Wednesday, December 16, 2015

On Your Mark… Get Set… Merry Christmas!!!


On Your Mark… Get Set… Merry Christmas!!!

By Kisha Marie


Have you ever been laughed at when you were trying your best and still you came up short? When I was young and strong I was an athlete. I loved sports. I ran track, played volleyball, kickball. I was a cheerleader and a synchronized leg kicker of my high school band’s dance line. I even tried my hand at football. (Don’t judge me! LOL) While I enjoyed competing, I never was the best at any one thing and that was okay with me. I just had to be better than I was the day before, the event before… and not come in last place if I could avoid it. However I learned that this was not always going to be the case. Regardless of how I started I knew that if I just persevered to the end I would finish strong because it mattered to me and my team.

One of the most embarrassing events of my life happened when I was a teenager. I was at a track meet for novice competitors. It was a place where the non-elite could celebrate success and coaches could push their rising stars to new heights. Unfortunately, there was a mistake and it was not made in my favor. As a sprinter I was entered into the 100 meter race. This was one of my favorite events. Either you kicked butt or you got your butt kicked. There was no gray area. Almost as soon as the race begins, it is over.

So there I was, poised to burn up the track, finally getting my chance to win a medal for an event that I loved. I had been working hard and preparing for this moment for weeks. The starting shot rang out and I pushed off. My legs were pumping. My arms were driving. The only problem was… I was waaaay too slow. Everyone around me was charging ahead. All I could see was the back of their jerseys. Right then and there I realized my worst fear had come to pass. I was being left in their dust.

It was like being in a dream. By the time I was halfway down the length of the football field my competitors were ALL approaching the finish line. The crowd went from cheering everyone on to snickering, laughing and pointing… at me! I couldn’t believe my eyes. How did this all go so wrong? I was in shock. Embarrassed. Humiliated. But… taking my pride out of the situation, I realized how funny this must have looked. I couldn’t help but to burst into laughter myself. But I kept running. Laughing and running all the way to the finish line.

As I persevered to the end I could see all of the other runners exit the track. All of the time keepers peeled away from the edge of the field except for one. I knew that he was there to keep track of me. All of my team members turned their backs and walked away shaking their heads and laughing except for one. Yet while he was doubled over I could still hear him yelling “Come on Kisha! Keep going!” in between his visible gasps for breath between laughs. Every coach for every team had also turned away except for one. My coach was still standing on the sidelines… waiting… with a smile on his face. He eventually apologized to me saying that he accidentally placed me in the fastest heat instead of the slowest. Even though I was set up against impossible odds, he was proud of me for never giving up.

When the opposing teams had fallen away and it seemed like no one was watching. I had 3 people who were at the finish line keeping watch over me. I could hear cheers in the stands coming from the people who had watched me struggle to hold my head up and keep my form together until the end. It is that moment that has stayed with me through the years.

The Holy Bible tells us that over 2,000 years ago the prophecy of a savior was fulfilled through the birth of Jesus the Christ. Upon his birth an angel appeared to the shepherds in a field declaring his arrival and the heavens opened up and rejoiced. His birth was recorded in history.

Luke 2:1-21 New International Version (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”


15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.”

We celebrate the birth of Jesus because it is the event mankind had been anticipating. It is the fulfillment of prophecy.

Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”



God’s love for us is a message of hope. When God saw that man was struggling to live a life was pleasing to Him He sent us a savior to capture the victory for our team.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16.  

Throughout His time on earth Jesus walked through life experiencing everything we do as human beings. However, He was the living Word of God (John 1:14). He was the sacrifice that God accepted in place of our sin.

Yes. I was a member of a state champion varsity track team. Yes. When it was my turn to represent the team I performed under pressure and did my personal best. Sometimes I even managed to win a few races. But there were many who came before and after me who helped the team to finish strong. It doesn’t matter if the odds are stacked up against us in life and it looks like there is no way for us to finish this race. Jesus has already captured the victory for our team! It is our job to keep pressing toward the mark knowing that God is on our side. Run like God is watching. Don’t sit on the sidelines of your own life and watch it go by. The coach (God) put you in the game the day you were born. Use the gifts and talents you were given to run the best race of your life. Be selfless and give everything you can, not because it is the Christmas Season but because that is what we are called to do. (Hebrews 13:16, Luke 12:33)   After all, it matters that you use what was given to you to be true to God, honor the Lord, and follow the guiding of the Holy Spirit.


On Your Mark… Get Set… Merry Christmas!!!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

A Shift In Focus / Give Thanks



The holiday season is upon us! You know what that means... long lines, grumpy faces, smiling children and a mix of family, friends and lots of parties and festivities. Bring on the happy. I love this time of year! However, this time of year also brings sadness for many. It can be a reminder of loved ones lost, loneliness and heartache. For this reason I have decided to shift my focus from normal routines to finding new ways to show gratitude to people I have not seen or spoken to in a long time before the Thanksgiving holiday arrives.


Over the next few weeks I will be sending thank yous and shout outs on Facebook and in the mail to as many people as I can while I am on the road. Taking the time to think of others will provide me with the opportunity to be a blessing to others and to focus on doing the will of the Father.


We must endeavor to honor God and giving thanks in the midst of all situations and circumstances in life.


How many of us have heard what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer? This is a prayer taken out of the book of Matthew when Jesus was distressed about his circumstance and what will be required of him in offering up his life as a sacrifice for us. He stops all other interactions and prays to his father in heaven. We can see here that he has shifted his focus from his difficult circumstances to focus on the will of God.


Matthew 6:9-13King James Version (KJV)

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


Even though the holidays can be a tough time to get through, you can shift your focus onto the Father in heaven. Focusing on seeing God's will be done in your life and those around you will help you to approach your days with purpose and thanksgiving while you wait to see the will of God revealed.


We are instructed in to

1 Thessalonians 5:18King James Version (KJV)

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


But what does it mean to give thanks "...in all things..."? It means to stay focused on God and what He has done and continues to do for us daily and seeking to fulfill the plan he has for our lives while we are going through every stage of life. Even when terrible things happen we can press through by thanking God for the smallest thing in our lives to the largest that are right. Don't get stuck on what is wrong. Look for and seek out what is right around you. Giving thanks will take you from a place of being defeated by life to a place of peace that only God can give. This happens when we follow his most basic of instructions.


I will begin my journey into the holiday season with joy and thanksgiving not because of the time of year. I will enter into this time of Thanksgiving seeking to share more gratitude and extending grace to others.


But first...

Lord, I am here at the table of your mercy hoping with all that I have that you hear my heart’s cry. I only want more of you, to do your will and for your to guide me. Don’t let me be distracted by my circumstance. Don’t let me be discouraged by the way things seem to be. I trust and believe my beginning is not my end. Lord make a way for me to stay faithful I pray. The desire of my heart is to see your glory manifested in my family, friends and all the earth. Thank you for being the God who first loved us in the midst of our sin and saw something worth saving. Thank you for sending us your holy word so that we may grow closer to you and learn how to be a blessing to others.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Layer Up… It’s Cold Out There by Kisha Marie




It’s that time of year again. Fall is here, a time of harvest. The leaves are beginning to change. The air is swift and crisp. The food we eat begins to take on new life introducing seasonal spices, fruit and vegetables that were not a part of the menu before. The menu becomes more hearty, filling our bellies with heavy food with robust flavors. For those of us who live in the cooler climates, we are starting to add layers to our clothing, seeking warmth as we progress through the day. But if you are like me, before you leave the house you stop and ask yourself this question… “Am I forgetting anything?”

It never fails, when I finally get ready to go I end up running back into the house 2 to 3 times to grab something I left on the way out. Just this morning I was reading an article on adult ADHD recognizing many things about myself and loved ones that gave me pause. Maybe this was the reason why I can never get out of the house when I intend or and often doing many things at once. It was until several hours later that I realized that I forgot to press send and share the article with my family. Go figure. SMH

Did you know that the word remember appears more than 200 times in the bible? This was news to me. God’s word often refers to memories as promises issued and kept by God. There are also promises written that we are waiting to see fulfilled.

Genesis 30:22  NKJV
Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.

Exodus 13:3  NKJV
[ The Feast of Unleavened Bread ] And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.

Hebrews 13:3  NKJV
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

Hebrews 10:16-18  NKJV
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,”[a] 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”[b] 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

God has been laying it upon our hearts as believers to grow in faith, read our bibles and share with one another about the amazing things He is doing in our lives and the lives of those we know and love. Take a look at what it says in Ephesians 6:10-18 about putting on the whole armor of God. He is giving us the tools we need to be reminded of his love for us. He is giving us warnings about the dangers that may lie ahead in our path. He has even given us the tools to stand in the face of disappointment, frustration, and danger.

Now more than ever, Christians are coming under attack. It is once again becoming dangerous for those who believe Jesus and his death and resurrection being a pardon for our sins to proclaim this truth. We must remember, however, that we are not to shrink into the darkness and deny what we believe. We as believers are called to share the good news with others in a loving manner so that they may come to know God’s love for them. In John 9:5 and Philippians 2:15 we learn that if we follow the example of Jesus we walk in his light and become a light to others.

As we usher in the fall season and put on our layers of clothes for the season, let us remember to put on the whole armor of God. This is a great time to love and serve one another without grumbling or complaining as we do it. Give food and shelter to those among us who are in need. Doing so with a glad heart in serving to the glory of God. (1 Peter 4:8-10). Remember to prepare our hearts and minds to enter the world each day and not just our bodies. The bible reminds us in Matthew 4:4 that we cannot survive on bread alone. Matthew 4:4 NKJV But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We must nourish our spiritual being with the word of God so that we may truly live. Remember to “...stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18). Be a beacon of love, light and truth to those in darkness. Before you run out of the house, stop and ask yourself, “Am I forgetting anything?” Remember God. Put on your armor. Layer up. It’s cold out there.


*****

You can find more instances of remembrance in the bible by going to www.biblegateway.com and typing in a search for the word “remember”. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to see what the bible says about many different topics.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Light at the End of the Tunnel by Kisha Marie

 

Many people I encounter every day whether in person or on social media share the same questions and concerns about God’s love for them. The most common question I am asked is, “How could God possibly love me with all my faults and sin in my life?” The answer is simple, not one of us is blameless and we are all guilty of sin. We were all born into a sinful world and as such are physically separated from God. There however is good news and hope to be found! A bridge has been built and a path has been set. There is light at the end of the tunnel because God doesn’t measure love His love for us based upon our sin or good deeds, He simply loves the sinner without bounds, conditions, or requirements!

Throughout scripture we can see multiple references to God knowing people before and after the time we are formed in our mother’s womb. Psalms 139 :16 “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” There is nothing that we do in our lives that is a surprise to God. Our value to God does not change based on our actions. He does not reward us based on our deeds. Further still in the book of Matthew 10 it talks about how God provides and watches over even the birds in the sky. 29"Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31"So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Do we not have dominion over the fowl of the sky?

He desires that we may live a life removed from the void of an empty heart but instead full of love, joy, and peace. There is no need to live in fear of damnation when you embrace God’s purpose and vision for your life.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and love, and of a sound mind

It is God’s desire that we draw nearer to Him with every passing day. Through His Word He continually seeks to form a meaningful relationship with each and every one of us. as we see in the 29th book of Jeremiah “29 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Please do not be disillusioned, everything in life is not going to be sunshine and roses simply because we have decided to follow the example of Christ and give our hearts to God. We will be persecuted for our beliefs and mocked by those who do not understand the truth of who God is. But be encouraged. We live and know the fulfillment, love, joy, and peace of walking with and learning from a savior that loves unconditionally; Who will never forsake or leave us. Scriptures are the living word that offer, encouragement, guidance, and a way for us to know God's nature which help to guide us along the way. God will always help us to stay focused on Him and to complete the tasks He has set before us. We learn in Isaiah 40:28-31 that in Him we will run and not grow weary and that He is the one who will renew our strength. The text reads.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard: The Lord is the everlasting God, that Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the po9wer of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”

We as believers are not alone in our journey through life! Jesus Christ, the one who has fulfilled the prophesies of the scriptures (2 Timothy 2:8), was crucified and rose from the dead to walk among the living (Acts 1:2-3) and is now seated at the right hand of God making intercession for those who embrace and believe in Him (Romans 8:34).

Thankfully God loves us not because of who we are, what we have done with our lives thus far. He loves us because He made us. We were wanted. He created us to be a reflection of Himself. Like any parent who loves their child God loves each and every one of us individually and completely. There is nothing we have done that can separate us from the love of our Father in heaven. It is our choice that He gives us freely to embrace the love He offers. It is God’s desire that none of us be separate from Him. It is because of His love for us that He offered a way for us, His children, to be welcomed into His eternal kingdom. That way is through Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. (Matthew 10:9-10). There truly is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

I WON'T COMPLAIN by Kisha Marie



I WON'T COMPLAIN

Today began like any other day. I showered, dressed, had meal and began to mentally review the tasks I had planned for the day. Then it hit me… What if I had not awakened today? I found myself thinking about funerals, specifically my own. Who would be in attendance? Would I be missed? What would be my legacy? Would those I love be at peace with knowing I had lived a full life in accordance with God’s decrees? If someone were to recap the significant moments in my life, how would they speak of me, my countenance, my actions or my faith?

“I Won’t Complain” is a song that I commonly hear sung at funerals of loved ones who endured challenging circumstances during the last season of their life and chose to focus on the . Having been in the lives of those for whom the song was sung, I often had to agree that the person indeed did not complain. Take a look at the lyrics below and ask yourself this question… “Would someone sing this song for me at my funeral?”

I WON’T COMPLAIN by Marvin Winans I won't complain I've had some good days I've had some hills to climb I've had some weary days I've had some sleepless nights But when I look around And I think things over All of my good days Outweigh my bad days So I won't complain Sometimes the clouds hang low I can hardly see the road And then I ask the question Lord why so much pain But He knows what's best for me Although my weary eyes can't see So I'll just say thank you Lord I won't complain God's been so good to me The Lord has been so good to me More than this old world Or you could ever be The Lord has been so good to me And He dried my tears away And He turned all my midnights into days So I'll say thank you Lord I just say thank you Lord I'll just say thank you Lord I won't complain

By reading the lyrics we can see that the author has not had an easy life. Clearly there have been times of sorrow and times of trial. However, throughout the journey, he maintains an attitude of gratitude. He credits the Lord with being good to him regardless of condition in which he found himself.

It is so tempting to complain when something goes wrong and life doesn’t seem fair. As believers we should ask ourselves, “Is it enough to simply not complain in life or are we called to go a step further?” I believe we have been set apart to experience life in a different way than the rest of the world, operating from a God focused perspective.

We are cautioned in the Word to “29 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. When we complain we take the focus off of the one who has promised to comfort and deliver us and shifts it to the problem at hand. This is dangerous because we are missing an opportunity to show the power of God in all circumstances.  Life is not always going to be sunshine and roses. We are to acknowledge God in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:6).

There is nothing that can be accomplished by giving our attention to that which does not serve to enhance our faith in God. James 1:12 states that “blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the [the victor’s] crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” Let us stay focused on the promises of God and not the challenges we face on a daily basis.

I always like to say, “If nothing ever happened, life would not be interesting”. In truth, everyone has bad days. It is what you do in the midst of your bad days that builds character and the kingdom of God. Prayerfully your good days will outnumber your bad days and you will focus on the blessings and provision of the One who has made you and called you His own. God is unchanging and His love for you is never ending. He wants our words to be a blessing to others and not that of offense. I encourage you to ask God to remove anything in you that is not of Him. Let the words you speak and the life you live be a testament to God and an encouragement to others.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Nice Concept or Sustaining Belief?

In this month's blog I wanted to use some Never Forsaken lyrics as my springboard. This phrase is found in the song In Your Arms: "You're holding me in Your arms. I'm safe and sound cause You're holding me...I'm never forsaken." 

It's a comforting concept, that idea of being held by God and never being forsaken. But is it just a concept in our mind or something that actually sustains us? When life seems hard and confusing do our lives convey that we really believe in a God who cares for His children, who holds us in His arms, who keeps us safe and who never leaves us? No matter what life looks like to us, we can rest assured that this is in fact true of our God! 

In Isaiah 40:11 we read, "He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. Psalm 68:19 reiterates this idea of being held and carried: "Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior. For each day He carries us in His arms." When you really stop and think about it it's pretty amazing! The God of the universe, the Creator of all things, the Savior of our souls, is also our Shepherd and Father. In the same way that a good shepherd cares for and carries His sheep, God carries us. And in the same way that a loving father holds and cares for his children, God holds us. He is the One we can always run to and always lean on. 

When we really believe this, we know we are safe. Jesus Himself said in John 10:29,  "My Father, who has given them all to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's hand. That means that nothing and no one can change our relationship with God. Circumstances may sometimes make it difficult to remember that God is holding us but whether we feel like we are being held or not, absolutely nothing can take us out of His hands! At other times, the enemy may try to convince us that we are not really His or that God does not really care at all, but in those moments we must remember that Satan is the father of lies. God however, cannot lie and so we can say with the psalmist: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe" (Psalm 4:8) 

In addition, when we believe that God will never leave us, it gives us strength far beyond our own. In Deuteronomy 31:6;8 it says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear...for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." These words were spoken to Joshua in preparation for entering the promised land but they are just as true for us today! Heaven is our promised land and as we journey through our time here on earth, it is God who goes before us and gives us strength to build His Kingdom here! 

So the next time you hear the song In Your Arms, let it be an anthem of a sustaining belief and not simply a nice concept! And if you've never heard it, check it out...it's one of my favorites!!