Category Archives: faith
Bobbing and Weaving
After taking a few boxing classes for fun at NYSC from an instructor named Santana. One day I looked him in the eye and said, “I’m going to become a professional boxer now, goodbye.” He stood there dumbfounded.
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I remember the day I walked into Gleason’s Boxing gym for the first time. It was in 1998 and at the time, the majority of boxers were male.
They all gawked at me as I strode in wearing my leopard print tights which matched my wild and untamed hair. I was quite a sight.
I walked holding my head high and ready to conquer the boxing world.
Back then Gleason’s was different than it is today. The air was musky and hung with sweat, the windows were foggy, everything seemed old and worn.
It was an environment I was neither familiar with or exposed to in my life.
So there I was, Ms. Middle Class amongst those who were rough and lived in underprivileged neighborhoods.
However, nothing was going to stop me. I was determined to prove myself as a female boxer.
I remember the day my trainer decided to have me spar with some dude. There were no female boxers around.
I got in the ring, started moving around and practicing my jab. My trainer yelling for me to bob and weave. So I started bobbing and weaving. Then I tried doing an uppercut. I loved those upper cuts, but I wasn’t able to get in close enough to do it.
I began feeling winded. Thankfully, the bell rang because I was dying of thirst. I opened my mouth, for my trainer to give me water. He squirts a little water and tells me to spit it out. I looked at him as if he was out of his mind. There was no way I was going to spit it out. I swallowed it.
The bell rang again. I hesitated. I was exhausted and wanted to stop. The next thing I know, I was keeling over.
I didn’t have my guard up and the guy landed a punch to my liver. There are no words to describe the level of pain.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. One I will never forget. Defense is everything. In the ring and in life. When my guard was down, there was an opening for him to hit me.
I was out of breath, thirsty and my movements were sluggish. My opponent took complete advantage of the situation.
While reflecting back on this incident, I realized the enemy of our souls does the same. He waits for an opening to lodge his onslaughts and attacks on us. If we’re are open, tired or unguarded, he will catch us by surprise which will leave us reeling.
In 1 Peter 5:8 it says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” and Luke 21:34 says, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”
We can’t let him catch us off guard. We have to keep our defenses up by reading the Word and praying. We need to practice bobbing and weaving daily.
Thankfully, we have the best trainer, the Holy Spirit and the best corner man, Jesus Christ.
We are guaranteed to win and promised the victory!
Have you been bobbing and weaving lately?
Every Action Has A Reaction
A long time ago, I used to think my actions didn’t effect others. I was single, living in my own world and doing my own thing.
Unfortunately, being single didn’t allow me the ability to see myself clearly. It was when I got married, I was able to see choices, decisions and actions have repercussions and consequences, not only to myself, but to others as well.
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This was a huge pill for me to swallow and accept. We go along with our lives when we are alone, thinking we can do whatever we want, say whatever we want and it’s nobody else’s business or concern.
The world is our oyster.
However, this is living in a bubble or fantasy world, which is self-centered and self-absorbed.
The truth is every action has a reaction.
There is no getting around it, whether you are married or single, whether you want to believe it or not, your actions and choices effect everyone around you.
It’s like a pebble hitting the surface of water, you see the ripple effect. The same occurs with us; our choices are like pebbles and our actions cause rippling effects.
This is why we have to be careful to choose wisely because some actions are irreversible. The damaging effects of one wrong choice can destroy more than you bargained for.
For instance, a family member who continually betrays you by speaking negatively about you behind your back with other family members, thinking it will never get back to you.
But it always does, doesn’t it? Some way, somehow, the information finds its way back to the person.
Once this occurs, the damage is done, because you can never look at that family member the same way again. A seed of distrust is planted and with each repetitive instance, the seed of distrust continues to germinate and grow.
Yes, one can forgive and move on, but the trust and respect needed for a good and healthy relationship is broken and lost.
Has this ever been your experience? Can you recall a time when this applied in your life?
Do You Gossip?
I find around the holiday’s people tend to engage in gossip more than usual. Sometimes the holiday’s brings the worst out of some people.
Gossipers preface what they have to say with, “Promise you won’t say anything…”
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But, do they know, that the information will eventually get back to the person their gossiping about?
When I get wind of someone who has gossiped behind my back, while smiling at my face, I want very little to do with them. I honestly do not care if they are family either.
If a so-called family member or friend has the audacity to talk garbage about me (or those I love) behind my back, I want nothing to do with them.
I forgive them, but I keep it moving. Life is too short to be around those who speak ill of you.
I’ve come to the conclusion that those who engage in gossip, don’t have your best interest in mind. They only care about themselves and whatever thrill they get in bashing other people behind their backs.
Gossip is negative and destructive, causing unnecessary harm and irreparable damage to relationships.
The Bible says, whatever is hidden will be brought to light. (Luke 8:17). The light pierces the darkness and truth is always revealed.
The person who engages in gossip, talking negatively about others, is actually causing themselves more harm than good.
Think about it… if you continued to hear from different sources that someone, whether a family member or a friend is talking badly about you, wouldn’t you distrust and lose respect for them?
An individual who engages in defamation or slander of another person, thinks they are not doing anything wrong, but it’s quite the contrary.
Gossipers cause harm and stand more to lose than gain.
Once the information finds its way back to the person, the gossiper is found out, and well, they will never be looked at the same way. No matter how much they smile and act nice, the damage is done.
If you engage in gossip, whether it is casual or consented, please think twice before doing so. Why not start the new year fresh by asking the Lord to help you not talk about other people behind their backs? I know it’s easier said than done, but gossiping is hurtful and the damage it creates is irreversible.
Do you gossip? Have you ever been a victim of gossip by family members, close friends or coworkers? How did it make you feel?
Who’s Who In The Bible by Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: National Geographic
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426211597
ISBN-13: 978-1426211591
Price: $40.00
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
From the fall of Adam and Eve to Judas’s betrayal of Jesus, the key events of the Bible are expressed through the lives of hundreds of people. Each of the five chapters begins with a comprehensive historical overview that sets the stage for the events and characters that follow and detail the political and historical forces at play in the events described. This overview is augmented with award-winning maps, stunning National Geographic photographs that lend the text a sense of place, a time line that places the events in context.
The chapters end with a comprehensive alphabetical directory of the characters that appear in that part of the Bible. In true National Geographic fashion, exquisite art and artifacts, informative maps, intriguing text and unique family tree features are the threads that tie this illuminating volume together, revealing the stories of Biblical characters in chronological order and highlighting their greater meaning for mankind.
Who’s Who In the Bible is an authoritative and engaging reference source and an ideal gift for any religion or history buff.
Who’s Who in the Bible: Overview of the Book http://youtu.be/L1k4Psh-8BM
Who’s Who in the Bible: The Women of the Bible http://youtu.be/XslTybzLakA
Who’s Who in the Bible: Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael http://youtu.be/dj4LaXLDTbA
Who’s Who in the Bible: Dinah http://youtu.be/Om5eEX0cqr4
Who’s Who in the Bible: Mary Magdalene: http://youtu.be/ZJmLEcn9K78
Review
Who’s Who in the Bible is a delightful reference book. This textbook is filled with beautiful paintings, drawings and photographs from Genesis to Revelation.
It contains an alphabetical listing of characters and important timelines. This book is an incredible resource.
I collect books and this one surpasses any biblical reference book I have on my shelves.
I enjoyed being transported to biblical times while reading and viewing the photographs in this masterpiece.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts is brilliant and did a magnificent job in his research and writing of this book.
Who’s Who in the Bible does not disappoint. This is a must have for any biblical scholar, student, professor or layman.
Who’s Who in the Bible will make a wonderful Christmas gift. I highly recommend it.
Jean-Pierre Isbouts completed his doctoral program on archeology and art at the University of Leyden and is currently professor of culture and media studies at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. He has written several other books, including National Geographic’s The Biblical World: An Illustrated Atlas, From Moses to Muhammad and In the Footsteps of Jesus.
Isbouts has also written four television programs that explore the legacy of the Bible, including the Hallmark television mini-series “The Quest for Peace,” which won the 2005 Gold Aurora Award and the 2005 DeRose-Hinkhouse Award.
Author Interview – Julie Cantrell
I have the sincere pleasure of welcoming another one of my favorite authors, Julie Cantrell. I first discovered her after reading her debut novel, Into the Free. I can’t emphasize enough, how much I loved this book. I fell in love with the characters and story, so when Julie Cantrell came out with a sequel, When Mountains Move, I was excited. These two books are on the top of my list.
Julie Cantrell is such a gifted writer. The characters and story do not reflect her life at all. They are works of fiction and the story is entirely made up from her imagination. I can only dream and aspire to write like her.
Without further ado, Julie Cantrell.
- When did you decide to become a writer? or When did you discover you were a writer?
Writing has always been my way of processing the world around me. When I was a young girl, I kept a journal. As a teen, I wrote poetry, song lyrics, and short stories. And I’ve always loved to write letters to friends and family across the miles. But when I told my high school teacher that I wanted to be a writer, she quickly nipped that dream in the bud. She told me not to waste my scholarship to study writing, saying that I would be lucky to write greeting cards but that I would never get beyond that. I happen to think writing greeting cards would be a fun job, but she meant it as a criticism. The problem is, I believed her.
I spent the next decade writing only my college assignments, and I never took a writing class. I would walk past the English and Journalism buildings every day and want to sneak into those classes. I ended up studying to become a speech-language pathologist because I am fascinated by language development and communication in all forms. Plus I love to help people. It has been a wonderful career for me. But, I am happy that now, after twenty years, I finally realize that teacher was wrong. I am glad I took the leap and dared to write a novel; and I’m thankful readers are taking a chance on Millie’s story.
- Which writers inspire you?
I am inspired by the authors who blog with me at Southern Belle View: Beth Webb Hart, Rachel Hauck, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, and Lisa Wingate, as well as dear author friends I’ve met the last two years of my journey. Just a few include Christa Allan, Missy Buchanan, Judy Christie, Lynne Gentry, Kellie Coates Gilbert, Kathy Harris, Ann Hite, River Jordan, Michael Morris, Kathy Patrick, Jolina Petersheim, Karen Spears-Zacharias, Carla Stewart, Michel Stone, and Renea Winchester. I’m also inspired by authors in my local community, (Oxford, MS.) such as Katie Anderson, Ace Atkins, Beth Ann Fennely, Tom Franklin, and Neil White, and by those represented by my agency (WordServe Literary), many of whom join forces to blog at www.wordservewatercooler.com.
- What are your favorite books?
I have WAY too many favorite books to list, but here are a few that surface in my brain at the moment (in no particular order): The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver; Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren; Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand; The Samurai’s Garden, by Gail Tsukiyama; Life of Pi, by Yann Martel; Looking for Alaska, by John Green; I Know This Much Is True, by Wally Lamb; The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini; The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls; Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen; and The Last American Man, by Elizabeth Gilbert.
- What books help shape you as a writer?
I send a big shout-out to the classic, Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. A friend, Katie Anderson, loaned me her copy of this screenwriting manual. Of course, I’m still learning new things every day…but this book (actually it is one of a set of three) is a wonderful tool that can be used to sculpt a three-act plot structure. While it is written for screenplay writers, it can easily be adapted for a short story, novel, stage play, etc.
- What is the hardest thing about writing?
Writing. And by that I mean, the actual physical act of sitting down and diving into that fictional world. I have to enter a different mental zone to really get a good scene down on the page, and that’s not always easy in the midst of a hectic life. It’s also difficult to find time to enter that sacred creative space because so much of my day is spent on the other part of the job…emails, social media, interviews, phone calls, mailing books, etc. I fantasize about having an intern someday who could handle some of that “other stuff”…ahhh…the dream.
- What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
Insomnia. And a bucket list. And a very strong nudge from Millie, my main character, who gave me her story and insisted it wasn’t mine to keep. (Thank you, Millie!)
- How did you come up with your characters and story?
Honestly, it really did just come to me. The original spark for the first novel, Into the Free, was a blurb I had read years earlier about a gravesite in Meridian, Mississippi. Kelly Mitchell was buried there in 1915, and her tombstone reads: Kelly Mitchell, Queen of the Gypsies. This fascinated me, and I thought I’d write about the Romany Travelers who roamed through the southeastern segment of the US (and continue to do so today). The Roma ended up being a thread in a larger coming-of-age tale about Millie Reynolds.
- Where do your ideas come from?
I’ve always been a daydreamer, so most of my ideas come from that strange realm of imagination. I also rely on sparks, like the blurb I mentioned regarding Kelly Mitchell’s grave. And from my real-world experiences, although I never write about real people in my life and hope no one ever worries that I’ll put them in a book. People tend to assume I’m writing about myself, especially because I write in first-person, but the works really are fictional, and Millie’s story is not my own.
- What is your writing process?
I tend to write freestyle, meaning I don’t outline or do anything by following a routine. I write without worrying about edits, and when I come to a space where more research needs to be done or I might need to go back in the story and confirm a detail matches, etc…I just insert *** in that spot and then work out the kinks later. I don’t let those little holes slow me down as I’m writing the story. All of that can be tweaked after the story has roots.
I’m a gardener, so I see the act of building a story much like that of building a garden. Seeds first. Then the roots. Then the stalk. Then the stems. Then the leaves. Then the pruning. Then the blooms. And finally…the fruit. It’s a process that takes time, patience, and a bit of hard work. If you’re afraid of getting dirt under your nails or sweating a bit…writing is not for you.
- Do you write every day?
If I’m lucky.
- Do you write full-time or part-time?
I have been teaching English as a Second Language to Kindergarten and First Grade students until this year. Now, I am writing fulltime. It became a little too tricky to juggle teaching, farming, writing, volunteering, and … my top priority … mothering. While I love all the segments of my life, something had to give, and I feel very grateful to have quiet time now to write during the day while my children are at school. I’ve always been one who believed in Family First. Now, I no longer have to work while everyone else sleeps, and I admit…it’s divine.
- Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
- If you feel called to write, then write. No excuses. Just write.
- Don’t worry about what anyone else will think of your work. Write as if no one will ever see it. Write as a gift to yourself, as a tool to stretch your soul, expand your mind, and free your spirit.
- If you do decide to venture into publishing, don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t get caught up worrying about reviews, sales figures, awards, or shelf space. It’s all part of the business of publishing, but your job as an author is to create. When the other stuff begins to steal the joy of the creative process, remember to put things back in perspective and celebrate the gift you were given. Write because it’s who you are and because you can’t NOT write. Write because it makes you happy and brings you peace. And if you are nudged to share the stories you are given, share them to make others happy and to bring them peace. Nothing else matters.
Pilar, thanks so much for inviting me here today. It’s been an honor to chat with you about writing, and I am grateful that you have dared to pull Millie’s story from the shelf and enter her world for a while.
Thank you, Julie. The honor is mine.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Cantrell has served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and is a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. She is the author of two children’s books as well as Into the Free, whichreceived Christy Awards for Best Debut Novel and Book of the Year 2013 as well as the Mississippi Library Association’s Fiction Award. Cantrell and her family live in Mississippi where they operate Valley House Farm. Her second novel, When Mountains Move, released September 2013.
Learn more:
Website: www.juliecantrell.com
Blogsite: www.juliecantrell.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliecantrellauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieCantrell
Email: julie@juliecantrell.com
Author Interview – Carolyn Weber
Today, I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite authors, Carolyn Weber. I discovered her after reading her first book, a memoir, Surprised by Oxford.
I have a penchant for memoirs, and this one was by far, my favorite.
Carolyn Weber came out with another fabulous book, Holy Is The Day which I reviewed recently.
I’m excited to share my first author interview with you.
When did you know you were a writer?
I don’t think there was a “moment” – although I do remember writing as a child but hiding my work because the teacher didn’t believe me when I tried to write a novel in grade 1. I’ve been an academic writer for some time because of my professorial career, but when I finally wrote my conversion memoir a few years ago (“Surprised by Oxford”), well, that was a turning point, and I’ve enjoyed writing more specifically as a faith walk, and hopefully as a praise since then.
What are your favorite books and why?
All types of books qualify as favorites for me – I don’t have one particular type. Though I do love many of the classics, and not just because I should. I honestly do find something enduring about them, and an appeal to aspects of our deepest humanity. Jane Eyre, The Brothers Karamazov, The Odyssey, Paradise Lost … they are all electric.
When did you decide to write your memoir, Surprised by Oxford?
Once I was tenured, and it was relatively “safer” to write a spiritual memoir in an academic environment. But by then, the story had percolated long enough too – I had promptings for ages from students and friends. So I finally sat down on my sabbatical and wrote it.
Was it your dream to become a professor or become a writer?
It was always my dream to teach, from as far back as I can remember. And I love to study writers, I love to read. Writing now across many genres, and pushing myself as a writer, has felt like “walking through the looking glass,” so to speak. I now know more intimately what the writers I had studied for so long had to actually go through – from the thrill of inspiration to the icy exposure of criticism.
I enjoyed reading your new book, Holy is the Day? Can you tell us a little bit about how this book came about?
For some time, I had been sitting with the notion of what does it truly mean to be in God’s presence? When I discovered I was pregnant with a surprise baby, and one who potentially faced health problems, the writing process became a sort of prayer process in itself of trusting our God.
You touched a little bit about your leaving teaching? Do you think you will return to teaching English one day? Or do you want to just focus on writing?
I will always be a teacher. I can’t root it out, in spite of me. But for this life season, the writing and the parenting keep me busy enough.
In Surprised by Oxford, it chronicles your life and how you came to know the Lord. Do you find there is a conflict between being a Christian and being a professor?
No conflict exists in the actual teaching itself, or in the reading of books. Those things only facilitate my inner conversation with God, and my outer living of faith. Any serious conflicts, I have found, arise from bureaucracy and the fearful, but that is nothing new.
Do you find Christian writers to be mediocre? If so, why do you think this is the case and how do you think this can be corrected?
I think mediocre writers, like any other profession, exist everywhere. Christian writing can seem particularly beleaguered because there are strains and judgments placed upon it from within the church as well as from without. I know, for instance, that when I went to publish my memoir, some Christian publishers won’t publish profanity, point blank (even if it’s used carefully, not gratuitously). Or they want you to edit out gay people, or drinking. I can understand some concerns but overall this seems ridiculous. Life is where it is lived; Jesus showed us that by his very example among us. But then on the other hand, many secular publishers won’t touch a manuscript which takes Jesus seriously with a ten foot pole. So what is the Christian writer to do? Which God to serve, so to speak? I think this can often stilt or deform even the most well-intentioned writing. If we are each honest and forthright about our own stories before God, then I do believe He will use them where they are most needed.
What are your goals and aspirations as a writer?
I hope to encourage readers in their relationship with God but also let them know it’s okay to ask the big (or little) questions. Our God is not a fragile God. I would like to explore this strength and nuance and presence through many types of genres. The well is bottomless!
Lastly, what advice would you give a novice writer?
Pray. Pray when you pick up the pen, or strike the keyboard. Pray when you write, and edit and slash and cut. Pray when you have gushed out all you have for that day. And pray over the final piece. That what was in you seeking God would find its home in another who also needed it. That your writing would bring peace and praise. And that no other worldly static would interfere with your joy in the word.
Thank you, Carolyn Weber for this wonderful interview. I look forward to reading your next book.
Carolyn Weber is an author, speaker and professor. She has taught literature to undergraduates for 15 years, most recently as associate professor of Romantic Literature at Seattle University. As the Canadian Commonwealth scholar for literature, she completed her M.Phil and Doctoral degrees at Oxford University, and later served as the first female Dean of St. Peter’s College, Oxford.Carolyn lives in London, Ontario Canada with her husband and their 4 children.
Christian Know-It-All’s
Do you know them? Have you come across them too? They’re all over the internet.
Everyone has a blog, or a platform lately. Have you noticed everyone has something to say?
Christians bloggers especially, with their puffed up piety and superiority. They swear they know-it-all.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I can’t help but detect a hint of arrogance and condescension in their writing. Reminds me of those judgmental Christians you find at Church. You know the ones I’m talking about? The ones who act like they got it all together, who do no wrong and tell you their false opinions of you?
It’s amazing what tone a blog can take, when the bloggers themselves write as if they know-it-all.
I hope to God I don’t ever come across that way here. I do not claim to know-it-all and never will. I am forever learning.
I have had bloggers who are in the “niche” unfollow me on Twitter or Facebook, because of my stance on topics such as homosexuality, gay marriage, pornography, etc. They seem to believe their opinions are worth more than mine and they’re only reserved the special right to speak their minds and write what they believe. Even if I don’t personally agree with it.
Truthfully, I come across and read a lot of things I don’t personally agree with. However, you won’t be find me unfriending or unfollowing them because they believe differently than me.
Yes, there seems to be a certain “acceptable” group, I shall call them, the cyberspace clique. Reminds me of high school. So glad I’m passed all that. Perhaps this is why I don’t care for the term, Tribes, it doesn’t hold a good connotation for me.
One thing I do notice among these peers is they are young. I have nothing against the youth. But to whom I refer, they seem to come across as know-it-all’s. Which quite frankly, they have not fully lived life yet to be giving such assertions.
Mind you, these are “Christians” we are talking about here.
Where is the humility? How are they truly representing Christ in their writing or actions? They act superior, all knowing ones, who will correct others in a heartbeat. They will point blank disagree with you, unfriend you and then write about it on their blogs, hoping you won’t notice.
They are good writers, they are mastering their craft well. Yes, they are accepted and revered in their cyberspace community. They pat each others back, speak sweet nothings to each other and then shun those who don’t believe as they do.
They spout their arrogant and pious pontifications while hiding behind the cloak of religion and doctrinal precipices.
I can understand why Ghandi said, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” I couldn’t agree with him more. I would add to this, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christian bloggers.”
Dear readers: This is my platform, where I have the right and freedom to write uncensored, share my thoughts and speak the truth. My prayer recently has been that we go beyond the superficiality of religion, piety and cliques, to representing Christ in action, with love and humility. Even if we don’t agree with each others stance, theology or position. We should be mature enough to treat others how we would want to be treated, even if we don’t agree. We need to remember that we are not know-it-all’s or better than anyone else or superior to one another. Only Christ reserves that right, stature and position, not us. Thank you for reading and God bless you.
Guest Post: Three Reasons Why Christian Writers Write
I have the honor of guest posting at Godly Writers today.
I mention three reasons in this article, but there are many reasons why Christians write.
I would love for you to pop by and join the conversation here.
The Burden of Prayer
I attended a conference over a year ago and was surrounded by all sorts of people pursuing their dreams and passions.
I was stirred and wondered what mine was. I had many throughout my life, but I wanted to pursue the one thing that made my heart beat the hardest.
I concluded it was my love for Jesus. I am passionate about the things of God and prayer.
Courtesy of Creative Commons – Aeron Photography
I post stories on Facebook of things happening here and across the world. I have such a burden for children. Children who are victimized, abused and in unspeakable situations.
My husband told me on Sunday morning, how is my posting or discussing these horrible stories changing anything? He asked me what my point was?
I went into a passionate discourse of my reasons and finally blurted out, because I want people to pray. I want to see a change.
He said, if you want people to pray, then say it, if not, no one is going to understand your purpose for posting these stories and will come up with their own conclusion which may not have anything to do with your true intention.
He’s right. If I don’t give a reason, then no one will understand and they will just dismiss it as my being obsessed with bad news or something.
I am posting these stories, because I am personally burdened and want others to join me in praying for change.
Yes, not everyone is going to feel inclined to or may have enough on their plate to be praying for the tragedies of people they don’t know.
However, there may be others like me who are burdened and called to pray and intercede.
I am posting these stories for them.
I want to see God move in power and change hearts. We do not have the power to change people’s hearts.
If we pray, we can move the heart of God to open the eyes of those who are lost and blind.
Ultimately, God is the only one who can change us and others, and the way He does this is through prayer.
Prayer is powerful.
Do you believe in prayer? Do you feel burdened to pray?
The Call of An Intercessor
Those who follow Christ are called to pray and intercede. However, the calling of an intercessor is different.
The definition of the verb, intercede is to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition.
In other words, an intercessor is a mediator or one who makes petition on behalf of someone else.
Jesus is our intercessor in Heaven. (Romans 8:34)
“A great percentage of intercessors are intuitive and discerning people. They sense great needs in a room or in a grocery store. They can walk in a room and the Spirit shows them who is hurting. Their heart are moved to pray for people they don’t even know with great passion.” (www.glocal.net)
An intercessor is called to a life of holiness; it’s a high calling. This calling is given and not chosen.
An intercessor can’t help, ignore or control the burdens which come upon them or their desire to pray.
“The Holy Spirit inspires us to this most Divine work of intercession, and His strength enables us to sigh unto God for the oppressed, the burdened and the distressed creation.” (E.M. Bounds)
******
Lately, I have been sharing stories in the news on Facebook. I want to take this opportunity to explain why I have been doing this.
I share these stories because I am burdened by them, not because I enjoy posting negativity.
My goal in sharing these horrific stories is to spur others to pray and intercede.
I see the spiritual climate and am burdened by the various stories I share. I can think of two this week, which are heavy on my heart.
I do not choose to care, be affected or burdened. Nor do I choose to weep and travail in prayer for complete strangers. God chose this for me.
I have asked Him to take this cup from me, but He says, My grace is sufficient for thee. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God knows best. I’m learning to listen and not grieve Him. I must honor His calling upon my life and be obedient. He has called me to be a vessel of honor (2 Timothy 2:21), a holy sacrifice (Romans 12:1) fit for His use.
Do you feel burdened to pray too?
No Compromise
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Galatians 5:9
I keep hearing this verse in my head. When the Lord puts a scripture on my heart, I know there is a reason.
What is the Lord is trying to tell me?
Courtesy of Creative Commons.
Recently, I have been making bread from scratch. It’s been fun discovering the magic of dry yeast.
It’s amazing how a little bit of yeast does make the dough rise.
I began thinking of this in a spiritual context.
In the Bible, leaven denotes sin.
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Years ago, when I first became a Christian, I was an aspiring actress and singer. A friend of mine, who is now a pastor, took me to his church. It was in the basement of a house in Brooklyn. I lived in Manhattan at the time. He and his wife picked me up and took me there.
I went and heard their pastor preach and was immediately convicted. I remember standing in this pastor’s kitchen afterwards. He asked me what I did for a living? I told him I worked as a secretary while pursuing a career in acting and singing. His immediate response was for me to give up acting and singing.
I was like, what? Give.it.up? Just like that. He said, You love Jesus, right? Well, you need to give up that life if you want to live for Him and serve Him. He told me we are in this world, but not of it. (Romans 12:2)
I was furious. Who was he to tell me such a thing? Didn’t he realize how much I’ve invested, not just money, but time, in pursuing my career? Is he kidding me?
Needless to say, I stopped going to that church. But his words continued to echo in my head.
God knew my heart and began dealing with me. Eventually, I did renounce that life. It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually God got a hold of me and I gave it up willingly.
My desire for God became bigger than my ambition.
Now I’m a writer. I’ve always been a writer, even when I didn’t know it. I filled notebooks with poetry and poured my heart out on the page for years. I never imagined I would one day have a blog and share my heart on this platform.
God is speaking to me once again. Will I compromise in my writing? Will I use my gift to promote others rather than Him? Will I be His mouthpiece in this lost world? Will I write what He tells me, even if it’s unpopular? Will I write despite man’s rejection or opposition?
I’ve been a Christian over 25 years now and I know not to say ‘no’ to God or what He’s asking me to do. It would be suicide.
This morning I wrote in my journal, I’d rather run the risk of man’s rejection than disobey or grieve God’s heart.
I need God. I need His love, His wisdom, His fellowship, His friendship, His help, His guidance, and His presence. This world can’t give that to me, only He can and does.
I know this may seem narrow and rigid to many believers today, but what I find myself continually repeating to my brothers and sisters in Christ, is that we all have different callings. My calling may not be the same as your calling. What may be ok for you, may not be ok for me or vice versa.
God has a specific call, plan and purpose for my life regardless of whether other people understand it or not. I know enough at this stage of the game not to compromise what He is telling me to do. I refuse to compromise.
Are you willing to run the risk of rejection from man for the sake of God? What are you willing to give up for God? Are you willing to take a stand for Christ in these last days even if it’s unpopular and not what everyone else is doing?
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