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The Days You Will Always Remember, But Wish to Forget

I was laying in bed unable to sleep, so this caused my mind to wander as I stared at the unmoving ceiling fan.  Usually I get on my phone and play a game til I fall asleep, but this time was different.  Even though it was 2 AM, and there was no place to be but in bed, I became overwhelmingly discontent with my current state.  I began to think of all the things that were yet to be fulfilled in my life, and all the dreams that are fully awake in my heart, but not visible to my eyes.  Much love to my Spiritual Father and Pastor, Matthew Stevenson, who over the past year with the  assistance of Holy Spirit has unmasked a lot of my dysfunction and issues.  The combination of soul issues being revealed, and promises unfulfilled equals the days you will always remember, but wish to forget.  

The Bible can be seen as a Book of significant events.  Every major story in the Bible is told by highlighting the most important parts in order for you to get the entire story in just a few moments.  But, in reality all of those stories are in the span of hundreds of years. Just to name a few, Moses and the Israelites crossing Jordan in 4o days from Joseph’s 14 years of testing, to the waiting period of Esther to become queen of the Persian Empire.  In each of these stories we read the highlights, but in between the highlights are days that they will always remember, but would choose to forget.  The days that they wanted to quit, because what was promised looked no where in sight.  The days that issues within themselves were being discovered, and dealt with.  The days that their emotions and flesh desired the complete opposite of what God desired.  The days that they didn’t feel qualified to accomplish what had been prophesied.  These are the days that you will always remember because they are building you for what is to come. 

Be encouraged that Jesus will complete the work that He has begun in you.  In Hebrews we read God saying, “I discipline those whom I love”.  Our ultimate example is the story of Christ.  Very little is told in the bible about Jesus’ younger years.  Even Jesus went through those same days of knowing what was ahead, yet preparation had to be consummated.  If this is where you are now be encouraged that He is Alpha and Omega, your beginning and your end.  When you’re going through hell, the last thing you want to do is stop.  Embrace this season for it is making you into what you need to be to complete the purpose of God on your life.

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in by acknowledging the revelation and joy of what set before Him.” Hebrews 12:2

Posted by  |  May 18, 2012 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Ministry, Practical | 2 Comments »

Medicine for Wanting to Give Up

In certain situations in life we have been brought up knowing what to turn to in order to resolve an issue.  If I have a headache I look for Tylenol.  If I scrape my knee, I look for a band-aid.  If I need gas, I go to a gas station.  So, we see in almost every situation in life there is a remedy that is presented in order to solve the issue.

Well, just like there is cough syrup that can take care of your cough, there is medicine that can take care of your desire to QUIT.  When it seems everyone around you is moving so fast, but your life is moving so slow.  When things promised years ago, seem impossible that they are going to come true.

Here is your remedy:

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that He has promised. Hebrews 10:36. 

Patient: expectant with calmness, or without discontent; not hasty; not overeager; composed. 

Endurance: The act of bearing or suffering; a continuing under pain or distress without resistance, or without being overcome; sufferance; patience. 

So, please be encouraged by this scripture that God knows exactly where you are and what you are in need of.  Cast your burdens upon Him, for Jesus didn’t die on the cross for you to worry about tomorrow, but for you to be free about tomorrow.  It is okay for the desire to quit to arise, because that shows you are doing something.  Every major character in the bible faced a season where they had to patiently endure.  From Abraham believing for a son to Joseph believing for the fulfillment of a dream.  Or, how about Job believing for restoration?  Most of all, Jesus, who patiently endured the cross.  Opposition is a clear sign that you are possibly doing something right.  Take a deep breath, and believe that He has gone before you.  Your future is in His hands.

Here are 4 tips to patiently endure:

1) Declare the prophecies spoken over your life. 1 Timothy 1:18

2) Tell your closest friends your condition, so they can encourage you. James 5:16

3) Stay consistent with your quiet time with God. Psalm 63:1

4) Bless others financially or with encouragement. Luke 6:31

Posted by  |  March 28, 2012 | Categories: Life-Inspirational | Leave A Comment »

Fired by Man. Hired By God…PART 2..NEW JOB!

As you may have read from my previous blog, I was fired from my job due to a comment that was reported that I said.  If you haven’t already go read about it then come back.

Well, after that occurred I immediately knew God was working on my behalf to position me for something that only He could do.   I began to pray and put before God that I wouldn’t pursue any job that didn’t have to do with my skill or passion.  I was assisted by one of my student’s parent with enhancing my resume, which lead to me applying for many non-profit organizations.  On a Sunday, one of the leaders in my church, came up to me and said, “God is about to open a door for you that is Him, TAKE IT”.  That following Tuesday I get a call from a non-profit organization asking me to come in for an interview.

The organization is funded by the government to go into public middle and high schools throughout the city of Chicago to do after school programs for “at risk” youth to help them increase their academic and social skills.  (Sounds like God to me!).

Well, the interview went great, and two weeks later is today which was my first day! I told them in the interview that I was a Youth Pastor with a huge heart to see youth understand their identity and purpose.

I must say those weeks waiting to see what God had up his sleeves was not easy. It was a true test of trusting God because over the course of the few weeks without that extra income I questioned God’s plan numerous times.  One night when I was having a really hard time God spoke to me, “Jamal, I am a God of precision and everything I do, I do with 100% accuracy.  I do not make mistakes“. This caused me to break in His presence with complete submission to His plan and purpose.

Just a recap.  Not only am I receiving more pay than I was at my previous job, but I am now in a position to change countless young people’s lives while being challenged to be a light with the restrain of verbally discussing God or religion.

What is God positioning you for in your life, and what test are you going through in order to be correctly placed? I pray this encourages you to trust God’s plan with the true understanding that His ways are NOTHING like our ways.

“One day at a time”…

Posted by  |  February 13, 2012 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Practical | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Fired by man, Hired by God.

Interruption: the breaking of continuity, to hinder or stop the action of.

I speak for myself on this, but one of the rudest things a person can do is interrupt you while you are speaking or doing something.  You may have had it happen to you once or twice, or maybe numerous times.  When it happen to me, I usually do not make a big fuss about it, but just continue like nothing happen. In my mind I want to backhand the person with all my might.  (He is still working on me.)

My question is…what do you do when God interrupts your life?

A few weeks ago, a few things at my part time job, where I’ve been working for the past 6 months began to get a little shaken.  God had really been using me to the point that I led one of my co-workers to Christ, and each day, I was asked many questions regarding God and spirituality.   The CEO of the company even sowed money into my recent trip to Winter Ramp with my youth ministry. Last week, I get a message from one of the managers asking me to come in at 10:30 AM for a meeting.  This was really “unexpected”.  I arrive at the meeting, sitting across from one of the bosses of the company, hands sweaty, and I begin to listen to him talk about crossing the line in the workplace.  He then goes on to say that an employee reported to him that I said a comment regarding homosexuality that upset this employee.  He then proceeds to say that he confirmed the comment with another employee resulting in me having to be let go for the protection of the company legally.  I was blown away!  He explains why he has to let me go, and I humbly accept the situation.

Yes, I know…THAT’S CRAZY! No, I AM NOT GOING TO SUE!

There are  many ways you can be encouraged by this, and the angle I am choosing to take is that God interrupted my life that He may show Himself faithful, and position me for greater things.  Genesis 50:20, Says it so well: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.”  When a person interrupts you in a conversation, we say it’s rude. But, when God interrupts your life, we must view it as divine.  Right now, you are either on your way INTO an interruption or coming OUT of an interruption because this is how God operates to get us where He wants us.

You will find God divinely interrupting many people’s lives in the bible for the purpose of putting them in a place of usefulness and greatness.  I would like to pull some practical keys for how to handle unexpected interruption from the life of Joseph.

1) Accept that God is positioning you for greatness.

Joseph was sold to slavery by his brothers, but knew God would turn it for good-Genesis 50:20.

2) Don’t run back to the place God brought you out of.

How easy it would have been for Joseph to run back to his father’s house, but instead embraced the sovereign will of God. Proverbs 3:5

3) Resist temptation.

During your time of transition and waiting on God, you will be faced with temptations and traps that you MUST flee from. Genesis 39:9

4) Forgive and speak no harm on those that caused your change.

Romans 12:19- “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord.

5) Anticipate that God will move on your behalf.

Just like the life of Joseph, God moved on His behalf that not only changed his life, but the destiny of a nation.

Welcome to the life of a world changer!

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the Nations, I will be exalted in the Earth.” Psalm 46:10

Posted by  |  January 19, 2012 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Ministry, Practical | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Life in Chicago Holiday Update 3

Posted by  |  December 24, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational | Leave A Comment »

Life in Chicago Update 2

Posted by  |  October 8, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational | Leave A Comment »

Life in Chicago Video Update 1

Posted by  |  August 21, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Ministry | 2 Comments »

Lord, Why Am I Still Single?

Today more than ever we are seeing the age of people when they marry increasing.  Two to three generations ago it was no problem to see an 17-year-old girl marrying and preparing for a family.  Now, in today’s evolving culture that would pose many raised eyebrows.  Today your average 17-year-old boy is more caught up in video games with probably never thinking in a few years he could be a father.

It is not my intent to talk to teenagers, but today I want to focus on those who are READY for marriage.  You are the young professional, already or preparing to graduate college entering into your career.  Or, possibly you are fully established in your career with a 401 K, full benefits, and a house.   But, there is one thing you feel is missing.  YOUR SPOUSE!  Where does this pressure come from?  It’s the pressure of the American dream.  It’s what you daydreamed about when you were younger either as a little girl playing dress up, or as a younger boy helping your dad mow the lawn.

It is within all of us this inert desire to be married. (unless you have the gift of celibacy)  But, what do you do when your timing of when you thought you would be married passes up?  You look up in the sky, or shake your head saying, “Lord, Why Am I Still Single?  Which opens up access for the Enemy to taunt you with this very thought, “What is wrong with me”?  I am here to say to you there is nothing wrong with YOU, but there is something wrong with your PERSPECTIVE.

1 Corinthians 7:34, ”A person who is not married is busy being an instrument for God with the desire to be holy in spirit and in body”.  Paul then goes on to say in vs 35,” I am saying this to help you, not limit you. But I want you to live in the right way, to give yourselves fully to the Lord without concern for other things. ” (NCV)

Yes, you may have heard this many times before, but clearly if you’re reading this you need a reminder.  Single life is a grand opportunity to be more productive in your relationship with God and your work for His Kingdom.  Instead of letting the enemy rob you of this glorious season by planting those thoughts, turn the table on his lying tail by turning your gaze and attention on Jesus more than ever.  I am fully confident in Him that He will send a spouse in due season, but for now let’s get to work!  I am speaking from the same place you are now.  I believe not only is this an insight of wisdom from the Word, but it is now a biblical responsibility upon single people that we be more prolific for the Kingdom than those who are married.

“Father, I ask you for grace upon each single person that is reading now.  That they may continue to live a life laid down for you and your Kingdom.  Give them faith for the future to know you have their life in the palm of your hand.  I pray that Your Peace will guard their hearts and minds.  Let them bear more fruit in this season than ever before.  in Your name I ask these things. Amen!”

“The One who calls you is faithful and HE WILL DO IT.”  1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Posted by  |  July 30, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Practical, Real Talk-Love & Relationships | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

The Was, The Is, The Coming

I am sitting in my bed right now doing my morning bible reading. I just read Revelation 4:8 which is talking about the living creatures singing day and night, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, is, and is to come. The Message Bible says it pretty cool: The Was, The Is, and The Coming.

It doesn’t matter how we see life one thing that effects how we make daily decisions is our past, present and future. For example if a little kid touches a hot stove one time and burns himself how likely is he to touch it again? Not likely because that past decision has now effected his present. Another example, if you are a high school graduate deciding on what college to attend, whatever college you choose will have an effect on your future.

Everyday we are being confronted with our past, present and future. Very simply I want to propose this thought. The living creatures are proclaiming every minute of the day THE WAS, THE IS, and THE COMING. Which in today’s terms can be read as THE PAST, THE PRESENT, and THE FUTURE.

When Christ shed His blood on the cross, He paid the penalty for your PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE. His intent was that you be FREE from worry, FREE from anxiety, and FREE to trust Him with your PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE. Yes, there are effects to the decisions you make. Walk in freedom knowing nothing in your PAST can stop you, because He is now your PAST. Nothing RIGHT NOW can stop you because He is your RIGHT NOW. Last but most importantly, nothing that’s coming can stop you because He is your COMING. The key is to embrace this as reality in your life.

The Was, The is, The Coming.

He has already got it covered!

Posted by  |  June 4, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Practical | Tags: , | Leave A Comment »

How to have a Sin Proof Summer

Yes!! It’s officially Summertime! School is out, the sun is shining, and you can finally sleep in!  We all love Summer, especially when you’ve been going strong, balancing school and a job.  One thing that is guaranteed to most students during the Summertime: more time on your hands.

I was reading this morning in 1 Timothy and I ran over a passage of scripture that sparked this blog. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to handle young widows, telling them that he should instruct them to remarry because it is easy for them for form the habit of being idle and wandering from house to house.  Not only do they become idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying and doing things they ought not do.

Just like the young widows, having more time on their hands, so it is the same for young people doing things they should not do during Summer break.  It is very easy to fall into various sins and spiritually unhealthy things, simply because there is nothing to do; boredom. I will not get super technical, because you know what I’m talking about. But I want to give you some pointers on how to stay Sin Proof this Summer all the while resting and enjoying every minute of it:

  1. Make a list of things you want to accomplish over the Summer ( DO THIS NOW!)
  2. Take up a new hobby (learn an instrument, paint, go fishing, etc)
  3. Start a Bible Reading Plan (Do a 2 month plan to read the enter New Testament or some other Study)
  4. Increase your devotion/prayer time (utilize this time to really dig deep in the things of God)
  5. Establish an Accountability Partner (stay accountable with someone on your plans for the Summer)
  6. Get a Summer job or, if you have one, ask for more hours. (Summertime is a PERFECT time to MAKE money)
  7. Volunteer at a Camp or another Non-Profit Organization (I’m serious! Go google “camps” in your area)
  8. Travel ( Get out of the house and go somewhere)
  9. Develop a greater relationship with your Spiritual Leaders (set up meetings with a mentor/leader in your life)
  10. Spend valuable time with your family (yes, I said it! Cherish these moments with your family because you’re not getting younger)

These are just a few things that are great ideas to ensure a productive Summer.  I encourage you, don’t not be idle, but good stewards of the time that God has given you.

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if  we are always doing -Thomas Jefferson

Posted by  |  May 30, 2011 | Categories: Life-Inspirational, Practical | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

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