The Word, the Word, the Word!

Open your mouth people! For this is where your power lies. I learned fully today the power of our words. In service this morning the preacher talked about the liberty found in love. Now everything that he was saying was beautiful and true, but it was a repeat of what I already knew and comprehended. Now, I know I’m not the only one who has sat in a pew and longed for a personal word from the Lord. I sat there anticipating. And as the crescendo began to rise and the audience was becoming more zealous I just kept feeling a gnawing, “that’s not it yet” in my core. It wasn’t until the applause and praise quieted that the man of God gave an illustration that would forever change my life.

He went all the way to the first words written in the Bible. He referred to how Genesis 1 details that the Spirit of the Lord hovered over empty nothingness and then God commanded, “Let there be light,” and then there was light. But, it was what he said next that changed my understanding. The Bible went on to say that there was night and day which marked the first day. However, what we didn’t notice was that nothing else happen the first day after God’s commandment brought forth light. Why, because He didn’t say anything else. The Spirit of God continued to hover over the, now lit, nothingness, but was only able to activate something into existence when a word was spoken. God didn’t think the world into existence, which He could have very well done because He’s God. But, He spoke the world into existence because He was presenting a model for us to later follow.

The Spirit that hovered over the world during creation is the same Spirit present inside of every believer today. For this reason, the scriptures proclaim that “greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). However, our internal Greatness will never manifest His greatness externally unless the holder (man) speaks in faith. Open your mouth and speak people or else you’ll settle for another day, month, year, decade of nothingness! There is so much that God wants to bring forth through you and He’s waiting for you to have enough confidence in the fact that the Spirit will second every faith-filled word that leaves your lips. That’s why the Bible says, “ we speak a thing and it is established” (Job 22:28). That’s why we are told to carefully speak life and not death, because the tongue hold’s the power (Proverbs 18:21)!

There are too many Christians trying to fix WORD problems with positive thoughts, emotionalism, self-help, and carnal advice. But, WORD problems will only be fixed and solved with the WORD. Speak to those things in your life and command them to come under the submission of the Word of God. There is mighty power in the word. But, as long as your mouth remains closed for whatever reason (fear, shame, pride, offense, bitterness, anger, etc.) you will remain the epitome of the old saying, “a closed mouth don’t get fed.” So if you desire God’s best for your life open your mouth and proclaim it with faith. But, not just any words will do. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with the “lingo”; have you, of faith-filled conversation. And then practice what you’ve learned in the test field of your life.

I’m doing it, and I guarantee you, I will never again be the same, okie-doke, run of the mill Christian.

Join me!

Nikki D

Discovering the Lamb’s Book of Life

As I sit here today in my local Barnes and Noble, I thought it as a day of product research. But it has actually become a day of discovery for me. On the recommendation of my sister Mechelle, I picked up the book Produced by Faith by DeVon Franklin and begin reading. A book with an interesting structure, to say the least, is what I found in Franklin’s intricate narrative weaving of faith and profession. But as I close out the third chapter something quite remarkable occurred as I answered a simple question: What is the vision and mission of my life? Now through self reflection and meditation I’ve answered this question on several occasion; however, this time it was different. Revolutionary, to be exact.

I answered this question again truthfully, and one of the main bullets always added to my list is to leave a lasting legacy of righteousness and godly character for future generations. But immediately, God open my understanding as my thoughts traveled to Abraham, who God called righteous because of his faithfulness (Genesis 15:6). And the reason I am able to recall this story is because IT IS WRITTEN in the Scriptures. It is a part of the tapestry of God’s rhema Word made logos. And the epiphany of it all was that the Bible is precisely the Lamb’s Book of Life! Stories are continuously being written by the cloud of witnesses who monitor life here on earth (Hebrews 12:1). The Bible proclaims heaven and earth shall pass away but, God’s Word will prevail eternally (Matthew 24:35).

Therefore, I no longer look at The Book of Life abstractly as some mystical, glowing, illumination where I will one day view my printed name. Why, because my story is being written NOW in the hearts of the people who observe my life. Stories are documented through my ups and downs just as the biblical characters' lives were. And their legacy, written in Holy Scriptures, is used as the precedence that beleivers follow in order to bring clarity, virtue, and direction to our lives. And by walking out my calling I see that I am now not only written within the eternal Lamb’s Book of Life, but my living is actually the script that future generations will read for inspiration just as I read Paul, Timothy, and Jesus’ journeys when I need inspiration.

Wow! This is absolutely amazing, and I pray that you’ll never again perceive the Lamb’s Book of Life as a dusty library book. I hope you take God’s illustration that He imparted in me; taking it and living out your best inspirational life. Living is not passive and being called is not always roses and gumdrops; but, the thought of one day inspiring someone to follow the Faith because of your life is absolutely breathtaking! Join me today as I live out my name that God has eternally inscribed in the Book of Life!

Nikki D

Leading from the Mountain Top

After a particularly interesting conversation I was able to pinpoint a subtle deception of the enemy that many Christians are being plagued with today. It’s the notion that in order to lead and carry out the will of God one must ALWAYS be among the people. After studying the Book of Exodus and the journey of Moses’ leadership of the Israelites, an interesting factor occurred to me. In order to be most effect in our ministry, we must eventually lead from the mountain top. Now, what I mean by this is that sometimes people’s opinions and precepts may jade the direction which God has established for your life. For example, Moses was chosen by God to lead the people, but when he was directly among them (and this is necessary for a season) he was run ragged. The Israelites constantly complained and accused him of leading them towards death in the wilderness and Moses had to make hasty pleas to God on behalf of the people. And when Moses tried to explain to the people that they were murmuring against God and His commands, and not just he and Aaron, the people still didn’t take heed. Why, because he was too close to them. They were too familiar with him. They even took his great knack for just judgment and squandered it to the point that Jethro (Moses father-in-law) had to help his son regain control over such a nagging group of people.

It was not until God told Moses to gather the people at Mount Sinai so that all would hear His voice that they truly understood the privilege of having a leader such as Moses. They no longer wanted to hear directly from God and asked now that all messages be funneled through Moses and relayed to them. Which is precisely what they initially complained about! As the Called of God, it is quite frustrating sometimes to deal with God’s people. Everyone has their opinion of how things should be handled and run. However, the same group of people will run when the suggestion to encounter God for themselves is mentioned. So what am I saying? We must lead from the mountain top people! From this position we are better equipped (remember atop the mountain is where Moses communed with God), and are more apt to clearly scope out the entire view of people and situations.

This is the season that we take our rightful position atop the mountain with God and lead His people from there. Otherwise, we will never reach the full potential of who God has called us to be. People will talk, and the enemy will have you think that ascension up the mountain is a form of pridefulness, but you and God know your heart motivations. Not, everyone will understand your move to the top of the mountain, but they will respect it; whether in contempt or honor. But, atop the mountain is where we are must helpful to the people below. Therefore, succeed and be all that God has called you to be. Be fully wealthy and prosperous so that you then can reach down and fully help bring others up. Among the people Moses was only able to go so far. But, when he took a leap of faith and decided to succeed in his calling, God manifested great things in his and the lives of the Israelites (see Ten Commandments; The Promised Land)!

Lead from the top! There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. You’ve sacrificed, tarried, and now it’s time to rise to the occasion and claim your mountaintop!

Rule from on High!

Nikki D

The Great Oxymoron: Alternative Lifestyles

This debate among Christians has been a long and drawn out battle and I’m here to settle it today. After watching a group of radical sign holders yesterday yell at passerbyers my wheels were spinning once again. In Atlanta the “alternative lifestyle” culture is in full effect. So, when men and women (who resembled open homosexuality) walked by the sign toting threesome, they yelled with vengeance in their directions. One catch phrase in particular “Don’t be gay, get saved today” stuck with me.

Now first and foremost, I feel it necessary to present what the Bible says about homosexuality. In 1 Corinthians 6:9 (AMP) it reads:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality…”

This passage makes it pretty plain on God’s stance regarding such wrongdoers; they will not be allowed to enter heaven. Therefore, if heaven is the goal, then homosexuality and other evils mentioned in this passage (and several others) should not be practiced. But, what I disagreed with by yesterday's display was the way that this group of “Christian” vigilantes went about conveying their message. I watched them profile people who looked the part, but what was more startling was the venom behind the words they spewed. Why on earth would someone want to join a group of believers so enraged, and seemingly hateful? I even heard such comments by onlookers who voiced the same notions as I was thinking.

Love is the commandment that Jesus gave us, and He said that on that commandment hung all the others. (Matthew 22:36-40) I sensed no love in their demeanor, voice, or actions. Their game plan was strictly to, induce fear and stir up controversy, the type that makes the world mock the church now. So, as you could probably guess I was deeply saddened by the whole display. There were no souls won to the Kingdom; there was no one running to them for redemption and prayer. Why, because there was no love! And what saints need to understand is that without love any message lacks God. God is LOVE!

Now, “alternative lifestyles” are actually no life at all, by looking solely at the word choice themselves. The alternative of anything indicates the opposite. And the opposite of life(style) is death. It’s that simple. God hates homosexuality, and every other sin for that matter. But, the person who may be practicing these things He loves dearly; and so do I. Therefore, if anyone out there reading this is living a homosexual lifestyle, understand that you WERE NOT born that way and it’s merely a dominant spirit at play over your life. But, like any other unclean spirit it can be sent packing in the name of Jesus, if you desire it to leave. So, if this is your desire today please pray the following prayer:

Lord I know you hear me today and I know you see the true intentions of my heart. I no longer want to live in a manner that is displeasing to you. Today I relinquish control to your power and ask that you remove all unclean spirits from me. [Call them out by name] In the mighty name of Jesus I command them to leave me now and today I turn from my wicked ways and follow your statutes in loving obedience. God I thank you for my spiritual cleansing today, and I thank you for giving me power to trample over serpents and scorpions, and over anything that attempts to detour me from the mandates that you have established for my life. Lord, now I ask that you restore my relationship with you, for I desire to be in direct communion with you once again. Thank you for accepting my prayer and cleansing me this day. In Jesus name, Amen.

And it is so. I touch and agree with anyone who just prayed this prayer. God truly loves you and so do I. The final message I would like to leave readers today is LOVE. Love God with all your heart, soul, and being, and love thy neighbor as you would yourself. This is how we live a Christ centered life. Do everything in love, even rebuking and correction, because without it there will always remain no results.

Peace and blessings good people,

Nikki D

Living the Good Life!

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day that he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12

Wow! This scripture is God’s approving nudge to every believer to live a good life. Such a good life, that it eventually leads gossips to worship the God of heaven. Reading this helped me fully understand why great men and women of God take gossip and slander in stride. They understand that God has to get the world’s attention, and what better way than with something shiny, flashy, or profusely sought after. Therefore, this passage serves as the antidote to every negative word ever spoken against Christians and our good intentions. When the world has nothing but dirt to smear and rocks to throw continue to live the “good life” through Jesus Christ! Because when we persevere through hurt and slander we become mature, strengthened, and rewarded (see Hebrews 10:35-36).

In these last days, it will take Christians living the “good life” to get unbelievers to turn to the faith. Spectators are never convinced until they spot something admirable or advantageous. Therefore, some people won’t be able to see past their hateful, envious, and sinful natures until they see the object of their envy living extremely well. And not just extremely well, but “so good” that they begin to monitor our actions; feverishly trying to figure out our methods. They will want to know how we obtain such favor, glory, and status without being ruthless, backbiting, or conniving. They will wonder how we acquired the position of partner without sleeping with the CEO. They will question how we drive around in a debt free [insert car] without being a drug dealer.   

And this questioning and wondering is a good thing. Before long the questions will eat them up so bad inside until they have to come out and just ask us. Oh and when they do, we’ll smile and say, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe”. They will look sideways momentarily, but if they’re smart (and truly ready) they’ll ask us to expound on the matter. And just like that, God has set up an opportunity for us to spread the Good News!

So live the good life baby because it’s going to eventually save someone’s soul!

Nikki D

Time for a Full Body Wax!

Now the title may seem way left field but stay with me good people! The body of Christ is in dire need of a full body wax immediately. After a conversation with my sister last night my wheels started spinning (as usual). I began to contemplate the reason for such stagnation in the Church. And the revelation that I received was that we are all in need of a good wax job!

I did some research on swimmers and how they train before big competitions. Besides the usual weight training, dietary restrictions, and rigorous practice schedules, swimmers also completely wax their entire bodies. They do this in order to reduce the friction that little hairs cause in the water. This “drag” slows down swimmers by milliseconds which could be the difference between victory and first loser position. Now I began to ponder on the swimmer’s peculiar brand of attention to detail. From an outsider looking in it seems that training, correct dieting, and practicing would be enough, but with such a stance I could still possibly come up short because of a little hair.

As Christians we have been training in our ministries, consuming a proper diet of God’s word, and even practicing what we preach, but there remains a pesky something holding us back from our full potential available in God’s abundance. Those darn little hairs! They manifest themselves in momentary complacency, the far and in between pity party, those secret vices that we keep as comfort, and our unwillingness to go the extra mile (without rebuttal) just because God commanded us to. We often do every “Christian thing” by the book, but when we get to the final stage of completion we attempt to work it out in our own strength. The Bible clearly tells us that what began in the spiritual cannot, and will not, be completed with human effort (See Gal. 3:3).

Therefore, today I reveal the solution to the Body’s hindrance in “the water” (the world). We need a full body wax, and the Holy Spirit is the best esthetician available! Let Him strip you of those lingering fears, anxieties, sluggard tendencies, and trips down memory lane. There’s no need to revisit our former mistakes and shortcomings. Let’s get waxed people and finally proclaim like Paul I forget the former things and press towards the mark ahead (see Philippians 3:13-14)!

Make your waxing appointment today and don’t look back!

Blessings,

Nikki D

Much Needed Rest and Relaxation

As Christians we need to concentrate on entering the rest of God. This should be our main mission in life because it follows the example of our heavenly Father. God created the world in six days and then rested from His work. Many believers toil and work themselves ragged in an attempt to win or obtain the things that God already created and left as an inheritance to those who believe. Hebrews 4:12 reads: “for the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two edge sword” (NIV). This verse is quoted religiously by the Church, but is rarely fully understood for its true implications. What Paul was saying to the Hebrews was what God had tried to get the children of Israel to understand during their 4o year stent in the desert. We must come to a place of rest with (and in) God, and allow His “active and living” Word to handle our daily toil.

Christians become stressed, broke, busted and disgusted when we attempt to re-create the wheel, so to speak. We work our minds, bodies, and spirits into complete and utter exhaustion trying to make life happen. But, we forget that God’s word is life and what He did in six days is what we eternally long for. There is no need to slave and toil for life’s abundance as if we’re still sanctioned under the curse of Adam. Jesus Christ revoked all curses, which now gives us free reign to enter into God’s rest forever. Let the word do the work! All we need to do is study, profess, believe, and then expectantly tarry for the Word’s manifestations.

As believers, we have to use what’s been given to us by the Father to our advantage. Looking at the world’s way of achieving success is the complete opposite of God’s way. It is up to us whether we choose to enter the world’s rat race or God’s rest. In the end, only the word will reign supreme and bring lasting success.

Let God’s word do the work while you enter His rest.

Nikki D