I am sitting here listening to a song entitle Mercy Mercy by Hillsong united. I honestly think this is the most beautiful song I have heard in a while. I don't know if I am just touched by the musical moments or what, but I can not listen to this song with out feeling so small compared to God. Its a moment that shows Just how big he is!
The fact that this world fell into sin and that He loved and cared for us so much that he would give His son for our sinful wretched lives. How is it that we can sit here and just deliberately disobey and dishonor him. When he cares so much for our well being. We all should be calling out to him as the song says "Mercy mercy bring me to my knees." That moment so intimate with God when he brings out the darkness in you, reminds you your forgiven and then breathes life back into you. So that you can find your own life in Him. The song asks for the "spirit to lift me out of the wasteland and to lead me home." Home can be heaven, or his peace.
"arrest my heart from this reckless path, release the chains in me"
awake up my soul to the hope you hold, your grace is all I need"
This is probably my favorite part in the whole song. Commanding your heart to stop in its bad direction and to get straight and knowing that there is still hope through God's grace. That even though we are on a reckless path that he still has mercy and grace for us.
The beautiful sacrifice of his son. The song sets this part up so beautifully
" humble glory chose to carry all my shame. Rendered worthy in the shadow of your name. Gracious fury written in my Saviors scars Mercy mercy now engraved upon my heart"
Jesus went through all of that so that we would have hope in this world. That we could still succeed after the fall of man. Because it was never God's intent for us to have fallen from his graces. We were/are his masterpieces, that he so beautifully designed.
I dont know this song just really touches me its just a song of repentance song you just want to repent for things you haven'even done yet and yet take comfort in knowing that God loves you JUST THE SAME. This post may mean nothing to you and it may be just a bunch of blabber but it is definitely something that just brings me to the realization of how good God really is, and that I didn't deserve to be where I am. That the reason I am still alive is due to God's grace and mercy for me. At the end of the day HE is all I need. But you can listen to the song "Mercy Mercy" for yourself. This is also the Meaning of the song "Mercy Mercy"
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Don't Forsake the Process
The most important thing out of ANY success that must happen is... the process.
The process can be exciting, joyful, tiring, extremely long and tedious, boring, stressful, or even grueling. Yet in all that we have to learn that we can not forsake it. That we can get no where with out it.
Lately I myself have been trying to get around "the process" and I realized that no matter how hard I try to get around it, it will just lead me right back to staring it dead in the face with little to know progress made. It can be discouraging at times because until you start the process you have almost no clue how the process will go if it will be fast or slow or any of the things I listed above. I was feeling kind of down earlier so I started listening to Bishop T.D. Jakes podcasts on "Stay on Track". I won't say that it lifted my spirits 100% but I can say that it did encourage me and brought my mind to a new perspective when it comes to doing something for God. "The Process".
Like I said earlier you can not forsake the process! You have to take each step at a time. Just like a staircase. Bishop T.D. Jakes put it this way. He explained how when he was younger man that he was not a fan of stairs ( most of us aren't). When it came time to walk up the steps he would skips steps at a time. He would even run up the steps. He would run so much that it caused him to trip up the steps. We are always, especially in this society, trying to do things by getting around the process. We just want it done and done quickly our cares are more for efficiency and less about quality. When it comes to Gods work... we have to care. Its not about doing things quickly all the time. Because no matter what we all live by the same time limited to this planet. Think about this if you would. Two cars are driving down a road. The first car is zooming through all the cars trying to get where they are going. The second car is taking their time. At the end of the road there is a stop light and the light turns red. By the time the second slower car gets to the light they realize that the faster car was sitting at the light as well...only a few cars foward. The point of that scenario was to show you that it doesn't matter what if you zoom around all fast or move slow. A stop light or situation can equally affect either party ( the stop light being a part of the process of driving)
We have to deal with the fact that each process that we have to go through is different. I like to think about mowing the grass as a great process that could drive anyone crazy.
But every part is so very important. For instance. Say you have a large field. If you don't have the right amount of gas in the mower you decrease the amount of grass that can be cut, before you have to get more gas. If your moving to fast you can veer either to the left or to the right and miss strips of grass at a time. So that by the time that you get done you realize that you have missed MANY sections and that you will have to go back and restart over again.
I know at times its hard to follow through. But you have to do it. Remember that each step that we take is ordered by God.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way. Psalms 37:23 KJV
That he has planned blessings for us to receive, as a matter of fact, its already ours! You just have to believe in it, which requires faith. Even having faith is a process.
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Sunday, June 16, 2013
"The" Father
First I want to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! What a wonderful and special day! The day we get to show our appreciation for everything that our Dads do for us. Have you ever really thought about it?
The Father that puts HIS relationship with God above everyone and everything else. Think about the story of Abraham. Abraham loved and trusted God so much that he was willing to sacrifice something that was dear to him and something that him and Sarah had been wanting so bad even in their old age, his son. Not one second did Abraham doubt what God had told him to do, and because he chose to obey God, God blessed him in the long run. God blessed him immediately by allowing that ram to be caught up in the bush. So that Abraham would not have to sacrifice his son. In the God blessed Abraham with so many promises. I thank God that I/we are the seeds of Abraham! We are Blessed!! (Gen 22)
The Father who no matter how you have disrespected him still lets you come back to his home. Even after you have blown your life away, no matter how old you are, and forgives you of all your wrong doings and restores you past the way you were before you automatically knew better and destroyed your life so much that you were living with the pigs ( if you were even that lucky). The prodigal son thought he knew better than his father but his father did not give up hope on him. he waited every day for his son to return home with open arms. Just waiting for his son to come back to his senses. (Luke 15:11-32)
The Father that takes on another's child as if that child was His own. Joseph had no idea that he would soon be the father of a child that he had no part in "creating". What an honor to be requested by God to take care of God's own child. If you ask me that is THE most amazing father moment. Joseph not only raised the man that would save this world ( and did) But the idea that God physically chose Joseph and trusted him to care for baby Jesus. Just think how crucial that is. If Joseph didn't care about Jesus well being.. Jesus, although I doubt God would let it happen, could have grown up to be anything but the savior of the world. Many fathers have this special responsibility to raise another's child. What they do is so CRUCIAL to that persons well being in the long run. (matt 1:19-25)
The first time fathers. You know they say "children don't come with books" and neither does the world. Adam the first father of this world. Had no IDEA what it even meant to be a "father" no one earthly came before him. He had to solely rely on God and Gods teachings to raise his kids and to care for the beginnings of this world. Not only did he have to lay the ground work for how the natural things of this world would work ( at his time the household) but he also had to learn to love a wife and to raise children. Many Fathers are just now learning this and I just want to say. You keep it up. God is your best example of what a father is! (Gen 2:20-25,3,4:1)
There is one more but I am saving it for later :-)
One thing that always throws me about Fathers day is how so many mothers tend to use this time for a self promotion and a bashing day, as if they don't have Mother's day. We understand that you are a single mother and that you are having to handle your business for you and your family. We all Respect that more than you know. Just know you don't have to dog every father wether they act like one or not. This should be a day where you realize that maybe the father of your child may be a joseph type father. Now Don't get me wrong. I understand that it is not always easy raising children by yourself. I have seen it and I know it can be hard. So even on this day we still HONOR you for holding it down for your family. Don't feel like you have to let the world know that your a single mother doing what you have to do. We know you are because we see it in your determination to do right by your children. I promise they respect that EVERYDAY not just mothers day ( even if it doesn't seem like it, and even though they may not see it now. I promise they do) You bashing the fathers only teaches your children that it is ok to do the same. Therefore leading to disrespect of fathers all around and in the end to disrespect of the ULTIMATE Father, God. Thats something that we just can't have.
Now I know some people have the reasonings " I never knew my father", or "my father is no good he was never there for me", so on and so forth. That you have never had a father and that you don't need one. First of all just imagine how the next Father that I am about to talk about would feel to those comments. That next person:
THE Father! GOD! No one in this ENTIRE world can say that they have never had a father, because God is the father! He is the father that sacrificed his son for you! The Father who when you have thrown your life away and turned your back on him blowing all your treasures, sits and waits for you with extended arms WAITING and watching for your return to him. The father that will hold you when your heart is broken.The father that stays with you when you are lonely. The father that will fight for you! The Father that corrects and loves unconditionally. The father that created this whole world to show you his love his creativity and his power. The father that provides for you. The father who has the special responsibility to take care of you when your earthly father refuses to. The father that established the laws of this universe that teaches us how to love ( love him, ourselves, and others) the father that you pushed aside but is anxiously wanting to have a relationship with you. This is THE Father... Do you know him?
Do you thank him on a daily basis for the ways he provides for you in the background when you are unknowing. Do you spend time with him, because time on this earth is so limited. Do you respect the idea that yes he corrects but he still loves you? Do believe that he will always provide for you and that there is nothing that he can not do?
God gave each and everyone of us an earthly father and one things we need to realize is that they are NOT perfect. They make mistakes. Sometimes they just simply don't know what to do. Stop holding grudges agains what you father has/hasn't done. instead show them forgiveness, show them love, show them respect. Thats the biggest thing you could give on a day like today. Today I challenge you find a scripture or something that uplifts your dad. Let it be positive. So what if your dad is across country, international, or incarcerated ( if that be the case). Sit down write them a letter, wish them Happy Fathers day. Tell them you love them and tell them you forgive them. And actually mean it. Answer that call that you have been ignoring for the past how ever long. Make first contact if you have to. If they don't want anything to do with you then leave a message from your heart you never know that might be the push they need to either see the love of God through you. Or to do a 180 on your relationship and start healing things. You never know. Step out on Faith
Get out of your hate, and your grudges. Give them a chance to get it right! It may take some time. If they chose not to get it right don't be discouraged because at that point it is between them and God. You just do your part!
If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. (Prov 20:20 NIV)
I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with two fathers other than God himself that I am so happy that I have. Things may not be where I want them but I know for sure these are definitely who I want. I am so glad that God put them in my life and that they love and care for me! I love them both so much! The other than my mom and grandparents lol are my biggest support. Also shout out to my grandpa's who I cant find a picture of at the moment. I have such a large family its hard to get everyone. But I love them all dearly!
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
The Father that puts HIS relationship with God above everyone and everything else. Think about the story of Abraham. Abraham loved and trusted God so much that he was willing to sacrifice something that was dear to him and something that him and Sarah had been wanting so bad even in their old age, his son. Not one second did Abraham doubt what God had told him to do, and because he chose to obey God, God blessed him in the long run. God blessed him immediately by allowing that ram to be caught up in the bush. So that Abraham would not have to sacrifice his son. In the God blessed Abraham with so many promises. I thank God that I/we are the seeds of Abraham! We are Blessed!! (Gen 22)
The Father who no matter how you have disrespected him still lets you come back to his home. Even after you have blown your life away, no matter how old you are, and forgives you of all your wrong doings and restores you past the way you were before you automatically knew better and destroyed your life so much that you were living with the pigs ( if you were even that lucky). The prodigal son thought he knew better than his father but his father did not give up hope on him. he waited every day for his son to return home with open arms. Just waiting for his son to come back to his senses. (Luke 15:11-32)
The Father that takes on another's child as if that child was His own. Joseph had no idea that he would soon be the father of a child that he had no part in "creating". What an honor to be requested by God to take care of God's own child. If you ask me that is THE most amazing father moment. Joseph not only raised the man that would save this world ( and did) But the idea that God physically chose Joseph and trusted him to care for baby Jesus. Just think how crucial that is. If Joseph didn't care about Jesus well being.. Jesus, although I doubt God would let it happen, could have grown up to be anything but the savior of the world. Many fathers have this special responsibility to raise another's child. What they do is so CRUCIAL to that persons well being in the long run. (matt 1:19-25)
The first time fathers. You know they say "children don't come with books" and neither does the world. Adam the first father of this world. Had no IDEA what it even meant to be a "father" no one earthly came before him. He had to solely rely on God and Gods teachings to raise his kids and to care for the beginnings of this world. Not only did he have to lay the ground work for how the natural things of this world would work ( at his time the household) but he also had to learn to love a wife and to raise children. Many Fathers are just now learning this and I just want to say. You keep it up. God is your best example of what a father is! (Gen 2:20-25,3,4:1)
There is one more but I am saving it for later :-)
One thing that always throws me about Fathers day is how so many mothers tend to use this time for a self promotion and a bashing day, as if they don't have Mother's day. We understand that you are a single mother and that you are having to handle your business for you and your family. We all Respect that more than you know. Just know you don't have to dog every father wether they act like one or not. This should be a day where you realize that maybe the father of your child may be a joseph type father. Now Don't get me wrong. I understand that it is not always easy raising children by yourself. I have seen it and I know it can be hard. So even on this day we still HONOR you for holding it down for your family. Don't feel like you have to let the world know that your a single mother doing what you have to do. We know you are because we see it in your determination to do right by your children. I promise they respect that EVERYDAY not just mothers day ( even if it doesn't seem like it, and even though they may not see it now. I promise they do) You bashing the fathers only teaches your children that it is ok to do the same. Therefore leading to disrespect of fathers all around and in the end to disrespect of the ULTIMATE Father, God. Thats something that we just can't have.
Now I know some people have the reasonings " I never knew my father", or "my father is no good he was never there for me", so on and so forth. That you have never had a father and that you don't need one. First of all just imagine how the next Father that I am about to talk about would feel to those comments. That next person:
THE Father! GOD! No one in this ENTIRE world can say that they have never had a father, because God is the father! He is the father that sacrificed his son for you! The Father who when you have thrown your life away and turned your back on him blowing all your treasures, sits and waits for you with extended arms WAITING and watching for your return to him. The father that will hold you when your heart is broken.The father that stays with you when you are lonely. The father that will fight for you! The Father that corrects and loves unconditionally. The father that created this whole world to show you his love his creativity and his power. The father that provides for you. The father who has the special responsibility to take care of you when your earthly father refuses to. The father that established the laws of this universe that teaches us how to love ( love him, ourselves, and others) the father that you pushed aside but is anxiously wanting to have a relationship with you. This is THE Father... Do you know him?
Do you thank him on a daily basis for the ways he provides for you in the background when you are unknowing. Do you spend time with him, because time on this earth is so limited. Do you respect the idea that yes he corrects but he still loves you? Do believe that he will always provide for you and that there is nothing that he can not do?
God gave each and everyone of us an earthly father and one things we need to realize is that they are NOT perfect. They make mistakes. Sometimes they just simply don't know what to do. Stop holding grudges agains what you father has/hasn't done. instead show them forgiveness, show them love, show them respect. Thats the biggest thing you could give on a day like today. Today I challenge you find a scripture or something that uplifts your dad. Let it be positive. So what if your dad is across country, international, or incarcerated ( if that be the case). Sit down write them a letter, wish them Happy Fathers day. Tell them you love them and tell them you forgive them. And actually mean it. Answer that call that you have been ignoring for the past how ever long. Make first contact if you have to. If they don't want anything to do with you then leave a message from your heart you never know that might be the push they need to either see the love of God through you. Or to do a 180 on your relationship and start healing things. You never know. Step out on Faith
Get out of your hate, and your grudges. Give them a chance to get it right! It may take some time. If they chose not to get it right don't be discouraged because at that point it is between them and God. You just do your part!
If someone curses their father or mother,
their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. (Prov 20:20 NIV)
I was blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with two fathers other than God himself that I am so happy that I have. Things may not be where I want them but I know for sure these are definitely who I want. I am so glad that God put them in my life and that they love and care for me! I love them both so much! The other than my mom and grandparents lol are my biggest support. Also shout out to my grandpa's who I cant find a picture of at the moment. I have such a large family its hard to get everyone. But I love them all dearly!
Graduation '10 |
Psalm 103:13 (NIV)
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Its TIME!
It seems to me that a LOT of people have been told by God to do things and they have just been sitting on those instructions. So I wanted to write a little something to that.
"I am not ready for this!"
You ARE ready! I have been listening to some things on God and his timing. The result is that God has a plan for your life that he has laid down certain spots of grace and favor for the tasks that was given to you! Often times God is telling us "do this now!" We have the tendency to think that God doesn't know what he is talking about because the environment that he is asking us to do it in isn't right or it seems like what ever the task is won't be received by the people but the thing is... God knows EXACTLY what he is doing and why He has you doing something AT THAT TIME. If whatever it is, is rejected know that they are rejecting God NOT you. So you can not take offense to it. Put all your trust in God and move on what he has said to do!
First if you know that God has instructed you to do something and you have just been chilling... GET UP OUT OF YOUR STAGNANT STATE AND GET TO WHAT GOD SAID TO DO!! You are only hurting yourself by not doing it. Realize that God is not obligated to hold the spot for you. If you refuse to do what He has asked of you he will move on to the next person.
We need to be aware of the fact that WE as the B.O.B (Body of Believers) are the hands and feet of Jesus! I know that may seem cliche, but I want you to realize that God, due to his law of free will, can not do anything on this earth with out a willing vessel. We are that vessel. We have to want to be obedient to what God asked of us. Putting our self aside. Remember that is what we signed up for when we told God that we wanted him to be the head of our life and that we were going to serve Him!
These Excuses WON'T cut it any longer. I am bringing this to your attention so you are now accountable for it. If you are feeling convicted Good! You should! God has so much planned for you, but your stopping the process due to your disobedience!
So lets bust up some of these excuses, a lot of these is what I was telling myself.
"This can't be for me, I am not equipped"
Oh yes it can!!! and yes it is!! You have to know that if God gave it to you. Then it is yours. Unless you choose to give it away. One phrase that we often hear is "God does not call the equipped he equips the called' If God gave you a task then it is for you and you are more than capable of pulling it together. When David went to fight Goliath he didn't say "I can't do this.. I am not properly equipped with the gear that is needed for a battle". No, David who carried around a sling picked up three stones( Gods equipment #1) and used what he had to take down a giant. Eventually killing the giant with the giants OWN sword (Gods equipment #2) . So don't worry about if you have what it takes to do what God told you to.
In my own expierence when I started my web videos I didnt think that I was properly equipped but then I realized I don't need a fancy camera. My iPad works just fine, or using my computer camera. I dont need to by the most expensive editing material iMovie works just fine (for those who dont own a mac iMovie is just a means of recording and editing built into the computers) I kept stopping myself because I didn't think I was going to be able to make super great fantastic videos with what I had. But it's not true! I was more than equipped with what I needed! And as time goes on I know what ever else I need God will provide. So don't worry about what you think you don't have. Your ready!
In my own expierence when I started my web videos I didnt think that I was properly equipped but then I realized I don't need a fancy camera. My iPad works just fine, or using my computer camera. I dont need to by the most expensive editing material iMovie works just fine (for those who dont own a mac iMovie is just a means of recording and editing built into the computers) I kept stopping myself because I didn't think I was going to be able to make super great fantastic videos with what I had. But it's not true! I was more than equipped with what I needed! And as time goes on I know what ever else I need God will provide. So don't worry about what you think you don't have. Your ready!
"I am not ready for this!"
You ARE ready! I have been listening to some things on God and his timing. The result is that God has a plan for your life that he has laid down certain spots of grace and favor for the tasks that was given to you! Often times God is telling us "do this now!" We have the tendency to think that God doesn't know what he is talking about because the environment that he is asking us to do it in isn't right or it seems like what ever the task is won't be received by the people but the thing is... God knows EXACTLY what he is doing and why He has you doing something AT THAT TIME. If whatever it is, is rejected know that they are rejecting God NOT you. So you can not take offense to it. Put all your trust in God and move on what he has said to do!
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" Jer 29:11
"There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ jesus appears." Phil 1:6 MSG
"God has asked me to do something that I haven't spiritually conquered yet"
I am not exactly sure if that wording came out right but I am going to go with it so bare with me. I know when it came to me starting Project_1dentity webisodes that I kept stalling because I wondered how can God ask ME to teach others my age on something that God is still dealing with me on. I don't want to be a hypocrite I want to be able to give them hope that they can conquer what they are going through. The beauty in this is that you don't HAVE to be perfect! God does not expect you to come perfect. God used all kinds of people from prostitutes to shepherds, from peasants to even a few people to have his tasks completed. It doesn't matter where you are in life God can and will (if you open yourself to him) use you. Most of the people that God gives tasks to and uses are people that he knows that weakness but the funny thing about God is.. the area that you feel your at your weakest is what God uses to help build into a strength!
Like for me I am a very timid person, very shy and at times very insecure. Isn't it funny that God would call me to start a video ministry?! Something that millions of people will see? Not only that Im the daughter of a pastor meaning at some points I have to actually be in front of the church but you know in all of that I am (notice the tense) still becoming more and more acclimated to being in front of and around people and accepting me for me!
"I can just get to it later"
ummmm...NO. If God didn't give you a "start on this day" date, then you SHOULD assume that he means IMMEDIATELY...actually don't assume it, KNOW IT! You don't know how long your time on this earth is. Also, like I mentioned before the task that God had laid out for you and the blessings that he wants to give you he can easily give to some one else. One thing that I have been taught is that what God needs to get done in this earth he WILL get it done its just a matter of who is willing to be his open vessel to do things by. If you accepted to be the willing vessel, then be willing to work and be obedient to whatever he has given you at that time!
'People probably won't like the idea"
If God gave it to you then just cast this thought out of your brain. What would be the point of God giving it to you if NO one was going to receive it? No! You step out on faith and you do it. God will reach who he needs to just because of your obedience. It's not even about what other people think. YOU just be obedient to God. He will take care of the rest.
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" John 12:32 KJV
A few things I have learned.
1. Never forsake small beginnings- remember you have to start somewhere!
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in zerubbabels hand" Zech 4:10
2. God is always with you. He wont give you something and then just leave you hanging to figure out what to do next. He has a plan. You are part of that plan!
3.HAVE FUN AND GET CREATIVE! Sometimes its not that God has left you once he informed you of what to do. Sometimes he wants you to get creative use the gifts he gave you and you imagination (which is like his) to accomplish the task. Dont get frustrated. Make sure what ever it is keeps you in his will LOL because you definitely wouldn't want to do something that gets you in trouble but don't be afraid to dream big! If he didn't give you point by point "do not deviate" instructions then do what it takes to get the job done!
I can't wait to see where God is going to lead me and it inspires so much to know that he has such big plans for my life, even though at times I can't picture things further than my hand can reach God can see way far beyond that!
If this is you in anyway then I just want to encourage you to go ahead and get moving on that task don't hold back. You are more than ready and you are more than equipped there are people waiting on you to get started. I love you but God loves you even more. So on the count of three
1.....
2....
3....
Friday, June 7, 2013
Project_1dentity Intro
When God tells you to do something you don't wait. These past two years I have been procrastinating on a video ministry that God instructed me on starting. Because of my own fears and insecurities, I kept putting off.
Finally, I couldn't take the feeling of knowing that I had been putting God off this long. How can I say I love him, and that I serve him but I don't do a task that he has given me.
I would say that I know the reason some things in my life lately had been complicated was due to my disobedience. I would never know what it affected until I got on the right path. So I spent a whole day doing what I KNOW I needed to do. It was scary knowing that once I started this that I would HAVE to continue it. I can't just let it fall by the wayside. Gladly I know that God has a greater purpose with this ministry and I am very glad that he wanted me to have a piece in this. I am also glad to know that God actually waited on me to do this. He didn't give my task away due to my unwillingness and my apathy towards it. Now I dont know what God has planned for this but wether it succeeds or fails I know that all things work to my good because I love the Lord because I AM called according to his purpose( Ref. Romans 8:28). So I am not worried and I am not stressed about it.
There is some learning that will have to go into this I know but I am definitely ready to see what is going to happen. Im trusting God completely on this because it is all for his Glory anyway.
So please enjoy the clip and I hope that you will stay tuned in with me! I love you but God loves you more!
~Chelsee W.
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