It’s been my experience of making the same mistake times over. What would that be? When God reveals the mandate He has for my life and gives me a glimpse of what’s to come related to His purpose for my life, I do a few things. I agree with His plan and take off running in my own strength and limited understanding without all the details. Meaning, I say “yes to the Lord;” and step into what He spoke to my heart without all the specifics and working parts. I take off like a jet without the map of how everything fits together or lines up, void of the necessary steps. I don’t know what all is involved nor who I need to involve, I just forge away. In doing so, I crash and burn, delay the process, maybe cause some wreckage of people’s lives being a novice. Unintentionally, yet the fact still remains.

As The Lord has begun to revive the hearts, spirits (Is 57:15) and lives of His people; one thing God is emphasizing is “doing things His way.” That means waiting on God; acknowledging Him in all our ways whereas He shall direct our paths (Pr 3:6) ; we need to become teachable (Ps 32:8; Jn 14:26)) instead of moving in our human ingenuity.

The Lord pointed out the root of my problem as to why I got ahead of Him is because I was accustomed to figuring life out on my own. It was foreign to have someone give me guidance and instruction. Therefore, I equated God to my parents; which were not emotionally available for me. Therefore, I had no expectation that God would be there for me as well. Let alone, that Jesus would be there for me when I call on Him or answer me if I had questions or a need. That said, because all behavior is “learned behavior;” I learned to take things in my own hands and lean to my own understanding because all I had was me. 

I had to learn and am yet learning that “the Father” is nothing like that. Jn 14;7-9 Many of us don’t know “the Father” because we haven’t allowed ourselves to know Jesus in an intimate way. As Father is re-parenting me and I’m learning how to have a loving, personal, intimate relationship with Him; and that I can have expectations of Him. He says in His word, “my soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him” (Psalm 62;5, King James Version). Furthermore, if I wait on Him I know He will come and answer; I know He will instruct and guide me. Psalm 32:8 reads “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you” (Amplified Version). Now don’t get me wrong, my parents did their best, and did what they knew to do. You see, my parents grew up in an era that parents did not form certain bonds with their children; we were seen and not heard, the buddy buddy thing, or parents being friends with their children was not happening. This is something the Spirit of Truth revealed to me and it enabled me to have forgiveness and compassion toward them; which is another story for another time.

Anyway, once accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as a born-again believer; what happened before coming to Christ doesn’t work well after becoming a child of God. Our heavenly Father is nothing like our parents first of all. Secondly, He wants us as His children to have a personal, loving, intimate relationship. He is not at all aloof and He takes pleasure in us learning and knowing Him through His Son, Jesus Christ; God loves that! So remember, don’t leave God out.

God bless you,

Sis Bea

We are in a spiritual season where the Spirit of God is bringing about revival in His people; He is stirring our hearts in preparation to revive us and restore our souls. Many may not know that when we obey God’s word, that’s when the restoration of our souls begins to take place. For the Holy Spirit says that true “Biblical” revival occurs when we do things God’s way, in accordance with His word, which first involves “a change in mind.” This is what the Bible calls, repentance.

We read some examples of this in the gospel of Luke 3:2-14 (paraphrased). Here we have the account of John the Baptist calling for repentance in preparation for Jesus to come and begin His earthly ministry. John explained to the listeners that followed him what is required to avoid the wrath of God that will come on the world due to sin; and how to bring forth fruits connected to repentance. In vs 10 the people asked him what should they do in order to repent? John instructs each person according to what needed to change in their heart on a personal basis; for repentance is personal, it does not look the same for everybody because we are unique individuals.

John the Baptist explained in vs 11; whoever has two coats, share your second coat with a person that doesn’t have one. And the person that has food, share your food with someone that doesn’t have any. This behavior reflects the heart of God the Father, a Provider. Therefore, he was preparing the heart of these to be unselfish and have care for others.

In vss 12-13, the publicans (tax collectors) he tells them to only collect the proper amount of taxes from the people, and don’t ask for or require from them more than they owe. So repentance for the tax collector meant to stop engaging in dishonest gain; let their actions in business be done with integrity and truth.

Last, vs 14 looks at the life of the Roman soldier. Roman soldiers were known for inflicting unnecessary violence on people that was not warranted (undeserved), they would falsely accuse people, and strong-arm people out of money for themselves. That said, soldiers were being called to change their thinking and behavior regarding their oppressive and corrupt interactions with other people; whether it was unmerited violence, lying or forcing money out of people due to greed because they were in a position of a soldier. In each situation we see that it called for a change in their thought life and actions.

Another aspect of revival we need to look at is during times of revival, the Lord will begin to stir our heart by the Holy Spirit bringing things to our remembrance we used to do with Him and in Him; activities and /or spiritual disciplines we did with Jesus during precious time spent with Him. For example; prayer, reading and/or studying the Bible, journaling, going on outings together with the Lord, writing skits, revisiting and refreshing ourselves on certain foundational scriptures that anchored our life in Christ Jesus. Some things we did with the Lord in His presence are actually connected to purpose, showing us who we are in Him, what we are to do and how to fulfill it. These are just a few examples, I don’t know what that is for you, but you and the Lord know. What’s important is that when the Holy Spirit begins to stir those memories and prompt you, follow His lead and re-engage yourself in whatever it is. Don’t miss God in this season of revival. I say this in the Name of the Lord because believe it or not many of us have left off doing what we used to do in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Makes sense to me otherwise why would there be a need for revival.

This is how the Spirit of God is moving for such a time as this in the lives of His people; AND in preparation to draw more people into His Kingdom through our lives. The following writing is something that the Holy Spirit inspired me to write a few years ago; and I think is timely to share at the present. It reads:

Revival (originally written April 17, 2018)

God brings about restoration after Revival, which is preceded by repentance.

It’s repentance first; a change in mind (and direction) based on doing things God’s way according to His word and the leading of His Spirit, as we turn and walk in His direction.

Next comes revival; the Breath (Spirit) of God re-filling us again, as He awakens everything that seemed to be dead and dormant; along with the grace (power and ability) to carry it out.

Last, restoration. The Lord restores our soul Psalm 23: 3a (our mind, will and emotions; our character). As He restores our soul, He simultaneously restores the ability to function in our rightful place in Jesus Christ.

That said, it’s Repentance, Revival and Restoration; in that order says the Lord!

I pray this writing is both enlightening and a blessing to you and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you,

Sis Bea

It’s been said hurting people, hurt people. I find this to be true. You see, we are a tripart being, comprised of spirit, soul and body according to 1st Thessalonians 5:23-24. We are a spirit, we have  been given a soul and we live in a body. All three parts of our being, spirit, soul and body are housed in the body. We must know that our Born-Again spirit is perfect at the moment of conversion  when we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts. At that very instant He and dwells and resides in our new converted spirit forever, it’s our soul that’s been corrupted being born into a Fallen World of sin. 

1st Thessalonians 5:23-24 reads “Now may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you  through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged – consecrated to Him – set apart for his purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete [ be found ] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

vs 24 Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is he who is calling you [ to himself for your salvation ] and and he will do it [He will fulfill His calling by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as his own]” Amplified version. The King James version says He will sanctify us wholly in the place of completely. I like that becauseJesus Himself , the One who called us, takes it upon Himself, will do this in us with our cooperation; we become whole in and through Jesus Christ. Meaning, no matter how broken, bruised, hurt the soul  of a person has been, Jesus, who has called us will heal, restore and make our soul whole to the point where it is aligned or matches our perfect Born-Again Spirit. 

Oftentimes, if you notice the words, even our interactions with others will ensure we are recreating or reenacting that brokenness of our soul and that spirit that was released against us in our lives. If not mindful, we can inadvertently or subconsciously re-create the same atmosphere that was so hurtful and damaging to our souls. The very thing we hate, we do. 

Romans 7:19 “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing” (NIV).  

If the Lord does not bring it our attention, we continue to speak and act out of the position of a sinful heart; offense and spirits that were released against us; and now we, in turn, against other people. For we are “speaking spirits” who have been given a soul, housed in physical body. The majority of people are not aware of this, yet it is so. Unfortunately, Satan, the enemy of our souls, takes advantage of our ignorance to keep dysfunctional cycles of pain and brokenness operating in us and our lives. This robs us of the blessed life that we have in Christ Jesus as “children of God.” But, this does not have to continue to be so, we have been given the power of choice to break the enemy’s influence in our lives once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and adhere to the Word of God. 

In the book of Romans, it emphasizes the “gospel of the grace of God” that came through Jesus Christ. Whereas we are no longer under “the law” nor bondage to sin and its effects. (See background scriptures at the end).

Matthew 12:34 reads “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (NKJV). 

In others words, out of whatever the heart is full of, will overflow out of the mouth. We know what’s in our heart and others when we open our mouth, because it will leak out due to the heart being full (abundant) of words that are spoken forth. The heart cannot hide or withhold for long, that’s because of the amount stored or built up in our hearts; along with the effect words have had on our soul.

Let me share some real life examples.  Say for instance we interact with someone, and before long they sound as though they have lost enthusiasm and hope, words of hopelessness flow out of their mouth, there’s a sense they’ve been disheartened  or what some may call demoralized, put down, dejected or rejected.  There’s a good possibility that somewhere down the line their life (soul’s) experience has been that someone has caused them to lose confidence and hope. More often than not, this occurs during childhood; the formidable years of a human being’s life.  The problem comes in because the soul is the part of our being that  contains memories and experiences to our misfortune. We continue to carry  memories of our experience in our soul. We then carry on to speak and behave out of what’s been done to us; we interact with others the same way we have been treated. Therefore, it’s no surprise that someone that has been demoralized or dispirited, lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence has a tendency to spew the same words and spirit upon another person.  Unfortunately,  this person opens their mouth and now they have the tendency to demoralize, cause another to lose confidence, lose enthusiasm and hope because of the words that flow from their mouth out of their heart; they are reenacting what has been housed in their soul. This is just one example amongst countless unending ways that we interact in our relationships with other people;  whether an intimate relationship or just in passing. But there is hope, God has given a solution found in His word. You see, God knows what we have gone through, He saw and heard everything being said, He was there all the time. That said, we can find healing, deliverance, and restoration for our soul within the word of God. 

Psalm 19:7 reads “The law (word) of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; 

the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple (NKJV).  

It is in reading and meditating upon the word of God that converts the soul from its hurts, mistreatment, oppression, demoralization and so on; and provide the healing balm our soul so desperately needs. Whatever the case may be the solution and liberation is found within the word of God. Before long we will find our soul begins to align with our perfect Born-Again spirit. 

Too, keep in mind that we did not get the way we are overnight; therefore, it will take  time, commitment and consistency in the word of God to apply it to our soul as needed.  We must let the seed of God’s word become planted and rooted in our hearts in order to bring about change, the converting of our soul. 

Let’s go further and be more specific; because  we cannot afford to be broad nor vague; we need to be precise when searching the word of God for the healing and restoration of our soul.  

Psalm 42:5 reads “Why are you cast down on my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? 

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance (NKJV). 

His countenance being that God’s presence is with us, and His face and attention is towards us.  It’s clear in this verse that God wants us to begin to Hope in Him where there has been hopelessness, or where we’ve placed hope in man that has let us down and /or mishandled our soul.  What our heavenly Father is saying  in this verse and those to follow is to place our trust and hope in Him; areas of our soul and life that ONLY belong to Him and not another human being. Though God gave the responsibility to people, such as; our parents uncles, aunts grandparents and so on; they too were born into a fallen world. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they too did not always know how to handle us properly;  people do what they know to do, learned behavior.  However, there comes a point where we put our confidence in another human being; we now begin to roll or shift that confidence upon the Lord, only. 

Psalm 118:8 reads “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (NKJV).

And for those of us that may be “starstruck” or put our trust in people with titles 

Psalm 118:9 reads “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (NKJV).  Let’s eat some more, shall we! 

Psalm 62 goes on to say

vs 5 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, 

For my expectation is from Him. 

vs 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; 

He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 

vs 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; 

The rock of my strength, 

And my refuge, is in God.  Psalm 62:5-7 (NKJV)

There are an innumerable amounts of scripture that address the converting and restoration of our soul, this was just a short taste or snippet to hopefully wet your palate. 

The Word of God is our healing balm of deliverance and restoration of our soul. We can take comfort in the truth of His word, His power and His faithful character to do in us and our lives what He says He can and will do, Amen! 

Background scriptures:

Romans 6:3 reads “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We we accepted Jesus into our hearts as our Savior, the Holy Spirit baptized us (supernatural placed us into Christ’s Body). Jesus was also buried through the baptism of His death in the grave. And like Jesus was buried unto His death, so are we buried along with our old life into His baptism of death. Our old man and the life dies, we are then dead to sin and its desires.

vs 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death,

that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk in the newness of life.

vs 6 Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, 

that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

vs 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

vs 11  Likewise you also, reckon yourself to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our lord. 

vs 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lust (desires).

vs 13  And do not present your members ( i.e. body parts mouth, eyes, hands, feet and so on) as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourself to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 

vs 14 for sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. – NKJV

I pray this blog has enlightened and been a blessing to you and your walk with the Lord, Sis Bea

Oftentimes when we reject others, it can be indicative of us not liking something about ourselves; aspects of our own character we find hard to accept. It becomes evident when in the presence of someone we either clash with, or just don’t like. Why? The very thing that bothers us about a person is often the same flaw within our own character. It can be challenging when we come in contact with an individual that mirrors our fears, hurt, insecurities, parts of ourselves that are not yet developed; the places in us that need liberation, healing and growth. It can be especially frustrating if we are not equipped to address the discomfort; or if we cannot put our finger on the underlying reason for this inner conflict that ignites when around certain people. Their very presence tends to reflect powerlessness over what we have not yet mastered.

I’m reminded of a time when another female and I had to share the same space for a few months. Both of us were at pivotal points in our life; lost pieces of our identity through circumstances; made a mess of our lives; and were starting over to restructure our lives in a healthy way. Without words, automatically she silently confronted places within me that were weak, immature, broken, bound, hurt and afraid; she was me and I was her. To look at one another presented a reflection of our brokeness during that time in our lives. Encounters with each other sent cues that called for change. So what are some solutions when confronted with our mirror?

For starters, honest intropspection, get to the point where we are able to recognize similiarities we share; and admit these are shortcomings we either don’t like within us; need to improve or may be struggling to achieve freedom, power, awareness and/or growth. That said, rather than lash out, silently sulk in feelings of frustration, anger, resentments or dislike for that soul; we can start by learning to love and accept ourselves for who and where we are in our journey, it begins with us. This isn’t always easy, so we may need our Higher Power or someone objective to get involved, give ear to us and offer sound feedback. After all, if we could’ve changed whatever it is, we would’ve changed it. Another hopeful approach is practice empathy; how would we desire to be treated when we come across that individual? Extending empathy involves a decision; which is growth in itself. It is one way of actually learning to love and accept oneself when you extend love toward a person that’s hard to accept; it creates a reciprocal effect. Again, they are a reflection of you; it is like healing you. Moreover, we can ask God to heal, empower, and grow us up in that part of our being right where we are. Keep in mind this is not an event, it’s a process.

Keep it up and the next time we interact with that “special” someone, we may find ourselves accepting that person; OR we discover we have grown beyond our hang ups to the point we can genuinely help that individual along the path of growth and change. How ironic. This is just one form of love and acceptance as we love and accept others.

Author,

Beatrice Tate Jackson (Taken from my blog Lifelines110.com, July 2, 2019)

Sow a thought, reap a behavior

Sow a behavior, reap a habit

Sow a habit, reap your character

Sow your character, reap your destiny

Tribute to my late sister, Maganolia S. Tolbert (affectionately known as Nan)

My late sister sent me this short yet powerful statement you read above over 27 years ago. At that point, the Lord had me to reflect over my life at every pivotal, life changing season where He brought about lasting change. For many of us life comes down to the fact that our destiny starts in thought, followed by deed. (Depending, this may or may not refer to those who are born in situations or geographical locations that may breed oppression and powerlessness that is out of their control. The “destiny” statement above refers to those who have been granted power, and freedom to choose and change the direction of their life if they decide to do so). Decisions throughout the day are always leading us on a path. In so doing, we can pick life or death, so to speak; freedom or bondage; peace or confusion, contentment or anguish, the list goes on. The course of our day is predicated on single decisions made for the moment. In turn, our momentary choice can extend from a day, to weeks, to months and sometime years.

Is the outcome the end we want? Will our today shape our tomorrow the way we envision our best life to be, or no? These are questions to ask ourselves when presented with an option based on a moment in time; which in some cases influence the rest of our life. You see, while moments are (my-nute) minute, they expand beyond what we see or experience in the present.

That said, let’s reel this in backward beginning with destiny. How do you see yourself in the future? What does your day hold; what are you doing, are you working, going to school; how do you dress; are you walking, driving, cycling; do you own a home, rent; what does your life look like; how do you envision your life to be? What option can you pick in the present to develop the character you see in the future? Will an adjustment in any of the above cultivate the character you visualize yourself to be? Truth be told, most people must act upon something in their life to get what they picture to materialize.

Habits make it happen

Next, our habits. When it comes to habits, an exchange must take place. What behavior(s) do we repeat that have formed a habit that either help or hinder us? Think about it. Behavior(s) we need to change in order to reach our destiny are as basic as stopping an action and starting another. Developing a habit can be as simple as changing the places we go, alter activities we do, or change our circle of people; begin to socialize with those that affirm our identity vs detract from it, and the list goes on. It’s as straightforward as stop procrastinating and start doing what has been put off. Whichever the choice consistency is the key; small movements can make a big difference; one action at a time, one day at a time.

Just do it

Know this, sometime we need to practice a behavior for the mindset to catch up. At times this can feel uncomfortable, like a piece of clothing that does not quite fit yet, until one grows into it. The key word is “practice” the formation of a habit until the mind hooks up with it. Allow me to share a snippet from a Psychology paper I wrote titled “Attitudes and Behavior:”

“Behavior can also influence an individual’s viewpoint rather than one’s stance dictating performance. An example of how “acting” impacts an individual’s nature is Meta House Residential Treatment for Women; an inpatient facility which house recovering addicts, alcohol, bulimic, anorexic clients. These are clients’ who are accustomed to every waking moment being focused on how to obtain drugs/alcohol; binging and purging as they obsess on their next opportunity, and how to carry it out discreetly. In addition, most of these residents are apathetic with the exception of energy spent to reach their goal; which is to use drugs, alcohol, binge and purge. During their stay, women of all ethnic groups, ages and backgrounds engage in a plan tailored to specific issues along with guidelines everyone must follow. With the implementation of daily living skills; chores such as cleaning, cooking, meal planning and no television before 6pm; a strict meeting regimen (attending at least three AA, CA, NA or OA meetings a week) along with in-house groups; and job search or the pursuit of education. These are normal day to day activities that the majority of responsible adults engage in; but with addiction or whatever disease plagues them, they either got lost along the way or have never been exposed to a healthy lifestyle to begin with. The biggest challenge is their head is not yet involved in the process; clients enter treatment in denial, angry, fearful and unaware of where to begin to promote change. The program is designed to challenge self-defeating behaviors which in turn lead to a conversion in rationale. The women of Meta House experience a change in disposition through behavior modification; compliance first, then over time a conversion in the psyche takes place.”

I confirm the power of behavior influencing thinking, because I was one of those women. It’s been over 33 years I am yet clean, sober, delivered from drugs and alcohol; and a few years later accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’m a living testimony.

So what’s on your mind?

Foremost, there is our thinking. What are we thinking? Ever REALLY pay attention to your thoughts? Or have our thoughts become mechanical, mindless or without scrutiny? When we make choices, are we cognizant of the effect, assess the outcome, or do we just DO? Ponder that. Direction Help Guidance Adjustment

We must “STOP AND THINK” about where we want to go, one choice at a time. The primary element of change is decisions. What, in the present can we decide upon that can redirect the course of our lives for the positive? What can bring stability in our day? While some options can be difficult, foreign or even scary due to unfamiliarity; a sound choice can be made. I, for one understand. Here is another personal note I want to share that I use when change is needed…some 30 years ago it was brought to my attention that “if I do what I always did, I’ll get what I always got.” That statement not only stuck with me, just the thought of my circumstances becoming perpetual during that time scared me. I also heard we are presented with two options; the fear of change or the fear of remaining the same. These, among other reasons continue to influence my decisions to this day. I had to learn, and am yet learning to reverse the pain of brokenness by doing something different. This required an adjustment in reasoning.

I had to view myself from the basis of who I really am, rather than who I had become. Too, I had to recognize that I DO have choices and I no longer needed to think from a restricted position based on my rearing, or poor past decisions. Which brings me to my next point. I had to “practice paying attention” to my thoughts and where they originate from. The question for all to consider is, does our mind link us to our future or bind us to the past? Therefore, we must contemplate the way we think; it will either propel us toward our purposed life OR encumber us in place. Imperative

In short, we did not just awake to the place that we are, decisions got us there, one decision at a time. Decisions got us where we are, decisions will bring us out. Paving our destination is not a one-time event, it’s a process. Substituting of one thing for another can shift the momentum of one’s life, often in the opposite direction. Determine one choice at a time, one day at a time; this leads to an ordained life. Always keep in mind, what we decide today fosters tomorrow. It’s your choice, remember…..

Sow a thought, reap a behavior

Sow a behavior, reap a habit

Sow a habit, reap your character

Sow your character, reap your destiny

Beatrice Tate Jackson

(Note: this was originally written July 13, 2019, taken from my blog site Life Lines, lifelines110.com, Author Beatrice Jackson).

Our Heavenly Father in His wisdom, will allow us to experience the result of our decisions. If we pay attention, consequences will instruct us. It’s one of the ways He grows us up and takes away negative, ungodly, and non-productive cycles in our lives.

That said, stop paying for other people’s habits, bills and self-defeating way of life; allow them to deal with the outcome of their choices. Some individuals need the lessons of life as an opportunity for growth and change.

There’s no sense in everybody suffering the negative domino effect due to people who aren’t ready. It is disheartening for those that are doing the right thing to experience the financial, emotional, and mental strain of trying to stay above water; only to end up stuck in “the poverty pit” with those who are living outside of God’s will for their lives. That is not the will of “the Father” for His children. Jesus came that we might have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).

If “you” take care of your responsibilities, pay your bills, make sober choices, and so on; you deserve to experience peace, a “sense of accomplishment” as well as “the blessed life” that Jesus made possible for you. The simplest definition of the word blessed is to be empowered to succeed. The opposite is true related to the word cursed in its simplest form, which is to be empowered to fail. When Jesus came, He finished everything needed to be accomplished to make life right again for whosoever will. In doing so, He gave the opportunity for any curse to be broken off of our lives, for whosoever will. We all have a choice, even if those choices are limited due to a lack of knowledge, background and so on. Limitations can be the very thing that prompts us to seek His guidance when we don’t know the way. The alternative is to cycle around when we continue to go in our own way, our old or familiar way.

Break the Cycle

Again, why should everyone be stuck in “the poverty pot” together? You did not make the choices for the person who decides to go left when they needed to go right.

Stop enabling, live “your” life, enjoy the freedom of “your” decisions as you continue to move forward. We are not intended to live other people’s lives for them, they need to walk it out for themselves. That’s love, to allow them to do so. The opposite holds true when we attempt to fix people, we play a part in stunting their growth and crippling them. Moreover, we hurt ourselves. See how that works?

God loves us and even He will allow some situations to unfold and run their course; why can’t we? God’s love does what’s best for our “well-being” and our “greater good.” Therefore, why can’t we follow His pattern? Aren’t those of us who are God’s dear children supposed to imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1) anyway? It’s a matter of learning to let go and let God be God, or continue to take God’s place, suffer the pain and distress “as though” you are the one who is living outside of the will of God. Think about that.

Keep in mind we’re not doing them a favor, in the long run we’re doing them a disservice.

Know the difference

There is a difference in working together as a unit, having the same mind-set as everybody contributes; compared to one link in the chain having a different mindset. There’s a difference in banding together so everybody prospers vs enabling by paying for someone else’s habits, lifestyle or decisions. If we pay attention, consequences will instruct us.

Now whether you are the enabler; or that person who continues to engage in self-defeating behavior, there is hope and help for both. The Lord is always available to give us the power and wisdom to change direction. Philippians 2:13 reads; “For it is God that works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure.” Whatever the change needed, He can bring it about for the asking and willingness to do something different. Remember Jesus encouraged Paul by telling him something that applies to all of us, 2 Corinthians 12:9a “My grace (ability) is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, Jesus’ power increases for us and in us where we’re weak, limited, don’t know, or fall short.

Either way, the choice is always ours.

Keep in mind, even our Heavenly Father in all his love and wisdom will allow us to choose, He will attempt to direct us, yet He won’t force or stop us. In so doing, it’s His way to allow for growth and change. Are there times we even need His grace to do the same?

Wisdom begets wisdom!

Until next time God bless you,

Sister Bea

(Note: this blog was taken from my Life Lines site lifelines110.com, it was originally written August 30, 2019 – Author, Beatrice Jackson).

Do what we know to do first before we ask for more. Oftentimes we keep asking God for more; more direction, more knowledge, more money, more understanding, more time, more, more, more of whatever it is we are asking. Yet we haven’t eaten what’s already on our plate, as we ask for more of the same to be heaped upon our dish. What have we done with the instruction the Lord has given? What have we done with the time He has given us? Are we wasting it, spending it by allowing meaningless activities to fill our time? Are we allowing people to eat up our time in the place of God and His directive? What about the knowledge He has graced our minds with? Are we walking in the light He has shed? Let look at the money that we “do” have. Have we been good stewards of what the Lord has blessed us with, or are we wasteful; can we do better? These are just a few examples of following the Lord’s lead before we ask for more; the list can go on and on. I believe you get the point.

How about we do what we know to do in the interim of waiting for more rather than always asking? How about we make application of what is in our hand and be a doer of God’s Word, follow His lead and carry out His instruction. Engage in what the Lord has already shed light on makes us solid, sure and increases our faith. Too, it strengthens our patience and trust as we continue in what God has already given; until He sees the clean plate of commitment whereas He is ready to add more. While in a state of asking and waiting, do what we know to do.

That said, just do what we know to do while we wait.

God bless you, Sis Bea

When a born-again believer operates in their God-given spiritual or ministry gifts, there is a grace (a supernatural ability) that accompanies the work of the ministry. For the Lord said “the gifts of God are done with ease.” A child of God being in their rightful place in Christ FLOWs; what they say or do is effortless because it is of God, gifted and given by the Spirit of God. So why is it like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole in fulfilling what we are to do in Christ? Why do most in the church stress and strain in carrying out what’s asked of them?

There are many reasons for this; one being (for the most part) the church is not functioning according to God’s placement of the members in “the Body of Christ.” First Corinthians 12^th chapter lays the foundation of how God expects “the Body of Christ” to operate based on the spiritual gifts “He” has given those that are in Christ. Chapter 12 emphasizes the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit (the Spirit of God). Also, differences in ministries, yet these ministries are of the same Lord. Moreover, it is God operating in all the gifts and ministries by His Spirit. Therefore, the spiritual / ministry gifts not only are at work, they WORK because God is manifesting His supernatural power and ability through His people. A key verse in chapter 12 is verse 18 that states; “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the Body just as He pleased (NKJV).” The King James Version says; “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the Body, as it hath pleased Him.” Problem is, the people of God are not in their proper place; most often, they are not set in place by God. Instead, members are placed by man.

Most born-again believers are not functioning in their spiritual and ministry gifts (at least not within the denomination I’ve been in). It’s my observation and experience at some point that church leadership, such as pastors and bishops place people in positions to line up with their vision. Sadly, it’s not God’s vision and the supernatural power is either void or lost over time; while the people of God sit on the pew from one week to the next faithfully and die spiritually. Most do not even experience the blessed life that Father has for his people. This is because members are requested to carry out ministries that require human ingenuity which are more natural by nature vs supernatural. Oftentimes, man’s vision is community-focused based on natural needs that are obvious in the natural sense; not realizing if God’s vision is honored, it will heal the community. Anyway, this can lead to being void of “the Spirit” because man’s plan tend to require effort of the flesh, reaping limited results. In addition, people are often taken out of their comfort zone; because what is requested of them is not in line with their spiritual or ministry gifts, the work is “natural” vs spiritual. That said, it’s like forcing a square peg into a round hole; the ability or grace is just not there to accomplish what they have been given to do. Many of God’s people experience fatigue or burnout, frustration and discouragement because what is asked of them is opposite of their true identity in Christ. Unlike what God gives a person to do; it is life-giving, energized by the Spirit and life of God within them. Moreover, there is not only power, the joy of the Lord accompanies the operation of one’s spiritual / ministry gifts. For it’s like Jesus, Himself in action. When a born-again believer operates in their God-given spiritual or ministry gifts, there is a grace that accompanies the work of the ministry. For the Lord said “the gifts of God are done with ease.” Furthermore, God is making a clarion call saying; “everybody in their proper place! With that place comes power, protection and provision!” Power, being the grace or ability to function in their GOD-GIVEN spiritual/ ministry gifts. A child of God in their rightful place in Christ FLOWs; what they say or do is effortless because it is of God, gifted and given by the Spirit of God.

 If it is not given by God, the ability or grace will not be there to carry out or operate properly in whatever it is. Again, it will be like forcing a square peg into a round hole. We are spiritual and it will be too natural; a disconnection from the inner life within us.

For example, in the human body the eye does not have the ability to taste like the tongue; the liver does not possess the capacity to hear like the ear; the bladder will not pump blood like the heart; no more than a member in “the Body of Christ” has the power to operate properly outside of what God has ordain for them. “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills,” (1^st Corinthians 12:11, NKJV). The King James Version reads; “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man (or woman) severally as He will,” (1^st Corinthians 12:11). In this verse the word severally in the Greek means pertaining to self, one’s own, private or separate, apart. In other words, that which is unique, distinct and distinguishes one from another’s. A gift given by God that is befitting according to a person’s ability and character He knows right well.

It is my prayer that all of us in Christ Jesus come into the knowledge of our true identity in Christ. Unfortunately, the majority of the people of God do not know who they are in God; nor are they aware of their spiritual /ministry gifts. That is sad, yet true. Both leadership and those of us in Christ Jesus are at fault. Too, each of us, including leadership will have to give an account of if we have done what the Lord has given us to do. Whether it is taking ownership to cultivate a relationship with Jesus; or if those in positions held back others by having influence as a leader in fulfilling their vision.

Jesus came that everyone can have a personal relationship with “the Father” through Him. Therefore, whosoever accepts Him into their heart as their Lord and Savior has the opportunity to discover their identity in Him by spending time with the Lord in prayer and the reading of God’s Word. Just like a healthy, loving parent affirms who their children are according to their unique personality and abilities; in like manner our heavenly Father does the same. Moreover, Jesus by His Spirit, confirms who we are and what we have in Him because it bears witness with our spirit by the ease and flow of which we operate; it’s a perfect match; whatever we do it is just so us (if I can say it like that). Again, the joy of the Lord accompanies our spiritual /ministry gifts, because it is Jesus’ and it is Him operating in and through us. “The gifts of God are done with ease;” says the Lord. Furthermore, God is making a clarion call- God said; “everybody in their proper place! With that proper place comes power (which is the grace or ability to function), protection and provision.” To conclude, our heavenly Father’s desire is for us to experience the blessed life His Son came to give us, this side of heaven. Let us pursue our true identity in Christ for such a time as this.

Until next time, God bless you

Sis Bea

 

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