Pure Motives = Rewards

May25

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NIV)

Did you notice that this scripture says, “Your motives could keep you from receiving your reward from our Father”? That’s a penetrating thought, right? Recently, I read this, but I didn’t quite understand how this applied to me or what it really meant. The revelation honestly didn’t download into my heart until it was time for me to submit this EmpowerMoment. While I attempted for a whole week to write an EmpowerMoment, I kept getting what some call ‘writer’s block.’ I started to sense there was a greater issue at hand. God was trying to tell me something thus I couldn’t write. I prayed and started to type but that didn’t work. I would type a full EmpowerMoment and delete it. This happened like four times so I took a real prayer break and I was lead to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit led me to Matthew 6. Jesus was teaching on giving, fasting, and prayer.

The giving part attracted my attention and it was the area that God wanted to EMPOWER me in, so in return I could EMPOWER you. My problem of not knowing what to write for this EmpowerMoment was an issue with the motive of my heart. I was more focused on looking good as a writer. I was focused on using the right words to link my ideas and how would I look to you (the readers) instead of allowing my EmpowerMoment to give Him glory. I was focused on choosing words that would make me seem like I’m talented instead of leading to His word. I was trying to display my time of studying and memorization of scripture instead of letting Him be seen. The word of God was so clear, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 NIV) Once I made aware of this, I quickly confessed it to the Father and asked Him to forgive me. I asked for His help to be wiser in the area of my motives.

Our hearts are very wicked and we can be ignorant at times. We even deceive ourselves into thinking that what we are doing is ok, especially if we can attach religion to it. Our lives and all that we do should not be for man nor man’s benefit (or even our very own), but should be for the glory of God! There is nothing wrong with doing things, but when the “thing” becomes the center or motive for doing it, it’s wrong! If one continues unrepentant then it becomes sin. For example, there’s nothing wrong with wearing designer clothing, moving up the corporate ladder, wearing make-up, or even being a part of ministry. But when your motive is to flaunt what you have to others or you seek to attract others to you and your made-up “greatness”, then it becomes a problem. God did not create dust (yes we are dust; see Psalm103:14) to be attracted to dust, but to worship and glorify Him and Him alone!  

Our motives matter more than anything else to God. It’s not what we do, but why do we do it. My “it” was writing this EmpowerMoment. Let me also point out that if I didn’t pray and truly give the Holy Spirit authorization to search my heart and find the root issue to why I couldn’t write, then I too would have been deceived . I would have thought that what I was doing was ok. I would have submitted my writing, felt good because I met a deadline, and maybe got a couple of views and comments, but I would’ve lost my ultimate reward.

My ultimate reward can only be given to me by God based on me having pure motives.  My new math equation is pure motive for the Glory of God equals reward (Pure Motives = Rewards)!  Our Father doesn’t want us doing things or giving things for notice or to please men. This also applies to practicing our righteousness (our relationship with Jesus, prayer lives, reading our bibles, going to church, and etc.)

So what should my motive be continuing on as a writer or anything else I find myself doing? Our motive should always be to bring Him GLORY! Not to pat ourselves on the back or look good before others, but “…whether you eat or drink or WHATEVER you do, do it ALL for the glory of God.” (1Corinthians10:31 NIV)

Dear Daddy,

Father, we first give thanks to You for being so understanding of our feebleness. Your Word declares that we are just dust and without Your supernatural life in us we are nothing. Heavenly Father, empower and strengthen us. Breathe new life in us. Give us hearts that look towards You and not other dust. Expose the negative motives of our hearts and get the glory from all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today, I EMPOWER you to get silent before the Father for self-examination. Ask Him to expose any motive that will not get you a glorified return and know that He will reward you!

Have you ever found yourself seeking the glory of man instead of the Father and have a testimony of deliverance and freedom? Please share your story with us!

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Preemie Blessings

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Mrs. Lisa M. Purnell-Marshall is happily married to the wonderful and inspiring Antoine L. Marshall. She is the proud mother of two gorgeous girls. Her voice is one of the leading and authentic voices for breast-feeding, especially for the African-American community and Generation Y. She currently works inside of her home and plans to become a professional licensed lactation consultant in 2014. She and her family are members at Spirit of Liberty Church located in Markham, IL.  Embracing the love that God has for her, Lisa labors to live an acceptable and pure life through the leading and keeping of the Holy Spirit so that her attitude, words, and actions attract the glory of God. In her free time she loves receiving manis and pedis. Her favorite promises that she find comfort and reassurance in are: Psalm34:19: “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” and Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Praise Before You Pout

May24

At the age of 12, my mother and I were in the grocery store parking lot at night. A man came up behind us pointing a pistol saying, “You know what I want, give it up.” While he pretended to help us load our groceries, my mother scrambled through her purse to come up with a small amount of money, maybe $30. He took the money and left. As soon as we got into the car my mother burst into a crazy praise. I don’t think I have ever heard her scream and shout so loudly. I was in tears and all she kept saying was “Thank You God, thank You God, You are awesome and worthy…” and so on. As an adult, I look back on that situation to find out how powerful that moment was. Her first reaction was to praise, not to pout! Later once the offender was caught, we found out that not only was he high on crack cocaine but the gun was loaded and cocked! She could have praised later, but she praised in advance!

Let’s appraise ourselves. When we are faced with a traumatic event, of any intensity, do we praise immediately, or do we wait until the event has passed and we see a favorable outcome?

There is one thing that separates us from being able to praise immediately opposed to waiting for the outcome. FAITH! You really have to believe what God’s Word says in order to praise before you pout. I remember harsh break ups with guys that I just knew were “the one”, finding that at the end of the day my money was not going to stretch to the next day, or receiving a pink slip from a job that I felt was the pinnacle of my career. I grew in the Lord and in His Word and realized that I should have praised at the onset of each of those situations. I would have been much happier and less stressed and depressed.

This is what allows me to praise at the onset of disaster and rejoice in the Lord in every situation:

  1. I BELIEVE with ALL of my heart and soul that: “All things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
  2. I BELIEVE with every limb of my body that: “In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV
  3. I BELIEVE with all that I have in His Word. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

Praise cannot be your first reaction if you do not seriously believe God’s Word. Instead you will find yourself scared, fearful, and worried about situations in your life. Don’t mistake me, I’m not a carefree person and I am no stranger to doubt or deep concern; but I have to pull myself together quickly! I desire to rid myself of stress and anxiety. I practice being a good steward over the things God has given me — my marriage, my job, my finances, my children, and my opportunities – and that takes work. Ultimately, I believe that if I walk by faith, God will take care of every want and need. He will sustain me when I feel that I am falling. He will restore me when I feel that I am empty. Therefore, because of faith, I can praise at the brink of tragedy. I don’t have to wait until the outcome occurs. I know that God loves me and He wants the absolute best for me.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for moving some things out of my way, even when I perceived them as failures. When tragedy hits, I have to admit, my first reaction is not to praise, but that is because I forget that Your Word is true. You told me that ALL things work out for my GOOD. So God, please help me to remember this when he walks out on me, when I lose my job, or when I can’t seem to keep my head above water. Please help me to remember that You will work out EVERYTHING. I just need to stay faithful to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Sistah Girl, I EMPOWER you to trust God with the issues you face and praise Him before you pout. I dare you to praise God for your situation. If you really need God, really want Him close, praise Him in advance! Not only will He show up, but He will give you the desires of your heart.

What encourages you to praise before you pout? Share it with us by commenting below.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Praise the Lord Anyhow

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As a professional, Mrs. Khalilah Burton is a College Biology Instructor. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed and Community College Leadership. Khalilah is passionate about her faith journey and uses this key scripture as her inspiration: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV) She and her husband serve as Co-Service leaders and Co-Group leaders of SustainedLove, which supports marriage get-a-ways from Family Life. Khalilah also serves as a guest speaker and panelist for various events for women and Christian empowerment. Khalilah resides in Millbrook, Alabama with her wonderful husband Donald Burton, Jr. and their energetic four-year old daughter. They attend Vaughn Forest Church.  Check out Khalilah’s Christian weight loss blog here.

Fear of Falling

May23

Sunday I decided to do something that I haven’t done in years. I chose to go to the skating rink to switch up the workout routine and have some fun at the same time. At first, I was really excited about it. Although it’s been a while, I do know how to skate. Granted, I am not like many of the ATLiens who can literally do Figure 8’s and look like they are members of the professional ballet; but I have mastered the basics.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14: 27-28 

I made my way to the floor, still confident, and just like I thought it came with ease. Before I knew it, I was skating and bobbing my head to the music with no issue. I had a few shaky moments when I wobbled, but I didn’t fall. I kept telling myself that even if I fell I would just get back up and keep it moving.

As the night progressed things changed and that faith and confidence slowly changed to fear. After a few rounds my legs began to BURN as every muscle fiber in my legs began to twitch. Great workout…Right? Eventually I found myself taking breaks on the sidelines looking at everyone skating majestically. Following each mini break I would head to the floor but each time my heart raced a bit more and that confidence was fading fast. I kept thinking about the aches and my bum knee. What if I fall? I am going to be utterly embarrassed. By this time, my confidence was nearly shattered and my heart pounded every time I even remotely lost my balance. What happened to my confidence?

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:28-31 NIV

Like Peter when I went to the skating rink I was confident. I trusted in what I knew (the basics) and didn’t fear falling; however, when I started noticing things around me I became shaky. As my legs burned I thought, ‘well maybe I am too out of shape.’ When one of my friends began to tell me that she realized she wasn’t skating correctly and proceeded to tell me that maybe I wasn’t either, my self-assurance further diminished. My mind was no longer on the main goal, having a great fun workout and instead I kept focusing on her words. Throughout the night I realized that I wouldn’t try moves that I knew because I now feared falling.  I lost my focus.

Maybe you are like me; better yet, you are like Peter. You are believing in God for something just as Peter. He had complete faith that he could walk on water. Unfortunately distractions, like Peter’s wind and those seeds of doubt that were planted in my head, can cause you to lose focus. You may have asked God for a new car, new job, financial increase, healthy relationship but the evidence around you is starting to shake your faith. Maybe other people are even beginning to plant seeds of doubt based on their situation. We forgot what we already knew –the basics (the word of God). Peter showed that when you take your focus off Jesus and instead look at current circumstances it opens the gateway to fear. Your own anxiety can draw the very thing that you fear to you. Peter began to sink and by the end of the night I fell. But the good news is we were both able to recover when we shifted our focus and so can you.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for not giving me a spirit of fear because I know that fear is not of You. Help me to remain focused on the goal even when the physical evidence suggests otherwise. If I am lacking in faith, please help mine unbelief. Give me complete confidence in Your word so that when attacks come I will be able to stand on what I know and not falter. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to BELIEVE. No matter what the circumstances look like have faith and do not doubt. Even if you fall, trust God and know that you can recover.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: The Source of My Confidence

Have you reached the other side of this story? You believed in God for something but everything around you suggested it wasn’t happening. However, it has now come to pass. Share your story with us below.

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy currently resides in Atlanta, GA and is a small business co-owner of Nspiregreen, LLC an environmental consulting firm. She is also a dedicated daughter, sister, friend, community servant, and child of God. She is passionate about causes that truly uplift the community. One of her favorite scriptures is Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Wise Women Build!

May22

 “…The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down…” (Proverbs 14:1 NIV)

This scripture has been on my mind for the last week or so.  I sought the Lord on why He keeps bringing this scripture to the forefront of my mind.  I did not believe it had any application to my life.  I was certainly not tearing down my house!  As I meditated more deeply, God revealed to me tearing down my house was not the issue; I was not building UP my house.

The word ‘build’ means to establish, increase, or strengthen.  A wise woman is always in BUILDING MODE.  This goes for the smallest things like the old shower curtain that needs to be replaced and other small updates that would make the home more inviting.  This also goes for bigger, more long term building such as a savings account with funds for at least 6 months worth of expenses just in case something should happen.

I had to admit, I was not being a wise woman because I was NOT in building mode.  I was more in maintenance mode, just keeping the status quo, nothing more, nothing less.  I tried to justify my behavior by saying, “Well, it’s just me!  If I was married or had kids, I would do more!”  However, the scripture does not say, “A wise WIFE…” or “A wise MOTHER…” it says, “A wise WOMAN!”  This means married or single, with or without children, EVERY woman who desires to be wise is REQUIRED to build up her house.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for continuing to show me who I am so that I may continue to evaluate and make changes in order to become the woman that You have called me to be.  I thank You for calling me to greater wisdom in You.  I decree and declare that I will be a wise woman in EVERY area of my life.  I ask that You help me to consistently work to build up my house:  physically, spiritually, financially, and emotionally. Show me what I need to do, lead me to other wise women that will put a demand on me and challenge me to grow even wiser in You.  I praise You for the awesome destiny that You have for me and I also praise again You for calling me to greater wisdom.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to be a WISE woman and build up your house.  If you don’t know where to start, here are several things you can do:

1.        Get around WISE women.  “[S]he who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm…” (Proverbs 13:20 NIV)  For example, you can’t become a wiser woman in your marriage if you only spend time with foolish women who slash tires, bust windows, and curse out their men in public.  You can’t become a wiser woman in your finances if you only spend time with women who spend their whole paycheck on their hair, nails, and Saturday night outfits.

2.       Read and HEED the word of God – “Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it…” (Proverbs 8:33 NIV)  Take inventory of what you’re doing, does it line up with the Word of God?  If not, it is time to make some changes.

3.       Most important, SEEK THE LORD – “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him…” (James 1:5 NIV)  God will reveal to you what you need to do specifically in order to build up your house if you ask Him.

What are doing to ensure that you are constantly in build mode? Share your tactics with other women below.

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Ms. Katrina Richard is an up and coming professional residing in Chicago, Illinois.  She strives to incorporate knowledge and life-skills to teenagers in her profession as a high school history teacher.  Katrina is very active in her church community where she serves in the prayer ministry as well as in the nursery.  She has a passion for serving in the lesser known areas of ministry because she believes every facet of ministry is important to kingdom building and spiritual development of the believers. Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

He Hears You

May21

This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.  (I John 5:14-15 NIV)

How many times have you heard or read the verse above? God is telling you that if you ask, He hears you. How powerful is that?!  The God of the universe will hear you when you come to Him.

The question now is: do you trust Him enough to really ask for what your heart desires, or are you praying “safe” prayers?  Is there something bubbling in your heart, but you are unsure how everything will work out?  What if I told you that God cannot fail, that He has a perfect record and that 10 times out of 10 He is able to come through for you. Would you believe me?  The problem with many Christians (me included) is we allow doubt to come into our prayer lives.  Essentially what we are saying, whether we want to admit it or not, is “can God really do this”? 

Last September, my best friends and I started a journey to seek God more diligently and most importantly stretch our faith.  We called the journey Radical 7even; we are purposely pushing ourselves to take God at His Word.  We are almost a year in, and in this time I have started a new job, relationship, and bought a new car.  I had to step out on faith in each area of my life, which can seem like a daunting task.  Anytime we try something new, it feels odd to us.  There were many times doubt did try and overtake me, but in those moments I would stand on God’s Word.  When you are in a season of allowing God to have His way in all areas of your life, the devil will attack your thoughts. The most important thing to do is have His Word near.  You might need to write scriptures down on note cards and carry them around with you.  Put declarations around your home and say them aloud each morning when you arise and before you sleep. Saturate your life with His Word and watch how it will manifest!

Radical 7even made me challenge my faith level and it gave me an outlet to document the wonders God has done in my life.  I would like to encourage everyone not only to write the vision down that God has given you, but also document the journey.  Many times we overlook how far we have come because it doesn’t seem as monumental in hindsight.  Do not fall into that trap!  Every step towards God and away from where you were is monumental.  Celebrate the journey as much as the destination.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers.  Help me to seek You in radical ways; I do not want to have a mediocre life.  I want the life Your Son died to give me. Whenever I feel afraid, bring Your Word to encourage me.  Keep me near You and help me not to falter.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to become radical about your faith!  Faith has no power until we act on God’s Word.

Share a time when you displayed radical faith with us below.

Please allow this song to bless you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK3BW7iH-88

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Ms. Renee` N. Chaffin is a single mother who has a heart for helping those less fortunate. She has been active in the non-profit sector, whether through volunteerism or professionally, for the past six years.  She is passionate about sharing the love of God, her testimony and empowering people to discover their true potential that was bestowed on them by King of the Universe. Renee` is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. While on her pursuit of higher education, she is on a seven year journey to challenge God to do ‘exceedingly and abundantly above all she can imagine’ in seven areas over the next seven years. Check out her journey at http://radical7even.wordpress.com. Her favorite scripture is I Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

 

Who Do You Think You Are?

May18

This 40 Days to a Turn Around has been an amazing journey, but God had to check me in the midst of it.  I was beginning to become too confident.  Personally, I was doing well and was on track.  However, I listened to others that had faltered or slipped up.  I was viewing their slip-ups as weakness, but how many times have I slipped up in life?

God had to reveal to me that I will still mess up in some capacity. “How then can a mortal be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?” (Job 25:3-5 NIV) I was born into sin, and it will always be something that we all struggle with.  Who am I to think I’m better than anyone just because I have been strong and focused on this one thing?  There are so many other things that I am still doing wrong.  Perfection does not exist among mere mortals!

I looked at times I had become upset with others for slipping.  I realized that I do not have the right to judge.  I am in no position to look down on or admonish someone else for their shortcomings. 

The spirit challenged me also to take a deeper look at why I was upset with them. I was shocked to find that the root of my judgment was jealously.  I was jealous because I wasn’t the one at the party, I wasn’t drunk and I wasn’t having sex! Those were things that I wanted to be doing.  No sex, but still lusting.  I was not focusing on uplifting and picking those up who had fallen. I was too focused on what they had done wrong.  What if God only looked at the things we did wrong?

It is often times easier to forgive the people in the world that have messed up.  Why are we so quick to forgive sinners, but not saints? We are all the same.  We sometimes make it so difficult to forgive saved people of certain infractions.  However, at the end of the day we are all God’s children and all guilty of sin. So really, who do you think you are?

Dear Daddy,

I come before You asking for forgiveness for ever thinking I was without sin.  I pray that You will continue to work on me and all my faults.  Help me to focus on the things that I need to change.  Reveal to me the sins that I commit that I do not always see.  Lord, open my eyes and reveal to me the things that I need to work on. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to help your friends, children, loved ones that have faltered.  Uplift others instead of condemning them. Be a positive influence in others’ lives.  Encourage others to know that we fall down, but we do get up!

What is your tactic for correcting in love and not slipping into judgment?

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Remember Where You Came From…

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Ms. Sherita Shelton currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Professional Counseling and is currently pursuing her counseling license.  Sherita works as a therapist and case manager for children as well as adults.  She facilitates groups for single women and offers mentoring and individual counseling for her clients.  Sherita’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lot not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Preemie Blessings

May17

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4 NIV)

I recently entered the last trimester of my pregnancy. With this new milestone came a new level of anticipation and restlessness. I am ready to meet this new baby! Some days I just wish I could speed up the process and fast-forward to week 40. As I reflect on these things, I realize that this pregnancy process is just another one of those things in life where we have no choice but to wait. And just like anything else, there are consequences to NOT waiting…

At only 28 weeks, if God were to grant me my wish, a lot of extra stuff would accompany this new baby. Going into labor pre-term is really no fun for mother or child. First off, I would most likely have to have an emergency cesarean section. Yes, that means that I would have to be cut to deliver my blessing. You ever want something so badly that you literally force it into existence before its time? Often, you are left with a deep hurt because it wasn’t ready to be delivered. That’s the place where you were cut because you chose to try to deliver the promise.

After a premature baby is delivered, the uphill battle for that little life begins. Many babies are born with underdeveloped lungs and struggle to breathe. Their organs don’t function properly. This scenario of a pre-term baby parallels that “thing” that we want so badly that we push it into existence before it has reached its harvest stage. Remember how longed you prayed for a car? God promised that He would provide if you just waited. After you  got fed up with riding the bus and depending on other people, you remembered that car dealership commercial from TV. You decided to do things your way. They made you an offer that you couldn’t refuse.  Not even a month later you were out of some cash and back on the bus because the transmission failed in the lemon they sold you. It wasn’t time for that baby to be born!

Of course one of the major identifying factors of pre-term birth is the tiny size of the babies. Most are born only weighing a couple of pounds, almost small enough to fit inside the palm of your hand. The longer the babies stay inside the womb and near their due date, the more weight they gain. This extra fat is essential to life outside of the womb. After all, it helps regulate the baby’s body temperature. Babies just aren’t prepared physically yet to meet the world without that weight. The same is true of your business venture. You are trying to force it, but you haven’t gotten your weight up yet. Honestly, have you put in the time, energy and sacrifice to ensure that you have a viable idea? Where is your business plan? Who are your advisors?  Sadly enough, while so many preemies make it, so many others do not. God hasn’t brought it to pass because you need to get your weight up! He loves you enough not to let you venture out until you AND your blessings are fully capable and ready.

As I continue pondering on why I want the baby here right now, I realize that it’s much deeper than just wanting to hold my new bundle of joy. I am more interested in getting a break from work! Yes, I said it! I just want to be on maternity leave and take a breather from work. Please don’t judge me, because if you are honest, you too are a lot like me. If you really assess your situation and the real motive behind your prayers, you will probably realize that part of the holdup is that your motives aren’t pure. Why are you praying so hard for a husband? To help you pay your bills? To cure your loneliness? To make you feel safe and secure? Your motives are off; God can assist you with ALL of those things. He doesn’t have to send you a man for that. As long as our motives are off, our promises will be held up.  “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong–you want only what will give you pleasure.” (James 4:3 NLT)

The bottom line is that it’s in our best interest to wait for Him to deliver our babies. Just as the header scripture states, you want to be sure that both you and your blessing are mature and complete and not lacking anything. Premature blessings aren’t ready for you just because you think you are ready for them!

Dear Daddy,

Please help me as I wait for You to deliver Your promises to me. I do not want a premature blessing. Please send it to me when I am ready for the blessing and it is ready for me. That is the best time for us to meet one another. Of course with my limited wisdom, I don’t know when that time is right, so I ask that You direct my path and guide me to my destiny.  I trust Your way! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to simply wait. I know we hear this message all the time, but there is truly a reason that He has you waiting right now. I EMPOWER you to receive the FULLNESS of your blessing by waiting for it to properly mature! I also EMPOWER you to check your motives. Don’t delay your delivery because your heart isn’t pure.

How do you encourage yourself as you wait for the delivery of your promise?

Read a Related Empowermoment: The Butterfly’s Pupa

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Mrs. Kristen Harris is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and dedicated servant.  She is extremely passionate about women’s spiritual advancement, hence the founding of EmpowerMoments.  As an avid reader, Kristen enjoys reading the Bible and other non-fiction pieces. Her driving inspiration is when God says to her: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11) She currently resides outside of Chicago, Illinois with her wonderful husband and two lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.

Wake Up!

May16

Wake up everybody no more sleepin’ in bed!
No more backward thinkin’ time for thinkin’ ahead.
The world has changed so very much,
From what it used to be so
There is so much hatred war an’ poverty.

Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way.
Maybe then they’ll listen to whatcha have to say.
Cause they’re the ones who’s coming up and the world is in their hands.
When you teach the children, teach em the very best you can.

For some strange reason I hear this song in my head. I am convinced this has a spiritual message behind it. It is time for the all of God’s children to wake up!

Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes, O holy city of Jerusalem, for unclean and godless people will enter your gates no longer.  Rise from the dust, O Jerusalem. Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. (Isaiah 52:1-2 NLT)

After we wake up, God desires that we change the way we think. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT) The world has changed from what it used to be because satan desires to wear out God’s chosen people and change the laws that the Word tells us to live by.  And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Daniel 7:25 KJV)

The song instructs for teachers to teach a new way. That’s a message that’s echoing through the Kingdom of God now. No more church as usual…no more religion…it is time for TRUE relationship with the King. It is time to be taught the Word because “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 KJV).

Chorus:
The world won’t get no better if we just let it be.
The world won’t get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me.

Is God calling you today to NOT to let it be? Is God instructing you to be a conduit for change? Is He giving you visions or dreams of helping parents be better, mentoring the youth, or being an example in the marketplace? If this is you, WAKE UP! Be that channel that will cause healing and deliverance to take place to release captives into the liberty that Jesus died for. Yes, its done by you and me! He needs a yielded, willing vessel to wake up, arise and walk in authority!

Dear Daddy,

Father, in the Name of Jesus, today I release fear, procrastination, lethargy, slothfulness or any other unclean spirit that is hindering me from being our change agent. I thank You now in the Name of Jesus for courage and discernment to fulfill my purpose. I thank You for equipping me to carry out what You have ordained me to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to be a CHANGE REACTOR that causes a CHANGE REACTION! Let your actions, presence, deeds, and words cause others to move forward. I EMPOWER you to walk in holy boldness and cause others around you to WAKE UP!

Is God giving you a wake-up call? Share your story with us below.

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Shake Us Again!

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Ms. Rodnisha L. Anderson resides in Chicago, IL and serves as an elder at Life Redeeming Ministries. She works diligently with the Singles and Intercessory ministries. She is married to the Lord and becomes whatever she needs to become to reach the people for the building of God’s kingdom. Rodnisha truly desires to witness successful single women thriving in the kingdom of God.  Her favorite scripture is 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 

My Dad Has a Son

May15

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 NIV

Whenever someone asks about my siblings, I always proudly say that I have an older sister and “my Dad has a son.”  I can’t tell you when I decided to incorporate this phrase into my repertoire of colloquialisms but I know it was many years ago.  Interestingly, I never saw anything wrong with referring to my “half-brother” this way until about a month ago.

At the end of March, his mother passed away and instantly I began praying for him like never before. CORRECTION — I had NEVER prayed for him before I received this news.  I questioned why all of sudden he was an intricate part of my quiet time with Jesus but I kept on.  I could only imagine the hurt and pain that he was feeling at that time so I continued to pray intensely for him but I could not bring myself to call.

After his mother’s memorial I continued to pray for his strength until the enemy started taunting me the way he used to when I was a little girl.  Envy and angry began to consume me at the mere thought that he was able to have my father around all the time, while I was restricted to these sporadic visits.  So at that moment I convinced myself that I didn’t have to call!

By mid-April, God had stepped in and revealed to me that He wanted me to be a better sister.  At first I felt offended because anyone who knows me is aware that I will do anything for my “SISSY” but then I remembered that I also have a BROTHER!!   For most of my life, I have struggled with the appropriate way to accept what society refers to as my “half-brother” but there are plenty of stories in the Bible where siblings with different parents acknowledged each other and some even were able to have healthy, functioning relationships. 

In Genesis, chapters 16 and 17, the Bible discusses Ishmael and Isaac, both sons of Abraham.  One was born to Hagar, the slave woman, and the latter born to Sarah.  Additionally, 2 Samuel 13 tells the story of David’s son Absalom, his sister Tamar, and their half-brother Amnon and 1 Kings 1 describes the relationship of Adonijah and King Solomon, both born to different mothers. Lastly, the most shocking “sibling-ship” that I discovered was that of Jesus. He had many brothers and sisters. (See Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55)  Although, each of the above scriptures references depicted different family dynamics (some very troubling), one thing remained the same… they were BROTHERS and SISTERS.    

Now, ladies do understand that I am still working on this.  I have yet to call him, but I do understand why it SO important that I do so.  It is not up to me to determine where I should allow my brother to fit in to my family tree, rather I should just accept the leaf where he hangs and embrace him.  Over the years, I have found that not one family will look the same but as long as LOVE is the common denominator, then the dynamics of the family usually don’t matter.  This one call is going to close an entry gate on the enemy that he has been using all of my life. Only God knows what will come of my obedience…

Dear Daddy,

Lord, please forgive me for the times that I didn’t embrace my family. Help me to realize that my justifications are just excuses not to do the right thing.  I can’t distinguish between the two on my own, but instead I welcome Your insight whole-heartedly.  Please heal any broken family ties. Help me to always be aware of the enemy’s areas of opportunities in my life that I might counteract it with more of Your Word. Open my heart to receive more of You as I continue on my Christian journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Sisters in Christ, I EMPOWER you embrace your family, regardless of past situations and circumstances that have occurred. I EMPOWER you to stay sensitive to the Word of God in your life.  Once He gives you an order, act on it!

P.S. I will keep you updated when I finally make the call… I have set a deadline and it will get done!

Is there someone who you need to make “the call” to? Don’t hesistate, do it today! Share your triumphant moment so that others may overcome!

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 Ms. Latasha Sampson is an accomplished writer who is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Human Resources Management.  She resides in Nashville, Tennessee where she is a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She serves tirelessly with the Evangelism Team there.  Latasha also works at Mt. Zion as a member of the Administrative Support Staff. Her favorite scripture is “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” Isaiah 54:17

WWJD

May14

A few years ago, you couldn’t look anywhere without seeing the four letter acronym WWJD.  It was printed on wristbands, t-shirts, bags, banners, bookmarks, you name it.  What Would Jesus Do?!  

Then suddenly, just as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

I’ve noticed recently that sometimes my faith can be just like this, a FAD.  One moment I am standing on His word, calling out to Him for all things and not worrying or stressing about anything.  Then something unexpected comes along.  I am angry, hurt, or confused, and before I know it, I am on the phone with a friend and she is full of answers that start with “what I would do if I were you…” 

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 NIV)

A wise man once told me, “Don’t go to people, go to God.”  It doesn’t get much simpler than that.  No matter what you are going through, God can and will handle it.  You see, it’s always easy for others to tell you what they would do if faced with your situation, concern or issue.  However, there isn’t anyone that can give you the word that you need to get through but our Heavenly Father.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for always being there for me when I need You, even when I am not deserving.  Thank You for Your Living Word that I can go to for whatever I need, whenever I need it.  I pray that You will continue to impress upon me that You are my sole provider of all things and I need to seek guidance from You before I go to anyone else.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to seek ye first the kingdom of GOD!  No matter how big or small, nothing is impossible for our heavenly father.  Before making a decision, go to Him in prayer or try to find a scripture that speaks to the situations that you are dealing with.  I EMPOWER you to go to the Word of God to answer WWJD and not seek answers from others for what they would do.

What areas do you know that you need to ask yourself WWJD, versus asking your friends what they would do?

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Ms. Tiffany Huff is the devoted mother of two boys, a blogger, lover of food and travel, and aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for helping others live out their purposes. She is looking forward to growing in her walk and honoring God through sharing her EmpowerMoments. One of her meditation scriptures is Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”