…is still disobedience.

As of late, my children have been extra mischievous and extremely disobedient. Like many parents going through similar ordeals, this has been a frustrating experience for me and I have been praying for the continued patience to deal with them.

There are some times when I give my girls instructions and they go completely unanswered. Then there are other times when I give them tasks to do but it takes what seems like an entire day to be completed. When it’s time to be reprimanded and disciplined, their defense is always, “But Mommy, we did what you told us to do.” As true as that statement may be, I have to remind them that delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Often when we discuss the escape of Lot’s family from Sodom prior to the city’s destruction, his wife’s disobedience is the primal focus. Naturally, we probably hone in on his wife because her decision resulted in her becoming a pile of salt. However, if we examine the scripture carefully, she was not the only one who disobeyed God’s instructions.

At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”

When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful. When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” (Genesis 19:15-17 NLT)

The angels of the Lord sent word that it was time to evacuate the city immediately, but Lot hesitated. My imagination can fathom how Lot was literally frozen and unable to move. Why he was stuck remains unknown, but we can guess that he was probably apprehensive, nervous, confused and maybe even afraid to leave his familiar environment. Consider if someone brought word to you that you had to immediately evacuate the place where you and your family had been residing. Even if you knew the word was from God, would you readily move or be a bit stagnant?

Sometimes because my instructions are completed at my continued urging, I am a more lenient and forego the punishment measures. Similarly, and very fortunately for Lot, God was gracious enough to allow him to survive even though he didn’t obey immediately. On the flip side though, there are those moments when I am annoyed by their lack of motivation to listen and I must enforce and discipline. Who knows what would have happened if God chose to make an example out of Lot, just as He did out of his wife. That’s definitely a gamble that I don’t want to take with God!

I constantly remind my children that as a loving parent, I am not going to give them instructions that are detrimental to their life. If I ask them to do something, it’s either because it’s beneficial to them now, or in most cases, it’s something they need to learn for long haul. And believe or not, I learned that parenting tactic from my Daddy in heaven!

Dear Daddy,

Please forgive me for any time that I disobeyed what You instructed me to do. Whether, I blatantly disobeyed or simply did not move when You spoke, I dishonored You and I apologize. Lord, I ask for Your assistance to help me trust Your voice so that I am always moving in obedience, even when I’m afraid or it doesn’t make sense to me. My goal is to please You all the days of my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to simply obey and obey immediately! If God has called you to do something, I EMPOWER to move on it. Stop procrastinating out of fear, anxiety or doubt. Instead, trust that if God has instructed you to do something, then it’s definitely for your good!

Read a related EmpowerMoment: He Is Worthy Of My Obedience

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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 three lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.

Ladies, this flash from the past was originally posted on September 28, 2011. Enjoy! 

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Talking to my grandmother is one of the highlights of my week. I know her as Madea and love her very dearly; after all, she raised me and shaped me into the person that many of you know today. She taught me how to cook, survive, be a lady and to guard my “reputation.” We had our rough patches when I went through my VERY rebellious stage (another blog) and there were times when I disappointed her with my actions. She loved me still.

Unfortunately, the lady that I know and the woman that her children and older people from around town know are NOT the same. You see, some time before I made my grand entrance into the world and when I was too young to remember, Sallie Pearl was a DRUNK and a chain SMOKER. She was known for her alcoholism and her addiction to nicotine. I even have an aunt who was born so small that she could fit in a cigar box, as a result of her addictions. Her six children lived with her and various relatives as they were growing up and the majority became teenage moms. Her husband, my grandfather, was the same. We never met because he died from cirrhosis of the liver as a result of his alcohol consumption. It’s hard for me to imagine all of this because this woman that I hear stories about is just not the woman I know.

“…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”( Isaiah 1:18 NIV)

Her road to forgiveness with her children was not easy but I thank God for the twins, Grace and Mercy. My grandmother tells me that when she got saved she asked God to remove the taste of cigarettes and alcohol from her and just like that He did. No special pills, patches or miracle drugs – just a simple prayer. She has been sober and smoke free since 1986.

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Though many love to bring up who she WAS, Madea’s past was the prologue to her future. After she stopped dating Jesus and began having a relationship with Him, she put down the bottle and picked up the Bible. He used her to take care of her grandchildren when our mother(s) became ill or were no longer able to. He used her to give us a strong foundation in Jesus and He has used her to touch other people’s lives through her acts of kindness and generosity.

Like my grandmother, many of us have pasts that are filled with things that are often times to shameful to talk about BUT God can and will use you too. As the saying goes, God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. You don’t have to believe me, in your quiet time check out His word:

• Jacob was a LIAR-  Genesis 27:19
• Rahab was a PROSTITUTE –  Joshua 2:1
• David had an AFFAIR and was a MURDERER 2 Samuel 11:3-27
• Jonah RAN from God (Read the entire book)
• Peter DENIED Christ Matthew 26: 69-70
• Lazarus was DEAD John 11

Dear Daddy, 

Thank You for showing us forgiveness and blessing us with grace and mercy. For the person reading this now, I ask God that You remove ANY doubt that they may have about their future. Let this EmpowerMoment reach them so that they will know that even they can be used for Your purpose. There is no sin too great that Your Love for us has not covered. Let us not run from Your calling but run to it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to walk boldly into your future. Despite what you may have done, who you may have been or what you didn’t do when you should have done it, know that your past was only a stepping stone to get you to the place where God has called you. Know that He predestined your past and your future. He has great expectations of you because He has already equipped you.

Have you ever had someone try to discredit your growth in Christ because of who you USED to be? Share your story.

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy lives in Washington, DC and is an entrepreneur as she is the co-owner of Nspiregreen, LLC, an environmental consulting firm. She is also a dedicated daughter, sister, friend and community servant. She has used her gift of public speaking to lead workshops across the globe speaking to crowds as large as 10,000 people. Her guiding scriptures this week are Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”

…We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous.

But honestly, who are you to not be so? – Marianne Williamson

I love this quote from Marianne Williamson. It speaks to the heart of some things that I struggle with quite often. I’ll begin a project, or start an endeavor, only to step back and try and “see” it from other people’s eyes.

I pick whatever it is apart: It’s not as good as so-and-so’s… It doesn’t have as much as hers… I’m not as talented as he was… Didn’t someone already speak on this already?

It’s amazing how quickly I can discredit myself. I line up all my little reasons and stop whatever I was doing. Just like that. I’m done.

Yet God created me – He created you – for a reason. There’s something unique in our DNA that gives us abilities or qualities that no other person on this planet can do. We just have to believe in ourselves. We have to believe that God has placed that greatness in us for us to share with the world.

I was encouraging one of my friends one day to keep pressing towards a goal that he has. He’s been working at things for a while and was getting discouraged because he wasn’t seeing the results he wanted. I told him to keep going. He was born to succeed at his endeavor. He is talented beyond belief at what he does. I saw no reason for him to quit.

“You’ll never get a ‘yes’ if you quit asking,” I said. “The door won’t have an opportunity to open if you don’t knock.” It’s funny how you can speak life to someone else, but it’s hard to convince your own self to act right.

So, today, let’s have some faith in ourselves. Today, let’s throw the excuses, self-criticism, and complacency aside.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (Genesis 1:26 KJV)

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14 KJV)

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace… (2 Timothy 1:9 KJV)

Who are we to discredit the Lord’s work? We were made in His image! We were called forth to fulfill His purpose! Who are we to question the gifts He’s placed on the inside of us?

You can be successful! You can fulfill your dream! Believe in yourself.

God already has.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for creating me in Your image! I praise Your name because You did a wonderful work when You made me. Help me to remember how special I am. When doubt and fear come, remind me that I am called to a holy calling and can achieve it by Your grace. Remind me that it’s not about what I can do, but it’s about what You can do through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to embrace who you are in the Lord. You are strong, you are smart, and you are successful! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You have no reason to give up, and you have every reason to go ahead and WIN!

Read a related EmpowerMoment: Start and Finish!

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Tiara Wilkinson serves as the Youth Leader and on the Pastoral Care Team at Christ Worship Center in Riverdale, Illinois. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Christian Leadership at Liberty University. Tiara hosts a daily inspirational blog, “My Morning Ti”, which encourages Christians in their walk with the Lord. Her favorite passage of the Bible is Psalm 27 which reminds us that the Lord is our strength, so we have no reason to fear any thing.

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV

Minister: I can’t believe I am here! I must be passing through on my way to heaven, just as Jesus did, because I did everything right. I know I am HEAVEN BOUND!!! (Rocking my Jesus Freak t-shirt!!) I had a check off list each day; I fed the hungry, found the homeless a place to stay and rebuked people into repentance, so I’m sure I’m just visiting.

Satan: Well, well, well I am so glad to see you!

Minister:  Do you happen to know when I’m leaving?

Satan: (laughing) Leaving? You are in eternity! This is your final stop. You were so easy to convince to get here. I didn’t even have to try hard with “blatant” sins like killing, adultery, homosexuality, or drunkenness; you know the ones you used to condemn people about? Your heart is what got you here.

Minister: But what do you mean? I am a minister! I preach and share God’s Word! I put up with those homely kids, go to those nasty soup kitchens, and send in my money every month to the church.

Satan: Oh yes! You are right! We were such a team weren’t we? You played it well but you didn’t care about those people, and you forgot to share that “L” word.

Minister: What was that?

Satan: (laughing harder) Love! You belittled people in your heart and lied about who you were in your testimonies. You forgot that you were living a self-righteous sexually immoral life too. I loved it!!

Minister: But wait, I mean, I thought that I didn’t have to give my heart to Jesus, but that my title and deeds were enough. I mean, I knew who He was, but let’s be honest. Who really loves someone that you can’t really see?

Satan: Yeah, that’s the thing with ol’ dude. He isn’t really into deeds unless your heart is sound, but don’t worry, you are in the right place!

Minister: But wait, you don’t get it. I can’t stay here; I am too good for this. I did everything right!

Satan: Tisk, tisk, tisk! Now did you forgive your mother for abandoning you? Did you forgive your husband for cheating on you? Did you forgive your cousin that stole from you? Or did you just cut them off and allow the hate to rest in your heart?

Moments pass…

Minister: So what you are saying is my heart was corrupt and I was really living a lie. I must admit, you are right. I became a minister for prestige and fame. My house and car were not to glorify God, but to glorify me. God blessed me with clothes, but I didn’t clothe the naked. He blessed me with a car, but I didn’t help those in need. I thought I was all that because I had it all, but I didn’t forgive my enemies and I lied to my friends. So I guess it’s not deeds alone, but my soul’s motive to be after God.

Satan: Ha ha, I think that is the funniest thing. Once you all get here, you finally get it, but it’s too late. Oh well, maybe next….welp, there won’t be a next time. Let’s go, it’s too cool in here.

This EmpowerMoment caused me to re-evaluate my motives for things. Why am I working on a Doctorate? Is it to have Dr. in front of my name, or am I committed to making a difference within my profession to EMPOWER and educate those I come into contact with? Why do I like fine things? Is it to share and EMPOWER others to follow their dreams, or is it to have my friends oooh and aahhh over them? Why do I put scriptures on my Facebook status? Is this all there is to my walk with God, or is this the remnant of what I’ve walked all day?

Dear Daddy,

Lord, please forgive me of my sins. Especially those masked by my own self righteousness. Lord, I thank You for having mercy on me to expose this to me prior to my ending. As I learn to repent and bless Your name truthfully, please teach me how be blind to judgment, but wise when holding my friends accountable, quick to love and slow to criticize in my heart. Please help me to be cheerful in my giving and remove my grudging heart. Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness, continued mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to get right. Reassess your motive. If I can be transparent for a moment; it’s not fun always taking the high road. People will think you are a prune, lame, boring, and will ruin the funniest joke. But I desire for God to use me as an extension of Him, and to EMPOWER people through my words that come from my heart. If He can transform my heart, He can surely transform yours.

What heart issues are you going to commit to the Lord today?

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As a professional, Mrs. Khalilah Burton is a university administrator. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership. Khalilah is passionate about her faith journey and uses this key scripture as her inspiration: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) Khalilah also serves as a guest speaker and panelist for various events for women and Christian empowerment. She resides in Millbrook, Alabama with her wonderful husband Donald Burton, Jr. and their two daughters. They are actively connected to St. Luke Christian Church of Huntsville, AL and Vaughn Forest Church of Montgomery, AL. Currently they are moving to Orange Beach, AL and are excited about the Lord leading them to a new church home.

Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes! Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the Lord was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased. Numbers 11:4-6, 10 NKJV

Have you ever asked God to deliver you from a situation; yet, all you find yourself doing is reflecting on the “good” of the past and not being satisfied with the present journey? God delivered the Children of Israel of out slavery in Egypt and promised that He would take them to a land of milk and honey; however, God’s promises weren’t enough because they went from hungry to God giving them manna every day. They grew tired of the manna and began to complain and reminisce on the good food they had in Egypt, never mind the captivity, the beatings and the suffering they endured.

Maybe you got laid off from your job. You know the job that you couldn’t stand. The one that you hated going to. The one where people lied on you and no matter what you did you were never the “star” employee. Well, God released you from that job and promised you a better one but the journey has been rough. Now you have started complaining and wishing you were back in that place instead of thanking God that He honored your requests.

Sure, you might be single now and this process of dating or waiting on Mr. Right is making you want to give up. In this season instead of being grateful for the process, you begin to reminisce on former relationships. You know, the ones that ended for perfectly good reason. He may have been abusive, lacking ambition, or a cheater but none of those things matter because at this very moment you don’t want to be alone. You are willing to take all of those qualities that you despise to give up this journey to your promised future.

Perhaps the issue lies in other areas of your life: family, career, and finances. Reflect on something that God has delivered you from. You know that thing that you were trying to get away from anyway. Now that you are on a new journey, do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the old one? Has this time of sacrifice turned into one of disappointment, murmuring and complaining?

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV

In 2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV, the scripture reminds us that God’s promises are Yeah and Amen! We must not give up, lose heart, or turn our face away from God. He is the only one that has always delivered on His promises, 100%. As the saying goes, He may not come when you want Him to, but He is always on time. The next time you find yourself in a space of complaining, turn that complaining into praise. Reflect on His goodness and His mercy knowing that His promises aren’t far off.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for delivering me time and time again from situation upon situation. Forgive me for complaining against you. Teach me to express myself with you without a spirit of dissatisfaction. My past is the past for a reason. Even as I continue to make my requests known to You, teach me to appreciate the journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to think back over your journey and the things that God has delivered you from. Don’t turn back, but remember that God has brought you from there to take you somewhere completely different. No matter where you are now, bask in knowing that He will keep His promises and you will reach your promised land.

Have you ever found yourself complaining, when you should be grateful? Share your story with us.

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy lives in Washington, DC and is an entrepreneur as she is the co-owner of Nspiregreen, LLC, an environmental consulting firm. She is also a dedicated daughter, sister, friend and community servant. She has used her gift of public speaking to lead workshops across the globe speaking to crowds as large as 10,000 people. Her guiding scriptures this week are Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”