In 1980 Johnny Lee sung the title track for Urban Cowboys that became a vey popular song both lyrically and comically. Looking for love in all the wrong places became a popular song that was not only redone but was even done as a comedy skit on Saturday Night Live. This line became a running joke amongst friends who suffered poor relationships and used as the excuse.
But if we were to take a longer deeper look at this line, we will sadly find that this line shines light as to why so many people live such despondent & hopeless lives. Looking for love in all the wrong places is a true life statement that has misled, damaged and confused people and let them in a place where they don't know who they are or what they can have. Many people wind up looking for love due to a myriad of circumstances. Maybe they were abandoned as a child by both parents, maybe they were abused by someone they loved them. Maybe they had many people Round them, but had no one ever affirm who they were; all of these scenarios could leave a person void and looking for love, but in all the wrong places.
Places like alcoholic beverages, places like gangs or abusive relationships, places like immoral or illicit relationships; or simply places that leave them emotionally, spiritually and mentally bankrupt. Places that leave them helpless, hopeless, despondent & discouraged feeling like there is no hope for them. All because they are looking for love, acceptance and purpose in things and people that were not designed to provide it for them. They may have began looking in the wrong places, but praise God they have the opportunity to turn it around. How?
The step towards joy, peace, wholeness &purpose is to Seek God First!! In Matthew 6:33 we find Jesus preaching on the topic advises us not to worry. He says " But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV) at the time he was discussing the external needs of man, but we serve a savior who came to meet ALL of our needs! He tells us don't worry God knows what you need in every area but you must seek Him first! Watch when you seek Him first He will fill you forever.
Be Blessed
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Are you on Guard??
Family issues, bills, overwhelming workload, missed dreams, past hurts, broken relationships and future hopes. Throughout the course of a day we are all bombarded by a barrage of thoughts that can seemingly overwhelm us. Not only can these thoughts overwhelm us, but if we’re not mindful of their presence and careful of their power we can find ourselves led into a myriad of emotions and actions we never intended to feel or do.
Many people find themselves in places and situations all because they've failed to stay on guard. Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (NKJV) So many people spend a considerable amount of time guarding worldly possessions and things that they have high regard for, but leave the most important parts of their being unguarded.
Consider for a moment, what do you possess more vital and valuable than your mind and heart? What could possibly hold more value to you than the two things that have the ability to drive your every action? Let me just make it clear; nothing you ever inherit, purchase or find will be more important or worthy of guarding than your mind and heart. Why? Because the succession to living begins with the mind and heart; and if we’re not careful the pattern can lead us into a destructive end.
What in the world is the succession to living and how does it work? Well, in an unguarded life the succession looks like this; thoughts lead to damaging emotions, damaging emotions lead to unwise actions and unwise actions lead to consequences. Don't believe me? We'll think of a time in your life where you found yourself dealing with severe consequences that either came very close to or may have destroyed a part of your life. I'm pretty sure if you trace your steps back to how you started on that destructive path it'll lead you to some unguarded thoughts and feelings. Likewise think about a time in your life where you had the enjoyment of fulfilling a goal or watching the fruit of wise decisions unfold in your life. When you stop and recall how you got to these great results you will find that you had specific thoughts in your mind that led to healthy and fruitful emotions that led to proper actions.
Want to live a purposeful life; I admonish you to stay on guard
Many people find themselves in places and situations all because they've failed to stay on guard. Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” (NKJV) So many people spend a considerable amount of time guarding worldly possessions and things that they have high regard for, but leave the most important parts of their being unguarded.
Consider for a moment, what do you possess more vital and valuable than your mind and heart? What could possibly hold more value to you than the two things that have the ability to drive your every action? Let me just make it clear; nothing you ever inherit, purchase or find will be more important or worthy of guarding than your mind and heart. Why? Because the succession to living begins with the mind and heart; and if we’re not careful the pattern can lead us into a destructive end.
What in the world is the succession to living and how does it work? Well, in an unguarded life the succession looks like this; thoughts lead to damaging emotions, damaging emotions lead to unwise actions and unwise actions lead to consequences. Don't believe me? We'll think of a time in your life where you found yourself dealing with severe consequences that either came very close to or may have destroyed a part of your life. I'm pretty sure if you trace your steps back to how you started on that destructive path it'll lead you to some unguarded thoughts and feelings. Likewise think about a time in your life where you had the enjoyment of fulfilling a goal or watching the fruit of wise decisions unfold in your life. When you stop and recall how you got to these great results you will find that you had specific thoughts in your mind that led to healthy and fruitful emotions that led to proper actions.
Want to live a purposeful life; I admonish you to stay on guard
Thursday, October 17, 2013
He's Trustworthy
Many people walk around looking for validation from others, opening themselves up to people in hopes that they would be trustworthy with their hearts & lives. Unfortunately more often than not these people are let down because the ones they entrusted themselves to, did nothing to garner such a honor nor did they give any assurance that trusting in them would reap any benefits. When given the responsibility of caring for someone who trust them, many regretfully take advantage of that persons vulnerability and hurt them instead of helping them. Gratefully as believers the same doesn't ring true for our relationship with God.
When making the choice to trust in God you never have to worry or consider that your trust in Him will end up hurting or damaging you in any way. First He has already proven his love and desire for you but giving you the best gift you could ever receive. John 3:16 says in (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.We are reminded further of his love in Romans 5:8 NKJV But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Not only do we see how much he loved us even before we loved Him but we also have assurances of what trusting Him will bring Proverbs 3:5,6 reminds us Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths (NJKV). Trusting in God not only gives us peace, security and hope but it also leads to clear direction for your life. We are able to talk with God, walk with Him, trust in Him and follow after Him because of Christ made it possible.
When I think of summing up our ability to trust in God I'm reminded of the so writer who penned: ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith The Lord.
Be blessed
Friday, October 11, 2013
NO FEAR HERE!!!
Ever find yourself in a situation where you’re constantly thinking and worried about the outcome of the situation? You contemplate how the current status of a situation and its pending outcome will affect you now and later. You sit and think, and think, and think until it feels like your mind is going to explode from the weight of all the thinking. You allow your emotions to take you to a place where uncertainty and fear reign your thought life and actions, and you seem to get to a place where you feel shaken to your core.
If you’ve been in this place or even if you are there now, don’t despair or beat yourself up, many believers have found themselves at this crossroad where fear seemingly outweighs their faith. But there is a great hope! Although we all may have unwillingly reached this place of fear and uncertainty at one point or another, our God is right there to guide us back to a place of peace, trust and strength. However in order to get there we must first know what God has said about fear and faith and be willing to apply it to our lives with our whole being.
We must denounce the worldly teaching about the state of fear. Contrary to popular belief fear is not a natural response for a child of God! The Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV) Fear is not a natural emotion that God has given His people; it’s a device of the enemy to keep us bound. Understand there is a great difference between being godly cautious and being fearful. Being Godly cautious implores one to use godly wisdom before moving, ensuring they are following the voice of God. Being fearful keeps one bound from making any movement or decisions out of what is seen in the natural.
We must take comfort in knowing that God is with us always! No matter how things change or how dark and overwhelming things seem, no matter what seems to be spiraling out of control, we can trust in God who is present and powerful in each situation. Psalm 46:1-2a says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change” (NASB)
If you’ve been in this place or even if you are there now, don’t despair or beat yourself up, many believers have found themselves at this crossroad where fear seemingly outweighs their faith. But there is a great hope! Although we all may have unwillingly reached this place of fear and uncertainty at one point or another, our God is right there to guide us back to a place of peace, trust and strength. However in order to get there we must first know what God has said about fear and faith and be willing to apply it to our lives with our whole being.
We must denounce the worldly teaching about the state of fear. Contrary to popular belief fear is not a natural response for a child of God! The Word says in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV) Fear is not a natural emotion that God has given His people; it’s a device of the enemy to keep us bound. Understand there is a great difference between being godly cautious and being fearful. Being Godly cautious implores one to use godly wisdom before moving, ensuring they are following the voice of God. Being fearful keeps one bound from making any movement or decisions out of what is seen in the natural.
We must take comfort in knowing that God is with us always! No matter how things change or how dark and overwhelming things seem, no matter what seems to be spiraling out of control, we can trust in God who is present and powerful in each situation. Psalm 46:1-2a says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change” (NASB)
Thursday, October 3, 2013
ONCE FREE, STAY FREE
At the age of 17 Michael Smith was wrongly accused of second degree murder, and was sentenced to 15 years to life. While in prison he fervently fought for his freedom all the while maintaining his innocence. Then after 10 long years of fighting, appeals, prayers and waiting Michael got the break he needed. New evidence was discovered that would eventually exonerate Michael and set him free. After 10 long years Michael would finally be able to go home to his family a free man, free from the guilt of what he was accused of, completely free. After just a few months of being home things didn’t seem right. Michael seemed distant and confused; he no longer seemed happy to be home and seemed to be stuck in a rut. He seemed to spiral down, became depressed and retreated within himself. Then without warning the unimaginable happened, Michael committed a violent burglary and was sent back to prison. When it was time for his sentencing the judge asked Michael; “why after all of these years of fighting for your freedom, maintaining your innocence, and finally being exonerated, would you commit such a heinous crime knowing you would end up here?” Michael’s response? “I just couldn’t believe I was actually free and I couldn’t handle the new life that came with my freedom, so I decided it would be best for me to go back to what I know.”
As hard as it is to believe this fictitious story and how someone would choose imprisonment over freedom, many of us do this very thing in the spiritual. Even if you’ve grappled with strongholds for years, once God sets you free stay free. Once you are forgiven and set free you don’t have to sit back and believe the taunts of the enemy, that will draw you back into his grips; but you must constantly submit yourself to God and work at protecting your thoughts as it says in Romans 12:2a (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Don’t believe the negativity of the world, or the whispers of the enemy that says you could never be free, but remember the words in John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Once Jesus sets you free you have the capacity to walk in complete freedom.
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara L. Jones
As hard as it is to believe this fictitious story and how someone would choose imprisonment over freedom, many of us do this very thing in the spiritual. Even if you’ve grappled with strongholds for years, once God sets you free stay free. Once you are forgiven and set free you don’t have to sit back and believe the taunts of the enemy, that will draw you back into his grips; but you must constantly submit yourself to God and work at protecting your thoughts as it says in Romans 12:2a (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Don’t believe the negativity of the world, or the whispers of the enemy that says you could never be free, but remember the words in John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Once Jesus sets you free you have the capacity to walk in complete freedom.
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara L. Jones
HEALING COMFORT
It’s sad to say but in 2013 no matter where you go, what you do or experience one thing is sure; this world is hurting! Just turn on the news on any given day and no matter where they are reporting from; whether in a third world country where people are dying of hunger, whether in a poor or affluent neighborhood where children are killing each other at an alarming rate, one common denominator exist hurting people.
You don’t even have to look that far, you can look in your own homes and find someone that is hurting; that person may even be you. We face so many trials and circumstances that come up against us that cause a multitude of emotions and reactions that usually only makes matters worse. When these issues and emotions are not dealt with they grow and fester infecting us internally and affecting us externally. You may have been dealt with a series of attacks that the enemy designed to destroy you but there is hope.
First know that no matter what happens to you God will not allow it to destroy you, instead He will use it to strengthen you. Second, even in the midst of your hurt God will comfort you. It says 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”. (NKJV) We have the assurance of first knowing that our heavenly father is the God of ALL comfort. Meaning no matter what you’ve gone through, He has the power and ability to comfort you in the midst of the most trying times. But even more comforting is that the same comfort He gives us; He empowers and enables us to share in comforting others.
2 Corinthians 1:4 goes on to say: “who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (NKJV) You see the comfort and healing we received is not just for us to hold onto, but once we are whole we are to go back and comfort those who are still hurting so that they may experience the love and healing power of God that they can be freed of the bondage that entangles them. Be a conduit and comfort someone else.
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara l. Jones
You don’t even have to look that far, you can look in your own homes and find someone that is hurting; that person may even be you. We face so many trials and circumstances that come up against us that cause a multitude of emotions and reactions that usually only makes matters worse. When these issues and emotions are not dealt with they grow and fester infecting us internally and affecting us externally. You may have been dealt with a series of attacks that the enemy designed to destroy you but there is hope.
First know that no matter what happens to you God will not allow it to destroy you, instead He will use it to strengthen you. Second, even in the midst of your hurt God will comfort you. It says 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort”. (NKJV) We have the assurance of first knowing that our heavenly father is the God of ALL comfort. Meaning no matter what you’ve gone through, He has the power and ability to comfort you in the midst of the most trying times. But even more comforting is that the same comfort He gives us; He empowers and enables us to share in comforting others.
2 Corinthians 1:4 goes on to say: “who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (NKJV) You see the comfort and healing we received is not just for us to hold onto, but once we are whole we are to go back and comfort those who are still hurting so that they may experience the love and healing power of God that they can be freed of the bondage that entangles them. Be a conduit and comfort someone else.
Be Blessed
Min. Tamara l. Jones
BLIND BELIEF
Many people have come to adopt the popular saying that seeing is believing. They have come to accept this as a viable way of expectation for living not realizing that this very way of thinking is actually robbing them from living fruitful lives. To say seeing is believing is literally saying that you won’t believe in what you’re waiting for until you can you see it with your own eyes. The greater problem is that while you stand around waiting to see what your waiting for to manifest, you are constantly being drained from any real hope or faith that it will ever come to pass; because your already built the mindset that you won't believe it until you see it, and as believers that mindset will zap your strength and your faith.
However, there is an abundant amount of scirptures in the word that help give hope even when we can't see yet what we are expecting. Psalms 27:13 "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (NASB)
As believers we have to believe that we will see God’s grace at work in our lives before it happens. So often we live defeated lives because we operate by what we see currently happening and we get stuck thinking that things will never change for our good. We allow the negative mentality of this perspective to take root in us and overshadow the faith we possess. But we must always remember that the faith we possess isn't because of the tangible things we see or understand, but because we have built a firm foundation from Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NASB). No matter how things look now, no matter how long they've been in that state you must make knowing that God is working an absolute fact in your life.
When God gives you a vision and purpose for your life you must resolve within yourself that even though you can't see how it will work, even though you can't see the clear path and things seem dark, dreary and hopeless; that you won't merely settle for waiting to see before believing rather you will believe even when you can't see.
Be Blessed
Minister Tamara Jones
However, there is an abundant amount of scirptures in the word that help give hope even when we can't see yet what we are expecting. Psalms 27:13 "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (NASB)
As believers we have to believe that we will see God’s grace at work in our lives before it happens. So often we live defeated lives because we operate by what we see currently happening and we get stuck thinking that things will never change for our good. We allow the negative mentality of this perspective to take root in us and overshadow the faith we possess. But we must always remember that the faith we possess isn't because of the tangible things we see or understand, but because we have built a firm foundation from Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (NASB). No matter how things look now, no matter how long they've been in that state you must make knowing that God is working an absolute fact in your life.
When God gives you a vision and purpose for your life you must resolve within yourself that even though you can't see how it will work, even though you can't see the clear path and things seem dark, dreary and hopeless; that you won't merely settle for waiting to see before believing rather you will believe even when you can't see.
Be Blessed
Minister Tamara Jones
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