The Idolatry of God

With first glance at the title, this phrase may seem oxymoronic because aren’t Christians to idolize God. Well, the short answer to that inquiry is yes AND no. Allow me to explain. Through study of God’s word and observation of current societal trends I have noticed a growing enticement of Satan’s deception. And this one is so completely twisted, because it involves the use of the Creator Himself. There are several individuals who identify with the Christian faith and would go as far to deem themselves “Christians”. However, in the words of the Father, “…this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning].”(Isaiah 29:13 AMP)

Wow! There are literally establishments of Christian origin where parishioners worship God and partake in the many traditions of Christianity (communion, washing of feet, casting out of spirits, praying, fasting, etc.), but their practiced mechanics lack heart. People in such churches and organizations have been a part of this charades game for so long that they are oblivious to the fact that GOD is not associated with their worship. They are being led by demons, seducing spirits, familiar spirits, and those who impersonate the acts of God; and are completely clueless! Don’t think for two seconds that demons can’t preach the house down like any other godly preacher—it’s possible, and it’s happening!

I’ll prove it. Think back for a moment to Moses in the Bible. When He was sent to Pharaoh by God to demand that He set the children of Israel free, remember what happened? Every sign and wonder God gave Moses to perform (rod turning to serpent, turning Nile river to blood, etc.), Pharaoh had his own team of magicians who were capable of the same thing (see Exodus 7)! This is still present today people. Satan has up’d the ante and is using the Prince of Peace to push his product to those immune to the detriments of “rules and regulations” Christianity. It is imperative that as Christians we know God, and not just know about Him. We must formulate a personal relationship with Him through daily Bible reading, prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and routine dying to self. For this is the only way we give God the pure worship that He requires of His followers (see John 4:24).

It’s amazing the number of “believers” I come into contact with who live in fear, follow their own desires and lusts, habitually live in sin, and hate earthly brothers and sisters, and yet call themselves Christians. NOT SO! God is making the separation between those who truly love Him (see John 14:15; 21; 23) and those who mechanically worship Him like any other genie or lucky charm. It’s time to know for certain that you follow the true and living God, and not a watered down version of him being superimposed by your local community demon. This battle is real and you better know for certain that God knows you because of the personal relationship that validates you as His.

Wearing a crucifix around your neck is no longer going to cut the mustard. As a matter of fact take that off because Christ is alive, well, and waiting for your pure and unadulterated worship!

Nikki D

I’m Bringing HOLY[Matrimony] Back…YEP!



Albert Michael/startraksphoto.com

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

Kim Kardashian is the latest victim to be hoodwinked by Satan’s destructive antics.
There is a major attack against the marriage covenant in current society. And I for one will not sit back while God’s creation is ridiculed and dragged through the mud. I am utterly repulsed by the deception that people have bought into when it comes to this holy practice. Marriage is sacred. With that, All Need NOT Apply! Marriage is for the mature, the selfless, the loving, and despite current notions, for those marrying the opposite sex. And adding an even deeper unction, those who desire to marry ONE wife—let’s NIX the “Sister Wives” tomfoolery while we’re at it.

The attack on marriage is much more serious than people may think. As Satan ambushes the sanctity of marriage, he in essence is proposing the death sentence for humankind. Ponder with me for a second. If the world were made up of divorcees, polygamists, and/or homosexuals, how is humanity to continue without major dysfunction; physically, mentally, and spiritually? I don’t see that happening! The enemy is the author of all confusion and turmoil. Thus, a world that resembles this thought would be complete anarchy.

People must realize that signing on the dotted line is a lifelong commitment and not the latest fashion trend in Tinsel Town. And for those who unapologetically take marriage lightly, please understand that there are repercussions to this mindset. The Bible clearly outlines that when a marital union is severed because of anything other than abuse or infidelity—CODE NAME: irreconcilable differences—there is adultery being committed. Hence, those who continuously marry are only passing this spirit of adultery down the line to his/her other mates. Don’t believe me? Check for yourself! -----> Matt. 5:31-33, Matt. 19: 18-19, Mark 10:10-12, Luke 16:18

God is a God of His word. So, please don’t expect to be “blessed and highly favored” when you are blatantly disobeying His concise mandates. Those who truly love God follow Him in obedience (see John 14:15). It’s time to do the right thing, because it’s the right thing. Breakup before proceeding down the aisle in full wedding processional if you KNOW that you are selfish, childish, egotistical, spoiled, and have yet to, officially, GET OVER YOURSELF (among other things)!

Let’s honor God people! He is not pleased with our shenanigans, and how lightly we take His decrees. Get right Christians, and stop looking to celebrities, talk shows, reality television, and raunchy romance novels as your how-to-guides for Marriage 101. They don’t have a clue! Open your Bible. God teaches about everything one needs to know regarding relationships, love, marriage, and even the infamous three letter word, S-E-X (Can we still say that in Christian circles? te-he-he). God created it ALL, so check the Source.

Be blessed good people, and get your minds right!

Nikki D

Same Walk…A Different Animal: Day Two

Today’s morning walk was no less eventful than yesterday’s; however, it was a change of animal. What am I talking about, you ask? Oh, just how Mother Nature, herself, has felt the need to greet me as I go on this journey—and I’m not certain how I’m receiving her hospitality! Yesterday, as I trekked up the hill a little chiuaua— not leashed or attended by his owner—freely ran around outside. All I could say in my mind was, “Lord if this dog runs up to me he is going to be a fury football. Barrooooooooooo (him flying through the air lol)!” But, thankfully he apparently got the memo from King Jesus and realized that I wasn’t necessarily the type of person that he would want to come sniff and explore.

So with yesterday’s animal adventure forgotten, I peeled myself out of bed this morning and made my way up this hill. And as I walked by a bush—the one I always walk by—this bird decides to fly out of it. OMG! I nearly jumped out of my skin because he was so close to me. The element of surprise was never my favorite. Hence, I’ll just expect from now on that some beautiful animal will make it his duty to greet/root me on along this journey. (SN: By the way I don’t hate animals, so PETA advocates please don’t send me any hate mail…IJS).

With the critter events behind me, I’m proud to say I conquered the hill again today! Yea!! And when I returned home the victories kept coming. I learned to detect when my body is full; thus when to stop eating. Eating past my intake limit was one of my biggest issues. But, there’s no magic science to it; God merely whispered to my heart to pay attention to my body. And when I listened, I realized I was full even though I had not finished my two fluffy blueberry pancakes that I had prepared. Wow! This was a breakthrough for me because if something was on my plate I intended to finish it. This time, however, I wrapped it up for later.

Wow, this has to be what the self-controlled eater experiences daily. Another small, yet monumental, victory for me! Yea!

Nikki D

Don’t forget to check out Car Drama! @ Fat Chick Poetics.

Sinners Will Be Sinners

An interesting topic came up yesterday in a phone conversation with my sister. We were conversing about several subjects, and then, the inevitable discussion, about how “church folks” need to get a grip on reality surfaced. This reality is that Christ is soon to return for His church without spot or wrinkle. However, what struck me as different in this conversation was when my sibling quoted a phrase from a sermon she had watched earlier that week. She said that “people cannot fault sinners for acting like sinners because they don’t know any better.” Wow, was all I could say in response to this quotation because it was definitely valid.

As I began to meditate on this phenomenon it became apparent to me that we as Christians are not on our posts as we should be. We are allowing internal character discrepancies to be swept under the rug, and are not representing Christ as His true ambassadors to the world. Thus, it’s no wonder that sinners can be in the presence of self- proclaimed “Christians” and feel absolutely NO CONVICTION to turn from the error of their ways. This is repulsively the case because nowadays sinners and saints play in the same cesspool of sin! And sinners who are desperately seeking Christ are reluctant to come to church because of unjust judgment they encounter by hypocritical believers.

Subsequently, the record stands that just because ones sins are not outwardly apparent, does not mean they go unaccounted for by God. He sits high and looks low. And God is at His breaking point for letting BOGUS Christians continue to fraudulently perpetrate His name and lead His lost sheep into eternal damnation. So, understand that sinners will speak, think and behave like sinners, but there should be a change when they come into contact with “Real Christians.” You could be the only God that they encounter, and I f you are misrepresenting the Kingdom and lead them astray, know that God is not pleased.

Get your sin problem fixed and then go out and introduce others to the Antidote of sin. The blood of Jesus is the answer, and His love covers a multitude of sins.

Let’s get real about God and our service to Him and His people!

Nikki D

Heartbreak Hotel

I woke up this morning with Whitney Houston’s Heartbreak Hotel in my spirit. I mean I was humming it in the shower and I just couldn’t seem to shake the chorus of that song. Finally, I asked God why am I singing this song? I am not heartbroken! Well, I decided to look up the lyrics to the song and realized what God was trying to reveal to me about the condition of His relationship with His people.


The lines of the chorus say:

Since you’re not around for me to tell me baby face to face

I’m writing you this letter and this is what I have to say:

All I really wanted was some of your time

Instead you told me lies when someone else was on your mind

Thought that you were someone who would do me right

Until you played with my emotions and you made me cry

Courtesy of Lyrics.com

When I read these words I immediately sensed the sadness that God feels about the condition of hearts present in today’s world. God made us in His image, but men grow more evil daily. We refuse to read the letter (Bible) that He wrote us, and are constantly at fault because of neglect and idolatry. God is heartbroken that His creation has not only turned against Him, but for everything that He stands for. People are more concerned with conducting lives pleasing to fleshly desires than being obedient to the Word of God. Wow!

Some may feel after reading this that to compare God’s feelings to an R&B song is unintelligible. But, please understand that God is not pleased with the condition of people in this world. As Christians we are to daily let our lights shine so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, where are your lights people of God? We cannot allow ourselves to become self-absorbed in our own agendas and miss the signs of the time. God is soon to come. Therefore, understand that you will be held accountable for your actions and heart motivations, and if they are not in line with the motivations of God you will be denied access into the Kingdom.

Let’s be mindful of our hearts people of God. Guard them because from our hearts flow the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). We cannot afford to break our Creator’s heart in these last days. He’s counting on us to remain the center of His affection, while bringing others into the fold. Think about it.

Be blessed good people.

Nikki D



The Vine: Cutting vs Pruning

When observing a gardener at work you will notice that there are certain parts of a plant that must be completely cut off and those that are merely pruned back in order to guarantee the survival of the entire plant. However, there is a difference between cutting and pruning. When pruning, only the dead portions of a particular section are cleaned away, while the other remains for further nutrients from the plant. Jesus uses the exact metaphor when explaining the importance of abiding in the Father through him. To abide literally means to accept or submit; to remain faithful to. This is what God requires of his children, regardless of the stage that we presently find ourselves in. We must be willing to be pruned in order to remain connected to the life source.

Jesus clearly states in John 15: 1- 4 that:

1I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (NIV)

He explains to the reader that all fruit originates because of its connection to the vine. Be not deceived in thinking that anything that is good comes from any other source but “The Vine”(James 1:16-17). Therefore, on your journey towards success you must remain aware of your connection to “The Vine” because this is from where the constant source of nutrients (inspiration, knowledge, understanding etc) must flow in order for fruit to be produced. Nothing good happens without God, so stop following the world’s standard of referring to oneself as self-made--- there is no such thing! You were created from the earth in the image of God and regardless of what you believe this is FACT.

Moreover, the only way for you to be fruitful in a world where branches connected to alternative hosts are daily being plucked up and consumed by the furnace, is to remain connected to the Lord of Hosts! He is the ONLY WAY providing longevity in a world where people are on top one day and down the following. Furthermore, any branch (person) who attempts to initiate a temporary attachment to “The Vine” will be stripped as well. Because attaching a branch to a life source with tape (hanging on to God only when it’s convenient) can in no way be compared to those branches which have been grafted to “The Vine” permanently.

Make your choice today. Are you attached to “The Vine” for the long haul or are you willing to be fruitless in life only to be later thrown in the furnace at the end?

Thier Thoughts, Your Knowledge

“People will think what they think, but you know what you know; thus, giving you the advantage.”

I felt it very necessary to reiterate a quote spoken to me by God last week. Many of us go through live bent out of shape because of the thoughts and opinions of others. However, gossip and slander are the way of the world. Just turn on the news, click on any webpage, or stroll pass any conversation, and you’ll notice that consistent talk about someone’s (past, present, future) whereabouts, relationships, wardrobe etc. are always up for discussion.

As we grow closer to God, he begins to more precisely reveal the instructions of our assignment in life. When we decided to then act on these instructions, this is when all hell breaks loose; literally! The enemy sends out his best workers to derail our mission. People that have always “been in our corner”, turn into vicious gossips, critics, and naysayers. Things that were once definite are now being entered into the possibility category. It just seems that when we attempt ascension towards greatness, people pull out all stops in their ploy to dismantle and destroy.

However, these comforting words from the King brought such clarity to my life: “people will think what they think, but you know what you know; thus, giving you the advantage.” It made perfect sense. Why be concerned about a completely separate thought process? Those thoughts, and the conversations that may spawn from them, have absolutely nothing to do with what God spoke to you. So, let people think what they may, but you stay focused on what you know to do. Such revelation has, made the love of God intensified in my life. Thus, instead of griping about falsified he say-she say, I find myself praying for mercy on the offending party’s soul because my God is not mocked, and whatever a man soweth that shall he also reap!

Remember that knowledge is far more powerful than negative thoughts. Keep it moving and stay focused.

Until next time

Nikki D

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

Idolatry by Another Name: Fraternities and Sororities

This one may sting a bit, but conviction leads to correction. This post is for all of my sorors and frats. It is imperative that you understand that to worship any other form, organization, pledge, oath etc other than God Almighty is a form of idolatry. Now I already hear the objections that many may have, but when you look at the facts and reference the history, practices, and oaths of these organizations with the Word of God IT IS WHAT IT I-S IS! Idolatry by another name.

As I sat and watched the circle of sorority sisters sing to and embrace the sisters who had graduated, something about the whole festive nature of the event disturbed me. There had to be about 30 or so girls of different ages, and they sung a medley of, at least, ten songs. As I listened to the lyrics and observed the dances that accompanied them, I never once heard the mention of God. The songs lifted up the name of the sorority, the animal which represented the organization, and the date in which the group was founded. Now I am a very logical person; thus, for one to stand (in high heels might I add), sing and dance in 90 degree weather to some animal who has no power, is insane to me! Moreover, what makes this any different from the people of Israel in the wilderness who built, worshiped, sang and danced around the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain?

Now I understand the reasoning for why so many people join these types of organizations; networking, brotherhood/sisterhood, promotion, etc. But, simply stated these organizations (especially the pledges and oaths) are not of God. Yes, they all may sprinkle in some biblical proverbs, but this holds no weight because Satan can quote the Bible verbatim. People of God, you do not need some organization to promote you to the next level because my Bible clearly states that promotion comes neither from the east, west, north, or south but from God (Psalm 75:6-7)! Therefore, stop shifting the focus from the One who truly initiates your success (the Father), to some organization based around an animal! God is not pleased good people! He is a jealous God. With that said, and without further ado I would like to introduce you to the ONLY righteous and eternal fraternity/sorority: Team Alpha and Omega! All are welcome to join!!!!

Peace

Nikki D

The Next Big Thing!

The people who conform to the success strategies of the world are constantly looking for the next big craze or fad. They continuously find themselves on an unending quest for perfection. Being led by ever-changing media, they are fed lies like: “40 is the new 20” and “in order to be successful you must drive this type of car or belong to this monetary income bracket”. However, what these people never realize is the hamster wheel that they have allowed themselves to be placed on by their drive for perfection.

If only for this alone, I give God the praise that I am able to find my perfection in His Son Jesus Christ! By simply believing in the work that was done by Christ on the cross, I am made perfect and righteous in the eyes of the Father. Thus, that constant strive for perfection in the next best thing ends once you find THE BEST THING to believe in!

Jesus died so that you would have the freedom to operate in the uniqueness that God has exemplified in each and everyone of His children. Therefore, people of God stop allowing the enemy to make you feel like you will never measure up to the holy standards before you! So many of us mope around walking in defeat because we have bought into the enemy’s lie! Once you understand the truth that YOU WILL NEVER BE PERFECT OUTSIDE OF CHRIST, then you will be more receptive to the things that YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH AND HAVE PERFECTION IN WITH CHRIST. Get off of this guilt-ridden rollercoaster that the enemy sends so many believers on, and understand that “you are forgiven and not perfect” (Taffi Dollar’s quote). Therefore, walk in excellence with your helper by your side and allow God to bear the fruit of a life perfected with Jesus Christ.

Be blessed.

Nikki

Temptations

All that glitters is certainly not gold. Don’t allow the enemy to distract you from TRUE abundant living that Jesus Christ promised all his followers. The enemy has a way of tempting many believers into a false sense of accomplishment, when in actuality, they are skating dangerously close to the ledge of a potential pit fall. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted of the devil. Now, the key to these versus is that Jesus was led BY the Holy Spirit. Thus, it should be understood that God will allow the enemy to tempt believers so that He may establish the solidarity of our faith in the Son. That’s powerful! It’s time for Christians to put up or shut up! Stop blaming everything that happens and/or seemingly attempts to detour your life from the plan God on the devil. No, maybe the Holy Spirit has been instructed by the Godhead to allow you to be led into temptation to genuinely gage your faith. Are you really practicing what you preach? Was your plan really God’s plan?

Be not deceived because the enemy makes his temptations look so appealing that they may even resemble the will of God! As you reference the story in Matthew you will notice that with each temptation; there were three in all, the enemy would continue to take Jesus to higher elevations in the wilderness the “show” him what was available to him if he would just bow. (Side Note: Why would God want you to elevate in the wilderness when He wants to deliver you out of the wilderness!!!) However, thank God that Jesus was no fool, and was well equipped by the Father before he was even summoned to go into the wilderness. Notice that it was not until AFTER Jesus was baptized, had fasted and prayed for forty days and forty nights, that God considered him prepared to be tempted.

Therefore, understand that God will never leave you uncovered before you go into your wilderness in life! The question is when the enemy starts showing you everything you can have, quoting eloquently the words of Scripture, are you competent and rooted enough in the Word of God for yourself to not bow? The only way to defeat a Bible-quoting devil is to have the Word written in your heart. For this reason alone, Jesus had the power to make the enemy leave his presence!

Don’t bow people to the advances of the enemy, no matter how fool proof his plan appears. Be not deceived, he is the father of ALL lies and his sole mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. Be ye steadfast and unmovable, fully anchored in the Word of God! And know that after the battle God always sends His angles to minister to you and keep you uplifted!

Be blessed good people.

Nikki D

Fearful: For What?!

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

The spirit of fear is a very peculiar emotional response initiated by the enemy in order to detour the people of God from His divine plan. The Bible clearly states that God has not given us the spirit of fear. Thus, why do so many of us operate in it? This spirit manifests hindering strongholds, denying the destiny that God has appointed for every individual life.

When contemplating the emotional responses of fear, I began to understand the lack of substance in the enemy’s booby-trap. It becomes apparent that many of us are fearful of possible outcomes to situations that have yet to be tried and/or experienced. This is absolutely insane! We fervently pray asking God to help us better our current realities, and when He shows us the avenue to grant our requests we run and hide. How do we expect God to help us? On the contrary, the enemy never offers a solution to our problems, but we rather lean into his spirit of fear than to trust God!

Just for a second think about the two sides of this scenario:

You have a job that you hate for whatever reasons, and know that you posses the credentials to be better paid and/or self employed. You could either A) step out on faith and say God I’m miserable here so I'm willing to try another route, or you could B) stay in your current reality.

The enemy makes us fearful of failure, but in reality we don’t fail unless we never try! Even if your leap of faith does not produce reciprocals worthy of your efforts, what did you really lose? You would still have your job; however, you would now have gained knowledge that would help you step out again wiser and smarter. Moreover, our trying of something never attempted is what builds our faith in God. You won’t know how much you trust Him and can really depend on Him until you step out of your comfort zone!

The gifts and passion that God has placed within your heart are not haphazard or coincidental, so go forth and posses the land! The fear or anxiety will eventually subside, but God remains steadfast through your times of good, bad, and indifference. He loves us just that much! Take a leap of faith!

Nikki

Deny the Hype!

The things of this world should evoke no emotional response within you! When you know that your seat has been confirmed in heaven, why sweat the temporary foolishness? The things of this world are only able to expand so far because they have an expiration date. But, the things of God are eternal. Set your mind on eternal outcomes and the temporary things will cease to exist or have relevance to you. You will begin to come out of trials and circumstances unscathed and stress free because your spirit saw the end result; so you were already there! You walked through that thing to the completion and missed the trial because you were focused on the prize!

When you have tunnel vision for the things of God and you only see His magnificent end; nothing that the enemy throws at you will even begin to phase you. He’ll throw fear your way, you keep walking! He’ll throw envy your way, you keep walking! He’ll throw offense your way, you keep walking! He’ll throw doubt and worry your way, YOU KEEP WALKING! The enemy knows the end result of what you will accomplish when you remain on the straight and narrow path that God has ordained you to follow. He doesn’t want you to succeed, so he throws every spiritual weapon from his arsenal to try to detour you off track. He understands that if you make it through the trial while staying focused on God this will cement one of the most detrimental things to his kingdom in your mind: a memory!

Oh, when you can just think back to an instance when the Lord brought you through, the reassurance that GOD IS helps you to proceed. Not proceed with caution, but proceed boldly because you know (that you know) God has your front and your back. God never changes! He’s the same God who spared you ten years ago, and He’s the same One whose guiding your steps this day! Stay focused on what it is that God has called you to do! Don’t allow the enemy’s temporary weapon formation frighten you off God’s final destination for your life. No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). So, yes it will form; the gun will look like a gun; the possibility of failure will look like failure, the slander of your character will sound like slander, but (My God, My God) it will not prosper! The gun WILL jam and misfire, the possible failure WILL lead to success, the slander of your character WILL lead to promotion!

So let the weapons form, let the enemy take his best shot! Don’t cower and buy into the hype, because the enemy can only SHOW you what he’s working with. But, when you are focused on the ending destination, and receive God’s stamp of approval, Satan MUST pack up his weapons and wait for God to give him permission to try you again. A thousand may fall at thy right side and ten thousand at the right had but NONE shall come near thee (Psalm 91:7)!

Join the eternally victorious team people, it’s so much better on this side.

Love you!

Nikki D

Transitions

If God can change the heart of man, why do we as believers worry about situations and circumstances that we encounter here on this earth? God never said that once we chose Him there would no longer be problems. We strive for an eternal destiny that does entitle us to this existence, but until we transition from our earthly nature into our spiritual nature we WILL meet complications along the way! However, why does the uneven pavement on our road towards glory birth in us qualities that are out of the character and nature of God?

In order to answer this question we must fully understand our nature (carnal; born in sin and shaped in iniquity) and the nature of God (fruits of His spirit). Nothing that God births in the Spirit can be completed in the flesh. (Galatians 3:1-5) This phenomenon is impossible. But back to the original question why do we as Christians become afraid when the idea of transitioning from what we find familiar and comfortable is presented to us from the throne of grace. We constantly ask God to elevate us or take us to the next level, and when He attempts to grant our request all He gets is backtalk! We know, or at least we say we know, that God has everything in control and that all things will work out for our good (Romans 8:28); thus, what is the disconnect between speaking and then modeling the very words spoken?

It starts with faith people of God! And I cannot stress this enough; either you are going to have full faith in God or He will transition your life to where you become fully dependent on Him. Here, your faith will be tested into growing. It’s all or nothing with God. Either you are going to put your trust in Him or you are going to put your trust in your own capabilities, bank account, education etc. God allows you to borrow all of these things; therefore, how can you then flip the script and put your trust in borrowed goods?

It seems so simple when expressed, but I struggle with this disconnect daily. I love God and I trust Him with my life and my well being, but as soon as something doesn’t feel right I’m asking questions. Not necessarily wavering in my faith, but definitely murmuring. God does not tolerate this either. How dare we question an almighty God who has our very life in His hands? People, God desires the best for us, but we must trust His word as valid when He says I know the thoughts that I have concerning you (Jeremiah 29:11). We can read the scriptures, recite them, and genuinely have them grafted within our heart; however, until we decide to become doers and radical believers of His word before, during, and after transition periods, there will always remain the disconnect between speaking and the manifestation of that word.

Good Day!

Nikki

Balancing Act: Living In This World w/o Being of This World

~Matthew 11:28-30~

Hey Everyone!

As I sit here contemplating on the mental states of people in this world, I begin to thank God for having stability and balance in my life. I have come to the conclusion, after reading comments on facebook and listening to individuals speak, that following the trends of this world only lead to schizophrenia or bi-polar syndrome! People are just all over the place as they attempt to ascend the ladder towards success; however, they are lacking true inner peace. The Word precisely says that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:8) Moreover, as I draw closer to God, and mature physically, as well as spiritually, I am beginning to, even the more notice, the sad reality of a life lived without Christ.

People have no balance without Christ's spirit living within; they are up and down, hot and cold. Thus, you never know what to expect when you offer a causal salutation to your fellow human being nowadays. Personally, my "hellos" and "how are you doings?" have been met with scowls, blank looks, and, far in between, a reciprocated greeting. Humanity is no longer a sought after quality in today's society as folks plagued with stress try desperately to keep up with the masses. What would happen if everyone were introduced to their true identity and role in life? Wow, what a change such a phenomenon would bring to this earth!

People constantly flaunt their degrees and know-all as if these are their golden tickets into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. They follow the world's system of rules and regulations like well-oiled, brain-washed robots; hoping to one day arrive at wherever their intended destination. Inversely, I find it unnecessary to flaunt what I have accomplished or am well literate/read in, because I understand that none of this worldly hoopla matters anyway. I do everything to bring glory and honor to my Father in heaven who is keeping a running account of every scene that I perform on this earthly stage. Thus, since I'm center stage, I believe that I should try my best to please the One who really matters and controls the very breath in my body.

Get your minds right people (and I cannot stress this enough)! No one really cares how much educational, medical, scientific etc. jargon you have accumulated! What have you done for God lately, who have you touched with the spirit of Christ living within you? Once people realize what's really important and their priorities are put into proper perspective, they will achieve balance! However people, you will never get this by "going harder and going stronger" or "getting it how you live." God can only supply the peaceful balance needed to survive/thrive in a world where the carnal and the internal spirit war daily! Choose God or become another mental case statistic... the ball is definitely in your court!

Think about it!

Nikki

What's In Your Pocket: Faith or Pipe Dreams?

Hola Mis Amores (Help me out... I'm trying to say "My Loves" in Espanol)

Faith according to the world is merely the belief in something, a sort of abstract phenomenon of the thinking mind. Utilizing such a definition, allow many to associate faith with some mystifying thought process that comes and goes usually in times of trouble and hardships. It's interesting how people "get" faith during times of turmoil, after they have exasperated all other possible human solutions to their problem(s)! It seems that after this trial and error session people say "okay, well I'll give God a try now." Moreover, it is after such epiphanies that we concoct a plan: we pray, attend Bible study and early morning service, fast, hop up and down the isle, go to the alter for pray; and then and only then, do we feel that God must be satisfied with our efforts! We feel that God just has to "show up and show out" on our behalf.

Well, sad to ruin it for you, but God does not work like that people! A common phrase of this world is "I'll believe it when I see it". However, for born-again believers God holds us to a different standard! His expectations assure that, "we must first believe it, before we will ever see it." Everything that we physically see with our eyes started off in the conception stage as a thought, which was then sprinkled with faith in order to produce the final product. This is the faith that God requires of his people!

God is so sick and tired of these part-time, in and out Christians. He longs for those true believers that have faith like Abraham and Job; those radical faith leapers who believe God and his promises no matter what the circumstances. Get your minds right people and choose (TODAY) whether or not you will have true faith in God or just some pipe dreams that you pull out of your back pocket and rid of lint when all your OWN solutions dissipate. Think about it.

Until Next time, be blessed good people!

Nikki

The Question: Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?

Hola Amigos!

This entry will address the question that so many women ask either one another or poll from the opposite sex: "Does this dress make me look fat?" To further clarify, this question may not necessarily involve a dress or a woman for that matter ; however, this and similar inquires stem from the insecure nature of human beings. According to dictionary.com the term insecurity means: lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt or the quality or state of being insecure; instability. Of all the words used to define the word the one that struck me as the most relevant is INSTABILITY! Wow, this is precisely what many are looking for when they ask of one another The Question and those of the like.

People you will not receive the STABILITY that you crave from one another because against all possible beliefs we all are asking our own questions. That longing to be accepted; and thus, identified with or loved by someone unconditionally was purposely placed in our hearts by the supremely reigning God in heaven. That question will never be answered by our fellow brothers and sisters with as much fulfillment as it will from the God who is self proclaimed the epitome of LOVE! Therefore, why risk an answer to such a defining question that could possibly be laced with, jealousy, envy, or complete disregard of care by the polled individual? I have gotten in the habit of asking my heavenly Father how I look everyday and the answer is always the same: like one who's glow resembles the love of Christ.

We must be fully delivered from people and the strongholds that the enemy helps place within our minds from our first perceptions of the meaning of beauty. We are all beautiful, and why wouldn't we be if we were created in the image of such a majestic, almighty, loving, and AWESOME King! Let's start counting ourselves as worthy of true inner confidence people! We are loved by the One in charge of the heavens and the earth and he loves us and says that we are redeemed by the redeemer because we believe. Not because you are a perfect size six, not because red is your color, not because your skin is flawless; but because you believe in Jesus Christ's birth, death and resurrection from the grave! People that's all the information that we need to know. So let's stop with the self deprecating thoughts and questions (that is not of God); and when they do arise put some word on them!

Daily Affirmations Straight from the Good Book
"I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14

"For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7

Be blessed good people and understand that you are worthy of high esteem because the King of kings thinks just that much of you.

Nikki

In the Beginning

Hola Peoples!

This is Ms. Nikki D in the flesh! I thought that I would start this blog because I just have such a bubbling of things to say and share.... so here goes!!!! First I am just so fascinated right now with the one and only God I serve and the things that He keeps proving and showing as His glory in my life. I am just so ecstatic at His proving me worthy of all the things that He is manifesting daily. All in all, I am in love with my Jesus Christ. Next, I am truly digging my newly recovered confidence acquired while residing in my own skin. I love just being me and daily realizing the different nuances that exist only within me! Once you find your identity in Christ people, it becomes so easy for the intricacies of your personality to be revealed unto you. You begin to notice what makes you tick; those things, people, and situations that bring out the best and worst in you. This segues into my next excursion on this trip towards destiny. I see God ridding my life of the dead weight. People are getting cut off; thus, making room for the awesome men and women getting ready to be placed in my life. I can truly say that presently I am the most content in my life than I can ever recall being. I'm loving life and am (oh so) ready to see the next endeavors and goals that will be accomplished with God's help. Well, that's all for now good people! Be blessed and hollla back!

Nikki D