Quantum Leap
Are you still waiting for the fulfillment of a dream or the attainment of a goal? Is there a vision that remains crystal clear in your head yet not manifested in the natural? For years I had been praying, waiting and looking for the right time to launch a ministry related idea. It had been my habit to wait for a thought, an idea or concept to be validated by someone else. I found myself continually submitting the same petition to God, "Are you sure God? Please tell me if this is the right time, send me a right now word or a sign to confirm this as true!" I was stuck, unable to move forward! Although I thought this particular assignment was ordained for me, I began to believe there was never a right time, never enough money or human resources to bring this thing to pass. That was until several months ago. I decided this time while asking of God, I would also to ask myself these simple questions, "Do you really believe? What do you believe?"
A Confident Faith
The answers to these questions came rushing forward as I began to recall how often I have believed and have been sustained by God's benevolent provision for everything in my life. In every life situation, His Word, relentless love and compassion has kept me, compelled me to move forward, leaning not on my understanding, but trusting Him to do His work. I soon began to realize what had been holding me back all the time; I had been putting confidence in my flesh, believing only what I could see with the natural eye, and not allowing for a work God could only perform in the supernatural. In the natural there would never be enough money, time or resources, but "FAITH IS" having a profound confidence that what we hope for will actually happen and gives us an assurance of things we cannot see." This requires a believing faith! In other words, I began to realize I already have everything I need, the vision will flourish and not fail, it's already Blessed and Sealed in Heaven! There is but one small thing needed; A Leap of Faith! A Quantum Leap!
Quantum Defined
The term quantum is used to describe the quantity or amount of radiant energy that is sudden and significant, causing development, allowing one to advance while moving from a place of restriction into a place of increase. How often I speak with individuals who are still waiting on God and not moving forward because they fear failure, not wanting to leave the place of familiar or comfort. They believe God will do it for them, yet they take little responsibility in willfully participating in their own breakthrough. Obviously there is a work required on our part. We need to move from a place of immobility, become willing and active participants in this work. While we're waiting on God, more often God is waiting on us to give him something to work with." A quantum leap is not a simple skip or little jump, but a sudden, significantly transitional movement from a place of obscurity and unbelief into a realm of clarity, illumination and extraordinary provision. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead." We must leap! And in our leaping, we become transilient, radiating the Glory of God, bringing radical change and passage from a less than desirable condition into a realm of restoration and favor. Are you still waiting for God? Maybe God is waiting for you to make up your mind! Take a Leap of Faith! And, "According to your faith will it done for you!" Matthew 9:29 NIV
Friday, October 05, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Word for the month ~ June 2007
Authentically You!
In the mid to late eighty's Coca Cola company published a catchy jingle entitled, "Can't beat the real thing". I've often thought this slogan posed a warning to other competitors by maintaining their soft drink as the one and only authentic, original cola product. Although other cola products could be found, their product was deemed the classic. In other words, this company swears by their ingredients, maintains Coke products are not copied, false or counterfeit, but they are bonafide, reliable and credible, true to their name and reputation.
Several months ago Ms. Grey walked into my office requesting assistance with planning to conduct her job search. Although she had previous work experience, her work history was sketchy and equaled no more than receiving wages for completing a task. She had been unsuccessful in securing meaningful, gainful employment and had succumbed to the relentless blows of constant rejection in her job search. What do you think is holding you back, I asked? She sat quietly for a few moments and then said, "Maybe it's the interview." I asked Ms. Grey to step outside of my office, regain her composure and return to the office as if she were coming to interview with me. She entered, we shook hands, exchanged greetings and she took a seat. I then asked her to tell me about herself. It appeared that she was at a loss for words, speaking primarily of her role as a wife, mother and care taker for an aging parent. I was convinced that Ms. Grey had lost sight of herself, drowning in the long list of roles and responsibilities she had assumed while caring for others. She was unable to confidently and reliably express who she was; unable to speak of her person hood, name her unique qualities and those attributes that would make her the ideal candidate and set her apart from the rest. Like and actor on a stage, her true identity had been hidden under the weight of conformity to many roles and parts she had to play. Whether to conceal or protect, she adorned the garments, the mask had been molded, cast and set, hiding Ms. Grey from herself, negatively impacting her self esteem and preventing legitimate self expression, authentic relationships with God, herself and others.
In the mid to late eighty's Coca Cola company published a catchy jingle entitled, "Can't beat the real thing". I've often thought this slogan posed a warning to other competitors by maintaining their soft drink as the one and only authentic, original cola product. Although other cola products could be found, their product was deemed the classic. In other words, this company swears by their ingredients, maintains Coke products are not copied, false or counterfeit, but they are bonafide, reliable and credible, true to their name and reputation.
Several months ago Ms. Grey walked into my office requesting assistance with planning to conduct her job search. Although she had previous work experience, her work history was sketchy and equaled no more than receiving wages for completing a task. She had been unsuccessful in securing meaningful, gainful employment and had succumbed to the relentless blows of constant rejection in her job search. What do you think is holding you back, I asked? She sat quietly for a few moments and then said, "Maybe it's the interview." I asked Ms. Grey to step outside of my office, regain her composure and return to the office as if she were coming to interview with me. She entered, we shook hands, exchanged greetings and she took a seat. I then asked her to tell me about herself. It appeared that she was at a loss for words, speaking primarily of her role as a wife, mother and care taker for an aging parent. I was convinced that Ms. Grey had lost sight of herself, drowning in the long list of roles and responsibilities she had assumed while caring for others. She was unable to confidently and reliably express who she was; unable to speak of her person hood, name her unique qualities and those attributes that would make her the ideal candidate and set her apart from the rest. Like and actor on a stage, her true identity had been hidden under the weight of conformity to many roles and parts she had to play. Whether to conceal or protect, she adorned the garments, the mask had been molded, cast and set, hiding Ms. Grey from herself, negatively impacting her self esteem and preventing legitimate self expression, authentic relationships with God, herself and others.
Many people call me Reverend, some call me Elder and others call me Prophetess. These are titles proceeding my name; distinguishing designations descriptive of roles, ranks or callings in a particular sphere of my work. They are also representations of the different vocational garments I wear but in no way do they speak of who I am. If you are defining yourself only by daily roles, ranks and responsibilities, then you deceive yourself and others by limiting full expression of the person you were created to be. At some point we must stop and and ask ourselves this question; "Who am I?" If we are honest with ourselves, this is when convergence takes place, a point of prayerful deliberation, a meeting place where all parts of yourself -mind, body, soul and spirit come together working to achieve a common unity.
Maybe it's time to stop for a minute, find a place of solitude. Free yourself - cast off the garments and masks of your many roles and "Talk to the me that nobody sees". In this place of liberation, give no consideration to your flaws, peculiarities or imperfections; we all have them. God loves all parts of you; the good parts, the bad parts and the parts that are not so cute. Instead, consider those things that make you unique - those parts of yourself that you have kept hidden for fear of what others might think. Like fingerprints, you are one of a kind, completely unique, an original design with much more of you to be realized beyond what we view. When authencity is our practice, we move beyond rituals and rites and into the realms of deliverance. Then our motives and actions can become pure and absolute, without pretense, provoking others to do the same. Finally..... "Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things - fix your minds on them. Practice what you have learned and recieved and heard..... model your way of living on it; And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 Amplified
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Word for the Month - May 2007
Mission Impossible?
In my early years, Mission Impossible was my television show of choice. Covert specialists serving as operatives in the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) received mission briefings on reel-to-reel tape. After tapes were played they would self-destruct in 5 seconds and basic mission information quickly disappeared in a cloud of smoke leaving no other details. IMF agents always had the option to refuse or accept a mission yet in either case, no concrete strategic plans were given to dictate how agents should proceed. It was left up to agents to carefully discern, methodically plan and execute the most effective course of action although success was never guaranteed.
Have you ever been sent on a mission that seemed impossible to fulfill? Early in my professional career, I was given the opportunity to work as program manager, arranging educational services and support groups for single parents and disadvantaged adults. I had no formal training, experience or detailed instructions to guarantee program or client success. To top things off, I was also a part time student, wife and mother driving a broken down car. Since this was a new program, there was no predecessor or strategic plan to guide my actions, only an initial mission briefing from the program director who remained bogged down under the weight of fiscal responsibilities. It was left up to me to carefully discern and plan to execute a positive course of action. Could I pull this off? Am I smart enough? I'm certainly not skilled or equipped enough. I had so many questions, yet little did I realize that the answers I needed were hidden within the mission. But somehow I knew this wasn't about me, it was about a mission that needed to be accepted for someone else, an assignment that needed to be completed to catapult someone into destiny. I often wondered what would have happened had I not accepted the mission, until the day I was reunited with a client I had served but not seen in over13 years.
As I walked down the aisle in the store, a sudden tap on my shoulder diverted my attention to a women standing behind me whose face I could recognize but name I couldn't remember. She spoke of our short lived relationship, reminding me of her struggle with a speech impediment that had never been properly corrected although she had undergone many surgery's. I had paid for her tuition, books and child care enabling her to enroll in a college accounting course but she vanished from the program and community, never seen nor heard from again until that day. As she stood there, tears began to form in her eyes while she spoke of her battle with cancer and the victory in her full recovery. She then said, "Thank you - When no one else encouraged me I've always remembered how much you believed in me, how much you inspired me to dream and keep working towards my future, and I believe my dream kept me alive during my illness." Motivated by her dream, she graduated from college with her degree in accounting in 2005. In that very moment I came to realize one of my many missions had been accomplished howbeit in a brief encounter some 13 years earlier with a woman I didn't truly get to know.
Whether we choose to accept a mission or not, all of us called to specifically assigned territories within our workplaces, homes or communities. These are our mission fields, the places where we will be used to affect lives, prayerfully shape, positively influence and significantly impact change, even though we may not always see immediate outcomes. Sometimes our missions may appear in the most inconspicuous places; you may stumble upon a mission in the grocery store while shopping for Sunday dinner, you may realize a mission at the hair salon, at a concert or the local gas station. You may question the particulars of your mission, you may want benefit of greater details or promise of successful outcomes. You may wonder if you are qualified to accomplish the mission. "Show me, tell me Lord" may be your most frequent prayer request. You may look for answers from family and friends however your answers may lay in the mission field itself. Do not allow fear or complacency to rule because you are not totally certain about the nature of your mission. Simply remember to lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own understanding - in all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. For with God nothing is impossible. Luke 1:37, Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified
In my early years, Mission Impossible was my television show of choice. Covert specialists serving as operatives in the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) received mission briefings on reel-to-reel tape. After tapes were played they would self-destruct in 5 seconds and basic mission information quickly disappeared in a cloud of smoke leaving no other details. IMF agents always had the option to refuse or accept a mission yet in either case, no concrete strategic plans were given to dictate how agents should proceed. It was left up to agents to carefully discern, methodically plan and execute the most effective course of action although success was never guaranteed.
Have you ever been sent on a mission that seemed impossible to fulfill? Early in my professional career, I was given the opportunity to work as program manager, arranging educational services and support groups for single parents and disadvantaged adults. I had no formal training, experience or detailed instructions to guarantee program or client success. To top things off, I was also a part time student, wife and mother driving a broken down car. Since this was a new program, there was no predecessor or strategic plan to guide my actions, only an initial mission briefing from the program director who remained bogged down under the weight of fiscal responsibilities. It was left up to me to carefully discern and plan to execute a positive course of action. Could I pull this off? Am I smart enough? I'm certainly not skilled or equipped enough. I had so many questions, yet little did I realize that the answers I needed were hidden within the mission. But somehow I knew this wasn't about me, it was about a mission that needed to be accepted for someone else, an assignment that needed to be completed to catapult someone into destiny. I often wondered what would have happened had I not accepted the mission, until the day I was reunited with a client I had served but not seen in over13 years.
As I walked down the aisle in the store, a sudden tap on my shoulder diverted my attention to a women standing behind me whose face I could recognize but name I couldn't remember. She spoke of our short lived relationship, reminding me of her struggle with a speech impediment that had never been properly corrected although she had undergone many surgery's. I had paid for her tuition, books and child care enabling her to enroll in a college accounting course but she vanished from the program and community, never seen nor heard from again until that day. As she stood there, tears began to form in her eyes while she spoke of her battle with cancer and the victory in her full recovery. She then said, "Thank you - When no one else encouraged me I've always remembered how much you believed in me, how much you inspired me to dream and keep working towards my future, and I believe my dream kept me alive during my illness." Motivated by her dream, she graduated from college with her degree in accounting in 2005. In that very moment I came to realize one of my many missions had been accomplished howbeit in a brief encounter some 13 years earlier with a woman I didn't truly get to know.
Whether we choose to accept a mission or not, all of us called to specifically assigned territories within our workplaces, homes or communities. These are our mission fields, the places where we will be used to affect lives, prayerfully shape, positively influence and significantly impact change, even though we may not always see immediate outcomes. Sometimes our missions may appear in the most inconspicuous places; you may stumble upon a mission in the grocery store while shopping for Sunday dinner, you may realize a mission at the hair salon, at a concert or the local gas station. You may question the particulars of your mission, you may want benefit of greater details or promise of successful outcomes. You may wonder if you are qualified to accomplish the mission. "Show me, tell me Lord" may be your most frequent prayer request. You may look for answers from family and friends however your answers may lay in the mission field itself. Do not allow fear or complacency to rule because you are not totally certain about the nature of your mission. Simply remember to lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own understanding - in all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. For with God nothing is impossible. Luke 1:37, Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Word for the Month - April 2007
"Defining Moments"
One of my most recent landmark events occurred during a routine eye exam. I explained to my doctor how difficult it had become to read without holding the literature at least twelve inches from my face. Although I had purchased several pairs of over the counter reading glasses, none could offer enough clarity to properly correct my reading vision. After a thorough exam the doctor smiled and said, "You are aging nicely". To my dismay, I left his office with a prescription for my first pair of split lense, (bi-focal) eyeglasses. Contact lenses were not a viable consideration due to the nature of my impairment. It was difficult to come to terms with this moment in time. I could certainly choose to adhere to his recommendation, become stoic, move beyond vanity and prop those eyeglasses on the bridge of my nose. Or I could continue to read without corrective lenses, add stress and strain by trying to read what I could not clearly see. Even though I had been faced with the truth, the reality was difficult to swallow. Thus, a defining moment had ushered me into the valley of decision; Do I want to be cute or do I want to see clearly?
How often have you found yourself sitting in the valley of decision? Can you recall times when you've been kind of fuzzy in your thinking, at a standstill even though you knew you had arrived at a significant crossroad? Were you compelled by the Spirit of Truth to move forward, but unclear about the way you should take, direction you should turn involving a relationship, business deal, job or important ministry or life decision? Like magnifying glasses, a defining moment can cast an enlarged view, demand your attention and enable you to clearly see those road signs or marked posts you may have missed before or chosen to ignore.
Defining moments will often beckon you toward integrity checkpoints and intersections where truth has been illuminated for your viewing. It is the pathway least taken but most needed to aid you in making decisions and adjustments that will bring freedom from anyone or anything that would cause complacency, entanglement and obstruction from purpose. When you become free from doubt, confusion and uncertainty, you are better able to discern and comprehend with exactness those situations, circumstances, relationships or endeavors that would be in your better interest. I believe defining moments are gifts given to us to add further definition to the depth, width and height of our character by asking us to reassess our values and examine the motivations of our hearts.
Pay better attention to the road less traveled during your life journey. Even when faced with situations where crisis and confusion abound, you will find opportunity for growth through defining moments. Seize the moment and watch situations emerge where motives will be revealed, a life role or calling is clarified. Seize the moment and watch circumstances abound calling for your application of truth. Seize the moment and watch opportunities spring forth calling for authentic ministry in the range of your occupation. Seize the moment and watch assignments prevail that call forth the use of your talents and gifts. A missed opportunity will only delay what may have been intended for your growth and possibly the growth of another. Seize the moment!
And this is my prayer, That you would extend in the fullest development of knowledge and all keen insight, with greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment; so that you may surely learn to sense what is vital and approve what is excellent and of real value; recognizing the highest and the best, also distinguishing the moral differences with hearts sincere and certain. Philippians 1:9-10 Amplified Bible (emphasis added)
One of my most recent landmark events occurred during a routine eye exam. I explained to my doctor how difficult it had become to read without holding the literature at least twelve inches from my face. Although I had purchased several pairs of over the counter reading glasses, none could offer enough clarity to properly correct my reading vision. After a thorough exam the doctor smiled and said, "You are aging nicely". To my dismay, I left his office with a prescription for my first pair of split lense, (bi-focal) eyeglasses. Contact lenses were not a viable consideration due to the nature of my impairment. It was difficult to come to terms with this moment in time. I could certainly choose to adhere to his recommendation, become stoic, move beyond vanity and prop those eyeglasses on the bridge of my nose. Or I could continue to read without corrective lenses, add stress and strain by trying to read what I could not clearly see. Even though I had been faced with the truth, the reality was difficult to swallow. Thus, a defining moment had ushered me into the valley of decision; Do I want to be cute or do I want to see clearly?
How often have you found yourself sitting in the valley of decision? Can you recall times when you've been kind of fuzzy in your thinking, at a standstill even though you knew you had arrived at a significant crossroad? Were you compelled by the Spirit of Truth to move forward, but unclear about the way you should take, direction you should turn involving a relationship, business deal, job or important ministry or life decision? Like magnifying glasses, a defining moment can cast an enlarged view, demand your attention and enable you to clearly see those road signs or marked posts you may have missed before or chosen to ignore.
Defining moments will often beckon you toward integrity checkpoints and intersections where truth has been illuminated for your viewing. It is the pathway least taken but most needed to aid you in making decisions and adjustments that will bring freedom from anyone or anything that would cause complacency, entanglement and obstruction from purpose. When you become free from doubt, confusion and uncertainty, you are better able to discern and comprehend with exactness those situations, circumstances, relationships or endeavors that would be in your better interest. I believe defining moments are gifts given to us to add further definition to the depth, width and height of our character by asking us to reassess our values and examine the motivations of our hearts.
Pay better attention to the road less traveled during your life journey. Even when faced with situations where crisis and confusion abound, you will find opportunity for growth through defining moments. Seize the moment and watch situations emerge where motives will be revealed, a life role or calling is clarified. Seize the moment and watch circumstances abound calling for your application of truth. Seize the moment and watch opportunities spring forth calling for authentic ministry in the range of your occupation. Seize the moment and watch assignments prevail that call forth the use of your talents and gifts. A missed opportunity will only delay what may have been intended for your growth and possibly the growth of another. Seize the moment!
And this is my prayer, That you would extend in the fullest development of knowledge and all keen insight, with greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment; so that you may surely learn to sense what is vital and approve what is excellent and of real value; recognizing the highest and the best, also distinguishing the moral differences with hearts sincere and certain. Philippians 1:9-10 Amplified Bible (emphasis added)
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Word for the Month ~ March 2007
Delay Doesn't Always Mean Denial
This month, the word is for people who are sitting in a place of waiting, when the goal or vision seems as if it's been postponed or far outside of their reach. This word is for those who are experiencing delay, because things are not happening in the time frame you had desired or the door leading to your avenue of success is no where in sight. I encourage you to take a moment, open your mouth and repeat after me saying, "Delay doesn't always mean denial. '
Sometimes a season of waiting is required; a lingering pause is needed; a time that asks us to sit in a state of repose, without movement, remaining still. And in our time of waiting, we should not give up hope because things don't appear to be happening around us or for us. Instead we should be wondering and taking time to discern what may be taking place within us. Is there a shifting or re-shaping of our attitudes or a temperament work in the development of our character? Is there a strategic alignment of persons or resources that will be used for our benefit?
Instead of sitting in a place of anxious desperation, we should sit in a place of quiet expectation. When we are desperate we become impatient and provoked to poor decision making. When we are expecting, we wait in confidence, knowing that the plan shall be established. We must practice the art of waiting. In waiting, become a watchman and remain attentive to the goal by watching and guarding the vision. Practice the art of waiting in quiet expectation; knowing that the vision is for an appointed time and although you may wait, it shall come to pass!
This month, the word is for people who are sitting in a place of waiting, when the goal or vision seems as if it's been postponed or far outside of their reach. This word is for those who are experiencing delay, because things are not happening in the time frame you had desired or the door leading to your avenue of success is no where in sight. I encourage you to take a moment, open your mouth and repeat after me saying, "Delay doesn't always mean denial. '
Sometimes a season of waiting is required; a lingering pause is needed; a time that asks us to sit in a state of repose, without movement, remaining still. And in our time of waiting, we should not give up hope because things don't appear to be happening around us or for us. Instead we should be wondering and taking time to discern what may be taking place within us. Is there a shifting or re-shaping of our attitudes or a temperament work in the development of our character? Is there a strategic alignment of persons or resources that will be used for our benefit?
Instead of sitting in a place of anxious desperation, we should sit in a place of quiet expectation. When we are desperate we become impatient and provoked to poor decision making. When we are expecting, we wait in confidence, knowing that the plan shall be established. We must practice the art of waiting. In waiting, become a watchman and remain attentive to the goal by watching and guarding the vision. Practice the art of waiting in quiet expectation; knowing that the vision is for an appointed time and although you may wait, it shall come to pass!
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