by vatg4him

When Vanity is Not in Vain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

“I was all flesh, that’s who I was. I was so miserable the entire time that I was ‘Vanity.’ I spent so many days and nights crying and hating who I had become…I wanted out but I didn’t know how to get out because the world sucks you in.” – Evangelist Denise Matthews, Trinity Broadcasting Network interview with Dwight Thompson, August 5, 2010

Abused as a child, crack cocaine-addicted and deeply wounded, the former 80s actress/singer/girlfriend of Prince known as “Vanity,” turned away from a deadly lifestyle in the mid-90s to experience true freedom and abundant living in Jesus Christ. Shedding the image of Vanity and everything with it, she allowed the healing and powerful love of Jesus Christ to reveal her identity and purpose in Him as Evangelist Denise Matthews. Sharing with others her testimony, trials, health scares, surgeries, and miraculous healings, she said in the above referenced interview that her life was full of joy because of her relationship in Jesus Christ.

When I like most of you, learned via social media (a tweet from her dear friend and sister in Christ, Sheila E.) of Evangelist Matthews’ passing this past Monday, February 15 at age 57, I was stunned. According to news reports, Matthews had been in declining health for some time in part due to her previous years of drug use. I’d lost track of her life but was DELIGHTED to learn that she allowed the Lord to transform her heart and mind to serve Him! DELIGHTED to learn how she spent her life telling others about Jesus! God bless her and the seeds she has sown in the hearts and spirits of others!

But who was the source of her vanity?

Jesus clearly tells us in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (New International Version) 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (New International Version)

If in reading this you doubt there’s an enemy, namely Satan, out to destroy and kill you, fine. You can remain in denial but you can’t deny the devastating effects of his work: Abuse. Addiction. Adultery. Anxiety. Brutality. Crime. Deceit. Depression. Evil-doing. False identity. Fraud. Gossiping. Greed. Hook ups. Human trafficking. Lying. Molestation. Murder. Pornography. Pride. Rape. Robbery. Self-hatred. Shame. Shootings. Stabbings. Suicidal thoughts. Terrorism. Vanity. Violence. Wickedness.

The list goes on. Can anything good come from this? With a life redeemed and restored through relationship in Jesus Christ, yielded to the Holy Spirit, the answer is 100% “yes.” Evangelist Matthews’ life proves this.

“The world sucks you in.” Evangelist Denise Matthews, formerly “Vanity”

The years the enemy stole from Evangelist Matthews to do his bidding, God restored to her. He added life to her days and years. The tools the enemy used in an attempt to destroy her, God turned around for her good (Romans 8:28). Having turned her life over to Christ, the Lord made it so that her years as “Vanity” were not in vain.

What Matthews said in her aforementioned quote is true: the world does suck you in, if you let it. I’ve heard more people tell me that “sin will take you further than you want to go.”

Make no mistake: There is a persistent satanic agenda at work to counterfeit the “freedoms” people desperately seek. As Satan sets the stage for his next counterfeit scheme, it is of paramount importance that God’s truth is boldly and lovingly presented to awaken people from their slumber into confusion and deception; to bring clarity that enables them to navigate successfully around the counterfeit schemes so they may equip and empower others in Jesus Christ.

For the family and friends of Evangelist Denise Matthews, we at Voices Against the Grain pray that God’s comfort and peace steadies you and rests in your hearts. We join you in celebrating the fruit produced by Evangelist Matthews through her life in Jesus—fruit that will bear out now and into eternity.

Blessings,

Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

02.11.16

by vatg4him

Thank You Jason!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”- Isaiah 52:7 (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

A couple weeks ago, our devotional writer Jason Alexandre shared with me and our team that the Lord had been leading him to serve in other areas and no longer with Voices Against the Grain. We support Jason in this move and continue to pray that the Lord guide his steps in wisdom.

For two years, Jason has blessed me, our team and you our readers with Holy Spirit-led messages. Messages like “Root and Fruits,” encouraging us to be rooted in Christ to truly produce fruit, and “The Best Counselor” on the great counsel and peace we have in Christ Jesus, day and night. Still in his 20s, I marvel at his spiritual maturity in understanding God’s Word and his desire to walk it, talk it, live it and rightly divide it in imparting truth to others. We are grateful for his equipping messages that encourage our spiritual growth as we navigate life. We thank him for always biblically and truthfully sharing the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’re proud of his boldness in sharing God’s Word, even when it reprimands those receiving it.

Thank you Jason! You have truly blessed us. We pray God’s continued blessings upon you, your wife Porsché and your new ministry, particularly your desire to reach our young people. Grateful that we can call you friend and a brother in Christ. Know that you and your messages are always welcome at Voices Against the Grain.

Jason M. Alexandre

Blessings,

Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

02.04.16

by vatg4him

Why Do We Fast and Pray?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Why should we fast and pray—individually and corporately? The quick answer: Fasting helps us get into God’s will. Prayer helps us to hear what God wants. This benefits us individually and corporately to discern how God wants us to move in the various populations and territories we occupy.

When it comes to fasting and prayer, the misstep some people make is trying to draw God’s focus to their desires without seeking to hear and learn where God is focused. It’s human nature for us to desire comfortable lives and to want that comfort right now. Some people view fasting and prayer as tools to “help God out.” They use it as an opportunity to dictate to God what He should do. In fact, as the late evangelist David Wilkerson said, “We know too much about what we want and too little about what God wants.” In prayer we need to ask God, “What is it that you want from me?”

In truth, even in our diligence in prayer, we’ve all experienced what seems like delayed answers. When we read Daniel 10, we see that Daniel has been fasting and praying for 21 days with no response to his prayer. The angel Michael comes to Daniel and explains that his prayer was heard initially. The delayed response was due to spiritual opposition with the prince of the Persian kingdom that resisted him for 21 days. In essence, Michael was battling demons on Daniel’s behalf.

The same occurs for us, particularly when we’re fasting and praying. We are likely to encounter spiritual warfare. It’s important that daily we put on our spiritual armor, as instructed in Ephesians 6:10-17. “For our war is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (v. 12) Our engagement in such warfare makes the enemy take notice. Sometimes our situations require an extended period of fasting and prayer to break the enemy’s strategies to keep us oppressed. It also engages angels to war on our behalf.

Woman-praying

For individual and corporate prayer and fasting, the greatest gain is that we come to learn the heart of God. If we truly desire to know God’s will for us, we will seek to know what God wants from us. He will certainly answer. As we seek to accomplish 2016 goals, let one of those be that we examine our prayers and become concerned about the things of God, and less focused on what we need. Ultimately, our goal is to decrease self so Christ can increase. When flesh is subdued, He will do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).”

Do you seek to know God’s will for you? Are you prepared to go the distance in God by first seeking to know what He desires, above your desires? Fast and pray.

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

02.01.16

by vatg4him

Palin’s Principles Will Punk Us

Unthinking people have exchanged godliness for what is politically expedient and to our detriment.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.²For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,⁵having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (English Standard Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

The political process has interested me since I was a teen. I’ve fervently discussed the issues of the day with family members, peers and colleagues and watched to see which candidate(s) aligned closest with my values. The process still holds my interest today, albeit differently.

When I launched Voices Against the Grain in May 2013, I vowed to remain nonpartisan. In our ministry communications, I have vowed to not promote my political leanings or views. This is due in part that while policies have their place in our society, our best solution and hope rests in Christ Jesus alone. Additionally, I desire for Voices Against the Grain to help advance Christ’s love and truth among Believers and non-believers without sowing discord through contentious political arguments.

However, since our country’s engagement last summer in these 2016 U.S. presidential elections and the review of candidates, I shake my head at what I’ve seen and heard. This election has an abundance of foolishness, double-talk and berating of one another that signals how far we’ve strayed from what is right. If not for Christ’s grace and mercy holding back his full wrath of our destruction and the remnant of His People who are advancing His Kingdom in the darkest places to share His Truth, I wonder if we’d exist this very moment.

As an example of our straying, I share a moment that made me snap my neck and raise my brow like “watchu talkin’ ’bout Willis?”

This morning, ahead of the evening’s Iowa caucuses, Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie asked former Alaska Governor and political commentator Sarah Palin about her endorsement of U.S. presidential candidate and billionaire businessman Donald Trump. Guthrie noted that Palin has “a lot of credibility with evangelical voters.” She asked Palin if Trump is the “godly candidate that evangelicals are looking for.”

Palin replied: “I hope voters aren’t trying to find the most Christiany (is that a word??), godliest candidate out there, because who are we to judge one another’s level of faith or Christian quotient, if you will. Hopefully people are looking for he who has that record of success that proves he’s going to be able to get the job done for us, finally.”

I never would have spoken or written so directly on the elections, but Palin’s by-golly-gee answer to Guthrie’s serious question has warranted my response.

Former Alaska Governor and political commentator Sarah Palin, responds to Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer on Monday about her endorsement of Republican U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump. February 1, 2016. (Photo courtesy of NBC, Today Show)

If it’s simply a matter of electing a competent person to fill the office of the President, then that can be done. But are we solely interested in the person completing the task, or more importantly, their character, integrity, judgment and wisdom deployed to complete those tasks?

As Believers, if we’re committed to restoring God’s moral authority, God’s truth and justice, and civility to our country’s fiber, than we should be more prayerful as to who receives our vote. The consequences of dismissing such standards have eroded the foundation of our government, communities, neighborhoods and workplaces. We indeed need more Christian public servants who have decreased their wills in order to advance God’s will to serve the public good. We don’t need another person bent on doing their own thing, not guided by what is godly, what is right or wrong. If not a godly person to lead our country, then who??

Palin’s principles and others alike, will prevent such an opportunity of godliness in this particular political space. Palin’s principles will only further promote ungodliness. If we accept such principles, we’ll once again be punked.

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

01.24.16

by vatg4him

“Be Patient on the Vision”

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” -Habakkuk 2:3 (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Has God called you to do something—and has yet to provide you with all of the details to carry out the vision?

Furthermore, you may still be awaiting full details on the entire vision? If you can answer “yes,” then relax and smile: for you are in good company! You are not alone in this process of how God works through His People to accomplish His purposes.

In previous posts, I’ve shared with you that for the past eight months God has been transitioning me into new territory. As a long-time journalism and public relations professional, this has been my comfort zone, do-it-with-my-eyes-closed space that I’ve operated in for more than 10 years. Though I’ve used this expertise to advance His Kingdom and the good services of others, God has given me a heart for more. He has given me a burden for something that is on His heart. In this time of transition, wilderness, seeking answers, going through the threshing floor to allow my will, habits and insecurities to die, and a further refining of my character, I’ve come to understand the core of what He is now calling me to do: to mentor at-risk youth.

Excited to fulfill the call, I was ready to fully jump in. What do I do? Where do I start, Lord? Who do I talk to who can help? What’s our timeline? What resources will I need and who will they come from? For anyone who knows me, I am one who needs questions answered to understand new spaces! You may be the same.

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the working world, particularly occupations that involve strategic planning, strategies, tactics, budget, goals, timelines and desired outcomes (ex: media campaigns, projects, development, sales, etc.), we’ve been molded to think this way. We need all of these details filled in sooner rather than later to roll out the plan and project. We’re usually up against the ticking clock of someone who is paying us to deliver immediate results.

But in how God works through His people, you come to understand you need to “slow your roll.” As you mature in Christ, you come to better understand God’s character and nature. You learn that God is never in a hurry and “haste” or “anxiousness” is not part of His character.

Wait for it

As I sought answers from God for next steps in how to carry out the vision and burden He has given me to mentor youth, I shared my concerns with a dear sister in Christ. The wise and timely advice she imparted to me are the same words I share to encourage you: “Be patient on the vision.” In fact, she said, “Be very patient on the vision.”

I am grateful for her advice and understand why she said this. As I remain in prayer and fasting for God to direct my steps, I am presently in the information-gathering phase. God is divinely connecting me to people who work in this new territory so I can learn more. He is presenting me with information and models that will help establish a platform and vehicle to best carry out the vision. In fact, had I dived in from my excitement on what I thought was the initial way to proceed, I would have missed the additional details and insights that have been revealed in the past few days. I would have short-changed the vision and the vision’s end recipients. The vision has taken on a design and shape that is wider than I previously saw in my earlier limited view!

He wants to do exceedingly and abundantly more through us than we can think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20)! His thoughts and His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9)!

My encouragement to you: Wait for it. Wait on the vision. Be patient on the vision. God has already prepared the process. He will accelerate what He desires to be accelerated. Though it linger, it will certainly come with all the people, provision and resources you need to fulfill the vision. It will not delay.

God bless you!

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

01.20.16

by vatg4him

Are You a Slave to Worldly Success?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Have you become blinded by the need to pursue and accrue worldly success that you’ve misunderstood God’s view of success? What standards do you use to measure achievement and success? I share with you a self-examining devotional on this subject written by one of my Regent University Robertson School of Government professors, Dr. Gary Roberts. I pray his message and prayer blesses you.

-Nicole

Reading

“Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”– 1 Corinthians 3: 12-13 (KJV)

Reflection

We are frequently our own worst enemy when it comes to living a godly-directed, balanced life. I am a professor, and if you have any experience in higher education, you discover that both academics and students are very achievement-oriented, and we do not like to lose!

Satan inflates the importance of our achievement goals to encourage us to discard our moral compass leading to compromise in our motives and means. Our drive to succeed can enslave us as we attempt to achieve goals that we falsely believe equate with enduring success. We frequently use the wrong standards and measuring stick to assess achievement. Godly success occurs through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit through the sanctification process and Christian character development as we learn to live, work and play like Christ. It is a pernicious lie that success and peace comes from things and accomplishments, not the Creator. Our challenge is to recalibrate our standards of excellence and the goals and ends pursued according to God’s metrics. As author, Richard Swenson, M.D., states in his book Margin, the most important criterion of success is the cultivation of obedience through loving relationships.

measuring success

Satan adroitly uses the temptation of accomplishments and recognition to distract each of us from our true mission and purpose. In effect, our spiritual job description is always the most important element. The pride of performance, recognition, and wealth is a powerful drug that manifests diminishing returns thereby increasing our craving for more attention and recognition. Many Christians are enslaving their lives to the god of mammon, blinded by its allure of power, wealth, and material comforts over relationships. Very few on their deathbed regret not making more money, publishing one more article or losing that promotion. What causes deep soul pain and regret is the loss of loving relationships. Let us commit to place our hearts and minds on the things of God and reject our idols. Only the blood of Jesus provides the solution!

Prayer

Dear Father, I give praise and glory for your love, grace, and wisdom. Please help me this day to measure success using your standards, not mine.

-Dr. Gary Roberts, professor, Regent University, Robertson School of Government

01.19.16

by vatg4him

Surpassing Peace

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

Overburdened by worry. You’re not where you envisioned you would be at this point in your life. Maybe you were passed over for a promotion. It could be that your home which was once peaceful is now chaotic. Perhaps you no longer have the means to return to school as you always planned. A loved one may be suffering from a disease such as cancer or diabetes. Suddenly, imagining the future seems to snuff the light in you and extinguish your motivation and hope.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word ‘worry’ as “to feel or cause to feel troubled over actual or potential difficulties.” In our text, the Apostle Paul offers us a cure to the distressing emotion of worry. A cure which is simply…contentment in ‘every’ condition of life (Philippians 4:11-12). Yet, this contentment can only come through living in Christ Jesus and allowing him to live through you. For hasn’t he given you the gift of eternal life when you trusted him as your personal Savior?

Have you forgotten that life on earth is training ground for eternity in Heaven?

Of course, there will be none of that which we are confronted with here but there will be unending worship and bliss in the Lord. Not worrying is a form of worship. For it means that you are completely dependent upon God and fully trust in His will for your life. Consequently, you glorify Him and affirm His sovereignty over all things.

So “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” –Colossians 3:2 Present yourself daily to the Lord as one who is Kingdom minded and “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”-Philippians 4:8 Be assured that your name is written in the book of life.

Don't Worry God's Peace

The Apostle Paul recommends the remedy of all disconcerting and distracting anxieties which is simply, prayer. Yet, it pains my heart to see several who are nominal in the faith and won’t take the necessary burdens of joy to pray to the One who knows what they need. Worry is sin and folly. It leads to disease and death. Some say “Yes, I’m a Christian,” but they walk according to the flesh and not of the Holy Spirit.

Consequently, their mind runs wild thinking of maddening things that are not fully in their control. “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” – Romans 8:5-6 For “do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” – Amos 3:3

A right relationship with Christ will confirm your daily purpose and spur you on to enduring joyful duty. For when we come to him in prayer, we not only thank him for the good in our lives but for the mercies in which we have received day after day. Sure, we have wants and desires but we need not waste much time in expressing them for he knows them better than we do. His desire is that we value His mercy and demonstrate our sincere dependence upon Him. What is the peace of God but that comfortable sense of being reconciled to Him and now having been favored He imparts revelations of that future hope of heavenly blessedness which is greater than we can ever imagine.

So “don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”– Philippians 4:6-7 Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is a Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

01.08.16

by vatg4him

I Quit: Discerning Your Seasons

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Have you ever stayed in something longer than you should have? I have. Whether it be a career/job, relationship, volunteering or other, there are roles and spaces we occupy that can become so routine that we ignore the precious signals indicating a season change. The season change prompts us to put to bed old things so God can bring us into the new. Thus, it is important to discern when God is bringing you into a new season so you have room to transition, prepare and embrace for what is being birthed in your life. To several things you will likely need to say, “I quit” or “I resign” or “I’m moving on.”

Since early spring 2015, I’ve been in a gradual transition to enter God’s new season for me. A 10-year public relations professional, a volunteer with a few ministries and organizations, there are places, roles and titles as of late from which I’ve resigned or have reduced my time expended toward. These items are not bad. God has been shaping me for some time, developing me for the new.

Dear Sirs I Quit

Part of this new path (which has also meant enrollment in grad school) is the burden God has placed upon my heart to mentor at-risk youth here in Washington, D.C. Not simply sharing an encouraging word and passing them by—but true in-the-trenches work that will require my one-on-one time, extending others greater compassion and patience when their lifestyles conflict with mine. This new season aligns with our Voices Against the Grain ministry objectives to “bring clarity and restoration to deception, to educate and equip, to encourage and to love in truth.” Too often we see the moral decay overtake our communities and watch it play out day after day, night after night on our local news stations. We may not know what to do because the issues seem far beyond solving. We may also hope that if it gets intolerable enough, someone will fix it so that we can continue our lives comfortably and uninterrupted. I wonder how many people who could help have subcontracted their abilities and expertise hoping someone else will step in—all to preserve their comfort?

Should you choose to not subcontract your calling to someone else in order to preserve your comfort, and should you choose to bed the old and embrace your new season:

Be advised: God will stretch you. You will be placed in unfamiliar spaces. You will need to fully rely on God.

Know that: God has already equipped, predestined and qualified you for this. Others may be confused and intimidated by your transition. Fact is, God has always been preparing to reveal you and your calling at the appointed time. God will also bring to you the people, provision and other resources to help you carry out your new season.

The joy: When you put to bed the old, you’ll discover that God has so much more in store for you—different and greater than you imagined!

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a “time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven,” “a time to plant and a time to uproot” reads verse 1. Some seasons are about planting while other seasons are designed to uproot old routines so that the “new” can be planted and take root.

Are you ready to quit the old so you can embrace the new?

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

12.29.15

by vatg4him

Charity: More Joy in Serving the Few or the Masses?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

“The best fruit is not shaken from the tree, but picked by hand, one by one.” –Jerry McAuley (1839-1884), reformed thief and prisoner, founder, The McAuley Water Street Mission in New York City

I know the donation pleas are loading up your email inboxes and mailboxes, all for good causes. In this high season of giving or charity, the aforementioned quote by Jerry McAuley has given me pause.

Hands down, it’s wonderful that many of us give our dollars, resources and time to various organizations to help others in need. Praise God for you and the organizations who are helping to bridge the gaps. May we continue to serve…so long as we’re not placing our joy in and idolizing the numbers (ex: millions served). I’ve become dazzled by the numbers, at times.

As Mr. McAuley’s quote infers, imagine the positive impact you can have on one or a few because you’re able to spend quality time with them. Your time and presence shows love that will last and very likely assist in shaping their character. McAuley knew full well the power of love’s one-on-one ability to transform. He was a riotous drunkard and vicious robber who was repeatedly in and out of prison, spending seven years in Sing Sing. He later heard the Gospel delivered by a volunteer missionary and was transformed by Christ’s love. Shortly after, the Lord led him to launch the McAuley Mission in New York City in 1872, where men who were drunkards, robbers and the like, came to hear the Gospel and were transformed by Christ’s love.

“Charity” as originally described in this King James Bible version of 1 Corinthians 13:13 means “love”:

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).

When we love others

Charity also means to extend benevolence, goodwill or love toward another who is suffering or in need. With time, the word “charity” has taken on the form of campaigns and operations to reach the masses with pleas for donations in order to serve the global masses. Some of these efforts have been subcontracted out to cold edifices like the government as opposed to our one-on-one help that requires time and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Government may provide (barely) for people’s physical needs, but true philanthropy also provides for one’s spiritual needs.

By expecting the government to fill the gaps (even in broken families—an article for another day), we’ve become far more removed and far too impressed with the fallacy of mass progress. Surely if millions of people are being provided clothing and a meal, all is well, right?

An excerpt from The Tragedy of American Compassion by Marvin Olasky (1992, pg. 129) depicts the problem with this thinking:

‘The National Conference of Charities and Correction (which in 1917 changed its name to the National Conference of Social Work) began to include lectures on how poor housing caused crime and how governmental housing projects would help. The trend was clear: Any time the charitable emphasis moved from the person to the mass and from the souls to stones, government became the popular engine of progress.’

heart-in-hands Yes, it’s impressive in marketing materials to say, “We served 10 million people last year and intend to serve an additional 5 million this year.” No one will turn down the help or berate you for being able to serve so many. Although, for those of us in Christ Jesus, as His Ambassadors, may we not idolize the numbers or the operation. May we truly be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus Christ if it is one or two He places in our care to serve for a time. May we find even more joy in caring for the spiritual needs of the hand-picked fruit (if this is His will for you) rather than striving to shake the entire tree.

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

12.21.15

by vatg4him

Christmas: Taking Mary Moments in a Martha World

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

To-do lists to check off. Errands to run. Gifts to purchase and wrap. Decorations to hang. Volunteering. Meals to make and treats to bake. Guests to host. Church services and special events to attend. (Is there sleep somewhere in all of this?) Life is a flurry of activities but particularly so in preparation to celebrate Christmas. In truth, many of these activities are good, decent and connect us more with one another. But the downfall of living in a privileged, first world nation is that our greater efforts extended toward these activities can reduce our focus on Jesus, Our Savior and Redeemer, to third class.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas, how can we keep Christ front and center without allowing the season’s hustle and bustle to overshadow Him and overtake us? A New Testament story gives us the right approach.

The story of sisters Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 depicts how life’s busyness can make us vulnerable from discerning the “good” from what is “better”—even when doing God’s work and good things:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Though this story occurred before our time, does it not describe today’s times? We are still hurrying, multi-tasking, not fully living in and taking stock of the present moment. Our minds zip ahead to what needs to be done next, tomorrow and during the week while missing the key thing!

beautiful child

Jesus and his disciples had come to visit the sisters’ home. I repeat: Jesus was in the sisters’ home! Martha was frazzled with preparations while Mary seized the moment and sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to Him. What an opportunity to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior!

Can you discern what God needs you to do now—or is life distracting you? Are you partaking in good and worthy activities, yet missing the better opportunity to bask in our Savior’s Presence?

In this holy season and every day, may we deliberately take Mary moments in a Martha world. May we still and quiet ourselves against life’s busyness to sit at the Master’s feet to expectantly hear what He will say to us. In all that we do, may we seek God’s wisdom to discern the “good” from what is “better.”

Merry Christmas!

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.