Play to Win

Well, my team lost tonight. And, they shouldn't have. There was no execution. Players did not hit the board for rebounds. They were not aggressive on defense or offense. From my perspective, they didn't even look like they wanted to win the game. To me they seemed lackadaisical, as my basketball coach would put it. Now, I could understand, if my team was just no good and had no chance to win against their competitor. But, that is not the case. They have the skill and beat this team before. But tonight, they just did not play to the skill level they are capable of.  I have to exclude one player from this rebuke. He executed. Out of 96 points, he scored 41 for the team.

You know what? The church functions like this a lot. People show up dressed for play, but don't. We have players on the bench not paying attention to the coach. We have players on the court not implementing what the coach has instructed. We have players in the right position knowing what should be done and not doing it. We even have players on the court in the right position, playing someone else's. And, there is the one player, playing to win.

Listen. If the church continues to play Kingdom Ball for the Lord the way the Lakers played tonight, we'll lose. Yes, Christ has the victory and our enemy was defeated at the cross. But, churches close everyday. People fall by the wayside every day. Those are losses we cannot afford. Therefore, hear, listen to and execute the vision of your pastor. Get in your position and play hard. If you are a guard, stop trying to play center. It is a known statistic that only 20% of people who attend church do 80% of the work.  Saints... Kobe cannot do it alone. Jump in the game. Kingdom living is a team sport. It is going to take all of us doing what we are gifted to do with tenacity to win the lost. As we function like the body Paul descibes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the score for souls heaven bound will increase and the cloud of witnesses will shout from Heaven cheering us on from glory to Glory.

The Bride

After I said, "yes," to a question most women want to hear, the whirlwind began. Meetings with consultants; speaking with parents, mine and his; shopping; bridal shows; phone calls; fittings; choices of cake, cake filling, icing, and flowers. Announcements sent, church and country club reserved. Photographer, musicians, singers, dancers and D.J. selected. Choreography created and taught. Dresses for bride's maids and tux's for groomsmen. More fittings, newspaper article done and invitations sent out. Massages, skin treatments, manicures, pedicures, hair styled and make-up done. This barely scratches the surface of the preparation and work gone into our wedding day.

What extreme effort. What precise planning. What dedication. What great amount of commitment given in time and thought. What great price. My only prayer tonight is that we all would put as much effort, commitment, time, thought and dedication to the wedding of all weddings, the wedding feast of the Lamb. And, Hallelujah!! The price was paid at Calvary. Be encouraged. Join me in the preparation for our coming King. Send out the invitations of eternity. Adorn yourself with the righteousness of Christ and be presented on that Day without spot or wrinkle.

Time to Fly

Until you are dead and in a grave, it will never be too late to fulfill your purpose and reach the destiny the Lord has ordained for you. Jeremiah 29:11 is irrevocable. Romans 11:29 states, "For the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable." If you have been following the Lord with your whole heart and seek after Him with all of your being, there are desires in your heart He has placed urging you to move toward and into your calling. So, what are you waiting for?

If you want to sing, sing. If you want to act, act. If you want to be a doctor, take the steps to get there. Dreams happen. But you have to take the steps to get there. Every person who I have met, has a dream or aspiration. When I have heard them speak about it, their eyes light up with grins of hope. Unfortunately, the conversations often turn to excuses that are linked to fear. Fear of disappointment; fear of sacrifice; fear of failure; even fear of success plague and keep many from soaring in their dreams and calling in life. Fears grow into insecurity. Then, doubt destroys the dream. 

Stop the cycle of wishing, waiting and giving up. Dig up the dream that doubt has buried. Replace fear with faith. Take the steps to run into flying and soar with the winds of success beneath your wings. Nothing is to big for God. Allow Him to be your compass. He will get you there. Trust Him; believe in yourself. Go for it!! You got this. It's what you were made for.

The Protocol Daughter... Me

You know that story in the Bible about the protocol son? Well, this is part of my story as the protocol daughter. I was raised in the church and brought up with godly principles and biblical teaching. But, you know, I had to do the "try-my-own-way" before the Holy Spirit snatched me by the back of my neck. It was like He was saying, "Hey!! You belong to Somebody. Remember?"

He got my attention alright with an amazing encounter; which I'll have to share another time. Anyway, even though it had only been a few years I was away from the Lord, I had moved faaaaaarrrrr farrr far from Him in my actions and behaviors. For example, I smoked cigarettes. I wasn't a chain smoker. But I would smoke when I went out with my friends and when I was on deadline writing for my university paper. Anyway, after I came to the Lord with fervor and serious commitment, I found myself on my porch reading my Bible... smoking. While trying to turn some pages without dropping my Marlboro Light 100, my Bible fell off of my lap slapping onto the cement of my patio. I picked it up, placed it open onto my lap and guess what verse was right there, jumping at me off the page? I was totally convicted. Praying immediately I asked the Lord to forgive me for not taking care of my temple and I made a decision not to do it anymore with His help.

The Lord has brought me a long way in many things. My prayer is that I would respond 100 percent of the time to His instruction the way I did with the cigarette and other things. I get frustrated with myself when I fall or mess up. But God's love for me is so steadfast that even in my mess up's and failings, He holds me up and doesn't allow my life to be destroyed by my lack of perfection. He still uses and blesses me.

If you have fallen, messed up or feel you have failed the Lord in any way, know that He offers forgiveness to a repentant heart and His grace is sufficient. When the Lord went to the cross, He went knowing that from your salvation, you would still be human and make mistakes. So if you fall or fail, don't give up. Get up. And, allow the Lord's love to shower you with forgiveness and grace.

More Than A Dream

Today, millions in America gave honor to a man who decided to lead a nation against division. A man who said no more to racism and prejudice. Though it has been many decades since the civil rights movement, we still struggle. Change has taken place. But, I dare say that the depth of the dream Dr. King spoke about has not yet occurred.

Dr. King's speech challenged the nation to practice truths that are known and written by our nation's founding father's, who also were believers in Christ. His call was a challenge to justice with righteousness. When disclosing his dream, in his first statement he said, "...that the glory of the Lord be revealed, and all flesh see it together." This was not just about black and white people getting along. It herald a unity and brotherhood of a nation that can only happen by a Holy God. A God, we have chosen to give a back seat to when it comes to decision making for our country. Racism and prejudice still exist. And, righteousness... we are far from it as a whole.

The Reverand, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had it right. For true unity to prevail, God must reign through leaders who are righteously just. The Father in Heaven is the glue. He is the chord that will bind us together. We have to give our nation back to Him. We have to allow Him to reign. And, when He does, the bells of liberty will ring and true freedom will resound.

Chosen

While serving the Lord in India, I came across a fisherman. His leathery skin looked burnt, on top of burnt, on top of burnt. I was mesmorized by the skill he used with a net to catch fish on the side of his small boat. Not much time passed and he brought his boat back to shore (there were no docks,) grabbed his catch of the day and walked towards me. As he passed by, two things came to my immediate attention. One was the awful smell that was attached to him.  He stunk. BAD!! Man... I almost gagged. The other was the condition of his feet. They were burnt like the rest of his body. His heels bore deep, vertical cracks. His toe nails were yellow. When he was out of sight I thought, "That guy needs a bath and pedicure." At that moment, the Lord spoke to me, "That is who I chose."

Immediately, the disciples came to mind. There I was sitting there convicted about judging the man who walked by me. I mean, I wouldn't choose him. Especially, to lead the church. But, fisherman are who Christ chose as the leaders of the gospel of Christ. The only qualification they needed was there response to the call. No documents. No resumes. No references. No previous experience. That's because the Lord had already qualified them.

It is true that the Lord will qualify the called, to whatever the calling is. He is not looking for us to do things in our own strength. He is looking for obedience. A rendering of our will to submit to what He has for us to do. Many are called and have shrunk back due to believing they are not good enough or have what it takes to do what they are beckoned to do.

Listen. All you need is the call of God. He will work everything else out. Look at the people He chose to do great things in His word. Rahab, the prostitute, turned spy to help the Israelites in conquering Jericho. Or, how about the adulteress at the well who led a city to Christ. Okay... then there was Moses. He was smart. But, he had a lisp and was wanted for murder in the land God told him to go to. Ezekial was a great sinner by his own admission, but chosen as one of the great prophets of the Lord.

What is the Lord calling you to? Are you letting the expectations of others get in your way? Or, are you allowing others to dictate that you can't? Or, do you lack faith in yourself? If the Lord is telling you to do, then do. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him to believe in you. Believe Him, that you are right for the job. And, with Him on your side, you will succeed. 

Our Jurisdiction

My favorite scene in the movie "The Saint," starring Val Kilmer, is when his co-star makes a mad dash for the American Embassy in Russia. As her pursuers are chasing her she screams at the guards, "I'm an American!" The gates are opened and the guards put their guns in the faces of the bad guys and basically tell them to get back.

As you know, your national embassy in a foreign land is just like being in your country. All of the laws that are established in your home country apply in that embassy even though it resides in a place far from home. Similarly, as believers we a operate the same way. The word tells us to put on our armor and part of that armor is shoes of peace. Our Lord and Savior is the Prince of Peace, so on our race and in our journey we are walking with and in Peace. We also know by scripture that we are ambassadors of God's Kingdom, Christ reigns in our heart and we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Put all this together and what do you have?

An embassy.

Everywhere you go; God's law is there. Whatever ground your feet touch; is Holy ground. Inside of you resides the power to set captives free and send the enemy fleeing. We carry the right of passage Home and can help people with their documents of salvation and eternal life that our held in the pages of the Book of Life. Passports? Not a problem. They are sealed by the blood of the Lamb and have no expiration date. Everything we need to let those around us know that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, is inside of us.

I want to encourage all of us to walk like we know Who and What we are representing. When something goes your way and someone says, "Wow your are lucky," or "Things just seem to work out for you," respond matter of factly, "I'm just blessed with the favor of God," or "Oh you know. It's the Lord. As my Daddy, He just wants to bless me," or "Oh. I'm a child of God. Comes with the territory."

You will get some interesting looks. Believe me. But, it is a way to plant seeds and also get a conversation going about the love and blessing of God for those who follow Him. We have the Lord, God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and earth on our side. So, walk in a way that causes others to pause and wonder what it is that you have. Be bait and start fishing for those who need the refuge and shelter of the Lord. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain, maybe even a soul.

Rocking the Boat

The cutest game very young children play is peek-a-boo with their hinds covering their face. It's cute because they actually believe no one can see them until they uncover their eyes. Adults play along by saying things like, "I can't find so-and-so. I wonder where he is." And, then the child uncovers their eyes and the adult exclaims, "There he is!" This game cracks me up because we play along and act like we can't see them.

It's interesting because we do the same thing with the Lord sometimes. We try to hide from Him who sees all things. Adam and Eve tried to hide from Him in the garden and Jonah actually thought he could run away from Him. Well we all know that you can't hide from the Father. He always knows exactly where each of us is.

But, I don't know if we really understand the extent of consequences that come when we run from, hide from or disobey the Lord. I mean I wonder what outcome would have occurred if Adam ran to the Lord after Eve was deceived instead of running from Him? The choice made to eat and run cost many things, but ultimately, Christ on the cross. And, Jonah, who ran via boat, put the lives of everyone on the ship in danger by his disobedience. The Bible tells that the terrible storm was literally breaking the ship because Jonah fled from the Lord. The others not knowing this cast lots to find out who was rocking the boat. When the lot fell on Jonah, he explained that the storm and danger were his fault. The only way for the others on the ship to be safe was to throw Jonah into the sea. In addition to bringing storms into others lives, we can delay blessing on others, even salvation when running from God. The whole city of Ninevah was on the other side of Jonah's obedience.

So, this is my question. Is there someone or many waiting on the other side of your obedience to the Lord. Are you rocking anyone's boat? Or, is someone rocking yours? Hide-and-seek is a fun game for children. But I don't think it is one the Lord likes to play with us.

Whatever God is calling you to do, you know there is greatness and blessing attached to it. He is a GREAT God! We have to be diligent in casting away fears and doubts. We have to humble ourselves and know that God is right 100% of the time. So, if you're rockin' a boat, jump into the sea. Allow whatever fish to come and give you a ride back to your place of destiny. Be an instrument in the hands of God; a vessel bringing His blessing to those who are waiting to receive it.

The Kiss of Death

What anguish the Lord went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. His capellaries actually burst which caused him to sweat blood. His best friends could not keep watch and pray with Him and another friend sealed His fate with a kiss. Unbelievable!! Man. That had to hurt.

I have been betrayed, rejected, slandered and falsely accused... many times. It is sooo painful. Your heart wants to stop but keeps pounding to help you get out the sobs and weeping. It is awful. But, Hallelujah!! What a friend we have in Jesus! When it comes to betrayal the Lord has felt it. He has been there and can empathize with us when it comes to being hurt by ones we love and trust.

The experience of betrayal is one I am pretty sure we all, or at least many of us, can relate to. But how do you deal with it? Here is a look into my experience and how the Lord responded to me. His Word and instruction came to me through writing the following poem. I pray it blesses and ministers to you while reading it.

A Cry's Answer

By Lisa Martin

LORD! GOD! My Savior!! Hold me tightly in your arms.

There are tongues of slander meaning to scar.

As buzzards do flesh, the words eat at my spirit.

And though they don't know my ears are hearing it.

Oh my soul!! Lord Jesus please mend.

Many of these words from the lips of friends.

Tears flow like rain; I want to run and hide.

Though Your word says You are by my side.

I crawl to the cross make my armor new

And, tell me Lord, what should I do?

My sweet, sweet child. You need not be afraid.

For things such as this, the price has been paid.

Do not fret or fear, wounds of slander and rejection.

I will use this to mold you closer to My perfection.

Be filled with compassion; walk as I did.

And be cautious now with words from lips.

These earthly circumstances may not seem fair today.

But, keep hope and the faith; I am on My way.

For there will come a time when all will give account

For every word chosen to come from the mouth.

And when I return I will make all right.

Let me lift your head and shine through you with Light.

Do not retaliate; and do not curse.

My instruction to you, is to do the reverse.

Bless persecutors; enemy or friend.

And, see my Glory; power that mends.

Have mercy, serve; give grace as above.

But most importantly; I command you to LOVE.

Brothers... sisters... God bless you as you walk in love toward those who reject, slander, persecute, falsely accuse and/or betray you. And may the kisses of wrong bestowed on you be turned to kill the source behind it.



The Sky is Falling

Birds are falling from the sky and dead fish are washing up on shore. California had 10 earthquakes in a 24 hour period by Monday night. Storms are raging, starvation is a high ranking killer and things that were once called good are now evil and evil, good. Well... I am not a date setter, but based on the news I would say we are at least in the beginning of birth pangs described by Christ in Matthew 24. Things seem to be lining up for the fulfillment of remaining prophecies in the Bible.

As believers, we (by the power of Christ) are able to exhibit peace, joy and love despite the shaking around us. Thanks to the grace of God, He has given us information so that we would not be surprised of things to come. The problem is the parable of the ten virgins. I look at the church and believe that there are many who see all that is happening and not paying attention. There is an apathy. There is a sleep falling on the bride of Christ.

The Word instructs us to be alert and not ignorant of the times. We must keep our oil lamps filled and be ready. I Thessolonians 5 tells us that when the end comes it will come like a thief in the night, but for us who are children of the Light it will not overtake us as a thief. We are told to not sleep but to watch and be sober. So, if your eyes are droopy or you are just flat out tired. It's time to take some No Doze called the power of the Holy Spirit! Stay on fire for the Lord! Keep the oil in your lamp and stay burning until the break of Day! And, even though the sky falls, you will be found standing.

Come Out of the Closet - Part 3

Marilyn was extremely late. She being commited, courteous and always on time, we believed something must have happened. More time passed and her supervisor was not able to get Marilyn by phone. Our thoughts were with my colleague so much it was hard to conduct business. Wouldn't you know it. Here comes the Holy Spirit, "Ask them to pray with you."

I said, "No," many times and tried to ignore the prompting. Well, then I started to feel convicted about my disobedience and I was suddenly engaged in the battle of the flesh vs. the Spirit of God. After a 20 minute fight, the Spirit won. "We are all way to worked up and nervous. We need to pray. We need to pray. Will you pray with me."

In that prayer I asked the Lord to bring peace to the situation, to be with Marilyn and to have her call to let us know she was okay. Ya'll... I am not exaggerating when I tell you that no more than five minutes passed after saying, "Amen," the phone rang. Marilyn was fine and made it to the meeting. She was greeted by her supervisor exclaiming how we had just prayed for her to call and she did. Not many months after this a woman in that meeting gave her life to the Lord and is still walking today.

I mentioned fear and tension in part one of this series. The most quoted phrase in the Bible is "Fear not." We are not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7.) More than conquerors (Romans 8:37,) we serve a Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) who holds the heart of the king (your boss or anyone in authority over you) in the palm of His hand which He turns however He wills (Proverbs 21:1.) We know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord (James 1:17) and that He gives and takes away. When it comes to Jehovah Jirah (God our Provider) He will make sure we have what we need to fulfill our purpose for Him as we walk in His word and seek His face (Matthew 6:33.)

Your job is your mission field; your Kingdom assignment. We are in God's Army. While following the Holy Spirit if you are led to move from one job to another, those are your change orders; if you are laid off with no work to replace it, that is your furlough to rest until the Lord gives you your next assignment. If you are fired due to your belief, you have taken a hit for Christ. And, the Lord knew before hand and wouldn't allow it if it would interfere with His plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11.)

The place of employment is just the backdrop or stage He is uses in your life to build your character, bring someone to Christ or testify of His grace, goodness, mercy and love. In the eternal scheme of things, there is nothing to fear. So, stand. Be bold. Let your Light shine. Open up the door and step out of the closet with the confidence and love of Christ. 

Come Out of the Closet - Part 2

Did you see that movie Pitch Black with Vin Diesel? If not, it was a futuristic film about a group of people who crash land on a planet that loses all light. And, of course, when the light goes, creatures come out to feed. Survivors learn very quickly that the creatures can't stand light. Though many become a midnight snack, the group is able to find a source of light to help them get from the crash site to a workable spaceship. But, a speckle of light can be seen for miles. Scurrying across a desert plain, thousands of creatures are drawn to them. More perish but, a few make it safely to the spaceship and go home. Light was the hero of this movie. Without it, no one would survive.

Like the movie, our hero, Christ, is THE Light of the world. He has called us to let our light shine in the dark places that others may know Him. Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a baseket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Jesus is THE Light that has taken residency in you. With Him you become light. I submit to you that if your light is shining and you have run into the closet, you can be seen anyway. And, it's only a matter of time before someone opens the door. They may inquire about the cross around your neck, ask why you don't watch or do certain things, why you don't use certain adjectives while speaking or flat out ask, "Are you a christian?"

The Word is true. People perish for lack of knowledge. You have it. You possess Truth and Light. Share that Light with others. And like the movie, they will possess the power for a safe passage HOME. 

Come Out of the Closet - Part 1

Fear gripped me while working for a prestigious national agency. I was surrounded by nationally known and respected professionals in the education field. It was a constant battle to voice my belief in Jesus Christ and stand on priniciples based on His word. Those of you who know my tenacity and boldness for Christ may find this surprising. But let me tell you, the tension I felt when the Holy Spirit would give me the cue to share was amazing.

It is easy to be bold and testify when with like-minded people. Now, I work in a church and can freely speak about the Lord, quote scriptures, and pray openly. For those of you who are working outside of ministry or the church, I know what some of you are going through. I understand the pressure to be silent, the fear of being rejected or maybe even fired. Believe me, I know. The tug of war you are experiencing in your soul is real. Stand or lose my families livelihood? Speak or get the next promotion? 

Brother, sister... there is good news. There is at least one other person in your place of work who believes as you do. You are not alone. In Luke 10:1, Jesus sent them out two by two. Based on everything I have seen in the Word, the Lord will not send you into your place of work for His Glory, all by yourself. There is always at least two. If you don't know who the person/persons are, look for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to introduce you to your partner in Christ. And, don't be surprised if it is a person/persons that you have not been getting along with. That's the devil working division to prevent the two of you from putting ten thousand of his to flight (Deut. 32:30.) If you know who the person/persons are, introduce yourself to him/her/them. They may have been praying for you.

I remember when I learned who the first believer was in place of work. I dropped my jaw. It was someone very high up. At the end of the year, he posted charities that we should consider giving to and one of them was his church. The next conference we had I gave him a hug, shook his hand off of his arm and with a smile from ear to ear spoke two words, "Me too."

Praise the Lord! He knew what I meant and just chuckled. The enemy of this world is moving to push Christians into a corner and make us feel vulnerable and naked if we voice who we are and what we believe. We cannot allow this anymore. The more we remain silent, the more ground he gains and the more souls are lost.  This year let's make a commitment to the gospel of Christ and bearers of Romans 1:16:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,

for it is the power of God to salvation

 for everyone who believes,

for the Jew first and also for the Greek."

God bless you as you serve Him where you are. Amen!

On Your Mark, Get Set... GO!!

The New Year is here! All over the world, millions counted down to a new beginning. Goals have been set and dreams revisited; regrets pushed behind and hopes pressed forward. When the clock struck midnight, it was the sound of a gun sending many on a fresh start in the race of life. Well, I am so glad that our God is kinder to us than the calendar. You may ask, "What do you mean?" Read Lamentations 3:22-23 below.

"Through the LORD's mercies, 

 we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness."

The word "mercies" when literally translated from the Hebrew means goodness, kindness. "Compassions," means deep love; tender affection. The verse literally means, through the Lord's goodness and kindness His deep love and tender affection are new (fresh) every morning (break of day.) Get excited. We DON'T have to wait for a fresh start. The new year, 2011, just started. If it has already not gone as forseen, with the Lord, your new year starts tomorrow.

The Lord wants us to live an abundant life and gives us so many things in His word to help us do that. One of them is the above verses. When you fall, fail, trip, have hurt or pain, get dooped or dumped, don't wait for the year to end. Look up toward Heaven grab the Lord's loving kindness that never ceases and with the dew of dawn, receive a brand new day!

Be blessed this new year and may every day be filled with the Lord's touch of love.

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