Mary vs. Martha

Intention: 

1. an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.
2. the end or object intended; purpose.

Question>
What would happen if we became More Intentional in our Relationships (i.e. with God/Spouse/Kids/Ministry/Business)?

Intentional is a word that has been burning in my heart for the past two weeks.  I have a confession to make...I must admit to you that being a wife, a mother, a pastor, and an entrepreneur has seemingly pulled me away from my very own relationship with God.  I (just like you) have a lot on my plate, and I can't help but feel like the last few weeks of my life have been wandering aimlessly by.  

Why am I feeling this way you might ask?  I have come to the realization that I have become more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ Himself.  In other words, I am quick to serve others (via my family, ministry, or business) in the name of The Lord...but when was the last time I just stopped to worship God simply for who He is?  

Luke 10:38-42 (The Message) 

Mary and Martha

38-40 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me?
 Tell her to lend me a hand.”

41-42 The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it
—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

Jesus described Mary's actions as "Essential" and "The Main Course" in verse 42.  Let me ask you, What good is hosting a Dinner Party (doing all the work that comes along with that) and not having the main course?  On the other hand, what good is it for us to have The Main Course and nothing else...nobody to serve it to?  We can all learn something from these two sisters. 
I must admit, it pained me at first to realize that I have subtly become Martha instead of the Mary I once was.  At one point in my journey, I didn't have as many responsibilities and all I did was sit at the feet of Jesus (just like Mary).  But now I find myself on the other end of the spectrum, I have become so focused on serving others. Neither one of these are bad things or sin, however I just can not be so focused on serving that I lose sight of the one that I serve. The answer, my friend, is that dreaded word 'Balance'.  There is a time to sit and there is a time to serve.  Neither one of these women were wrong in what they were doing or their motive for doing it.  

I (personally) can not ONLY SIT, nor can I ONLY SERVE. So it is a must that I find the proper balance between the two. Now that I am a wife and a mother of four in ministry with my own business, I have to make time for God.  If I don't make time for God, then how else am I going to be everything that I need to be?  I don't ever want my service to become all about me.  How else can I serve?

I have to become more Intentional in my relationship to Christ, then He will take care of the rest.  You may be the same or you may need to become more Intentional to serving others.  Where ever you are:
 I pray that the Holy Spirit would blow on the embers of our heart for Christ and that God revives our vibrancy for Him once again.  Set our hearts ablaze for You, Oh God, and don't allow us to become complacent either in worship or service to you again.  Open our eyes to see things from Your perspective, and help us to find the proper balance that is vital for us to continue to serve/worship You in Jesus' Name - Amen!         

Pigs in Pearls

For the past few weeks, I have been hearing the Lord say, "Do Not throw your pearls to pigs"
Which comes directly from Jesus speaking in Matthew 7:6
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces"

Most people know that pearls are made from oysters.  I decided to look at this process further today.
First of all, pearls take a long time to form...it is a long and uncomfortable process which originates from an irritation or a cut in the oysters mantle (or protective layer).  The oyster's natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. The man­tle covers the irritant with layers of the same nacre substance that is used to create the shell. This eventually forms a pearl.  

I find it very 'interesting' that the word mantle is used to describe this organ.  Mantle also describes a cloak or garment regarded as a symbol of someone's power or authority.

Could it be that we have covered these irritants in our lives for too long?  Or that we are sharing our pearls of wisdom (what we learned as a result of the pain) with the wrong people?      
These same irritants that caused us to gain these 'pearls of wisdom' through pain, we turn around and give ourselves right back to them repeatedly? 
We sit silently and watch them take our pearls for granted time after time which in essence, slowly DIS-MANTLES us.
 

Proverbs 26:11 says it like this, "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness"
Yes, as Christians we are supposed to Love...but no where in the Word of God does it state for us to become doormats for people to wipe their feet on or trashcans for them to dump their junk in.  No, it says "Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it"- Proverbs 4:23
You can still love them and forgive them without being used by them. 
The source of your life flows from it...What does that mean?
Paul tells us in Acts 17:24-25, 27, 28 that "God himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.  God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find Him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being"

Could it be that God wants us to move out of the way so they can find Him?!  If they are constantly running to us, who is their true source? 
And what about us?  If we are constantly pouring our heart and pearls of wisdom into those who turn around and trample on them, then what happens to us over time? 
We become dismantled.  We are not God, so we end up weakened and feeling used.  We are not built to carry people all of the time.  It just will not work.  We end up depreciated and obtain callouses to our hearts.  Then we wonder what is wrong with us; why are we so tired, and unable to focus on God.

Matthew 13:15 says, "For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.  Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them"

One more thing, Certain pearls are the most sought after gems in the world.  They are defined by their luster (or lustre) which is the measurement of the quality and quantity of light that reflects from the surface and just under the surface of a pearl.  The more lustrous the pearl, the more it shines and reflects light and images (SN: Jesus is The Light of the world & we are made in God's Image).  So let me ask you, what are you reflecting right now?

I love that February is deemed "The Heart Month"; just like we should be taking necessary steps to take care of our hearts in the natural, we should be giving our hearts spiritual maintenance as well.  What I want you to take from this blog space is that first we have to recognize where we are.  I am not by any means saying to stop helping all together or that you were in the wrong by helping.  However, I am saying that you can not go on helping those that do not want to be helped.  I am saying that you can not keep allowing people to drain you and leave you without enough strength to seek God for yourself.  I am saying that you can not do it on your own.  Trust me I am writing this for me and you!  This is not necessarily an easy pill to swallow (I know I have been at this all day as the first partaker); Nonetheless, I have personally deemed this month FREE-bruary and I know that I am not on my own.  Do you desire Freedom in this area?  Then, No More with this Lone Ranger mentality!  If your heart is screaming YES I WANT TO BE FREE, then I want you to first forgive the 'irritants' in your life.  Next, I want you to forgive the 'dogs and swine' who mishandled your pearls.  Lastly, I want you to forgive yourself for trying to give more than you possibly could on your own.  I want you to allow God to heal the damage of these constituents. 
After you've done these things, I want you to ask God to show you where you need to establish Healthy Boundaries in your life.  This is how we are to 'guard our hearts' and protect our mantle (authority).  

Father, I pray for those that are reading this blog right now.  Lord, I ask that you touch them even now and strengthen their hearts.  I ask that you repair and restore all that the enemy has stolen from them in the area of their hearts, Lord.  I ask that you open the eyes of their hearts, and allow them to trust again.  I pray that You would send forth people to help build them back up.  People who will celebrate them and catch the vision that You have given them.  I pray that you will send the Jonathans to your Davids, and that True Commitment and Covenant be established in Your Name.  I pray that you be glorified in their life now and forever more.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.  

References:

"How Do Oysters Make Pearls?" HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com, 07 May 2001.
            Web. 05 Feb. 2014.

"Mantle." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.

"Pearl Luster." Pearl Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.

Motherhood: Not for The Faint at Heart

Over the past several weeks I've dealt with a bike injury to my son's mouth that led to a bacterial infection, my baby girl's last immunization until school (can't believe how fast she's growing up), the same son had a cavity which led to a pulpectomy and two crowns, and finally the dreaded pink eye! 

On FB I read two new Mommies' posts about explosive poop and teething! 

These are only a few things that us mothers deal with on a daily basis.  How in the world do we do it??!!

As mothers, we constantly worry about our children.  We try to make sure that they have the best pediatrician, the best school, we hover over them during playtime making sure they don't get dirty, etc. 

Children are a gift from God (Psa.127:3).  They belong to Him, and us mothers are supposed to take care of them and oversee that they fulfill His purpose.  Far too many of us are too hard on ourselves. We stress ourselves out by trying to have too much control. 

However, today I want you to simply rest (yes, i said rest) in the fact that God has these same motherly attributes (Gen.1:27), and also how much more does He want to care and nurture for His children?!  Matthew 7:11 says, "If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Weymouth New Testament).  He placed the gift of motherhood in us, and He assigned these children to us.  Therefore, He knows what's best for them and us.  

Motherhood is an attribute of God. Genesis 1:27 says that 'we were made in His image'.  As mothers we are faced with lots of different issues each and everyday when it comes to maintaining our homes and caring for our children.  It is not always easy, but I want to remind you that you have a God who shares your heart. I think that we often think of God as just another man. We recognize His masculinity... But Genesis 1:27 says that God created us both (male and female) in His image.  Therefore, He knows our feminine heart, and He is there to strengthen us.  

I have four children whose ages range from 1-16. (I'm no expert by far but) Over time, I've learned to just let things go when it comes to them.  I can not control every single aspect of each of their lives. They belong to God, and the only reason that I want the best for them is because God put that in me.  I am also learning that we are their greatest Intercessors, so we can't be distracted by our own plans and/or devices.
 
Faint-hearted is defined as Lacking conviction, boldness, or courage; timid; cowardly; fearful.  There are definitely times when we are going to feel fearful or weak, and that's okay because of God's grace; when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinth.12:9-10). These are the times that we rely on the strength of His Heart.           

By understanding all of this, even when I have been to the doctor for the 5th week in a row; I trust that I can lean on Him! I know that these are His children, and He will provide what is needed for them.  I pray that you will do the same.

Happy Mother's Day! Be blessed!

Get Back in The Game

I know, I know that Pastor hurt you. The last place that you thought you would ever experience hurt was in the church. You are not alone. They've hurt us too. But sitting on the sidelines is NOT the answer! It's time to be real; so that you can heal & heal others too! You experienced that level of hurt so that you would not fall into the same oppressive & religious spirits. It was just enough to keep you close to God. Now you hunger and thirst after Him (not man)! 

Now, I can not promise you that you will never experience that type of hurt again, but I can promise that our God is a Healer (Jehovah-Rophe is His Name).  He has come to set the captives free and to heal the broken. 

Today, I charge YOU to GET BACK IN THE GAME! There are people out here waiting to hear from you. Simply You. Not the you they tried to make you into. The You that you were designed to be. No more religious routines. Dare to be different; that's what causes Inner-Changement (Chosen). 

And as for the ones that hurt you, don't worry. God knows all and sees all. Let Him handle that. He is faithful and He will do just what He says. Trust in Him! For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil.1:6).

Free to Be Me

For many years I was never comfortable in my own skin. Too black for white kids, too white for black. I spent several years trying to find my place. No one person could ever understand the pain of rejection, the shame, the loneliness that I hid behind my smile. I suffered many years in silence from the guilt and shame of childhood molestation. Of which I clung to; it was the one thing in my life that even looked like acceptance. I didn't even categorize it as abuse until later on in my life when my healing process began.

However, today is a different day! I thank God for the freedom to be able to be comfortable with the image staring back at me in the mirror. Christ is the only one who understands the years of rejection, hurt, and abuse. It is through Him, that I now understand that True Beauty is way more than skin deep. It's a heart thing. A heart at rest is the most beautiful thing a person could ever have. No more striving or people pleasing! I am now living life on purpose, I am now free!

To this day I am still asked the dreaded question, "Where are you from?" in other words, WHAT ARE YOU??!!! Now I can truly smile and graciously respond that I am Jackie from a small town called Madison, NC. I am mixed/bi-racial/a half-breed. My Dad is black, my Mom is white, and I am beautiful, Beautifully Me.

The Chase

 Your Beauty and Love chase after me every day of my life. Psalm 23:6 (MSG)

Wow!  It has almost been a complete year since I have publicly posted anything here.  A lot has transpired during this time, however I am excited for the release to be able to share with you today!  I woke up this morning with God's Love on my heart, and how He chases us down with His Love! 

It is simply amazing (and freeing) to know that I do not have to chase Him, and that He is forever chasing me!  His Love never fails!  Once you truly grasp that, then you will understand that you do not have to strive.  You do not have to keep trying or working hard for God's Love.  Once you experience this, then you will be free to just be you.

Yes, I know that it is so hard to understand how God can love you just the way you are.  Paul said it best when he said,"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24, 25)
Yes, it is through The Son that we receive this infallible Love.  It is not for us to try to understand, it is just simply given through His Grace.  We can spend the rest of our lives trying to figure this out, but what good is that going to do for us?  We will never be able to figure out God, because He is God!  Simple and plain.  

He chooses who He wishes to choose.  Our minds are not even capable of understanding His Ways or His Thoughts.  So today, choose to Just Be.  Simply Be who He has designed you to be.  No more striving.
Striving means: to Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something and/or to Struggle or fight vigorously.  No more struggling against Him.  Be free on today.  Freed by His Love!

Father, I just want to thank You for Your Love.  Even when we do not understand how or why God, we still trust You.  Lord, I pray that this reaches down deep in whoever stumbles across this message.  I pray that they will begin to see that there is no need for them to work for Your Love, but that it is just freely given.  We were all created for a Purpose; created out of Love, and I pray that each of us begin to embrace this even more in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Shhh!!! Don't Wake the Baby

Still Discouraged???

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Last week we were reminded in "Down But Not Out", that we have the victory through Christ who is Our Corner Man.  Also, that we will not win this final round in our strength - but through His.  Well, He never said that the enemy was going to give up in this last round of the fight.  On the contrary, he seems to be throwing even more punches than before!  Because, he is also aware that there is not much time left on the clock for the final round of this match.

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:12-13  The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

I encourage you to read Psalm 37 in it's entirety for you to gain even more understanding on the plight of our enemy.  But for the sake of blog space, I am only going to notate the verses above.
We are to be still and wait patiently for The Lord, even though it seems as though the enemy is winning this round.  It says that the wicked plot against the righteous and that they gnash their teeth....sounds like someone is blowing a bunch of smoke to me.  (Side Note: the weapon may form, but it WILL NOT prosper ~ Isaiah 54:17).  Look at The Lord's reaction in verse 13, it says He laughs!!!  He laughs at our enemy, because He knows that we are in a 'fixed fight'!  He has already gone before us to give us the VICTORY!
But don't start praising just yet...

Let me take a minute to say that having the knowledge that we are fighting a fixed fight can mess us up if we let it.  We can easily get puffed up, and start making some showboat moves in the ring without Godly Wisdom and Proper Balance.  Showboating means to have a visibly exaggerated idea of ones own skills, talents, or abilities.  Not so, don't lose focus!  Moves like that will get you knocked out in the ring every time.  Remember, we are to STAND against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6).  It is not about us...we are only able to stand through the strength that is found in The Lord.       

Psalm 131 (NIV) My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

In a fight like this, it's easy for our emotions to be going crazy.  One minute - up, next minute - down!  That's why it is essential for The Lord to be our Corner Man.  We must allow Him to sit on the seat of our emotions/heart/soul.  We must calm and quiet ourselves just like David did.  David came to a place where he was no longer trying to figure things out.  He said that his soul was as calm and quiet as a baby resting against its mother.  That is the kind of rest that is found in The Lord, no matter what is going on around you.  We must come to the understanding that our ways and thoughts are not like His (Isaiah 55:8).  We must rest in His Omniscience (the capacity to know everything infinitely).  It is okay for us to not know it all, because He does!     

So today, God has spoken that this will be the last post on Discouragement per Ephesians 6:10's usage of the word Finally (the end).  Praise God for putting an end to discouragement!  We are moving forward!  With that said, I urge you to settle your heart and find rest in Him.  Rest assured knowing that He is going to bring you out of this, just as He has time and time before.  Quiet your soul today just like a sleeping baby with its mother, and do not allow any distractions to awaken that baby.  

Today, I pray that we find our proper balance in God just like David.  That we REST in Him like never before, and that we put our Hope in The Lord from this day forward knowing that He is going to see us through.  May His Grace and Peace be with you in Jesus' Name - Amen.