Singles Matter Too

Ina is a single older woman, who felt she didn’t belong in her church, as if she didn’t matter even to God. One day after a spiritual gift assessment, people with gifts of compassion and kindness noticed her. Caring people surrounded her with God’s love, helping her to experience community. Now her gifts are being used, her feedback is listened to, and people make time to listen and fellowship with her. Praise God she is now a vital member of her church community, and people look forward to seeing her every weekend at the exit, where she hands out sweets to children. Ina matters to God even though she is single. Every one of us needs to know that.

Today, single or married, we matter so much to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give of himself so that we can show his love to others. He came to give us gifts of service, kindness, and leadership so that we may be built up and reach unity in the faith, growing and maturing in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, all who believe in Jesus make up the body of Christ here on earth, and he is our head. In His strength, the body grows and builds itself up in love. You matter to God and you matter to the people around you. Your gifts, abilities, and presence make a difference to your community, and they make a difference to God!

From [Christ] the whole body . . . builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for loving me and growing me to be a part of your body. Father, thank you for putting people around me who show that I matter. Amen.

Umoja (unity) Christ Prayed For Unity

Let’s be clear, Kwanzaa is a cultural and not religious holiday created by an African American. However, the principles of Kwanzaa (from Swahili) can be found in scripture and can build and enhance families and communities and elevate the political dialogue on issues of importance to all.  Hence, 7 days before the start of the year, I offer this Kwanzaa perspective for Christians, as it relates to the Seven Principles of the first fruits (kwanza).

Principle 1. Unity/Umoja: Psalms 133:1. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. This bible verse reinforces the unity principle of togetherness and harmony and instructs that our speech, strategies, and behaviour should be directed toward bringing people together as opposed to the divide and conquer, demonize, and dominate approach that is all too present in our social relations and politics.

Politicians seem to thrive on division. Income brackets separate communities into one side of the tracks or the other. Even people who share the same beliefs bicker about how to live out those beliefs. Unity may seem far-fetched, but unity is what Christ prayed for before going to the cross. More than anything, His desire was for the church to be one because their uncommon unity would be a powerful witness of God’s love. (John 17:23).

Today Umoja (unity) teaches us with so much division in our world, Christians’ ability to be unified, even when we’re not the same, is what will set us apart. This kind of unity doesn’t happen naturally. It comes from God. As we experience God’s love for us, it leads us to love others with pure, unselfish motives. We stop trying to push ourselves to the top and begin submitting to God and one another. Just as God is unified, we are to be unified to bring God glory. We are His plan to reconcile people with Him. But reconciliation must start with us. When believers live in harmony, people take notice and get a glimpse of Christ’s love

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity (Psalms 133:1).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, when I think of places lacking in unity, the church is not the first thing I imagine. Yet today the church is full of division. Father, whether the topic is racial, same-sex relations, abortion or others, churches are not on the same page. God, how can we be of the same body but cling to so many different beliefs? We read the same text and have drastically different takeaways? Are we interpreting the Bible the way we want or are we genuinely confused? Whatever the answer, I pray that you would help the church find unity on various salvific issues. Please give us clarity on issues of culture or politics. I ask that you help us to be clear about what is most important to You in Christ’s Name, Amen!

In Reflection 

When you look at your relationships, how much unity do you see at home, at work, or at school?

What is one practical way you can build unity in the church and your community?

When is the last time you prayed for the church? Take a moment to follow Jesus’ example in praying for your church family. Pray that we would experience the same unity that Jesus had with God and the Holy Spirit.

Healed

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

Four of my friends and I had the privilege of seeing “Healed” an awesome play by Mark Grey, a Christian director. In reflection this sprang to mind, relationships are so important in the eyes of God. As His children, He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to pour out His abundant blessing and healing in our lives.

Remember, when we walk in love, forgiveness and unity, our prayers become more effective, and His power is released through us.

Living in peace and unity doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone around you all the time. It means you look for honest common ground. It means you reach out to others in truth despite how you feel; you pray for them and help meet their needs. 

Today, one way to be healed is to put the needs of others first, God will make sure our own needs are abundantly supplied. When we live with a servant’s heart toward others, it opens the door for God’s complete healing–physically, spiritually and emotionally. Give and it will come back to you!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for revealing the truth to my heart so I can be healed. Father, I desire and beg for total healing in my relationships and in my personal life – mentally, physically and spiritually. God, I choose Your ways above my own, and ask that You open opportunities for me to pray for others, and open the door to Your healing power throughout my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Love & Unity = Blessings

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

If ever there’s a time we need major blessings in our lives it’s now. So many people today desire God’s blessing in their lives, which is great! However, did you know that He commands blessings on us when we are at peace with the people around us? 

The Scripture calls us to work together in unity so that we can fulfil God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love, and serve together in the house of the Lord. Is there someone in your life that you don’t quite get along with? The Bible says to pray for that person, and go out of your way to be a blessing to them. It isn’t easy, but the reward is eternal. His blessings are everlasting. 

Today, make the decision today to live in peace and unity with the people around you. Look for common ground. Even if the only thing you can agree on is Jesus, focus on that! Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. Live together in unity and open the door to see His blessing in every area of your life. 

“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…for there the Lord has commanded the blessing…” (Psalm 133:1—3, AMP)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, search my heart and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with others. Father, I seek the blessing of love today. God, I seek the blessing of peace with those I’m in conflict with. Almighty, help me to be an example of love and unity to those around me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

I Have A Part To Play

Have you ever wondered how amazing it is that God can create so many people in the world, and give us all individual plans and purposes, then set up a plan for us to work together for His purpose to build the body of Christ. We all have a part to play. 

Scripture puts it this way: some of us plant seeds, some water, and some bring in the harvest. No matter what role each of us have, when we work together in unity and not in uniformity, we are honouring God. It pleases Him when we partner with one another to share the good news of the Gospel. 

Today, you have an important part in the body of Christ. Whether you minister in the pulpit or on the street corner, or whether you sow seed so that others can go, you are important. Don’t ever underestimate the part you play, because together we are building God’s kingdom. 

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? …” (Romans 10:14—15, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, thank You for giving me a part to play in building Your Kingdom. God, I dedicate back to You all the resources You have given me. Please Almighty God, use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

So today I got mad. And I cried for an embarrassingly long amount of time over it.

Did someone die? No. Did a friendship end? Nope.

A friend and I were arranging my brand new writing space, a room I had wanted for a long time. We began to place my books on the closet-turned bookshelf, and as we laid down the last book, boom. Just like the walls of Jerico, it came tumbling down. It seriously ruined my whole day. Now, what does any of this have to do with God? Not a whole lot, but it has more to do with his nemesis. I let the devil rob me of my joy for a good chunk of the day over something so trivial and earthly.

I told everything that had happened with the broken furniture, how I reacted, and how I still felt about it to one of my church leaders (because we are more like family than anything) and she flat out told me that needed to stop tripping. Nowhere in the Bible does it say it isn’t okay to be mad or upset, but it does tell us that in the end, earthly things will have no room in the kingdom of heaven. God’s word also instructs us not to be anxious over anything, but to instead, trust that everything will work out to his glory.

God is trying to teach all of us something, and for me right now, those lessons seem to be joy, peace, and patience. True joy is found in God, and crying over the little inconveniences of life isn’t honoring him; it’s feeding the enemy.

My friend told me, “Really Ali? You’re going to be this upset over something so small? Is that gonna matter when you get up to heaven?’ With a little attitude, I responded with, “ I’m gonna ask God why he allowed this bookshelf to break.’ She laughed and said, “Then God will say ’Ëœdepart from me, you’re petty.’

God knows our hearts desires, but the unfortunate thing is that Satan knows some things about us as well; he knows exactly what to do to make us angry.  I love books, and anything to do with writing, so of course, like the turd he is, he’s gonna go after those areas in my life.

I’m not mad about it anymore, and truth be told I should have just let it roll off my shoulders then and there. No matter what it is that’s got you down in life; bills, a toxic home life, a bad day at work, spilling coffee on your laptop, all of those things, big or small, have no power over us, because we are the children of a God who loves us, knows us better than anyone, and knows what we can and can’t handle in our lives.

Don’t let the devil win. He may know how to attack, but so do you. Make him mad with the way you respond, shake it off, know that things can be fixed, and have an awesome day. The devil can’t win if you don’t play the game.

Thanks, hope all is well!

-Alisha-

Harmony of the Body of Christ

Who Does God Say That I Am?

The Ecclesia is collectively the Body of Christ.  This is undisputed in its apostolic doctrine.  With that said, I want to say, what we have come to know as the “Church’ and what the scriptures declare to be the “Ecclesia’ are NOT the same thing.   The “Church’ as we know it will never be united and the Ecclesia will make an exodus from the Church before she, the Ecclesia, can be united.

One of the mandates of Holy Spirit, through the 5-fold gifts & anointings, is to bring unity to the Ecclesia.   For that unity to manifest, Holy Spirit has begun to lead each member of the body to a place of complete submission to His voice.  To avoid any confusion in what I am speaking of; let me be clear; we will NEVER achieve maturity in the body of Christ simply reading the scriptures.  We will NEVER achieve maturity in the body of Christ through preaching sermons.  We will NEVER achieve maturity in the body of Christ through self-improvement.  There is only one avenue by which unity and maturity will be achieved in the Ecclesia, and that is through divine intervention of Holy Spirit.

Consider this analogy; before a child learns to walk, the child lacks the maturity in its body parts (members) to command them to facilitate the act of walking.  At a certain time in their development, their maturity produces the harmony within its members to walk.  Though each of its members is not doing the same thing or serving the same function, the agreement between each member to fulfill the objectives of walking is evident.

The ultimate objective of the natural body, at any given moment, is determined by the soul that occupies that body.  Once a decision is made, each member of the body instantly understands what is expected of it.  Communication within the body is systemically recognized by each member concerning what is expected of it to execute the decision.  For example, when the decision is made to run, every member in the body is simultaneously engaged to produce the activity of running.

Likewise, each individual member of the Body of Christ may not be doing the same thing, neither are they necessarily serving the same function; but each member is systemically connected through Holy Spirit.  Holy Spirit has been given the mandate to ensure that each member of the body knows what is expected from them concerning our Father’s will.  In this season, Holy Spirit has begun to do two unique things that, heretofore, has not been done in the kingdom or the Body of Christ.  First, He has begun to bring about a level of maturity, that is necessary for the manifestation of the sons of God.  This manifestation will bring about an authority to command the kingdom that has not been manifested since our Lord’s earthly dwelling.  The sons are being positioned to implement the will of our Father with authority, accuracy, independence, and without apology.  Second, He is declaring truths that have never been heard by the Ecclesia.

Authority

The maturity Holy Spirit is delivering to the Ecclesia will manifest the authority our Father has always intended us to have but has determined this season to hand it over to us.  Holy Spirit has begun to instruct us in the responsibility and accountability that comes with this authority.  The Ecclesia is beginning to hear Holy Spirit say things to them that are causing questions they have never asked before.  They are beginning to reject the old wine represented by the message of grace and are beginning to inquire of the Lord concerning taking possession of their inheritance.

Accuracy

The Ecclesia is understanding the distinction of the Father’s voice clearly and accurately.  We are hearing exactly what our Father is saying when He says it, and with the sense of urgency, He is saying it.  This is necessary for this season because we have lost the luxury of a hit and miss attitude.  The urgency of the season mandates that we get it right the first time.  We have entered the season excessively wicked men and the kingdom must be defended with the power of the “proceeding Word’ not the written Word of scripture.

Independence

Our Father has called us to a place of independence.  A place that requires that we understand his perfect will.  A place that we understand that we are being asked to do His will in the earth and not Him doing his will in the earth.  A place that we will not be allowed to ask his permission for every step we take.  We have been led to a place that we are being asked to take full responsibility for what we say in his name and what we do in his name.

Without Apology

Finally, these things must be done without apology.  We are being asked to operate in the spirit of the lion, not the lamb.  The season of the lamb has been fulfilled and the season of the lion has emerged.  The offense of others has taken a secondary concern with respect to our Father’s will for the occasion.  We no longer have the mandate, neither should we feel the necessity to give concern about our confidence, arrogance, or audaciousness.  Because the clarity and accuracy of our Father’s Word has become available to us at every turn, we can speak with authority, accuracy, independence and without apology.

Those who are unwilling or have become too fearful to wholly submit to the guidance of Holy Spirit, will not enter this place of harmony and unity in our Father (Yahweh).  These will continue to hope in this religious system we have come to know as the church.  These will become the foolish virgins, the goat, the bad fish, the chaff.  Those who will wholly submit will become the wise virgins, the sheep, the good fish, the wheat.

Let him that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the Ecclesia.

 

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