Live Out Loud with a Purpose! Praise! Praise! Praise!

Master.  Savior.  Healer. Redeemer. Wonderful.  Our Lord is all that and so much more.  How many of us know that deep within our hearts, yet find it hard to stand on in times of trouble.  I stopped by to tell you that you are not alone.  You are in good company.  For even the father of many nations experienced similar issues in his life.  In Genesis 37:35, Jacob (who we know as Israel) was in an extremely sorrowful state.  His children tried to comfort him, yet, he refused their consolation.  How many times have we been in extreme pain, seeking comfort, yet refusing what the Lord has to offer?  Some of us have been on a pain roller coaster for years.  I hear some of you saying that you want it to go, but just don't know how to let go.  I hear others saying that I have mastered this.  Yet, still, others are saying, pain is my friend.  What would I do without it? 

If you are experiencing pain, just know that it is taking up resident in your life and not paying "a lick" of rent.  When one does not pay rent in the natural, the landlord serves a notice of eviction.  Today is the day that you will evict pain from your life.  I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying that He will perfect whatever concerns you.  You are his masterpiece, a fine work of art.  You command a price far above what you can imagine.  So why, beloved, are you walking around in pain.  Godly sorrow builds contenance of the heart, not worldly sorrow.  I speak inner healing into your mind, body and soul.  Release it to the Lord.  Its acceptable to weep, yet know that weeping may endure for a night, but joy, comes in the morning.  Bind the spirit of pain and sorrow.  Forgive those who have hurt you.  Take a chance and show the Lord's unconditional love.  What do you have to lose?  Absolutely nothing, because your current state of pain is causing you not to function at your God-given level.  You are called, chosen and selected to be a part of a wonderful kingdom.  Live out loud with a purpose. 

So, for those of you who are in pain, I declare and decree that the Word of the Lord will permeate your heart and begin to heal each and every hurt from your past.  I am believing that those who are in bad situations will be set free.  The chains will be broken off today.  Take a moment to live out loud and give the Lord the praise that He is due with the fruit of your lips.  Praise Him out loud until you get a breakthrough!  Praise!  Praise!  Praise!  Your breakthrough is here and you don't see it yet!  Don't stop!  Praise! Praise! Praise!  The Lord is healing your heart with each word of praise that proceeds from your mouth!  Praise! Praise! Praise! Your destiny has been held up for too long.  Satan, I bind your retaliatory spirits and counter attacks, in the name of Jesus!  Praise! Praise! Praise! Until you can see your path is clear! 

What about Jacob?  He stopped wallowing in his misery and became Israel, the father of many nations.  You are a part of his purpose and destiny.  Praise! Praise! Praise!  Live out loud with a purpose!  Praise! Praise! Praise! The shackles have fallen off your feet and hands!  You are free to run, free to dance, free to set others free in the name of Jesus!  Live out loud with a purpose and praise!

A Place of Spiritual Renewal

During our walk with Christ, we often come to places of spiritual renewal. A place where we go to another level in the Lord. Gilgal is physical manifestation of this spiritual place in the Bible days. It represents a rolling away of the reproach from the past.

Here are a few notable event that occured at Gilgal.

- The Israelites camped out here when they crossed the Jordan, before they conquered Jericho. Joshua 4:19

- The memorial stones from crossing over Jordan were brought here. Joshua 4:20

- The Israelites circumcized the men who were born in the wilderness here. Joshua 5:1-5

- Saul was given another heart at Gilgal. I Samuel 10:8-9

- David was met by the people of Judah to restore his kingship when his son Absalom died. II Samuel 19:15

- Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal when Elijah was caught up in the whirlwind. II Kings 2:1

Gilgal is definitely a place of change, physically and spiritually. Now is the time for your change, your spiritual renewal. While you are camping out here, prepare to conquer a few giants, walk in your mantle and assume your position in the royal kingdom. Cut away anything that's unclean and build your memorial. You will be given a new heart that is even more in tune with the Lord. Expect new things to begin to occur in your life. Roll away the reproach of Egypt and embrace Gilgal.

Aliens in a Foreign Land

How many of you have ever felt like you do not belong here on this earth? It seems that the more you try to live for Jesus, the more the world is against you. Brothers and sisters, I am here today to let you know that there is a reason that you feel like this is not your country. Almost like an illegal alien in a foreign land with different laws and different types of people. No matter what takes place in their new country, they always long for their birthplace because there’s no place like home.

We are a citizen of the United States of America, but as a Christian, we have dual citizenship. Dual citizenship in the United States is interesting because even though the government allows a dual citizen to maintain citizenship in another country, that person must agree to the following requirements.

1. Solemnly swear to uphold the constitution of the United States
2. Renounce all allegiance to any foreign leadership.
3. Support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, including those in your home country.
4. Join the military as one who bears arms or one who does not if the U.S. government needs your services

Even though this person is a dual citizen, it is almost like his or her home country does not exist when it comes to the laws that govern life. It is important to keep in mind that some other countries laws may not correspond with the U.S. definition of dual citizenship. This is where global conflict comes in to play. Which laws should this person follow? How is this person to live his or her life?

The dilemma is similar for a Christian. We struggle with not feeling welcome in our country of birth because we are truly not from here. If God formed us in our mother’s wombs and breathed the breath of life into us, then our original home is Heaven. The spirit of life He breathed into us belongs to Him. Since He is in Heaven, then technically, so are we.

Many of you may say, I have not ever been there before. From the physical perspective, that is true. Since the Holy Spirit lives inside of you, you have a dual nature; a physical and a spiritual nature. We are unique because we have a physical body indwelled by God himself. Since your spirit is of God, you live here, but you do not belong here. You may be an American, but you are a citizen of Heaven, looking forward to the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). Even though we are called to obey the laws of the land, our allegiance is to the Holy Word of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees were trying to get Jesus to speak against the government by asking whether or not a believer should pay taxes. Jesus said we should render unto Caesar what Caesar is due and render unto God what God is due. This speaks to our dual citizenship. Our responsibility to Jesus and our responsibility to our country. We are in this world but not of this world, however, as American citizens, we are able to do things like vote, pay taxes, call our Congressman with complaints. If you don’t know the phone number, see me after Bible Study. In Titus 2:12, the Lord reveals that we are to live soberly, righteous and godly before the world. Matthew 5 tells us that we are a light shining bright on a hill. We must shine this light on the world. If we as Christians stop participating in the world’s system, this would give the world the edge they need to be even more corrupt than they already are. Eventually, the world will become so corrupt that there will be a time when believers must totally separate themselves, but as for right now, we still have an obligation. We are the moral and spiritual barometers of the world. Without us, more unborn babies would be dying and people living unholy lifestyles would have no one to remind them of Jesus' original design for their lives. I have stopped by here to tell you about a new heaven, a new earth and a new Jerusalem, where you and others with your same nationality will dwell with Jesus in righteousness. Its time to turn in your green card and get your New Jerusalem ID. You are no longer an alien in a foreign land because there’s no place like home.

What is Tolerance? The Real Definition

Tolerance is one of the most popular buzz words I have been hearing lately in diversity circles. After hearing the term 100 times, I thought about exploring the concept to see how it links us with the teachings in the Bible. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines tolerance as sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own or the allowable deviation from a standard. Hmmm….an interesting concept. So that means if someone decides to worship the a chair in their living room (believe me, it happens), we must be willing to be tolerant of their belief system. We are expected to behave in this manner even if it is detrimental to a person’s well being and spiritual destiny. Hmmm….once gain, an interesting concept. I decided to solicit some thoughts from my network of friends on Facebook. Here are a few of the responses…

• An attitude that you develop to deal with a situation, while you may not like it, you adapt to deal with it for the sake of someone or your own sanity
• The ability to deal with people and situations when they don't line up with truth
• Being able to work with the people I work with
• The ability to deal with others in spite of what they do and how they act towards you! Prayer closet where you at?
• Dealing with foolishness. That's funny. I always say I have a low tolerance for foolishness. Meaning...if it's foolishness, I deal with it but only for a (short) season. I deal with it according to God's standards. Outside of that, if a person does not want to change their foolish ways (after a while of effectively ministering to them), I give it ... Read More to God and let Him deal with them accordingly. I believe this is the only way they will learn their lesson. You can't make someone do what you feel is right for them to do. I'm sure you heard the saying, "you can lead a....but you can't make him drink it!"
• Tolerant is the ability to endure thru love. For instance, one can love a person in spite of that person's trespasses against them.
• I say, "thru love" otherwise, we just put up with them, but that type of "tolerance" is giving up on the person.

These were personal definitions from strong, spirit-filled believers. It seems that we are all willing to work with someone, yet, only for a season. I believe the Lord allows us to be tolerant so that we can get to know a person and win them to the kingdom with love. What is your definition of tolerance and how do you operate in that realm?

Prophetic Word from the Lord

I am gathering you, so draw nigh to me. I am gathering you into a unified body of believers to come against the enemy and take back everything he has stolen from you. I am gathering a people who are set free from generational curses and releasing generational blessings. Send Judah first. Praise me, my people. I am gathering you to a place of praise, a place of deliverance, a place of abundant life. Zoe life. I am gathering you to an awakening. A praise awakening, a spiritual awakening.

Praise me with your mouth and your hands. Praise me with instruments and banners. Praise me with all your heart. Release my praise as I desire to hear you praise me. Your praise binds the enemy, yes, it stops him in his tracks. He has no power in the midst of your praises. Stop looking to and fro for a word from me. Praise me and I will inhabit your dwelling. I will saturate you with my word and reward you for your praises. I declare that you are royalty. Royal people with a divine calling, walking in righteousness. Praise me and I will restore you, refresh you and refill you. I will renew you and release you from the bondage of those things that are holding you back. You are the head, not the tail, free from debt and now an owner.

Beloved, declare my righteousness in your praise and I will declare you righteous. I will not withhold my good things from you because you are my child. I am gathering you, so come to me. I will set you free.

I am a Writer on a Journey to Destiny

Last month, I went to the Black Writer's Conference and Reunion (http://www.blackwriters.org/).  Even though I have been writing for years, this was the first time I attended a conference.  Thanks to fellow writer and co-worker, Dasaya Cates, I am making my debut in the writing world.
As a writer, I simply write without worrying about editing, finding an agent or getting published. At the conference, I learned if I want to write for a living, those tasks need to be added to my game plan. My prayer life and overall life philosophy has changed as a result. Here are a few things I learned while gleaning from other writers at the conference.

1. You must be able to get along with people.
2. You must know how to write a query letter and book proposal.
3. You can advertise on your blog and earn a little extra cash on the side.
4. Not developing your characters may result in a weak book.
5. In order to write full-time, it is a good idea to have multiple streams of income.
6. Self-publishing is hard work, yet can be lucrative if you properly market your book.
7. Publishing companies do not necessarily provide you with a marketing budget.
8. Editing and copysetting and keys to success.
9. Write everyday.
10. You must be a reader to be a good writer.
11. All writer's conferences are not created equal.
12. N. Kali Mincy has a great Fiction Writing Toolkit (http://www.coachgreatwriters.com/).
13. Tia Ross is the hardest working woman in event planning and editing (http://www.tiaross.com/).
14. William Patterson is a marketing genius (http://www.baronseries.com/).
15. ReShonda Tate Billingsley (http://www.reshondatatebillingsley.com/), Sophia Simmons (http://www.sophiasimmonsonline.com/)  and Donna Deloney are great writers.

After leaving this conference, I no longer see myself as a training consultant. I now see myself as a writer. I was born to do this and I plan to fulfill the dream. I am a writer on a journey to destiny. How about you?

You are Royalty, so what do you Decree?

Every since I was in Kindergarten, I knew two things about myself.

1. I was different than the other children and my family members.

2. I was meant to be a queen.

During my formative years, my parents opened our home to those in our hometown who had the desire to transition to a city where jobs were readily available. When I was in the 1st or 2nd grade, my Uncle Martin and his friend were our latest guests and they treated my sister and I like queens. The friend always picked me up and swung me around, which I absolutely loved. He told me that I was a Nubian princess destined for greatness and that when I grew up, I would be a Nubian queen. I was so excited because finally, someone else realized that I was royalty. In my mind, I had known it all along! This was just the boost that I needed. If only my family, friends and classmates would accept this concept, we would all be fine.

My uncle's friend began to explain royalty to me from a secular perspective. He told me that I should travel only in the royal chariot and that my maidservants would feed me the best green grapes, green olives and chunks of cheddar cheese. These were my favorite snacks so he definitely had my attention. My uncle added to this by telling me that I was beautiful and that I should never settle for less. He made sure that I understood that I only deserved the best. You would think that these words would have made me stuck-up and unapproachable, however they did just the opposite. I felt that a queen should be approachable and loyal to her servants so I began to love on people more and more. When I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of my life, I began to see what being royalty really meant.

As I was worshipping and I heard the words, "You are royalty, so what do you decree?" Immediately, I thought about my uncle and his friend sharing that with me from a secular perspective. I believe that they were imparting my destiny through those prophetic words, as the gifts are given without repentance. Keeping this in mind, I began to recall all of the scriptures related to servants of Christ being royal.

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:9

I began to meditate on those words and the Holy Spirit began to speak a prophetic word into my spirit that I have been commissioned to share with my fellow believers.

You are royalty, so what do you decree? I am the King of King and the Lord of Lords and you are mine. Spiritually grafted and adopted into my divine family. I receive you as a joint heir with Jesus and as a holy descendant, you have the right to my fortune. I am your heavenly Father, rich in houses and land. I own the cattle upon a thousand hills and much more. I have promised to provide all of your needs according to my riches in glory. You are royalty, so what do you decree? Delight yourself in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. As you grow in me, my desires become your desires. I grant what is in my will, just praise me and worship me in spirit and in truth. Your destiny is in my hands. You are mine and I am the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are royalty, so what do you decree? I have given you the keys to the kingdom. Use them. I have given you access to my throne room. Join me there. I have treasures stored up for you in Heaven. Stop living like a pauper and live like you are rich, because you are. Not just monetarily, but spiritually. You are spiritually rich and you have divine access. Use it. My capacity to bless you is limitless. I can bless you more than you can imagine with your human mind. Tap into the spiritual realm and seek my plan for your life. Declare it and decree it in the heavenlies and it shall be. Through me, your words have the power to unlock your destiny. Be careful what you speak. Remember, you are royalty, so what do you decree?

This word blessed me more than you will ever know! If I were you, I would begin to declare and decree some things over your life, your family and the future generations to come. Isn't it funny how someone can speak something into you as a child and it comes to pass? I am royalty! That's what I declare and decree. I simply want God's will for my life. That's what I decree! What about you?