New Nature

²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

--( Eph. 4:21-24).

New Nature, is a spoken word CD that God has blessed me to complete. The beautiful and amazing thing about a blessing is that it is intended to go through you to others. I discovered this gift for spoken word while taking a speech class one semester in college, but little did I know that God was using this class to further grow my passion for poetry as well as a way to bring about His glory. In the span of a year God has taken this hobby of mine and used it as a ministry to share His truth. My confidence in Christ has grown considerably through the opportunities He has given me, but I am thankful and honored to know that I can glorify Him as well as impact others in the process. 

^{I want to give a special thanks to Dennis Mcmurray, Jr. Without your help, this CD project wouldn't be possible. Thanks for your gifts and support bro!}

  "God has a plan for you. A specific plan. One thing to do to discover that specific plan is to examine your passions, abilities, personality, and experiences, then uncover where those four converge. This will help to reveal the plan God has destined you for. God has also given you the authority you need to perform that plan well."

--(Tony Evans, Kingdom Man pg. 91)

   

Faith Worth Fighting For

I am learning that the word "Faith" should be treated very much like the word "Love." Sometimes we tend to use faith loosely. We say we have it, but our actions convey whether or not we are truly operating under it. If our faith is real, it will be evident by our behavior. In other words, do we behave what we believe?

For example, 2 Peter 1:5b-11 says,

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

⁸ The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

¹⁰ So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. ¹¹ Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In verses 5-9, the scriptures highlight examples of behavior that should supplement and complement our faith. These behaviors indicate that sometimes faith must go beyond our belief. In other words, if faith is to be completely utilized to its fullest extent it must coincide with our actions; they must walk together. However, these actions don't just come automatically or "robotically," they require work, diligence, perseverance, etc. For instance, when I first accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior that didn't automatically make me exempt from sin or growth, as a matter of fact it never will. Despite this truth, God still gives us extra help by providing us His Holy Spirit. By way of the Holy Spirit, God gives us the fortitude to continue to learn and grow.

With that being said, Salvation doesn't RELY on our good performance (actions/behaviors), but Salvation should RESULT in changed behavior and actions. As I stated earlier, even as followers of Christ that does not mean we are excluded from sin and growth in our lives, and Peter understood this perfectly in verse 10. He tells us to, "work hard to prove you really are among those God has called and chosen." Yes, saying we have "faith" is one thing, but now let's prove it.

For a major source of an encouragement earlier in this chapter, 2 Peter 1:3-4 says,

³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

We don't provide the assets to live a godly life but God does. Isn't it encouraging to know that He shares with us His divine nature! So let us continue to work hard to prove that we are truly one of God's chosen. This is truly a Faith Worth Fighting For!

Behind the Mic

"When you see someone perform/minister behind a mic. Realize that your only capturing one facet of them. Don't assume squat. Pray regardless."

This was one of the more thought-provoking statuses that came across my Facebook newsfeed this weekend. It came from one of my favorite poets and big inspiration for my poetry, Ezekiel Azonwu.

This a very profound statement, highlighting the fact that we sometimes make certain judgements about people based on immediate things we can see. However, we must be mindful that when anyone is behind a mic (poet, singer, preacher, speaker, etc.) that we are only experiencing one aspect of that person.

-1Timothy 5:24-25 says, 

"Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgement. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light."

To get a fuller context of this passage, Paul was warning Timothy about being in a hurry to choose church leaders. As the scriptures highlight, some sins may be overlooked, but just because we can't see the sins doesn't mean that the sin is not present. 

I am not suggesting that we closely scrutinize and attempt to magnify a person's every move and actions, but let us be directed by wisdom and discernment.

I like what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:1-4. He says,

"So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. ² Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. ³ As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide."

Paul and Apollos were prominent spiritual leaders during their time, but they humbly identified themselves as mere servants for their true Master- God. Paul wasn't concerned about the praise or approval from other people, he wasn't even concerned about his own judgements. Yes, he admitted that his motives were right; however, only God knows a person's heart!

What a great attitude and mindset to have whenever God allows us to use our talents and gifts!

Everybody is Getting Married!

You can't tell me this isn't God!...

Last week or so I went to church for this monthly youth council meeting to plan for upcoming events regarding the youth, but God had other plans. For some reason myself and this other lady also apart of the youth council board could not find where the meeting took place, and ironically no one was there to direct us.

So in the midst of our waiting we began to talk. The conversation first centered around VBS the past week, and how God had done amazing things within the youth during that week. However, interestingly and seemingly randomly the conversation then turned its focus on MARRIAGE.

Marriage must be the theme of the summer. A couple friends from highschool were recently married, engagements coming left and right, weddings coming left and right...Marriage seems to be where its at?!

As the conversation progressed, this lady said something that truly stuck with me. She said,

"one of the most uncomfortable positions a believer can be in, is realizing that they married someone outside of the will God has for them."

How do we know God's will for us exactly? Well one sure way is to check our emotions.

 Song of Solomon (Songs) 2:7 says..."not to awaken love until the time is right."

Obviously feelings of love can create strong emotions, but feelings aren't enough to support a long lasting relationship. This particular passage specifically tells us to WAIT! We cannot force romance to do the job commitment was made to do.

God's will is essentially keeping in line with God's will. How do we do that? By keeping Him FIRST! God must be the center-piece of your relationship. And if God is the center-piece of a relationship, than those two people in a relationship have to be passionately concerned about their individual relationship with God. 

I am not going to go into much detail about what to look for, and how do you know if someone is the right one. Right now I don't believe that is my position to do so, and as I continue to grow I truly believe God will answer those specific questions if we seek and ask Him. 

As I continue to understand God's character more, the more I discover just how orderly God is. He is a God of order and everything is done in an orderly PROCESS. I love that word! Process truly brings about progress. So don't bypass the process of a relationship (friendship) and let the relationship naturally progress in the Lord's timing!  

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Matthew 6:33-34

New Living Translation (NLT)

³³ Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 

Proverbs 3:5-6

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Also, check out this short video from a friend. I think the message is truly relevant and on time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fjGNDFfXp2o

 

Successful Ministry vs. Ministering Successfully

Successful Ministry or Ministering Successfully- more than just words being switched around, or a "catchy" title, I believe there is a major difference and distinction between these two phrases. In fact in order to have a successful ministry, we must learn to minister successfully.

This year I have an amazing opportunity of helping lead a new Bible study ministry on my college campus. It has been a great experience socially and spiritually, which required a teachable attitude and much faithfulness. A while back I actually saw the phrase "Are you concerned about having a successful ministry or are you concerned about ministering successfully?" on facebook, and I really began thinking about this major distinction. 

Now in writing this, I am not saying that EVERY Christian is called to be a pastor, rapper, singer, speaker, author, etc. Truth of the matter is God has not called everyone to start a ministry; however, we are still called to MINISTER. We are called to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ (See, Matthew 28:18-19).  As a result of our relationship with Christ; however, our life goals or careers may have to change in order  for us to carry out his will for us. The moment we accept Christ is the time ministry starts, whether interacting with others, entering a college classroom, and so on. Our life, our character, our morals, our beliefs should reflect that of Jesus Christ.

Looking deeper into the idea of ministering successfully I believe there are 4 passages of scripture which are great blueprints for the operation and functioning of ministry. Obviously, MANY passages in the Bible could greatly pertain to ministry, but these are just a few I thought were relevant:

2 Cor. 4:1-18, 2 Cor. 5:11-21, 1 Tim. 1:12-17, 2 Tim. 4:1-8. Based on these particular passages I came up with several points that ministry should incorporate.

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1) Ministry should always promote and proclaim the truth.

(2 Cor. 4:1-2- NLT)

"Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the TRUTH before God, and all who are honest know this."

An important thing to remember is that we stand in the presence of God, meaning that He hears our every word. We must strive to promote the truth of the Gospel, even if the truth we proclaim doesn't always please listening ears.

2) Ministry should be consistent and reliable with the Word of God.

(2 Cor. 4:2- NLT)

"We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the TRUTH before God, and all who are honest know this."

(2 Timothy  3:16-17- NLT)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

This is pretty much an echo from point number one, but obviously it is virtually impossible to do ministry without the word of God. Essentially God's Word is what equips and utilizes us to complete the work God has given us.

3) Ministry should introduce people to Christ, not merely yourself.

(2 Cor. 4: 5-6- NLT)

"You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake."

Paul's main focus of preaching was JESUS CHRIST. Considering the fact Paul wrote most of the New Testament books, his message was always about Christ, and not his accomplishments, abilities, and attributes. 

In my opinion, I feel as if this could become a major struggle amongst individuals in ministry. By God's grace, some of us have been given incredible gifts, talents, testimonies, insight, etc. It is a natural tendency to take great pride in our various gifts, but we can't let pride override our true purpose and goal. Remember the Gospel message has not changed, God does not "need" our gifts in order to make the message more effective or powerful. The power of the Gospel message (Jesus Christ) is the reason why our gifts and talents flourish (See, 1 Cor. 12:1-11).

4) Ministry minded people strive to have a sincere heart, and do not brag about their spectacular ministry.

(2 Cor. 5:11-12- NLT)

"Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart."

(1 Cor. 13:1-3- NLT)

"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing."

These passages say it ALL! Without love and a sincere heart our work in the ministry means nothing. A great question to ask is, are we impacting people or just merely impressing them?

5) Ministry minded individuals are more concerned with being an example, rather than creating an image.

(1 Tim. 1:15- NLT)

"This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'-- and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinner. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life."

Again Paul addresses us with so much realness and authenticity. Paul shared his past and his failure so that others would have hope also. He didn't address us like he "had it all together," in fact he refers himself as "the worst sinner of them all." In our ministry can people see our transparency and authenticity? 

6) Ministry minded individuals pursue knowledge, rather than pursue power.

 (2 Tim. 4:3-5)

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."

This passage sums up all the points beautifully, but as ministry minded individuals we should always lead people to the knowledge of God, and not control them with power and myths. 

Thank you all for reading. The list could go on and on. By all means please feel free to comment, provide feedback, and continue the list yourself. Love!

Knowing your Role (#TeamJesus...Literally)

 You hear a lot of times in sports about different players having specific roles on their teams. Most of the time these players have to perform their specific roles so that the "Best" player can perform his/her specific role. We as Christians have a specific role also...

"Been learning that as Christians its not our job to change people, that is the Holy Spirit's job. We plant the seed, and add a lil' water, but God is what makes something grow.  We cannot let frustration override our ministry. Do your job, let the Holy Spirit do His."

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NLT)

I planted the seeds in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God's workers. And you are God's fields. You are God's building.

"God chooses different paths for different people. Embrace your path and use faith to walk it."

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We can make our plans, 

but the LORD determines our steps.

Faithless Forgetfulness

2 Chronicles 16:7-10

"7 At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, “Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram. 8 Don’t you remember what happened to the Ethiopians[a] and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and charioteers?[b] At that time you relied on the Lord, and he handed them over to you. 9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”

10 Asa became so angry with Hanani for saying this that he threw him into prison and put him in stocks. At that time Asa also began to oppress some of his people."

Wow, so much is packed into these three verses found in 2 Chronicles 16. According to these verses King Asa displayed great faith at one time, but what happened? As a matter of fact, this is the same King Asa in 2 Chronicles 15:15 whose nation, "earnestly sought after God, and they found Him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side."

Sadly, I definitely can see myself in this scenario. How for a while I can display that faith which could move mountains, and then all of a sudden my faith gets choked by the worries and difficulties of life. Sometimes faith doesn't always come naturally, in most instances faith takes much commitment, practice, and patience. Sometimes we have to regularly remind ourselves of what God has done for us in past events.

Wavering faith seemed to be King Asa's biggest issue; however, a much more glaring issue is present. Look at how King Asa responded when confronted by the Prophet Hanani. Asa threw Hanani into prison, revealing the true state of his heart. How do we respond when we are confronted about our sin? Do we deny it with  pride, rage, and anger? Or do we accept it with humbleness, sincerity, and repentance? 

King Asa's heart was hardened, 2 Chronicles 16:12-13 says, "12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a serious foot disease. Yet even with the severity of his disease, he did not seek the Lord's help but turned only to his physicians.  13 So he died in the forty-first year of his reign"....

Asa carried his bitterness and pride all the way to his grave! We must remember that an effort to follow God's plan will always bring positive results. 

James 1:5-8

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁵ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ⁶ But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

MAN-UP! (Man of Character)

Here is the scenario:

Boy meets girl, boy approaches girl, girl rejects boy, boy disrespects girl. 

Funny? But we have all seen this scenario before. 

Men approaching a young lady expecting a certain outcome, but when the desired outcome  doesn't come into formation or agreement; the true colors/character is revealed! I can identify with this scenario personally, because I used to do it too. Today, it seems like a huge phenomenon of men using their Christianity as a means for people to notice them as "special" or "different," however they are not allowing their relationship with God as a means for transformation and character molding.

Men, if we actually allowed our relationship/knowledge of God to be used to transform our character into the likeness of Christ, instead of using it as a means and a way to attract women; we would be unstoppable! Not only would our character change, but I believe the world around us would change as well! 

Check this, 1 Timothy 5:2 (New Living Translation) says:

"Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters."

Since women are either going to be older or younger than us, we have a responsibility to cover and protect them. Regardless if they are our significant other or not, we still have an obligation to treat them as if they were members of our own family!

The challenge/question I want to leave to any man that reads this, including myself is this:

Does the persona we want women/people to see an authentic representation of our actual character?