Author Archives: vatg4him

08.19.13
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Blessed in the City

Hebrews 11:10- “Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

This scripture should strike a chord in all of us, as we all have been through the revolving door of instability. Where will I live? When will God let me sew the seeds that I have planted? How is it possible to live like this? When hope looks like a vapor dissipating in the wind, is it possible to have trust in God when planting our roots seem impossible? Therefore, what is faith?

Well, faith restores our hope, allows blessings to overflow, and brings us peace. For there was a time when we were poor, but now are humbled at the sight of abundant wealth coming toward us. Once we were racked with pain, but now exceeding joy has flooded our hearts. Once we were lonely, but now companionship has brought us warmth. In essence, if we live faithfully like Abraham we too will be blessed in the city that God designed for us. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

08.12.13
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Patience in Hardship

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

James 5:11- “We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” (New Living Translation)

Job lost every possession, along with his family and health. Therefore, what can a man gain by trusting God who cast such misfortune on his servant? Matter of fact, why does God keep us chained within the doldrums of despair? Why must the stench of poverty and helplessness of good health beset our souls? If we followed God’s Word and did honorable deeds, shouldn’t our rewards be joyous, instead of disfavored?

See many Christians don’t know or have the patience to understand that the moments of sadness eventually lead to happiness. Now your life opens up and your business creates unforeseen revenue, you become more stable, and your relationship is loving and God fearing. Hence, look for peace and understanding in hardship and you too will find the silver lining within the clouds. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

08.06.13
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Watch Your Words Diligently

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Our words have power. The tongue can be a demoralizing or uplifting tool. We’ve all been in situations where a heated discussion with someone got the best of us. Often we wish we could take those words back, but we can’t. To combat this, we should prayerfully seek more wisdom, exercise self-control, strive to listen more and consider our responses with love and truth before speaking the words. Even in my boldness, I seek to exercise wisdom in choosing my words. Today’s post is from the devotional book Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The devotionals are rooted in scripture and presented in the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. Today’s message encourages us to “watch our words diligently” so as not to harm one another or ourselves.

WATCH YOUR WORDS DILIGENTLY.  Words have such a great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in My image. You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different:  Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray—“Help me, Holy Spirit”—before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence. In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit. As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you.

words hugging womanAccompanying Scriptures: Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (New International Version)

08.05.13
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Pride, Humility and Wisdom

Proverbs 11:2- “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Pride is defined as a dignified sense of what is due to oneself. Wisdom is defined as knowing and doing what is right. Neither can correspond with one another, nor can they be placed juxtaposed to one another. Pride is nothing more than a person’s reaction to entitlement. Pride is the downfall of man. Pride leads a person to believe they can accomplish great feats based off their own merits. Compliments and praise don’t soothe the ego of a prideful person, they inhibit them. Wise words from learned men are seen as animal fodder, to which no instruction can be gained. In order to crush pride God must humble us. Whether it’s living lowly to understand the significance of Gods future blessings, or losing a business opportunity due to stubbornness. In either scenario, our pride must be worn like scars reflected in a mirror to remind us of the mistakes we have made, and the lessons needed to keep our feet from stumbling. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

07.31.13
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The End of Erroneous Theology: The Beginning of Revelation

Hi People! Do you repeat scripture for a desired outcome from God? If so, understand this: God cannot and won’t be managed by us. We must always seek and yield to the Holy Spirit’s instructions. I am delighted to share with you an eye-opening, must read post written by dear friend, mentor and colleague Hakim Hazim. The post comes from his and co-founder Dan Jackson’s Freedom Squared blog site. Launched in 2011, Freedom² is a web-based Christian think tank whose premise is “spiritual freedom x political freedom= Freedom².” I invite you to review other articles on their blog site. Thank you Hakim for sharing this great piece with us!  -Nicole

Hakim Hazim, Co-Founder of Freedom²

Hakim Hazim, Co-Founder of Freedom²

John 7:14-18 (English Standard Version)

14About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning,d when he has never studied?” 16So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’se will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

Most theology begins with the careful observation of patterns. Although many world religions do not know the God of the Bible, they know many truths and something of His creative power, character, wisdom and the life He has animated all things with. This is called natural theology. Common sense dictates that when we see intelligent design, we attribute it to a creator. The problem lies in who we attribute Creator status to. Many false spirits claim to be the Designer and raise up prophets in their names, but the truth is there is only one God, revealed to us in sacred scripture.

Historically, the people of the covenants: Old and New — Jews and Christians, have run into different problems. We cling so tightly to what God has done, that we form superstitions, doctrines and theologies around His past movements, believing we can tap into divine power as a scientist taps into natural laws. Folks love to quote scripture and stand on passages that they believe will meet their needs, not consulting God in the process while demanding that He move on their behalf. One of the most innovative things is the repeated quoting of scripture for a desired outcome. Many think they can bind Him to select verses of scripture as one might bind a created thing to a rope or chain. Folks I take no pleasure in saying this, but such actions are dead works at best, at worst — sorcery. God will not be handled or managed by us. We should rejoice in what He has done and be filled with joy regarding the untold wonders yet to be revealed.

The-Bible-007

The Christian walk is a walk of yielding to God via His spirit. The idea of yielding means you have a general sense of direction regarding where you are going and you follow the things that God has revealed to you to date. We allow the scriptures, our hearts, minds, instructors and experiences to teach us about faith. We move based on these instructions, but we always allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and we should always submit to the instructions we receive.

The majority of believers are so locked into what God did in the past that they gear their lives toward attempts to recapture these personal or collective movements. In their obsession they miss what he is doing. Gideon sounds like many believers today when he had this discussion with the Angel of the Lord in Judges 6:12-14 (New International Version):

12When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

13“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

14The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

You see Gideon clung to a God of the past who he believed had abandoned his generation. His theology was dispirited — void of any hope in the future. Believers today cling to hope in a decaying world replete of all the things scripture condemns. But let me caution all the doom and gloom preachers — the day is still ours. We simply need to see the Risen Christ. The work continues. He is not done, nor has He abandoned his people. Perhaps our view is simply obscured by our theology. Christ had this discussion with the Jews of His day. They were clinging to the theology they created from Moses words, refusing any instruction beyond it. Jesus revealed who he was time and time again. In John 5:16-44 Jesus turned the table and laid out His claim to complete equality with the Father — divinity. He pointed out that Moses only had part of the revelation of who God is; yet, He came to complete the narrative. In short, He rebuked them for taking the partial and making it into a complete picture of God. This incensed them and they sought to kill Him, rejecting perfection in the process. Jesus words in John 5:45 — 47 should make us shudder.

45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Are you placing your hope in someone other than Christ? Here are some options for you to choose from. I call it Yellow Pages Christianity. You can believe in…

1. A theology that brings you comfort and peace

2. A theology given to you by your parents

3. A theology that is consistent with your ethnicity, culture or national psyche

4. A theology that empowers you and is consistent with your personality and preferences

5. The Living God who will lead and guide you all the days of your life

I choose option five. Be warned, God is not subject to your theology. Be encouraged, God still saves in spite of our bad theology. It starts with a revelation of the risen Christ, and it continues as we seek to know Him more. Our erroneous theology should end where revelation begins lest we miss the mark. Our musings about God cannot produce life. Revelation via the Spirit produces life. God the Father has uttered the most important things that need to be said through His Son. Man’s doctrine produces death, but the Son produces life. Christ will give you life and He desires to do just that. Make Him your shepherd not your judge.

John 5:19-22 (New International Version)

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

God will reveal what’s next for you and His people. We just need to listen.

About Hakim Hazim

Hakim Hazim, author of several published books and articles, nationally recognized criminality and national security theorist is the co-founder of Freedom², which focuses on believers in America and other free societies. Hakim, who is based near Boise, Idaho, was raised Muslim and is a born-again Christian since 1993. Daniel Jackson, a former youth pastor, is the organization’s other founding member and technology expert with a Fortune 500 company. Other project partners include researcher Charles Holmes, Jr., and Dracy Jenkins. Hakim is also the founder of the Christian-based national security consultancy, Relevant Now, which provides clients with ”timely, insightful and transformative information.” Hakim has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the California State University San Bernardino.

07.29.13
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Assured of His Promises

Psalm 119:38-“Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!,” is the well-known intro verse from the song hymn “Blessed Assurance” written by Fanny J Crosby. If you were assured of immortality, what would you do? Would you go skydiving? Would you traverse the Sahara desert in search of hidden jewels cached beneath the sand? What if you were assured infinite wealth? Would you go to Turks and Caicos and lounge in the sun? Would you buy a yacht to navigate the seven seas? If guarantees were possible, everyone would live in bliss. However, our lives here on Earth aren’t assured, which is why our hope must be in Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins and granted us eternal life. Too often we seek insurance to battle the unknowns in our lives, only to find out that not everything can be covered. Therefore, seek out that long-term investment plan to store and build the spiritual currency needed to garner a secured future. For the interest will triple and the blessings will rain down. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

07.24.13
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Remove False Labels

Psalm 139:14- “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

I love this verse from Psalm 139:14. In reading it, a joyful feeling comes over me as I think about the care and love God put forth in creating me.  He created me with purpose, and not by accident or out of coincidence. Every feature He created for me and you is by His design.  A step further, I smile as I consider my name given me by mom and dad. My name Nicole means “the people’s victory” or “victorious one.” I love it! In reading Psalm 139:14, the meaning of my name, and countless other scriptures concerning what God says about me, I am confident in who I am in Him.

What is in a name? Certainly part of our identity. Given whatever good meaning of your name, why would one ever embrace a name or label that negatively describes them? A label so negative that even if said in jest or in passing, some assume the label and wear it. Labels such as “failure,” “not very smart,” “not pretty/not good-looking,” “unlovable” and a host of other untruths (or “clutz” was the label I used to wear). If God doesn’t define us this way, why do we place these labels upon ourselves or allow others to?

In truth, Satan hopes you allow the negative labels to talk you out of accomplishing your purpose. That would be one less person focused on advancing God’s Kingdom. However, I am here to confirm you were born with a purpose; created for a special work. In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” (New International Version)

If you are wearing or associating yourself with negative labels, revamp your thinking. These labels are false and not representative of you or your purpose. Ask God to show you, “What labels have I attached to myself or my life that may be limiting what God wants to give me? What labels have I bought into that are hindering what God wants to do through me?”

07.22.13
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Chasing God Together

Good Day, People!  The following post by our guest blogger, Herbert Bowen, Jr., is 100% needed when it comes to relationships and marriage. In a world that is driven by “need it, want it now” it seems contradictory to wait on the spouse God desires to bring into your life when you could easily seek who you want. I can attest, waiting on God means sometimes He can really take his time to answer the desires of our heart. Sometimes we wonder if He will ever answer, but we must trust He is working things out for our good.  He will answer you! Herbert’s piece is confirmation that when God brings two people together for His purposes, the success is exponential.  Thank you Herbert for sharing today’s message as you congratulate your friends Justin and Brooke Lehmann for living this example.  -Nicole

Ecclesiastes 4:9- “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Herbert G. Bowen, VATG Guest Blogger

Here is a phrase from Justin that has never left my memory banks: “A relationship will only grow if you are chasing God together.” Wow, I was a boy who believed that love was for no one other than God, my family, and my spiritual family, until God brought Irina into my life. It was there I began to see two people chasing God together. It was there that success finally began to knock at the door. It was there where love was found and the warmth of reading God’s word kindled a fire between two kindred spirits that no one could extinguish. Chasing God requires patience and courage to wait and let God deliver the right companion, to avoid needless heartache. So, may we all be encouraged by Justin’s words, for they are sound and proven through his marriage to his beautiful wife and childhood sweetheart Mrs. Brooke Lehmann.  Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 23, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

07.19.13
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Filling the God-Shaped Vacuum Within Us

Dear Friends. I am happy to share with you a guest devotional from a great brother in Christ, Dracy Jenkins. His devotional reminds us that when we were formed in our mother’s womb, God deliberately created a void within us that only He can fill. People seek other people, things and behaviors to fill this void and find themselves feeling empty and always seeking but never finding the joy, love, peace and security only He can provide.  Thank you Dracy! God bless each of you.   -Nicole

There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ. —Blaise Pascal (17th century mathematician, physicist and Christian philosopher)

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Dracy Jenkins, Devotional Writer

Philippians 1:9-11- 9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (New Living Translation)

I still remember how I tried to fill the emptiness in my life with so many different things, in order to bring me joy and happiness.  The more I purchased or did, the more that was required to appease the desire to be someone that I wasn’t.  At that time, like so many of us, I had bought in to the lie that to be somebody, I had to look and act like what was being portrayed in the media.  And every time, I achieved a certain level or purchased the next great thing, I was left emptier than before.

It wasn’t until I was in the midst of my frustration, despair and anger, that I was able to hear Christ knocking at the door to my heart.  I heard Him speak to my spirit and tell me that I wasn’t created to be like the world, and that no matter how hard I tried to fill my life with anything other than God’s love, I would never be satisfied or complete.  He said that only He could adequately change me into the person that would be pleasing to God and to me.  He then said it was my choice.

Maybe you are struggling to be satisfied with your life and are looking to fill that emptiness you feel inside with everything you see or hear from society.  Can I share with you how futile that is going to be?  Maybe you already realize it.  But the reason that the things of the world will not fit the void in our lives is because that void is shaped exactly like a cross.  It’s an old rugged, wooden cross, where our Savior Jesus was nailed to and died upon for our sins.  There are many things of the world that appear to fit, but a closer self-examination will show gaps, voids, air pockets and holes, that continue to leave one incomplete, unfulfilled and without hope.

But I’m here to tell you that Jesus is still knocking on a lot of our doors with the answer to our incompleteness.  He wants to fully fill that emptiness in your heart, but He’s not going to force Himself into it.  You have to ask Him.  It’s your choice.

My prayer today is that we all will do a self-assessment to determine if there are holes or gaps in our heart.  If so, let’s remove those things that are inappropriately in the cross-shaped vacuum of our hearts and allow Christ to complete us and make us whole again.  He’s standing at the door and knocking.  Will you open the door?

God bless.

07.17.13
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Seeking God in a Busy World

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Oops upside your head, said oops upside yo’ head.” While God’s Word will comfort you, give you joy, restore your peace, embolden your faith for challenges ahead—His Word can also cut and punch you with truth.  As much as Voices Against the Grain is a platform/vehicle to share God’s truth that may punch you, believe it can punch me too, at times. Sometimes I’ll read a passage and will be like, “oh my goodness. He got me today.”

Such is the message from this morning’s devotional from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The devotionals are rooted in scripture and presented in the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. Today’s message encourages us to “steal away” and carve out time with God before everyone else gets our time in this busy world in which we live. Most times, I set aside my early mornings and late nights for Him—yet, I recall mornings where I rise, thank Him for the new morning, say a quick prayer, begin my day and dash to a meeting. This is not the quality time the “First Man” in my life deserves.  The fact is, I ENJOY my time with Him. Sometimes I get perturbed when I can’t get that time in with Him because something else requires my immediate attention. Fortunately, He is forgiving and doesn’t withhold His love from me. He also knows the intentions of our hearts despite the tempo and demands of this world placed upon us.

Isaiah 55:6 reminds us to, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (New International Version)Worry-Seek-God-First-278x300

Here’s this morning’s devotional from Sarah Young:

COME AWAY WITH ME  for a while. The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.

You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity.

I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However, you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to me, I can bless others through you.

Accompanying Scriptures: Luke 10:41-42, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42- but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”

The world will keep spinning like a top with all of its “busyness.” The emails, text messages, chiming meeting reminders, voice messages, to-do lists, will be there awaiting your reply. Seek first the quietness and stillness of God who will order your steps calmly and joyfully in the chaos. Make him your priority.