DISTRACTION

Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from the desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information. Distraction is caused by: the lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; or the great intensity, novelty or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention. Well at least that is the meaning from the dictionary - but I think we all know the power of distraction and how it will and can literally rob us from focusing on our purpose. Simply put, distraction is a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else or better yet extreme agitation of the mind or emotions. So why does distraction manifest? I believe that it is a tool used by the enemy (Satan) of our soul to pull us outside of purpose. Often times distraction comes through people, places and things. When we are not able to discern when it manifests, we often will label it as just dealing with occurrences that arise on a day to day basis. With the inability to discern we will entertain distraction to the point that it begins to weigh on our minds and emotions. It becomes like a pad and pen we pick up on daily basis with the expectation that at any point this "distraction" will resurface today. We write the distraction on the tablet of our hearts, talk about it, rehearse it,  and talk about it again until we become submerged with it and we lose grip of the most important thing, our purpose. A distraction can not stop one from fulfilling their purpose, however it can cause major delays in getting to where you need to be. When we entertain distraction it progresses into other things that swiftly takes us on a downward spiral. First distraction will produce disappointment. Disappointment arises because the one that generated the distraction passes the weight on to you and ultimately it begins to weigh on your mind and emotions. Our inability to discern what it is passes the burden to you and now disappointment sets in. Second, it becomes distasteful. It is at this point that what I took on causes me to become distasteful. Now the thing that I allowed to distract me takes me down a path straight to feeling unpleasant or no longer desirable.  When desire dwindles distraction takes us to the third area of concern which is defeat. Notice just by simply being unable to discern when distraction comes, it has taken us from: disappointment, to being distasteful and lastly feeling defeated. At this point one becomes overwhelmed and when we look back we are shocked to see that we have allowed ourselves to drift away from working on the thing we were focused on prior to the distraction pulling us  away. Defeat sets in and we no longer feel victorious, we no longer have the zeal to keep pressing towards purpose. How do we reemerged pass the ashes of distraction? How do we get refocused? First we have to remember that Christ must be the object of our faith and center of our focus. Then we will be able to align ourselves with Isaiah 26:3, "They that keep their minds stayed on him shall be kept in perfect peace." Also we have to remember that Jesus is able to carry us through. Matthew 11: 28-29, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest; take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  The bible declares  in John 10:10 That "the thief comes to kill steal and destroy." I believe that distraction has that same purpose; to steal our destiny, to kill our effectiveness, and destroy our passion. Stay focused and see distraction for what it truly is. 

Obscruity and Notoriety

From the days of our youth, we have a desire to be seen, heard or recognized. We push pass our siblings to show mom and dad the smiley face the teacher wrote on our classwork. It feels good to be recognized - as a matter of fact, in a recent poll, employees across the nation were asked, what is most important to you in relation to your place of employment - surprisingly, next to money was recognition from their managers and/or supervisors. Spiritually it's quite the opposite - God often unveils before he reveals. What I mean by that is evident in scripture, "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in due season." Interestingly it doesn't say mom, dad, brother, sister, grandparents or co-workers - the scripture says - "humble yourself" I think about King David - David was anointed at 15 but did not possess the office or position of king until he was 30....don't forget Moses - left Egypt at 40 years old, was in the desert for 40 years and at 80 years old...yes a 40 year wait...went back to Pharaoh proclaiming, "Let my people go" - and last but not lease, Jesus Christ (Lord and Savior) at 12 years old he was found by His mother and Joseph holding an amazing conversation with grown men, articulate men - yet His earthly ministry wasn't launched until he was 30 years old - 18 year wait. Amazingly, in our generation we want it now! If we are not recognized we become frustrated and often question leadership and or the process, Nowadays, people often feel a sense of entitlement - as if they are owed the promotion, increase or elevation without a cost. Obscurity is a very important piece of the process - this is when no one knows who you are - obviously I am not referring to co-workers or family members, but rather those outside of your normal realm of influence. Obscurity is the time in which a breaking happens, when the filthy things, those things we struggle with, those besetting sins that often trip us up have to be dealt with - this is when we have to truly understand what repentance means - this is when we must distinguish between repentance and telling God I'm sorry - Repentance is when we turn and no longer engage in the reckless lifestyle that leads us contrary to God's will for our life. This unveiling is a good thing because no one is aware of the struggle (unless you tell it) and God covers and forgives, but if you don't break free from saying I'm sorry to true repentance then what you do privately will be unveiled publicly. It doesn't happen because God doesn't love you, but rather because you refused to turn or repent. To many times we have seen the destruction of many great men and women by way of some public scandal that manifested because of his or her refusal to correct their behavior in private.  Its very important that you embrace the season of obscurity and grow in grace because there is so much more that God wants to reveal to you and through you. After we transition from obscurity we enter into notoriety. When this happens there is no human effort needed, there is not need to step over anyone to get to the top because it is God that exalts in due season - the favor of God is made manifest at this time and everything you need will be provided for "My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." There is not a timetable that says I must wait 5 years and you must wait 7 years; Obscurity and notoriety is not about when will I begin to walk in that wealthy place, but rather has my character developed, can I manage my finances, do I know how to love my spouse, am I maximizing my relationship with God while I'm single, am I taking care of my children, am I walking in love, am I harboring hatred in my heart, am I studying God's word, are Christ characteristics evident in my life? Purpose is revealed when we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God - He will lead you in a plain path...for God will bless you on purpose in purpose - don't rush the process - when God gets ready to bless you and lift you up can't NO devil in hell stop him!

Addicted to Addiction

We all have struggles of sorts that get the best of us. Its the under belly or soft part that we have yet to sure up and make strong. It remains a weak part of our life arsenal that becomes the achilles heel or the area that remains exposed right when we feel that we have overcome the struggle. What struggle you ask? Alcohol, drugs, sex, anger, pornography, gossip, procrastination, promiscuity, fear....there may be some that I left out, but I think you get the point. I often ask a question: Why do I do what I do - I know that sounds a bit cliché, however why go back when I know that the thing that binds me smothers me and try's to take the very life out of me? I believe that part of the reason that we continue to go back  and struggle with our struggle or to that which God has delivered us from is because we never dealt with the root of the matter. Its not "it" "that" "him" or "her" its the addiction. The addiction has generated a since of allegiance in us and the addiction begins to operate through us and leads us, guides and even speaks to us. The addiction presents a picture of the sensation we receive or feel after we engage with "it" "that" "him" or "her" - If we look closer we will realize that we do not love the thing, we have an essence fallen in love with the addiction or better yet we have become "addicted to the addiction." Its the sensation that we want its the climax or the high and nothing more. That is why shortly after reaching the climax or high we hit rock bottom or better yet we begin to condemn ourselves. Often times we call ourselves stupid and even go a step further by falling into a deep, deep depression. This is when satan and is imps step in; they quickly begin to rehearse or repeat these lines: "you'll never get out of this" God doesn't love you, if He did would He  allow you to go through this?" "This is just the way it is suppose to be." That is the furthest thing from the truth. We can be free, you can be free. We stop hanging around people that lead us to the wrong thing and we break up with the person that we do the wrong thing with. That works for a season, but shortly thereafter we are right back in the thing we thought we were free from. How can this be? I submit to you that the person that has to be confronted is not him, her or them - its the man or woman in the mirror. There is a responsibility that we have individually when it comes to the thing or things that we have become addicted to. I truly believe that deliverance can be instantaneous, but I  also believe that after we have been made free we have to feel the void. Jesus said it this way, When in unclean spirit has goes out of a man it walks around seeking a new dwelling place; when it finds none, it returns to its old dwelling place and finds it clean, but empty. It then brings seven more wicked than itself and the person is worse that he was before." (Matthew 12:43-45a). This person has to replace the unclean with the clean; study God's word, develop a prayer life and find a good bible teaching church. That way the Word of God can be applied to the heart and mind. Change won't come until change is desired by the individual that is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Change your thinking, change your life. The Apostle Paul approached God in prayer about a thorn in his  flesh and look what God's response was: "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
 

 God's grace is sufficient! Know that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you ~ Don't Quit!!!

Day 5 #2017

..."And they shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Very powerful verse in the bible that means just what it says. I had the opportunity to spend some alone time in the presence of God. My wife went to work and our daughters were off to school. So there I was in the house all alone...I must admit my thoughts were not on the things of God. I paused and just began to call on the name of the Lord. It was right then I could feel the presence of God engulf me! I began to worship and I just went to another place. Now I must say that I did not have an experience like this for several months; it is so easy to get out of order so to speak when it comes to spiritual things. Nevertheless, while in the presence of God, He speaks...he reveals to us things that are necessary for us to know while on this journey. While mediating in God's presence this was impressed in my spirit: "don't convolute truth." If I can be honest, I didn't know what "convolute" meant. I mean I heard the word before, but I didn't know its meaning. Let me digress for a moment: One thing I love about God is the fact that when he speaks or reveals something to us its often quite simple, but yet life changing. One word from God can revolutionize an individual, a city or nation. Well back to my investigation of this word. After looking up the word convolute I discovered that it means: "make (an argument, story, etc.) complex and difficult to follow." After my discovery, my conscious was enlighten. I began to ask, "What then is truth?" Not according to human logic, but rather according to God's word. According to God's word truth is explained this way: "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that you gave me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak In the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world  pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth."(John 17:12-17). I was able to see that truth is God's word. I then asked myself, "What is God's word?" I discovered this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1 &14). Jesus Christ is  the Word of God. So wait a minute - what was revealed to me was: "don't convolute truth." Truth is God's word and God's word became flesh and dwelt among us...now I get it!

So let me say it the way I now understand it: Don't twist truth or better yet,  Don't make following Christ complex. After getting it I began to examine myself to see if there was any way that I have made it difficult for others to follow Christ. I realized that our life is a way in which we minister. Our spouse looks to us, our children look to us, our family and our co-workers look to us. What we say and what we do can cause those that know that we are followers of Christ to second guest our relationship with Jesus and/or being His disciple. As believers, we have to "Let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven."  Furthermore, we have to make sure that we are not watering down truth to make it fit into this world system. What I mean by that is compromising truth in order for those that are not aligned with truth to feel comfortable in the way he or she lives. We have to stand with truth and tell the truth when it comes to individuals that come into our sphere of influence. We should never tell a lie to someone that confides in us about their eternal destiny. We have to let them know that the "Wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." There are consequences to living a life not pleasing to Almighty God. True, God does love everybody, but we have to live right. First we have to check the person in the mirror; because if I am not living in truth in my private life I will not proclaim the truth effectively to others publicly.  #TelltheTruth #Shamethedevil

Day 4 #2018

There is an unlimited resource that lies within you that desires to be released. The release of this resource is predicated on your desire to discover your purpose or why you  are here on the earth. It requires digging, probing and insight. Your digging, probing and insight will spark a discovery that propels you to an unimaginable place. We all are uniquely gifted and our gift is a blessing that will bring smiles to many faces and ultimately bring glory to God. I like to compare it to oil - as I am sure you already know, oil is beneath the earth and its value is unbelievable! Oil is so valuable around the world because oil heats our houses, fuels our cars, heats our stove and so many other things. Without oil, it would be hard to survive because Americans can't do anything without electricity. Getting to the oil takes insight, probing and digging. "Black  Gold" or "Texas Tea" as it is often called, is a blessing to all those that come in contact with it. You too dear reader have that same potential inside of you. Like oil your gift needs to be released so that it can be a blessing to all that come in contact with it. I can't speak for anyone else, but I can for myself. I was at a point in my life about 20 years ago when I began asking why am I on the earth and what is my purpose? I went to college, had a great family, but it was more to life than this. It wasn't until I began to pray that I discovered something. Now it wasn't at a conference, in a  prayer group or empowerment meeting (not knocking that). It was in my bedroom where I feel to my knees and said, "God if you tell me why I'm here I will do just that. Please Lord reveal it to me." It was that simple. I didn't see angels or taken to heaven. I just knew that God, in whom I believe, would tell me. So I headed out for a jog and walk in my neighborhood. It began to rain so I slowed down and couldn't help but notice this tattered and torn piece of paper that was barely hanging on to this light pole. I approached the pole and saw on the tattered and torn piece of paper these words: "YOU ARE A WRITER." I felt strongly in my heart that this was the answer to my prayer. I returned home, fell to my knees and said, "God if this is what I was born to do, tell me where do I begin." Shortly thereafter my thoughts became flooded with poetry, ideas for books, theatrical productions and movies all for the glory of God. My life has never been the same! Now your gift may not be to write, but I assure you there is something in you that needs to get out. Pray my brother, pray my sister - cry out to God, trust Him for He is a speaking God! He will reveal your purpose. Ask, seek, knock and watch God move! #purpose #destiny

Day 3 #2018

...Right when it appears that you have things aligned correctly...right when you feel that you're in sink at the midway point of  the New Year...it happens. Someone says something or does something that causes you to question the commitment you made just a few days a go. Where does it come from and why now? I just said "New Year, New Me....I just locked into the resolution I made privately. Why do people get out of character right when I get focused, right when I make that conscious decision to turn over that new leaf? Can I tell you why? First the adversary of our soul does not take vacations or breaks. God's word declares that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." So in laymen's terms, the battle is spiritual not physical. Our adversary stays on his job 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I am not saying it out of fear but rather making you aware that we have to be dressed appropriately to combat the opposition when he does arise. God's word also declares that we are to "put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand against the wiles of the devil." Attacks come from our future and because of our future. I'll get to that shortly; but for now take a walk with me and lets see how Jesus faced scenarios like this. "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word  that proceeds from the mouth of God. The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here; for it is written: "He will give his angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. they will lift you in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Jesus answered, "It is written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test. When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."(Luke 4:1-13).


I said that to say this - you have to stay focused - you have to stay the course! You know that God has great plans for you! You know that better days are ahead, but the adversary of our soul, the devil, desires to keep it hidden from us. Our adversary doesn't know all things but he knows somethings; and it is because of your future he and his imps fight vehemently to stop us from pressing on. How does he do that? He does it through other people. I'm not saying everything is the devil, but what I am saying that when you discover your purpose, when you begin to understand why you are here, he does everything in his might to keep you off course. Earlier I mentioned that we have to be dressed appropriately what I mean by that is: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17).  It's early in the new year, don't let things from the past nor current opposition cause you to lose focus ~ and whatever you do, don't violate the dress code!

Day 2 #2019

Picture this: you're at the Pebble Beach Resort in California. Not only is your room immaculate, the view from your patio is breath taking. Now let me ask you a question - Can you see it? I mean can you see what I am saying? I don't know about you but not only can I see myself  there, but  I can also see myself in my pajamas and robe, kicked back on that very same patio with a book and my pumpkin spice coffee and not a care in the world. Now obviously I am not there, but the image that I just painted in your mind and mine took me to a place of ease. Didn't cost me one dollar, I didn't even ask you for  your credit card - and I won't! But my point is, our thought life is so critical to us having a level of peace which will ultimately transition from the invisible to the visible; from mere vision to that which is tangible.

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). Its not false reality, but rather your new vantage point. What is that you ask...a place or position affording a good view of something. You have to see yourself out before you get out. You have to make the adjustment or align yourself with truth so that you can flow in purpose and walk into your destiny. Alignment is important. I'm not an auto mechanic but check this out: You may own a car or eventually one day you will. One thing that is important is that we get our tires aligned. Not just once but multiple times while owning the vehicle. What are wheel alignments? Is it really a necessary service? The term defines the service: It makes sure the wheels and tires are in a straight line, or “aligned” with each other. When all four wheels are properly aligned, the tires work together more effectively. This results in better handling, better steering wheel return, better fuel economy (because the tires are not being dragged sideways as they are when misaligned), and, most importantly--what we all love to see—the tires will wear more evenly and last longer. Make sense? Having vision in 2019 is critical to your growth and development. God has great plans for you life: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).   His grace and favor is something that we all have the opportunity to obtain, we just need to get ourselves aligned with His dear son Jesus. His word declares: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."