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I Ain’t Saying She’s a Gold Digger…

Jun29

In honor of our last Black Music Month post, here’s a throwback! (This EmpowerMoment was originally shared on April, 19, 2011.) Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

Yesterday I was listening to one of my favorite artists, Kanye West. As the lyrics of Gold Digger blared through my headphones, I pondered on the meaning of “gold digger.” I even went as far to look up the definition on the semi-credible urbandictionary.com. According to one of the contributors there, a gold digger is “any man or woman who is in a relationship with another person because of their economic status.” Another stated that a gold digger is “a girl who is only with you for what you can do or buy for them.” After reading those definitions, I was proud to say that I am not and have never been classified as a gold digger. However, just as quickly as I could proudly stick my chest out and make my proclamation, God reminded me that there were some definitely some gold digging tendencies in my past. In a flash, he started reminding of how I used to dig for gold…

Remember when I wanted to talk to you so you could get to know me intimately and all you wanted to talk about was what you wanted or what I could do for you? Remember when I gave you joy, peace and unconditional love, yet all you wanted to ask me for were material things? Remember when you would go to church and if I hadn’t blessed you with a few extra dollars in your pocket, you would sit with your arms folded, not wanting to give me any praise? But if I increased your bank account, enlarged your territory or gave you a new ride, you were tearing the church up with your praise.  It seems you only walked with me for what I could do for you, not because you were genuinely interested in knowing who I was. So yes dear child of mine, you were a GOLD DIGGER too!

POW! He quickly busted my little bubble but boy was He so right!

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1NIV)

“For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalms 50:10 NIV)

Wow! I really used to be a gold digger! I was using the One who owns and has access to EVERYTHING. His economic status surpasses everyone else’s and I was taking full advantage of that. I was abusing our relationship simply because He told me that I could have whatever I asked in His name. (John 14:14) I immediately asked Him to forgive me for my old gold diggin’ ways.

The interesting thing about this whole scenario is that if I would have been seeking His face, His hand would have come automatically. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

Please take time to evaluate your relationship with God. Is it a gold digger and sugar daddy scenario or are you the obedient, loving daughter who genuinely cares for her Father? I encourage you to assess your situation and ask yourself when was the last time you put your hands up in worship instead of putting your hands out for a blessing. When was the last time you spoke to Him just to say I need You and not that I need this or that? If you can’t recall…I ain’t saying you a gold digger, but…

Dear Daddy,

Please forgive me for the times that I acted as a gold digger in our relationship. I want You for more than what You can do for me. I want to praise you for who You are and not just for what You can do. I want to know You intimately. Teach me to seek Your face and not Your hand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to leave your gold digging tendencies behind. EMPOWER your relationship with God by taking time to really get to know Him for who He is.

As you listen to Kanye’s version of a “Gold Digger”, check your motives:

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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.

Lovely Day!

Jun28

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

I recently watched the movie I Don’t Know How She Does It because my sister implied that I had a lot in common with the main character Kate Reddy. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the movie, she was a married, career woman with two young children trying to figure how out to balance work, family and love. (Yep, I could definitely see the resemblance!) Each night after her husband was sound asleep, Kate would lie in bed and make her mental to-do list for the next day. It was as if she had to get a jump start on her day or at least that’s what she thought. However, she was really over exerting her brain and mentally stressing herself out. That’s where Kate and I were just alike. I realized that I was doing that exact thing. My mind was overworked and exhausted because when I should’ve been resting for the next day, I was thinking about what needed to be accomplished. Then when I’d wake up in the morning I wasn’t rested at all. Instead, I woke up with too much on my mind. All the cares of the world would be dancing in my brain as I sought to check everything off my never-ending to-do list. I was focused on the ‘what’ around me, rather than the Who inside of me. However, after watching that movie I decided that something had to change.

I am excited to report that I woke up this morning and regardless of everything that was going on, I knew it was going to be a lovely day. Yes, I still had my laundry list of things to do and everything in my world was not perfect, but one key thing has changed…

Then I look at You and the world’s alright with me.

Just one look at You and I know it’s gonna be a lovely day!

It’s time to calm your mind. When you awake in the morning, choose to look at God instead of everything that is going on around you. Focusing on Him may not change your circumstances, but it truly changes you. Its easy to allow your busy schedules, lack of finances, family drama, work issues, car troubles, health ailments, and so on to consume your every waking (and sleeping) thought, but it’s more beneficial to allow the One who can actually rectify all of those situations to occupy your mental space.

In the header scripture, Paul writes to the church at Philippi and encourages them in their daily thoughts. He advises to fix thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Concentrate on that which is excellent and worthy of praise – that sounds like the Father to me! It seems that even Paul recognized the recipe for a lovely day!

Today’s empowering moment is quite simple — change your perspective and your day will change. A year full of changed days will eventually equal a lifetime of lovely days!

Dear Daddy,

Anytime I look at You, my day is destined to be lovely! Help me to remember that fact when I am faced with much turmoil in my life. Remind me to shift my focus to You when it seems that my days are not so lovely. I thank You in advance for restoring the loveliness in my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to have not just one, but many LOVELY days! Look at Him and watch Him make your days lovelier than you could have ever imagined! Remember if your day isn’t looking good, you probably need to change your focus!

Be inspired by Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day”:

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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.

Don’t Let It Go To Your Head!

Jun27

June is Black Music Month!  To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month.  This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers.  Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love!  Happy Black Music Month!  Dance as if no one is watching!

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.  He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. (Psalms 103:8-10 NLT)

It amazes me every time I stop and think about God’s love.  He loves me and you so much that He gave His only Son to die to provide us with the opportunity to live.  I don’t have any children yet, but I think about the love I have for my siblings.  I wouldn’t give them up, not even for ten minutes, for people, whose way of showing gratitude is by murmuring, complaining, disobeying and so on.  In spite of our shortcomings, God’s unconditional love continues to flow.  Does knowing that God still loves us cause us to take His love for granted?

Now that you know  
How I feel about you  
Don’t let it go to your head, no  
Don’t let it go to your head, no (No, no, no, no)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. (John 14:12 NLT)

Not only is God’s love for us never-ending, but His grace is sufficient so we can perform His will and live by His Word.  That’s why He is not selfish and He shares with us His Power, Dominion, and Authority!

Now that you know  
I can’t live with you, ooh-wee  
Don’t let it go to your head, no (No, no, no)  
Don’t let it go to your head, no (No, no, no)  

Don’t take advantage of my love  
Treat me good, treat me fair  
Treat me fine……..

Do you take advantage of God’s love?  Do you continue to do things you know He’s not pleased with because you know He’s going to forgive you?

“If you love me, obey my commandments.  (John 14:15 NLT)

We expect Him to be faithful, which He is, answer when we call, forgive us, give to us, love us, which He does, and much more. (Low key we expect Him to obey us!!!!)  We must treat God the way He treats us.  We were created in His image and likeness so if we deeply desire love and commitment, so does He!  We must not take His grace and mercy (getting those things we don’t deserve) for granted.  Yes, God’s love is unconditional, but DON’T LET IT GO TO YOUR HEAD, NO!

Don’t let it, don’t let it, don’t let it  
Go to your head, no (Mmm…mmm…mmm…mmm….)  
Don’t let it, don’t let it, don’t let it  
Go to your head, no

DEAR DADDY,

Forgive me for taking Your love, grace, and forgiveness for granted.  I desire to love You the way You love me.  I decree and declare that my relationship with You will shift from mediocrity to excellence.  Father, as I draw near to You, I thank You for drawing near to me.   In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you not to let God’s grace go to your head!  When you know better, do better!  Lift a standard by showing others how you reverence God by not taking advantage of His unconditional love!

Enjoy “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head” by Jean Carne:

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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 1Timothy 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.”

Contentment

Jun26

June is Black Music Month!  To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month.  This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers.  Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love!  Happy Black Music Month!  Dance as if no one is watching!

“But Godliness with contentment is a great gain.  For we brought nothing in the world, and we can take nothing out.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” (1Timothy 6:6 ESV)

Recently, I have experienced attacks from the enemy from every angle!  In May I got into a car collision as a result of another driver not waiting for the traffic to clear before proceeding through the stop sign.  The next day I went to the ER and found out that I have a back spasm and now must go to physical therapy twice a week for the next month.  Yesterday I got a call from my mother stating that my great uncle passed away after battling cancer for years.  Then to top it off, today I find out that my finances are getting ready to take a drastic turn for the worst as I prepare to lose some thousand dollars of my supplemental income beginning in July.  Are you serious?!  The crazy part about it is that I am STILL content in who God is in my life!

“The Lord is the refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  Those who know Your name trust in You because you have not abandoned those that seek You, Yahweh.” (Psalms 9: 9-10 ESV)

The past few weeks The Anointed Pace Sisters have randomly shuffled on my Pandora station and I have had no choice but to agree with the words.  Despite my vocal challenges, I’ve found myself singing along each time.  The truth is no matter what we have or don’t, we must learn to be happy with Jesus alone.  Ladies, God is more than enough once we get to the point that we are truly content with the relationship we have with Him.  All of those situations that I mentioned represent what I am facing in the natural but I know that He is making preparations for my prosperity in the spirit realm.  I will be honest and say that many days I have had meltdowns, but I always make it my business to follow up tears with praise so intense that I know it shakes heaven up!  The short version of this story is that I have found CONTENTMENT in the Holy Spirit and it makes all of satan’s schemes non-factors in my life.

Dear Daddy,

Whenever I begin to doubt, question, or worry about what has happened or what is to come help me to exert that energy into praising You.  Help me to remember that even the righteous may endure but in spite of it all You are still there for me.  Thank You for bringing me to the place where I have contentment in You alone.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Women of God, I EMPOWER you to look past what is going on in front of you and find contentment in who God is.  Everything that you are going through is only part of your story. I don’t know about you but I have been taking detailed notes for my memoir to be released in the future!  Be Blessed! :)

Enjoy The Anointed Pace Sisters’ rendition of “Contentment”:

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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

He Sees The Best!

Jun25

June is Black Music Month!  To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month.  This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers.  Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love!  Happy Black Music Month!  Dance as if no one is watching!

Sometimes we can get so caught up in what others think of us or are saying about us that we lose sight of whose opinion is really important.  I no longer allow others’ perceptions of me bother me as much as I have in the past.  However, there was a time when I would internalize all of the negative things people said to or about me.  Allowing someone’s judgments to weigh you down is a tactic the enemy uses to steal your joy!  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)

The enemy wants us to believe that God looks down on us with disgust or hatred like folks in the world do.  I wrote this Empower Moment today to remind you that God sees THE BEST in you!  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24 NIV)

God sees THE BEST in you, when everyone else around you sees the worst!

When people say that you aren’t smart enough, or you aren’t good enough to walk into your destiny and pursue the calling that God has on your life, remember that God sees THE BEST in you!  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

When you are haunted by the thoughts or even threats of family members and so-called friends that you will be ‘just like your mother’ know that God sees THE BEST in you! Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 NIV)

When the man you love decides to leave or be unfaithful and blames you for gaining weight, not cooking the right foods, or not giving him enough attention, recognize that those things are irrelevant to the one above who sees THE BEST in you!

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:33-34 NIV)

God sees THE BEST in you!

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for your unconditional love, mercy and grace.  Thank You for always seeing me as the woman that You created me to be and for reminding me through Your Word that what You see is all that matters.  Please give me the strength to remember, to know and recognize that You always see THE BEST in me, no matter what everyone else may see.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to rejoice no matter what because your Heavenly Father sees THE BEST in you!  Let nothing or no one cast a shadow of a doubt on who you are in Christ and what He has for you as His daughter!

Enjoy Marvin Sapp’s video and song “The Best In Me”

 

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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.”

Nothing Even Matters…

Jun22

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

Recently I was taking a drive with my husband. It was on a warm, spring night. He and I just left a romantic dinner with our girls. They were in the back of the car sleep, while my baby and I were cruising. Since the girls were asleep, I could settle down in a moment of solitude to enjoy the peace and cool of the night air. I turned on a dusty radio station and one of my all-time favorite songs came on (“Nothing Even Matters). As I listened to the words, I immediately clicked with them. It had been a long time since I listened to that song. I always listened to the song as a teenager, but I’m far from a teen anymore. I’m a wife, mother, and follower of Christ now; my circumstances have drastically changed.

We arrived home and I couldn’t help but to continue to think about the words of the song. “Now the skies could fall, not even if my boss should call, the world would seem so very small. Cause nothing even matters at all…”  When I finally got my little ones to sleep, the words persisted and magnified in my Spirit. “See I don’t need no alcohol, your love makes me feel ten feet tall. Without it I’d go through withdrawals. Cause nothing even matters, at all...”

My guess became that the Father was trying to tell me something so I sat quietly and listened. He led me to John 15:1:”I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”(NIV) Nothing could be more comforting than reading or hearing the words of Jesus. There He was telling me what did matter and that nothing else should matter, but this. Just as Lauryn and D’Angelo were trying to say through their song.

Considering the great words of Lauryn Hill’s song, I didn’t realize that Jesus wanted to remind me of HIM. He wanted to remind me of what was really important, HIM. He wanted to remind me that nothing even matters, but HIM. He wanted to tell me that He wants me to have a tendency to spend more time with HIM. He wants me to gain the ability to care more about HIM. I’m so glad that there is not a single thing that I can do that would stop Jesus from trying to reach me. Even if He has to use a song to remind me of how nothing in this world should matter more than HIM!

Dear Daddy,

Father, I just thank You for choosing me. I thank You for never running away from me. In fact, I thank You for treating me as if nothing even matters to You but me! Father, I cant compare You to a song, but I ask that You continue to remind me that the only important thing is Jesus and to abide in the true vine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

I EMPOWER you to act as if nothing is more important than Jesus. Not a car, man, career, lifestyle, etc. but JESUS! I EMPOWER you to be less interested in the things of this world, but to gain a greater interest in Jesus; for nothing else matters, but Him!

Enjoy Lauryn Hill’s and D’Angelo’s “Nothing Even Matters” as you reflect on WHO really matters:

 

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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.”

Even Me?

Jun21

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22 NIV)

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God loves someone like me. I look back over my life and often it is easy to ask, “Lord, can you love someone like me?”

As I’ve ministered to women about their personal stories and shared my own, I am even more convinced that God loves us. Testimonies such as these:

“I was beaten and abused. I was raped and molested and grew up thinking that I was worthless. I was ripped of any purity that my friends spoke of and my self-worth was nonexistent. I wondered could God love someone like me.” Yes He can. “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” (Joel 2:25-26 ESV)

“I grew up a promiscuous teen and I didn’t see a problem with it. I have had about four abortions and have slept with clergymen, husbands, and just random people. Can God love someone like me?” Yes He can. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (I John 1:9 AMP)

“I grew up in foster care, shifting from home to home. My parents abandoned me and didn’t care to take care of me. I grew up feeling like failure was my destiny. Can God love someone like me?” Yes He can, and David is a witness. “Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].” (Psalms 27:10 AMP)

“I’m self-righteous. I haven’t recognized that my life has been spared due to grace and that my reputation has been salvaged because of God. I figured it is all of my doing. Can God love someone like me?” Yes He can, but we have to humble ourselves. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)

“I preach God’s word in worship service, yet I fornicate throughout the week. I don’t practice what I preach. I steal from God’s church by holding my tithes and I cause offense to his vulnerable followers with insensitive counsel. Can God really love someone like me?” Yes He can. Confess with your mouth and you shall be forgiven. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 NIV)

“I slept with my best friend’s husband, and she doesn’t know. I’m scared to confess and the secret is eating me alive. I knew what I was doing, but failed to stand for my morals. Can God love someone like me?” He can, and not only does He love you but He can forgive you too. “…Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:47-48 NIV)

Can you relate to any of these testimonies? If they do not fit you perfectly, I’m sure we all can relate to at least parts of these. I know I can. What’s interesting about God is that through repentance and submission, God forgives and washes away all sins. God reminds us of this in Isaiah when He says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV)

Until you can believe that God loves YOU, you will not have power in your life. God loves you beyond your sins and has sustained you through the harsh actions of others. Through Paul, His Word reminds us, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38-39 NIV)  This means your past, present, and future cannot separate you from the love of God. Not even the demonic forces (whom many of us call haters) can separate you from the love of God.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to accept the salvation from Your Son Jesus Christ so that now I can say, “You love even a sinner like me.” Lord help me to realize the greatness of Your love so that I may walk in power, knowing and not wavering that You love me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to shout from the roof tops, whether figuratively from your spirit or literally from your mouth (there’s even more power in your tongue), tweet it or update your Facebook page that God loves you. Say it with boldness, “God loves even me!”

Allow the ministry of Beyond Words to usher you into worship with this Love Medley by God’s Chosen.

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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.

That’s Why We Pray

Jun20

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

The words to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” are beautiful and better than that, they are absolutely true. They tell the story of WHY we pray. When we understand the power and peace we can experience by leaving our problems at His feet, we will fall on our knees more often. Prayer is cathartic and when we truly let go and let God, we release and walk in faith that He is handling it. I can think of four distinct reasons that we pray:

Praise

“… Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9 KJV)

When Jesus instructed us on how we should pray He started it with praise. Sometimes we need to just praise God. It allows us to focus on Him and esteem Him. The Psalms are full of praises to God. When you are praising God it is all about Him because you recognize that He alone is worthy of your praise. You praise Him because you realize there is absolutely no one like Him and that He is supreme. When the Pharisees asked God to rebuke the disciples for worshipping Him, “…he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40 NIV) Praise God because certainly you don’t want the rocks to cry out for you.

Thanks

We praise God because of who He is; however, we thank Him because of what He has done. Your parents taught you that when someone does something for you it is your responsibility to thank them properly. Thanking God is just good manners! He does more for us than any man can and yet He is often last to get a ‘thank you’.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”(I Chronicles 16:34 KJV) Remember that thing that He did that you didn’t ask for? Yes, He deserves thanks for that too. We should thank Him continuously because He is constantly working on our behalf granting us unmerited favor, grace and mercy.

Ask

I am pretty sure that most of us have this part down packed. As a matter of fact, sometimes we forget about thanking and praising Him because we are busy, busy, busy asking. Yes, He did tell us to ask. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) But you must have faith that God answers prayers: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22 KJV) And while you are asking for yourself, make sure you pray for others and I don’t mean just your friends and family. “… and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”  (Matthew 5:44 KJV)

Listen

Do you have a friend that calls you and every time she is finished spilling her problems she is ready to hang up the phone? She doesn’t take the time to listen to what you have to say. If you’ve ever had a conversation like this, I liken this to how we treat God. We ask and ask but sometimes we cut the conversation short by getting up and getting busy. We seldom just meditate and listen for the answer or we refuse to take heed to the answer. “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:47KJV) Listening is a skill and we must learn to listen to God. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 KJV)

As I remember why I pray, I am reminded of MC Hammer who said it best: “We’ve got to pray just to make it today!”

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for the privilege of prayer. Help me to remember how easy I could have it if I cast my burdens on You and leave them there. You are that faithful friend who is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. Thank You for answering my prayers even when Your answer is ‘no’. Help me to follow Your will and in everything to praise You, be thankful, ask and listen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Today I EMPOWER you to analyze your prayers. Are you just asking away without taking time for praise and adoration? Do you take time to listen or is it a one-sided conversation? With the turmoil of this present world we have plenty of reasons to pray.

Enjoy this throwback from MC Hammer:

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Ms. Chancee` Lundy lives in Atlanta, Georgia 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: every where 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 strengtheneth me.”

 

A Fool For You

Jun19

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching.

Fool:  Silly or stupid person

Silly:  having or showing little sense or judgment

Stupid:  lacking normal intelligence

I have been characterized as having been a fool several times in my life.  I have had or showed little sense in relationships.  I have exercised poor judgement in financial matters and have lacked normal intelligence in my decision making.  More often than not, my foolish behavior has led to heartache, financial crisis, sorrow, and regret.  I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.  Many of us have at one time been a fool for someone or something.

“…We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ…” (1st. Corinthians 4:10a NIV)

The Bible calls us to be fools for Christ.  When we are a fool for someone or something, we put our destiny in their hands.  We totally surrender our will to its will. In a few of my relationships, I have been the fool.  I went against my better judgment or what I knew to be right for someone else.  When I made that decision, it was with the hope they would do what I wanted or needed in return, having faith it would happen but having no guarantee.  I was always left hurt and disappointed.  People will always disappoint you when you surrender all to them because they are NOT GOD!!   God never called us to be fools for people or things because He knew our many flaws.

“…We are weak but you are strong.  You are honored, we are dishonored!” (1st Corinthians 4:10b NIV)

We are to be fools for Christ because only when we surrender all, is His glory revealed.  It is safe to depend on God for everything.  Unlike man, He will never disappoint you.  Unlike man, God will never break your heart, lead you to financial ruin, shame, regret, or condemnation.

“…But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1st Corinthians 1:27 NIV)

What the world considers to be foolish: total forgiveness, unconditional love, showing mercy to your enemies, tithing and giving etc.  God uses to bless those who choose to turn away from the so-called “wisdom” of this world and be considered “fools” for Christ.

Dear Daddy,

Thank You for giving me an opportunity to be totally dependent on you.  Thank you for never disappointing me. Thank You that everything works together for my good, because I love You and am called according to Your purpose.  Lord, please forgive me for the times I put others before You and chose earthly wisdom over divine wisdom.  Forgive me for the times I’ve been a fool for others and hurt You.  Help me to be consistent in my complete surrender and dependence on You.  I pray that Your perfect will be done in every area of my life.  I fully submit to Your guidance and Your direction. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to be a “fool” for Christ.  Strive to give to Him without exception, love Him without condition, submit to Him without question EVERY DAY!  The joy and peace you have will far outweigh any goosebumps or feeling you ever have had for a man or anything else.

As you transition from being a fool for other people to being a fool for Christ enjoy “A Fool For You” by Cee Lo Green featuring Melanie Fiona:

 

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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 is Worthy of My Obedience

Jun18

June is Black Music Month! To celebrate, each of our EmpowerMoments will be based on Black music for the entire month. This includes Black songwriters, producers or performers. Stay tuned as we use various genres of Black music to tell our stories and exemplify the beauty of God’s love! Happy Black Music Month! Dance as if no one is watching!

God has been impressing on my heart to really seek Him more, to make our relationship priority. I have to be honest; I have let some other things take precedent in my life. I’ve been feeling disconnected lately from His presence. This happens when I overload my schedule and feel guilty when things begin to fall apart.

The Lord says in Isaiah 1:19-20, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel you will be devoured by the sword.” (NIV)

In order for us to have the “best” of the land, i.e. blessings, we must be obedient. You cannot expect God to bless what He has specifically told you to let go. Today is the right time to get right with Your Father.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who call us by his own glory and goodness. (II Peter 1:3 NIV)

God will give you the power to overcome each and every obstacle that would hinder a meaningful relationship between you and Him if you allow Him to have complete and unrestricted access to your life.

Please allow the song below to bless your spirit. Let each word that speaks of His mercy and love into your heart. Once you understand the love of the Father, you will desire to not break His heart.

Dear Daddy,

I am so thankful for Your mercy and for Your endless pursuit of my affection and attention. Forgive me for not making our relationship priority. Help me to not ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Keep a hedge of protection around me so I may have the strength to withstand temptations and trials. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, I EMPOWER you to allow God’s love and mercy to transform your life. Do not allow anything to place a barrier between His Love and blessings for your life.

Enjoy Karen Clark Sheard’s “His Mercy Endureth Forever”:

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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.”