Looking For a Reason...

Last night I was watching another one of those extreme weight loss shows and the young lady was over 400 pounds and climbing.  She experienced the tragic loss of her mother at a very young age and it tormented her to the point of turning to food as a source of comfort.  Through the years, she used the passing of her mother as her reasoning for continuing to over eat and for continuing to gain weight – even if it was to her own detriment.  As I sat there watching and listening to her story, I couldn’t help but think about all the reasons we hold on to in order to remain the way we are; all the reasons we hold on to in order for us not to change.  Her reason was food, but what’s yours?

I was able to relate this this lady’s story because I had two siblings diagnosed within months of each other with cancer, and they both passed away as a result of their illness.  Food, which became my source of comfort, turned toxic for me.  As my weight spiraled out of control, my health, my esteem and my outlook on life was bleak.   It wasn’t until I “made the choice” to regain control that things began to change.

People suffer all kinds of unfortunate events in their lives, but those events don’t have to be a reason for you not to empower yourself to have a better life.  That better life includes happiness, success, health, wealth and prosperity. 

You have a choice, so you can stop looking for a reason to not live your life to its fullest potential.  Let go of the hurt, let go of the fear, let go of the regret, let go of the unforgiveness, let go of the past and let go of the people in your life who are subtracting from you versus adding to you.

If you are going to look for a reason today – look for a reason to live your best life yet!

Superficial Constraints

So now that I'm in my mid 30's and pressing on, I see that my list of "must haves" in a man have changed a bit.  A guy friend asked me the other day what my top 5 were and here is where I landed.  Now if you had asked me the same question a few years ago - the answers would have included a degree, salary comparable to mine, a homeowner, 6'4-/250 lbs, etc. I do understand that with time comes maturity.  The expectation of a solid, well-rounded, good person supersedes the materialistic constraints that I was placing on my future mate and could possibly be why I'm still single.  I needed to grow up!

What I was failing to realize was that if the man I long for possessed the attributes below, the other things on the list would come together, as they should.  So the more I think on it, the more I realize that I've probably passed him many times over or didn't give him a chance because I was blinded by unnecessary necessities.

Superficial constraints.  Anyone can have a house; anyone can have a car; anyone can make a 6 figure salary; anyone can get a body like Angela Bassett.  Anyone who exerts enough time, effort and energy can have all the material things to define our societal ideas of success, but does that make them a good person?  

So you may have reached a level of admirable achievements, but are you a good person? Do you have integrity; do you talk too much; can you be trusted; are you the same person behind closed doors; do you have a close, intimate relationship with God as you portray?

Top 5 Must Haves

1. Committed relationship to God
2. Integrity (honest, trustworthy and true to who they are)
3. Ability to communicate vs. shutting down
4. Intrinsically motivated (a hustler/go getter/driven)
5. Positive/optimistic/glass half full

Think about it - are superficial constraints impacting your ability to build good relationships?  Of course you need to exercise common sense with associating with anyone, but to thine own self be true about the relationships you've dismissed.  

I Can't, But HE Can...

Isaiah 49:13 – 16…Shout for joy, you heavens;rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains!For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. But Zion said, “TheLord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Lord I’m tired; I’m frustrated; I’m stressed; I’m afraid; I’m lonely; I’m sad; I’m angry; I’m lost; I can’t do this!

There are many of us who are experiencing many of these feelings and some may even believe that God has forgotten all about you.  However, be reminded of His words today.  God said that He will not forget us!  Trying times are upon us and our faith is being stretched to the max.  In either direction that we turn, there is something going on; however, the Word reminds us to fix your gaze directly before us (Proverbs 4:25).  In this season of life, it’s imperative that we speak life, and that life comes through the Word of God, so get in His presence and stay there.  

It’s easy to complain and call it expressing, but God’s Word is forever true.  We serve a God who has proven Himself time and time again.  He’s made a way for us over and over again, so just because this situation is taking longer to overcome than the last, is no reason to discount His ability now.  You may feel as though you can’t take it another minute, but HE can!

II Corinthians 12:9 – 10…But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

James 1:2 – 4…Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

I Thessalonians 5:16 -18…Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

I Peter 4:12 – 13…Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

God Sent A Man ...

Please be encouraged by this passage from a book called, "God Sent a Man" by Carlyle B. Haynes....

"There is no state or condition into which men or devils may precipitate us that takes us beyond the reach of our heavenly Father. Do not allow any combination of circumstances, no matter how complicated and seemingly impossible, to cause you to believe that God has lost His ability to help you, to bring you deliverance, to change your hopeless captivity into glorious victory. When God's time has come He can make every difficulty vanish. He can cause every barrier to disappear. Nothing, literally nothing, can stand in the way of the carrying out of His purpose, the fulfillment of His will. And God's intervention to completely change the circumstances of a life can come instantly.

It does not matter that you see no way out from a completely hopeless condition. God can see what you cannot see. You may be in, or be brought into, great trials that present what seems to be insurmountable difficulties. They may be caused by the loss of some loved one, by some embarrassing circumstances, or by some other calamitous events. You may come to think your situation is hopeless, and be unable to perceive any way of escape.

If and when such a time comes to you, do not lose your confidence in the God with whom nothing is impossible, even though every human help has failed you. Never is His arm shortened that it cannot save. Never is His ear heavy so that it cannot hear. Your extremity may easily be His opportunity. He is never at a loss for means by which to affect His Gracious purposes."

Pushing or Pulling

Are you pushing or pulling me?  A friend and I exchanged emails the other day and I told her that "crucial conversations" are necessary at times.   We need to evaluate whether those around us, associated with us or connected to us are pushing us into God's presence or pulling us away from Him!  How do you feel when that person enters your presence?  How do you feel when they leave?  Has your faith increased or decreased?  Did they encourage you or discourage you?

My Pastor said something that stuck with me and it was that you don't know true pain till you realize that your spirit, your own attitude caused you to miss out on the future that God intended for you.  There is no one else to blame - just you!  WOW!! Just because a person isn't outright wrong in everything that they do and say doesn't mean that the subtle things that they do and say aren't influencing you and at the end of the day - you're the one accountable.

"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." Galatians 5:9 

Today - make a choice because what you allow will continue.  Make a choice to disassociate yourself from negativity, doubt, depression, self-pity, nay sayers, bad behaviors, unrighteousness. 

"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." I Corinthians 15:33

 

It's okay to let others know when you disagree with them and its okay to walk away. Just because you've known that person for years and "that's just the way they are.." isn't an excuse for you to continue to allow them to pull on you.  Ask yourself - why is it so hard for me to walk away?  Could there be something in me that is in agreement with them?  Honest self examination!!!

So, are you being pushed in the right direction or pulled in the wrong one?

"Sin will take you farther than you intend to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay." (Thanks LJM)

Who Knows?

Who knows that you’re a Christian, based on your actions and not from you telling them?  Who knows that you care, based on your actions and not you telling them? 

Is your life your message?  Can someone spot you in the group and see the difference in you or do you just blend in?

Matthew 5:13 – 16… “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Many times we go in and out of the day without being cognizant of the fact that we are here for a distinct purpose – and that purpose is to be a light that shines in the midst of darkness.  That purpose is to live differently so that others come to know the God that we serve.  I often times here people say that I don’t know what my purpose is yet or I need to begin to walk in my purpose.  HELLO???  Our purpose is very clear – we are to live in honor to God in such a way that others are drawn to Him.  Plain and simple!  He has given us different gifts and talents, but the purpose is the same.

So today, Who Knows about you? Are you letting your light shine?

IF and WHEN...

Stuck between IF and WHEN; wanting to believe that God is going to bring you out (WHEN), but not sure IF it’s really going to happen.  Wanting to be strong and have faith in God and praying that He removes any trace of doubt.  Lord, I believe, but please help my unbelief.

We’ve all struggled with these moments, periods of time, and situations in life where we just feel in limbo about the things that are occurring all around us.  Our doctrine teaches us to be strong and trust God, but the circumstances mounting against us, at times create a since of fear and panic, which can ultimately lead to a lack of trust - so we begin to say IF.

Today I’d like to encourage us all to continue to trust our Creator; our Heavenly Father who knows what’s best for us.  There is a song that I like to sing when I feel down and the lyrics are “Sight beyond what I see, You know what’s best for me, so prepare my mind and prepare my heart for whatever comes, I’ll be ready….”  Encourage yourself today through His word and through prayer. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)…Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalms 46:10 (NIV)… He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…

Jeremiah 29:11…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I Thessalonians 5:17…Pray without ceasing.

Deuteronomy 31:6…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”