Happiness is a Warm Blanket

My three year old has had a blue blanket that he’s loved, cherished, and been attached to since he was a baby.  Just like Linus in the Charlie Brown cartoons, he carries his blue blanket everywhere and won’t even go to sleep without it.  For Christmas, we bought him a Charlie Brown DVD entitled, Happiness is a Warm Blanket.  In the movie, everyone is trying to get Linus to give up the blanket.  Lucy, of course, is the most passionate about Linus giving the blanket up and actually takes it from him.  When Linus tries to use Snoopy’s ear, a curtain, and a few other things to substitute for his blanket, Lucy yells at him, “NO SUBSTITUTES!!”  This was funny to me, but I realized how I can apply it to my (our) spiritual walk with Christ.  Many times, instead of walking and living by faith, we grope for substitutes, only to find them ineffective and unsatisfying.

While I am not by any means advocating blanket addiction, we should live as dependent on Christ and our faith as Linus and my son depend on the blanket.  Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38 all tell us that “the just shall live by faith.”  If we are in right standing with God, we are living by faith—not just going to church and knowing scriptures.  When we live by faith, we do go to church and we do know the Word, but we live the Word out.  We obey the Word and we exercise our faith daily in all that we do and say. 

A lot of times I have to catch myself because in the situations when I have the perfect opportunity to exercise my faith, I do what Linus does in the movie.  I grope for substitutes.  I might want to talk to someone else before taking it to the Lord.  I may try to figure out a million ways to make what I want to happen work out.  Sometimes, when I can’t do anything to work a situation out, I worry and anxiety kicks it, robbing me of the peace I know that the Lord has given me free access to have. 

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  We cannot please the Lord without faith, and faith isn’t faith if we can see or figure out the outcome.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  When we don’t know where to turn, and we don’t see a way out, we need to exercise our faith.  We also must be assured that the Lord knows when we are truly believing and depending on Him totally, and He will reward us for our diligence in seeking Him and His will for our lives.

Through the trials and setbacks I’ve experienced this past year, I’ve discovered a lot of good spiritual fruit has been produced.  I’ve needed and still need a lot of ‘working out’ in the spiritual area of my life.  I’m not boasting, but it’s caused me to learn to trust and depend on Him in ways I’ve never had.  It hasn’t been easy because my flesh wants to react the way that it has been conditioned to act.  However, it is possible, through His Word and your faith, to use your pain, setback and trial to trust in Him totally.  He has blessed me naturally and spiritually, and He will bless you.  Don’t give up and give in to the temptation to use substitutes for exercising your faith!  He loves you, and I’m a witness—He is able!  He never fails! He is the only anchor that holds.

Trusting Him with You,

MaRita

Walking Worthy--Even on the Internet

Usually, I don’t use the blog to vent because it’s a devotional blog, devoted to sharing God’s Word. However, I’ve been troubled lately about the comments, posts, tweets, and updates (or whatever you want to call them) on Facebook by those who profess salvation. Quite frankly, I am appalled by some of the comments. Those of us who call ourselves saints of God are expected to walk worthy of the calling that God has placed on our lives.

One of the publishers for my novel, The Taste of Good Fruit, is Walk Worthy Press. The title of the publishing company was given to Denise Stinson, the publisher. There are several references in scripture about walking worthy but a key one is from Ephesians 4:1, which says, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering; forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Throughout the writing and publication process, I was always reminded to “walk worthy.” As servants of the Lord, we are not instructed to be led by our flesh, but by His Spirit and His Word. In these verses, Paul reminds us that we represent Christ. We have a responsibility to represent Him at all times, not just on Sunday morning or Bible study nights.

On the internet, people often post things about people that they wouldn’t say directly to them. People want to air their true feelings on social media forums, such as Facebook because they want people to click the “Like” button and comment back. While this may gratify them and momentarily make them feel important and funny, have they considered the impact on all the others who don’t click the “Like” button or comment? Have they considered that if they call themselves Christians, it is never okay to be mean-spirited and “throw-off” on other people, especially those of the household of faith?

The Word says, “we are to forbear one another in love.” If it’s not uplifting the body of Christ, we shouldn’t say it, type it, text it, or post it. Philippians 4:8-9 instructs believers on what our thoughts should be. After we are given a list of the things we should think on, which includes things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, Paul says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” When believers’ thoughts are resting on picking people apart and then taking it to others on internet to laugh about and expose others' weaknesses and flaws, it’s an affront to the name of Christ we profess to represent. In addition, the God of peace can’t be with those who engage in this behavior.

Paul also tells us, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:21). Our conversation and our written (and typed) words should never be ones that divide, alienate, or offend any, especially in the body of Christ. Our goal should be to lift one another up, recognizing that none of us is perfect. As a body, we should be striving to help one another become more like him, which means being more effective, bearing much fruit, and advancing the Kingdom.

The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins. As believers, Jesus’ love for us covers our sins, and He is our model, not the world. Let’s all strive to walk worthy in what He has called us to do and how he has called us to do it.

Striving to Walk Worthy With You,

MaRita

My Favorite Things

        

 I remember being scared to death when I was a freshman in high school, and I sang my first solo at the state competition.  I sang “My Favorite Things,” from The Sound of Music.  It was a nightmare because just as I calmed the butterflies in my stomach, a blonde-haired beautiful girl sang the exact song!  She nailed it,and no, that was not a favorite feeling. 

While “Raindrops on roses" aren’t that great, and I am not a big fan of “whiskers on kittens,” “brown paper packages tied up with strings—these are a few of my favorite things.”  After all, if we’re honest, most of us have at least a few superficial favorite things on our lists.  For example, I love designer purses, shoes, and pretty dresses:)

What material things really get your heart pumping fast?  . . . A great pair of shoes, an exotic vacation, designer clothes, luxury cars, fine jewelry, or great food?  Remember Oprah’s favorite things episodes over the years?  Many women, at one point or another, have longed to be in the audience for one of those shows—even if they weren’t Oprah fans.  Free great gifts can send people into a frenzy.

As I reflect on my own favorite things during the Christmas season and push the material things to their proper place, at the bottom, things make so much more sense.  The Word crystallizes our true heart’s desire while the world tempts us with all the things that can lead us down to an insatiable path of destruction.  Material things can never satisfy us.  As much as I want my children to be happy and get some of the things they want for Christmas, I know that those things only gratify them temporarily.  They will eventually lose their luster and be forgotten, lost, or broken. 

Jesus says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).  Whether it’s the Christmas season or not, seeking Him has to be something that we put first on our list everyday of our lives.  Seeking Him and His righteousness brings us love, peace, joy, and all the other fruits of the Spirit.  We are empowered to press on, no matter what happens, when we are in right relationship with Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

One of my favorite passages in scripture reminds us that there are so many who have come before us in the faith.  We are told to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  Jesus paid the ultimate price for us, and He loves us like no other.  There should be nothing ahead of Him on our list of favorites.  He showed us His favor by laying down His life for us. 

Our desire to please others should not be ahead of our desire to please and obey Him—no matter what.  Sometimes, as “My Favorite Things” says, “the dog bites and the bee stings.”  We all have to deal with setbacks, disappointments, and sadness at one point or another, but His Word should be the light unto our path and lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).  He has given us His Word to help us navigate through life, regardless of what season it is. 

My favorite thing is the comfort of knowing that Jesus loves us so much that he was willing to become human, sacrificing His life on the cross to bear our sins.  I am so full of joy, knowing that because of his birth, death, and resurrection, we have access to eternal life.  His Word tells us that “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  There is no better gift than the one that Jesus has given to us, and it’s totally free.  Only what we do for Him and With Him will last eternally.

If you haven’t accepted your gift, please accept it today.  He loves you! 

Christmas Blessings,

MaRita

The Best of Times and the Worst of Times

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison.

 –Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

With this type of open, it’s really not terribly surprising that A Tale of Two Cities has sold over 200 million copies.  Dickens opens his famous novel by telling us, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  Lately, as life has taken me and others through one small bump in the road to another much larger one, I’ve reflected often on these words and have come to the realization that during the worst of times, if we are truly anchored in God and His Word, they can be the best of times.

You may be asking yourselves, “What does she mean? There is nothing good about losing a loved one, a job, relationship, position, or money.”  Not so fast though . . . in Ecclesiastes 7:12, Solomon explains, “For wisdom is defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.”  Understanding the fragility and transience of life and acknowledging the omnipotence and majesty of God is key.  We also must decide that our final authority for our lives must be the Word of God.  This means that we obey the Word at all costs.  Our confidence is in Him, not ourselves.  The Lord God, our heavenly Father is the only One we should rely on totally. According to the Word, money and knowledge can be helpful, but they cannot save our lives from despair and hell.  Regardless of what changes take place in life, we must trust in God, not our money, influence, intellect or anything else.  God’s wisdom reigns supreme and gives us life.

How many times do we give God credit when trouble comes, but refuse to acknowledge Him in good times?  Ecclesiastes 7:14 says, “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.”  The only thing that will stand is the Word of God.  God allows good times and bad times.  In both, we need to thank Him and rely on Him without ceasing. 

We have to accept what God allows, but refuse to be stuck.  Don’t wait until the battle is over to allow the Lord to do a work in you, and don’t wait until your trial is over to allow the Lord to use you!  Do what God has called you to do in this period of time.“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).  Trials and hardship will come to everyone, but believers are charged to be stable and fruitful in kingdom building—even and especially during tough times.  It is so vital that we “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3).  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we will reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).  There is a reward for those of us who continue to uplift His name, loving and obeying His Word, especially when it’s difficult.

Trials are the worst of times because they are painful.  Losing someone we love is a pain almost like no other.  However, there’s not a pain that we can have that He hasn’t felt.  He understands how it feels to have a loved one die.  Decide to fill that loss with His Word, His goodness, and His good and perfect gifts.  Losing a job, relationship, money or status can be devastating. An illness for you and/or for a loved one can be a frightening time.  Still, He knows and He cares.  His Word tells us that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b).  While we are hurting, He is right there, “an ever present help in the times of trouble.”  He tells us to cast our cares on Him and trust Him with our whole heart, no matter what.

He will turn out sadness and grief into a joy that is constant and unchanging in the midst of any storm if we remain determined to abide in Him.  His Word tells us that, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11).

The worst of times can be the best of times if we allow God to mature us in Him and His Word.  The most painful times in my life have also been the best times of growth and maturation in Him.  We must allow God to grow us up in Him.  Don’t resist what God is trying to do in your present situation.  Sincerely, if God has allowed that thing to happen in your life, He can get the glory out of it!

I’m praying for the best for you, whether it’s a season of lack or plenty.  You know how we do, “God is good all of the time, and all the time, God is good!”

Praising Him for His Goodness with You,

MaRita

Do You Know Who I Am?

I’m not sure if it’s the technology age we’re in, but lately everybody has a title attached to their name. It seems that people are always telling us who they are, and they are always very important. I have come across so many prophets, first ladies, ministers of music, bishops, pastors, authors, evangelists, teachers, and the list goes on and on. While I am not saying that having a title is wrong, positioning is and it’s going on at an alarming rate. Many introduce themselves with a title before their name and are insulted if you leave off their proper title. At times, it feels like some are crying out on the social media sites, “Don’t you know me? I’m important! I am somebody!” It’s not wise to elevate your stature or prominence if you’re track record and actions don’t line up with or live up to your title.

During our last Sunday school lesson, several verses we studied speak to this very issue. Proverbs 25:6-7 reads, “Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.” We shouldn’t be hasty to elevate ourselves because we can cause ourselves embarrassment. Furthermore, Jesus teaches on this very subject in Luke 14:7-14, in the parable about not seating yourself in places of honor. We are instructed not to “sit down in the highest room” (Luke 14:8). Jesus continues, “But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:10-11).

There’s another verse in Proverbs 27: 2 that says, “Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” I’ve often found that when people try to list off their credentials and accomplishments and constantly engage in name dropping, they tend to struggle with insecurities. While they may impress others in the moment, they only have a fleeting satisfaction. Like a bucket with a hole in it, they are constantly running to try to fill their bucket with flattery from others. The problem is that people truly anchored in the Lord aren’t interested or impressed with these shallow actions and empty words.

Instead, they are interested in who you really are as a person and what you are actively doing to advance the Kingdom. Trust me, people will know who you are sooner or later—whether you want them to or not. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” You will get recognition from the Lord. He will bless you in countless ways. Your love, peace, and joy will mark you as a child of God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in you will draw others.

Being a Christian is a life of being a servant, not counting up how many people are beneath or above you. You are somebody in Christ, whether you have a title, position, recognition or not. He truly does know your name.

I Win, I Win!

We can do nothing of eternal value in our own ability. –John Bevere

My three year old son is a natural born competitor. He loves all kinds of games, and he’s “in it to win it,” as they say. Even coming up the stairs is a race to him. He’ll cry if anybody in the family gets up the stairs before him. He sings his favorite saying, “I win, I win.” We often mock him by saying it, so when my husband sang it the other day, it caught my little one’s attention. He looked at his father and said, “Dad! You’re playing by yourself, right?” We all laughed, but it made me think about how your perspective is so important in life. My son just knew that his dad had to be playing by himself because he has told himself that he wins all the time—no matter what.

Sometimes I listen to a televangelist who says confidently, “As born again believers, we win every time.” I usually sort of chalk this up to the power of positive thinking, but the encounter with my son really made me think about some things. We can win all of the time, and we can have the victory in any situation. However, our perspective and thinking has to line up with God’s Word and His ways.

Maybe you’re like I was, and you can’t see how you win all of the time. After all, you may be thinking, you don’t know about my health situation, broken relationship, job loss, mental state, or financial devastation. In order to grasp the concept of having the victory, we have to be spiritually minded. We also have to understand what Christ did for us on the cross. He paid the penalty of sin and death. There is no way that we can lose because Jesus already paid the price for us. We can live eternally because of what He did. We are reminded in Romans 8:37, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

When Paul asked the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh, the Lord said to him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:9-10). In our weakness, He is strong, but we have to trust that He is sovereign and in control of everything—no matter what it looks like.

The Word of God is filled with people and situations where the Lord shows himself strong in times of human weakness. In fact, that’s typically always when the Lord shows himself strong. When we understand that anytime our hearts are aligned with Him and His Word, prayer, fasting, and even faithfully attending church, (all things that can be viewed as sacrificial acts when it comes to our flesh), we have already won! When we subdue our own selfish thoughts and desires (die to the flesh), we become humble before Him. He can use us and get the glory out of our lives.

John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We will have problems, but He has always overcome. As cliché as it may sound, there’s nothing too hard for God. We are winners through Christ. Satan is defeated! Do you have a weakness, trial, or illness? You are a prime candidate to be used by the Lord. He will show Himself strong through you and your situation. Depend on Him. He’s allowed it because He knows you already have the victory through Him in all situations. Put on your armor of God with me, and let’s not only act like we’re the victors that we are, but also let’s also speak the language of a winner. In the words of my three year old, “I win, I win!”

Winning with You,
MaRita

The Voice

Occasionally, I revisit a book given to me by my publisher entitled, Finding Your Voice by Les Edgerton. The book has been helpful to me because as a relatively new writer, finding my voice has been a challenging journey. With the realization that voice is one of the most important elements in writing fiction, I am working towards developing my own voice. The unique and distinct voice of a good writer is like a signature, nobody has the same one. Your voice is like your footprint, and it is that distinct mark that can make your writing stand out and be read or drown in the sea of other writers. There have been times when after I’ve read an especially intriguing novel, I find accidentally picking up the voice of another author’s work (which has been a train wreck!). I have to use the delet key and shut out the voices from other authors’ works, and continue to strive towards finding my own voice.

However, voice is not only important for a writer. For believers, hearing the voice of God is critical. The Word commands and warns us about the importance of hearing the voice of God. Just as a writer hopes his or her voice will stand apart from the crowd, God yearns for us to listen to His voice and obey His commandments in spite of all the other voices we hear. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” When we seek Him, we can hear His voice, and we should follow.

While I’ve never heard the audible voice of God, I can hear the voice of God in His Word. God’s Word resonates with my spirit when I am in a state of total submission to Him and His will. He already knows me, and I get to know Him intimately through
reading and meditating on His Word, as well as through consistent praying and fasting.

Obedience to His Word is one very important way that we can gauge how well we are following Him. We can’t be following Him if we aren’t obeying. We can’t obey unless we know what God expects, and what He expects is revealed to us in the Bible and through prayer. Jeremiah 7:23 gives us very direct instructions by the command, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all
the ways that I have commanded you that it may be well with you.”

There are so many voices competing for the number one spot to have our undivided attention. Televisions, cell phones, social networks, friends, coworkers, and even spouses and children can drown out the voice of God having first place in our lives. It’s not necessarily that other voices have to be negative (some are though), but they just don’t need to be first.

Why is hearing the voice of God so important? While there are too many answers for me to deal with here, one thing that may not be obvious comes to mind. We must hear His voice for our real voice to be heard. Many of us are trying to make our mark in the world by using a voice that is not authentic. Figuratively speaking, we may be using a voice to say to the world that we are special, important, and worthy. This often leads us to do things that He hasn’t called us to do so that we can gain money, success, prominence, and/or popularity. However, if God hasn’t called us to do whatever it is, those things will never give us lasting peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind in stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” We must keep our minds focused on him and trust Him at all costs, all the time, no exceptions.

The voice of God can quiet us in moments of despair, calm us when anxious, refresh and renew us when we’re tired, direct us when we’re lost, and hold us when we’re lonely—and so much more. We desperately need to hear The Voice, the majestic voice of our sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God.

Striving to Hear His Voice With You,
MaRita

Help!

“Help! Help, Lord! We need your help!” An elderly woman from church service cried out, waving her lace white handkerchief as if she were sending out an SOS. It was a unexpected ripple during the middle of Sunday service, and the congregation quieted, almost motionless, and many, including me, wondered if the pastor would sit her down. She continued to cry out, “Help!” That really was all she said, but when I thought about it, it was more than enough.

For many of us, these are troubled times. Health challenges, financial crises, weather calamities, troubled relationships, as well as the ever-present evidence of spiritual decay is all around us. For those who don’t understand that they need help, I feel afraid for them. We all need the Lord’s help, and I hate sounding like an AA meeting—but the first step is humbling ourselves to realize that we need help from the Lord.

To some, this “first step” is elementary, but to others, the implication that they might need help is offensive. After all, so many pride themselves for being in control. While reading Jacob’s story, found in Genesis 29-31, I was struck by how two men, an uncle and nephew, respond to conflict by relying on themselves and their own resources instead of relying on God for help. However, through the course of Jacob’s life, he gets on the receiving end of Laban’s deceptive and manipulative behavior. As a result, Jacob’s knowledge and understanding of God grows. As he works years for Rachel and years for God’s permission to leave Laban, Jacob eventually vows not to make a move without God. Laban, on the other hand, continues his selfish decisions and refuses to fully depend on God for help (Genesis 24:1-35:55).

Recognizing our need for God’s help is crucial. Psalm 46:1 says that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We can’t be deceived into thinking that the only thing we need is people to do what we want them to do. We don’t just need a cure for diseases and illnesses, money for bills, or jobs so that we can work—or any other thing besides the Lord that we might think of. Our very present help is God. He is our Source. He is our lifeline. He is our help. He is the One who will give us the kind of healing that we need. He knows us better than any physician, better than anyone. He is the One who can give us divine wisdom to know what job we need to do and when. He can put us in positions that we can’t imagine! God is able to give us the wisdom and knowledge to appropriate the finances we do have. My husband reminds me often, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18a). He will give us the ability if we trust in Him.

Moses begged God to release him from the assignment God had given him. He was fearful of people and how they might receive him. Most of us have probably felt like this at one time or another. It’s something I struggle with often, but the thing that truly quiets my soul is that God says to Moses during his time of anxiety and fear, “Who hath made man’s mouth? Or who maketh the dumb or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Exodus 4:11-12).

The Lord is our help and strength. Recognize and accept your need for repentance and God’s help if you haven’t. Depend on Him fully for all of your needs. He can bear the weight of whatever burdens we carry.

Relying on Him with You,
MaRita

Book Video Trailer: The Taste Of Good Fruit

Faith That Works

We’re not saved by works.
Nobody is perfect.
God knows my heart.
I would, but. .

How often have we heard someone say this? How often have we maybe even wrestled with thoughts like ourselves? While there may be scriptural truths in these thoughts or thoughts like these, we have to be careful not to use them to justify our unwillingness to change. We certainly shouldn’t use them to avoid change, discomfort, and/or work. Our faith should not justify inactivity in service for the Lord. Instead, our faith should be the source of all of our activity and productivity.

Since I grew up in a rural area, my siblings and I often helped our parents to plant and care for our gardens. We understood at an early age that if you didn’t plant, you didn’t get fruit and vegetables. We watched my dad till the land, laboriously breaking up the hardened soil. Then, we would go through the entire process of planting, watering, and weeding the garden, happily reaping from what we had sown.
While most of us understand this principle, especially when it comes to other things, such as our jobs, if we aren’t careful, we will justify ourselves right out of doing much of anything to mature ourselves spiritually, let alone helping anyone else along the way. We don’t want to break up that hardened soil of our hearts. Sometimes we don’t have energy or desire to do anything but satisfy our own selfish desires, which, by the way, yield no real, lasting fruit. However, our faith should be the impetus for work, not the excuse to avoid it. After all, reaping and sowing are Biblical principles that work.

Even after planting, if we didn’t water and weed the garden, the plants would die. It is no different in our spiritual lives. Our water, our life source, is Jesus, the living Word and His Word. It feeds us, quenches our thirst, and strengthens us to grow in Him.

I am convinced that our faith doesn’t work for us when we’ve allowed the cares of the world to choke us. Just like the weeds will take all the nourishment from plants if they’re not eliminated, sin, excuses, and laziness can block our access to having our faith really work for us.

In other words, our faith is the foundation. Out of our faith, we should be compelled to do. In James 2:14-26 gives us a whole commentary on faith and works. One verse that will probably be familiar to most is found is verse 20, which reads, “faith without works is dead.” Then, the scriptures refer to Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. Like Rahab, who is also mentioned, Abraham’s faith and his works worked together—they couldn’t be separated.
So, while we are justified by faith (Romans 5:1), we can “then see how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” If we believe in Him, then we will work for Him and to His glory. In turn, our faith will work for us and will cause us to work.

Our faith is working for us and for others, if people see Christ in us. God really does know our hearts. His Word tells us that the just lives by faith. Living by faith is something that shows, and there is evidence by your speech, actions, and lifestyle. In addition, when you live by faith, you get results. Every person in the Bible who exhibits faith is a doer-he or she acts as a result of faith. He or she gets things done!

I’m ready to get my faith to work! How about you? Do you need to get more involved? Does someone need you to visit or call them? Have you been neglected praying for something or someone? Have you accepted that call that God has on your life to do something for Him? Do you just need to buckle down and join a church? Maybe become faithful in Bible study? Whatever it is, JUST DO IT!

Exercising Faith with You,
MaRita

Cleaning the Toilet

You know how you hear a song, and for whatever reason, you just can’t seem to get the song out of your head? Well, unfortunately, I’ve had a few times when the wrong song has played like a broken record in my head, and I just couldn’t switch the off button. However, a few weeks ago I heard a Fred Hammond worship song that resonated with me in a way that surprised me because of its simplicity. The song simply says over and over again, “Lord, we love you. You are good.” Then it goes on to say, “Lord we thank you. You are good,” and “Lord, we praise you. You are good.” I am so blessed to have that song hard-wired into my brain and spirit lately.
Things have been so chaotic, unsure, and downright scary lately.

Bleak circumstances can cause us to question God if we’re not careful. Although I never voiced it, questions have swirled through my mind. Is He still here? Does He care? Is He really good?

I’m going to be real. I was cleaning the toilet (I know, I know), and I started humming the melody to the Fred Hammond song. On a side note, we have really hard water, and I have three boys—let’s just say toilet cleaning is not a pretty job in my house. Anyway, I started to sing, “Lord, I love you. You are good.” I sang it over and over again, and without warning, I felt the weight of the pressure I had been under slowly release. I still kept struggling with the toilet, but tears streamed down my face. God assured me and reminded me that He is good—even in the situations where we might think that surely God can’t be in the midst. He met me right where I was that day, and He can meet each one of us in any place, circumstance, or condition. No place is off limits for Him to meet us there.

Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” The assurance that the Lord is good and we can hold onto Him and His Word in times of trouble is so comforting. He knows those of us who trust in Him. In Psalms 107:1, the psalmist says, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” Then, on down to the eighth verse, the psalmist continues, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness.” Countless times in scripture, we are reminded of the goodness of God.

However, we have to be so mindful not to just praise God just over the blessings He gives to us. Our praise and worship has to be grounded out of our love for Him and for His goodness. Regardless of what bad or difficult situation we may find ourselves in, God is still good.

Whether you’re scrubbing a dirty toilet, literally or figuratively, God is good. He loves you. He cares. He’s sovereign. He’s in control, no matter what it looks like. Psalms 31:19 says, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” I can’t even begin to imagine what God has in store for those who give Him reverence, those who trust in Him. He pours His goodness into us when we trust in Him. We know He’s done it, not always by the situation changing, but by how we are changed.

God’s peace, joy, love and kindness and other fruits of the Spirit strengthen and bless others as well as ourselves when we worship Him with all of our hearts. It doesn’t matter where we are, how we feel, or what is or isn’t going well, God is good. I’m so thankful that I serve a good God who never changes, and I’m praying that you worship Him today and always for His goodness, love and mercy towards us.

Blessings and Love,
MaRita

Letting Go

It’s been too long since the last devotion, and I have sincerely missed connecting with you. The new year has brought many changes, but through it all, the Lord has remained faithful. I pray that you are blessed in some way by the devotion today, and please drop me a line when you can.

Most of you have probably heard the story about the dog whose leash was tied onto a stake for a very long time—possibly months or maybe even years. Well, when the owner finally removes the leash from the stake and frees the dog, he refuses to go out any further than the distance that he was accustomed to being able to go with the leash. The dog just can’t seem to realize that he is free from the leash once attached to the stake. He had been bound so long that he didn’t recognize his freedom.

I think many of us fall victim to this. We can become negatively conditioned and confined by our own choices and we don’t recognize the freedom and liberty we have in Christ. We have done the same thing, thought the same way, and said the same things for so long that we don’t see God’s vision, plan, and purpose for our lives. In fear, we cling to the things that are comfortable and familiar to us, whether they’re ultimately going to be good for ourselves or not. Ultimately, we box ourselves in by our own choices and limit what God can do for us and through us by refusing to let go.

First of all, let me say that letting go can be difficult. Whether it’s letting go of negative thinking or speech, unhealthy relationships, bad habits and/or addictions, our natural man is going to protest letting go. However, there are no exceptions. We must let go of anything that separates us from relationship with Him, and sin is the thing that causes separation between us and God.

Many of us can quote Romans 3:23, which says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” This verse isn’t, however, justification for us to sin. Because we sin, we need justification that we have free access to only through our faith in the sacrifice that Jesus made for us (Romans 5:1). Now, once we are believers, we are justified by faith, fully covered by His grace. As a result, we don’t let sin reign in [our] mortal bodies.” We are just and justified through our faith in Him, so again, we don’t allow sin to have control over us. In other words, we must let go of sin. The evidence that we trust Him is clearly shown by our choices, lifestyle, and speech.

We have the power through His death, burial, and resurrection to triumph over sin. We do have the power to let go of anything that would hinder the Lord from using us to the fullest. Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Verse 8 from this same chapter says that “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Regardless of what the world says, we cannot straddle the fence. We have to make the choice to eliminate sin from our lives, no exceptions, no excuses and no delays.

When we don’t recognize that we have to let go of sin, we are actually operating just like that dog on the leash that doesn’t recognize his freedom. Jesus has paid the penalty for sin for us, and when we sin, we are refusing to accept the gift of freedom from sin that He has given us access to by remaining a slave to the sin. We can either be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. Romans 6:18 says that “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” When we serve Him, we are free! Galatians 5:1 tells us to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” We are free to live for Him, free from the bondage of sin and our selfish desires, and free from spiritual death.

I pray that any person who is struggling to break free of a sinful situation, thought-pattern, or behavior acknowledges the sin and repents today. I pray that anyone who needs to let go, recognizes it, and turns their faith towards the One who is worthy of all of our trust, the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that His peace may be with you now and always.

Letting Go With You,
MaRita

Broken to be Used

Many years ago, my grandmother gave me a stunning set of glasses and explained to me at the time that they were over a hundred years old. Since then, Grandmother has gone on to be with the Lord and the glasses have held much more meaning because of it. While I have tried to take special care of the glasses, there have been a few painful accidents. Last week while I was cleaning the cupboard out, one of the two only remaining glasses slipped out of my hands and broke into tiny pieces. I was crushed. I stared at the remaining broken glass and decided, maybe, just maybe, I should sip some water out of the last glass. At least I could feel like I had used one of them. I savored the small sip of water, admiring the beautiful detailing in a way that I had never done and carefully placed the heirloom on a high shelf where it was less likely to be broken but more likely to be used—even if I just took a sip of water every year or so.

This really caused me to think about how often and easily we discard things when they’re broken. I’ve also been thinking about how God does the complete opposite if we trust in Him when we’re broken. Just like it took three of my glasses to break before I thought about using the one that was left, I know that many of us are the same way. We may not appreciate and/or use some things until we experience loss. Moreover, we may not be useful for God unless we are broken.

In Matthew 18, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus answers, unless “ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3-4). We know that God is not telling us to be childish, but He wants us to humble ourselves and our selfish ways. Matthew 23:11-12 goes on to explain that “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” These verses are important to remind ourselves of what our spiritual position should be because our flesh so often resists this.

In fact, I believe that God often allows trials, obstacles, and tribulations in our lives to compel us to let go of our pride and selfishness. Brokenness can be a position of great value and usefulness in the kingdom of God. While the world doesn’t place high value on humility, God considers it to be highly desirable and necessary for His children. God can work through us when we have let go of our own agenda and motives. Often, it is only when we are at our wit’s end, at rock bottom, that we will truly search and hear God’s voice with a willingness to obey.
One of my of my favorite scriptures is John 12:24. Jesus explains, “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Jesus is not only prophesying about how through His death, many will live, but this verse also illustrates the importance of each of us dying to self. Again, when our selfish attitudes and prideful ways are broken, He can use us to serve and draw others to Him.

Jesus says, quoting from Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath appointed me to preach the gospel to the poor: he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4: 18). Through Jesus, we have access to overcome any brokenness, lack, sickness or insufficiency. As we all know, Jesus came to save the lost. He came to heal the sick and brokenhearted. Jesus heals and delivers us, and in turn, we are instructed to become useful, advancing the kingdom of heaven.

God could discard us when we’re broken, much like Jeremiah probably expected the potter to do with the broken pieces of marred clay at the wheel. Instead though, just like Jeremiah witnessed, God reshapes us and remolds us when we are repentant and obedient. We can be used in miraculous ways, no matter what the trial, no matter what the test. If God allows us to be broken, He can use us to bring Him glory. It’s really up to us to decide if we’re willing to go through the process of brokenness to be used by Him.

As we go through this Christmas season, let’s remind those who are sad, lonely, sick, or depressed. God is sovereign, and He has a purpose and plan for allowing their pain. Isaiah 61:3 says that the Lord will give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Christmas Blessings,
MaRita

Anointed to Write--Right?

The anointing is a word that many church folks use a little too freely. It’s almost become an ‘in’ word to use, if there’s such a thing. It seems that everybody calls somebody anointed to do this or that. Sadly, gifts and talents are often confused with a person being anointed to do something. Let’s be real. If all the people that say they’re anointed were really operating under and in it, this would be a changed society. While I don’t claim to understand all that the anointing entails, I do know that it is a crucial component to effective ministry and changed hearts and lives always follow those who operate under God’s anointing.

While doing some studying on anointing oil and how it was used by Moses to anoint Aaron as the first High Priest of Israel (Exodus 29:7), I also learned that the oil was used to dedicate all the priests. The oil was used as an outward display of God’s power and Spirit residing in a person. Miracles, supernatural power and strength came as a result of God’s anointing resting upon a person.

There is no better example of the anointing than “[H]how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). However, scripture also has numerous examples of everyday people who were used supernaturally by God to transform lives. Whether it’s Abraham, Moses, Joshua or Elijah in the Old Testament or Paul, John, Timothy, or Matthew in the New Testament (just to name a few), God’s Word is packed with evidence of how God’s anointing empowers and equips.

As Christian fiction writers, it is our responsibility to position ourselves so that God can use us. Positioning ourselves means that we love God first. We study God’s Word and pray about everything. We realize that we all make mistakes, but through Him, we can endure and overcome obstacles, temptation, and adversity. Our motives for writing must not be tainted by selfishness of any kind. Otherwise, it’s impossible be an anointed writer. The anointing implies that we are under God’s complete control. Just like the ointment that flowed down Aaron’s beard and garments, the anointing covers and saturates us with His glory. When we write under His anointing, He enables us to do what we are unable to do within ourselves. Furthermore, anointed writers are focused on the mission to serve God and His people.

I am keenly aware of how it feels to be writing under the power of the Holy Spirit and when I’m not. There are times when my tears spill onto the keyboard and my fingers won’t move fast enough on the keys to get out what I know the Spirit of the Lord has given me. Other times, there is a boldness that overtakes me, giving me the courage to say what is right, something in my flesh I would be too fearful to write. Yet, there are other times when the calm and peaceful Holy Spirit gently guides me to reassure and console with a message directed by Him. I must add that just because a person is saying, doing, and yes, even writing the “right” things, it doesn’t mean it’s anointed. I know, because just as I’ve experienced writing under the anointing, I have written the ‘right’ thing without the anointing. The result is that while it might be entertaining or possibly intellectually stimulating, it is likely that there will be no catalyst for change, no real and lasting effectiveness.

Of course, the obstacles to operate under God’s anointing are real. For example, when I think about what others want to read and what will sell books, I am quenching the Spirit, stifling the possibility of writing under the anointing. As a result, I’m also limiting my possibilities, my peace, my joy, etc., and robbing someone else of the potential of being delivered and set free from whatever has them bound. The anointing really does destroy the yoke and set the captives free. God’s anointing is pure; no hidden motives or agendas lurk just beneath the surface. The anointing is productive and cuts through the mess and gives you immediate, unrestricted access to the throne room, the dwelling place of the most high.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer, teacher, preacher, or brick layer, God desires each of us to build up the kingdom of heaven by operating under His anointing, His total and complete control. Whatever material gains a person may get by using his or her own plan, direction and discretion, will be temporary. As cliché as it sounds, it’s what we do for Christ, not ourselves, that will last.

On one final note, I recently heard a message by Pastor Creflo Dollar that has remained with me. I can’t quote him exactly, but he said that it is impossible for the anointing to be present where love is not. Our love for God and for one another has to be present. Recently, I met a very popular gospel singer, and I was shocked by how rude she was. She had done a session on singing under the anointing. Her demeanor differed dramatically from what she had professed onstage during my brief encounter with her. Yes, she could’ve been having a bad day, but we always have to be mindful that we’re representing Christ. There is just no way someone can operate under the anointing of God’s Holy Spirit and lack love.

We can’t do anything, including writing for Him, without our total surrender and dependence on Him. He is the One who enables us to love, and He is the One who enables us to write under the anointing. Why not examine yourselves with me this week? Let’s all make sure that we are really anointed to write or to do whatever it is that He has called us to do.

Blessings and Love,
MaRita

Problems: Opportunities in Work Clothes

While running errands, I passed by a small unassuming church, and in the middle of the impeccably manicured lawn, the church message board read: “Problems are opportunities in work clothes.” Honestly, my thoughts were, “Yeah, right.” “Whatever.” Still, the little message has been ringing in my head, especially since lately I’ve had an onslaught of “opportunities in work clothes.”

Whether we like it or not, problems and obstacles have a way of holding a mirror up to ourselves and revealing our real selves to us, blemishes and all. When we aren’t where we need to be in Christ and there are no real problems or obstacles in our lives, we can fool ourselves into thinking that we are the reason for any good things that have happened to us. We can attribute our success to our work ethic, great mind, or wonderful connections. On the other hand, when adversity strikes this type of Christian, they can be quick to ask God, “How could you let this happen to me?” “Why me, God?” Honestly, I know this Christian because I have fallen into this bad behavior and thinking many times. I’ve experienced the meltdowns when things are looking hopeless and bleak. Like Rueben in the Bible, I have had bouts of being “unstable as water” (Gen. 49:4). No matter what worldly accomplishments and achievements a person makes, a Christian cannot excel spiritually and be truly productive with character that is marred with instability.

Conversely, when you encounter a Christian who is truly anchored in the Lord and has overcome adversity with the realization that God is their only source, traces of pride and arrogance are never detected. I Corinthians 15:8 says, “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” This verse is small but packed full of ammunition for the believer to fight problems and overcome obstacles.

We must be steadfast and unmovable. In a world that changes opinions, beliefs, and positions constantly, believers are commanded to be consistent and unchanging. There is no greater challenge for us to show how sovereign and good God is than to remain steadfast and unmovable in the face of adversity. We have to rely on God as our source in all matters. We must choose to exercise our faith and trust Him at all costs. This means that we are guaranteed to look unreasonable and foolish to the world. Still, we are called to be consistent and unchanged by relying on Him. It can’t be done apart from Him.

Whatever work we do, our vision for ourselves must always be in line with what God’s work is for us to do. With that God-given and inspired perspective, problems really can become opportunities for us to show others who God is and what He can do through faith. We have to use problems and adversity as a stepping stone to perfect us and mold us into being more like Him. If we resist, kick and scream at the problems, we will remain stagnant. We cannot produce unless we are connected to Jesus and His living Word. I can attest that His Word has literally breathed newness into so many bad situations. Like a breath of fresh air, His Word cleanses, restores, and renews.

Even while typing this, I have tears rolling down my cheeks because too often I haven’t trusted Him with problems. However, there is not one single time when I have trusted Him that He has let me down. Not one. God is faithful. I don’t know who this is for, but I know that God wants you to trust Him. Believe that He is sovereign and that He reigns forever. Let go of it and truly let Him take control. Your problems are only an indication of how God can demonstrate His greatness in your life.

Trusting Him with You,
MaRita

Desperately Seeking Wisdom

As the mother of three boys, on a daily basis I am asked questions like, “Hey, Mom, have you seen my binder?” “Mom, where’s my belt?” “Have you seen the charger for my DS, Mom?” Even my two year-old chimes in now, asking, “Mommy, where blankey?” I respond in a typical Mom fashion, instructing them to look here or there to help locate the missing item. I have discovered that they have much more enthusiasm and motivation to find things like the DS charger or a football than let’s say, their belt or binder for school. Lately, it’s really caused me to think about how much we diligently seek the Lord in all of our daily decisions and actions. Do we only have a zeal for God’s direction and wisdom in a crisis, or do we seek Him with a steady diligence and determination everyday?

It’s important to start by being honest. After all, Joshua 24:14 says, “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth.” I’m ashamed to say that often I find myself making decisions first, and then consulting the Lord later, hoping He’ll put his stamp of approval on my plan. This, however, is not how we are to seek the Lord’s will and direction for our lives.

The Queen of Sheba strikes me as a person who was intent on seeking after wisdom. She had heard about Solomon’s wisdom, but she wanted to find out for herself (I Kings 10:1-13). She was so serious about seeking wisdom that she took a large caravan of camels, gold, and jewels, determined to find out if this man she had heard so much about was truly wise. When she reached Solomon, she asked him “hard questions,” baring her heart and soul to him.

The Queen of Sheba traveled many miles to seek out Solomon’s wisdom, and her hunger and thirst for wisdom was quenched. Equipped with God’s wisdom, Solomon answered all of her questions. In fact, she responded after their time together, “Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighteth in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee a king, to do judgment and justice” (I Kings 10:8-9). What strikes me here is that she had witnessed that the wisdom of the Lord through her encounter with Solomon, and she discovered that Godly wisdom causes people happiness and peace. Most of us strive to be happy and have peaceful lives, and the Word gives us evidence that God’s wisdom is a principal factor to happiness and peace.

Godly wisdom must be sought after by studying and meditating on God’s Word, spending time praying and fasting, and seeking fellowship with other like-minded believers. How can we know if we possess Godly wisdom? How can we know if others have it?

Quite simply, Godly wisdom is revealed through our conversation, actions, and choices. James 3:13 explains, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” Again, the words we speak, the decisions we make, and the actions we take can show us if we truly possess Godly wisdom. Love, peace, and mercy follow the wise.
In the parable of the pearl, Jesus explains that “the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found on pearl of great price, went and sold all he had, and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). The merchant didn’t settle for anything but the best, and he was willing to sell all he had for the one pearl of great price. Likewise, we must be willing to seek Godly wisdom and the kingdom of heaven with everything we’ve got. We also have to be willing to lose everything in exchange for the things of God. There are no compromises.

A lot of times, we want the wisdom, blessings and direction of God without truly seeking Him, ready to give up any and everything that would separate us from Him and His will. There are no shortcuts.

Just like we can tear up the house to find missing keys or frantically search through the mall or grocery store to find a missing wallet or cell phone, we have to have this same level of enthusiasm for seeking the things of God.

Is there something missing in your life? Whatever it is, make a resolution and a renewed determination to seek the kingdom of heaven first and His righteousness. As the Word tells us, then all the other things will be added.

Seeking With You,
MaRita

All We Really Have to do is Obey by Guest Blogger Marvin Lawton

We are blessed to have Brother Marvin Lawton, one of the members of Abiding in the Vine, contribute a very timely message about obedience. I think you'll find his message to be honest, humorous, and insightful. Be sure to drop him a line on the Abiding in the Vine message wall (It's not too often we hear from the brothers.). Enjoy!

I grew up in the typical urban ghetto plagued by drugs, gang violence, roaming stray pit bull dogs, and the list goes on. And despite being very fortunate to be reared in a two-parent household, the desire to give into these external temptations was ever present. Like most Christian parents, they knew that keeping me in church was the best combatant to my urban environment. Of my many fond as well as quaint memories of growing up in the “hood”, the most prolific was my church experience.

I was brought up in holiness (shout out to all the COGIC folk!) whereby church was more important than school. Heck, even as a lad they made us fast so much I could never figure out why we had any obese people in the edifice! Like many kids we played church, laughed at the women who danced out their new hairdos every Sunday, and slept in the back during the weeknight service in lieu of doing homework. But soon, I too had that same religious experience at the ripe age of thirteen that once tickled me every Sunday morning via the rhythmic stomp of stiletto pumps enshrined by the long skirts of those holiness women. It happened to me at a Sunday school convention in the summer of 1988. The details of the experience aren’t as important as the instant and more importantly, reflective change that took place. After going back to the hotel room to have my first legitimate prayer with God, I began to ponder how could I return home earnestly showing this wonderful change that had taken place in my life? At the time, although I knew I was going to evangelize the good news to all my peers, my main concern was how could I be a witness in my parents’ household? It wasn’t like I had a job, a car or driver’s license for that matter; nor did I have a means of paying any bills. The word God gave to me was to simply go back home and “Obey”. As complex as I wanted the exhibition of my change to be, it really was that simple. As a child, the only real tool I had to be a witness was to obey my parents. So I did just that; from thirteen to adulthood my parents never had to raise their voice, punishment became a foreign word to me, and the only whooping that ever took place was maybe when I beat them in a board game or Scrabble (that one is for you Marita!!).

The above account is the prelude to a simple devotion on Obedience. In John 21:15-17, we find Jesus asking Peter the same question three different times. He told Peter to “Feed my sheep.” If we examine the passage more carefully, noticed He prompted Peter by asking if he first loved Him? Many of us could empathize with Peter’s frustration of being asked the same question over and over again even from the Savior. But what Jesus was trying to convey was the fact that God doesn’t need us to show Him love by what we think is good, instead love Him by doing what He asked us to do. If your wife asks you to spend time with her and watch a movie once a week, a husband shouldn’t go by her a Louis Vutton purse in place of not spending that time with her (although I’m sure the ladies would give you a pass with that gift!).
Like the example of me being a lad and adhering to my parents wishes, so should we be with God. Think about it, we may have the means of doing certain things as human beings, but in regards to God what can we really render? He’s omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. Like the congregational song we sing, “He’s got the whole world in His hands!” Outside of receiving salvation, following what He already put in His word is how we exhibit our love for God. Being chairman of the deacon board is great and associate youth pastor second assistant is a wonderful position of service within the church body, but if we are not living according to His Word it’s null and void. As a single male, I do a pretty good job in trying to keep the basic ten on a daily basis, and for the most part my primary battle is with that “thing” in the words of Lauryn Hill. But conceding to that struggle or giving into temptation in exchange for being the musician, trustee, custodian, and church security guard does not make it okay. God would rather I be a basic member and walk upright before Him than hide behind my self-glorified good works.

Not too long ago, I updated a Facebook status that read something like this: “You gotta love church! They let you have any ministry as long as it’s for the Lord…I’m thinking about starting a beat boxing ministry!” As cynical as it sounds we all know how true it is. Churches now have sewing ministry, baking ministry, prison ministry, dance ministry, children’s ministry, and even aerobics ministry! I honestly believe that it’s a blessing to have an environment where Christians can use their diverse gifts and talents for God. Along with edification of the saints, when done properly these ministries have drastically changed lives and improved many of our urban communities. At the same time, we should not let these ministries overshadow our fundamental responsibilities as Christians. Many times we get entranced in building a better church culture, but forget to be basic followers of Christ. Have you ever found yourself wondering if you are in God’s will? What is my purpose in life? Is this decision I made really of God? The answers to those questions lie in the simple yes or no answer to if you are obeying His Word. Are you feeding His sheep? We can debate over the Old Testament ten, but Jesus saved us the headache of the ongoing ecumenical discussion by giving us a new commandment that “we love one another” (John 13:34). Obedience is the true will of God. There’s really no need try to complicate it with our own zeal or doctrine. I strongly believe it’s the reason we always frustrate ourselves in trying to “hear God”. We are too consumed with trying to listen for something He gave explicit instructions to do a long time ago!

So although I know that a song rendered from my beat box ministry will probably never supersede the morning message in place of the praise dance ministry (that’s comprised of the pastor’s daughter who counts on the one instead of the two messing up the routine every Sunday!), I have a peace in knowing that as long as I OBEY God I am in His perfect will. And although I’ve made some decisions based on me trying to hear God, the true reality is that I may never hear Him. Life is not what it’s supposed to be, it’s what it is. But as long as we continue to do what He told us to do over two thousand years ago, which is to love thy neighbor, we will always be in His will and be pleasing to our heavenly Father. Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Be Blessed,
Brother Marvin Lawton

Does the Black Church Really Keep Black Women Single?

I got an e-mail from a friend who forwarded a CNN article to me that really has me fired up. In fact, this devotional blog is going to be very “out of the box” for me but hopefully relevant to some. I have extracted the gist of the article by Liane Membis below, but you can read it for yourself at:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/10/black.church.women.single/index.html?hpt=C2

"Cooper, a writer for the San Francisco Examiner, recently made claims on her blog SurvivingDating.com that predominantly black protestant churches, such as African Methodists, Pentecostal, and certain denominations of Evangelical and Baptist churches are the main reason black women are single. Cooper, who is black and says she is not strictly religious, argues that rigid beliefs constructed by the black church are blinding black women in their search for love."

The article also includes a statistic that 55% of African Americans “interpret scripture literally.” Of course, the implication is that those of us in this group are misinterpreting the Word of God by striving to live our lives according to it. A few in the article further suggest that women are limiting their potential for relationships by having high biblical standards (being equally yoked).

To say that “[r]igid beliefs are blinding black women in their search for love” is an example of I Corin. 1:27, which reads, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” This a flawed deduction and dismisses many other factors that aren’t even brought up. Most importantly though, this is a conclusion that the world has come to that has no spiritual validity.

The Word goes on to say, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (I Corin. 1:30). Christians strive to make wise choices, but no amount of rational or intellectual thought, statistics or anything else can supercede Christ’s work on the cross and the godly wisdom that only comes from Him, the true life source. For believers, our final authority is the unadulterated Word of God. Yes, we take it literally.

Furthermore, I Corin. 2:11-13 says,
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man, which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Those who aren’t Christians can’t understand the lives of believers. The Word and lifestyle is silly and foolish to them. It is only through the power of God’s Holy Spirit that we can understand and obey His Word.

Again, the remainder of chapter two in I Corinthians explains that only by the Holy Spirit can we attain insight into the plans and thoughts of God. The closer we get to Christ, the more peace, love and joy we have. His purpose for our lives can be disclosed to us through interpreting the Scripture fully and literally.

I was very disturbed by many points in the article, but mostly for attempting to tear down the church and for subtly appearing to persuade women who are praying for a good mate to lower their standards. As they say, the devil is a lie!

The problem with the increasing number of single black women is not because of a true, Bible believing faith-based church or the Word of God.

The Word says that “Eye hath not seen, nor hear heard, neither have entered the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” The key to having fulness of joy is staying in His presence and in His Word.

I would love to hear from you on this topic. Drop me a line on the Abiding in the Vine Group page.

Blessings,
MaRita

Freedom to Live

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our independence and Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. America’s freedom means many things but one thing is sure, we no longer live under anyone else’s rule. We are free to live under our own laws and ideals, and we are willing and able to protect ourselves against any others who may threaten our safety or freedom.

Spiritually, all of us have been offered a freedom that far surpasses that of the United States of America. Christ offers us spiritual freedom sin, which ultimately offers us eternal life with Him. We no longer have to be bound by sin. Galatians 5:1 explains, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Can you imagine the US going back to Britain to be under their rule and authority? It just wouldn’t make sense now that we’re free. Similarly, once we are saved and freed from sin by our faith in Christ and by His grace, it would be unimaginable to go back to a life living under the bondage of sin. Yet, many are lured back into ungodly behavior, and they are fooled into believing that when they are free to do whatever they want, this is freedom.

However, people thinking that they’re free when they’re living lives that are not submitted to Christ is a very prevalent deception today. In fact, when we live a life free to do whatever we want in the flesh, we become slaves to our desires. Without a life fully submitted to Christ, people are driven by the desire for material things, greed, power, position, sexual immorality, and a host of other ungodly behaviors.

Because of Christ, as believers we are able to live a life of freedom. We can live, reigning victoriously over sin. Yes, we can! Through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, we have access to have the chains and bondage of sin broken. None of this is accomplished by us—it’s all by Him. In exchange for our total dependence on Him, we are given freedom from the penalty of sin and death. We have to make the right choice though.

Paul goes on to explain to the Galatians in 5:4 that “whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.” In other words, we cannot keep certain points of the law and think that we are gaining favor or freedom by doing these things. If we do think that we can do it in ourselves then we must obey all of the law, not just some. This attitude ultimately separates us from God.

Galatians 5:6 goes on to say that “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people who think that because they know scripture, go to church and/or Bible study, or because they pray, they have earned their ‘brownie points’ with God. They are often deceived into thinking that because God can forgive them, they are free to sin. My heart grieves for anyone in this state of mind and this state in life. As my note says in my Bible, “Freedom to sin is no freedom at all, because it enslaves you to Satan, others, or your own evil desires.” Again, we are free from the bondage of sin to live unselfishly, to serve Christ and others, and to bring glory and honor to the One who freed us.
As Galatians instructs us, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit should be evident in our lives by the fruit of the Spirit. Those who are truly free the bondage of sin are not difficult to identify. They are those that display the fruit of the Spirit. They show love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

I am praying a special prayer for anyone who may be bound and entangled by sin. I pray that the Lord helps you to stand firm and sure in His perfect liberty. Free yourself from the chains and weight of sin. Trust Him to work it out. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Blessings and Love,
MaRita

Craving Comfort?

When my two oldest sons were around the ages of four and five, I had the pleasure of witnessing an exchange that will always make me smile. We had a nice collection of Beanie Babies that my youngest son loved all—with the exception of the Beanie that was a ghost. My older son kept prodding him, trying to get him to hold the ghost Beanie. My younger son started crying, clearly scared. “No! Stop, I don’t want it.” I started to step in, but without missing a beat, my older son said, “It’s the Holy Ghost!” My younger son’s face brightened and he hugged the little ghost Beanie with all of his might, instantly comforted by the revelation.

As believers, we have 24-7 access to divine comfort, guidance, and peace, but sometimes I wonder how many of us tap into this power that is given to us. Like my son, do we fear and doubt, not realizing the power and peace we have in the Holy Ghost?

Jesus instructs in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We have to love Him first and more than anything. Out of our love for Him, we will obey His Word. We cannot love Him and remain in a state of obedience. Unfortunately, many of us get stuck right here. We choose to disobey. When we have accepted Jesus as our personal savior, sin no longer has dominion over us. If we sin, we sin willfully. God’s presence within us empowers us to reign over sin, but we must choose to obey. When you love Christ, your commitment and actions will show it. You will obey—this is a crucial step.

Jesus then tells us in John 14:16, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” No matter what circumstance or obstacle we face, Jesus is letting us know that we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us and He will never leave us. What better assurance do we have in His Word and His Spirit that will never leave us?

Jesus says that the world won’t recognize the Holy Spirit. The world can’t because the world doesn’t love Him and His Word and certainly doesn’t keep His commandments. God’s Holy Spirit is reserved for believers who love God and obey His Word.

In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” At times, we struggle with things, like fear, doubt, depression, and insecurity because we fail to really love, obey, and trust Him with everything and all of us.

I do have to mention that you can’t obey Him if you don’t know His Word. Things can’t be brought to our remembrance if they aren’t there. Our priority in life has to be growing and nurturing our relationship with Christ. Studying the Word, praying, attending church, and living an obedient life should be the basic foundation for all believers.

The life of a believer is a submitted life to Christ. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is paramount. No believer can do it without the Spirit of God. Reigning victoriously over sin is not mind over matter—it’s making a choice to submit to the Lord and His Word. When we make this choice, we have the precious gift of God’s Holy Spirit. When or if we sin, we will repent quickly because the indwelling of the Holy Spirit will convict us. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the peace of God. This peace does not mean that we don’t have obstacles or trials, but it does mean that our lives are not filled with stress, depression, doubt and worry. We have comfort and consolation that is beyond any temporary satisfaction that the world might offer.

I’m praying that today, if you haven’t allowed God’s Holy Spirit to comfort you, that you would receive His love, power, direction, protection, grace, and peace.

Blessings and Love,
MaRita