When God Speaks: In Spite Of You

When God Speaks:“In Spite of You”
February 19, 2009

"Therefore, tell Israel, 'Message of God, the Master: I'm not doing this for you, Israel. I'm doing it for me, to save my character, my holy name, which you've blackened in every country where you've gone. I'm going to put my great and holy name on display, the name that has been ruined in so many countries, the name that you blackened wherever you went. Then the nations will realize who I really am, that I am God, when I show my holiness through you so that they can see it with their own eyes. "'For here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I'll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. You'll once again live in the land I gave your ancestors. You'll be my people! I'll be your God!” –Ezekiel 36: 22-28

I have a great respect for Ezekiel; I really do. He had to deliver God’s word to a people who were trippin’. Israel, the chosen ones, had lost their minds! They did what they wanted to do, lived how they wanted to live, said what they wanted to say and thought how they wanted to think. Israel became the brunt of harsh jokes and the target of attacks. And all the while people were saying “Wait…aren’t those the Israelites? Those are God’s people acting like that? You’ve got to be kidding me!” Then God got fed up; He became tired of His name being trampled. He had enough of people believing that serving Him meant living any way they pleased. So what did He do? He chose to restore Israel- not for their benefit. He restored Israel for HIS glory so that those who believed Israel’s way of life was synonymous with that of the way of the Lord would know otherwise. How blessed are we when God uses us despite of who we are and what we’ve done?

There are some benefits of being used by God for His glory. The Israelites got their land restored, their things back, a new heart and spirit that would yield to the Master’s work. We get some things, as well. Of course we get those tangible blessings that people can see: we get a house; we could a car; we get a job; we get stable relationships; we get those things that are evidence of God’s work in our lives. But we also get those things that manifest inwardly. When God uses us, He places within us a desire to live solely for Him. We read His word more. We talk to Him more. We listen to Him more. We recognize the need to mold our lives in a way that people can say “Wow! They belong to God and you can tell it, too!”

Sunday, I spent the evening with my extended family. It’s a group of 15 of us and several of us hung out at Sherrod and Lisa’s house. June 30 will make two years they’ve been married. They are one of the best representations of allowing God to use you and honoring His use. They have a beautiful home, blessings abound and they are about to embark on a new chapter of God’s purpose for their family. But Sherrod and Lisa also have the favor and grace of God. If you ask them their secret, they’ll tell you it is simply: God. They are not perfect; none of us are. But The Lord uses them to show that a righteous life is the only one to live. He can use us all- if He chooses. And aren’t you glad He does?

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: From Gs To Gents- A Love Story (Lamentations)

When God Speaks:“From Gs to Gents: A Love Story”
February 13, 2009

I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.I remember it all—oh, how well I remember- the feeling of hitting the bottom.But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. –Lamentations 3: 19-24

There’s a show that comes on MTV called “From Gs to Gents”. The premise of this show is to take men who’ve not necessarily portrayed the most positive images (gangsters or Gs) and transform them into educated, cultured and refined gentlemen. The transformation, over the 12 or so weeks of the show, is sometimes difficult to watch. To see grown men emerging from their insecurities to become the best they can be takes a toll, not only on them but, the supporter as well. Most of my friends, well the female faction, don’t like this show. A few of them asked me “Are these real Gs on the show? I don’t want to watch any fake ones.” My response remained the same: “I’m not so concerned with whether they were real gangsters before as I am excited about the gentlemen they will become.” Yea and Amen.

I’ve written several pieces solely dedicated to encouraging African-American men. But more than any other time they’ve been heavily on my heart this week. Maybe it’s because it’s Valentine’s Day Season and society would lead them to believe if they can’t afford a Harry Winston diamond, they’re worthless. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen the strongest of men become weakened by constant attacks on their integrity and character assassination attempts. Maybe it’s because I’ve witnessed brothers try and try and try and try (and try and try and try) but are knocked down and expected to get back up with the wind still out of them. And who are they called to love? Us. Women who would rather watch episodes of “The Flavor of Love”, “Real Chance at Love” (and any other ignorant dating show) that exhorts a woman’s behind over her inner beauty than a show where African-American men are trying to equip themselves with the tools necessary to better take care of them and us. That’s a lot of pressure. Too much pressure. So Kings, if you don’t hear it today or tomorrow, let me be the first to say:

Your efforts don’t go unnoticed.You are where you are supposed to be.Hard work is rewarded.You are loved beyond measure.Even if you have nothing, you have God’s love.That is MORE than enough!

Here’s my Valentine’s Day gift to you; enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tho49trb4iE

I heard Tyler Perry (read up on his life story when you get a chance…powerful) say this week that Jesus didn’t always have a place to sleep but He always had a place to pray. I know that’s right! You may not have the money tomorrow. You may not be able to make those big plans come to fruition. You may not be able to see your way right now. But you’re always one “In Jesus’ name, Amen” away from the beauty and greatness in life.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Gentlemen.

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: Growing Wild- A Tale of Two Gardeners (Jeremiah)

When God Speaks:“Growing Wild- A Tale of Two Gardeners”
February 4, 2008

Go down the rows of vineyards and rip out the vines, but not all of them. Leave a few. Prune back those vines! That growth didn't come from God! – Jeremiah 5: 10

Today, I began three days of prayer and fasting. A dear sister in ministry sent out this invitation that was extended by her brother, who lives in South Africa. In agreement with the Spirit in Shellie and her brother (because it’s the same one in me), I prayed and submitted to this “spiritual detox”. It was, to say the least, quite timely. I’d just had several conversations with people about the questions we needed answers to and most, if not all, of them can only come through the discipline and clarity of a fast. While I was excited for anyone who participated in this, I sent a few personal requests to those people that I knew were trying to understand the “whys and hows”- just like me. Some accepted the call; some did not. But we forged together anyway, linking with people across this world- people we will never see- desperately seeking the face of God.

And then today came. And boy, did it come! One of the requirements of this time was to get a journal, write your questions in black or blue ink and God’s responses in red. Throughout today, I’ve appreciated seeing more red than black because that means I’m listening. I am hearing what He’s saying to me. This evening was our time to spend in the book of Jeremiah. Sending encouraging text messages all day to each other, I sent my fellow fasters the hilarious truth: God is slick going OFF on me through Jeremiah! Now to be fair, God showed me some beautiful things about my destiny and preparation through this book, but He also showed me that compromise in ANY area of my life is no longer an option. As I continued to read and listen, He spoke frankly: Candice, everything you’re saying came from me really didn’t.

Yea, I know. Deep, huh? What God showed me was that for a very long time I’d gone around doing what I felt because I believed that was a part of my liberty, under the auspices of “only living one life” and having “no regrets”. I called because I wanted to. I texted because it was my phone. I knocked on the door because it was my life. It didn’t matter that twenty minutes after I called, I was wondering why I did it. The fact that I would have immediate regret after hitting “send” was of no consequence. And honestly who really cared that a day after knocking on the door, I was laying on the altar crying? I’d become a woman and women acknowledge and exercise their emotions, right? Wrong. There is a difference between submitting to the Spirit and catering to the flesh. Through God’s chastisement of Israel, I understood that, if not nurtured properly, something good can become bad. Milk will spoil if you don’t refrigerate it. Israel was God’s chosen and He loved them. In Him, they grew and prospered. But they also left Him and matured in ways that were not of Him. Just because you’re growing doesn’t mean you’re growing correctly. Take time to assess your soil. Are you getting enough sunlight? Do you get watered daily? It’s easy, very easy, to become cultivated by something that didn’t plant you. Stay on guard. That’s the only you can ensure that when you’re plucked, you’re put in a vase and not in the trash.

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: It Had To Die So You Could See Him (Isaiah)

When God Speaks:“It Had To Die So You Could See Him”
February 1, 2009

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.- Isaiah 6:1

In all the times that you’ve read or heard this passage, have you ever wondered who King Uzziah was? Honestly, I never did. I just marveled how Isaiah described God’s majesty. But tonight, as I was reading this passage, I asked for the very first time: “Who was King Uzziah?” My research took me to several concordances and research sites that I frequent to answer my questions and I learned some quite interesting facts about him. His story begins in II Chronicles when, at the age of 16, he became the king of Israel after his father was killed. Though he helped restore Israel to its former glory, Uzziah later got arrogant. He asserted himself higher than God in worship and disobeyed the laws He set forth. When the elders confronted him, Uzziah remained firm in his defiance. God afflicted Uzziah with leprosy as a consequence and he spent the rest of his life in seclusion; his son served as king in his absence. While Uzziah was “away”, he was still king and Israel was under the submission of a king who violated God’s command and refused to accept his responsibility. When he died, it was as if Israel was freed again. Isaiah saw God and His restoration when King Uzziah died. And it is the same with us. Some things have to lose life in order for us to see God and live for Him.

It was that relationship you thought would last forever that God ended. It was that job you knew was perfect that God sent the pink slip. It was your business that you believed was flourishing that God closed. It was your plans that you thought made sense that God showed to be senseless. It had to die. It had to cease. It had to end so that you could refocus on Him. Through it, He showed you that only in Him and through Him will true love come and last. Through it, He showed that He -not your boss- supplies all your needs. Through it, He showed that His purpose is more successful than your agenda. Through it, He showed that His plans for your life are the most bountiful. Some of us are crying and upset over what God took. Why? When we had it, we were dying in our salvation. Now that it’s gone, we’re killing our flesh. Which is more beneficial?

I’m understanding and appreciating death, in the spiritual and natural, more than I ever did before. The death is just as important as the life. When something dies, it has served its purpose. It can no longer grow and there are no more changes left to be made. The death has signaled the finality of it all. We cannot will a person back to life no more than we can a dead relationship, career, business or belief. When it is over, we are to look back on the memories and continue our growth and development, allowing the lessons learned from the life and death to make us better. Let go of the dead thing. The fact that you are still living is proof enough that God has more life and prosperity coming your way. Isaiah saw God after Uzziah died because he knew that the Lord was there. He acknowledged that God was using that opportunity to get Isaiah to see Him and oh, what a sight!! Recognize that despite the pain, frustration and disappointment- whatever it was had to come to an end so that God could fulfill His work - that beautiful, amazing, life changing, powerful work- in you!

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: A $40 Valentine's Day Teddy Bear That's Fireproof (Song of Solomon)

When God Speaks:
"A $40.00 Valentine's Day Teddy Bear That's Fireproof"
January 27, 2009

The Man: A lotus blossoming in a swamp of weeds- that's my dear friend among the girls in the village.
The Woman: As an apricot tree stands out in the forest, my lover stands above the young men in town. All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love. He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me! Oh! Give me something refreshing to eat—and quickly! Apricots, raisins—anything. I'm about to faint with love! His left hand cradles my head, and his right arm encircles my waist! Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer: Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you're ready. –Song of Solomon 2: 2-7

When I tell you I love Song of Solomon, I love Song of Solomon! Sure the entire book is symbolic of Christ's love for us. But it also proves that God loves romance, intimacy and (as my grandma Sarah would say) "good lovin" in the right context, which we all know to be marriage. But some of us aren't married yet. And everywhere we go, we're reminded of that. Is it me or did Walmart just go from reminding some of us that we had no one special for Christmas to throwing in our faces that there's no boo around to spoil us on Valentine's Day? It is beyond me why my favorite pastime decided to devote five aisles of premium retail space to one day. But then I saw it. It was a big light brown teddy bear with pink paws, a pink heart and I wanted it. And then I saw the price. $40.00! I continued my shopping but I came back to that bear twice. Leaving the store, I resolved that I was going to have that bear- eventually.

I'd waited months for today; the movie Fireproof was released on DVD. What I loved most was the tagline: Never leave your partner behind, especially in a fire. We are/were all looking for someone to love and someone to love us. It gives life meaning. But are we truly doing it the way we're supposed to? The father in Fireproof told his son that he couldn't love his wife because he was incapable of giving something he didn't have. Is that not powerful? How many people are in relationships trying to give what they are without? It will never work. You can't give love if you don't have it. You can't give happiness if you don't have it. Because some people are so desperate to be loved, they will accept anything. You can't be fireproof in a house built on flames.

That's why I love this passage. They were in love but built their foundation on something more lasting. Apparently, according to these divorce rates, people fall in and out of love. But did you notice how Mr. Right referred to his baby as his friend and sistergirl said her man stood above all the men in town? I was once told that love can't exist without friendship and respect. While I agree, I now understand that if I don't know who I am, I don't know what love truly is. If God has created me for greatness, why would I settle for mediocre? If I learned that peace is my inheritance, why would I adopt drama? That is not love. The movie ended with a song that spoke words so true: Love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for. Many of us have been scarred by relationships that were wrong for us. We tried to make them right. We tried to make them work. But they were not in God's ultimate plan for our lives. But let this not blind us to the beauty that is love. Our Father has created a feeling, an emotion, an action, a commitment so wondrous that He has allowed someone to be created that He speaks to solely for our benefit. If that isn't love, what is? I may not get that $40 teddy bear in a few weeks but today, I got something better. I received a greater appreciation for God and what I know He's going to bring me. And I love Him and him more for it. :-)

To every couple I know (married, engaged or dating-and you know God called you two together), I implore you not only to purchase this movie but also complete the Love Dare that compliments it. May you never be afraid of the Kingdom work that will be accomplished because of your union. Demons tremble because you walk boldly in this realm of your purpose. Continue to keep them afraid.

Love is not a place to come and go as we please.
It's a house we enter in and then commit to never leave.
So lock the door behind you and throw away the key.
Work it out together; let it bring us to our knees.
Love is a shelter in a raging storm.
Love is peace in the middle of a war.
And if we try to leave, may God send angels to guard the door.
No, love is not a fight but it's something worth fighting for.
-"Love Is Not A Fight", Warren Barfield

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: Why Time Can't Be Disrespected (Ecclesiastes)

When God Speaks:"Why Time Can't Be Disrespected"
January 26, 2009

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. –Ecclesiastes 3: 1
"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." -Albert Einstein

It has been 129 days since my first love's life was taken. In the days immediately following finding out he was gone, maneuvering through life was a chore. I combined one of my favorite scriptures (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and one of my favorite quotes by Roman philosopher Seneca to create what became my daily mantra: He has made everything beautiful in its time and time heals what reason cannot." I said that every day, thinking the pain would magically disappear and I would have an understanding as to why this tragedy occurred. That didn't happen. And so I attempted to occupy myself with some of everything to keep from thinking about it. While Dimera and I were not dating when he left this world, we'd spent the greater part of eight years together. I felt like I had to masquerade my grief to make everyone else comfortable. Exasperated, I had a conversation with one of my best friends. Delishia said, simply, that what I needed was time and there was no substitution for it. She has never been so right.

We rush things too much sometimes, desiring the immediacy of life. We get mad because a red light lasts too long. If we're in a store and we see a line at a register, we begin looking for another one or contemplate leaving the store altogether. We don't like to wait. Why? Time is necessary. It allows us to regroup and reposition ourselves for what is to come. I realized that by not allowing myself to process losing Dimera and heal from it, I disrespected time. Have you ever done that? Did you stop going to school because it was taking too long to finish? Have you gone from one relationship straight into another one? Have you ever rushed anything and then had to go back and redo it all? There are lessons that can only be learned through the patience of everything. Tears make sense when you allow them to flow. When given space, things don't seem so crowded. When you work for what you have and take the time to appreciate it, happiness abounds.

It has been 129 days since my first love's life was taken. There are times when I think of him and laugh uncontrollably. And then, there are times when I think of him and the tears flow. There are days when I am happy. There are days when I am sad. There are days when I am confused. There are days when I am angry. There are days when I can't even find a word to articulate what I'm feeling. But thank God that there are days. His will is perfect; it is matchless and it includes time. I will grow in it. I will grow through it. But I will never take advantage of it again because it deserves my utmost and enduring respect. And yours too.

©BirthRight, 2009

When God Speaks: Why God Doesn't Appreciate Your Drug Money Offering or Glory In Your Negative Account Balance (Proverbs)

When God Speaks:"Why God Doesn't Appreciate Your Drug Money Offering Or Glory In Your Negative Account Balance"
January 7, 2009

Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the first fruits of all your income; so shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.–Proverbs 3:9-10

I believe that at the beginning of any new year, an assessment should take place. As you resolve to do better this time, it's always important to analyze why you didn't do so well the last time. Remember, we're in the Year of Release and Manifestation (Application and Cultivation, for me) and if we truly want the greatness God has stored up for us, some areas need lots of work. And for some of us- that area is our finances.

Now, this isn't a "Why You Should Tithe" message. The lowliest of sinners understands that requirement. On the matter of tithing, I will just say this: if you aren't, START! It may not have caught up to you yet, but God will get what's owed to Him and when He does (ooohwee), you'll wish you just cut that 10% check each pay period. Moving on. No- this isn't about tithing as much as it is about the spirit with which we get and spend our money.

Notice what the first half of the scripture says: Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from your righteous labors]. Hmm….wonder why God wanted that emphasized? Probably because He didn't want the local drug dealer thinking that paying his tithes absolved his wrong. Or maybe He hoped the cutthroat businessman would realize that giving to the seed offering didn't please God anymore than cheating workers out of rightful wages did. Understand that because all we do is supposed to bring God glory, it would stand to reason that He would not welcome an offering made from that which didn't please Him. You may not work for the church or for some internationally recognized nonprofit agency, but you provide a service and it should be one that will uplift a soul and not diminish it. God will honor the offering of a waitress making $2/hour that brightened the day of her customers more than He will a teacher who's just there for a check and not the growth and development of her students.

I have learned that I just don't honor God through earning it the right way and giving Him 10%, I also honor Him in how I spend the other 90. As an only child and college student who appreciated a $500 monthly allowance and Visa credit card that mysteriously (thanks, Mom) kept a $0 balance despite my overspending, I never knew what it meant to budget. If I my account saw red, I just picked up the phone, called home, cried, listened to my mother's lecture, went to sleep and woke to a very black balance. But as I get older, I understand that not budgeting and overspending shows God that I lack discipline. It tells Him that I have no regards for the restraints He puts on my life and that I know more than He does. After all, I really needed that 40th pair of jeans and that quick weekend getaway was necessary to my sanity. Who cares if I have to spend a week and a half in the hole to pay for it? Yea right. If we believe that God gives us everything we need (and He does), what right do we have to squander it on our wants? Honor the Lord in how you get it, give it and spend it and He'll keep the luxuries coming and those overdraft charges at bay.

©BirthRight, 2009

Here are a few FREE financial health sites that are beneficial:
http://www.crown.org/ (A Financial Empowerment Ministry)

http://www.smartypig.com/ (Set up savings accounts for specific items or activities- for instance, a new pair of shoes or an annual girl's trip)

http://www.creditkarma.com/ (Track your credit score and anticipate its changes based on your actions)

http://www.bankrate.com/ (Compare rates on mortgages, other loans and money market accounts)