STRIFE will keep you carnal

CFaith Devotional
Strife Will Keep You Carnal

By Gloria Copeland


For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Cor. 3:3)


It's bad enough that strife opens the door of our lives to confusion and every evil work (James 3:14-16). That alone should make us resist it with all our might. But that's not all the Bible has to say about it.


In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gave us even more information about the damaging effects of strife. He wrote: "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. 3:1-3)


Carnal Christians are miserable people. They're born again and they know enough about God not to enjoy sin, but they aren't committed enough to stay out of sin.


If you don't want to find yourself trapped in that condition (and I know you don't) then stay out of strife, because strife will keep you carnal! It will inhibit your ability to digest the meat of the Word, and without that meat you won't be able to grow into a strong, victorious Christian. If you fuss and bicker with others, your spiritual growth will be stunted. You'll remain in a perpetual state of spiritual infancy and the devil will run over you regularly!

So grow up. Don't stay a baby. Get out of strife and into the Word. Soon you'll be the overcomer the Word says you are!


Speak the Word: I walk in love and grow up in every way and in all things. (Eph. 4:15)

For Further Study: 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 John 5:4-5
Daily Scripture Reading: Ruth 1-3; Romans 12-13

Source: Pursuit of His Presence by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

I'm More Than You Say I Am

Last week's Bible study was about how certain people in your life are supposed to build your self-esteem up, but sometimes there's a disconnect. That's why you have to go back to the SOURCE (God) to know exactly who you are. Bible study this week reinforces that by talking about the tongue and how other's words about us affect how we view ourselves.

First I had two volunteers come up and draw a self-portrait of themselves on the board, just for fun. Above one was written positive, above the other negative. Then we pulled out our Bibles:

James 3:2-9 (New Living Translation)

2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

We discussed this scripture, and the tongue in general. Isn't it funny how your parents are only two people in your life, but what they say have such a great effect on you? This small thing shapes the way we view ourselves and even our actions. And it cannot be tamed, stopped, hindered...that is why we must change our own mindset and let God tell us who we are and let Him control our own tongues. It is just not possible any other way.



So we did an activity to see how much negative comments affect us. On two separate index cards, we put the negative and positive things we remembered people saying about us. When we were done, we put the total number of things on the back and taped it to the chalkboard under their respective headings (negative and positive). For many, I'd even say most, of us, the negative outweighed the positive. And that is because when you get burned, you remember it. We shared our personal experiences, and as people were sharing, I realized something. There are two reactions to negative comments: 1) accept it and claim that thing they say you are or 2) try your hardest to not be that thing. The second option could be good or bad; you could take it to the extreme. For example, my story was that my father used to call me nothing. So therefore, I strived not only to be somebody, but to be the absolute best, no, perfect. And I would call myself nothing if it wasn't up to my standards, no matter how great it was in actuality.

To offset thinking about all these negative things, we did another activity. Yay! There was a mirror in the corner of the room with envelopes taped on it. On the outside of the envelopes were phrases such as "You are needed," "You are beautiful," "You are valuable,""You are strong." Inside the envelopes were essentially letters from God, scriptures reinforcing that God really did say this about you, who are made in His own image. Everyone had to get up and get an envelope but not keep it for themselves. They had to give it to someone else in the room, letting them know that they themselves believed that the other person was that adjective, ect. Then, after each individual opened theirs, they were to pray and meditate on it. When they believed it, they had to go up to the mirror and say it, and if they weren't ready today, then they had to place it on their mirror and keep it there until they could say it to themselves.

We closed out by having small group prayer, and then taking all the negative comments off the board and tearing them up before ending with a collective prayer.

Songs to listen to:
You Know Me by George Huff
Stronger by Prayz1 feat. Angela Wright
Beautiful by OD & ProfetD
Do Right by Prayz1

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

Purpose

Ephesians 6:10-18



Finally,my brethren,be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit; and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication, for all saints.





Well, I have a friend, one of my sisters,and if I ever come to her with a problem, the first thing she asks me is did I pray about it or did I take it to God. On one occasion, I was struggling with being in a depressed mood/mindset i didn't really know the cause of it. She told me that when the devil comes against me with something, I can just sit there and take it, I have to fight it, fight him. Fight him with God, with God's Word. This passage literally says to put on the whole armor of God so that you can take whatever mess the devil tries to throw at you and, at the time, I didn't do that.So I was walking into battle with no armor on...no weapons..& so the devil was gaining an upperhand. Fortunately, we are not alone in this fight & my friend, another soldier in the army of the Lord, came and shielded me and helped me with my armor. But it is also important that I learn to fight "on my own" to an extent. These verses describe each piece of armor and their function, essentially. The armor is meant to save your life, it covers every part of your body, from head to toe. That's not to say we'll never get hurt but we are protected. The last verse talks about praying, which is another weapon in itself. When people don't want you to literally help them, you can pray for them. When Im being stubborn and not trying to heat what anyone else says, people are praying for me. It says "Praying ALWAYS...",like all the time. That's another thing, I've learned:to pray about anything and everything and anyone, ANYWHERE .Always means..without ceasing. So I should pray often. Certainly everyday, which I've fallen off of but am getting back to. On my way to school, at work. I just like how it ends talking about prayer because sometimes we, myself included, underestimate the power of prayer.


~Dove Sister Adeola~

WHO AM I?

Hello peoples!!!

Long time, no type, I know. I apologize for it personally, it won't happen again! Today, I would like to share a song with you, going along with this month's theme of music. This Monday, I'm teaching Bible study. The theme for this year's Bible studies are "Identity Crisis: Who Am I?" My Bible study is entitled, I'm More Than You Say I Am. So I decided, today I will post the lyrics of da T.R.U.T.H.'s song featuring Tye Tribbett "Who Am I?" If you like it, please go to youtube.com and listen to some more of his songs. Read and meditate on these lyrics for now:

If the bible was re-written and the writers put me in it

I wonder how my life would read?
Would the people that have heard of me, read just to learn of me
be turned away by what they see?
Or would they slump in their sofas blown away and sobered by my life...
didn't come to believe
Or would they do a once over read the pages of my life, and once it's over,
close the book and say that's not how I want to be!
Be!
And that's a sad commentary when I'm buried under the public to see
But I pray they remember me for walking in integrity
being what God called me to be.
And if I leave an impression man I hope that I impress them
with a life that was clean and free
And I pray that it's not embarrassing
when they read my narrative once I finally do leave.
Let's Go!

Who am I?
Am I more like Cain full of hatred to my brother to slain?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Jezebel sexual in all my ways?
(Think about it)
Who am I?
Or am I more like Mary pure and holy 'till I lay in the grave?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Abel, able to please God with my ways?
(Think about it)


If the book was re-written and the writers put me in it
what would they say about my private life?
Would they say that my commitment to the ministry was strong
but that I never spend time with my wife?
What would they say about my character?
Would they say that I was arrogant, an American full of myself?
How would they write about my parenting?
Would they say while traveling, I put my children up on the shelf?
Would it be positive or negative if everything I ever did
was charted down and read by all?
Not only the stuff you could see on the surface
but the stuff that was done in the dark?
Well if the boys could talk when the doors was locked
would they say that I was off the chain
Or would it be the complete opposite
would they say that my public and private life were all the same?


Who am I?
Am I more like Cain full of hatred to my brother to slain?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Jezebel sexual in all my ways?
(Think about it)
Who am I?
Or am I more like Mary pure and holy 'till I lay in the grave?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Abel, able to please God with my ways?
(Think about it)


If the book was re-written and the writers put me in
who would they say that I resemble the most?
Would it be Joseph or Sampson both of 'em handsome
only one of 'em was a symbol of hope.
Or would I be listed among the greats
mentioned among the saints in the hall of fame?
Would I'd have to be stripped of this running the base
a product of my own mistakes?
Now I know it's not possible but if the book was re-written
man I wonder how my life would read.
From 2 years old till my funeral
would I fail or would I succeed?
Cuz when they write my biography
what would they recall about the life and times about the man
it means a lot to me!
Cuz in the story I leave 'em I am either God's leader
or a picture of what not to be.


Who am I?
Am I more like Cain full of hatred to my brother to slain?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Jezebel sexual in all my ways?
(Think about it)
Who am I?
Or am I more like Mary pure and holy 'till I lay in the grave?
Who am I?
Or am I more like Abel, able to please God with my ways?
(Think about it)

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

BIBLE STUDY--Who Am I?

Yesterday was the beginning of Bible Study for this year!!! This year's theme is "Who Am I?" Yesterday's was taught by Dove Sister Alyssa Tatum.

We began with a game of telephone. The message was something that God would tell us, "I created you in My Image. You not ugly, but beautiful. You are Mine." If you are familiar with telephone, then you know that that is NOT what was said at the end! However, it is a great metaphor for life. We have people in our lives who are supposed to build up our self-esteem and tell us who we are. Many times this message gets warped or lost in translation. The only way to know exactly what was said, who you are, is to go back to the SOURCE. (Alyssa in this case, who represented the ULTIMATE SOURCE, GOD. And a very pretty God she is!)

And then we discussed the human brain. The brain is separated into two areas: our conscious mind makes up 22% and that is where our hopes, dreams, goals, and premeditated actions are stored, and our unconscious mind, 88%, which holds our beliefs, values, and self-image as well as every negative thought and insult we have ever had. Of course, we all see the disproportion here. How can there be so much space for negativity, and so little for our hopes and dreams? Is this how God intended? NO! Alyssa facilitated discussion on how God made us and the disconnect that happened.

How God made us, how God intended us to be, and how God intended us to see ourselves can all be answered in the Bible. Now, I'm going to list these scriptures with the full confidence that you are going to look them up. Go ahead and open up another tab and type in biblegateway.com. You know you want to know who you are in God: Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 8:3-6, Ephesians 1:4, Psalm 139:13-16.

One thing that we all know is that we are all created in His image, and Psalm 139 says that we are all individually and uniquely made. Well, knowing that that is true, then that means we all are a different aspect of a complicated God. So if everyone in the world gathered and looked into a huge mirror, we would see God's reflection.

YOU ARE GOD'S REFLECTION

The disconnect comes in the beginning. Back in the gap, in the garden, Adam and Eve knew that they were God's image. That is, until the serpent came and started questioning them. The devil is sneaky like that; he tries to fool you with questions that make you doubt your worth. "God knows the difference between good and evil, and you don't. He lied, you aren't what He says you are." Genesis 3:1. Isn't that what the devil does all the time? More scriptures on this topic: Proverbs 18:21, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. Then Adam and Eve hid from God. LOLOL. They HID from GOD. But although God knew exactly where they were, He is such a gentleman that He called out to them instead of exposing them. He does that to us now. We are so scared to be naked in front of God, who formed us before we were in our mother's womb, who know every hair on our head. We try to hide and put on clothes (fronts) for Him, when He already knows what we look like naked! But He won't impose; no, He asks, where are you? and knocks, waiting for us to answer, and then asks, who told you you were naked? Genesis 3:6-7. He knows you, because He know Himself. DEEP.

And because God knows us, we can be totally naked! We make mistakes, but He knows our hearts. He KNOW US. Genesis 3:10, Psalm 7:9, Psalm 139:1-11, Isaiah 49: 15-16.

It was an incredible Word, and I sincerely hope that you won't miss next week, where yours truly will be teaching "I'm More Than You Say I Am."

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

FOOD FOR THOUGHT-- He Desires to be the Main Course

This devotional comes from Christian Chefs Fellowship, http://www.christianchefs.org/newsletters/1999/07CITK.html

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work" - John 4:32


It's a pity we live in a fast-food world, where little care, love or preparation goes into preparing a main course. A true chef's delight is in his ability to put together the necessary ingredients that create the finished work. When a chef finishes creating a main course, what he sees and what you see are two different things. You've been waiting. You have no idea of what's going on behind the scenes. You're wondering if the course is as good as people say it is. Maybe the chef's not at all what they say he is. You're thinking: I came a long way for this, so it'd better be good. And when it comes all you can think of is satisfying your hunger and curiosity. The chef sees a creation, a masterpiece. He's worked meticulously to make sure every ingredient has been measured and added correctly. Timing is everything. The climate has to be right. "It is finished," he thinks to himself when it's done, and one more person will eat of his toil and sacrifice. John 4:1-42 has a wonderful recipe for every person who desires to be one of God's chefs, someone who would be willing to momentarily set aside his own goals to pursue that of the Father's. While the disciples thought of physical hunger and thirst, Jesus dealt with the spiritual hunger and thirst of an individual.


Unlike us, Jesus immediately initiates the conversation. He is compassionate to the Samaritan woman's need for water and offers to provide it (v. 10). Without challenging her questions, He informs her she is wrong in her preconceived notions about who can have a relationship with God (vs. 11-13). She asks to have her thirst quenched (v. 15). He brings her to admit her sin, teaches her how true Christians should worship and brings both her and many others into a relationship with Him as the main course for their lives (vs. 14-42). What kind of food have you had on your plate lately? Have you delighted in only having Christ served as the main course of your life? Have you taken the time to prepare the ingredients He's provided you with to serve others the food that will allow Him to finish His work? As you partake of dinner with friends or relatives tonight, think of the ingredients that great Chef used in bringing us into a relationship with Him: a wooden cross, a set of nails, a crown of thorns, vinegar, a sign, a sprinkling of blood, our sins and His son. Never forget God's recipe for your salvation...it's in His priceless name that we pray this.
By Tony Batista

http://nazirite.faithweb.com
Tony's poems have appeared in both secular and Christian journals, including The Connecticut Poetry Review, Footprints, Black Bear Review, Skylark and others. To receive the on-line "Word of the Day" please send e-mail to: liony38@aol.com


Events for this Week


Monday
Prayer Table, lower level Blackburn, 10am-5pm
Bible Study. Blackburn Room 142, 7pm


Tuesday
Impact Bible Study, Locke Hall room 257, 7:30pm


Wednesday
Noonday Fellowship, Chapel Sanctuary, 12noon


Thursday
Informal Interest Meeting, Ben's Chili Bowl, 7:29pm
WordUP, Locke Hall room 208, 8pm


Friday
Donuts and Devotions, Truth Hall Lounge, 7am
Noonday Fellowship, Chapel Sanctuary, 12noon
Prayer at the Flagpole, 1pm
Noonday Alternative Party, Hilltop Lounge, 7pm-12am


Saturday
Impact Evangelism, lower level of Blackburn, 11am-2pm 
Christian Sisters United, Blackburn room 148/150, 4pm

Letting Go

"Letting Go"



There's a song in my brain that plays & plays Over again trying to drown my pain
The words keep coming, just a steady flow, sometimes slow But always there beneath it all
Calling my name is God Himself, telling me to "Let go & Let be" To trust in Him.
But I'm scared to let go, it's all that I know
Harder than it looks, so used to always having my head stuck in the books
"Let Go", I can't, too scared to move.
"Let Go", I can't too much to prove
So instead I'm left here, Clutching the things that made me this way
Wanting to speak,not knowing what to say
 Left here, staring at God's outstretched hand
Left here, He wants to take me into my own promised land
A land that's so much more than milk & honey More than silver or gold, any amount of money
So...why don't I just take it?
Well, if I don't take it, my life stays the same and I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for a change
While God's explaining to me, "This isn't a game. You're MY child, I'll help you, just give me your faith."
And I said, "But Lord, the last time I trusted, I couldn't see."
He said, "The last time you trusted, it wasn't with Me.
You see, unlike everyone else, I won't cause any pain,
When you're hurt or embarrassed, come to Me with no shame.
No need to wait on the world with no reason or rhyme. It may seem late to you, but I'm always on time." Letting go of all the things that kept me from succeeding The trials in this world that kept me from believing Finally knowing what I need to say, What do you need to let go of, and give to God today?

~Dove Sister Adeola Oyelabi~

ORDER OF GOD: What Is Priority?

HOW TO KEEP GOD AS PRIORITY

1. Relinquish your share of control - humble yourself! All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

2. Communication with God = RELATIONSHIP (prayer, reading His Work, meditation, fasting, etc.)

3. Give Him the first. Proverbs 3:9 says to honor God with the firstfruits. First fruits are just what they sound like: when you produce something beneficial  you must give the very first, very best to God first.

4. Stop blaming God's purpose for your mistakes: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:13-18

5. Understand that your firstfruits are grown from land God provided. It belongs to Him, and you are just ruling it for Him, not instead of Him. Deuteronomy 26:1-2 When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name.

When you make God first, everything else wil fall into place. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

If you want to know what God wants for you, it's right in front of your face. Search for the simplest answer and most likely that is it. God is simple; we as humans complicate things. Just do what He says because

IF YOU DIG TOO DEEP, YOU WILL END UP IN HELL!


~Dove Sister DeAnna~

Order of God: What is Priority?

Due to the faulty Internet in the Howard Plaza Projects, there was no post yesterday. *tear* However, that just means that for this series, two posts will go together and result in a longer post. Yay! And this post comes straight from the mouth of God.

So priority. What's that? Well, let's take the root of the word: prior, which means first or before. So it is something thats goes first, before anything else. Let us go deeper. The Greek word "preos" that it is derived from means one and only, something of great value.

Job 25:2 Dominion and awe belong to God; He establishes order in the heights of heaven.

And so, GOD establishes priority. Well, He establishes it. Do we follow it?

Priorities, God's priorities, leads us to our individual purposes and callings. We know that we are all called to expand the Kingdom here on earth; however, our individual ways are revealed to us as we follow His priorities. What are His priorities, you ask?

Have you ever heard that song from SchoolhouseRock, Three is a Magic Number? Well, three is the number of completion, very fitting, as there are three indicators that you are ordering your life according to God's priorities.

Priorities of God's Children:
WORD
LOVE
GOD

Firstly, the WORD. John 1:1 As a child of God, we must immerse ourselves in the Word. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 9-11 By staying in the Word everyday, we are linking ourselves up with God everyday. The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them, and once we know God, we will know what He wants for us. We will be forever connected to Him. He says, I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15: 5-8.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13: 34-35 LOVE. Such a frequently tossed around word, yet few know the Love that Christ offers. We are supposed to keep His commandments in love or not keep them at all. What is love. A  man who would lay down his life for a friend. John 15: 13 Meditate on that, and ask God to teach you how to love. Love is an action verb. In John 21: 16, Jesus demonstrates this when Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He (Simon) answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." Actions. We prove ourselves with our actions. Faith without works is dead; even the demons acknowledge God, fear and tremble and must worship Him. James 2:19 His believers are know by their works. Amen.

GOD as Alpha and Omega and everything in between. Revelation 1:8 How often do we put God first? How often do we ask His permission before we do something? How often do we just say, "'sup God, you're so amazing, I love you"? He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 How often do we really seek to decrease so He can increase? Yes, it hurts, but not as much as it will if you don't let Him take the reins. And it's ok to mess up. As long as we realize we mess up. 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 says, yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

These two scriptures really sum up the life a Christian who is trying to let God be Alpha and Omega: I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:15-25   But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:9-11


Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. His good purpose = His priorities
 
 
Tomorrow, we will talk about how to keep God a priority, actual physical actions. One thing to remember:
 
Live what you are supposed to live for...which is what you would die for!
 
~Dove Sister DeAnna~

He Did IT

i wonder if while they mercilessly beat him did he feel my very own woe


did he feel the perpetual sting of being unwanted
of being the one discarded
abandoned at the time of greatest need...
of being unchosen?


i wonder if while he limped his way to calvery - the heavy burden of sacrifice laid on his shoulders - did he hear my cry of distress calling out to him?


did he feel the burn of my sin like a whip across his back
the prod of temptation...
...the glee of the enemy
the tormenting guilt?


i wonder if while he hung & bled in darkness did he feel in the deep of his pierced belly the wild ache that pulses through the dark of my nights?


did he falter for a few moments contemplating defeat only to hear my silent plea across the span of time crying for a saviour?


in the moment he cried out to the father did he surrender and release so that centuries later i might have peace?


in the still of the night he whispers yes child, i did it for you .


ISAIAH 53:4


Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and by His wounds we are healed

~Dove Sister Ariel Pierson~

FOOD FOR THOUGHT--Poetry

Today, I would like to share some poetry with you. The author is Sri Chinmoy, owner and chef of The Lotus-Heart Vegetarian Restaurant. His webpage is http://www.thelotusheart.co.nz and features info about his restaurant as well as his poetry. Enjoy the feast. 

Along with spiritual food,
Earthly food also is necessary
Towards the Absolute Height.

Poem # 26625 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants Vol.67



As you cannot remain alive
With yesterday's food,
Even so, today you cannot remain
Spiritually alive
With yesterday's inner cry.
Poem # 9292 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants Vol.93




Every day
We must eat God's inner Food.
His Affection, Love, Blessings, Concern and Compassion
Are all unlimited,
And to enjoy them
God gives us unlimited receptivity.
Poem # 9496 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants Vol.95



Feed your mind with your soul's
Illumination-light-food.
You will be the happiest person
In God's entire creation.
Poem # 6138 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants Vol.62


Gratitude is the food of faith.
Faith is the food of love.
Love is the food of peace.
Peace is the food of God.
Poem # 3129 - Ten Thousand Flower-Flames Vol.32


Meditation's only food
Is its oneness-ecstasy with God.
Meditation gets this food only when
It has a sleepless life
And It is a winged heart.
Poem # 1066 - Ten Thousand Flower-Flames Vol.11



The doubting mind
Every day tries so hard
To deprive the heart
Of God-meditation-food.
Poem # 16595 - Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees Vol.17




The more you eat
Faith-food,
The closer you are to God.
Poem # 7613 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants Vol.77




God is always eager
To eat
Humanity's oneness-meal.
Poem #1308 - Seventy-Seven Thousand Service-Trees, Vol. 2



God simply does not want
His sweet children
To eat anything other
Than what He eats:
Nectar-Delight.
Poem #2335 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants, Vol. 24


Now that every day
I eat gratitude-fruits,
My life will not remain
The same unfulfilled hunger.
Poem 8826 - Twenty-Seven Thousand Aspiration-Plants, Part 89


When you eat too much earthly food,
The world tells you that you are greedy.
When you eat too much heavenly food,
God tells you
And the whole world tells you
That you are an absolutely
Choice instrument of God.
Poem # 7704 - Ten Thousand Flower-Flames Vol.78

all eyes on HE

a lot of the times we tell God that we are going to love Him, follow and live for Him. we make promises that we're going fight the good faith, press towards the mark and run the race. we vow that we're gonna stay strong in the Lord and stand in the evil day. we say 'here i am Lord, send me!'


the funny thing is that before God can even tell us where to go or what to do we tag on to our promises an 'after i...' or 'let me do this first'.
Lord, i'm going to follow you, but after this one last pull.
Lord imma get it right, but after i spend one last night.
Lord, i got you - imma follow you, but lemme take one last drink.

luke 9:58-62 tells of how people were lining up to follow Jesus when one man said, 'let me go bury my father and then imma be able to follow you.'
to this Jesus replied : let the dead bury their own dead, but you go ahead and proclaim the kingdom of God.

we do this all the time. often times when we choose life & decide to follow Jesus we realize that some of our relationships are dead or rather, that some people in our lives have not chosen to be resurrected and are therefore dead (in the Spirit at least). when God tells us that it's time to move on we either try to bring our dead friends along or we try to stay there with them.


we txt/email/call/gchat... claiming that we're taking care of them in the same way that the follower claimed he was burying his father. really when we prolong our walk with God for the sake of a dead situation we begin to bury ourselves with them.

another man said to Jesus, 'hey look, i'm coming but lemme jus go say bye to my people first.' (v.61)
Jesus answered him 'no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'

ouch. this sounds harsh...

what Jesus is saying is that we can't move forward if we're constantly looking back. if we look back we won't know where we're going and we'll be more focused on who we're leaving behind rather than the one we're supposed to be following.


in genesis 19 when God destroyed sodom&gomorrah, He instructed lot and his family to not look back. lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.


lemme make this personal::
i was in a relationship that was both ungodly & unhealthy, but everytime i would make moves to get out of it, i would dwell on the relationship with my ex rather than dwell on my new relationship with God. because i was looking back, i was unable to stay on the right path. all it would take was one txt message for me to fall back into the trap.


i continued in this cycle for almost a year... i didn't get it right the first time, but God eventually showed me that i had to keep my eyes on Him. i had to focus on Him and not on what i was missing out or on who i was missing. i had to realize that nobody could ever hold a candle to the greatness of God therefore nobody was worth looking back for.


let go of the dead people. stop trying to carry them with you & stop trying to stay behind with them - they may be great people, but they aren't worth the life you can have with God if you stay focused on Him.


it hurts to let people go but Jesus said in Matthew 5:29 that if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck out your eye. im not encouraging you to dismember your body, but if there is someone in your life causing to get stuck on repeat, you gotta chuck em the deuces, guard up your heart in prayer and keep it moving.


its difficult, but its so doable.


you gotta be like the horses in a horse race. a race horse wears blinders around its eyes so that it cannot see to the right or to the left of it. all that it can see is the target in front of it. place spiritual blinders around your eyes so that all you can see is God before you. don't you look to the left or to the right and definitely don't look back! trust in the way that God is leading you.


don't worry about saying goodbye to folks or about trying to explain to them where yourr going. you really don't need one last high - God is the most high. you don't need one last drink - Jesus is the living water that will forever quench your thirst. you don't need one last kiss - if you resist this one temptation, satan won't even come at you in this way again.


stop checking his facebook page - he's gonna be fine.
and there is no need to send her a txt, she'll only try to reminisce.
don't worry, God will resurrect them - He's big enough to handle both you and them.


realize that God is greater than anything in your former life and push the plow with your eyes on Him.


~Dove Sister Ariel Pierson~

Coastin...CHEA!!!

Hello Bloggers and Bloggees!

Today's featured artist is DJ Driftwood, Jamiel Cal-Pin, Eagle known as The Score. A student at University of Maryland Collge Park, DJ Driftwood has a radio show, "Coastin' to the Horizon" that airs every Monday from 8am-10am on 88.1 FM College Park Radio. You can also listen online at http://wmucradio.com/wmuc-high.m3u.

On past shows, DJ Driftwood has interviewed as well as featured music by local up and coming artists such as Joshua "OD" Mitchell, Darren "Profet D" Murray, ACross Life, and others. He also includes an encouraging word for the day, sandwhiched between all types of "Jesus Music" from various genres and artists. The encouraging word involves a scripture or two, as well as a thought for the day (as I like to think of it).
 
One of my other favorite aspects about the show is the "What the Crap!" moment. In this segment, DJ Driftwood showcases an instance or circumstance that literally made him think (or say lol), "WHAT THE CRAP!?" lol The last one I heard was in reference to the many Sonic commericals in the DMV area despite the lack of actual Sonics in the area!!! He then talks about how it is so annoying, but, at the same time, may be a good markeing ploy. Why, you ask? Because then when you finally DO get to a Sonic, you want to go half a billion times because you don't know the next time you'll see one! What the crap!
 
In short, "Coastin to the Horizon" is a great show and I encourage all of you to check it out. There's music on there for and from everyone and you can even call in. In the event you are not up at 8am (I usually am not...sorry, Jam), you can also download the shows as a podcast and take it with you at http://www.soundcloud.com/jamcalpin !!! The link also includes a mix that DJ Driftwood put together, it's that hotness. No excuse now...you have ample opportunities to go listen lol
 
This is DJ Epiphany on the 3s and 3s...signing off...
 
~Dove Sister Adeola Oyelabi~

UNDERSTANDING Your Calling

We are all searching for our calling. I know I used to ask God everyday to reveal to me my calling. One day, He did. He showed me not only my calling, but your calling too. Yes, yours. He showed me all of His children's callings. (yeah, I got it like that)

Hebrews 2:12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.”


This is the calling of every Christian. We may do it in different ways; that is where individuality comes in. God gave you personal talents and gifts, and He wants you to use them for His glory. Many Christians never try to bring others to Christ. When Christ and His love took possession of our hearts, He gave us this love that we might bring others to Him. You want to fulfill your calling? Then surrender your whole self to Him and use your personality to rescue someone from death.

You can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death. James 5:20

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

UNDERSTANDING--GOD

Today's blog was taken from one of my favorite devotional aides that my Mama Dixie bought for me. It's by the amazing Osmond Chambers; that's right, My Utmost for His Highest. Even the title is ministry in and of itself. But that is a whole 'nother blog in and of itself. Today we are talking about understanding God. That's kind of an oxymoron, isn't it, "understanding God." Yet again and again we attempt.

John 14:9 "Have I been so long time with you  and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?
(Is this not a hurt-filled plea? Jesus was so passionate and emotional, I am finding as I get deeper and deeper into my Word...Aren't we all Philip? He is asking you, as long as we've been together, and yet you still don't know who I am? What have you been doing? Am I not important? On to the word...)

'Our Lord must be repeatedly astounded at us--astounded at how un-simple we are. It is opinions of our own which make us stupid; when we are simple we are never stupid, we discern (this means understand fully) all the time. Philip expected the revelation of a tremendous mystery, but not in the One Whom he knew. The mystery of God is not in what is going to be, it is now; we look for it presently, in some cataclysmic event. We have no reluctance in obeying Jesus, but it is probable that we are hurting Him by the questions we ask. "Lord, show us the Father." His answer comes straight back--"There He is, always here or nowhere." We look for God to manifest Himself to His children. God only manifests Himself in His children. Other people see the manifestation, the child of God does not. We want to be conscious of God; yet we cannot be conscious of our consciousness and remain sane. If we are asking God to give us experiences, or if conscious experience is in the road, we hurt the Lord. The very questions we ask hurt Jesus because they are not the questions of a child. (His child, who should know Him) "Let not your heart be troubled"--then am I hurting Jesus by allowing my heart to be troubled? If I believe the character of Jesus, am I living up to my belief? Am I allowing anything to perturb my heart, many morbid questions to come in? I have to get to the implicit relationship that takes everything as it comes from Him. God never guides presently, but always now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the emacipation is complete.'

And thus we are freed!

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

UNDERSTANDING--trusting that God knows everything

One simple scripture, and its kind of self explanatory. Read, digest, focus, meditate, and pray about it. I'll try to break each verse down as you read them.

Proverbs 3:5-9

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; (Sincerely. Give everything to Him. One way to try to do this is to list every day the things you need to trust God with, and as you pray tell God you are giving it to Him. Then tear it up, or burn it.)
don't try to figure out everything on your own. (Just don't. You can't. Go back and read yesterday's blog.)
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; (Before you do any action, make any decision, before you eat, PRAY. Stop, be patient. Do not rush into anything.)
He's the one who will keep you on track. (THE ONLY ONE)
Don't assume that you know it all. (Yeah, you.)
Run to God! Run from evil! (Chasing after Him, not halfway. Don't read 3 verses in the morning and pray for 30 seconds then think that you are running towards Him. Uhuh buddy.)
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life! (This is because God gives you joy you cannot get from any worldly thing.)
Honor God with everything you own;
give Him the first and the best. (Your talents, strengths, rewards, tithes, everything is for God's glory.)
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over. (When you honor God, you will prosper.)
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under His loving correction. (Don't turn your prayers into opportunities to complain to God about how He is not doing what you want Him to do in your life.)
It's the child He loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this. (If you are going through something while not obeying God's will, do not think He is chastising you because He is angry. It is because He wants our best. Just like a father punishes a child who plays with fire, so our Father corrects us. He doesn't want us to get burned. Yet we continue to play with fire!!)

Love you everyone!

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

UNDERSTANDING--distortion

Understanding. A simple word, a complex concept. We try to understand everything in our lives, don't we? However, this can be a problem.

As Christians, we have to deal with distortion. We try to understand the spiritual realm within the limitations of our physical world and end up exaggerating minor things and minimizing important things. We go to other people searching for the answers we can't figure out for ourselves. Teachers/preachers can become popular and unconciously more important to us than God as we begin to believe that they have all the answers. Yes, ministers are here to lead, to shed light, and to provide clarity, understanding, and direction. But sometimes,even if we are anointed, we just DON'T KNOW and have to accept that.

God's purpose is "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Sound teaching does not distort God's Word or divide the church; it unites and builds up believers to care for one another and do His work in the world (1 Corinthians 12:25). To keep from distorting God's truth (although we can get direction from others) we must rely on God's power rather than man's wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:5).

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

Eating Habits

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not condoning or condemning any lifestyle choices or eating choices that one may have. However, if you have an eating disorder, we advise you to seek help now. Please. If you would not like to seek a professional, we have many in our chapter who have been through what you have and can help. Send an email to doveconnect@gmail.com. We love you.

I was thinking the other day about becoming a vegetarian. I was hearing all of these benefits...but it didn't even last a day. I went to Negril and got a beef patty and coco bread, and when I realized that being a vegetarian equals no beef patties, I gave up that dream. But it did make me think.

What kind of eating habits do we have in our spiritual life? How are we feeding our Spirit (and likewise, feeding our flesh)? Because the Bible, or Jesus, is the Bread of Life, are we eating healthy? What type of eater are you?

There is the glutton, stuffing himself with flesh. Everyone knows what that is, back in the gap when we were happy in our sin. However, realistically, there are also religious gluttons, stuffing themselves with "religion"; acting all holy holy holy without really having a personal relationship. An interesting story I heard the other day was about an atheist who regularly attended church. Although she did not believe in God at all, she was attracted to the religious atmosphere. Is that us, going to church, "ministering," and fellowshiping without the real commitment of Christ being the center of our lives.

Or do we stuff ourselves with flesh all week, indulging in our our sinful desires, only to "purge" on Sunday? These bulemic Christians are on a continuous cycle, coming forward every Sunday to the altar, yet never seem to get the victory over sin. This is because they do not truly repent. Repentance = not only being sorry for your sins and apologizing, but realizing that the only way you are forgiven/changed is through God's grace. You have to not only make a vow to turn from your old ways, but submit to God and allow Him to work in you. Don't just read your Bible on Sunday! Stop the binging cycle now.

Anorexic Christians starve themselves of the Word. They don't neccessarily go out and intentionally obey their flesh; they are active in ministries and counsel others. However, they do not speak with God on a daily basis. They don't worship Him continually. They are only in their Word when they get especially hungry and therefore show no spiritual growth.

Some eat only the basic greenery. They are who Paul means when He says "babes in Christ." They read the Word and pray/meditate daily, yet they don't delve deeper. Every issue is dealt with on the surface. Vegan/Vegetarian Christians receive just enough nutrition.

A normal eater has a mix and match kind of habit. Every once in a while they go and do something they know they shouldn't, but for the most part they pray, study, meditate, and fast on the regular. Occassionally they touch on deeper issues, but they fall back into their normal worship regimen.

Healthy (organic) Christians go out of their way to seek and find the true healthy balance. They are not afraid to pay a high price because they know the end result of a healthy, all natural, balanced relationship with God is worth it. They go deep and research the effects of every action and thought; they consult the ultimate Nutritionist on everything they bring into their bodies and hearts. This is how God wants us to be. He wants us to desire a deeper relationship with Him. He wants us to chase after Him, in every situation, every event, every person, thought, activity in/of our lives. He wants to be our everything, and that is how it should be.

Ask yourself today, and everyday, how is my diet looking?

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

Break Every Yoke

Hi guys, this is for all of you, who like me, are gaining freedom from various areas of bondage in your life. God's wish is that fasting or consecration of any kind should lead to you being freed from all manners of sins and spiritual, soulish,and physical insufficiencies. I hope this blesses your heart.


ISAIAH 58:6
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

This is one reason why we fast; we know that some things can only be loosed through fasting and praying. We must remember that prayer ALWAYS accompanies fasting. Always. This is a serious thing, we don't just fast because we want a quick answer and to lose some weight in the process. As we crave and miss the thing we consecrate from, we think of how our suffering means nothing compared to His. As we contemplate the loss of freedom in this area of our lives for this short time, we meditate on where we would be if we lost Christ. And as we focus on what we want to change and give up to God, we look upon this scripture and remember that He has promised to break our yokes and set us free! He has already come to earth and experienced all the trouble, temptation, and guilt that we did; don't get it twisted, he experienced it all. The difference is, he didn't act upon it: the lust, pain, shame, jealousy, bitterness, anger, sorrow, loneliness, fear, doubt. He cried for his friend Lazaruz, he asked God to take this cup from Him, He asked His disciples could they not stay awake with Him-so many examples of FEELINGS.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Events for this Week:

Howard University Community Choir (RHC) OPEN CALL WEEK

Monday:
Prayer/Info Table - Lower Level of Blackburn 10am-5pm
RHC Bible Study - Slowe Hall 7pm

Tuesday:
Impact Movement Bible Study - Locke Hall Room 257 7:30pm

Thursday:
Word Up Bible Study - Dave and Busters 7:30pm

Friday:
Donuts and Devotions - Truth Hall Lounge (Tubman Quad) 7am
Prayer at the Flagpole 1pm

~Dove Sisters Liselle Coker and DeAnna Rhodes~

MUSIC: ACross Life

Hello everyone! Today I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite bands: ACross Life. These guys have a true heart for God, and their music will leave you in total worship.

My first experience with them was at University of Maryland College Park's campus, listening to a song entitled "I LIKE JESUS A LOT." I had never heard this kind of music before. I was jamming, yet filled with the Spirit. I was alternately speechess, overwhelmed with emotion and then passionately shouting my love for Him. I had to meet this group personally and buy both a CD and a rubber bracelet (with I LIKE JESUS A LOT engraved on it). Another favorite of mine is "How Can I Love You Even More." The words are so simple, yet powerful. They make you think, how can I love Him even more, because I'm clearly not doing enough. But the thing is, we can't! He changed our lives, and we could worship Him all day, but it wouldn't be enough! He's holy, He is mighty, He's our Savior...I'm getting into worship mode just thinking the words to this song. These men of God are truly talented musicians and examples of how to let yourself diminish and the Spirit of God shine through and take over.

Established in 2006, this self-proclaimed "Christian Hip-Hop" group has been spreading across the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD region and beyond. Their debut CD "The Marathon" (which is sold on ITunes, CDBaby.com, Verizon Wireless VCast, WalMart Downloads Store, and several other digital distribution sites) and heavy performance schedule has earned them numerous fans and supporters. In 2007, they participated in the Emergenza International Music Festival and earned 2nd place overall in the region. In 2008, they were featured in the March/April edition of Christian Lifestyle. They are international music artists, having sold CDs all over the US, Japan, and Switzerland.

The meaning of ACross Life comes from Psalm 108:1-3, John 3:16-18, and Matthew 16: 23-25. Their music touches on experiences we all go through across our life span as well as the description of a true believer taking up his/her cross daily thereby living a "cross" life, denying self and following Christ (whose death is the message of salvation, a cross leading to life). The members of ACross life are Chris Chiles (rapper, vocals), Giovanti Greenaugh (electric guitar, background vocals), Chris Harris (secondary keys), Nathaniel Harris (keyboards, background vocals), Steve Treal (lead vocals), Joey Price (bass), and Marcus Womack (drums).

Every third Friday, ACross Life performs at the Church of Love Faith Center in Temple Hills, MD. Doors open at 9pm, and it is $3 with CD or flyer and $5 at the door. This is their "home spot," complete with open mic, food, and more.

More information, as well as a 5 minute documentary and the full meaning of ACross life which is very interesting, can be found on their official website, http://www.acrosslife.com.

~Dove Sister DeAnna~

GO GET YOUR DONKEYS: Stay Focused

1 Samuel 9: 10-22
11 As they were climbing the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water. So Saul and his servant asked, “Is the seer here today?”

12 “Yes,” they replied. “Stay right on this road. He is at the town gates. He has just arrived to take part in a public sacrifice up at the place of worship. 13 Hurry and catch him before he goes up there to eat. The guests won’t begin eating until he arrives to bless the food.”
14 So they entered the town, and as they passed through the gates, Samuel was coming out toward them to go up to the place of worship.
15 Now the Lord had told Samuel the previous day, 16 “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him to be the leader of my people, Israel. He will rescue them from the Philistines, for I have looked down on my people in mercy and have heard their cry.”
17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said, “That’s the man I told you about! He will rule my people.”
18 Just then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and asked, “Can you please tell me where the seer’s house is?”
19 “I am the seer!” Samuel replied. “Go up to the place of worship ahead of me. We will eat there together, and in the morning I’ll tell you what you want to know and send you on your way. 20 And don’t worry about those donkeys that were lost three days ago, for they have been found. And I am here to tell you that you and your family are the focus of all Israel’s hopes.”
21 Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?”
22 Then Samuel brought Saul and his servant into the hall and placed them at the head of the table, honoring them above the thirty special guests.

The end of the story! Saul went looking for donkey, something totally random, but His Father told him to go, so he went. He had along with him a servant, carefully chosen. And at the end, he is appointed king!
 
Isn't this a metaphor for our lives? God tells us to do something, and all we have to do is follow His will, no matter how crazy it seems. You see that Samuel says to Saul, "Don't worry about those donkeys." Don't worry about what you are doing or what is going to happen; God has it under control (Jeremiah 29:11). If you just follow His will, you will get your crown.
 
But hold on, just one thing in this story just seems unneccessary. They meet a group of women and ask where is the seer. The women tell her, and they go along their way. Seems harmless, right? But imagine, these are some sexy mamacitas. They are wearing some fly, flesh-revealing dresses on their way to be seen at the waterhole. Their hair is done up, they got manicures and pedicures that match their stilettos, and they just came from the hair salon. But Saul and his servant are so intent on their mission, they only notice them because the women are coming from where they are going and they need information. What does this tell us? REMEMBER WHAT GOD TOLD YOU TO DO; DON'T LET DISTRACTIONS GET YOU OFF COURSE!
 
Now, people, I did not think of this myself. Like I said on Wednesday, I was HONORED to hear this from, well, when I remember, I will let you guys know. lol But its amazing. So everyone, go get your donkeys!
 
~Dove Sister DeAnna~

GO GET YOUR DONKEYS: Choose Wisely

Picking up where we left off:

1 Samuel 9: 3-10

3 One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys.” 4 So Saul took one of the servants and traveled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere.
5 Finally, they entered the region of Zuph, and Saul said to his servant, “Let’s go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!”
6 But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.”
7 “But we don’t have anything to offer him,” Saul replied. “Even our food is gone, and we don’t have a thing to give him.”
8 “Well,” the servant said, “I have one small silver piece.[a] We can at least offer it to the man of God and see what happens!” 9 (In those days if people wanted a message from God, they would say, “Let’s go and ask the seer,” for prophets used to be called seers.)
10 “All right,” Saul agreed, “let’s try it!” So they started into the town where the man of God lived.


This is very simple: choose wisely the people with whome you interact and even just associate. What if Saul hadn't picked this particular servant? He would have never kept going on to meet the man of God which, you will find out tomorrow, would have prevented him from finding out his purpose. We have to be on our guard always concerning whom we let influence us.

~Dove Sister DeAnna~