It's important that we give attention to the nourishment of our spirit just as we do that of our physical body. One's spirit must be fed daily with a healthy and balanced diet. There were two adjectives that described this necessary diet: healthy and balanced. In order for our spirit to grow and mature, it's important that we are in tuned with the spirit that lives within us. So many Christians are so bogged down with religiosity (I used to be one of them), that it become difficult for them to answer simple questions when an inquiry is made. Instead of just out right answering the question, "What do you like to do for fun?", they search their mental Rolodex for something highly spiritual to say.
Ever notice that these type of people lack friends, or associates; for that matter? No one wants to be around someone who is constantly quoting scriptures, and turning every practical response into one of a spiritual nature. This segues perfectly into the need for a BALANCED spiritual diet. We must have our daily helping of God's word (both logos and rhema), but then be willing to see what else nurtures our inner being. Everything is not spiritual! If you enjoy swimming, swim; if it's dancing while singing at the top of your lungs; have at it. It's time that we realize that being a chosen child of the Creator is joyous and not burdensome. It's time that we as Christians be honest with ourselves and stop all the religious mumbo-jumbo. It's not a good look for those that we are trying to win into the kingdom.
As Christians we must remain HERE ON EARTH! Therefore, it's very possible to answer practical questions with a practical answer, and still maintain our spiritual integrity. Jesus did it all the time while He was on earth. Furthermore, notice that this was precisely what the Pharisees were constantly corrected about by Jesus. They wanted to sound and look spiritual, but had no real solution for earthly inquires. How is saying "Go and be thou filled" really going to help someone who is starving. Yes, it sounds good but talk is FREE!
Stop playing yourself people and realize that those things that you enjoy doing are the result of desires placed within you from the beginning of time. The enemy only distorted them so that they would accomplish sinful acts. Therefore, take back your desires and those things close to your heart; doing and enjoying them for the worship and honor of God. Once you do this, you will be more mindful of the things that you allow to feed your spirit. Moreover, you will realize those things that SUPER RELIGIOUS PHARISEES claim to be "ungodly" are really what you require to maintain balance in your life.
Turn on your jazz music, relax, go out dancing, watch a movie, complete an unfinished task, sing songs at the top of your lungs, whatever! But, know that it is necessary to feed your spirit the Word; and the Holy Spirit will daily reveal those practical things in life that will bring spiritual joy as well.
Holla!
Nikki D
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Gawking Platform
Greetings Good People!
Today I decided to share one of my pieces (poems) with you. Hopefully, this work brings encouragement/inspiration to someone.
Today I decided to share one of my pieces (poems) with you. Hopefully, this work brings encouragement/inspiration to someone.
The Gawking Platform
It’s really not about what I feel--- I’m learning.
But it becomes quite difficult to not indulge in the things that can brighten up any pity party with a sing-songy-toe-tap.
It’s difficult to HAVE TO care;
While wishing that for two seconds you had a moment when it was okay to think only of yourself and your immediate needs.
But, I’m learning that it’s not about me at all;
Let alone, how I feel about certain situations and circumstances.
I have been placed here on assignment;
And for this reason, I cannot be derailed from the mission established within me from the beginning of time.
My situations are not my situations,
And my circumstances are not for me either.
Thus, I understand that I must bare them
For my fellow brothers and sisters who are watching.
Watching to see if I flinch, watching to see if I waiver, even a minuscule moment, in my faith;
All the while, hoping that I am both victor and failure.
Victor, because then I become the motivating example in their life’s situations.
A failure because then they too would have to face the music; tackling problems in order to emerge victorious!
But, these tests are in no way fun!
Many days I long to step down from the pedestal that my onlookers have for whatever reason placed me on;
Step down and tuck my tail in defeat;
Crawl back to that familiar place of comfort;
Indulge in the emotions of those who doubted and cheered for me.
But, then I remember the reason why I was first placed on the pedestal.
Something great was noticed in me;
The fight and determination of a champ,
An over-comer,
A conqueror.
Thus, yet another day I stand on the platform;
Head held high,
Helper inside,
Understanding that my feelings are the least of what matters.
For I must persevere for those watching;
Those both rooting for success and failure.
It is this fight on the platform that will shape my character,
And bring about others to question their own.
(March 2010)
Stay on the platform; this is the fight of your life! This choice is the difference between mediocrity and greatness!
Nikki D
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Get Out!... While There's Time
Check your space people. Who are you allowing to occupy your time?
What are your surroundings looking like? I was amazed at my reading today of Matthew in the New Testament. It detailed how Jesus went from city to city, freely performing miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, and imparting wisdom, from the Father, to the crowds which congregated. All this was quite amazing, of course, but what struck me was beginning in Chapter 13:53 when Jesus went back to his hometown to preach the gospel.
Up until this point the only skeptics following Jesus were the Pharisees, but when he returned home the people of the town started to question his validity as well. They began to ask things like, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” “Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” “Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And finally in verse 57 it states that they were offended by him. Jesus’ own ‘hood was offended by the audacity with which he preached under the direction of the Father. Jesus finally proclaimed a powerful statement in response to their questioning: “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”
Wow! I could not believe this; however, this very situation is still relevant. God urges us to move out of our comfort zones, and out of places that are familiar to us because such dwellings begin to shape our thinking. Just think about the people you see when you return home after a long period away. Many times I find myself saying “they are still on that same stuff!” There is no growth and no motivation or intent to change the things of their less then desirable circumstances. But get this, because you decided to leave those festering grounds, you are now called “brand new” or what ever other degrading name when returning for a visit.
This is why it is so important that we check our space, and make sure that our surroundings and those that we keep in our presence are really for us. The best test for such an initiative is to gauge the response of your “friends” when something awesome happens to you. Are they celebrating with you, or are they like the people during Jesus’ days asking, who does she think she is? People who are not for you are not worth your time! I don’t care how long you’ve known them. They are only trying to rob you of your confidence, and keep you, at their level, complaining about how nothing good ever happens. The devil is a liar! Get out people while you can! Go forth, and get out of familiar territories because when you branch out with God he never ceases to bless!
Look up and get out!
Nikki D
What are your surroundings looking like? I was amazed at my reading today of Matthew in the New Testament. It detailed how Jesus went from city to city, freely performing miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, and imparting wisdom, from the Father, to the crowds which congregated. All this was quite amazing, of course, but what struck me was beginning in Chapter 13:53 when Jesus went back to his hometown to preach the gospel.
Up until this point the only skeptics following Jesus were the Pharisees, but when he returned home the people of the town started to question his validity as well. They began to ask things like, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” “Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” “Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And finally in verse 57 it states that they were offended by him. Jesus’ own ‘hood was offended by the audacity with which he preached under the direction of the Father. Jesus finally proclaimed a powerful statement in response to their questioning: “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”
Wow! I could not believe this; however, this very situation is still relevant. God urges us to move out of our comfort zones, and out of places that are familiar to us because such dwellings begin to shape our thinking. Just think about the people you see when you return home after a long period away. Many times I find myself saying “they are still on that same stuff!” There is no growth and no motivation or intent to change the things of their less then desirable circumstances. But get this, because you decided to leave those festering grounds, you are now called “brand new” or what ever other degrading name when returning for a visit.
This is why it is so important that we check our space, and make sure that our surroundings and those that we keep in our presence are really for us. The best test for such an initiative is to gauge the response of your “friends” when something awesome happens to you. Are they celebrating with you, or are they like the people during Jesus’ days asking, who does she think she is? People who are not for you are not worth your time! I don’t care how long you’ve known them. They are only trying to rob you of your confidence, and keep you, at their level, complaining about how nothing good ever happens. The devil is a liar! Get out people while you can! Go forth, and get out of familiar territories because when you branch out with God he never ceases to bless!
Look up and get out!
Nikki D
Monday, June 14, 2010
God's Supreme Control
“I’ve got it all under control,” has never been a more comforting melody when uttered by the King of kings. When God has everything in control there is nothing to worry about. The manifestations of His word will surely come to past, we just have to believe it to be so. God is faithful to His children even when we lack faithfulness towards Him. He loves and cares for us despite our shortcomings and faults. God is in control! This word is all I need to know!
God’s got it; therefore, the enemy can’t have it. God has it in control so why fret, why be fearful, why be timid, why be worried. Go boldly, walking into the promises God has for your life. He appointed just a time and season as this for you to shine in His magnificent glory. Be not afraid of the roaring lion who seeks whom he may devour. That lion is all growl and no bite, because even he, has to submit under God’s supreme control.
I’m so excited this morning just by this little piece of information: God has everything in control!
Be blessed!
Nikki
God’s got it; therefore, the enemy can’t have it. God has it in control so why fret, why be fearful, why be timid, why be worried. Go boldly, walking into the promises God has for your life. He appointed just a time and season as this for you to shine in His magnificent glory. Be not afraid of the roaring lion who seeks whom he may devour. That lion is all growl and no bite, because even he, has to submit under God’s supreme control.
I’m so excited this morning just by this little piece of information: God has everything in control!
Be blessed!
Nikki
Saturday, June 5, 2010
LOVE
Love
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who have faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joys and hurts
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first
~Musiq SoulChild
This thing called love is so serious that it’s imperative that we understand just what this four letter word really and truly encompasses. I woke up this morning and Musiq Soulchild’s song Love was playing in my head and immediately I thought about my relationship with God. Now this connection might not work for my SUPER SAVED CHRISTIANS, but keep reading if you would like to understand why. In the lyrics of his chorus many people think that he is talking about a woman (and this may be the case), but for me, I can only associate this love with the love I have for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Yes, there is one man in my life (God), functioning in three different capacities. (SN: Replace the word LOVE with GOD)
God the Father is that nurturing, mindful DADDY who loves to see His children succeed, but is also disappointed when we fall short of the mark. God the Father hates sin! Therefore, when we allow ourselves to be driven by the lust of the flesh it’s no wonder that He is ready to disown us because He knows our potential. He wants us to flourish and find or daily, rest, joy, and solace in His presence, not our own lustful ambitions.
So, we make those sinful mistakes, and God is ready to disassociate himself with us, but thank God for the Son. God can look at Jesus Christ, at his right hand, and in His own words, “forgive us because we know not what we are doing.” Jesus is our lawyer in heaven always pleading, on our behalf, our building cases to the Father. All the while, hoping that we model the examples that He left us during His time spent on earth. God the Son understands that we make mistakes, but knows the motives of our heart, so once we have accepted Him, and are genuinely attempting to reach the status of holiness, He’s faithful even during our blunders.
Finally, God the Holy Spirit is the teacher. His job is to show us how to walk out (practically) the commandments of God the Father. He understands that our spirit battles daily with the thorns in our flesh; therefore, he is willing to re-teach the lesson(s) as many times as the Father allows. The Holy Spirit is the one who talks to us in those tough times and also in those moments of celebration (the Father and Son speak as well). However, so many people have cheapened the job of the Holy Spirit, and have made Him a mere “feeling” or “high” experienced on Sundays. The Holy Spirit is ALWAYAS there even outside of the church; however, we must be tuned in to His unction for your life.
Together these three equal love FULLY! I mean, God took the time to design the Trinity that we might have every possible chance to truly experience His agape (unconditional) love for us. If this be the case people, why are we not loving Him back like He loves us, and secondly not loving others (you know the people you see daily) with the same agape love?
Think About It
Nikki D
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who have faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joys and hurts
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first
~Musiq SoulChild
This thing called love is so serious that it’s imperative that we understand just what this four letter word really and truly encompasses. I woke up this morning and Musiq Soulchild’s song Love was playing in my head and immediately I thought about my relationship with God. Now this connection might not work for my SUPER SAVED CHRISTIANS, but keep reading if you would like to understand why. In the lyrics of his chorus many people think that he is talking about a woman (and this may be the case), but for me, I can only associate this love with the love I have for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Yes, there is one man in my life (God), functioning in three different capacities. (SN: Replace the word LOVE with GOD)
God the Father is that nurturing, mindful DADDY who loves to see His children succeed, but is also disappointed when we fall short of the mark. God the Father hates sin! Therefore, when we allow ourselves to be driven by the lust of the flesh it’s no wonder that He is ready to disown us because He knows our potential. He wants us to flourish and find or daily, rest, joy, and solace in His presence, not our own lustful ambitions.
So, we make those sinful mistakes, and God is ready to disassociate himself with us, but thank God for the Son. God can look at Jesus Christ, at his right hand, and in His own words, “forgive us because we know not what we are doing.” Jesus is our lawyer in heaven always pleading, on our behalf, our building cases to the Father. All the while, hoping that we model the examples that He left us during His time spent on earth. God the Son understands that we make mistakes, but knows the motives of our heart, so once we have accepted Him, and are genuinely attempting to reach the status of holiness, He’s faithful even during our blunders.
Finally, God the Holy Spirit is the teacher. His job is to show us how to walk out (practically) the commandments of God the Father. He understands that our spirit battles daily with the thorns in our flesh; therefore, he is willing to re-teach the lesson(s) as many times as the Father allows. The Holy Spirit is the one who talks to us in those tough times and also in those moments of celebration (the Father and Son speak as well). However, so many people have cheapened the job of the Holy Spirit, and have made Him a mere “feeling” or “high” experienced on Sundays. The Holy Spirit is ALWAYAS there even outside of the church; however, we must be tuned in to His unction for your life.
Together these three equal love FULLY! I mean, God took the time to design the Trinity that we might have every possible chance to truly experience His agape (unconditional) love for us. If this be the case people, why are we not loving Him back like He loves us, and secondly not loving others (you know the people you see daily) with the same agape love?
Think About It
Nikki D
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Conviction Versus Condemnation
God forgives us before we forgive ourselves; why is this so? Many do not understand that as soon as we request forgiveness from the Most High, with pureness of heart and motive, it is granted. God then casts those past faults into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19). However, many of us go days, weeks, months, and years beating ourselves up (actually down) inside for past discretions which have been forgotten on purpose by the KING! Please understand that once you repent and ask for forgiveness, God does not then bring condemnation onto you about the crime committed. Moreover, God’s Holy Spirit does not bring condemnation before the repentance either. The Holy Spirit convicts which is miles apart different from being condemned.
With conviction there comes an urgency to right the wrong, i.e. “I should not have said that, because that was not nice.” This conviction brought the immediate response to ask for forgiveness from God and the affected parties. Do you see what happened? Your entire mindset about the incident changed: now you have learned (because The Holy Spirit teaches through conviction) that it’s not nice to say certain things to people. Case closed! However, when the enemy is at work, he can take this same scenario and bring condemnation. For example, replacing the teaching portion with questions like “who do you think you are to say something like that to her; you have some nerve?” Such statements cause us to recoil back into ourselves, and like an injured animal lick the wounds of condemnation with self pity.
We now mope around feeling sorry for ourselves because instead of receiving immediate instruction and peace from the Holy Spirit, we have now allowed the enemy to add insult to injury. This phenomenon is witnessed when someone tries to help the injured animal; he lashes out on the first person who tries to provide aid to the ailment. Therefore this cycle of self-loathing and lashing out on innocent people quickly leads to depression. People if you don’t remember anything else that I wrote today, please understand that God brings conviction, not condemnation. Therefore, just like God (when conviction takes place), you should be able to forgive yourself and move on. As soon as negative thoughts regarding your actions begin to linger and replay in your mind, an alarm should sound alerting you that the enemy is attempting to bring condemnation.
Be blessed good people and know that God did not come to sentence the world but to save the world! He loves us and wants nothing but the best for us.
Nikki D
With conviction there comes an urgency to right the wrong, i.e. “I should not have said that, because that was not nice.” This conviction brought the immediate response to ask for forgiveness from God and the affected parties. Do you see what happened? Your entire mindset about the incident changed: now you have learned (because The Holy Spirit teaches through conviction) that it’s not nice to say certain things to people. Case closed! However, when the enemy is at work, he can take this same scenario and bring condemnation. For example, replacing the teaching portion with questions like “who do you think you are to say something like that to her; you have some nerve?” Such statements cause us to recoil back into ourselves, and like an injured animal lick the wounds of condemnation with self pity.
We now mope around feeling sorry for ourselves because instead of receiving immediate instruction and peace from the Holy Spirit, we have now allowed the enemy to add insult to injury. This phenomenon is witnessed when someone tries to help the injured animal; he lashes out on the first person who tries to provide aid to the ailment. Therefore this cycle of self-loathing and lashing out on innocent people quickly leads to depression. People if you don’t remember anything else that I wrote today, please understand that God brings conviction, not condemnation. Therefore, just like God (when conviction takes place), you should be able to forgive yourself and move on. As soon as negative thoughts regarding your actions begin to linger and replay in your mind, an alarm should sound alerting you that the enemy is attempting to bring condemnation.
Be blessed good people and know that God did not come to sentence the world but to save the world! He loves us and wants nothing but the best for us.
Nikki D
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