God's Timing Part 1: A Look into the Life of Joseph

"Don't ask God for blessings that you 

may not be ready for..."

These words have echoed in my mind like a broken record lately. Lately I have found myself repeating these words, because trying to stay in my lane and not move ahead of God's timing on certain things has been a struggle. My college graduation is soon approaching and I am anticipating what will happen post-graduation. Where will I be? What will I be doing? etc.

For the past four years I have clearly seen how God has "networked" for me; opportunities and blessings have come when I simply have stayed "still." Yes, by God's grace I am sure I played a small role in those blessings, but ultimately it was God. I can't dispute or argue against that. I always say that God networking is 10 times more effective than the networking we could do; however we can't automatically assume that God has "got us," while we throw our faithfulness, commitment, and reverence for Him out the window. 

The story of Joseph has always been one of my favorite stories in the Bible. In Genesis 37:5, Joseph has his first dream revealing that he would one day reign or rule over many, including his family. This is a lofty dream for a 17 year old boy at the time, especially a boy who tended over his father's flock, and not to mention his family would be considered as foreigners. To no surprise, his dream came along with doubt (from his father) and anger (from his brothers). 

Later in Chapter 37, Joseph brothers plotted to sell him in slavery to Egypt, and convince their father that Joseph had been killed by an animal. In chapter 39 Joseph, was purchased by Potiphar, captain of the guard to Pharaoh (also known as, the king of Egypt). Genesis 39:2 says, "The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master." It was so obvious that God was with Joseph that even Potiphar himself realized it, and soon made Joseph his personal attendant. As a result, the Bible says that the Lord began to bless Potiphar's household for Joseph's sake.

However, there is more drama to the story. Potiphar's wife began to look lustfully at Joseph and demands him to sleep with her. Ultimately Potiphar's wife failed to seduce Joseph, who resisted her temptation by saying it would be a sin against God. Notice he didn't say that it would be a sin against Potiphar, himself, or Potiphar's wife, ultimately it would be a sin against God. Instead of Joseph's integrity convicting Potiphar's wife it only angered her and she falsely accused Joseph of attempting to rape her. As a result Joseph was wrongly thrown into prison, BUT Genesis 39:21 says, "But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love." God was ultimately in control. 

If we proceed to Genesis chapter 40 Joseph meets two prisoners in prison and interprets dreams that both prisoners had. Essentially, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams and in vs. 14 asked one of the prisoners that when he get's his old job back to mention his name to Pharaoh, so he might let Joseph out of prison. However, in verse 23, we see that the ex-prisoner. forgot all about Joseph, never giving him a thought.

It wasn't until TWO YEARS when Joseph was recognized for his skill of interpreting dreams. It wasn't recognized until Pharaoh himself needed his dream interpreted. Joseph's skill wasn't recognized until God said it was time to be recognized. 

The story continues, but there is an amazing example of God's timing and sovereignty. When Joseph was a teenage his dream was revealed to him. God revealed that dream to Joseph; it wasn't a coincidence. It's interesting how the dream was shown to him, but God never revealed the timing for when the dream was going to take place. Throughout Joseph's life God was continually with him, even in lower job descriptions and low circumstances, Joseph was able to flourish by the grace of God.

One thing I find amazing through this story is that Joseph's skill of interpreting dreams had to be first used for prisoners in prison before it could be used for a king in his kingdom. Ultimately his skill further gave credibility to his dream. Joseph eventually became a ruler over many and finally reconciled with his brothers, but I can't help to believe that God was preparing Joseph for his dream. I am pretty sure Joseph matured over the years or gained insight over the years that would allow him to be effective as a ruler.

So why is this story relevant? There may be some people who are just ready to graduate right now and dive into careers. There may be some people who have held on for a dream for a very long time and just are not sure when it will happen. There may be some of us that has an amazing talent or skill that hasn't been recognized yet. Remember that God's timing is different from our timing. Honor Him, and watch Him make your dreams become a reality.

"You can make plans,but the Lord's purpose will prevail."-- Proverbs 19:21

Christian Dating Blogs

Christian dating seems to get more and more popular. It seems as if so many young believers are seeking and wondering how they can attract that godly man or woman. Popular Christian dating blogs have also been on the rise allowing many individuals to finally seek and ask the questions they have been desperately wanting to know. Although I believe these blogs have the best intentions in mind, I am beginning to worry that people are heavily relying on these blogs rather than....God.

I think Colossians 2:20-23 sums it up beautifully,

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Paul is basically warning us that making rules and forcing ourselves to stay away from certain practices would never formulate the maturity necessary to be successful in our spiritual lives. Which brings me to my next point.

Christian Dating blogs seem to be popular lately, but be careful. Just because certain aspects worked for one couple doesn't mean it is your personal conviction as well. Let God be the standard not someone's relationship. Don't be so focused on your relationship looking like a good "image" that you start implementing things when God has not even directed or convicted you on those things! 

Boundaries are extremely important in a relationship, especially physical limits, but I know many young couples who are refusing to hug, hold hands, kiss, etc. until they are married, because of something they read on a blog. But what happens when/if they do hold hands, or hug, or kiss? Does that mean they are not strong enough? Does that mean they are not "good" Christians? Or could it simply mean that God didn't convict them about making their decision? 

Please don't get it twisted, I'm not "condemning" Christian dating blogs. I am just stating some things I have noticed with some of my fellow brothers and sisters.

A good friend of mine once said that, "we have to remember that we are seeking love from falling people in a fallen world." I couldn't agree anymore. So instead of continuously focusing on a list of do's and don'ts are we able to truly accept the other person for who they are, flaws and all.

The purpose of this post is NOT to attack these blogs, I think many of them truly put Christ at the forefront of relationships. I am just simply encouraging young believers to not get so consumed with these blogs that we ultimately forget God. Learning to grow in love, developing self-control, asking for wisdom, being led by the Holy Spirit is essentially what we should be striving for. 

The Motto!

"Always have the mindset that you would rather have 1 person apply what you say rather than 1 million applause what you say. I want to be effective not just entertaining. This is service to God more than just performance for man. At the end of the day...

This is ministry, minus me!"

Why You Shouldn't Date Everyone You Meet

There is approximately  7 million people in the world today. Many of which who will possess many qualities we share and find attractive. It is nearly inevitable that we will meet many people who interest us. However, we can't date or marry everyone who we find attractive, unless we are Solomon (he had 700 wives lol). My point is that even though we may come across many people we like or find attractive, it doesn't necessarily mean they are the right person to pursue a relationship with.

Many followers of Christ who are considering dating have heard the scripture "do not be unequally yolked" (2 Corinthians 6:14). It is a fairly popular verse and is referenced many times in regards to dating. Although it is referenced and preached a lot, sometimes many Christians overlook it. Why? Because of this dangerous thing called, feelings. Feelings can allow us to make many temporary decisions that can result in many long term consequences. That is why it is vitally imperative that we pray for wisdom and discernment and actively take heed from the Holy Spirit. He will guide us to help us distinguish our feelings from His promptings.

Through my past experiences, I have seen firsthand how my feelings have allowed me to make premature decisions in regards to pursuing a relationship with someone. A very vivid example stems from a young lady pretending to want to know more about God, only as a means to get close to me. It only resulted in disappointment as I realized that we were definitely going in different directions. From my past experiences it is my prayer and hope that I encourage someone with this post.

Believe it or not, godly characteristics in a person are attractive to individuals who aren't even looking for God. As the saying goes, "Some people want a godly man/woman, but don't want God."

The problem is that those who have this mindset never draw near to God, but only end up drawing near to you. You unfortunately become their substitute for God. As a result this adds pressure on you because as soon as you make a mistake, they associate your mistakes as a characteristic and quality of God. So you then feel as if your every move and action has to "perfect" in order for them to "see" God. This is unfair to you and to the other person involved; it is unhealthy. We can't base our knowledge of God, based of the errors of other people. In essence people may always fail us, but God will never fail us. It hurts my heart that so many people are so opposed to the things of God, because a Christian made a mistake and hurt them (mistakes are inevitable). This may occur possibly, because the person never had a true, personal relationship with God. As a result, they are not able to identify God's perfect presence from human's needing grace for their errors. This brings me to my next point.

Some individuals may be placed in your life for you to witness to them, not necessarily date them. A young lady may need to see an example of a trustworthy man, a young man may need to know how true acceptance feels from a woman. This is possible to display without dating them. Ultimately if people are broken and "dead" in their spiritual life they need to see the true reason behind your caring qualities. Essentially it means they need to see Christ!

World Wide Web

Its been about 2 and a half weeks since I released "World Wide Web," a spoken word video highlighting my struggle, but ultimately my freedom from pornography addiction. This video was made possible by The Good Fight Studios located in Waterford, Wisconsin.

Two years ago I wrote a blog post in regards to the deadly addiction (http://cedricdhoard.blogspot.com/2011/03/lust-p-word.html), but this poem was truly two years in the making.

"World Wide Web" purposely conveys two meanings. Not only is the title reflective of what the internet is most popularly referred to, but it is also a play on words conveying how the enemy uses a "web" to trap his "prey" worldwide. 

Below is a few lines of the poem:

"Consider when a spider weaves its web; it is made out of silk one of the most valuable fabrics in the world representing status and power, but the true purpose of this web is to entrap prey so that they can be devoured. So in other words, what appears to captivate, can actually hold you captive. It’s funny how something seemingly attractive, can actually make you inactive." 

This poem was ultimately inspired by a book I read this past summer, entitled, "Surfing For God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle" by Michael John Cusick. The book influenced the writing process for the poem to focus on three areas that porn can affect: 1) Emotional 2) Physical and 3) Spiritual. I think the book did a great job of discussing all three areas. Through the book I was also able to understand and realize that we can't "train our flesh" to overcome addiction.
Will power or "training" our flesh to overcome sin is not the way to do it. For how can we train something to do right when it is naturally at war with the Holy Spirit? There are numerous occasions in the Bible that address how our flesh goes against the purpose of the Spirit (Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-17). True heart conviction and recognition of Christ's forgiving grace is necessary. We can't hopelessly fight battles with will power that could eventually be won by surrendering to God and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Recently  I was contacted by the author in regards to my poem. In short, he shared my poem at a Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado as a way to impact and inspire other men. God has also used the poem in other mighty ways. I am so thankful to be a small part of His bigger plan.

I am extremely passionate about this subject and my prayer is that this video will further shed light on an issue  I know is still alive and active. People wonder if I am ever embarrassed by being transparent about this issue, but I feel as if God is using my transparency to reach those who may be struggling with this issue. I also do not feel embarrassed, because I am a product of God' grace and redemptive power. There is freedom from addiction through Christ! He offers a way of escape from this "World Wide Web." 

"Way of Purity" picture from:
http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/static/uploads/courses/header_images/way-of-purity.gif

Spoken Words

God has amazing ways of revealing things to you. This past weekend is no different. Recently, God revealed some aspects regarding my past that I was finally able to internalize. I am so thankful for His mercy and sovereignty, so I had to write about it. The gift and passion I have for spoken word is definitely for a higher purpose beyond myself.

When I was younger I was enrolled into speech classes. Much of my pre-school years I remember spending much time in classes to better improve my speech and pronunciation. This may seem normal considering my age, but I was also told by dentists and doctors that I would have a lisp and that it would cause problems for me as I grew older. Even to this day I have extra tissue on the bottom of my tongue.

Due to trouble of speech, I grew up to be self-conscious and insecure about my voice. I actually didn't like my voice. I didn't like how it sounded, to me my voice was just drawn out, slow, and robotic. So to solve the problem, I decided that being quiet was the best option. I remember purposely not speaking, because of the insecurity I faced with my voice. I was naturally shy when I was younger, so my added choice of not speaking contributed to my insecurity. Of course by that time I was at an age when I was expected to speak when adults or others talked to me. My parents would always patiently encourage me to break free from my comfort zone, but fear and insecurity choked the reality of seeming like I could break free. BUT...

I still remember one situation very clearly. I was at church, and a lady asked me something. Instead of speaking out I just simply nodded my head. The lady proceeded to say that she heard my "rattles." Basically it was a smart way of saying that she could hear my head rattling louder than my voice. This comment further fueled my insecurity, but it also fueled me to overcome.

Now looking back, the internal battle I faced with my voice was a major factor to my insecurities in high school. By God's grace I was finally able to receive true salvation and develop a relationship with Christ before my journey into college. As several people know my first poem I ever wrote or shared was in a mandatory speech class in college. I was faced with one of my biggest obstacles, but I knew I could do all things through Christ who gives me strength! To make a long story short, God has blessed me with the opportunity to share my gift of poetry to many churches, people, and venues. He also has allowed me to SPEAK to youth and adults alike. I don't brag when I share this, but it is only to give glory to an all-powerful God who had a unique plan beyond what I thought was my reality. 

My gift couldn't be revealed until my complete source of confidence came from an all-powerful God. Despite my confidence, that doesn't mean I don't feel nervous or insecure, but now I know where my insecurity lies. Like the blog says. I went from Insecurity to In Security.