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

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.

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.

01.08.16

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.

12.07.15

by vatg4him

Are You a “Profess”-ional?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Are you good at what you do? Most likely, you’ll answer “yes” to this question, particularly if you consider yourself a professional. Professional…the word in itself indicates a level of expertise beyond amateur. It suggests years of study, investment, implementation, tweaking, marketing and perhaps instructing others. It’s what helps you “bring home the bacon.” It’s the reason you have a LinkedIn page, business cards, résumé, website, storefront, etc., so others can know what skills you offer. It’s the reason you attend certain networking events to connect with other professionals in your field and similar fields. Whether you’re a professional dancer, driver, event planner, photographer, singer, writer or occupy another profession, you are good at displaying what you do.

Professionals

But for all that we’ve assumed the word “professional” to mean and imply, what if we’ve only viewed it from a worldly context and not a spiritual context?

During a recent bible study I participated, we discussed the word “professional” and its origin. Per Merriam-Webster, “profession” is defined as “relating to a job that requires special education, training or skill” or “participating in for gain or livelihood.” Yet the etymology, or origin of “profession” comes from the root word “profess.” It means to “declare openly.” In the Latin, “profess,” “profession” and “to call” has been combined to create “professional.”

As Believers, we are to publicly profess God’s call on our lives. This is our “profession.” People have likened “professional” to careers, but it originally meant our calling in the Kingdom of God. A beautiful tapestry that God has created in giving you and me a purpose! God told the prophet Jeremiah, who was preordained to declare the word of the Lord, that “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5).

jeremiah 1;5 white

God has created you to boldly, unapologetically, unabashedly and confidently walk in your calling. God has intentionally created, elected, equipped, glorified, justified, predestined (Romans 8:30) and qualified you for your calling. The enemy and this world seeks to derail it and cause you to question it. Your gifts (Proverbs 18:16) and passions are part of your calling. Indeed, you are a called professional and you are good at what you’ve been called to do. If you are still seeking to understand your calling, ask God to reveal it to you.

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

12.03.15

by vatg4him

“Fix it Jesus” or Jesus, Fix Us?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

To whomever this applies, I’m getting in your behind today. God is God all by himself and doesn’t need me to defend Him. Though in response to this morning’s New York Daily News front page/full page headline “God Isn’t Fixing This,” and those who support it concerning Wednesday’s horrific shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., in which 17 lives were taken and 14 victims injured: What part do you want God to fix?

Do you want Him to fix those who murder with guns or those who murder daily with their words and thoughts? Many of you think and speak unkindly and unlovingly toward others because of the darkness rooted in your heart. Yet, because you don’t physically shoot people, that is considered ok. God fixes hearts willing to turn to Him who realize they need help. God doesn’t fix gun laws—He fixes people. God seeks to advance Laws of the Spirit so you may truly live freely and abundantly in Him, set free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). Yet you’ve chosen to live apart from Him, carelessly and irreverently.

God Isn't Fixing This NY Daily News

We want the offenders to surrender their weapons. But are you likewise willing to surrender your tongue, your words, and your actions that are used like weapons to cause offense? To the perpetrators of violence we say, “Fix it Jesus!” But shouldn’t we ask Jesus to fix us?

We curse the driver who doesn’t yield to us on the road, yet, we won’t yield our hearts or ways to God’s ways because we want to do things our way. Thinking of the rude driver, we shout in our cars, “Fix it Jesus!” with no regard of how we responded to the situation. Shouldn’t He fix you too?

You curse and misuse the Name of Jesus in your conversations, ignorant of the uncomparable power, love, blessings, restoration, healing, salvation, and joy in His Name. Yet, you want Him to “fix it” and not fix you.

Bottom line: The evil we’re witnessing in our world is horrific. We want the violence to cease and be replaced with peace. But this doesn’t come by more gun control or harsher sentences or more police brutality. It starts with allowing the peace of Jesus Christ to reign in our hearts. Allowing the peace of Christ to flow in your words and in your thoughts. You are in no position to dictate to God what He should do to bring about the healing in hearts that are corrupted. You can’t even determine your next heartbeat—but He can. Often it seems the darkest and tragic times bring the hardened and stubborn to their knees in full surrender to Him. God will not force Himself on us. He will not force us to love Him. For what kind of love is forced love? We must choose to love Him. Until then, we have unsurrendered hearts and the chaos ensues.

“For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)

At Voices Against the Grain, we continue to lift in prayer those affected by violence everywhere. We pray for healing in hearts. We believe that hearts yielded to Christ Jesus can help transform situations.

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

11.30.15

by vatg4him

Is Your Living Inside/Out?

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

For those in relationship with Christ Jesus, the experience should extend beyond ourselves. It should impact those around us. In addition to The Great Commission, how are you transforming the culture around you through your Christian living?

According to the book How Now Shall We Live?, co-authored by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey, every decision we make either “expresses a false worldview and thus contributes to a disordered and broken world, or expresses God’s truth and helps build a world that reflects His created order.”

As Christ told His disciples and in essence us as Believers in Matthew 28:18-20, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (New International Version)

Romans 12 1-2 be transformed

As we are being transformed by the Holy Spirit indwelling in us, and in Christ calling Believers to The Great Commission, we should be impacting those around us—family members, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc., to help them discern between falsehood and truth; right and wrong, to bring clarity to confusion, to bring light, hope, joy and peace where darkness, discouragement and anxiousness reside. Now that we have been freed from the law of sin and death through our new life in Christ Jesus, we should be motivated to see others set free; to be restored to their original purposes, distorted by the veil of sin and death. The transformation we’ve experienced and continue to undergo is a gift that we’ve been blessed to receive and would be lost without.

The Holy Spirit as the Light, new life and living waters flowing in us can effectively restore and rebuild what is broken and has been stolen in a society/culture or family by the enemy. Though it is the Holy Spirit that transforms hearts, we’ve been invited to take part in that great work. As Colson and Pearcey write “transformed people transform cultures.”

Society has long been clamoring to have it their way. Now after having it their way (aka, alcoholism, drugs, sex outside of marriage, sex and pornography in movies, music, everywhere, abortion, various ideologies that advance one’s personal agendas), some now see how this full access to darkness has advanced the destruction and demoralization of our decaying society. Morass abounds and people want quick solutions. Those solutions are in essence a humbled, contrite, repentant heart turned to Christ Jesus. A heart and mind that recognizes they have exhausted all avenues of what they considered effective only to be emptier and more disheartened than before. Christ is humanity’s greatest hope and solution.

As the Body of Christ, when we truly yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him full access and reign in every area of our lives, we’ll be in awe of the inside/out transformation that can occur in us and others. Salvation is an experience for us and others. As author and Pastor John Piper wrote, “Who wants a Jesus who is so nothing that all he can produce is a people who mouth religious platitudes but think, feel and act just like the world?”

At Voices Against the Grain, we have served as change agents of God’s Kingdom prior to and since our ministry launched in May 2013. We will continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, sharing His Truth to help restore hearts of those prepared to receive Him. We will not conform to the status quo. Lovingly and boldly, we will continue to “advance God’s Kingdom in a ‘do your own thing’ society.” We will continue to serve as the tip of the sword, rightfully dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). We will continue to be salt and light in places of darkness and territories the enemy thinks he owns.

I ask again: How do you impact the culture around you? Are you a change agent or conforming to the culture? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to do an inside to outside work within and through you? Through your speech and actions are you advancing society’s destruction and further bondage or are you sharing the true freedom found only in Christ that will break every chain? Is your living inside/out?

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

11.26.15

by vatg4him

We Are Grateful For…

Gratitude rock A spirit of gratitude makes you acutely aware of how much we truly have to be thankful for. From dear people the Lord has brought into our lives, to relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to enjoying fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, to being able to carry out daily functions sometimes taken for granted, or being treated to coffee or a meal, the list is endless. As Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Another word used for “follow” is “to chase after.” For those who love the Lord, His goodness surely chases after us even in times we don’t immediately see it. In the messages below, the Voices Against the Grain ministry team share what we are grateful for. We are grateful the Lord has provided us this platform as an opportunity to fellowship with and bless you.

Jason is grateful for…

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I am grateful first and foremost for my salvation in Jesus Christ. With my birthday around the corner this Sunday, I’ve been reflecting on my fulfilled need for a Savior. It seems like the older I get, the more apparent the condition of my soul becomes to me. I thank God every day that Jesus made it possible for me to be justified and sanctified before God through Him. I am also very grateful for my wife and our families. Life on earth would be meaningless to me without them. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Ana is grateful for…

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I am grateful for my family—to have my three precious children and parents who love the Lord. I am grateful for my two amazing sisters, two fantastic brother-in-laws and wonderful nieces and nephews. I am thankful for Christ’s redeeming love and the friends He has blessed me with. I am grateful to be an American. Grateful for the sky above, the trees I see and the love I share with those around me.

Destiney is grateful for…

Destiney Bishop, Voices Against the Grain Digital Media Coordinator

I am grateful for my health, well-being and peace of mind. I am grateful that God has provided me with a sense of direction in life. Though I am not fully aware of His plan, I know He has something great in store for me. I am grateful to spend another Thanksgiving with my family. Grateful that my sister returned home safely from deployment. I am also grateful for growth, specifically over the past year.

Jill is grateful for…

Jill Tomlinson, co-founder of Transcend Ministries and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

There are too many things to mention, but I will start with the people I love. I am incredibly, beyond words thankful for my family—the ones God chose for me to walk through this life together with every day…a priceless treasure to me! Even greater still is the gift of knowing they are living lives set apart unto the Lord. As a mom, knowing my kids are hidden in Christ brings me joy unspeakable.

The intangible things are sometimes overlooked when we give thanks to God, yet these are the things that have no end. What we can see, feel, hear, taste, and touch are good gifts from God, but those things we only know and possess by the Spirit of God are the most amazing of all. Today I am thankful for those precious gifts that cannot be shaken or taken from me such as salvation that is secure, peace beyond all understanding—even in the most violent of storms, joy that cannot be measured with things or changed by circumstances, love that never fails and knows no bounds, favor that surrounds me as a shield, and the goodness and mercy of God that follow me wherever I go.

These are just a few of the blessings of the Lord that I thank Him for today. He is good and His mercies endure for all of time! Happy Thanksgiving!

Nicole is grateful for…

Nicole D. Hayes, founder, Voices Against the Grain

I am grateful for the relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Since coming to Christ at age 12, He still keeps me in awe of Him. I thank God that He chose me before the earth’s foundations were laid and that He has a purpose for me to lead, serve and teach others. He’s concerned with everything in my life, great, small and in between. I am grateful for a deepening relationship with Him and the joy, love and peace experienced in His Presence. I am THANKFUL for His Holy Spirit, wisdom and words that transform me more like Christ, enabling me and others to see the changes (a work in progress). He reminds me in many ways that He is with me. I am grateful for family, friends and friends like family and for colleagues. I am grateful for health with the function of all of my faculties. I am grateful for blessings and protections seen and unseen. Grateful for clean water, access to food and ability to purchase food. Much to be thankful for.

I am grateful for We hope our messages shared have got you thinking of what you’re grateful for. What are you thankful for? Please share with us here, via Twitter or on our Facebook page.

A blessed and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Your Brothers & Sisters in Christ at Voices Against the Grain

11.19.15

by vatg4him

Unshaken and Not Stirred: A Believer’s Position in Chaos

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

The words “shaken, not stirred” sprung to mind in developing this post. I’ve heard the term used by those ordering a martini, but there may be other drinks associated with that term. I have no idea.

But I use the phrase “unshaken and not stirred” in this quick post today to encourage the Body of Christ to remain steady in the horrific and sobering events happening in our communities, nation and world. We remain in prayer for those in Paris affected by this past week’s terrorist attacks. We mourn for all lives lost and affected by violence.

Evil seems unrestrained and fear is gripping those without relationship in Christ and those unsteady in Christ. Darkness looks like its winning and those who trust not in God’s Sovereignty, think he has put His “Out to Lunch” sign up, displaying an ill-regard for the chaos unfolding. But God is in control. Yes, the events are unsettling though necessary to usher in Christ’s return, per scripture. There is no other way. God’s Word has prepared us for these events and the tragedies still to come. We’ve not yet witnessed evil’s capacity.

Yet, in all of this, as Believers, we must remember OUR role: to remain steady, staunch, unmoved, fixed and not stirred by the events. We must remain faithful, being salt and light in darkness, and that by Christ’s light and peace living in us, those without Christ will see it and be drawn to know Him. As Believers, this should be our position and stance in chaos. We are to remain steady.

Keep calm and keep steady

Until they are completely humbled and broken, the discouraged and lost will run to all counterfeit forms of escape, solace and stability (ex: alcohol, drugs, New Age beliefs, belief in self, etc.) in which these items will fail and only offer false relief. No rest will be found in these items. Only true peace, rest and security is found in Christ Jesus.

May we remain unshaken and not stirred. May we remain in peace, joy and love. May we operate and display the rest that we have been given through our relationship in Christ Jesus. We already have the victory. On Christ the Solid Rock we stand. All other ground is sinking sand. May we be comforted by the Lord’s promise said here in John 16:33-

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

-Nicole

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here.

Voices Against the Grain

Advancing God's Kingdom in a 'do your own thing' society

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Unshaken and Not Stirred: A Believer’s Position in Chaos