Keeping It Or Cutting It

Today I told myself enough is enough, no more excuses .....

I realised that for me anyway, I use not having enough time as an excuse....alot. It was when I was on my way to uni that it occurred to me that it's actually not an excuse. If I want something that bad I will or I should go hard for it and that includes making time for it. 

You know some people are quite organised when it comes to packing, no stress.....

....but if you're like me you're a bit last minute, can't leave anything because you might need it, even that top that you haven't brought out of the closet for time and so your case looks a little like this:

Eventually it all fits, but when you go and come back you realise you didn't need half the things you took and to be quite honest just like my suitcase packing I've realised I need to organise aspects of my life: keep and maintain what matters and just drop what doesn't or anything I'm doing half-heartedly.

I'm not going to make this an essay I've realised I write alot of those, but it's not too complicated. Invest in what matters and as Christians, young Christians at that in a world ever-changing with it's ever-changing people too the greatest thing you can invest in is your relationship with God. Cut the unnecessary out.

For me I know I need to prioritise my time with uni work, with business ideas, and other things I'm involved in and I want a better knowledge of the Word so I am dropping some things which come second or are getting cut completely. 

For some it may be certain people you need to cut out, for or maybe you oversleep and could do more, how much time do you spend watching stuff on the TV compared to doing what's important. It's not about becoming obsessive, it's about prioritising but then it all depends on what matters you.

This is just a revelation that I had at the today but here are a few scriptures and may God through His Spirit reveal something new to you too:

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead,where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things - Philippians 4:8

Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety - Proverbs 11:14

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only - James 2:18-24

Tell God where you want to be and ask for the strength and grace to carry through, be expectant that according to His Will change will come (James 1:6-8)

I serve a God of purpose and I see people making it happen around me. 'I don't have time' isn't an excuse no more...I'm either in or out.
So what about you?
What's staying and what's got to go?

The Busiest Girl In the World

Have you ever felt empty or unfulfiiled?

Some weeks ago I was feeling unfulfilled, like there was something missing, yet I felt like the busiest girl in the world. I was doing alot of stuff and had alot of plans but still I felt like something was missing. I spoke to two people close to me about it and prayed about it and then being the faithful God He is God He gave me the answer and then even confirmed it. The answer and the lesson I learnt I want to share it with you today.

It stems from this scripture:

Sometimes being busy can fool us into thinking we are being productive. Quantity can fool us into thinking we are achieving quality.

 Notice the order of the commandments - it says your love should be geared towards Christ first and then towards your neighbour. Someone gave me the analogy of when you are given instructions about what is to happen in an emergency. When they talk about the air masks they say put yours on first before helping someone else. Similarly our position, our relationship, our devotion to Christ should be our priority. God told me that I felt empty because I was pouring out through 'activity' but not filling myself with His word and my devotion time. Does that mean stop helping people, stop ministering or being a blessing? Not at all, but where we are personally with Christ must come first or you can find yourself, like me, falling into dead works..faith and deeds must come as a pair (James 1:14-26) 

So what do you find yourself busy doing - work, uni, looking after brothers and sisters helping in church, charity work, giving to people, spending time encouraging and sharing with others, checking on people? Some weeks ago I found that I was getting so concerned in keeping busy that my devotional time with God became something to be ticked off as done. I found myself reading His Word for the sake of it, trying to fool myself that it was my time with God. How fooled was I? Imagine you say to your friend you want to meet up because you haven't seen eachother in a while and then they meet you and as soon as they sit down they're almost ready to start heading. You wouldn't count that as really spending time with them, but we at times do just that to God. Don't let religious activities be a substitute for your investment and time spent with God. Our time with God should be something to be excited about. As a child there may have been days when mum or dad would come home from work and you would be so excited. God being our father and us being His children it should be the same way.  It's so important and oh was I reminded. I read something about a Christian lady who was well known for her charity work; she really gave back. I went on to read that despite her achievements and the good work she had done, she still felt like there was a void, like she didn't know where she was at with God. I thought to myself wow you can have the biggest church, God can use you to do phenomenal miracles, you can famous for your good deeds yet still feel lost and fulfilled.

Paul spoke to the Corinthians about how gifts are nothing without love and the intention of edification. In 1 Corinthians 13:1 it says,

'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.'

Similarly if your fellowship with God dwindles while the amount of 'things' you're doing is sky high it can sound just like that to God, clanging symbols.

May what we do for God and what we offer as a sacrifice to Him never be 'just noise.'

Sometimes even with the best intentions we can become the busiest people forgetting where we began  If you find that your relationship with God is taking a back seat to the things your doing for Him, just take a moment to reflect and go back to Him. Don't dwell on what you haven't done (Philippians 3:13-14) but take it to prayer with a repentful heart and start over.

I'll end with this, some weeks ago God asked me something. He said, "At the end of your day you ask yourself did you have a productive day. You check whether you've done uni work, placement stuff, housework, things of that sort and say yes it was, but if I am not in that day then can you really call it productive?"

Don't stop being a blessing, don't stop being there for people or helping others, don't stop doing things in His name but remember where you're at with God, making sure you're growing in Him.

If you're going to protect anything in your life, if you're going go hard at anything, if you're going to invest or hold onto anything in this world, make sure it's your relationship with Christ, don't forget your first love (Rev 2:1-7)

Be encouraged xx

Ex-dreamers

I remember when I was little girl and at school they would ask "what do you want to be when yoou grow up?" As a child the possibilities seem endless and you're given the space to dream and imagine. As you grow up systems are put in place and influences begin to show. Some of us have come really far from then.
Whilst many continue to dream we see dreams become plans and plans become realtity however for some the freedom to dream and imagine gets quenched, gets crippled, gets limited. The seeds of dreams which were once scattered everywhere as a youngster are no more.

Who puts a limitation on your dreams? Who harnesses your imagination and creativity?

Proverbs 16:9 begins with

'A man’s heart plans his way......'

Before a plan there is a vision, a destination, a dream. God wants us to dream and to have plans. Without goals you can't move forward.

He doesn't only want us to have those visions or dreams, He wans them to be in Him. He wants them to be in line with His Will for our lives (Proverbs 16:3).


I know many people who have had dreams and now I am seeing them come to life: busineses, projects, events, programmes and many more new things. However there are still many people who's desire for more, to grow, to start something new is either dormant or not even there. Through killed-off dreams mininstries are being aborted and that should not be for the children of God.

So maybe you've had a dream, an idea but its still just that...a dream. What's been stopping you? What's holding you back? What do you love to do? Through your occupation, businesses, ideas and many more, God wants to use you to minister people. You need to know ministrations are not just on church or on a Sunday. Jesus moved from place to place and touched the lives of the 'unwanted', the 'rejected', the 'unreachable', the people who needed Him to come to them because they could not come to Him. God wants to use you to reach people who for whatever reason can't come to your Sunday service.

So I ask again what's stopping you?

For some people it's laziness. You know in a time like now where technonlogy continues to evolve and people continue to create, there is an entrepreneurial buzz going about, but I've seen and I'm learning that you can't call yourself a boss if you're not willing to put in the work. The Bible says in Proverbs 21:25 'The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.' Laziness not confronted results in dormant dreams. So what can we do to overcome it? Advice that I have been given includes writing down your dreams instead letting them remain in your head. In addition to this time limits and targets should be included so that way you have something your working towards; you're moving forward instead of being stagnant. An accontability partner is also something you can try. An accountability partner is someone 'you answer to' but not like a teacher but just someone you can keep updated and who will chase you up if need be. They help you stay on track encouraging you when needed and keeping it real when you're slacking. 

Some of us are scared of failure, scared of rejection so we would rather stay where we are than take a 'risk.' We are scared of what lies ahead but we should trust in the God that backs us. That's why putting your trust in God daily along with exercising and putting your faith into practice daily (Hebrews 4:12-14) is imporatant because when you know God's faithfulness that will give you the courage to move forward. Speak His Word , rely on His Word and see what He will do.
There was a time when I used to be afraid of pigeons. I was so scared that at the bus stop I would shift from side to side to avoid the 'rats with wings' until I began to realise that it was quite embarassing (you can imagine the sight) and it was beginning to become impactful. I realised fear had become the dictator in this area of my life and although it may seem minor to some people, fear of an animal, object or another human being is not the will of God for you and me. After this realisation I slowly stopped running from them and even though we are not best friends it's not an issue like it used to be. Alot of times we must confront our fears to overcome them.When the children of Israel had captured the 5 kings who had gone against them Joshua told the soldiers come and step on their necks, come take terrority (Joshua 10:24). He then goes onto say in verse 25

"Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight. 

 He could have said, "Look watch me step on their necks" but he actually told them to come and do it for themeselves, come and confront the opposition. That's what God is telling many of us. Before confronting Goliath in battle David is someone who also knew the God who was backing Him; he told the other soldiers of God's faithfulness (1 Samuel 7:34-37).

For some the dreaming and the planning is not the problem. For some the drive and the motvation is already there but some where along the line the direction was changed and although things are moving they're not moving in God's direction. You see we live in a world that will always provide an easier way out, a cop out, a comprimise. In the wilderness Jesus himself was given the option of 'an easier way out' (Matthew 4). As children of God we must ensure that our dreams and plans must line up with His Word (Hebrews 4:12). Our talents, gifts and services must glorify the name of God and not solely be for an increase of us: an increase in cash, an increase in status or an increase in possessions.  It's not always easy when another way, a quicker way, a more attractive way is being given as an option but we are not operating under the system of this world (1 John 2:16, Proverbs 16:25).  Don't sell yourself short but hold onto the Word of the Lord and the way He does things in your own life will be what people glorify Him for. One of my favourite verses, one that has kept me in times when comprimise came knocking on the door reads:

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day;
For surely there is a hereafter,And your hope will not be cut off.    Proverbs 23:17-18

For this reason the people you hang with and surround yourself with is very important. If you don't watch who you walk with and your dreams can become contaminated. There are times when it may seem like people want to help but in reality they have their own motives and when these motives are contrary to what God wants we should check ourselves and the way we decide to go. When the children of Israel had been released from Babylon and had begun rebuliding the temple in Ezra chapter 4, their adversaries tried to join in telling them that they seeked the same God but their response was "You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us" (Ezra 4:3). Ask God that His Spirit would lead you and reveal to you those who want to contaminate because many times we can't see with our own eyes until it's too late - we need the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it's not even intentional but you must know Who you stand with. We should remember that when we build with God, the foundation shouldn't be forgeten. When we allow our visions to be contaminated it easy to forget about the foundation and go astray.

From another perspective maybe you're someone who has gone in God's ways and by His grace your visions are a reality now. You are prospering. If you know people who may have taken a different route, are you being of any help? Who are you praying for? Could you be metoring someone who wants to prosper in your field? People are even doing programmes and workshops now giving back because God has given to them. You can start with one person, someone you will devote your time and prayers to. If you're not doing anything what could you be doing? We are in world that goes by the motto 'get yours by any means necessary and step on whoever to get there', but we should be going by the motto of 'stand firm in His Word, watch what our God will do and bring others up with you' (Galatians 6:1-5).

You want to surround yourself with people who will encourage the vision, remind you of the vision according to the the Will of God. Someone close to me once told me that incubators are people that 'look after the dream', they make sure the dream doesn't die. You need people like that around you for the challenging times, for the tempting times, for times when it looks like you won't make it. When the temple was being rebuilt and King Artaxerxes had put an halt to the work it looked like rejection. It really looked like it wasn't going to happen but of course when there's prophesy from God it must be forfilled. Zechariah and Haggai, prophets in that time, encouraged them and reminded them of the prophecy and so the temple was completed - they were incubators (Ezra 5:2, 6:14)

This year has been a year where my dreams are becoming plans. I was in a position for a while where I was seeing alot of people doing what they love and creating something big with it (be around go-getters). I used to think to myself I want to do something but I don't know what. I know they may be some who are in that position and maybe you're not sure what route to take. Ask God and He is faithful to answer (Matthew 7:7, 1 John 5:14-15) I had been asking God and now I have so many ideas!

So if you used to dream or plan start again now because there's not a better time! I pray that when you start a new thing you will start it with God and when it starts moving you will be directed by God. May you not miss your season or waste your potential in Jesus Name.....the time is now!.....be encouraged!

Single Season

" A tall, strong man"

" A man who knows where he's going"

"A guy who is already etsablished"

"A man who's got style, who looks good  from top to bottom, all day, everyday"

" A guy who will just surprise me, like sending me a boucay of flowers, just because"

"A man who is a good listener"
"A man who treats me like a queen"

You have just gone through a list of wants, some females desires in a man.

I remember when my friends and I were in secondary school, young and somewhat naive, and one of my friends would say she would never go out with someone who didn't own a car. I'm actually laughing thinking about it because she was so serious at the time and would say "So what, are we gonna be on the bus?" LOL. She's grown into a beautiful mature lady but there are still females who still hold onto that view. Whether it's right or wrong I will not debate about that now but my point is that we have these lists in our heads, or ideas of what we want our ideal partner to be like. I'm not just talking about females either. Males have their lists too. Most guys want to be catered too, and looked after and treated like kings......amoung other things.

                                                         

Us females are looking for our idea of a king and males are looking for their idea of a queen. Some of us spend time looking for the ideal, dismissing people and even 'testing the waters' to see what happens but what do you have to show? What do I mean by that?

I would say I want to be with a man who knows where He's going. He may not be there presently but he has a plan - a sense of direction. One day I was just thinking to myself, apart from the degree I'm studying towards, do I have a vision or plan? What do I want to do after my degree? To my surprise there were quite a few blanks and I realised I wanted something in a man that I hadn't even thought about or put to God myself. So you may say we want this, you want that but what do we have to offer?

As males and females we spend so much time looking at the opposite sex and even complaining but what are we doing now?

                                                           
When  Jesus talks to the disciples about asking and receiving he tells them to ask with the expectation of good things (Matthew 7:7-11) and after this He says 'Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.' (Matthew 7:12) .
You want to be with someone who is good listener, are you a good listener? You want to be with someone who is forgiving but if someone accidently bumps into you the whole world know. Those are just two examples, but you get my drift (well I hope you do).

Genesis 2:24 says

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh

and until then according to the Word of God we are single. When I've spoke about being with someone or being with a partner I'm talking about husband and wife and in due season God will bring that husband or wife to you, but before then what are we doing, besides making lists of wants.

Your single season is not meant to be a time to sulk everytime valentines day comes around; it's not a time to get angry everytime you see a couple holding hands at the bus stop; it's not a time to label every male or female as your ex; it's not a time to be getting gassed by swagnotes but it's a time to establish your relationship and intimacy with Christ (this doesn't stop after you get married). Jesus told the Pharisees the first and great commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37-38).  Our single season should be occupied with just doing that. Where's your focus at right now?

It's time to put the Word into practice and to exercises characteristics not only required for marriage but required for you to be a vessel of God. We should exercise forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35), kindness, tolerance (Galatians 5:22-26), humility (Matthew 23:11-12, Proverbs 12:1), sacrifice which is love (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) and that nicely leads me onto the second great commandment which says love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39) So how do you behave now? How do you treat your brothers and sisters in Christ? How do you treat the saved and unsaved?

I remember when I was talking with my Pastor about housework and I told him I don't mind doing it when no one tells me but when I'm told I don't want to. He then said to me if I can't submit to my parents how can you submit to your husband? Now the discussion of submission is for another post but it just an example of preparation and exercising the Word in this single season.

My prayer used to be God make sure he's this and and I pray he's that but now I pray that Lord make me a lady prepared, a woman ready when it is that season.


Am I saying don't have standards or expectations, certainly not they're good but know that the type of wife or husband you want should measure up to the lady or man in Christ you're aiming to be.

Be encouraged!

Female Body Blues

ELLO......Sorry I have not posted in a while. I know, I really need to be more consistent but since my summer break has now commenced you will definitely be hearing or should I say reading more.
               
The other day I was youtubing, just looking at fashion and hair tutorials (this won't surprise some) and I was watching a girl who does alot of fashion related stuff but she recently posted a video about her body image and her struggle to be perfect. I was quite touched and thought I should write something about the body image blues I used to have. This may not apply to everyone but I've realised there's power in your experience or testimony and sometimes as Christians we shout out our blessings but hide our struggles, the very thing people need to hear in order to relate and know that Christ can do the same for them too.


From since I can remember I have always been quite slim however this never bothered me until I reached secondary school - a time of mental, emotional and physical refurbishment for many. We become more conscious of our bodies and the influence they have on the opposite sex. People were growing mountains in the front and hills at the back and I thought it only seemed like yesterday when we were all wearing vests.

Anyway my physical development seemed to be more gradual than others and to be honest I hated it, but the thing about me was I learnt to perfect pretend-confidence. People would give me compliments about the way I carried myself but in my head I compared my body to others, and was never content. 

I laugh now because I remember when my mum used to tell me that I complained too much and that she once was quite slim. She told me that I would stop complaining once I got older.

People would make comments about my body and there was a period in my life when it really got to me. Some people were generally concerned but some just wanted to talk, but hey that's not new.

There was actually a time when I became quite fixated on putting on weight and getting bits and bobs and I began to drink nourishment drinks and other protein shakes. It was when I began to go to the toilet a bit more often than usual that I actually realised how ridiculous it was getting - it was not cute. I then asked myself why am I actually doing this? To conform? To impress? To get attention? After that experience I realised that I had no reason not be content.

As children of God, male or female, we should equate the creation (us) with the creator, so my problem wasn't that there was something wrong me but the problem was that I could not accept that there wasn't.

We are in a world driven by looks, the possessions we have and the status we uphold. Everywhere we look, 'live' or on paper, there is a standard presented of how to look and behave but we are not called to live according to the standards of this world (1 John 2:15-17).

I am not condemning the use of protein shakes, or the use of a treadmill to lose weight but whilst getting to where you want to be physically always have in mind why you're doing it so you don't lose your identity to this world in the process.

Are there still bits of my body I wouldn't mind tweeking? Yeah but I've learnt to embrace my body.

A bit too enthusiastic? LOL

Be healthy,be content and think about the creator next time you think of the creation as rubbish (Ephesians 2:10) 


Be encouraged!

High Heels Higher Than Charity

SHOES, GLORIOUS SHOES (high heel shoes specifically)....Anyone who knows me very well would know that I am into my heels:  wedges and platforms, straps, open toed or closed...I love my heels. I remember when I was coming back from uni and went near the market area, not far from Angel Station. I went into a shop and in the corner of my eye I spotted this brown wedged pair of boots; an abstract pair of fabulousity.  So I asked the lady how much they were and she said £10! Only £10! I was so excited. I checked my purse but there was no cash in it and they didn't take card. Before she had finished I was out of there like road runner on a hunt for the nearest cash point. It wasn't very far. I then heard the Holy Spirit tell me plainly 'but you do not need them?' I stopped for a moment and then I heard the same thing again but continued to withdraw and walk towards the store..... very slowly. I thought £10, only £10. It's not that much..........


 In life we often have this battle with our fianaces NEEDS VS WANTS. I thought I was in full control of my spending. I would buy things when I thought it was appropriate and I never thought I went overboard, but then I went to a bible study that changed my whole perspective on my needs and wants. It wasn't complicated. The topic was about giving and charity and the question that was asked in simple terms was:

Does how much you spend (on yourself) outweigh how much you give?

 Now this is not a new concept and it is that fact that convinces me even more that it was the Holy Spirit convicting me. For those who have been to church giving is something that is almost always encouraged. In some places it is emphasised so much that unfortunately some people question where their the money is going but I won't dabble into that too much (today). However the Word of God says: 

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart , not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver ' 2 Corinthians 9:7

After that bible study I really questioned my perspective of appropriate spending. Now like I said, I never thought my spending was extravagant but then when I weighed up the money I spent on those shoes, that sale, that bargain and then compared it to how much I gave to the kingdom of God...wow...the scale was definitely unbalanced by far. 

Now when we think of giving, especially us young people, we may think of church offering or big charity organisation, but the spectrum of giving through the eyes of God is so much wider than that. We often wait and rely on present systems to lead us in giving and this is not bad thing, but why don't you ask God what you should contribute to. Sometimes we look far and wide to give and be a blessing without acknowledging what's infront of us first. Some of us struggle to give, period. 


Our services can also be part of our giving too. For example maybe your good with children and you know someone who needs a hand, babystting without charge to help a family or individual could be your service. If you look around, trust me, there is alot of things that can be done. Look at your interests, ask God about it and be a blessing to someone 1 John 3:17-18 says:

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Our giving is a reflection of our love and relationship with God. Where are you now?  Who's the head of your money? What do you invest in the most, your materials things or the eternal things?

When you sow into the things of the kingdom you always reap. I've seen it too many times in my life and the life of those around me. Is it because I'm special? Not at all but it's because we serve a God of principles who does not go back on His word:

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,

And He will pay back what he has given. - Proverbs 19:17

Find something you can be consistent in and as you conitunualy sew you will continually reap receiving more than paper notes and coins. The blessings of God expand further than that.

After that bible study I agreed with God to give a specific amount towards a cause and I have seen the blessings in my life and the life of others. You can make a decision to contribute to a cause too. What are you going to give? Do I still love shoes? Yes! Have I bought a pair of shoes after that bible study? Yes! The difference is now my contribution, donation and service to the kingdom of God is higher in priority, higher than my high heels....Be encouraged!

                                                  

BIG Mouth!

We are in a time of freedom of speech, keeping it real, saying it like it is, saying it because you feel like it. Our mouths can be like machine guns sometimes, just spraying with no aim or they can be like springs bringing forth life wherever it falls.Whatever the case words are powerful and the saying of 'sticks and bones won't break my bones but words will never hurt me' is dead right about now. It is the song of a superstar, the speech of a legend, the writer of a play that proceeds the composer. They remain relevant even when the composer, author or singer has passed. Why? Words are deposited, the have an effect, they stick and can remain forever. Words can constructive or destructive (Proverbs 12:18). A small part of the body can have such a big effect:

'Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.' James 3:3-5

So words are powerful and we should be careful about what we say, however is it just what we say? There have been times when I've spoken to my mum and she hasn't even paid too much attention to what I've said but has said 'Is that how you are speaking to me?' In my secondary school days there's been times when I have wanted to go to certain parties and I've needed to ask my parents about it. Now if you have tact you don't ask when you've just received a not so good report from school, you ask them when they're in a good mood , eating their favourite meal or having a hot cup of tea. You wait for the best time. It's not just about what we say but it's also about how we say it and when we say it.

So what do we? It's easy to say words are powerful and the rest of it but does that mean we should be quiet. The Bible talks about truth (Proverbs 12:17) and we should keep it 'real' so is it open mouth or close mouth? One thing that I have learnt as I've grown in Christ is that before I open my mouth, before I put that bb status up, before it circulates of Facebook or Twitter i should consider the motive behind my words. What is the purpose of opening your mouth? Paul wrote to the Church of Ephesus saying 

'Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers' Ephesians 4:29

So will what you say edify someone, will it make them better? Many people think Christianity is about being nice but it's really about being truthful and being truthful in love. The Bible says that God corrects those He loves (Proverbs 3:11-12)  Being corrected can feel uncomfortable or it may seem like its not a 'nice thing' to do but we are chastised by God because He wants to better us, He wants us to move, He wants us to do things the right way, His way. There's people we know that may not be going in the right way, they may be lost, and a lot of times that's not the time to be 'nice' but like God does to us we  should show them love in truth. It may be uncomfortable to hear but that word could set them back on track. It is just important that the person you're speaking to knows that what you are saying is coming from a place of love.

In Matthew 8, a leper came to Jesus and told Him that if He is willing Jesus could clean Him. Jesus said He was willing and healed the man from leprosy. However Jesus told Him to go but tell no one what had happened. Why would Jesus not want people to see His power, His miracle? This was Jesus knew the importance of timing and His purpose. It was not the right time. When we want to say something we should question is it the right time. Should I say it in front of all these people or wait for a quiet moment to tell them? They look quite upset or angry should I wait until there have calmed down? Timing can be crucial especially if you want your word to be received well.

But then we come to venting. Oh if anyone has I have come to find out that there is a thin line between gossiping and venting it is me, however there is a difference. Gossiping hurts and can be very hard to stop once you're on a roll.  It never builds people up but exposes and exploits. Venting is a release and I do encourage it. People do some outrageous things and when you sit down and talk to them you realise that it could have been prevented if there was someone to talk to, someone to vent out to. It prevents storage of what can become grudges, hate and bitterness. When we vent we should think about who we vent to (Proverbs 1:5). If I have an argument with a friend and then go tell another friend who I know is not fond of her, infact any chance to disgrace her she will take, is that wise of me? It sounds simple but that's what we do alot, it's an emotional response. Vent to people who are neutral, who will not give a biased view but the right view, who's advice is not emotionally based. 

James says the tongue cannot be tamed by man (James 3:8). I have found that the Word of God is like a rein to the tongue and the Spirit of God is the hand that pulls the rein in. There was a time when I was walking with some people and they were talking about a specific person and the things there were saying were sparked by emotion but nevertheless true. I could relate to them and I felt like saying something, I was bursting, but then the Spirit of God just told me don't you think you should speak to that individual before adding smoke to the fire. It was that clear.

For good or for bad never underestimate the power of your word:

'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit' Proverbs 18:21

 We should ask ourselves why we open my mouth? How should I say it? Is it the best time to say it? Above all we should ask God to direct us and for help so that we are springs of life to people and not death to them. 

Be encouraged!

These Are My Confessions....

 You can't change 

I remember when I heard the story of Tulisa, former X-factor judge and  former member platinum selling group Ndubz, about a private video of her and her ex partner being released to the public. People were skeptical about whether it was her and who had released it  but she finally came out on YouTube releasing a video confessing it was indeed her and it was meant to be a private moment  and she was sorry for any offence caused. Now I don't want to focus on the act itself but this is something that will probably follow her for her sometime. Despite her video explanation I still believe people, tabloids and media will to bring it up in the future and it will be a shadow over her image, her career and talent.


Now they are many people who can relate to this story (hold on to your brakes). Many young people who come to Christ with brokeness and an eagerness to change,to seek purpose and embark on that journey. However other people, including Christians, still see their past and don't let them forget it. They still see her as a wild girl, they still see a badman.You hear things like 'Give it some time she'll come back' and "No, he can't change just like that." Many people confess and lay it down to Jesus but feel like all people see is their past.


Everyone has a past, everyone! Everyone has a life before Christ and after Christ. We'll still make mistakes even in Christ. Maybe you feel like you're trying to get people to see that you are different and are trying to seek the face of God and it's hard. You even think at times maybe they're right, maybe bad habits do die hard. You have to make a decision to 'not watch face' which means don't listen or worry about what people say about you
 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

 '

In Matthew 16:13-16 Jesus asked Peter who do men say I am. Peter replied saying "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets" and then Jesus said "but who do YOU say I am?" Peter then said "You are Christ, Son of the Living God." You may be listening to other people's opinions but who does Jesus say you are? What does His Word say about you?

I encourage you to continue to press on and persevere, not to prove people wrong but to find out who you are and what God has in store for you. The Bible says you will know them by their fruits. An apple tree doesn't scream out look "I'm an apple tree!"All you have to do is look at what it's bearing. As you walk in Christ, fruits will come forth and you'll find that the ones who were laughing, teasing and doubting when the buds were appearing will be the same people who partake of the fruit.


 Even then they'll be some people who will still talk but hey people spoke about Jesus. What about the woman at the well who had had 5 husbands and the one who she was with was not even her husband (John 4). After she had encountered Jesus, there were probably some people who did not believe that she had changed; people who still saw her as 'that woman.'


The glorious thing about your past is that it's just that, your past. Instead of looking at in shame, look at it as a point of contact for others going through the same things you have overcome, a glimmer of hope, an example that Christ can receive them too. There were those who believed in Jesus because of her testimony. Your testimony can be as powerful as the one of the woman at the well. (John 4:39)


So be encouraged and look onto Jesus the author and finisher of your faith!

The Victim's Corner

The Victim's Corner.....a calm place that many people have been to at one stage of the their lives or another. Some stay there for a day while others take a vacation there and it seems like they never come back. It seems small, a corner, but alot happens there you know, big pity parties, banners of reminisce and party rings of regret are served for one . It's normally a place you go to alone because no one else seems to get it, no one really understands.

The Victim's corner is a mindset and one that encapsulates the lives of many. It seems like an escape but it's actually a prison. As Christians we hear we are more than conquerors, overcomers, victorious (John 16:33), but I can guarantee you that whilst there are many lifiting up holy hands saying "God is good" there are some who are struggling to walk in that, all awhile attending church with stage curtains called smiles. I know because I have taken a short trip there myself.

My Safe Place of Danger

When a victim's mindset becomes the norm it is one that becomes comfortable and is feels safe. In the Victim's Corner you don't have to take responsibility. You can feel like you have no control over what's happening and it's 'the hand you've been dealt in life.' Things just happen, hey deal with it. Have you ever felt like that, like life seems to be pulling you along? People have hurt you and you feel like life has dragged you on the pavement. Maybe your circumstances make you feel you haven't had the best start to life or maybe you just feel lost. The walls are put up and it feels as if you one understands what you're going through. You feel you have no control and it sounds weird but having been in that mindset myself, there's actually a relief or gratification that comes from that.


There are some circumstances that we find ourselves in, that are not necessarily 'our fault' but we shouldn't let this be a reason to let 'life drag us along.' We have been given the ability, the power and authority to make decisions about what to do in these situations. Joseph was a man who was in circumstances beyond his control: being sold by his brothers into slavery, taken away from his home and family, moved from place to place. Can you imagine how lonely and betrayed he must have felt? However his story did not end as a sad one and he is definitely not remembered as a victim but as a leader. God was with Him and He never left. He would have had his lonely moments and his sad moments but he did not reside in the Victim's Corner. There was something bigger planned for his life. Romans 12:2 says:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

On a daily basis, in all situations, we should have our daily bread, which is the word of God because in times when you feel you want to stray into the Victim's Corner the word of God will be that stronghold that pulls you back into His presence. Psalm 18:2 says:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, 

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

Who or where do you run to? 

The comfort and loneliness of the Victim's Corner has robbed many people of their inheritance, their joy and their intimacy with God - all things that rightly belong to a child of the Most High. The Victim's mindset is the enemy's playground: remaining in cycles of the past and 'what if's', chewing on the things that were said and standing on a lie that says you can't move forward. It's far from the presence of God. 


Far from the His presence and being alone is a vulnerable place for attack. You need people in your life who will remind you of the future glory to come. A good man once said to me that you need people around you who will form your world when it looks like it's falling down. Job, a blameless man, was discouraged by his wife and condemned by His friends when he was going through a great trial. Distress was added onto Him and this would've been an ideal time to go into the Victim's Corner. We should learn from this to be careful and sensitive when making a judgement about why someone is going through a situation. This contrasts with a grieving mother who had lost her husband and two sons, leaving two daughter-in-laws behind. One daughter in law left and the mother told the other one to go too, but the Bible says she clung to her (Ruth 1:14). She said to her mother-in-law 'Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.' She had headed to the the Victim's Corner but a daughter-in-law pulled her out and God did something bigger than what she could ever had expected.

When you feel yourself straying or when you feel down does that place or person you go to remind you of Psalm 18:2? Do you run to people more than God himself?


If you feel like you're in the Victim's Corner, you don't have to stay there. Begin to read the word and back out. Don't hide your weaknesses but reveal them to God asking the Holy Spirit to help you because He is our Counsellor. Surround yourself with people who will shape your world when it looks like it's crumbling. For those who are not in the Victim's Corner why don't you pull someone out. Who are you praying for? Who are you encouraging? God brings opportunities and people our way continuously, are you missing them?


Don't let your present situation determine who you are. A fish can be swimming in the ocean and then it can be put into a fishtank, no matter where it is it doesn't make it any less of a fish. As children of the  Most High we can't let our present situations dictate who we are. Move from a victim mindset to a victor mindset. Be encouraged!