where Elijah confronts King Ahab about his worship of the false god Baal. The worship of Baal would be considered the modern day Neopagan religions which worship various gods. Elijah challenges King Ahab and Baal’s priests saying call on your God and I’ll call on mine. The One who answers by fire that’s who we will serve. Talk about having faith! Elijah never questioned whether God would show up. He was confident in God and expected Him to prove Himself; and that’s exactly what God did.

When the people saw that Baal was a no show and that God’s power could not be doubted, the fell down and worshipped the Lord! Then, the prophet decreed that rain would be coming! This is where it gets really good. There had been no rain, probably for years and there stood the prophet decreeing that rain would come. It would not be a shower or a light sprinkle. According to the prophet, there would be abundant rain!

The prophet immediately assumed the position—prayer posture that is. The bible said he had his face to the ground as he cried out to the Lord—as he travailed for the rain to come. He sent his servant to look for signs of the rain. When the servant returned and said there was nothing, Elijah didn’t get bent out of shape, become angry or give up. He kept praying! He continued his worship of the Father. He sent his servant out six more times, and each time he returned with the same report: no clouds.

Many of us might have been tempted to give in the doubt’s whispers. We might have been tempted to second guess whether or not we heard from the God. We might have abandoned the task altogether. Elijah didn’t. When he sent his servant one the seventh time, the servant had a different report. There was a tiny cloud in the distance. Elijah jumped up off the ground and shouted hallelujah!

Worship strengthens our faith. A strong faith can withstand the onslaught of fear, and doubt causing you trust or believe God even in the face of uncertainty. Because Elijah was unwavering in his faith, he was able to witness the redemption of God’s people and God’s abundant provision.

 

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