A Glimpse of Me (Nov. 22, 2013)

Hey Fellow Bloggers,

Today has been a great day. I went to the gym to start a lifestyle change so I can be healthier and get in better shape. I had a consultation with a personal trainer and she worked me to the bone. I am so sore right now... LOL! But on a more positive side I found out I've lost more weight which means I'm closer to my goal... YAY!!!! 

On yesterday God allowed me to run into an old friend that really encouraged me and confirmed somethings God has been dealing with me on. And then today I was asked a question and after giving the answer I was told I need to post it on FB; after which I explained that I desired to post some videos dealing with questions and various topics, but I normally second guess my Video work. And then I was slyly rebuked by the individual I was talking to. They made some valid points as well that I had to take to heart.

No matter where you are or what you're going through; God knows exactly where you are and what you need. All we have to do is take time to listen and obey. Everything isn't comfortable for me in this season, but I made a vow unto the Lord and I won't take it back.

"REAL" Moments with the Apostle #2

There are a lot of things I regret doing; However, I can choose to dwell on the mistakes or make the best of it moving forward.

Let's Get It Together!

I believe in keeping it 100 and being "Real" but there is a difference in being "REAL" and Real Sinful! Yes we all have struggles and issues that we are dealing with, but some things are taken to far and out of context.

As believers, yes we shouldn't walk around acting like we have it all together and we're perfect. But at the same time we shouldn't flaunt our issues either. It's one thing to struggle with something in private and glorifying it in public and on social media.

Yea you might still be struggling with cussing, but you don't have to broadcast it on Facebook and Twitter. You might still struggle with smoking and drinking but you don't have to post a pic for the world to see and use it against us. You might have a sexual struggle but that don't mean publicly let it be known by soliciting on your FB Post and posting pic of you and your sin at the hotel.

And especially those in Public Ministry before people. Because what this says to them is, it ok do what you're doing and you done have to change. And to others it says My God doesn't have to power to deliver me.

And truth be told, if it's a real is a struggle that means you don't want to do it let alone advertise and publicize it. It's not a struggle if you got a beer can of Facebook talking about, "Turn Up!"

We've got to do better as saints of God and Get Delivered For REAL! We are losing and confusing to many people. I'm not perfect by any means and I do have my issues, but there is still a standard of Holiness we must all live by. No Exceptions!

"REAL" Moments with the Apostle #1

I can't Stand a Liar! Just tell the Truth in the beginning because It's going to come out! I do have the spirit of discernment and the holyspirit will not let anything just sneak up on me. Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I don't know.

Be Encouraged in the Struggle!

Just wanted to take some time to encourage you in the Struggle...

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 Amplified Bible

6 Should I desire to boast, I shall not be a witless braggart, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it] so that no one may form a higher estimate of me than [is justified by] what he sees in me or hears from me.

7 And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ([a]a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted.

8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me;

9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength).

This is not to say that we should accept and/or practice willful sin, however there are struggles and issues that God leaves in our lives to help us stay humble so that we don't get exalted doing the work of the Lord. I often say, "God is not looking for Perfect People, But Real People willing to say this is where I am and this is what I'm dealing with, but if You (God) help me and clean me up I'll do whatever you want me to do."

I want to encourage someone who may be ready to give up in or because of your struggle/issue. Don't give up and don't give out. We ALL have issues and struggles that we deal with whether we admit it or not. NO ONE is Perfect But God! But we have the assurance through Christ Jesus that His Grace is Sufficient for us and His Strength is made Perfect in our Weakness.

So when we do are best and we still fall short, God says, "I Got You!" Now we must also understand there is a difference between a Struggle and willful sin. God does not accept or cover Willful sin. A struggle denotes a pulling, meaning you're forcefully trying to get AWAY, but in weakness you ACCIDENTALLY Slip and/or get pulled back in.

Making plans to sin is not a struggle. Calling your boo saying, "I get out of church about 9:00 meet at my house about 10:00." That's willful Sin! Now, on the hand, if you get out of church and Go home and he/she is sitting outside waiting on you (and you didn't know they were coming or going to be there) and they approach you and you tell them no and you attempt to go in the house alone but they persist and in a moment of weakness you slip up that might be a struggle depending on how you handled it.

In my conclusion, I want to encourage you to strive for perfection, Live Right the Best You Can, but don't beat yourself up if you don't measure up because God is there to meet where you don't measure up.