Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ 30 Days…

Inspirations – Faith Evans – Everyday Struggle… ((http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbzqxe0GJP4&feature=channel)… (NOTE:  Raekwon does his share of profanity but disregard it and my apologies if it is offensive.) &

Philippians 1:9-10 (New International Version)
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

On next Tuesday, Faith Evans will release her latest project, “Something about Faith”. I was checking out YouTube and found a song from her latest. A familiar track to those that are Biggie Smalls fans, “Everyday Struggle”. She’s puts her spend on it and it’s got a nice chill sound to it. Listening to the lyrics got me the thinking about the rest of this year, and of course, the past.

At 29, I can honestly say that I love me. Something that until the age of 25, I didn’t acknowledge; rather, didn’t know how to do. And going through the Living Purpose course is revealing to me that once again, I am worth it. I am somebody. Now many would say, why are you being so selfish and vain? But, if you only knew. In the latter of my 20’s, I’ve done a lot of growing. I can honestly say (God willing) that as I exit my 20’s and enter 30 in April 2011, I feel a since of accomplishment and gratitude. I have a career, finances are better, on the verge of major investments, but MOST OF ALL… I’m at real peace in God. A peace of mind is golden, but a peace in one’s soul is a reminder that the foundation is Christ. Solid through and through.

My church, starting tomorrow, will embark on a 30-day fast and prayer for October. I’ve done fastings before, but nothing for this length of time. And usually, I wasn’t as committed. But as October 1st approaches, I see where God is allowing things and events to unfold that have me thinking, “I need to do this. There’s something that God desires for me and I must seize the moment. The only way it will happen now is by me being obedient to God.” Certain foods that we are to fast from, develop the prayer life even more, and study the Word. But there are few other things I hope to incorporate as well. I’m a Facebook addict indeed lol. Usually I go on there to play the games or chit chat about any and everything with my friends, but I wonder. Am I giving FB too much attention, versus God? Sounds silly, but I have to be real with myself. So for the month of October, I’m going to take a hiatus from FB as well.

One thing I won’t cut back on is writing. I still have a couple weeks left in the Living Purpose course, but I will also keep a journal of my progress on throughout the month. Who knows, I may even bring the Lil’ Son Chronicles back, but we’ll see. But all and all, I hope to take this month of October as a time to speak to and hear from God more. My hope also is that this will mark a new level in relationship with God.

THOUGHT: This is a statement from the course book, Experiencing God:

“When God is about to do something through you, He has to get you from where you are to where He is, so He tells you what He is doing.”

With God leading, I’m ready…

Father God:

Thank You for who You are. With every challenge that came my way, You have always been Truth. Father God, as I continue on this walk with You, I pray that I have an open heart to receive from You. Lord, for all that will embark on this experience at my church, be with them. Lord, I thank You for my pastor, Jay Cameron. Continue to add unto him, as He does Your Work. Bless his wife, his children, his family and all. To each church member; Lord be with them. Meet them where they need You. I pray that through this period that they be strengthened encouraged, and that they experience You in such a profound way. Bless my family, friends, fraternity brothers, and all. Lord, You know what we all stand in need of. And You know what our potential is. Pull the full potential out of us, so that we can be effective in Your Work. Continue God to have Your Way in us all.

Thank You Now In Jesus Christ,
Amen…

Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Where God Is At Work…

It won’t be long before the Living Purpose class comes to an end. And I must say so far it has been a wonderful experience. It is indeed a blessing to be surrounded by those that truly desire God and are willing to be transparent. It has really helped me to continue on this process to be more transparent and hopefully to become more effective in God’s Work. On today, I am however, concerned about some of the things that have come up in the news.

One… Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. Here’s a man that desired one thing; Holiness. I never got a chance to see Bishop Moales in person, but to hear my godbrother and others speak of him, you know that he was a man that truly loved God and expressed that Agape love in everyway the Lord ordained. Bishop Moales leaves behind not only family, friends, and church members, but has truly planted seeds from God that will bear fruit for many generations to come.

THOUGHT: When we think of this man’s life and legacy, some of us may think of those that had an impact on us, that have go on to be with the Lord. Parents, friends, and so forth that deposit God-filled seeds in us that have helped to keep us rooted in His Word. Think of yourself. Are you operating in God’s Work? If you were to leave this earth today, have you made an investment that will yield a return for generations to come?

Two… Denver Broncos wide receiver, Kenny McKinley. The typical 23 year old is excited about life and enjoying every bit. He/she may have just finished college and prepares for graduate school or the work force. And then there are few that “get lucky” and make it big. That was the case with Kenny McKinley. He got an opportunity to do something many of us would have loved to have done. Make millions. But in that, making millions, where’s the joy? Sure, money will make anyone happy. Yet, the happiness is only a temporary thing. Happiness is associated with only a good feeling. But joy…. Joy is when you are going through a circumstance and can still operate in the Will of God; trusting Him. Unfortunately for McKinley, that wasn’t the case. The frustrations got the best of him and so he ended his life at 23.

THOUGHT: As one that wrestled with this spirit of suicide, I must say that when you get to a point of wanting to end your life, only God can pull you out. Even then, you must acknowledge that is He that loves you the most. I am reminded of when I watched an episode of UNSUNG as they talked about Phyllis Hyman. Here’s a woman with talent, beauty, and yet no joy. I will say this, there’s nothing too bad or terrible that equates to suicide. I can say that now, because God reminded me that my life is not in vain. To anyone that has wrestle with this spirit of suicide or going through, THE POTENTIAL IN YOU IS AWESOME… YOU ARE SOMEONE SPECIAL AND UNIQUE IN EVERYWAY… GOD LOVES YOU AND CAN TRANSFORM YOU INTO SOMETHING WONDERFUL. HE IS WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS… JUST TRUST HIM…

Finally, Bishop Eddie Long. I am sure many of you have heard of growing situation with Bishop Long. Many have already formed opinions of how they feel. Some say he’s a pedophile. Some say he’s a closet freak on the low. Some say the victims are lying. Some feel they only want money. As I heard many times, there’s Bishop Long’s side, there are the alleged victims’ side and then there’s God; the truth. And regardless of what the case may be, here’s yet another indication that God is at work. And we, His Children must see that and join in. What do I mean? Pray. Pray to God that He will have His way in the situation and that He be with His Children. Let us not judge either side, but instead lift both parties in prayer that God will heal, restore, and make whole.

THOUGHT: It’s easy to see God at work when someone is told that they have cancer. We all were quick to send up prayers for the family of Dr. Malinda Sapp (Marvin Sapp’s wife) when she died. It was easy to be compassionate. But let’s have that same compassion for Bishop Long and the alleged victims. Be compassionate, because we all have done things and say things that we aren’t proud of. And if God chose to expose us, He has every right, but its part of His Will and He knows that we can handle it. So instead of judging one way or that other… pray that God would strengthen them and thank Him for it could be you out there in a negative way.

All and all, we have lost Bishop Moales and Kenny McKinley. We see the unfolding of the situation with Bishop Long. For a moment, stop and look back over your life. Understand that we all at one point and time have been dealt some major blows. We’ve been in some uncompromising situations as well. And in some cases God brought it all to our attention in one form or another, but understand this:

Romans 5

Peace and Joy

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

THOUGHT: In all we deal with; He continues to stand there with open arms; calling out to us. Can you spiritually see Him? Spiritually hear Him? “Never determine the truth of a situation only by looking at the circumstances. Don’t evaluate the situation until you hear from Jesus. He is Truth.” ~ Experiencing God.

Living Purpose ~ Intercession…

Intercession...

Who you are to me,
A friend, a brother, a sister…
You are someone that I touch, laugh with, someone I can see…

A reliable source of character and integrity…
A man… a woman of your word… filled with trust and sincerity…

A friend, oh yes, you are to me… indeed true and true…
I thank God for you and all that you do…

For encouragement… for advice… for guidance…
To put in my mind that I have the power to advance…

Who You Are to Me,
Indeed, you are more than just a friend…
For when I see you, I “see” what I can’t touch and see…

No I can’t with the physical sight…
But with spiritual eyes, I can see His Light…

Yes, His Light, His Anointing, His Glow…
It radiates ever so brightly through you and ever so bold…

You know my friend; I’ll let you in on a secret…
His Light lives in me too and I pray that it guides your life to direct…

Who You Are to Me… is truly who I see…
My Friend, My Savior, My Brother, My Guide to see…
I thank You for the reminder that I can be all that I can be…

To be and so much more, but My Friend, I ask of this one thing…
All that You inhabit, continue to do a new thing…

A new thing in them that will make them stronger…
So that they too can run on a bit longer…

To those that You desire to inhabit My Friend…
Use me and I will search and save them until my end…

But even then, You showed me that after this life…
That Your Angelic Friends will assist; after all, Vincent Sr. has in his afterlife…

Who You Are to Me… I praise You now and forever…
For how You use us daily; and to forsake…hmmm, Your Word said, NEVER…

Christ, I thank You, My Friend…
For what You did for all on Calvary; Bruh… we can live forever and it will never end…

THOUGHT: This is for you. I love you… and thank God for you. Don’t allow Satan to distract you from Christ. Seek Him and touch the Hem and be made whole under the subjection of Jesus Christ…

Father God:

I thank You for Your Son, My Brother, My Friend. Christ, what You have done for us, we can never offer up enough “Thank You’s”, or dance the best dance, or shout enough “Hallelujahs” or simply cry tears of joy. We are truly in awe of Your Glory, Your Presence, Your Love… we thank You. I ask that each person that reads this would be blessed beyond their thinking… beyond measure. Lord, some are hurting… some are wrestling with suicide… some have been abused… some are inflicting pain on themselves… some have lost loved ones… Lord whatever it is, Meet them right where they are… and as they embrace You, allow them to experience a new level in You. Restore, Heal, Deliver, Make them Whole, and most of all… Love them more, now…. And forever….

In Jesus Christ Name…
Amen

Living Purpose "LP" Entries ~ Make It Happen

Inspiration: Living Purpose Class, Mariah Carey – Make It Happen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QITdExXCi9M)…

Back in the 1990s, Mariah Carey hit the music scene with a range that will mess yo’ walk up. Many of her songs from then dealt with love, but some also dealt with inspiration. One song in particular that fuses, pop, Christian music, and the Gospel is Make It Happen.

I’d like to think of this song as Mariah’s Testimony, because of the words. But in a nutshell, she’s made the declaration to trust God and know that He will “Make It Happen.” Wouldn’t it be something if we could simply trust God and know that He will make “it” happen? Regardless if we know what the “it” is, but we believe God anyhow. Believe God will make all things happen according to His Plan and you role in relationship with Him.

Here’s an earlier entry I wrote 3 years ago…

Testimony... Just Thankful

As sit today, my mind reflects on situations and events that brought pain and shame and how God brought me out. I thought how many of us attend church and the fundamental thing that pastors speak on is if you have a bad situation, God will turn things around.

Well we hear that and get all pumped up and in time God does just what He says. Yet, further down the line, once again, we are up against a new wall. And we go back to church and get pumped up again and the cycle goes on and on.

So what’s missing? This year alone, I think I’m really starting to understand more about this Christian walk. I talk to several people and read how folks are dealt cards that they were force to play. And sometimes, I look at myself and see the cards God has dealt me; some days the hand looks like its trump tight and other days the hand looks like its missing spades. But I can’t throw it back in.

And yet the hand that I do have may have something that someone else’s doesn’t have and their hand may have something that mines doesn’t have. Yes, we all are created in God’s image, but it’s our journey with the Lord that defines our uniqueness.

There are days, I ask myself, “V, what is your motivation?” LOL... and that’s not to put myself down but sometimes we need to be reminded of one thing. That is no matter what happens, God never changes.
But at times we need to do a self evaluation. Rather sometimes, we need to ask God to search us. Remove all that is constantly trying to change us for the bad and put in place His never-changing love.

We wonder, why must I be alone, why did she/he have to die, when will it end, how do I bounce back? Understand that in middle of the trial, God is with you. Understand that, you have been here before... You have been here, when you know what pain is. It may be on a different magnitude but it’s the same feeling. You dealt with it and overcame it before and now you can do the same thing again. Recently I found out that a position that I applied for did not come through. But that’s a blessing. It was something that I wanted, but God knows what I need. Now at first, I started to become upset, but I had to stop and think back. The current job that I am at now was part of God’s plan. And it was in the works for a long time, when I didn’t have a job and was really going through. During that time, I was really hurting, but God kept me thru the pain and suffering. Notice what I said, “God kept me thru the pain and suffering.” For so long I was praying to get a new job that after a while, all I could do was dwell on pain. Everything and everyone was against me. And yet, the Lord simply gave me joy. And it wasn’t in the job. It’s in my spirit.

Today, I am grateful for everything, but forget about the job and house and money and car and all the tangible things. I thank God for Jesus. The love, joy, peace; intangible. That’s worth more than anything. Think about it ya’ll... The intangible is so much more lucrative than the tangible. Once we realize that the intangible is priority, we can then be in right relationship with God.

If you had told me that at 26, I would really start to understand this relationship with God more so, I wouldn’t believe you. But I gotta tell ya, God is truly amazing and each day it gets better for us all that we blessed to see.

Fast forward to today, at 29, all I can say, with God leading… I’m making it happen. But more so, by believing in God, he’s making it happen…

THOUGHT: It’s simple. Trust God, Love God… stay in relationship with God and watch how He makes it happen…

Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Better Place…

Inspiration ~ Michelle Williams – Better Place (9.11) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NW5R19CzLc, September 11th, 2001, and Psalm 91:1

Why do we continue to mourn? The endless tears got you in a bind? Miss your mom? Or maybe your dad? Bruh, you miss saying “I Love You Baby?” Wishing you could kiss her again? We all were affected by that day, September 11th, 2001. But a selected few are really hurting. And I’m hurting with them. Their pain is my pain, their joy is my joy. And I’ll say this to all the victims’ loved ones, I have plenty of God’s joy to share with you. How they died differs, but I know how it feels to bury a father, a grandfather, uncles, an aunt, cousins, friends, and fraternity brothers. And know that as difficult it is, you will persevere. God prepared you long ago for this and every other event and knows that you will rise.

It’s been 9 years since that day and the wounds are still fresh for many. The #1 question, “WHY?” The feelings of anger, depression, and confusion are all around. And yet God reminds us that He is with us in the MIDST OF ALL. That alone should help to ease the pain, but it still is indeed a challenge. To add to insult on top, we now are puzzled as to why a man, Pastor Terry Jones, feels such hatred to the Muslims. I can understand your opinions about any religion outside of Christianity, but Pastor Jones I wonder… have you forgotten about real Christianity. Have you forgotten that it’s not a religion, but a relationship God desires? Have you forgot that we are to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, body, soul; everything about and within us… and that we ought to love thy neighbor as the Lord loves us? The treatment we can give to one another; if God treated us the same way. Take away the titles for a minute. We are children of God and we are to let His light shine so that when others see us, they see Holiness. When did we as Christians forget that?

This also leads to my next point. A personal relationship with God is essential. There are a lot of wonderful preachers and writers that preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And we bless God for them. But what do you do with the message? Forget about it on Monday morning? With any message that you received, you should always go to God and if it is a message from God, receive, and apply it. To those that are following Pastor Jones; I am concerned. I believe God ordained him for ministry, but I pray that God would remind him of to Love Others as God Loves Him. Also that those following him, know that their true identity is found in Christ.

Finally, I go back to the victims. Hmmm, we can’t call them victims anymore. That spouse, parent, child, and/or loved one is saying, “Don’t cry for me. I’m at peace with God. It’s such a wonderful place. Everyone is joyful and full of Love. Just trust God. He’s waiting for you with open arms.”

I think those, that know the Lord, have gone on (due to 9/11 and any event) would tells us they truly understand this verse and want for us to understand it, even now. Psalm 91:1 - He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Father God,

I thank You for grace and mercy. I ask that You be with the families and loved ones of the 9/11 attacks. Comfort them, as well as the Nation at large in the way Only You can provide. Father God, I ask that You be with my brother in You, Pastor Terry Jones. Lord, You know the offenses within him. Help him to face those hurts and to deal with them under Your Subjection. Lord, remind him of the call You given him. Let him not sway from Your Invitation into Your Work. Lord, so many hurts are out there trying to hinder the growth of Your Kingdom, but God I ask that You have Your Way in everything that concerns us and the Plan that You desire us to follow...

In Jesus Christ Name...Amen.

With the events that occurred that day and all that has happened... if you don't know who this man I speak on, Jesus Christ... I say to you now, today is great opportunity to make the best decision for eternity. Submit who you are or rededicate who you are to Christ and let Him make you a new creature…

Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Thank U… A Poem…

Thank U

Day in, Day out
I stay busy without a doubt

By sunrise I'm up, doing and testing
By moonlight I'm relaxing and resting

A continuous theme...on and on...not out of place or fraction
Yet on one day...one day I had thoughts and realize a beautiful distraction

This interruption was complex yet familiar in my sight
For you see it was my past and how I was guided through by His Light

You see, in all the hustle and bustle and stress of the days
I am reminded of His Goodness when He speaks and says

"I am with thee and forever ye shall be with me."
In that one phrase my heart is opened to He.

And for a minute in the midst of all that I do.
I can stop and Give Him Praise and Say....Thank U.

Thought: On cold days...on hot days...stressful days...sick days...on happy days...on surprising days...Always remember each new day is a blessing filled with new mercies...Always remember who made it possible for you and make sure you tell the Lord...Thank U.

Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ The Vain-“LESS”, Eternal Labor…

Two things come to mind when I think of the title of this entry. The first is a familiar song by the Clark Sisters “Is My Living in Vain?” A song that lets it be known that what we do for the kingdom of God is worth the risk and the faith we exercise. The second; this holiday weekend. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the strength and endurance of workers in this country. These two coincide with one another in the sense of making sacrifices, doing something continuous that can be tiresome, and yes; even frustrations that come with labor (women that are mothers can attest to “frustrations in labor lol”). Frustrations, especially if it’s something that you feel can’t do or you do it and don’t get recognition. But here’s a thought, are you doing for the accolades or because you are being obedient to God?

We have heard the following: 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.

When we hear it, we get all excited. But my question is, if we are to believe that He knows the plans for us, then why do we get all upset when things occur? We said that we believe that Christ died for us. We claim that we believe He got with all power. We say that we are children of God? But all this we say; is it just pretty clichés to us? Does it convict on us on any level?

It is a challenge to loose a job or your home, become impatient on completing an assignment or paying off a bill and so forth. But what of these things? Tangible items that you were not born with, that can’t go to heaven with you, items that could indirectly or directly lead you to hell; that is if you worship them. But these things are only “things”. They can assist you as you maneuver through life, but they are not the intangible; love, joy, peace. The real assets. A peace of mind is worth wayyyy more than the national debt. Could it be that trials in general come because God wants to get your attention? Could He be saying, “Why are you so wrapped in the trivial? This is the true task that you are to do. Now will accept the invitation?”

Many of us would say we can’t because of a track record. So what you messed up in the past??? Don’t you serve a God that can take something that is messed up and make something wonderful out of it? Or we start on what God wants us to do and get weary because of this, that, and the third. It’s especially difficult when you make an effort to follow God and others see that and try to discourage you. But as the song said, “NO OF COURSE NOT… IT’S NOT ALL IN VAIN. CAUSE UP THE ROAD, IS ETERNAL GAIN.” (Minus Karen Clark-Sheard’s run of that note LOL…).

But I say this to you, with all that will be going on this holiday weekend, stop and think about the significance of the holiday. Many that we will never know made so many sacrifices so that we can live a better life. Do you think Moses, Esther, Jonah, Joshua, Abraham, Christ and many more were eager to go forth with God’s work? Well maybe Christ lol, but the point I make is, I’m sure many were discouraged and got weary, but because of love relationship with God, they understood that they had to be obedient. They knew the voice of God and understood that He would give them the provisions to follow through His commands. More so, they did His Will, because they Love Him. If you Love God then know that what you do and who you are is NOT in vain.

THOUGHT: In Genesis 1:26-31, it says the following:

26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so.

31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

What’s the take away? God created man in His Own Image… God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. God created you and saw that you were good. He created you for greatness in everyway. Now isn’t that reason to be excited. When God looks at us, He doesn’t say, “Oh you are disgusting to me.” (Well, unless He has to call you out like He did in Revelation 3:15-17 (Message Bible)… but hopefully you haven’t got on those terms with God lol.) But, He looks at us with Perfect Love. His Labor in creating us was NOT in vain and therefore; who YOU ARE; IS NOT IN VAIN. But rather what you deposit on this earth; if it is God’s work, it will lead to the road of ETERNAL GAIN. He’s standing with open arms saying, “My Child. The invitation has been sent. Will you accept or deny?”

THINK ABOUT IT… Happy Labor Day Weekend.