Good Morning!
Many of us are juggling alot of responsibilities on a day to day basis. Some of these duties include family, friends, church ministries and relationships/friendships. We tend to think/feel no matter how much work or energy is projected into these areas, we wonder, will there ever be an end result? According to Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not". HALLELUJAH!!! Children of God, rediscover the reason in why you do the things you do and ask God to guide you in all your ways! Have joy in the area(s) you might have been called or volunteered in to do. You never know what God is getting ready to do in your life and those around you. Although we're not trying to perform good deeds in order to receive something from God as if HE owes us something in return but just stay on the path of righteousness. To the mother, father, sister, brother, friend, counselor, usher, choir member, lay member, rediscover the joy you once had when you were first called to serve. Trust God will make a way for you when you call upon Him; He's near! So don't get tired, don't you dare give up! I challenge you to meditate on Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us".
Children of God, it's my prayer that each of you will have a blessed week in the Lord. So if you happen to encounter a friend, colleague or coworker experiencing hardship, consider it an opportunity for you to minister to that young man or woman and watch how God will move into that person's life and those around you. In all that you do, magnify the Lord!
Love,
Chaquita
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Give It All Up, To Gain It All
Hello Everyone,
How are you doing? I want to share with you a thought I had today after a conversation I had with Jay one of my colleagues and our bother in Christ this morning.
We talked about working in ministry in our local churches, the love we have for it and the fear of the unknown. You may be wondering fear what fear? We discussed how we are both on the Potter's wheel right now. The Potter is God our Father in heaven and we are the clay. He brought up the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-24 focusing on verses 20-21. I encourage you to read the entire text. The rich young ruler asked Jesus what must he do to have eternal life. Then in verse 21 Jesus said, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
How many of us have told God that we will do anything for Him, go anywhere for Him and completely give ourselves, desires and lives to Him but when He tells us what to do (whatever that may be for you) some of us turn and walk away like the rich young ruler. I am not saying that we turn away from God but we turn away from the purpose he has for our lives. We have to ask ourselves are we willing to give it all up, to gain it all.
I understand it is scary to think about giving up the things we desire to fulfill what God desires. I know someone is saying what do you mean? For example, I am single and desire to one day to be married and have a family, my Mom wants grandchildren (can anyone relate), but by my saying, Lord I give up what I desire for what you desire, He may say no to the husband and kids. Then since God gives us free will, I would have to choose between having a family or not having a family with the benefit of fulfilling God's purpose for my life and gaining a great eternal reward in heaven. One thing that Jay said was Jesus may have looking to see what the rich young ruler would choose to do because that would show rather or not he really had a heart for God.
We have to remember that God is FAITHFUL! He is not going to ask you to give up something and not replace it with something better that only He can give you. WOW!!! At some point the clay has to yield to the Potter in order for something beautiful to be made. Are you willing to yield? Are you willing to give it all up, to gain it all!?!?
Thank you Jay!
Much Love,
Jamison
How are you doing? I want to share with you a thought I had today after a conversation I had with Jay one of my colleagues and our bother in Christ this morning.
We talked about working in ministry in our local churches, the love we have for it and the fear of the unknown. You may be wondering fear what fear? We discussed how we are both on the Potter's wheel right now. The Potter is God our Father in heaven and we are the clay. He brought up the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-24 focusing on verses 20-21. I encourage you to read the entire text. The rich young ruler asked Jesus what must he do to have eternal life. Then in verse 21 Jesus said, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."
How many of us have told God that we will do anything for Him, go anywhere for Him and completely give ourselves, desires and lives to Him but when He tells us what to do (whatever that may be for you) some of us turn and walk away like the rich young ruler. I am not saying that we turn away from God but we turn away from the purpose he has for our lives. We have to ask ourselves are we willing to give it all up, to gain it all.
I understand it is scary to think about giving up the things we desire to fulfill what God desires. I know someone is saying what do you mean? For example, I am single and desire to one day to be married and have a family, my Mom wants grandchildren (can anyone relate), but by my saying, Lord I give up what I desire for what you desire, He may say no to the husband and kids. Then since God gives us free will, I would have to choose between having a family or not having a family with the benefit of fulfilling God's purpose for my life and gaining a great eternal reward in heaven. One thing that Jay said was Jesus may have looking to see what the rich young ruler would choose to do because that would show rather or not he really had a heart for God.
We have to remember that God is FAITHFUL! He is not going to ask you to give up something and not replace it with something better that only He can give you. WOW!!! At some point the clay has to yield to the Potter in order for something beautiful to be made. Are you willing to yield? Are you willing to give it all up, to gain it all!?!?
Thank you Jay!
Much Love,
Jamison
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Hold On, Don't Give Up On God
Good Morning!
Trusting each of you are still holding on to God and his unchanging hands. On this past Sunday, one of our ministers brought a thought provoking sermon titled, "Hold On, Don't Give Up On God". Many of us are still experiencing some personal, financial, emotional and spiritual issues in our lives and find ourselves trapped in a place that we think there's no escape, BUT GOD!!! Saints, do not allow whatever your issue is to come in between you and your God. If you think about it for a moment, that's exactly what Satan wants for you to do. Satan wants to pin you in a dark hole because he's in a dark hole. Satan wants you to think lowly of yourself because he is lowly. Satan even wants you to think you are worthless because he is worthless. ALL LIES!!! Saints, I beseech you now to shake off those self-defeating thoughts and begin to praise God. Praise God because it was HE who went to the pits of hell, reclaimed the keys and allowed his children to be free so that we may one day walk in LIGHT! Praise God because he considers you above the angels! Praise God because he considers each and every one of you a peculiar generation and a precious jewel...WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SERVE A GOD LIKE THAT?!?!
Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you to pray and ask God for direction in your lives. Seek His face early in the morning and watch Him move on your behalf. We are his children; We are heirs to the promise. So don't doubt Him, don't be discouraged. Encourage yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be blessed is my prayer!
Love,
Chaquita
Trusting each of you are still holding on to God and his unchanging hands. On this past Sunday, one of our ministers brought a thought provoking sermon titled, "Hold On, Don't Give Up On God". Many of us are still experiencing some personal, financial, emotional and spiritual issues in our lives and find ourselves trapped in a place that we think there's no escape, BUT GOD!!! Saints, do not allow whatever your issue is to come in between you and your God. If you think about it for a moment, that's exactly what Satan wants for you to do. Satan wants to pin you in a dark hole because he's in a dark hole. Satan wants you to think lowly of yourself because he is lowly. Satan even wants you to think you are worthless because he is worthless. ALL LIES!!! Saints, I beseech you now to shake off those self-defeating thoughts and begin to praise God. Praise God because it was HE who went to the pits of hell, reclaimed the keys and allowed his children to be free so that we may one day walk in LIGHT! Praise God because he considers you above the angels! Praise God because he considers each and every one of you a peculiar generation and a precious jewel...WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO SERVE A GOD LIKE THAT?!?!
Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you to pray and ask God for direction in your lives. Seek His face early in the morning and watch Him move on your behalf. We are his children; We are heirs to the promise. So don't doubt Him, don't be discouraged. Encourage yourself in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be blessed is my prayer!
Love,
Chaquita
Friday, February 24, 2012
Observing Lent
Hello Friends,
As some of you already know the Lenten season started this past Wednesday which was Ash Wednesday. Some of you may have never heard of Lent and others of you observe it yearly.
Lent is a period of 40 weekdays leading up to Easter or Resurrection Sunday. For that period of time we as Christians observe fasting, abstinence and penitence. To clarify, you may choose not eat certain types of food, not watch TV or something you would normally do and you focus on God's forgiveness and salvation that we have through Christ Jesus. The Lenten season is also the perfect time of year to increase you time reading the Bible and praying.
A friend of mine picked up a daily devotional book and CD for the Lenten season. So I will be going through it. Also I am giving up desserts (yes including chocolate so when Resurrection (Easter) Sunday comes I will be hitting up Kroger for candy) and bread (will also stuff myself with bagels and cream cheese, look out Panera). All joking aside I choice those items because I wanted my fast to be more meaningful to me. Those are foods that are very hard for me to go without eating daily, but this is a time to die to oneself and focus on Christ Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us. My bread and dessert sacrifice pales in comparison but it keeps my mind focused on Him.
I hope this post helps to encourage you to observe Lent. Do not worry about starting late. Do it for the benefit of getting to know your Lord and Savior Christ Jesus on a deeper level.
Since this is a time of prayer and reflection please comment and let us know how we can pray for you.
Much Love,
Jamison
As some of you already know the Lenten season started this past Wednesday which was Ash Wednesday. Some of you may have never heard of Lent and others of you observe it yearly.
Lent is a period of 40 weekdays leading up to Easter or Resurrection Sunday. For that period of time we as Christians observe fasting, abstinence and penitence. To clarify, you may choose not eat certain types of food, not watch TV or something you would normally do and you focus on God's forgiveness and salvation that we have through Christ Jesus. The Lenten season is also the perfect time of year to increase you time reading the Bible and praying.
A friend of mine picked up a daily devotional book and CD for the Lenten season. So I will be going through it. Also I am giving up desserts (yes including chocolate so when Resurrection (Easter) Sunday comes I will be hitting up Kroger for candy) and bread (will also stuff myself with bagels and cream cheese, look out Panera). All joking aside I choice those items because I wanted my fast to be more meaningful to me. Those are foods that are very hard for me to go without eating daily, but this is a time to die to oneself and focus on Christ Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us. My bread and dessert sacrifice pales in comparison but it keeps my mind focused on Him.
I hope this post helps to encourage you to observe Lent. Do not worry about starting late. Do it for the benefit of getting to know your Lord and Savior Christ Jesus on a deeper level.
Since this is a time of prayer and reflection please comment and let us know how we can pray for you.
Much Love,
Jamison
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Just Wait
Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters!
My mother and I had a delightful conversation over the phone, last night. I had revealed to her that I was having a "Gideon" experience. If you never heard or read about this character, please read the story and then you will understand what I'm talking about...lol...
Throughout life's twists and turns, we have to remain calm and trust that God will be able to do, just what He said He will do. So, whatever is on your mind or whatever you're seeking God to do in your life, JUST WAIT! Don't rush; don't become anxious or eager, JUST WAIT!! Allow God to really minister to your spirit during this time. Do not lean to your own understanding but continue to acknowledge Him in all your ways and HE shall direct your paths (paraphrased Proverbs 3:5-6).
Faithfully praying for each of you! Should you desire prayer or someone to touch and agree with you, please feel free to contact me. May God's Blessings be upon you all!
Love,
Chaquita
My mother and I had a delightful conversation over the phone, last night. I had revealed to her that I was having a "Gideon" experience. If you never heard or read about this character, please read the story and then you will understand what I'm talking about...lol...
Throughout life's twists and turns, we have to remain calm and trust that God will be able to do, just what He said He will do. So, whatever is on your mind or whatever you're seeking God to do in your life, JUST WAIT! Don't rush; don't become anxious or eager, JUST WAIT!! Allow God to really minister to your spirit during this time. Do not lean to your own understanding but continue to acknowledge Him in all your ways and HE shall direct your paths (paraphrased Proverbs 3:5-6).
Faithfully praying for each of you! Should you desire prayer or someone to touch and agree with you, please feel free to contact me. May God's Blessings be upon you all!
Love,
Chaquita
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentines Date With Jesus
Hello All,
Funny story to share. At this time in my life God has not blessed me with a mate but has blessed me with the gift of singleness. So for Valentines, on the way home from a church meeting, I decided to take myself to dinner. Then it hit me... I will have another date with Jesus. Sometime back I posted about my first date with my One and Only.
So I sent my BFF Chaquita a text that I was at Panera Bread to for my Valentines date with Jesus. She replied , "let me know how it goes". Too funny. So when I called her this is part of the conversation we had.
C - How was it?
Me - Good. He is the quite type so we didn't have any out loud conversation.
C - (laughing now) What did y'all eat?
Me - He didn't eat. He watched me eat a very large bowl of soup and half a sandwich with a cookie. ( I am laughing my head off by then.)
Me - Since He provides me with income He really did pay for dinner.
C- Laughing uncontrollably and not able to respond.
Me - Since He lives in me when I opened the door He was opening the door for me.
Both of us are howling with laughter by then.
I share this funny story with you to let you know that we can choose how to see things in our lives. As a positive or a negative. I could have been the sad single crying in her bowl of soup or the joyful single taking time to sit with her savior Christ Jesus and enjoy Valentines day.
Just to be transparent with you. The day did not start as joyful as it ended. It started with anxiety. (Forgot about being anxious for nothing.) Hoping beyond hope that a special friend would ask me to dinner. He didn't... But a friend who sticks closer then a brother, Jesus, was there all along wanting a little alone time with me. Wow!
When was the last time you decided to make lemonade out of life's lemons?
Much Love To You All,
Jamison
Funny story to share. At this time in my life God has not blessed me with a mate but has blessed me with the gift of singleness. So for Valentines, on the way home from a church meeting, I decided to take myself to dinner. Then it hit me... I will have another date with Jesus. Sometime back I posted about my first date with my One and Only.
So I sent my BFF Chaquita a text that I was at Panera Bread to for my Valentines date with Jesus. She replied , "let me know how it goes". Too funny. So when I called her this is part of the conversation we had.
C - How was it?
Me - Good. He is the quite type so we didn't have any out loud conversation.
C - (laughing now) What did y'all eat?
Me - He didn't eat. He watched me eat a very large bowl of soup and half a sandwich with a cookie. ( I am laughing my head off by then.)
Me - Since He provides me with income He really did pay for dinner.
C- Laughing uncontrollably and not able to respond.
Me - Since He lives in me when I opened the door He was opening the door for me.
Both of us are howling with laughter by then.
I share this funny story with you to let you know that we can choose how to see things in our lives. As a positive or a negative. I could have been the sad single crying in her bowl of soup or the joyful single taking time to sit with her savior Christ Jesus and enjoy Valentines day.
Just to be transparent with you. The day did not start as joyful as it ended. It started with anxiety. (Forgot about being anxious for nothing.) Hoping beyond hope that a special friend would ask me to dinner. He didn't... But a friend who sticks closer then a brother, Jesus, was there all along wanting a little alone time with me. Wow!
When was the last time you decided to make lemonade out of life's lemons?
Much Love To You All,
Jamison
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
LOVE...
Hello Everyone,
On this Valentines Day as I got ready this morning and looked at my cuff bracelet. It has part of 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 on it.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Were you see love insert God. God is patient with us. God is kind to us. I could just keep going. He is so good to us. He loves us so much!!!
Know that God loves you and so do I.
Much Love,
Jamison
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