THE COLD HARD TRUTH…WITH A WARM FUZZY ENDING

Okay readers, the truth is this…after many, many, many years of study, I have come to the conclusion that in order to be great, or have a life of significance, you must be willing to loose all that you have. Excuse me, let me rephrase that, you stand to loose all that you have, we assume that you are willing, other wise it wouldn’t be happening. A life of greatness and significance is really only found in the one who is Great, and that is God. So in order to be like Him, you must be significantly connected to Him. And by the way, the best relationships by far, are relationships that are based on TRUST. So here is the catch, God flips everything backwards in your life so that you loose control and you have to find another source of dependence. He does things like making the first last; the poor rich; the weak strong and the blind are actually the ones who can see, etc. All the natural and logical scenarios of life all of sudden don’t make sense. He creates a journey marked by things that don’t go your way so that we can release the control, and truly, and I mean truly begin to depend on Him. In essence it is what the Bible says, “He who tries to save his life will loose it, and he who loses his life for the gospel’s sake, the same shall be saved.” Usually when God begins these incredible turnarounds, you go kicking and screaming. And you try desperately to keep things from changing. But all you do is prolong the process and actually set your course to destruction. Because remember, if you try to save your life, you actually lose it. This deeper life is marked by frustration, uneasiness, yearning for purpose, a low tolerance for meaningless activities, (sounds like mid-life crisis huh? Yep)! Anyway, you start desiring changes in every area of your life. Things that seemed important before all of a sudden don’t matter. People you used to fight with, no longer get your attention. But be prepared, you are headed for a painful arena. If you lived life loving anything or anyone at all, this transformation will be painful. This is why you feel God is unfair, because you think you have lived life caring and doing for others, which you may have, but your trust has been in your ability to do that. God wants your trust in Him. So, it’s usually the good people, who end up losing it all, and your neighbors and friends say God was never with you, or God has left you, or you’ve turned to a life of sin, etc. Just read the book of Job, He’ll explain it. Nonetheless, my friend the Cold Hard Turth is that, if you want to live influentially and significantly, you stand to lose it all. Material things, confidence, friends, family, career, self-esteem, anything that has been of value to you, He is going after. Now it doesn’t mean that you will lose them forever. Some things will return, some things will be replaced, but always, it will be better than before.

The Warm Fuzzy Ending is this…You wake up in the morning dependant on Him, you don’t eat your food without thanking Him for it, you are grateful for a nice day outside, you pray often for those who are really less fortunate, you look for Him during the day, you hesitate to speak if you haven’t heard Him tell you what to say, when He enters the room, you get goose bumps and you know inside that He’s close. These are just to name a few. I could go on all day. You see, I’m one of those who fought with Him, and wrestled, and lied and denied, and played the role, acting and looking better on the outside than I really was on the inside. But after the pain, and after the rain, it is the most remarkable relationship I have ever experienced. I’m not out of the woods yet, but I think I finally understand what it’s about. I have a relationship with God. Can you imagine that? Most people don’t understand it, because most people haven’t experienced it. They have experienced religion, but they haven’t experienced the deepened relationship. So don’t try to explain it, just let them observe your life until they desire such a life for themselves. And guess what, like the Rich Young Ruler, many will not want to change. They will conclude that the life they have is too much to part with. So don’t try to change them, leave that hard job up to God. After all He changed you didn’t He (smile)! Well, until another day, my friends, if you really want to matter in life and leave His legacy, then you have to accept the Cold Hard Truth, but you will ultimately experience His Warm Fuzzy Ending. It’s worth it, if you can go through it! God Bless!

Cherry

Open Windows…

Open windows left at bay. Pouring out or letting in? No reason at all, just open. I suppose it depends on the viewer as to the purpose of the open window. Exit or entry is the question. But who wants to leave and who wants to arrive? Again only the viewer can best answer this question. Check your surroundings, is it raining? Should the window be open because there is smoke inside? Is it a sunny day and fresh air is doing the inside good? Or is it hot and humid and the air is full of pollen? Again I suppose it depends on the viewer. Viewers don’t always explicate their reasons, they act, assuming that those around understand, when in actuality, no-one really knows what you are thinking; unless they have similar thoughts based on the general summations of the surroundings. Why can’t things just be simpler? We constantly have to think of others, being mindful of what they think, how they feel, how my actions will affect them, etc. Trust me, it’s all for a reason; again, a reason that affects the viewer the most.

If you were to pass an open window today, what would it mean? Would you as the viewer interpret it as a way to get in, or a way for something to get to you? Something like the smell of peach cobbler being slowly baked, or good old fashioned fried chicken. Each viewer has their own perspective, I’ll choose mine, and you choose yours. But in all things giving thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you.

I suppose open windows have saved lives. Families escaping from fire owe their lives to an open window. Perhaps carefully analyzing your window today could lead to a better understanding of why you are passing this way. Have a nice “VIEW!”

Peace…

YES

In my prayer and worship time this morning, I heard the Lord whisper YES. Yes, to the things that were right for His people. Yes, to things that we have been praying for, that were according to His will. Yes to a place of freedom and serenity. Yes, to love and Yes, to healing. I can’t tell you how many need a YES from God today. Not for foolish things, but for places and spaces in our hearts that we have been yearning for, for months, years, decades. I heard God say YES. I don’t know what this means for each one who reads this, but you know. I certainly know what it means for me, but honestly when I heard Him say it, it wasn’t so much for me, as it was for those who I was in prayer. You see, for me, we I enter worship, I never really worship alone. I always take those I am responsible for into worship with me. Those for whom I am responsible to cover, they worship every time I worship. And during that time, God uses me to reach thousands. One of my gifts in worship is to be able to go in and call out those in need, who might not otherwise seek Him. In essence, I worship for those who may not worship on their own, not just that day, but probably not for the whole year. God shared with me, that each time I worshipped Him, this was an opportunity for Him to reach others. So I praise and worship not always for myself, but for thousands.

This morning I shared with Him, that I know that He doesn’t need Him, but I worship because I need Him. He has Angels in heaven to worship Him all day. He doesn’t need us. In fact if we all stopped worshipping Him, the rocks, or all of creation would begin to utter His praise. He doesn’t need us, we need Him. Lastly, as I worshipped I got the sense that worship is an OPPORTUNITY for us to experience Him and thereby grow and become more like Him. He said to me, ‘All day yesterday, I gave opportunities to people to worship me, and do you know that people didn’t even lift their hands when asked, they didn’t even open their mouths to utter my praise?’ But His point was, I believe, that He didn’t need the praise, we did. And for those of us who had the opportunity to go to church and worship, but chose not to; or those of us who did go to church and still didn’t worship Him, we missed an OPPORTUNITY. That was God’s way of saying, if you come to worship me, I will show up. God doesn’t need a worship leader to reach a hungry heart. The Psalmist said, “As the deer panteth for the water brooks, so my soul longeth after thee.” And in all this my friend, I still heard the Lord say YES. He is patient, He is love. Worship Him somewhere, somehow, today. You don’t have to be in a church, just close your eyes and search your heart. Find Him and tell Him, you’re there to worship Him, and He’ll do the rest. Let me know if you hear His whisper, “YES”. Blessings my beloved, blessings!

Worshipper

GIVE PEOPLE THEIR SPACE PART II
(I’m giving you your space, so I can work on my space.)

As I was saying…

Giving people their space allows them to deal with themselves. Haven’t you ever noticed that argumentative people thrive off of arguing? It’s as if they need a fight to continue in their dysfunction. And that’s exactly what it is, an improper way of functioning. To argue with you continually means that we don’t have to work on the solution. We just keep fighting about the problem. This is what I believe was at the essence of Martin Luther King’s non-violent movement. To fight with another race, would only slow our progress. But to love our enemies, forces them to search within and discover their own insecurities. I don’t need to call anyone a racist. That fact that they are racist is self- indicting.

Here’s another twist… Most people deceptively believe that they are masters of their space. Yet they continue, out of desperation and need, to enlist others from outside of their space. Usually, the people outside enter reluctantly. These are people who become your saboteurs. They become your Judas or the next person who will hurt you. But remember, you invited this person in. Out of your own desperation and lack of patience, you invited your pain. Or, even if they pushed their way in, you still let them in your space. You are responsible for your space. My son is very active, and sometimes while playing outside, he would injure himself. I would often say to him, regardless as to whether mommy or daddy is around, you are responsible for you. Now ultimately as the parent I exercise proper parental guidance, but if you have any children at all, you too are aware that parents cannot always protect their children from bumping their heads on the table, or getting into something they shouldn’t have. My goal for my son was to teach him what I am trying to convey to you, that we all must learn to be aware of our surroundings and to be careful, because ultimately we are responsible for our actions.

Ultimately, let your space be the space that you create. Your space doesn’t need anyone else, unless the person willingly joins your space. There must be mutual agreement for two people to occupy the same space. (REPEAT THAT TO YOURSELF!) You don’t force people or give ultimatums, regarding people entering or staying in your space. It is their choice. This is why in relationships; one can never hold anyone beyond his or her desire to stay. When they are ready to leave, they will leave. We must learn how to create a space that allows others their space. And if destiny so orders, we can learn to join our spaces, for a period of time, or forever. But, for whatever time, it will be mutual. Decree today, that you are going to GIVE PEOPLE THEIR SPACE, so that you can work on your space. Instead of spending so much time on “My Space”, the computer space, spend a little time in your inner space, and learn how to give people theirs. Over time you will see the freedom it brings to yourself and how it enables you to love others without expectations or demands. People will begin to love you correctly, not abusively, simply because you have allowed them to, not ordered them to. Well gotta go. Tell me if you want more. I have lots of this… PEACE!

GIVE PEOPLE THEIR SPACE

Yesterday, I had a conference call with about 30 people from all over the United States. We had East Coast, West Coast, way up North and way down South. But what was interesting was how each spoke so confidently about their home state. In addition to our diversity of locales, there was diversity of personalities. The call was only to last for about 30 minutes. So here are some notes I jotted down this morning about yesterday’s call.

First of all, people are territorial. Their lives involve a place that they have existed in, long before they even met you. They will protect and defend that space at all cost. Regardless as to whether that space is good for them or not, that’s their space. People get used to dysfunction, just as people get used to the nicer lifestyles as well. One lady was speaking about living in Houston where it was a wet and muggy 102 degrees. But her enthusiasm about such misery was shocking. She replied, that she wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world. She was used to the heat now. But for those of us who have lived in better climates, we were thinking, YUCK, I’d never live there. But that was her space, and regardless of how we felt about it, we had to give "Houston" that space. At that moment, nothing we said or did would change her mind.

The second thing I noticed was that, even with all this diversity, the agenda had been set by the conference leader. To leave the thirty minutes open to the ideas and thoughts of 30 people from all over the United States would have lengthened the phone call to an unimaginable amount of time. My point is that you don’t change people in short periods of time. Short relationships should never really have the goal of changing another. Short relationships are for agendas that are already set. And once that agenda is complete, then hang up the phone, or rather, end the relationship or start a new contract. People often hope for long term relationships to work while entering them on short-term basis. In fact the conference leader had to at one point reply by saying for those who have specific questions, stay on the line after everyone hangs up or e-mail me. In other words, we can’t accomplish what you want specifically while everyone else is participating for a whole other agenda.

In a nutshell, we must give people their space. Don’t try to control others. Let them be who they are. If they want to change they will, but not because you forced them, but perhaps because you gave them an example to change toward. As a Christian, I don’t think people need to be told to change in a forceful or threatening way. Just live the Love of Christ in front of them, so that they can see your example and want to change for themselves. Well my friends, this is a blog, not a book (smile). If you want to hear more about this let me know, and I’ll pick it up tomorrow, If not, I’ll write about something else. Until next time, GIVE PEOPLE THEIR SPACE!

PEACE!

The Power of The New

Something new often scares us because we like the familiar. Sometimes the familiar can be our worst enemy.

Newness! Do not fear it, but rather, as one of my friends would say, ‘brace’ it (ebonics for embrace it)… Here is why I believe we are to really begin to consider the new things to which we are introduced. The Bible says in Romans 6:4 that we should walk in the “newness of life”. Romans 7:6 says that we are dead to the law so that we can be married to another, Christ. We need to embrace The New so we can bring forth new fruit. The purpose of The New is to produce new fruit. If you’re a parent, you know that you can’t birth your son or daughter again. (Some of you wouldn’t want to anyway, smile). The point is that if you want another child, you have to have a new one. If the old, in your life keeps producing the same old things, you should be in the market for The New. God has commissioned us in His Word to walk in The New; The New is where life is.

But here’s the catch, you can’t get in The New if you are stuck on the old. This was Israel’s problem; they were so obsessed with the old, that when The New (Christ) came to earth, they didn’t even recognize Him. He was right before their eyes. What’s new in your life that you can’t even recognize because you’re fighting for things to stay the same old way? Be careful, that you don’t miss out on God’s way of deliverance and blessing because you can’t recognize The New. I say that there is power in The New. What is The New ultimately? The New is Christ. Christ is The New. Gal. 5:17 says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” The system or cycle of God is to pass old things away, and we are to live life, continually grasping forward to that which is new. The reason God never gets old or passes away, is because He is perfect, He is infinite, He has no deterioration, He will not and cannot depreciate, He can not be enhanced, He is new and old at the same time, yet always holding equal value within himself. WOW! God is simply trying to teach us to stay young (in a sense) by not letting the old things of our lives define us, but regain new life, by embrace new things. It is wonderful to be loyal to something or someone for years, but if God introduces you to a new company, or order, or friendship, then at least let it be worth checking out. That promotion might be for you. Sure you’ve never done it before, but hey, Jesus had never gone to the cross before. But look at how many got saved because He embraced the new. I gotta’ go now friends, but The New is out there. “BRACE” it, don’t fear it. One Love!

Peace

God’s grace truly is amazing (A Message for Men)

Last night I gave a testimony at a revival. My point was to encourage all men who are heads of households. Difficulties and trials will come to test and strengthen us men. God is always building us. So much so, it seems at times He is picking on us. Well, He is sort of. He has HIGH expectations for His men. Men are the image of Him. And when we give our lives to Him, He then is committed to building us into the strongest and best man we could ever become. Every man who has or had a good father should want to be like his dad. God is a good Father, and every man who believes in Him ought to want to be like Him. It’s just that plain and simple. God is ebbing you forward toward manhood. I know you think you are all that already, but you still have room to grow. All of us fall short of the glory God really has for us. Don’t let the trials, like bills, small arguments with you spouse, discontentment with your job, not having what you want, etc., keep you from focusing on what’s important. Say to yourself, whatever I’m going through, God has allowed it and it is for my good. God never does anything to destroy you. I will say that again, GOD WILL NEVER DO OR ALLOW ANYTHING TO DESTROY YOU. If it is in your life, God knows about it, and plans to use it for His glory. Hang in there man of God. Hold your head up. If He called you to lead, then He will provide what you need. Trust Him today. Don’t get frustrated over what you can’t control. I know we like to have things figured out. But why not let God worry about it for a change. Take a break from handling it all. Trick your wife into believing that you have it all under control, but just keep dumping it on Jesus. You’ll be amazed at how much energy you have left to love your family and kids, friends co-workers, etc. Just wanted to drop that message on all the believing brothers today. And if you don’t believe, wheeeeew, I don’t know how you live with all that pressure to measure up to society’s idea of a man. You need to connect with Jesus. It’s as simple as saying, Dear God; I believe that Jesus can save me from this sinful life of man. I believe that He is God enough to do it. You sent Him to get me, so here I am, come into my heart today and save me. ------That one little repetition, can not only keep you from going to hell, but can be the first step to having meaning in your life, releasing baggage in your life, and serving a God who absolutely promises to ALWAYS be on your side. I don’t know about you, but I’m one bad brother with God always on my side. Anyway, I got to run. Peace to you all. Take a stand my brothas, take a stand, you can do it. I am, and We’re winning.

God’s Love Is Fair...

I’m not sure who you are out there feeling unloved and forgotten. It may even seem like God isn’t looking your way. I’m writing to let you know that there are times when God feels or appears to be so far away. But remember, distance doesn’t change a fact. Distance may alter a feeling, but never a reality. That fact is that God will always and continually does love you. Whether He seems close or far away, this reality and truth never changes. It could be that He loves you so much He is giving you room to grow. Every child who is coming of age needs room to fail and make blunders. Parents purposefully stand by (ready at any moment to intervene) to see how their children handle new situations. New situations call for new responses. God cannot respond the same way He did for you before, you’re in a new and different situation. And based on how you handle the situation, He as any parent would, determines whether or not to treat you with greater maturity and responsibility or to keep you in a childhood stage. When God does things for you the same way all the time, you are not growing. God giving you space is an act of love my friend, not abandonment.

Likewise, sometimes you have no control over where (as in location); people are in your life. But that doesn’t change the fact that you love them. Love is not a feeling. It is both a noun and a verb. It is an object, a state of being, an essence; it cannot be turned on or turned off, it always exists. Love also serves as an action, a way of demonstrating itself to others. God had so much love (noun) for us, that he gave (verb) his only son for us. Romans 5:8 states, “…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (NLT).” What I’m trying to say my friend is that God not only loves you, but He will demonstrate it to you as well.

Let me leave you with this small demonstration of God’s love. The other day I needed to find the extra keys I had for my car. The same day I was cleaning out my trunk, I removed a jacket that had remained in my car for months. When I was hanging it up, I checked the pockets, and there were my extra keys. I never would have looked in the trunk, in my coat pocket. This small act of love, I felt was God’s way of demonstrating that His ever so personal love for me. God’s love is fair. Don’t you give up on His love! It is the real deal Holyfield. You may have been hurt by other’s love, but God’s love is fair and it never fails. Be encouraged today, he sent me to answer your question you asked in Him in prayer. Yes, He does still love you. Regardless of where you are.

Peace & God Bless!

Fear, you can overcome it!

Fear! A powerful word, yet it can be defeated. Fear stymies, it halts, confuses and oppresses. Why are so many overcome by that which can be overcome? Because we have not been taught the power of Trust. Trust is the foundation of love. Far too many of us are truly uneducated when it comes to understanding and applying real substantive love. True and enduring love always has a foundation and premise of trust. It is because I trust you that I give myself fully to you. It is because I trust you that I make the sacrifices I make with you.

Trust takes fear away. You literally can strip fear of its power when you decide to trust. For example, you prepare to sit in a chair but you’re afraid to sit in it because the leg is wobbly. But then the maintenance technician comes in and tightens the screw. Now you’re willing to sit down WITHOUT fear, because the tech tightened the screw. You now trust that it is safe. My point is, to get rid of any fear; you must replace it with a trust in something that can satisfy that present concern. And who can better satisfy most of your concerns and fears? God! His word encourages us to cast all of our cares upon Him, because He cares for us. Put your trust in God and your fears will subside. Easier said than done my friend. I suggest you take one fear at a time and try to overcome them progressively.

Hundreds, even thousands of believers will miss out on God’s purpose and plan for their lives because fear has talked them into not moving forward. Trust is a risk, but not when placed in God. He never fails. He will never destroy you. He wants only to see your good. And most of all He loved you first.

How can you say you love God, but do not trust Him? How can you say you love God and remain in fear? You’re afraid to take the job – TRUST GOD! You’re afraid to marry – TRUST GOD! You’re afraid to go to the doctor – TRUST GOD! You’re afraid you’ll lose your friends if you start living the way God wants you too – TRUST GOD! You’re afraid to let it go – TRUST GOD! You’re afraid of what will happen in court – TRUST GOD! Well, my friends, believe it or not, I have feared all of those things, but I TRUSTED GOD! And I can honestly agree with Hebrews 13:6 and Psalms 27:1 “…The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid.” I implore you to not let FEAR get the best of you today. If you have prayed about it, and have received God’s commission for it, then just do it. Defeat fear with FAITH. You have the power, because you have His word.

Much fear, no faith! Much faith, no fear! We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!

Peace!

What Does Worship Mean To You?

To me it means to...

Welcome Him into your life today. Make Him the first person with whom you communicate.

Offer your service to Him. Remind Him that you exist for His purpose not yours.

Remember what He has already done on your behalf. Remember how faithful He has already been to you.

Sing before Him the nearest melody you can. Grant Him the pleasure of your personal tune. Sing whatever is in the depths of your soul. He likes originals.

Hear His voice as He whispers direction for your life today. Know that God likes to speak also. Always take a moment to hear His voice; He never steers you wrong.

Invite others into your worship that you think may not be worshipping on their own. Worship for your mate, your children, your family, etc. You’ll be amazed at how God delights in personal worship that becomes corporate. It is an act of unselfishness and compassion.

Present yourself a living sacrifice before His throne. Literally lay out before Him and say here I am Lord to be slain, so that your life can be manifest in me. We all need an altar to be sacrificed upon. We still have too much of ourselves at work. Until God can get you to let go and let God, worship will still very much be about you. Worship MUST be all about HIM!

What does worship mean to you? Post your comment…

Peace

Today’s challenge is COOPERATION…

What does it mean to cooperate? (Co-Operate)…It simply means to work with another, to operate with someone else toward a mutual end. The key words are work/operate. These are action words. In order to cooperate, you must exert some effort. Sometimes we think cooperating is simply agreeing to let the other party do the work. Agreement is just the first step, but that is not cooperation. To cooperate means you participate. And you participate in order to procreate. It is very difficult to work or participate with another toward something you don’t agree with. The goal of cooperation is to reach a mutually intended result. Anytime you intentionally exert energy or effort, you have a point or goal to accomplish. Your energy should always be used toward bringing something forth, producing, etc. No one should ever really exert effort toward nothingness. When God moves, He moves with intention. God is never doing something or allowing something in your life without a plan to produce that goes with it. But remember, results require the cooperation of at least two. God wants your COOPERATION. This is why God said it is not good for Adam to be alone, so He created Eve. He needed two to procreate. Fruitful businesses need cooperative staff. Fruitful seeds need cooperative soil. Fruitful relationships need cooperative partners.

Both marriages and relationships often fail, because there is not cooperation by both partners. Very often one-partner calls themselves cooperating by allowing the other to take control of the relationship, but very little is ever usually accomplished. You stay together, you go through the motions, but really over the past 5 years what have you accomplished together. I didn’t ask what did you as an individual accomplish, but what did you as a couple accomplish. Go ahead, say it with me, NOTHING, or very little. My point is that if you want positive productivity in your life, you have to find a partner, a company, a church, a friend, etc., to join energy with so you can reach your mutually intended results in life. I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more selfish I am about my time. It literally begins to irritate me when I find myself working toward something that is going to bring no result. Many of you probably right now are working down a dead end street and you know there is nothing for you at the end of the alley. But you keep working because no one is around to guide you to a more fruitful place or partnership.

Well my friend that’s why I’m here! To help you with today’s challenge, take a few moments to read the very short book of Haggai. Haggai tells a story of God’s people working for themselves instead of COOPERATING with God. God told them because they were very busy building their own houses and lives; He was going to cause their blessings to dwindle away. Have you ever felt like you work more and more, but keep less and less? It’s probably because you’re partnered with someone or something that you can’t find cooperation. Or, more bluntly put, you may not be cooperating with God. I challenge you today, to choose to partner your energy toward a mutual result. Only agree to work toward what you agree is profitable not just for you, but for all those involved. Have a blessed day my friend as you struggle, as many of us are, with COOPERATION!

Leave me your comment anonymously and let me know if you’d like for me to pray for you regarding today’s blog challenge, “cooperation”.

Peace!

BLANK PAGE…

As I prepared to blog today, I thought and thought and nothing significant captured my spirit. Then I thought, well if you don’t have anything to say, then don’t put up a blog for today. Then I said, but I do have something to say. So, what I have to say is, “Today, I don’t have much to say!” Maybe just saying that is enough for someone today. Sometimes it’s okay to say, I haven’t much to say. Oftentimes, this is when God speaks to us, when we aren’t speaking to others.

Perhaps today’s challenge for us all, is to just LISTEN!

Peace!