Pray for Discernment

It is often so difficult to take those necessary steps to get from point A to point B. But, if all God wants us to have is faith in Him, why all the indecisiveness? Talk to Him and then listen to Him and He will answer. But, don't forget to ask for discernment so that you won't miss it when He answers. It is very important to pray for discernment because the answers are often very subtle and may be difficult to recognize or make sense of. 1 John 4:1 says: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Greater Community Temple COGIC

What's Really Holding You Back?

I am sure that at some point in your life you have pondered this question. Well, what did you come up with? Nothing? Don't feel bad because you are not alone. I would like to share with you a few things that I have learned in the past few days as I have been reading Valorie Burton's book, What's Really Holding You Back?. First, you have to know where you are going. You must have a clear and specific vision for where you want to be and it must align with God's plan for you. Just saying, "I want to make more money" or "I want to be happy" is not good enough. Secondly, in order to know where you are headed, you must know where you are currently. This takes self exploration and you must be true to yourself no matter how hard it may be for you. Lastly, for now, find your motivation and cling to it as if your life depends on it. But, make sure that your motivation is in His will, not yours (e.g. wanting fame and fortune, ego, meeting someone else's expectations, etc.). Ponder this today, "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8. Have a great day and remember to step out on faith!

The Company You Keep Could Be Hazardous to Your Health

Romans 16:17 says "Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause division and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Sometimes it can be very difficult to leave those people and things behind that causes separation from God, even if the separation is temporary. We all have a comfort zone that we do not wish to part from for one reason or another. Sometimes these people may be close family members and sometimes they are just friendly acquaintances that you come into contact with regularly. Don't let those people and things interfere with God's plan for you! You can literally ruin your life. Although it may be painful at first, you must believe that the pain you may experience is only temporary. God will keep you. He will replace those negative people and things with positive people and things. Don't ever think that you can hang around a person long enough to change him/her. It just won't work! So, if you have been feeling an urging from Him to shuffle some things around in your life, you must step out on faith and just do it. Remember, He's always got your back! Have a great day!

Seeking Guidance

Please pray for me as I seek God's guidance in fulfilling my hopes and dreams.

Submission to Leadership on the Job

In my search for purpose, I am consistently being tested in the same area of my life and unfortunately I consistently fail the test. Why? Could it be that I am just that stubborn to receive God's plan for me? I pray not, but that seems to be the only answer I keep coming up with. My test is in the area of work place leadership and my submission to it. Is it possible that everyone else has the problem and that I just end up with the most difficult leaders in every organization that I work in? Can't be! So, what is wrong with me and how in the world am I to pass this test and move forward. Should I just submit? Well, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is so weak. My prayer for this week while I am vacationing from the work place is that His will for me in the work place is revealed and that I receive it. I want to return to work with a renewed sense of self so that I can grow as God's child and truly receive the many blessings He has planned and stored up for me. Pray for me and I will definitely pray for you.

Easter

He died for our sins! What an awesome truth! If only we could be half the brother/sister that Jesus is, this world that we live in would be a much better place. Let's make it a point this week to live as Jesus. Yes, this is another challenge. Let's take ourselves out of the equation and realize that it's not about us.