A DECISION, THEN A CORRESPONDING ACTION................

Daughters and Sons of the Most High God:

May the Lord Bless You This Very Moment.  “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  I thank God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy….”  Philippians 1:2-4.  Have a wonderful week in the Lord and remember, “Your purpose is by design, God’s design!”

DESTINY DECISIONS

Towards the end of 2007, I began to retrospectively ponder over the first half of my life. I particularly began to ponder some things as it related to past relationships and specifically looking introspectively so that going forward, I will make better choices of whom I allow in my life.  Since that time, I’ve escalated that yearly retrospective look to a quarterly “self-check in and check-up” which have proven to be a really great thing to do. I have been journaling for a few years now and I have found it also to be a good idea in that I’m able to go back and read over things that I’ve written and prayed in my journals, promises I’ve made to God and to myself to see what accomplishments I’ve made, the promises yet to be fulfilled (help me Lord), the places where I’m still in “the process” and where I still experience challenges.

Since doing all of this, a very close friend of mine and I were sharing concerning our most recent relationship challenges and the new choices that we had decided to make.  Later, I realized that some of those choices that we discussed were choices that we had emphatically stated we were going to implement but somewhere along the line the decision was never really made.  I had to admit to myself, that when it came to some relationships, I had been talking loud, but really wasn’t saying anything.”  (Thanks James Brown).  You see, a decision requires the corresponding action.  And, that decision and corresponding action begins with YOU.

Many of us have fallen prey to negative relationships because we chose individuals based on a temporary need.  Let's keep it real here, we all are human, and yes, we have made mistakes.  (I’m so thankful that we serve a forgiving Savior).  God created us with the capacity to give love and receive love.  The desire to be loved is normal but when that very normal and God-given desire is not steered by the one who gave it, we end up physically and emotionally bankrupt and shipwrecked.

When we respect and love what God has made - YOU- and, when we begin to seek the Lord diligently and wait for his leading concerning who is called to walk with us, we will begin to make better life choices at every level.    Whether friendships or a life partner, the birthing of your “baby” is inexplicably tied to whom we align ourselves with and how we operate within that relationship.  You must know who is called to “walk” with you.  If you, as the called of God, know and understand that there is a price to walk with God, a sacrifice to be made to carry the anointing of God, a tearing of the flesh to become a trusted vessel of God, then there is a price that those who are called to walk with us must pay as well.  Some are only there for the “fish and loaves” and some cannot pay the price because they are not called to do so. 

 Understand that Relationships actually begin with you.  You cannot have a successful relationship with anyone except you are able to have an honest relationship with yourself.

 When considering relationships, begin by asking yourself the following questions:

 1)   Am I emotionally wounded?  Do I need to extend forgiveness or am I open to receive it?  Is my performance or insatiable drive to achieve on the job, school, in ministry, etc. covering for the real bitterness and need for healing that is living underground and developing roots?  Before we can love anyone else, we must love ourselves.  When we are emotionally wounded, unforgiving or need to forgive, we block our own blessings.  Remember what Jesus said, "When ye stand praying, forgive, that your Father in heaven may forgive you."  It is true that “wounded people wound others.”  And, just because you've moved on from a situation doesn't mean you're over it or healed from it.  You can always change geographic locations but still carry issues with you.  Deep down inside of yourself, you know the real truth.  With the right provocation, (if you're not healed), here comes the "stuff" bubbling right up to the surface.  You may say, "Oh, I know I'm way over that!  It happened more than 10 years ago!  Why did I react that way?"  Because it was still there!  Unresolved issues that aren't dealt with have a way of showing up again. Take the mask off and seek the healing that only God can administer.  Submit yourself to the Lordship of Christ.  Heal and forgive so you can step into your destiny as a healed and whole person.

2)  Is this a destiny connection?  Am I choosing an individual based on a temporary fix or is he/she a part of the plan and purpose God has for my life?  Are they called to walk with me?  Can I make an investment in this person?  Can they invest in me?  Are they trustworthy?  Tall, dark and handsome, lips hips and fingertips is "all good," really it is and, God isn’t mad about that either.  Physical attraction is normal and in order.  Let's call it the "attraction factor" but it takes a lot more to build and maintain a quality relationship.  Physical attributes are temporal and are never to be used to determine whether or not a person is called to walk with you.  It is those inner qualities and values that will weather the storms and stand the test of time.  When considering whether or not it is a "destiny" connection, be honest with yourself as well as the potential significant other.  Acknowledge "red flags" and don't be afraid to talk and ask questions.

 3)  Am I making facts of feelings?  Do I live on an emotional roller coaster?  Feelings can and do change but the seed of true love will develop roots, is mature, is consistent and stable despite opposition. I Corinthians 13:1

 4)  Do I value the thoughts, feelings and opinions of others?   Diversity is healthy and normal.  It is a part of living and working within the Body of Christ as well as society in general.  It broadens our parameters and prevents us from being "lopsided" people.  Diversity helps to balance us as does our toes on our feet.  We learn much about ourselves from others and those who are a part of our circle of influence/peers.  Why? Because we rarely see ourselves as others see us.  It also prevents life from becoming boring and mundane.  Be wary, however, so as not to use diversity as an excuse to compromise your values, water down the Word of God or attempt to make changes to God’s blueprint for your life to accommodate fleshly desires.

Each day God affords us the precious opportunity to make righteous choices. Thankfully, his “new mercies” every morning gives us the chance to get it right when we do it wrong! 

I’d like to end Monday Moments today (which ended up being Tuesday this week.  So sorry folks, was extremely busy yesterday) by quoting something my mother used to say to me.  She said “Girl, you are in too big of a hurry.  Slow down and wait on God.  He knows what you need.  And, by the way, God doesn’t need your help!”  Of a truth, that is the problem with many of us; WE ARE IN TOO BIG OF A HURRY AND WHEN THINGS ARE NOT MOVING AS QUICKLY AS WE’D LIKE THEM TO MOVE,WE MOVE INTO “HELP GOD MODE!”

Keep in mind Psalms 37:4-5: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 

God can only bless us to the extent that we deal honestly and righteously with ourselves and each other.

Please feel free after reading Monday Moments each week to share your thoughts right here or email me at latterraindeliverance4u@yahoo.com.  I would love to hear from you!

In Purpose,

Pastor Linda

 ©copyright Monday Moments-Linda Robinson - January 2007

THE POWER TO BE FRUITFUL LIES WITHIN YOU!

Daughters and Sons of the Most High,

Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in my prayers. May the Lord bless YOU this very MOMENT!

REFUSE BARRENNESS –  IT'S A DESTINY DECISION………

In April of 1996, a young rap group hailing from Cleveland, Ohio debuted on the hip hop charts with a highly acclaimed song examining the ghetto lifestyle of men and women. In the video, each person is presented with a major life changing scenario that provokes a decision that will change their destiny; either to choose hope and live or be sold into a lifestyle of degradation that in the end produces death. The song titled, “Tha Crossroads” was written and performed by rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. The song and particularly the video explicitly showcase the life-changing results of every decision made.

Much like the song and video, “Tha Crossroads,” deciding to be fruitful and refusing barrenness is a “destiny decision” for the believer. Not only is it a change of mind but a corresponding deliberate action. As a matter of fact, it is a “Do or Die Decision” for it is at that “Corner,” that “Intersection,” that “Fork in the Road,” “Tha Crossroad” where we are blatantly confronted with the reality of His call to us and our decision to answer. The call of God upon each of our lives is a matter that demands our immediate attention but many times the call is relegated to a back seat position with a promise to address it as soon as the time is convenient.

Sadly, many have gone to their graves having received the “salutation” but having never responded.

Did you not know that each of us are born with “Purpose” locked inside of us and at the due season God desires to process us so that He can release us to that purpose for which we were created? However, we become barren when we get caught up in the endorsement of men, (no fruit) become lazy, lackadaisical and complacent, (no fruit) satisfied with the status quo and never move, (no fruit) and drinking from the cup of low self-esteem rather that embracing who God says you are. The “DISEASE OF COMPARISONITIS” sets in (Thank you Bishop Darrell Hines for that message) and feelings of inadequacy take over and then the cycle of, “I CAN’T DO IT” begins to spin because comparison and low-self esteem says, “I am not as eloquent, savvy, educated or accepted as others.”

But allow me, if you will, to encourage you, to empower, strengthen and liberate your way of thinking. I want to free your spirit from the paralysis of indecision to action with some basic information. Understand that the call of God is not dependent upon people to endorse you, nor your abilities (though God will use your abilities because they are God-ordained and given but remember, whom God calls, he qualifies). If it were based on your abilities and ingenuity, trust me, you’d get the glory, not God! God does not make an appointment to have a council meeting with your past nor does he compare you with others when He calls YOU to an assignment. He already knows who you are so those issues are never a consideration with God. But, once we crucify our fears, tears and the outrageous expectations of others and even the ones we impose upon ourselves, we will realize that “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6).

God’s call upon your life will come to manifestation when YOU simply say YES and, in the sincere heartfelt YES comes the understanding that it is through HIM, and His Ministry that He has called you to be used as an instrument of grace and His divine will. Now understand that saying YES is going to cost you……YOU! Oh by the way, change will cost you something but it’s worth any and everything you may have to suffer because, in doing so, we experience all that God has promised us both naturally and spiritually. However, it begins with a decision.

Understand that God has placed within us the seed to produce. We have been blessed with the blessing of fruitfulness and increase (according to Genesis 1:28). The weeds of barrenness have no place in our lives. We are WELL ABLE to refuse barrenness because of the seed he has placed within us.

THE POWER TO BE FRUITFUL LIES WITHIN YOU!

Please feel free after reading Monday Moments each week to share your thoughts with me in the comments section below or feel free to email me at latterraindeliverance4U@yahoo.com

In Purpose,
Pastor Linda

©copyright Monday Moments-Linda Robinson - January 2008 – All Rights Reserved

"PURPOSED TO FINISH"

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU THIS VERY MOMENT!

Peace be unto you and peace be multiplied. I give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in my prayers daily. It is my honor and pleasure (as always) to bring to you Monday Moments. It is my prayer today that this word will strengthen, encourage, uplift, empower and activate you in your God-ordained purpose. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6:10.

DESTINY DECISIONS

“PURPOSED TO FINISH”

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

My former Pastor, Superintendent Wayne H. McDonald of the Odom Memorial Church of God in Christ in Denver, Colorado, an anointed giant and Father in the ministry, ministered to the people of God from the above thought and passage of scripture sometime ago. The message so pricked my heart that I still remember it and, today it provoked an immediate assessment of my current status as it relates to “finishing.” After all, it is neither about me nor what I desire to say, but it is about what God desires to say to HIS people. Today, I release this Life-Giving word to you. With that being said: “He that hath an ear, let him hear………” Revelation 2:7. (Thank you Pastor Mc Donald for that Life-Giving Word).

How many of you have begun an assignment, stepped out to fulfill a vision given you by God, made a decision to make some much needed and beneficial changes in your life only to get derailed by the hand life has dealt you? If I have some really honest people reading this, I know you are waving both your hands and feet at me! I gotcha,  I’m waving too!

What about that dream to complete your college education but, a couple of difficult or failed courses, lack of financial resources, job and/or family issues placed the dream on the back burner. Remember that yearly resolution to become health conscious and physically fit. You made a good attempt but somewhere along the line, when your best efforts didn’t pay off with an immediate “six-pack” you reverted back to purchasing that 12 pack of Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Mountain Dew ……..you feel me, right?

Well, to be certain, no matter who you are, your station in life or what your circumstances may be, life has its share of unexpected and unplanned events. And, it is also certain that there will be many aspects of your life that may seem to challenge you repeatedly, (I KNOW A LOT ABOUT THAT ONE!) leaving us to ponder whether or not certain things are worth the continuing effort.

Oftentimes we feel that life is a failure or a moot point unless “WE ARE” getting a lot out of it. However, here in Acts 20:24, Paul considered his life worth nothing unless it was used in the service of the Lord. The Apostle Paul concluded that WHAT HE PUT INTO LIFE WAS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT HE GOT OUT. (Okay, I’ll wait and let that one marinate. Don’t worry, I’m thinking too)! Paul was of a single and determined mind. I’m certain that you are well read concerning the many treacherous evils Paul endured while fulfilling his purpose. However, Paul did not have the “fair weather” mentality. He did not equate fulfilling his purpose with “ideal weather conditions.” He had a mind that was prepared to endure whatever hardship or challenges that came his way because he was focused on his goal and determined to fulfill his purpose despite the obstacles. The mind Paul had is the mind needed by anyone who is determined to achieve in life and especially for those who are determined to do God’s work. This is the mindset that empowers us to stay the course and “finish” regardless of the odds.

The Apostle Paul exhorts us in I Peter 4:1 concerning what our attitude or what our “mindset” should be in the last days: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourself likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”

In order to obtain that mind we must first determine to set the purpose God has called us to higher than our sufferings. Many of us become weary and concede defeat altogether because we do not understand that there is a “sacrifice” in the battle. A boxer, no matter well trained he or she is, no matter how well informed they are of their opponents weaknesses, do not enter the ring and not expect to get hit! As a matter of fact, they are trained heavily on how to sustain a punch and keep fighting. Why? The goal is to win the fight and walk away with the prize! Sometimes God is simply trying to fashion us into a “heavyweight” in the spirit but, because we don’t understand the process of the sacrifice of the battle we just “punk out.” However, regardless of the sacrifice, we must have a commitment to our purpose that endures and transcends the great struggles that relentlessly encourage us to give up before we complete the task.

I’ve come to know that when you are anointed for a purpose, it is those storms that God will allow to come to strip us from the accessories so that we can find the necessities. Understand that because God knows our beginning, our ending and all points in between, the challenges that sometime come are not designed for you to abandon your purpose or “jump ship” but unload you of unnecessary baggage to enable you to move in sync with your purpose so you can “ease on down the road!”

So, how do we finish when the dark clouds of difficulties and despair arise? Well, Jesus never promised us ideal conditions. Jesus didn’t promise us a smooth flight either but he does promise us a safe landing because he promises never to leave nor forsake us. For those of you today (and yes, me too) who have given up when the heat got too hot and the obstacles seemed more than you could handle, allow me to encourage you with the words of Bishop T.D. Jakes to “Reposition Yourself” and the words of Superintendent Wayne H. McDonald to get back in the race. You have been “Purposed to Finish!”

My Prayer for Us:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for the wisdom of your Word. I ask today in Jesus name that even as you have called us with a holy calling and have reminded us that we are “Purposed to Finish” empower us with the diligence, discipline and the dedication that will cause us to be strong in weak moments, faithful despite the odds, and dedicated to the completion of all that you have assigned our hands to do. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Please feel free after reading Monday Moments each week to share your thoughts and, please covenant with me as I walk in His will and purposes for my life.  Please forward you thoughts and comments to latterraindeliverance4u@yahoo.com or share right here in the comments section.  I look forward to hearing from you!

In Purpose,
Pastor Linda

©copyright Monday Moments-Linda Robinson - February 2008 – All Rights Reserved

"TIME SENSITIVE"

How many of you have ever received a letter in the mail and it was stamped, "Time Sensitive?"  Did you hurry and open it, or did you cast it to the side to be opened at a time more appropriate for you to address it?  I've done the latter a time or two only to realize upon finally opening the letter that the time frame for me to do a particular thing, address a situation, perform an important assignment or even confirm my identity to receive an unexpected blessing had nearly passed or actually had expired and I missed out on a great opportunity, or worse an opportunity to serve and help someone else.

The contents of the envelope required my immediate attention because of its importance, its deadline and/or urgency of the assignment and requirements.

In St. John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind from birth.  The story talks about Jesus, who was in route, passed by a man who was blind from birth.  The disciples, being inquisitive, inquired of Jesus, asking him, who sinned, the man or his parents causing him to be born blind?  Without much discernment, the disciples regarded the man's situation as an "unresolved mystery!"  However, Jesus looked upon this man with compassion, regarding him as one who was suffering and in need of healing.

Jesus' response, I'm sure was not the answer the disciples expected.  Jesus said, "neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."  Jesus further informed them that he was not there to entertain those kind of questions but to perform the assignment he was sent to do.............when?  NOW!  HOW? QUICKLY, WITH HASTE!  Jesus says emphatically:  "I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day, night cometh when no man can work....."

Jesus' assignment was "Time Sensitive" and so is yours!  The King's business requires "HASTE!"  Someone's deliverance depends on how quickly YOU MOVE!  It's time come from the shores of complacency, laziness, dragging our feet and HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD AND MOVE TO FULFILL HIS WILL.............QUICKLY.  Resolve today to move with HASTE knowing that your assignment to this world is "TIME SENSITIVE!"

The Elect Lady.......
Pastor Linda