The "Follow Me" Generation

This is truly the age of “follow me, and see what I’m doing with my life”. With Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, reality television, etc, it’s a wonder how people ever have time to evaluate what’s going on in their personal lives. Many would rather candidly watch someone else’s life unfold (myself included). However, as I sat contemplating the tattoo that I saw on someone that read: “Follow Me”, with the Twitter bird, it dawned on me the greater travesty really occurring in the world today.

People are searching for someone/something to follow. This necessity is embedded in us because we were created to worship. God’s preference is that we worship and follow Him, but if we decide not to we WILL FOLLOW some movement. More startling is the constant need for so many to be seen (followed) by others. People go through obsessive measures to up their fan followings on these social networks. But, what so called “fans” end up subscribing to lacks substance.

I’m not sure about you, but my life could do without the constant useless updates like “I just got home” or "what was so and so thinking when she wore this or that?” How is this really bringing value to my life? But, now I see that this was the point all along. The system of this world is designed to lure people away from God by any means necessary. Therefore, instead of reading the Word, communing with God, and walking in His Spirit, we become obsessed with he said, she said hoopla dubbed “Facebook Drama”! Really?! You got to be kidding me!

If you really want people to follow you, let it be for a more legitimate and eternal reason. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19 “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Therefore, follow Jesus, and you will have plenty of people following the Christ in you. Chirp back (or should I say Tweet back?) if you feel me! Thanks for the wake-up call God!

I’m out!

Nikki D

Get Connected!

It becomes so easy for some Christians to point the fingers at those whom they would label as unbelievers. They mark these individuals as those who are blatantly sinful without remorse or regard for morality or holiness. However, in my observation of those who proclaim to be Christian, when genuinely expressed, their proclamation carries weight. You not only hear their declaration you feel that thing as well. This weight, subsequently, is only present when the Holy Spirit resides within. Therefore, rocking a Jesus shirt with no Jesus inside, is false advertisement!


What many fail to realize is that God looks at the heart of man; therefore, He examines the motives behind everything that we do, say, and think. Thus, when one’s motives are not pure in intention there is no association with Christ or the body of believers because the Holy Spirit’s intentions are ALWAYS HOLY. Simply stated, you (your actions, words, motives) will reflect the spirit operating within. The question then arises: are we talking about the Word, or are we the Word because it's operating on our inside? Therein lies the difference.


This is why unbelievers are given the room to mock the Christian faith because so many imposters wear the mask of Christianity. BUT (and this is a big BUT!), Jesus is coming back for a church (body of believers) without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). And in order for you to be found in this state, you must be connected to the body through the [only] Holy Spirit! Your talk game won’t work with the Creator! Madam and Sir, God does not care how many scriptures you know, how many early morning services you attended, or how many church auxiliaries you are a member of, if you’re not connected (through His Spirit) HE KNOWS YOU NOT! And sadly, without the Holy Spirit within you never knew Him…

Get Connected!

Activate the Message (Prayer):

God I want to be connected to you more intimately through your Holy Spirit. I want to walk this Christian lifestyle and no longer just give you lip service. I want to be apart of the body that you return for, so this day I accept your Spirit fully, allowing it to envelop my very being. Let your Holy Spirit permeate me to the fullest. I thank you for the connection made today with you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Peace.

Nikki

Questions: Maybe You Can Help Me With the Answers

Everything that God is capable of doing has been proven in His word. He has proven that He can save; He can deliver; He can set free; that He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that one can ask or even think (Ephesians 3:20). He has proven that He can bring peace to a weary land (Isaiah 32:1-8). However, what is it that you can prove, today, that you can do for God?

Can you sit and be still long enough to know that He is God?
Can you refrain from your own will to follow Him?
Can you have enough faith to trust in His excellence when the circumstances look subpar?
Can you do what He asks of you without question or rebuttal?
Can you go when He says go, move when He says move, love when He says love, give when He says give?
Are you willing to go to the ends of the earth to show yourself approved, and to prove your loyalty to God?

Are you really willing? Not just lip service or showtime/primetime service willingness, but are you even willing to prove yourself behind the scenes with no recognition?
Are you willing to continuously do what’s right in the corner, in the dark, behind closed doors to prove yourself worthy?
Are you willing to look fear in the eye even with trembling in your legs and proclaim that for God I live and for God I die?
Are you willing to leave those things, people, and surroundings that are comfortable to live approved in the eyes of God?

What exactly are you willing to do for God? What are you willing to give up for God? What are you going to do for God to prove yourself worthy of His blessings, His outpouring of admiration, His mercy and kindness, His willingness to give an undeserved second chance? How are you willing to prove yourself to the One who has continuously proven Himself to you?

Pray this prayer:

God this day I want to prove myself to you fully. I want to give myself to you, and die to my own will; that I may be resurrected as a new creature in you. I want to prove my loyalty, love, affection, and honor to you through my actions. This day I will take in to account these questions which have been asked, and daily make progress (with the help of your Spirit) to prove myself to you. Hold me accountable for my place in your family because no longer will it be acceptable to be a bench warmer. Help me to prove myself worthy and show myself approved.

In Jesus name, Amen.

God is holding us accountable.

Nikki D

Take Off the Church Hat and Loosen the Tie!

I’m a fun loving individual, so why would that change because I now imitate Christ? It won’t! I love to laugh, crack jokes, dance, listen to music, cook for friends and family, and just be around good people! God in my life has only enhanced my love for all of these things! So many individuals think that once they get saved they must discard all the things about their “old self” and then become some stern religious prude! Not true. The things inside of you were placed there by God, but when you were in the world you were not using them for His glory. Now you just have to flip that thing. For example, instead of dancing in the club, I dance at church (or anywhere for that matter lol)! My dancing is just an expression of the joy that I now have fully (see: David dancing out of his clothes). I still blast my music and sing at the top of my lungs when I get the urge.

It bothers me that so many Christians discard the subtle nuances that Christ specifically and purposefully designed for them. Your identity is found IN Christ people! He will amplify those things that you love and receive the glory out of everything that you do. He calls us the apple of his eye; therefore, what makes you think that God doesn’t want us to have fun? He changes our desires for the righteous things in life when we allow him to direct our paths.

The world is looking for an alternative to the constant grind of living without Christ, but why would they approach someone who is SO SAVED that they don’t smile or laugh?! And just like that you have missed the chance to draw one of God’s little ones into the fold. Loosen up people and understand there is a time and place for everything! Take off your church hats, loosen the neckties and stop being Pharisees! Smile, have fun, and watch how many more lost souls will be drawn to the Christ in you!

Love you all!

Nikki