On the show Bones, Special Agent Booth is a Christian and no matter what happens in an episode, almost always, his faith is tested or God is mentioned…

Booth is a FBI agent and a scientist is his partner.  He sees things that could cause some people to question their faith and their belief that God has the final say.  His partner, the scientist, does not believe in God because she has a scientific explanation for everything that happens.  She often asks him does he still believe in God or if he made a decision because he wants to go to heaven. Booth has decided that no matter what he sees or what others say, he will serve God.  He has decided that he will stand on God’s promises even if he stands alone.  He owes everything to God and everything he does is because of God.  Booth does not concern himself with what science says or the evil things that people do.

We are taught for the most part that we must conform.  We have to fit into the ideal mold of “normalcy”, mirror those that surround us in our different areas of life.  The issue with normal is, there is no clear definition of the word.  Normal to you is not necessarily normal to me.  The truth is we were born to stand out.  My beliefs are rooted in what I learned as a child and what I have discovered as an adult.  They will not line up with any one else’s because no two lives are the same.  Our foundations may be the same but we will most certainly go about things differently because God has called us all on a different walk within our lives.  On our individual walks, we must become unapologetic about the fact that we were born to stand out.  God did not create us in the image of fear or inferiority.  We are the children of a King.  A King’s children do not minimize their existence because they will not be accepted or liked.  Just as Booth, we must stand alone at times.  Being different is a gift.  Embrace who God has called you to be and do not apologize for it.

Passing The Test

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman

01-26-2014

The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors – to David. – 1 Samuel 28:17b

When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader’s life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine if that person will achieve God’s ultimate call on his or her life. The person’s response to these tests is the deciding factor in whether they can advance to the next level of responsibility in God’s Kingdom.

Control – Control is one of the first tests. Saul spent most of his time as king trying to prevent others from getting what he had. Saul never got to the place with God in which he was a grateful recipient of God’s goodness to him. Saul was a religious controller. This control led to disobedience and ultimately being rejected by God because Saul no longer was a vessel God could use.

Bitterness – Every major character in the Bible was hurt by another person at one time or another. Jesus was hurt deeply when Judas, a trusted follower, betrayed Him. Despite knowing this was going to happen, Jesus responded by washing Judas’ feet. Every anointed leader will have a Judas experience at one time or another. God watches us to see how we will respond to this test. Will we take up an offense? Will we retaliate? It is one of the most difficult tests to pass.

Power – Power is the opposite of servanthood. Jesus had all authority in Heaven and earth, so satan tempted Jesus at the top of the mountain to use His power to remove Himself from a difficult circumstance. How will we use the power and influence God has entrusted to us? Do we seek to gain more power? There is a common phrase in the investment community, “He who has the gold rules.” Jesus modeled the opposite. He was the ultimate servant leader.

Greed – This is a difficult one. Money has the ability to have great influence for either good or bad. When it is a focus in our life, it becomes a tool of destruction. When it is a by-product, it can become a great blessing. Many leaders started out well – only to be derailed once prosperity became a part of their life. There are thousands who can blossom spiritually in adversity; only a few can thrive spiritually under prosperity.

As leaders, we must be aware when we are being tested. You can be confident that each one of these tests will be thrown your way if God calls you for His purposes. Will you pass these tests? Ask for God’s grace today to walk through these tests victoriously.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

While being interviewed, a popular correspondent was asked about her children and the appearance of a softer side since becoming a parent.  The interviewer asked what changed.  The correspondent answered, she thought that she would never have a family. Many years prior,  she experienced a tragedy and thought having a family was impossible for her.  Then she said, never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes to reach them.

Although you may have heard these words before, let it serve as confirmation that God is still writing your story.  Delay is not denial. Rest assured,  the plan for your life will come to pass.  Kept striving to reach your dreams.  Everyone’s story is different, do not compare your life to others because they will never look the same.  Also, from her tragedy, she was forever changed.  When God changes your life, nothing is the same.  People, places, and things will change.  In order to get to the place He’s taking you, you must also emerge a new creature.  You have to trust that no matter what it looks like, God is still in control!

Philippians 1:6…Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

My community is gated and requires a security card to enter.  When I forget my gate card, I have to enter through the visitors lane and provide my ID, where I am going, and who I am visiting.  This is annoying but I appreciate the security it provides.  9 times out of 10 when I pulled up to the security guard and informed them that I live in the community, they would open the gate with no information and sometimes they did not look at my ID.  This was very upsetting because they do not know me and they did not follow the necessary procedures to ensure our safety.  I believe that the guards behaved this way because they did not want to upset me as a resident.

Situations like this occur in life daily.  People go against what they know is right to avoid upsetting others or “rub them the wrong way”.  Most times, we have clear directions as to what, how, and who we should carrying out assignments.  We are disobedient because we care about what others think.  We are to serve God, not man and EVERYTHING He does is for our good.  When you follow the instructions(procedures) that God has assigned, you will upset others BUT, God has laid out procedures to ensure your safety.

P.S.  Now when I forget my card, I let them ask me their standard questions instead of starting by telling them I live here.  When they get to the question who is  the resident, I tell them my name 🙂 …it makes me feel better about the situation! Why should I set them up to upset me?  *Let it marinate 🙂 *

Tonight after Florida State won the BCS Championship, Jameis said he had to remember he has a team for a reason.  He went out in the first half trying to destroy the opponent himself, forgetting he did not have to fight this battle alone.

In life, God assigns us all the people and resources necessary to reach our destinies.  It is up to us to allow the people placed in our paths to fulfill their purpose.  Often times we cut off our blessing because we do not make our needs known.  God has already put someone in place to meet our needs but we try to do everything on our own.  Independence is a necessary trait but you must not let your independence hinder your dependence on God.

I am so thankful for my family and friends who stand in the gap for me.  My son is best, not because he’s perfect but because he is my biggest supporter and cheerleader.  He thinks I’m pretty awesome and randomly likes to tell me that he loves me.  As a parent you can only hope your children are proud of what you do and who you become.  My family and friends encourage me every step and always pray for me.  No matter what my profession is or how many times I stumble, they are there.  I am covered, God assembled the perfect group of imperfect people who I needed.

Always remember, you are not alone, you have a team for a reason.  Am I my brother’s keeper?

Chorus for today: “When he’s pushed to the edge, when he’s out on a ledge, can I help him to think with his heart.  When he’s wrong,  when he’s right, I’ll be there to remind him, that he’s made in the image of God.  When he’s struggles with troubles, he needs to know that his mistakes don’t define his life.  I’m a living example that there is a chance for redemption on the other side.
Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes I am!~IA

For well over a year I have stated numerous times, “this is not my life”.  Sometimes I have called it the twilight zone and in other times,  I have  waited for Ashton to tell me I have been punked.  BUT, what I’ve come to realize in my quiet time is that, this IS my life.

Often times it takes us longer to accept our positions than it does for others.  We hold on to little things that we feel make us who we are.  This can be relationships(any kind), habits, material possessions, or location.  The great thing is, when God decides to shift your life, you cannot predict what He will do.  I am constantly amazed and awed by what God chose to do in my life.  

As we grow and mature sometimes we experience separation from people, places, and things that are  familiar to us.  Embrace the place God has you in, He isn’t taking anything away from you that is attached to your destiny.  Those who are supposed transition with you will do so and those whose season has passed, they will fade away.

I’m in round four of a six round match.  My opponent is still an unknown but I have learned that I must accept the place that I’m in and acknowledge that the fight has already been fixed.  I know that God’s word will not return void.  There is no doubt that I am exactly where I need to be.  I had to accept the fact that, this is not a season of lack but of replenishment no matter what “they” say or how “it” may appear.  So as I start this round, I will now chant, THIS IS MY LIFE!!!

Chorus for today:  “Sight beyond what I see, you know what’s best for me.  Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes, I’m gone’ be ready…” ~YA

During an interview, a musician stated that he has already died and is now living his second life.

Often times we take for granted that tomorrow isn’t promised.  We don’t see the figurative bullets we’ve dodged or train-wrecks that have been diverted.  This particular person actually experienced a near death accident but for some, it’s the moment that you realized you wanted to give your life to God.  You were doing any and everything you wanted to do because you thought you were in control. But, there is a feeling so refreshing and satisfying  when we finally decide to accept that God is the beginning and the end of our lives.  This awakening will be met with hardship, pain, and obstacles.   You will see new enemies and less friends.  Just remember, the end goal is not to be perfect but to live your life with purpose.  There should be a boldness about you because you are now standing firm on the word of God.  The point he made was,  he is not even supposed to be here so he’s living his best life now.  To me that speaks volumes regarding what we as Christians are supposed to do.  When you gave your life to God, you made the choice to change and live your best life now.

So…what are you doing with your second chance to get it right?

Chorus for today:  So use me as you will, I’ll pay the price, ’cause made the ultimate sacrifice.  It’s all because of you, that I even have life and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great you are…Sight beyond what I see, you know what’s best for me.  Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes, I’m gone’ be ready~YA