Our Father’s Business

 

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

At such a young age, Jesus was disciplined and exemplified great leadership skills by being about our Father’s business. Being about our Father’s business means giving up some of the things that may be consuming too much of our time and zoning in on what really matters to God. Jesus knew that He had a world to change and that it was nothing to play around with. He didn’t allow Himself to get consumed and distracted by the things of the world, where it would stray Him away from His purpose of saving lives.

Right now in my life I have an excellent opportunity to really stand up and be about my Father’s business. I attend Calvary Christian Center, a ministry in Ormond Beach, FL. We are currently preparing for our Easter Service at the Ocean Center where we are reaching out to our community in so many ways to share God’s Love. I pray that as God allows me to witness to people that people will see just that, “The Love of God”. 

I just want to encourage everyone to be about our Father’s business and to do it with diligence, love and real leadership.

Peace, 

Moving Forward…

What has God asked us to do but we declined and let fear paralyze our faith?

How many times has God position us to succeed and opened doors but we just sat there?

Sometimes we may find ourselves just sitting in neutral when God is ready for us to move. We are not moving forward in life and even risk being able to be pushed backwards by the enemy through negative thoughts, a negative tongue and fear. We can’t let our God given opportunities pass us by.

Personal Change is so important to succeed. Let’s change the way we think. God is BIG, so lets think BIG. It’s not cool putting God in a box. Let’s become more positive thinkers. Let’s speak life into ourselves and others. The bible says there is power in the tongue. Let’s step out of our comfort zones. Comfort zones will lock our doors of opportunity for growth.

With God being the head of our lives and through discipline, hard-work, love and faith we can change. Change can be a wonderful gift. Change can make a positive difference in our lives! I know I have some things I can change.

Let’s move forward in life! What will you change today?

Peace!

Outcast

Have you ever let a person’s outer appearance determine whether or not you speak or love on them? As sad as it may seem, I know I have been guilty of this and God dealt with me big time on it. I’ve even said to God at times “there are some crazy people out there and I don’t want to get caught up in any mess.” It was like I was trying to find any little reason to back out of stuff. I do believe God gives us wisdom and the Holy Spirit will compel us to approach those that are in need. But sometimes God may make us do something out of the ordinary. 

In todays society there are so many people dealing with AIDS, addictions, prostitution, colts and all sorts of other problems. It is sad to know that some people, even believers have rejected these people. 

In Mark 1:40-41 it reads; A man with a skin desease came to Jesus. He fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “You can heal me if you will.” Jesus felt sorry for the man so he reached out his hand and touched him and said, “I will. Be healed.” NCV

A simple touched from Jesus made a world of a difference in that man’s life. Jesus was not concerned by the man’s apperance, character, sickness or anything. He just saw a man in need who was depending and believing in Him. 

We have the opportunity to make a huge difference in our community if not the world! But as Jesus did, to make a differnce we have to be willing to be different and do things that may take us out of our comfort zone. Let’s be filled with the same compassion Jesus had. We have to do things with the love of God. Without God’s love we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13: 1-2).

Let’s Love everybody and not shy away from those in need!

Peace!

Thankful!

Sunday was an incredible day and I have a lot to be thankful for. Each day, it is like God reveals to me more and more why I had to go through the things I went through growing up. I have truly came a long way through the mercy, grace and favor of God. I thank God for my amazing family, friends, career and a phenomenal church. Calvary is da BOMB! Words can’t describe how cool the ministry and staff is! Yesterday, Calvary celebrated 10 years with Pastors Raley, Troy and their wives. They have truly been a blessing and have deposited so much into my life. I thank God for them. I know that I have grown so much under their ministry out of the four years I’ve attended Calvary and lived in the FLA.

Thank you Jesus!

Peace!

Random

Some of the things Ripka talks about in his book, “God Out of The Box” definitely parallels to some things I’ve gone through and am currently going through; especially patience and being obedient. God will not just give us patience or obedience but he will create opportunities for us to face the situations and learn to develop these characteristics in our lives. That can be a challenge.

Sometimes I also struggle with making decisions. I can be very indecisive at times. I also like things to be in order and all mapped out. When it seems like things are off course or going in a totally different direction my mind can get all jacked up. That’s why it’s so important to just stay focused on God and the word. Applying these principles will always bring clarity to what God is directing anyone to do. In Proberbs 3: 5-6 it reads, ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. We just have to let go and let God do His thing.

Ripka also mentions in his book that when God opens a door it is our job to walk through it. God knows the correct path for our lives. He knows which doors to open and which doors needed to be closed. Ask, Seek, Knock — Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

I am learning that following the Lord’s path can sometimes take me to a place I’ve never expected or imagined. It can also force me out of my comfort zone. Being uncomfortable doing things for God is one way to know I am growing in Him and that God is trying to do something fresh in my life. It also allows me to put my faith into action like never before.

As long as we follow God, we can never go wrong.

Boogie On Down 2

From left to right: Lacey, Pasha, Sabra, Neil, Lauren & Danny

Well everyone, tonight we will find out what two next contestants will get voted off. This has been an awesome season so far! In the past, there has never been a female winner but I think the guys or in for it this season.

I think Sabra or Lacey have the best chances of winning this year. Danny on the other has been pretty consistent throughout the season, up until last week with his hip-hop routine. Hip-Hop dance is just not his style. Right now, it is kind of tough for me to narrow it down to one dancer I think will win. I am torn between Lacey and Sabra. They are both energetic, consistent, have incredible techniques and are overall amazing performers. They both really get into their characters. I guess we will just have to see what happens.

Peace!

God Out of The Box

This is an amazing read! The Author, Chuck Ripka, explains Just that in this book — taking “God Out of The Box”. Ripka explains how we limit ourselves and what God can do in our lives. One of the main reasons we limit ourselves is through a lack of obedience. When we can fully and truly trust God and obey Him, He will then be able to do the extraordinary in our lives.

The author also talks about how as we go through the process of earning God’s trust with the smaller things, he will then open doors for the larger things. Here are some of the principles that are covered in this book:

• Above all else, God desires our obedience.

• When we obey God, He takes care of the bottom line.

• Stop praying only for others. Start praying with them.

• When God opens a door, our job is to walk through it.

• Get Comfortable being uncomfortable for God.

• You can run but you can’t hide from God.

So far this book has been a great inspiration. I will let you know more as I progress through the chapters.

Peace!

Thursday Night

The service tonight at Embrace was off the chain. Pastor John R. preached an incredible message tonight. If you didn’t make it out tonight you missed an awesome service. From praise and worship to the word God delivered, the night was truly amazing. Pastor John has been preaching a series on transformers and finally tonight, the young adults were able to experience the teaching.

He spoke on how we have the power to transform. Here is a very brief run-down.

1. Getting Plugged in: How do we get plugged in? Prayer, The Word, Resisting Temptation, Being Obedient.

2. Understanding the Power: God has given us access to the same power He used to raise Jesus. (Ephesians 1:19-20): and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. The enemy is after us because he know that we have the ability to destroy him.

3. Flipping the Switch: We have to follow God’s will for us. Some of us have been Christians for a long time and we stay in our word, we pray, we have an understanding of the power but we remain closed.

I pray that God will allow us all to realize our value in Christ. Through Christ, we have the power to make a difference. Let’s put it into action!

Thanks Pastor John!

Peace!

Wednesday Night

Pastor Troy you ROCK! Great message tonight. It is so true that the more we seek and follow God the more clear everything will get. Each day I realize more and more how important it is to ask God for his desires and not my own. You also hit home with me when you spoke about prayer. In dance rehearsal last week we were discussing how it is important for us to listen to God when we pray. Understanding that Prayer is communicating with God not just to God.

Thanks!

Out Reach!

What an incredible day so far! Today the Shine Team and many other volunteers gathered together in the Calvary Gymnaisum. We were celebrating the Back to School Bash! Hundreds of kids were bused in from different neighborhoods. As they made their entrance into the gym, they were welcomed with cheers, screams, and excitement from the Shine Team and Leaders. This particular Outreach event gives kids the opportunity to come to know God if they don’t already have a relationship with Him. The event is full of Praise and Worship, Games, Dancing and just lots of fun with jesus. At the end of the service the kids are equipped with backpacks and supplies and most importantly, Jesus Christ. What an awesome way to start off the school year. This event gets Larger and Larger every year. God is so awesome!

Shout out to Pastor Jennifer and everyone who was involved!

Peace!