The new and correct mentality these days is "What is my purpose?" This is a good question to ask because when we leave this earth whether you believe in Jesus or not it is a question that will be required of you. "Did you do the will of God for your life?" One might ask, how do I know His will? First of all, read His Word. Join His church. Look at some of my previous posts to determine what is a good church to join but you must believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose three days later and that His blood covers our sins.
Join a church because the Word states that God will do nothing in the earth unless He reveals it to His prophets. A lot of times we miss out on things because we are not properly aligned. We are not under spiritual authority or leadership. This doesn't mean that a pastor is telling you when to go to bed and when to get up or when to go to work and when to stay home. It simply means that you have accepted God's rule for your life and that you understand that God's prophets, pastors and preachers, evangelists and apostles are His representatives here on earth. And that those who are of a truth are hearing from God and walking in integrity and will not lead you astray. If they do, make no mistake about it, they will be held and are being held accountable.
So take comfort in knowing that God has your back. When you join a church and if it is where God has ordained for you to be, He will confirm it. If He doesn't, just ask for a confirmation and if blessings and good tidings start flowing to you, rest assured that you are in the right place at the right time.
Proverbs 20: 18 says that "Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war." Isaiah 14:27 says "For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, who shall disannul it? and His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
Pastor T.D. Jakes said it best in one of his sermons "If you think you can stop God's will, you are tripping." That is so true. The enemy may think that he can slow things down but he can't stop God's will for your life especially if you want God's will for your life. Family members, friends, a spouse, church folks, co-workers and others can not stop the will of God for your life. God is a purposeful God.
Psalm 23:5 says "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
God wants us all to be anointed and when you come out of darkness into the marvelous light you will be anointed. The Word of God says no good thing will He withhold from them who walk upright.
God will reveal Himself to you. I know that He speaks to men and women verbally and through the Holy Ghost. I remember when I received the call to teach things were happening and I just knew that something was going on. After a few flat tires, some of which upon inspection weren't flat, I decided to seek out my Pastor at the time and I told him that something is going on.
At the time, he said that I was probably getting the call, like to preach. That of course scared the daylights out of me since I was a televison news reporter and overnight anchor and had no desire this side of glory to preach. I was thinking, I will stay in Memphis a few more years and work my way to a bigger market. That was the plan since one of my mentors was a CBS news correspondent and another was an anchor in Dallas and she eventually became a co-host of the CBS Early Show. Yeah, I'm going places was my thought and I have been planning this since 9th grade.
Anyway, he told me to go home read these scriptures and I don't remember which ones he gave me. They were in the New Testament in one of the Gospels. He told me to fast and don't watch TV tonight or talk on the phone and God will speak. Well, I did as he said and I was expecting to hear from God because the man of God told me that God would speak.
Sometime that night or early morning I was awaken but I didn't open my eyes and God called my name twice. The second time I was attentive with my eyes closed and He told me to "teach the children." He showed me pictures of children. Each child had their own scene and they were in living, moving color and they were of different nationalities. And after he spoke that was it. I went back to sleep.
You might ask, how do you know it was God. The Bible says my sheep know my voice. The next day, somone who I had worked for in college called me and asked me to be on the board of their after-school program. I eventually ran a summer camp for SMART and then I was President of the board. Eventually, I left television when my contract ended but before it ended, I couldn't really get any peace and everytime I went live from the studio or in the newsroom there was pressure on my head and it would cause me to sort of frown. I remember the General Manager coming downstairs and just trying to get me to smile but I couldn't. I was also dreading going up in the helicopter for live shots or traveling out of town because I would get motion sickness.
Years later, a viewer responded that she saw the pressure that was under. And the pressure wasn't from co-workers. Channel 5 was a great place to work but that purpose in my life had ended. I was also under pressure to finish a book that I was working on. I was able to complete the book after leaving Channel 5. That book is "Glory...the Hair." I think that I was under so much spiritual pressure that God had to send me to a bigger more established church like Temple of Deliverance in Memphis, Tennessee. I have been sleeping peacefully since 1999. I am not awaken by the enemy or anything like that. I think all of the prayers and anointing that Bishop Patterson established will last for generations to come. Now, I have a new Pastor who is also anointed and keeping the devil where he belongs which is under our feet. The Bible says upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.
The Word of God says in Job 33:14-18 "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword."
Many times people come near death before understanding the will of God for their lives. If you have a spouse, relative or child who thinks that they have a call on their lives, don't be a hindrance. At times God did wink, but now He is calling every man to repentance.
I remember my grandmother who raised me saying that my grandfather had received the call and she wouldn't let him preach. I don't know how she was able to do that but I do know that I never met him because he died before I was born I believe.
If you don't do the will of God for your life, there is no guarantee that you will still be on earth. It is disobedience at the highest level. I don't care how people try to fight you and make you think that God doesn't have anything significant for you do to or you are just trying to be seen and show out. You do everything that you can do to do the will of God for your life and God will take care of the rest.
Since I know that God has called me to teach, I am not quick to seek a job in any other area. Sometimes, I feel that I am being led into law but God hasn't said anything specifically to me about it. I know that I do watch a lot of Law and Order, CSI and NCIS. I may just need a working knowledge of the law for what I have to do in the future. I plan to stay in the area of my calling until I receive further instructions and right now that is teaching students and writing Christian novels.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Lord's Economy
I know that there is a lot of aniexty about what is happening in the world and about the U.S. economy. I know a lot of people don't like others telling them what to do especially if you're not Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, Suze Orman, Michelle Singletary or someone worth a million dollars or a contributor to MSNBC.
For everyday people and for those of us who are trying to make it and come into all that God would have us to be, here is a bit of advice. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12.
Since I started tithing some 20 years ago, I have always been gainfully employed. Even when I left television, because I was called (more on that later) to teach, I still had income to pay my bills and it wasn't unemployment income. By the time, I finally decided to go apply for unemployment and before I even received that first check from them, I had a job.
God will take care of His own. Tithing will cover a multitude of things. Even if you are not living the most holy of lifestyles, if you are tithing God will float you until you get your act together. If you're not tithing, you are not guaranteed a job or anything else. Tithing does other things than just guarantee a steady income stream. Tithing provides covering for you and your family and your children. Just go to google and see what ministers have to say about tithing. If you don't tithe, your finances are cursed and expect anything to happen.
This is something that I have experienced first hand and you can take it to the bank. There are a lot of demonic games being played in America with people on the job, with their money and other things. People can't handle you any kind of way when you are a tither. In God's eye, a tither is like a stockholder. You are taking stock in God's kingdom and supporting His work. You are somebody. Every dollar that you give to a church that God has ordained or your favorite television ministry or network is counted in your heavenly bank account.
You might say. God hasn't revealed His purpose or will for my life. Just tithe and join a local church. When I say church, try and join a five-fold ministry where the Word of God is being proclaimed, people are being saved, there is a strong distinction between right and wrong, the Holy Spirit has free reign and the Pastor is not afraid to speak out against sin. You can go to Ephesians 4:11-13 to find out more about the role of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. That is the Bible's definition of five-fold ministry. Not every pastor will be an apostle, someone who plants new churches, but he can still have an awesome anointing on his life and if this is where God has planted you then you are right, smack, dab in the will of God for your life.
Any place where they believe in Jesus and don't mind speaking in tongues is a good place to be. I don't really want to debate this. If you are not tithing and your economy has turned upside down, turn back to God and turn back to tithing. Repent for being out of His will and misappropriating His money and ask for His favour to return to your life. Also, if you need a job apply on monster.com, careerbuilder.com and everywhere else and watch things change in your life. Here's to your first million or your first $100,000. Whatever you are believing God to do in your life.
For everyday people and for those of us who are trying to make it and come into all that God would have us to be, here is a bit of advice. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12.
Since I started tithing some 20 years ago, I have always been gainfully employed. Even when I left television, because I was called (more on that later) to teach, I still had income to pay my bills and it wasn't unemployment income. By the time, I finally decided to go apply for unemployment and before I even received that first check from them, I had a job.
God will take care of His own. Tithing will cover a multitude of things. Even if you are not living the most holy of lifestyles, if you are tithing God will float you until you get your act together. If you're not tithing, you are not guaranteed a job or anything else. Tithing does other things than just guarantee a steady income stream. Tithing provides covering for you and your family and your children. Just go to google and see what ministers have to say about tithing. If you don't tithe, your finances are cursed and expect anything to happen.
This is something that I have experienced first hand and you can take it to the bank. There are a lot of demonic games being played in America with people on the job, with their money and other things. People can't handle you any kind of way when you are a tither. In God's eye, a tither is like a stockholder. You are taking stock in God's kingdom and supporting His work. You are somebody. Every dollar that you give to a church that God has ordained or your favorite television ministry or network is counted in your heavenly bank account.
You might say. God hasn't revealed His purpose or will for my life. Just tithe and join a local church. When I say church, try and join a five-fold ministry where the Word of God is being proclaimed, people are being saved, there is a strong distinction between right and wrong, the Holy Spirit has free reign and the Pastor is not afraid to speak out against sin. You can go to Ephesians 4:11-13 to find out more about the role of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. That is the Bible's definition of five-fold ministry. Not every pastor will be an apostle, someone who plants new churches, but he can still have an awesome anointing on his life and if this is where God has planted you then you are right, smack, dab in the will of God for your life.
Any place where they believe in Jesus and don't mind speaking in tongues is a good place to be. I don't really want to debate this. If you are not tithing and your economy has turned upside down, turn back to God and turn back to tithing. Repent for being out of His will and misappropriating His money and ask for His favour to return to your life. Also, if you need a job apply on monster.com, careerbuilder.com and everywhere else and watch things change in your life. Here's to your first million or your first $100,000. Whatever you are believing God to do in your life.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My Fellow Americans
I would like to say that I am happy that I am alive to see the first African-Amercian President. I realize that many in the media are referring to him as biracial. I don't know what his preference is but when others see him and if it were someone that I know, he would be referred to as African-American. This is a significant step for America. It shows the rest of the world that we are not clinging to decades old prejudices. We are a long way from traveling on ships from Africa to the new world. We are a long way from being denied the right to vote or being considered 3/4 of a person or whatever they were calling us back in the day. There were many bi-racial children on plantations but they were still referred to as black even though their master was their father. Let's not steal the significance of this event away from African-Americans. We realize that Obama doesn't hold any prejudices. He can't. His mother was white and his father Kenyan.
Let's not trivalize everything by trying to debate on what he is. We do know that he is the first African-American President of these United States of America. We are seeing Dr. King's dream in action where we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. Obama's election helps to eliminate from many of our African-Americans the excuse that I can't make it or "the man" won't let me do this and that and so and so. Obama is proof positive that if you put God and family first, the sky is the limit. Obama had a plan to get to this day. I say we all need to update our 5, 10, 15 and 20 year plan and start strategizing for what God will have us to be. I say we as Americans start working across the board as a team to continue to show the world what true leadership looks like by taking care of our own, being a friend to Israel and helping fight injustices and terrorism in the world.
This is a long way from having to pass a literacy test just to have the right to vote. When he was elected and the following day, I could feel the spirit of God excited within me. Just by the number of electoral votes, it is proof positive that God had His hand in it. The economy grew worse a few months before the election. Why? God wanted America and the world to see what four more years of Republican leadership would look like. I'm sure some people who were going to vote for McCain had a change of heart after they lost a job that they had held for 20 years. I'm sure that they had a change of heart when their portfolio went from $500,000 in net worth to about $250,000 all in one week. I'm sure they had a change of heart when some went from the middle class to the working class.
I have a dream today that we can no longer use race as an excuse not to get out there and hustle and be all that God has called us to be.
Let's not trivalize everything by trying to debate on what he is. We do know that he is the first African-American President of these United States of America. We are seeing Dr. King's dream in action where we are judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. Obama's election helps to eliminate from many of our African-Americans the excuse that I can't make it or "the man" won't let me do this and that and so and so. Obama is proof positive that if you put God and family first, the sky is the limit. Obama had a plan to get to this day. I say we all need to update our 5, 10, 15 and 20 year plan and start strategizing for what God will have us to be. I say we as Americans start working across the board as a team to continue to show the world what true leadership looks like by taking care of our own, being a friend to Israel and helping fight injustices and terrorism in the world.
This is a long way from having to pass a literacy test just to have the right to vote. When he was elected and the following day, I could feel the spirit of God excited within me. Just by the number of electoral votes, it is proof positive that God had His hand in it. The economy grew worse a few months before the election. Why? God wanted America and the world to see what four more years of Republican leadership would look like. I'm sure some people who were going to vote for McCain had a change of heart after they lost a job that they had held for 20 years. I'm sure that they had a change of heart when their portfolio went from $500,000 in net worth to about $250,000 all in one week. I'm sure they had a change of heart when some went from the middle class to the working class.
I have a dream today that we can no longer use race as an excuse not to get out there and hustle and be all that God has called us to be.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Dating God's Way
I made a decision about 12 years ago to start living a more holy lifestyle. Afterall, the lifestyle that I was living didn't get me what I wanted and I wasn't really focused or concerned about marriage for a long time. At that time, I was still in television and trying to figure out the best route to get to a larger market. Afterall, I had planned to be a television reporter since 9th grade and I was well on my way until life got interrupted.
I decided that sex before marriage was no longer for me. It's not that I don't like sex but I just felt a higher calling to live more holy and the condemnation that came with having sex was just not worth it. I kept feeling that I had missed the mark. And then to top it off, sometimes you would deal with someone who was so trifling that you had to basically threaten him just to use a condom. Go figure.
It wasn't the smoothest of transitions and being celibate usually works best when you date someone who has made God their top priority and understands and doesn't feel that you're playing a game.
Now, I know what you're thinking. She is off her rocker and she doesn't have any offers for dates. That is not true. It never has been and I doubt if it ever will be a problem to get dates. Besides sex, I have a lot to offer a man. I have good conversation, common sense, goals, standards and other things. I have always had plenty of men friends. I've even had a marriage proposal out of the blue from someone who I wasn't even dating ,but just talked to him about my boyfriends and what not and most men know a good thing when they see one.
I just feel that we are too close to the rapture and I refused to get left behind over some foolishness. Since I have been celibate, I have been able to work with more energy and purpose. I don't feel that I am being dragged down or anything. I also feel that I am anointed to help the man who will be my husband with the things God has birthed in him. Granted I don't know if I have met Mr. Right or not. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings so I am not going to call names or make declarations, but I do feel that I am a better person and I am capable of helping the man in my life, whoever that is, to be the best that he can be.
Most importantly, I know that I am pleasing God. I feel that I can get my prayers answered more quickly and I have more faith because I am not beating myself up because of sex before marriage. A good girlfriend of mine told me years ago to stop just giving it away. She was previously married and eventually married again and is very happy. She told me "Men just lose their minds" when you sleep with them. She didn't call men and didn't return their calls. They just had to catch her when she was in. Now, I have found out that some women have wrote a book that basically wraps up what my girlfriend was telling me.
Now, if you are not ready to be celibate don't quit your boyfriend. I am not trying to promote promiscuity. I do believe that you can connect with your man on many different levels when sex is out of the picture or in this day and age delayed, but you two need to be on the same page.
I just feel that when you do things God's way, He will move heaven and earth for you. You can ask Him to help you and He will ,but I must warn you, He will not bless the mess. My book "Glory...the Hair" details different relationships. You will see the hairdresser Shelia who waits until marriage to have sex. On the other hand, Jennifer is in a regular relationship with plenty of sex. You'll have to read the book to see who gets the ring first.
I decided that sex before marriage was no longer for me. It's not that I don't like sex but I just felt a higher calling to live more holy and the condemnation that came with having sex was just not worth it. I kept feeling that I had missed the mark. And then to top it off, sometimes you would deal with someone who was so trifling that you had to basically threaten him just to use a condom. Go figure.
It wasn't the smoothest of transitions and being celibate usually works best when you date someone who has made God their top priority and understands and doesn't feel that you're playing a game.
Now, I know what you're thinking. She is off her rocker and she doesn't have any offers for dates. That is not true. It never has been and I doubt if it ever will be a problem to get dates. Besides sex, I have a lot to offer a man. I have good conversation, common sense, goals, standards and other things. I have always had plenty of men friends. I've even had a marriage proposal out of the blue from someone who I wasn't even dating ,but just talked to him about my boyfriends and what not and most men know a good thing when they see one.
I just feel that we are too close to the rapture and I refused to get left behind over some foolishness. Since I have been celibate, I have been able to work with more energy and purpose. I don't feel that I am being dragged down or anything. I also feel that I am anointed to help the man who will be my husband with the things God has birthed in him. Granted I don't know if I have met Mr. Right or not. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings so I am not going to call names or make declarations, but I do feel that I am a better person and I am capable of helping the man in my life, whoever that is, to be the best that he can be.
Most importantly, I know that I am pleasing God. I feel that I can get my prayers answered more quickly and I have more faith because I am not beating myself up because of sex before marriage. A good girlfriend of mine told me years ago to stop just giving it away. She was previously married and eventually married again and is very happy. She told me "Men just lose their minds" when you sleep with them. She didn't call men and didn't return their calls. They just had to catch her when she was in. Now, I have found out that some women have wrote a book that basically wraps up what my girlfriend was telling me.
Now, if you are not ready to be celibate don't quit your boyfriend. I am not trying to promote promiscuity. I do believe that you can connect with your man on many different levels when sex is out of the picture or in this day and age delayed, but you two need to be on the same page.
I just feel that when you do things God's way, He will move heaven and earth for you. You can ask Him to help you and He will ,but I must warn you, He will not bless the mess. My book "Glory...the Hair" details different relationships. You will see the hairdresser Shelia who waits until marriage to have sex. On the other hand, Jennifer is in a regular relationship with plenty of sex. You'll have to read the book to see who gets the ring first.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
HELP KIDS AFTER-SCHOOL
It is becoming increasingly apparent that our young people are in crisis. I know this from my own experience having dealt with a nephew who spent three weeks in jail. He was in jail for being with the wrong person at the wrong time. His friend, also about 19, allegedly took five dollars from another young man. I was heartbroken when I found out my nephew, 19, was sitting in jail like a caged animal. I was even more hurt when I had to go visit him on certain days at certain times and put money in a machine if he need toiletries. Something is wrong in America.
He has never been in any trouble. And then when I went to the court hearing, it was even more heartbreaking too see them bring my nephew in from God's knows where. There is a place in the jail system for people who knowing break the law, but I believe strang things are happening in Memphis, Tennessee with the justice system. I remember hearing a news report where some youth in DeSoto County, Mississippi defaced a school stadium or something with a lot of graffiti. These children were basically given a slap on the wrist and had to perform community service work or something of that nature. But in Memphis, Tennessee, they are playing for keeps with our young people. I tell students all the time that they will play with you until you turn 18. After 18, they are playing for keeps.
I believe that police might have too much time on their hands when they can go and pick up a student at his school over $5.00. I most times feel the police do a good job. I have had to call them in times past when someone broke into a rental property. I knew whose house the man went to but they gave me all kinds of reason as to why they couldn't arrest. And even some times they would come so late that it gave the man time enough to get away. Something is wrong in America.
I am telling anyone who will listen. If a non-profit asks you to give to an after-school program, do it. Everytime United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, Girls and Boys Club, Girls Inc or Big Brothers and Big Sisters asks for a donation, help them. I worked with non-profits for about 11 years. I know from research that children are at the greatest risk between the time school is out and until the time their parents come home from work. We're talking between the times of 2:30 to 6 p.m.
After-school programs provide safe havens for children. If they are involved in an after-school program or cheerleading and basketball or soccer, etc., they are less likely to become a victim of crime or commit a crime and be involved in sexual activity or use drugs.
This November, vote for our children. Who has shown that they are concerned about our youth. Must we continue to let society lock up potential or will we make a conscious effort to elect someone who cares about the least of these thy brethren.
He has never been in any trouble. And then when I went to the court hearing, it was even more heartbreaking too see them bring my nephew in from God's knows where. There is a place in the jail system for people who knowing break the law, but I believe strang things are happening in Memphis, Tennessee with the justice system. I remember hearing a news report where some youth in DeSoto County, Mississippi defaced a school stadium or something with a lot of graffiti. These children were basically given a slap on the wrist and had to perform community service work or something of that nature. But in Memphis, Tennessee, they are playing for keeps with our young people. I tell students all the time that they will play with you until you turn 18. After 18, they are playing for keeps.
I believe that police might have too much time on their hands when they can go and pick up a student at his school over $5.00. I most times feel the police do a good job. I have had to call them in times past when someone broke into a rental property. I knew whose house the man went to but they gave me all kinds of reason as to why they couldn't arrest. And even some times they would come so late that it gave the man time enough to get away. Something is wrong in America.
I am telling anyone who will listen. If a non-profit asks you to give to an after-school program, do it. Everytime United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, Girls and Boys Club, Girls Inc or Big Brothers and Big Sisters asks for a donation, help them. I worked with non-profits for about 11 years. I know from research that children are at the greatest risk between the time school is out and until the time their parents come home from work. We're talking between the times of 2:30 to 6 p.m.
After-school programs provide safe havens for children. If they are involved in an after-school program or cheerleading and basketball or soccer, etc., they are less likely to become a victim of crime or commit a crime and be involved in sexual activity or use drugs.
This November, vote for our children. Who has shown that they are concerned about our youth. Must we continue to let society lock up potential or will we make a conscious effort to elect someone who cares about the least of these thy brethren.
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