...Asking all them questions

In life, we as human beings question things often.  Why, when, how and who are just a few of the questions we ask. As we grow older these questions never really change, the circumstance and seriousness of the matter may, but we still question life. Eventually after having millions of questions and no answers we usually take those questions to God.  But, as our relationship with God matures, there are certain questions that we expect not to have to ask anymore.  Have you ever found yourself wondering why your still enduring some hardships now that you are trying to develop yourself in Christ? Have you ever found yourself asking God why, how, when or who? When heartache comes we often wonder why God would allow us to feel the way we do.

As I was reading I came across something that read  “God is more concerned about your character development than your comfort level.” When I read those words, it was as if the wind was instantly taken from within me.  What I’ve noticed through this journey is, revelations and confirmations come in the strangest forms.  God will get his message to you through many venues.  After reading, I had to thank God for answering my prayers and giving me the information needed to continue my walk with him.  There are times that I have questioned God,  but reading that made me understand that I have no right to question him in some things, because I’m the one that’s missing the point.   

Let me take a different approach.  If we are a child of God, that makes him our father, right?  What do we give our parents? What is it that most parents want? What gives them the most joy? First and foremost we MUST give our parents respect. Meaning we don’t question why they did something or when they’re going to do something (unless we are ready for the consequences). We should give God (our father) the same respect.  Some questions we should NOT ask, we should trust that whatever is happening is happening for a reason and we should know that his ultimate goal is our well being. And we should be aware that by questioning him we are not having faith in him and we will reap what we sow. Parents also want to feel proud of their children.  They love nothing more than having the assurance of knowing that when they are not around you show people respect, courtesy and compassion as you were taught. The same with God! Futhermore, parents love when you are successful and accomplish things.  It allows them to stick their chest out and feel proud and accomplished through you because you are theirs.  It’s the same with God!  When you react in the spirit its like showing him that you are capable of carrying yourself in a way that is pleasing to him.  And what do parents do when they’re proud of you? Yep. They reward you.. Same with God, hence a blessing!

There are times as a child of God we feel it should be easy sailing... but, Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet he was crucified! So remember you will never be above disappointment, hurt or pain. But you can rise above allowing any situation to overcome you. 

Today my Voices are encouraging you to give God something to be proud of! Show him growth, respect, and knowledge! When you fear someone you dont usually question them and we as Christians should possess the Fear of God, so STOP ASKING ALL THEM QUESTIONS!

Until Next Time…

Restoration cont....

A friend of mine once told me "its amazing how God can restore you to your destiny at any point in your life" "this is probably the destiny that God had planned for you a long time ago but instead of doing things his way you did them your way, and now that you are allowing his will to be done and he’s restoring you back to your rightful place" thanks to her I was driving home from work one day and Restoring the Years by Donald Lawrence came on…and on THAT day, after THAT conversation THAT song meant so much more to me.

The feeling that came over me while hearing that song made my soul cry with joy. Restoration means something miraculous! As the song was playing I could hear my friend’s words reigning in my mind…. Restoring is when your heading down the wrong path and God steps in and allows a detour that will lead you back to him, Restoring does not simply mean to replace something, it also means fixing something that was broken … it does not merely consist of restocking inventory with something better but it can also mean completely revamping inventory by changing packaging (the way you dress and how you are perceived by others) and the storage place (the company you keep).

Restoration happens when your willingness to live a Godly life and God’s timing collide…then and only then will we be prepared to handle the type of blessings that God’s wants to bestow upon us. We have to be at the point in our lives where we allow him to take away what we have in mind for ourselves…and allow his will to be done (whatever that may be). It means replacing our thoughts with his thoughts, yielding to him to help diminish the power of our flesh and build our spirit… But we must first desire more than just pain being replaced with joy we must desire a closer relationship with God because then and only then will we be restored with increase like in Job 42 when Job prayed for his friends and God blessed him with twice as much as he had before… Verse 12 begins by saying ‘So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…

So today my voices are praying that we as people remember that it is time to take self out of the equation. My voices are praying for God's guidance and my willingness to follow, because I know only then will my life and God's timing collide causing my time of restoration.

Until Next Time...

Reflections

Every day I receive inspirational messages from a co-worker of mine. Today it read :

"Be careful what you share with others. Your words will either build up or tear down everyone who hears you. Expressing your worry, discouragement, disappointment, and anger will result in defiling those around you, and you will be held accountable for every negative or idle word spoken. (Mt. 12:36) Set a new standard for yourself to only speak as led by the Spirit, and refuse to backbite, gossip, criticize, judge, or tear people down. I am calling you, My Church, to a new spiritual level that can only be attained through righteousness and integrity. Don't miss the opportunities to access these greater heights, says the Lord."

I instantly knew that this word was meant especially for me because as I was reading I was instantly condemned. You see there are a lot of things about me that have changed…but many things that have remained the same. Even though I cultivate the more positive things, I still allow negative things to linger in my mind. There are times I speak on things before I have an opportunity to stop and analyze what I’m about to say and the negative connation that it could bring. The crazy part is, I've been thinking alot lately about my image reflecting my current position in life and the above message only confirmed my need to focus on controlling this aspect of my life better. I not only want my current spiritual journey to be evident in writing..I want it to be projected in my everyday life when I speak, smile or when I’m simply being quiet.

So Today My Voices are Muzzled. They are muzzled until I separate the positive from the negative, the praise from the gossip, the acceptance from judgment and the encouragement from the criticism. I’m sure this won't be an easy task, but I’m ready! The last thing I want to do is deter someone from growth or maturity!

Until Next Time….