Learning On Purpose- a Journey #1

Many of us can become confused about our purpose.  We hear that God has a purpose for us and He planned it from the foundations of the earth, before we were formed in our mother’s womb.  We understand that, and when we get a clue about it, we search, and search and search… sometimes wonder if God forgot about us.  The truth is NO, He has not forgotten you.  Discovering and walking in our purpose is not as easy as some of us have heard.   See the discovery phase can last a lot longer than we have been told, our purpose does not just ‘show up’ one day and then we walk in it.  Discovering and walking in purpose happens as we go. We find things that work, we eliminate things that don't, because It is a journey, not a destination.  And as we go, we should be learning.  God does not waste any experience we have, with every job we work on, every relationship encounter, every ministry opportunity, we should lean something that connects to our purpose. 

THREE THINGS YOU LEARN ON PURPOSE

I was talking myself through the life of Joseph and how he discovered his purpose.  If you recall the story, he started off with simple dreams.  He was already created by God with a purpose, but he knew nothing outside his life  experiences until the dreams came.  His parents didn’t allow him to do the hard work that the others did, but he learned numbers other administrative type things that there was not much use for at home.  But his  dreams got him excited about doing something different, he had no clue what it might be, but he was excited enough to talk about it.  As the story goes, his brothers didn’t like his preferential treatment so he winds up sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, accused of rape by his bosses wife, and in prison helping guards.  After getting out of prison at the Pharaoh’s request, he ends up ruling second in command in a land he was not born in.  At the end of the story,  he is able to use some of those things he learned and he brings provision to the land and ultimately saves them all and his family too.

While looking over his journey, it brought me to three areas that I believe we will need to learn on our own purpose  journey.  Many areas you may have already experienced, but sometimes it makes more sense when we think of it in context.   The first area we learn about is

#1 LEARN GOD

To be affective in our purpose, we need to first know God.  How can we walk in what He put in us, if we don’t acknowledge Him first?  After all, He did promise to direct our paths if we did.  Knowing God is key, because anything He calls us to do, will not go the opposite of Himself.  He will not call us to hurt or abuse others, even when He calls us to correct or rebuke someone, it will always be to reconcile them to Himself.  God will always undergird our assignments with LOVE, because that is what He is.  So, the more we know Him, the more we set boundaries that can help us to be successful at what He has called us to do.  

If you are on a purpose journey and you don't know God, or maybe you are not actively learning and seeking ways to know Him and His ways, that is going to be the first key for you.  God does not want to to know what to do, more than He wants us to know Him.  The bible says how can two walk together except they agree?  We have to know that also works for us agreeing and walking with God.  Many are pursuing purpose apart from God, but there is still a lonely place that needs to be filled once they find what it is.   To get where you need to be whole, will require the one who made you.  Before looking so hard at what you are to Do in this life, think and pray, talk to the one you will ultimately DO IT FOR.  Connect with God!  

Join us next week as we uncover the second area we need to learn as take this  purpose journey!

"Unlikely Mentors"

My kids and I have always been  huge Walt Disney fans,  so when they were young, we watched many movies on a regular basis from our extensive collection.    One movie in particular was called "Treasure Planet."  This movie was unique to me in that the main character was a boy that had no girlfriend, was not looking for a girlfriend, but he a little messed up and it showed up by him  riding his space-board and getting in trouble with the law.  His mother who was at ends as to how to help him, was tired and unsure of her single parent abilities. The boy ended up being mentored by someone who was the MOST UNLIKELY candidate, a criminal, a pirate who was looking for treasure. The turns and twists of the movie leaves you understanding that the pirate was actually a good guy, with a huge heart, his choices and associates in life kept him in the behavior he was in, and  it was all he knew.   But in the midst of all his wrong, he did something very right.  He mentored a child.

LIKELY MENTORS

 Mentors are basically defined as a experienced or trusted adviser.  When we think of mentors, or look for one, we often think of people who have gone through something and have come out on top, someone we respect who is where we want to be- or they are headed there.  We think of good people who look and act the part that society celebrates.  Sometimes we seek out mentors because they  have reached a level of success and now they are wanting to return something to their community, to a group  or a possibly a targeted individual.  We see this in sports and in business, in churches and even in education.  People look for mentors, someone who can help them with insight and direction in any given area.   Mentors are needed, they are valuable and if you get a good one, you will never forget them.  

UNLIKELY MENTORS

In life we may run into people who don't really have it all together.  They may be good people, but some things are just a hindrance in their life. I recently saw a post about a young man who lived a difficult life.  He was involved in gangs and looked the part of someone you would avoid. He spent days now volunteering for a local charity and working with a group of people at his church.    When he gave his life to Christ, he was covered with tattoos and piercings,  His outward man was a mess, but his heart was God's. 

One day he was asked to speak to a group, and he was so nervous.  He didn't know what he could say to them, they were different than he was, they had not lived a life of pain that he did.  Yet he was a great father and he was a  believer, that alone qualified him to speak. That day he became an unlikely mentor.   See we often like to receive from people who look like where we want to be.  It is hard to look up to who you look down on, but there are people who love like Jesus loves, they care like He cares and the life they survived is part of what taught them to do it. 

You may be one of those people or you may know some.  They may be like this young man, a gang member, an ex con, prostitute, drug addict, drug dealer or more.  They could have a past that would scare anyone, but if they are connected with God, there is no telling what we can learn from them.  Be aware of people around you, no telling what valuable lessons and insight they hold.   If it is you, learn to shine... take the lessons of your life and allow others to benefit from your mistakes and your lessons learned.  We are all here for a reason, sharing and helping others is just one part of it, no matter how unlikely.   

"Young Enough to Remember!"

I am not one who remembers everything in my childhood.  I can sometimes remember faces, I can recall experiences and sometimes something will trigger a memory I didn't realize I had.  This is not due to age,  (for those of you who were thinking) it has always been that way.  My sister recalls EVERYTHING, she remembers family, their children's names, our old neighborhood and the people who lived next to us that made hot tortillas with butter.   She can go into a complete dialog describing settings, people, what was said, and who was there from over 40 years ago, and on occasion I will remember... just a bit.  Sometimes I ask myself is it is necessary to remember my youth, am I missing something by having this - what I call 'a gift of forgetting'?  

THE GIFT OF FORGETTING

For years now I have told people that I have a gift of forgetting, and in turn they would tell me to pray and ask God to help me remember.   They would use the scripture "The memory of the just is blessed.." Prov 10:7 ; and would tell me that they use that verse whenever they needed to find their keys, or didn't recall where they parked the car; but that is not what that scripture is talking about.  It's talking about just or honorable people who die- their memory is a blessing.  So I don't feel bad about my lack of memory, since the bible was not telling me I was unjust because I could not recall  something.  I now just need to live in such a way that someone will recall me in a good way.   

When it comes to forgetting, I have found that it can be a good thing,  especially since I have done a lot of counseling.  I love that I can hear the deepest hidden hurts, and be in the moment with someone, and when I see them later, I see them.. not their issue.  For the most part, I have forgotten it!  I see victorious people that I have had an opportunity to connect with and I can freely celebrate the encounter without a bunch of images that could mar the moment.   If we begin to talk and something is said that needs that memory to be triggered, it will trigger it, but only if it's needed for the current conversation.  I have often thanked God for the ability to forget because I sleep VERY well at night, and don't worry or carry burdens of people who are instructed to carry those burdens to the cross.   So just as important as remembering, so is forgetting. (I am thankful God chooses to forget some stuff we do!)

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth.

Aside from trying to remember everything in our life, we really have to remember God.  As young people, I know the temptation is there to only build your brand, build your wealth, build your relationships, but we HAVE to remember God now; when we are young enough, strong enough, determined enough to make a difference.   There will come a day that we will sit on the sidelines and watch, when we can give wisdom to others based on the lessons we have learned, but we will have to trust them to carry it out.  I know most of us are planning to live to be 100, but your 100 year old body, will still be 100 years old!  I know 40 is the new 20, 50 the new 30... but your body will still have 100 year old ears, feet and bones, and a new generation will still be moving and doing more than you.  Remembering God includes doing what He called you to do NOW.  It includes learning to honor Him in every area of your life, treating people the way He says to, building a platform that proclaims His name.  Loving God, loving others and loving yourself will lend towards a great retirement, and your latter days will really be better than the former ones.   

If you have young children or teenagers, teach them early to honor God.  Give them a legacy that shows they can do it all!  They can prosper, be in health, honor God, bless people, walk in purpose and make money to provide for their needs, bless others and build the kingdom of God.   If we focus just on one area, we have forgotten the Creator and forgotten His ability and power to bless us beyond all we could ask or think.  

In closing, I may not remember everything that has happened in my life, but I will NEVER FORGET the God Who kept me, who equipped me, Who chooses to use me, and forgives me for all my wrong. He continues to lead me today, and one day, He will come back for me... Until then.....   I continue to honor Him, and daily I remember.  

"Predator Priest" Check The Call.

I still believe there are some words that should never be spoken next to each other in a sentence.  One of those phrases is "Homeless Veteran"  for our Veterans to serve this country, risk their lives and make it out alive, they should not end up homeless.  Whether is it due to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or difficulty finding a job, they should have some place to live.  We build enough low income apartment complexes for those who may be struggling, but may not have risked their lives.  Why can't we build a community that allows those who have seen stuff we only see in movies, heard things that would keep us awake at night, and experienced things that they were unprepared for; to be able to live without fear, with onsite assistance for mental issues and difficult days.  It sounds better than just spending billions of dollars on a wall. (sidebar note, but that wall is in the news more than our homeless veterans.)   Along with Homeless Veterans, another set of words that should not be spoken in the same sentence are  "Predator Priests"

PREDATOR PRIESTS

What I don't Understand....

What I don't Understand is grown folks trying to mess with children.  I don't understand the unnatural appeal for sex that causes a grown person (man or woman) to be drawn or enticed by a child.  As many grown folks running around on planet earth that can appease their sexual desire, why mess with kids?  If you have issues that no adult on earth is interested in you, there are other ungodly ways to meet that need.  You can pay for it, you can purchase those gross dolls they have that look like real people to appease yourself... but leave the children alone!    The next thing I don't understand is a person who has made a vow to help people -going that far outside the realm of help, to hurt.  If  you feel you missed your calling to help, then stop.  Get out of that area of ministry and go on with your plan B.  See the call of God is specific to glorifying Him and helping people.  If you have stepped outside those two areas, it is not a call anymore.  Walk away, do your dirt on your own so when you go down, the church does not have to take the hit with you.

What I do understand 

God has made us with natural desires.  We all have them, whether we are Believers in any religion, or whether we are not.  Those desires are for us to Consummate marriage, for Pleasure and to Replenish the Earth.  Like everything in life, we get to choose how we use everything that has been given to us.  We can use it for good, or for evil.   

We know that God does not advocate sex outside marriage, no matter how much we do it... but God is a God of relationships, and He gave us natural affections and desires for love, companionship and yes....sex.  If you make a vow to serve God, to never marry,  and abstain for sex, to be a Eunuch- then keep that vow.   Matthew 19:12 Jesus addresses this by saying:

“There are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

Some people were born without a desire or urge for sex, others may have been castrated and made to be that by man.  But there are some who do so for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven.  If you choose to accept that, then do it; if you can't, get out.  If you have natural desires that you cannot control, you don't have to uphold a vow to be a eunuch, God said if you CAN.  If you cannot, get married and enjoy your life, serve God in whatever capacity that He anoints you to,  and avoid the temptation to hurt others and the church by your actions.   It is really that simple.  

LESSON FOR ALL OF US

Just to be fair, all of us have had things in our life that we THANK GOD, never came to light.  But if you find yourself in the midst of things that you know will dishonor God and cause the name of Christ to be ridiculed,  and it will hurt innocent people.... it is time to make decisions.  Either we are going to live this thing, or we are not.  Either we are going to help people and do our best to not be a stumbling block, or we are not.  NO one is perfect in this life, but in the midst of all of our imperfections, hurting and damaging people who have no choice in the hurt.... that needs to stop.

"Disrespect and Disobedience"

Recently I entertained a thought about the process of raising children and all that it entails.  As a result of these thoughts I began to ponder the various challenges we have when raising our kids or even children that belong to others.  As parents, teachers and care givers, there is always some issue that we have to endure, today I want to shine some light on two of them.

DISOBEDIENCE

Any parent knows that various levels of disobedience is normal!  This is where we test the boundaries of rules and authority, we see if there really is a limit to what we can do.  It is seen when we touch something intentionally after we are told not to, or when we purposely step over a line that has been drawn. As adults we have to admit that we ourselves have been found in places of disobedience when we were growing up.   Disobedience is an underlying issue in our society, our prisons are full of folks that disobeyed the laws of the land.  But the funny thing about disobedience is that it can be fixed.  Obedience is still an option when you have been caught in error.  Though you may still have to endure a few consequences, it is understood that your actions can change.   The bible says that obedience is greater than sacrifice, God would rather we obey Him than to try and impress Him.  All the things we do from day to day that we believe is impressive, it is not to God if we are still in realms of disobedience. . 

DISRESPECT

When dealing with disrespect, it looks different than disobedience even though it might involve some.   When you don't respect someone, their words can seem humorous to you.  You have no feeling of disappointing them by your actions or your words.  You really don't care.   I have found recently that if I had a choice of which to have to endure, I would rather it be disobedience!  We unknowingly teach disrespect to our children as a coping mechanism for battling authority figures that may misuse their power.   We often tell our children that NO ONE should tell them what to do, or we choose complete groups of people (like law enforcement) to target so that our children will not be naive to the ways of the few that do wrong.  This can cause a natural tone of disrespect for not just law enforcement, but for authority as a whole, and that becomes a recipe for dysfunction.

It has become increasingly difficult for people,men especially, to volunteer to work with children and youth nowadays  because our society is dripping with disrespect. 

WHEN IT COMES TO GOD...

God expects obedience from His kids.  But if we disobey God we will have consequences, and those consequences may cause us to examine our ways and realize that His ways are always best.  As a result, it can make us consider Him more as we grow in Him and can help us choose better in life.  Sincere repentance and turning from our ways  is the plan that God put in place to deal with  our wayward ways.  Repenting and turning is always a way to get back in good standing with God after our moments of disobedience.

But when it comes to disrespect, that sounds a bit like blasphemy.  Having disrespect for God leaves us making jokes and saying things that minimize who He is and shows a lack of faith or knowing who exactly He is.  The bible says that He will not always strive with man, and I believe that disrespect is one of those things that causes Him to turn His face.  See, God does not require RESPECT per se, He is God all by Himself and how we think of Him does not affect His glory, it does not change His power.  What it does do is show that we really don't know Him.   I am careful as to how I talk to God in my personal prayer time. Though I am very honest and true to our conversations, I often will speak what I am thinking and literally tell Him what I don't mean to imply when asking Him something.  God is not moved by our honesty with Him, He wants that.  What I believe we should be aware of is a tone of disrespect.  The bible says that those that go to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.  That requires faith, and respect.

So in conclusion, when it comes to kids... you don't know what thing they may struggle with, but our patience and time can work through it. Personally, I would rather deal with disobedience, than disrespect.  One is just easier to overcome.

God's Border Control!

We all know the topic of the year is BORDER CONTROL!  Whether to build a wall or not, and who's gonna pay for it.  We can't turn on the television without hearing about this wall.  Recently I saw a news story about a man who had a sign in his store window that said, "Even heaven has gates."  I really couldn't help but laugh, it was funny and very true.   After getting my giggle on, I thought about it from across the aisle and this is my conclusion...

HEAVEN'S GATES

Let's be honest, Heaven does have gates, not walls- but that's because no one there is intending evil, so walls are not needed.  The wrong intentions that people may have had, have already been dealt with.  Even though Heaven has gates, remember that gates are not just used to keep people out, but sometimes they are to welcome people in.  Pearly gates are not for security issues, they are for glory issues.  It shows the glory of God welcoming His obedient kids to the place He has prepared for those who love Him, and He loves.  So using heaven's gates as a reason to build a wall, falls shy of the intent...but that does not mean our borders should be wide open! 

OPEN BORDERS

When we talk about allowing people in, or keeping them out,  heaven has a way.  Many who may be all for border control on earth, may be against it in heaven, but God has open borders to everyone here on earth.... BEFORE they get to heaven; meaning everyone is welcomed!  The problem is not if we are welcomed, it is whether or not we want to go through the process.  So, yes we should have a process that requires that people follow it if they want in after all. God does.  Many may think God's process is too strict, or it is exclusive instead of inclusive, but He has set the process.   Some may feel that God is judging their actions and often ask "How can He be a loving God if He does not let everyone in?"  Well, here we are...  Many of us understand it in the natural, but we are against it in the Spiritual.  No one really wants an open border, because we know what it brings.  We are all for helping people, but not allowing evil intentions in our neighborhoods, we don't want to lose opportunity to provide for our families because someone has illegally stolen the opportunity.  Since God is the God of heaven and earth, He can make the rules and have us follow them, or we do not make it in, in America we can and should do the same.  But don't forget that with God.... EVERYONE HAS A CHANCE.

GOD'S BORDER CONTROL!

Since we know that God loves people, and gives people a chance, even hard core people - then perhaps we should think about border control like He does.  Everyone is welcomed to apply, or accept an open invitation; but you will be required to follow the process and guidelines to get in.  If you don't follow through then no one has put you out, you put yourself out.  If your INDIVIDUAL life is riddled with activities that are deemed unacceptable, and there is no signs of repentance, then the border remains closed.  But, even if you have had a rough start, you still have a chance based on your ability to turn from your previous ways, and that is also what God offers to us.  But even today, accepting HIM and HIM ALONE is too much of a process for some people, so they back away because the process seems wrong.  But like God, America can set the process that is open to all.   See it is very hard to use God's plan next to our own... because all of us have sinned and come short of His plan, none of us should have been allowed in anyway.   But God through His love sent His Son to pay the price for our entry.     So for fallen people who are redeemed, to tell other fallen people they are not acceptable and don't stand a chance,  is sad and wrong; just like an immigrant who made it good, telling another immigrant that is struggling that they cannot, and should not have a chance. 

I know this is a difficult topic, it is hard to stand on both sides and be open to people and try to be safe at the same time.  But we are not talking about policies, we are talking about people.  Maybe we should make the expectations stricter.... God did.

So yes, God has border control.  Earth is the waiting station, and the gates of heaven are not to keep us out, but to WELCOME US IN!  Instead of hindering each other, and judging each other,  let's help each other study to show our selves approved!      #tryingtomakethecut

(BTW.... Jesus paid for the gates!)      

"Birthday Gifts!"

I love birthdays!  Each year I take my birthday week off and just enjoy it.  I use it as a time to reflect on who I am, where I am, and what I have pending for the next year.  I know that might sound boring to some,  but I have never been caught up on having to have parties, gifts or people flood my phone with birthday greetings.  Don't get me wrong, I love the people who decide to celebrate me and take time to share kind words or gift cards; but I have always felt that I am the gift on my birthday.  I am the one who was born to make a difference in the generation that I was born to, and each year, I should have someone that I have touched or helped to celebrate.  

This is not a new thought to me, I found the same thing in the lives of those we read about in our bible.  Here are a few of them and the lessons I take from them: 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOSES!

When Moses was born, it was in response to the cries of the Children of Israel who were in bondage.  He was born, saved, kept and empowered to fulfill a purpose and promise of  God to His people. Though he felt unworthy, God had a plan for him, and ultimately, he fulfilled it.  REMINDER:  Even if you feel unworthy, you are not the decision maker of that!  God made each of us to be a precious gift, how we are seen, what we do and how we do it, is designed to be a blessing to others!  If we stick to His plan, He will bring it to pass! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH! 

Joseph was born to a woman who was barren, but God had a plan.  Through his dreams, he gained a bit of confidence after being raised in a bubble.  See his parents protected him so much, that it caused division with his brothers.  Soon after they heard about some  dream he was having, his brothers began a plot that not only caused him to lose years with his family, but it unexpectedly catapulted him into the dream itself!  He was not only a dreamer, he was born for this purpose... to provide for his family and save them in the time of drought. REMINDER: What is in your dreams? Just because the path has been filled with jealous people and hard circumstances, does not mean you are off track.  The  distractions and side roads can actually be keeping you ON track!  Don't despise the difficult process, stay connected to God and ride it to the end!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ESTHER!

Esther was a woman who was thrown into the midst of a tug of war between the powers that be and the people of God.   The beauty she was born with was used to position her for favor and opportunity beyond her looks.  Many of us would love to look that good, but even if you feel that was not your portion, don't forget that who you are, how you look and so much more about you is intentional.  You are created to solve an issue or to fix a problem in this earth. All of who you are fits with what you are called to do.  You like Esther were made, for such a time as this! Walk confidently in it!

  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO!

Each of us are born with a DNA to serve and to meet a need in this earth.  We are gifted differently in every area because the needs are different.  Everyone is not made to reach every body, so I need you to ZIG where I ZAG.  The more we realize we are the gift on our birthday, the more we  will focus on who we can help and how.  We will be less upset when someone forgets our birthday, and more in tuned to remembering our purpose as we meet needs.   

The final example that I will give is of course Jesus Christ;  He was literally born to die.  His birth came as an answer to a need , His birth and death was to give us opportunity to be reconciled to God.  He was and still is  the ultimate gift for us.   

As you go through this year, remember that everyday is a gift to you, and every day you too should be a gift to others.  By the time your birthday rolls around, there should be many  people who are blessed and touched by your PRESENCE!  If by chance I miss you this year... Happy birthday!