“Spirit-Prompted Gifts”

Do you like gifts? Have you ever questioned a gift you were freely given? What about a time when you received something you really didn’t want? Or, how about that gift you longed for before it came to fruition? What happened to all the gifts you have ever obtained? Who did these presents have the greatest impact upon?

Scot McKnight, author of Open to the Spirit, talks about a different type of present in his chapter entitled Open Yourself to a New Orientation in Life. He refers to a “spirit-prompted gift” as an endowment given to Christians in order to serve others, not themselves. (Think about John 10:27, Matthew 22:37-38, and Mark 12:31.) He goes on to explain that every gift comes directly from the same source, God, we may be given more than one, and the gift is designed as a contribution to the Body of Christ.

I love how the Lord not only created us for a purpose but grants each of us a calling. Then He equips us with special gifts which the Spirit distributes. It is all perfectly planned to see His work through to completion for the timeframe in which we were placed on earth. McKnight takes it even further by explaining God’s vision-a beautiful picture of each member using his/her gifts appropriately to “bring the church into a unity of worship and fellowship (the way of Christ)”. Therefore, every member is important! The puzzle is not complete without all the pieces present.

Do you wonder what “spirit-prompted gifts” you have been granted? Have you ever taken an assessment to help you determine? There are all types of tests available. Just be cautious and mindful that spiritual gifts are directly from God and to be used for God. Try not to get caught up in the gift itself and remember it is not about you-it is all about advancing the Lord’s kingdom.

McKnight says it best in his writing, “When we all exercise our Spirit-prompted gifts, we are drawn out of ourselves and toward one another.”

My favorite part of the chapter was when the writer states that our gifts are best managed when we do so through the use of the Spirit’s fruits. What fantastic advice. So, may we each be encouraged to use our spiritual gifts with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and goodness.

Can you imagine the results of fulfilling your purpose according to His calling by utilizing your spiritual gifts through incorporating the fruits of the Spirit? I accept the challenge.

McKnight, S. (2018). Open to the Spirit. New York: WaterBrook.

August 17, 2020 0

BOOK REVIEW: Find Your Brave

Wagner, H. (2016). Find Your Brave. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press.

SUMMARY: Wagner bases the book upon Acts 27 and Paul’s encounter with a fierce storm while he is prisoner on a ship along with her own personal struggles in life to deliver a survival guide for followers of Christ. Her words are backed by Scripture. There are many ways suggested to approach and endure difficult times. Wagner gives readers practical steps in identifying a storm, how to discover the source of it, and how to handle each element.

The book directly addresses keeping God first and trusting in His power rather than your own. Wagner is very frank about ways to navigate your way through rough waters by discussing certain aspects such as hope, courage, and perseverance. She gives examples of how that is possible and how to grow in the power of the Lord. Wagner even provides Scriptures to speak over your situations in the back of the book along with group discussion questions if using the book in a small group setting.

My $.02: We all face hardship during our lives. I know when the 5 year pit came I was truly unprepared. However, from the experience was birthed Refining and the ministry God has placed in my hands today. I have read of countless others who have been given a struggle to bear witness to the miraculous power, love, and healing of God.

During the storm it is not always easy to know or carry out the survival skills based on biblical truth. Most of the time you are just trying to survive. This book gives readers great insight to the type of storm they are enduring and practical steps to handling life during and after the hardship. It is a good read for anyone but especially encouraging for anyone in the middle of a raging storm. I especially enjoyed the Scriptures given to pray over your situation. The book is worth every penny.

See what others have to say:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/27833541-find-your-brave

August 14, 2020 0

Sufficient Giver

For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Our great creator freely designed all things in heaven and on earth. He perfected each item with an eternity mindset. Amongst His amazing plan, He thought of you. We each play a role in God’s plan.

Do you see God in everything everyday?

Psalm 139:14 reminds us we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The writer, David, praised the Lord for His amazing works. Each time I think about this verse I have to stop and ask myself, “When was the last time you praised God for making you?”

I don’t know about you but, I find myself complaining about my imperfections and frailties more than thanking God for His design. Praising Him for my existence is a struggle. Why? Because the enemy has told me differently over and over and I listened to his “hogwash”.

So I have to reel in my thoughts and focus on the words “your works are wonderful” in Psalm 139:14. If I truly believe these words then I have to realize that includes me. That includes you! The Lord created us on purpose for His divine plan. We are wonderfully made.

Not only did He form us in our mother’s womb but, He makes a way for us to walk alongside Him for eternity and provide for us. He promises to stay with us and work in us and through us if we are willing.

Think about nature. The Lord looks after his creation and gives it everything it needs. It is fascinating how each animal and plant is sufficiently giving the nutrients needed. And yet God loves us even more as we read in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

When was the last time you sat at His feet and thanked Him for creating you? Have you spent any time expressing your gratitude for Him as your sufficient giver? You are valuable to the Lord. Press in and give Him praise.

July 24, 2020 1

Guest Speaker: Lisa Ives

https://acappella.org/store/praise-and-harmony/worthy-god/

“Have you ever wondered what it will sound like in Heaven?”

Yes, I have wondered and I think I know the answer. I think every time I am blessed to record with Praise & Harmony, a ministry led by brother Keith Lancaster, that I get a small taste, glimpse and sensation of what it will be like to sing in Heaven surrounding God’s throne.

As a teenager growing up in the church, I first heard of the singing duo Acappella at a youth series night of worship. Keith Lancaster and his friend Rodney Britt joined together to form that first group -to write and sing songs from scripture that were made using only the very finest instrument created by the hand of God – their voices. As soon as I heard and sang along with their songs, I was a fan for life. Little did I know, I would be able to one day meet Keith and sing along with him to record over 14 Praise & Harmony albums with countless other brothers and sisters. The mission of the Praise & Harmony project is to create congregations who love to sing and to help them learn songs in 4 part harmony. Albums are created with a mix of both contemporary songs and traditional hymns.

The recording experience is truly surreal. The process itself is a grueling grind of physical and emotional exhaustion that takes you to the mountain top heights of worship and down to the depths of the valley of despair – a true emotional rollercoaster with blessings beyond measure. Surrounded by anywhere from 125-250 other singers on these recordings, you feel totally engulfed in the songs and their powerful lyrics that remind us of what a wonderful God we have, what a magnificent Savior died for us, what pain and suffering feel like and what joy and blessings are only found in Him. The messages are powerful and cut to the core of your Christianity, causing you to meditate and think on spiritual things as you are drawn out by the melodies and harmonies created by you and around you. It is so powerful, it is truly difficult to find words that are adequate in describing what a blessed experience happens. I often find myself moved to tears and unable to sing as I just listen to those around me.

For weeks prior to the recording date, singers are all practicing the arrangements to tracks provided by Keith to perfect our part as either a soprano, alto, tenor or bass. The preparation he and his team put forth to lay the groundwork for us is amazing and helps make the final product even better. Before COVID-19, we were blessed to be able to gather together at a location provided by a home congregation. We were able to renew old acquaintances and meet new friends as we all pushed through the 3 day recording process to churn out an album of 25 songs. The albums are produced with 2 CDs of identical songs. One CD is the entire group singing, while a second CD is produced as a “training disc” providing audio of only one singer for each part, allowing a listener to easily hear the part they want to learn as they sing. The training CD is a vital part to the Praise & Harmony mission to equip everyone, regardless of vocal ability/musical knowledge, to do as scriptures teach and , “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” Ps. 47:6 ESV

God doesn’t want just the best singers – He wants YOUR best. He doesn’t call you to be “recording quality”, He calls you to worship him in song with YOUR voice, which is beautiful to His ears. I encourage you if you don’t sing, SING now. We all have that ability – think about the last time you sang along to the radio in your car – the joy it gives you, the feelings that wash over you. If you can do that for yourself, how much more important you DO THAT FOR GOD. It’s my prayer that you use song to show God how much you love him and if you do, it’s guaranteed you’ll be blessed.

If you’d like to listen to samples of the Praise & Harmony albums and even purchase them (CD or direct mp3 downloads), go the website: https://acappella.org/store/

July 13, 2020 0

Choosing Wise Freedom

Blog post dedicated to **Audra Rea** (one who exercises freedom to serve others according to God’s wisdom)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13

What comes to mind when you think about freedom? The right to choose-free from bondage-carefree living-being your own boss-able to speak your mind-etc. America prides itself on the term based upon the foundation of the country. Many questions come to the surface when we go back 244 years ago.

Was their way of living better than dictatorship? Did they get everything correct when trying to establish a new country? Were they able to agree on everything? Does it really take trial and error to be a wise country? Are we a more united nation today from the struggles we have endured over the years? Do we really understand what the term freedom means? Is our focus on what is right or wrong more than what is wise? Are we better off in 2020 than they were in 1776?

I am not sure I can craft complete answers and thoughts for every question presented above. However, I can attest to freedom out of control. Self-centered rights taken to the extreme with very little grace or mercy extended to others. Retaliation seems to be the theme in exercising the “American Way”. The unity to be “one nation under God” somehow has taken a backseat and replaced with Self-preservation for One and One for Self-preservation. How often do we make our decisions on what is right or wrong personally according to our thinking without any regard to what is wise according to the Lord. (I am so guilty as charged!!!)

As I have been traveling through the book of Proverbs, wisdom and folly are presented verse after verse. Solomon was a leader of many and wanted to acquire the wisdom of the Lord. He carried out James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord”. Solomon exercised his freedom to seek out what was wise through his fear of the Lord. He had regard for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation yet he even had transfer issues—difficulty living it out in all areas of his life.

Choosing wise freedom under biblical authority is not always easy (or popular for that matter). However, it is essential for us to understand the source of perfect knowledge – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that wisdom comes from the mouth of the Lord through knowledge and understanding.

So, when we grasp God’s insight and apply it to our freedom according to His wise counsel, maybe it should also reflect the seven attributes stated in James 3:17. Boy, do I have some work to do! As I process this knowledge and begin to let it penetrate my heart, I am really convicted.

On this 4^th of July, I have realized my “American freedom” lacks God’s purity and may even reflect the freedom of folly. As for me, my freedom focus has been altered by this single verse.

I pray this post has given you a different stance of freedom and made you think about what is wise for your life more than what the world says is right or wrong.

1. Peace-loving-inclined to avoid conflict or aggression

2. Considerate-careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others

3. Submissive-ready to conform to God’s authority; meekly obedient

4. Full of mercy-compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm

5. Good fruit-to produce God-pleasing goodness

6. Impartial-treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just

7. Sincere-free from pretense or deceit

July 4, 2020 0

BOOK REVIEW: Hidden Potential

Pope, W. (2020). Hidden Potential. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.

Summary: Written based on the life circumstances and personal attributes of Moses, Pope addresses four issues which have the ability to restrain a follower. These are presented as main topics: failures, fears, frailties, and faults. The writer defines and expands on each topic directly incorporating a focus on how each can create a stumbling block when serving the Lord.

Through biblical sound teaching, Pope illustrates the lies of the enemy and encourages readers to restore their “fractured faith”. She clearly prompts the reader to face the elephant in the room by identifying areas in our lives holding us back from the full potential of God’s plans. Pope delivers the content using Moses’ excuses and downfalls to shed light on the Lord’s continual view, love, and mercy towards His children.

Pope incorporates self-reflection prompts, discussion questions, and real-life stories to transition Moses’ story into a modern-day application lesson for believers. The primary take-away is for readers to comprehend their value and usefulness in God’s eyes despite their personal feelings of worth based on their individual failures, fears, frailties, and faults. Pope sums up the overall message in her own words, “You are a worthwhile possibility to God, full of potential, waiting to be discovered”.

My $.02: Wow! Just the book I needed to propel me forward. There are several areas where God has led me yet, I have hit some roadblocks and lack of confidence. (okay, along with MANY other things!) Do I ever question future potential despite the dreams and vision deep within my heart? Maybe I should just say yes and not reveal how many occurrences a day.

Pope brought back to mind the failures, fears, frailties, and faults of Moses. I had forgotten several of these regarding his life. Based on many of these areas, the author had a way of prompting me to deal with my own barriers. She reminded me that God remains in control and continues His own purpose regardless of my downfalls and selected setbacks. The book confirmed the issue of me being my own worse enemy in numerous fashions.

I love how Pope defined each term and presented a simple self-reflection question at the beginning of every chapter. It is always refreshing to see an author acknowledge the two sources of help from God: His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit. Throughout the writing, Pope reflects upon scripture and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Her candidness and translucency present an inviting opportunity to lay out all your struggles and excuses before the Lord. The words are offered and communicated with great reverence for God and His love for everyone, “warts and all”.

Personally, I found so many inspirational statements that my highlighter may be requesting a thirst-quenching vacation ASAP. Let me just share a few with you:

Failure – “God uses every failure to mature our faith.”

Fear – “It is possible to be faithful and fearful at the same time.”

Frailties – “No one is too damaged or unskilled to join God in His work.”

Faults – “You see, we aren’t meant to lead and direct our own lives.”

If you are struggling with letting God lead, afraid of the pathway He has been asking you to take, and/or simply think you don’t have what it takes to carry out the plans of the Lord, find this book. God wants you to hear about the potential you really have if you are willing to be His surrendered servant. He knows you, inside and out, and sees a useful-valuable vessel to advance His kingdom. Stop putting it off—You have an amazing future ahead.

Don’t just take my word for it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52223634-hidden-potential

July 1, 2020 5

How to Weed-out the enemy!

*Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)*

Annual weeds, biennial weeds, and perennial weeds—They ALL frustrate me! Those annoying garden enemies drain my happiness and take up my time. Our beautiful flowers, shrubs, vegetable plants, and herbs lack encouragement and attention because I am focused on the invading schemes of the weeds! No doubt-they get more attention than they deserve but, I refuse to let them prevail.

How often have you allowed the enemy’s plots to derail your faith and focus? The lies, fears, and flat-out conspiracies can engulf life quickly. It takes a purposeful plan of intentional living to annihilate the devil’s ploys much like deliberately eradicating those pesky weeds in the yard.

So, how can we eradicate the “weeds” of the enemy without losing focus on the Lord? It is not easy to keep our thoughts on God when the “earthly things” begin to choke out our heavenly vision.

Identify the enemy – Weeds will not go away on their own. Those selfish suckers want to take over, soak up all the moisture, and ingest every surrounding nutrient. If you do not identify them and deal with the issue, they will continue to flourish. Sound familiar? Ignoring the strategies of the enemy will not make them dissipate. Call the adversary out by name! Deal with it! Claim God’s power over the enemy.
Practice maintenance – Safeguarding a yard from wretched weeds takes routine prevention. Pre-emergent plans have to begin months prior to the arrival of the antagonists. Lawn experts have to “get ahead of the game” to ensure some control over the war. In order to keep the enemy at bay, we have to do the same. It takes daily preservation through prayer, studying and infusing Scripture, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead.
Nurture goodness – Dealing with the weeds can rob your joy. It is easy to forget to “stop and smell the roses”. Make time to praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness, protection, grace, love, faithfulness, joy, hope, mercy, devotion, steadfastness, presence, eternal promises, provisions, etc. Extend His attributes to those around you without bias or partiality. Build up others and feed into them. Help their roots spread and eventually choke out the enemy.
Use the right tools – There are numerous tools on the market with promising results. The best ones are those that “get to the root”. The Lord has given us two helpmates-His Word and the Holy Spirit. God wants us skilled in using His sword and relying upon the Holy Spirit. We have to get to the root of our problems and issues by using His tools. So, declare the enemy powerless and saturate his plans with death-defining means through implementing the right God-given devices.

Weed-out the enemy. Remember, there are better things requiring your attention and focus. Satan has no place in your garden of life. Let God grow you to your full potential.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as you reward.

(Colossians 3:23-24)

June 30, 2020 0

I’m offended! What’s next?

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Yes-today we are going there-straight to the topic of being offended. Dare I say if you haven’t been offended a time or two in life, you may be the one and only. Offenses seem to occur as often as a windy day in the panhandle of Texas. They both will whip you around and leave you highly frustrated. The debris they bring into your pathway can be downright annoying. It is never welcomed and doesn’t exactly bring out the best in a person.

Offenses can happen in many forms but it usually stems from someone’s words or actions. You know-those sly cutting remarks made by a co-worker, the off-hand statement by a family member, the “grandpa” or “raging” driver, the person who just let their car door slam into your vehicle, the twenty-fifth call about an extended warranty on your vehicle, (P.S. stop calling me-the car is 11 years old!) or let’s just say it—the media!

Try going one whole day with either not being offended personally or not running across someone who was offended. Riot, chaos, looting, as well as many other actions fill the TV screens, radios, and social media pages due to being offended. It seems to be present every day of our lives regardless of where we go. People feel betrayed, ignored, misrepresented, neglected, etc. and anger and bitterness begin to rise. Honestly, it stirs up so many emotions within us.

Most offenses can be defined as an “annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one’s standards or principles”. They hurt and 9 times out of 10 we feed them and allow the offense to become a sin on our part. Usually, that’s what’s next.

But, what is God’s perspective?

1. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us to rely on the truth of God’s Word and not our fickle heart. Unfortunately, it can be deceitful.

2. Scripture tells us to do everything possible to overlook an offense and rely on God’s wisdom (Proverbs 19:11).

3. Extend love through God’s perspective and do not seek revenge or hold a grudge (Leviticus 19:18). Romans 13:10 reminds us that love is the fulfilling of God’s law.

4. Remember the redemption you received on the cross while Jesus was crying out “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Jesus forgave while being offending—right in the smack dab middle of it! So, decide ahead of time to embrace forgiveness as your response and give it over to God.

5. Bring your thoughts under God’s authority. Cling to 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 and choose patience and kindness at all times. Take your anger to the throne room and leave it there.

6. Invest in the fear of the Lord. Have reverence for His ways and allow Him to reign over your heart, mind, and soul. Refer to Proverbs 19:23 and remind yourself of the life and contentment found in fearing the Lord.

My friend, you will be offended. But in the midst of it, will you choose to honor God or offend Him? That’s what’s next.

June 18, 2020 1

Two Ways to Prevent from Being a Contaminated Friend

**Tribute to Diane Reid**
*One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.* Proverbs 18:24

When I think about friendship, my thoughts immediately go to the song You’ve Got a friend in Me by Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett. The lyrics exemplify the definition of a true friend who “sticks closer than a brother” for me. You know, the person who knows your quirks and flaws yet, loves you anyway. Those who protect your head and heart by caring about your feelings and guarding their words because of their admiration for you.

Proverbs extends words of wisdom regarding friendship in numerous ways. I love how it delivers prevention methods to keep us from being a toxic friend. As I have been reading and studying the chapters, I have had to accept many corrective words. Ouch! – my toes have definitely endured some agony. However, God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s promptings opened my eyes to several means which warrant being a noble and wholesome friend. Let me share a couple with you.

Your Lips: Yes, as lovely as they can be, they can release lethal poison. Proverbs 10:19-20 reminds us to be cautious with our words and double check to see if they are beneficial and worthy. Proverbs 12:17-23 heeds direction to utter kindness yet, be cautious in the overall flapping of the lips.

We find in the first few verses of Chapter 13 a promise of blessings for those using wise speech and pleasant words. But what about those times when provoking situations occur? Truth – they happen even in the best of friendships. Proverbs 14:29 reveals the solution is to restrain the lips and exhibit self-control over our responses. Proverbs 15:1 portrays this as having a soft reply and avoid harshness at all costs.

Then there is gossip. Yuck – the destruction it brings. Passing on all those juicy morsels and having no regard for someone’s reputation. It stems from a need to elevate self. Somehow it tends to capsulate half-truth, hearsay, etc. We can even become entangled in the web without initiating it.

Be on guard with your lips. Let your words speak life. Prepare to listen more and truly hear what others express. Make good use of your lip actions, avoid gossip, and be a friend indeed.

Your Heart: Have you ever found your heart to be in the wrong place? Self-centered living is an easy path to stumble upon. Proverbs 14:12 reveals that our “self-righteous” living may even be deceiving in its blessings because it is not sustainable. The truth is – it is a heart matter.

Luke 6:45 reminds us to guard our heart for the primary purpose of staying pure for God. We have to be mindful of what penetrates our heart and be very intentional to keep our focus on living for God and bringing Him glory, not ourselves. Proverbs 14:30 encourages us to have a “sound heart” because it generates “life to the body”. When embracing this lifestyle, we will be a friend who does not entertain a deceptive, harden heart and can offer love and goodness with the right motives.

Although there are numerous ways to produce great friend qualities, these two areas are primary issues that can make or break a relationship. Our motives and mouths can create excellence for His glory, but it requires discipline and righteousness of the Lord.

So, what does it really boil down to? A choice to love at all times regardless (Proverbs 17:17a) and to accept correction for our overall behavior for a lifetime. Not an easy decision but rewarding results – being “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” and receiving the same. A worthy blessing bringing pleasure to God.

June 11, 2020 1

Motive Check

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Motives-Have you ever made five-star plans yet, had the wrong motive? What about having a fabulous motive but, little or no plans? I cannot seem to separate motives from plans when pondering the subject.

While reading and studying Proverbs 16, God really captured my attention. I have to admit, I love to have so-called “well-laid-out-plans”. I want all 5 W’s answered and the details nailed down if you put me in charge. I might suffer slightly from anxiety when it comes to not knowing what the plans are. Do not misunderstand-I can go with the flow, but I need a general knowledge of what lies ahead or what to expect.

However, let us talk about life plans. We all make them no matter how elaborate or minimum. We have goals and dreams fully expecting for things to stay on our appropriate timeline yet, life happens!

I have had disruptions and setbacks a time or two when it comes to my “life plans”. As I ponder some of those interruptions, I think about my motives. YIKES! Several were self-centered and all to glorify me. YEP! Absolutely nothing to do with God and for that matter I really never asked His opinion. Wonder why some of those plans failed?

It is not easy to have fail-proof plans, but they might be more successful if we examine our motives behind them. Remember, we cannot hide anything from our all-knowing Father-He is fully aware of our motives (1 Corinthians 4:4-5). If our motives are to glorify the Lord and bring Him praise, it may alter our planning.

Imagine a life with sold-out motives for God only! Can you imagine how differently our life plans might look? May I dare to say, we would probably be relying on Scripture as our guide and conferencing with the Lord as we craft our daily pathway. And, we would not be as concerned about the outcome because we would know that God is in control regardless.

Solomon’s instructions in Proverbs 16:3 has made me more aware of how I plan. He was directly saying to me, “Hey, before you plan anything, check your motives. Are you doing this to exalt God or yourself? Who will be glorified? Have you consulted with the Lord? Does this align with scripture? Are you trusting God or yourself? Oh child, do you really have faith in God?”

I pray today’s posting touched you, but it might have been just for me!

June 8, 2020 0