Sweet Tooth Cravings: Beware of "m &m"!

Nothing can be more delightful than talking about sweets.  Who doesn't like candy anyway? I was introduced to "m&m" at a very young age for better or for worse.

I don't particularly have a sweet tooth but I can  effortlessly eat packs after packs of these colorful rounds candies. I always begin with wise intentions  by gulping one or two and then convincing myself that I should probably stay clear of them.

Those promises are usually thrown under the bus before quickly realizing that I have once again succumbed to these addictive things . The funny part is that I can eat an impressionable amount without even noticing it. I always beat myself up because of my lack of self-control.

" I have fallen again! These little monsters got me! They made me do it."

Really, chile? Well, I kinda have a confession...

What had happened is...

Eventhough I am a work in progress, I have real issues with " m&m". However, I am not alluding to the sugary counterparts that can give you toothaches or stomachaches if you eat too much of them but rather to those that can give you a "rotten heart".

I can already hear some of you say: "Come again!"

Well, just like for anything created under the heavens, there is always a counterfeit. Yes, you guessed it! There is "sweet m&m" and then there is " rotten m&m".

Think again if you believe that you have not eaten a mouthful of " rotten m&m" yet ! Have you ever spoken under your breath about how you really feel about a certain situation while pretending that you trust God for the outcome? Have you ever grumbled and complained about your current circumstances by holding your own pity party? Have you told the whole world how the sky was falling while neglecting to tell it to the Only One who matters most: The All-knowing and All-powerful God.

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you have eaten "rotten m&m" or partaken to "mumbling" and "murmuring". You are not alone! I am 100 % guilty as well.

Over the past year and half, I have been undergoing a maturing process. While I do my best to submit to the Holy Spirit and learn to obey him,  I often did not go out without putting some resistance. That's when God showed me in His Word that you and I were not very different from the children of Israel whose behaviors at times paralleled  those of  "spoiled-brats" and "cranky toddlers".

Can you believe I even have the nerve to become irritated by them while reading the book of Numbers chapter 11, 12 and 13. I mean, who in their right mind  would despise God's Manna over Meat or would reminisce about fish, cucumbers, melon, leeks, onions ? Even worse, who would prefer to return to slavery (Egypt) and trade their freedom for some garlic? Who does that?

I will now get off my soapbox because as I kept reading and pondering about our Hebrew ancestors, I discovered that not only do we share similarities but we also got skilled at being in denial.

Here are some ways that we subtly m&m (murmur and mumble) about God' s plan concerning us:

- Being nostalgic over the past because we are not where we thought we should be in life.

- Being literally oblivious to how blessed we are.

- Rebelling against the Leadership of the Holy Spirit by taking matters into our own hands.

- Building idols by following the advice of mere mortal men as gospel rather than trusting the Counsel of God, written in his Word, the Bible. God can also use people to communicate to us but whatever they say must be aligned with the Word of God.

- Having the "Grasshopper syndrome" who acts surprised when he did not reap any harvest because he did not sow any seed while it was time to plant. I guess the Ant would reply: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

- Seeing ourselves as grasshoppers and blaming our lack of progress on " Imaginary giants" rather than moving by faith and believing that: 
" God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, HCS Bible)

- Failing to meditate on God's Word so that we can learn how to be successful God's way. (Joshua 1:8)

- Being spiritually lazy by hoping to move the mountain of difficulties in our lives through wishful thinking rather than prayer, worship, praise and fasting.

- Not practicing " Active Gratitude" and being thankful for what God has already done for us in the past, is still doing in the present and that He is faithful to keep His promises towards us not because we deserve it but for His Name's sake

" You will know that I am the LORD, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!" (Ezekiel 20:44, NLT)

These words are true for us today. There is no need to fret, to mumble and murmur. God got it! He has my back! He has your back! When we know better, shouldn't we do better?

Would we have His (Jesus' ) back ? He is counting on us! Please, Let us make it a goal to be so determined that no matter what it takes, we won't let Jesus down either in 2013 or any subsequent year.

It is my prayer that you will. Happy New year Everyone!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are Awesome! You are Mighty! You are wonderful!. Thank you for being compassionate, long-suffering and patient with us. Thank you for not always giving us what we want or deserve but what we need. Thank you for preserving us from self-destruction. We are grateful for the learning opportunities we had during the past year when our faith was being tested. As we start the new year stronger and wiser, may we not repeat the same mistakes. We thank you Lord for your favor that shall surround us like a shield throughout this new year. In Jesus' Name! Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi

Priceless Gift!

Wow! I cannot believe it's been almost a year since I have written on this blog. I did not plan to stay away that long. The good news is that I am back and I have received so much insight that I cannot wait to share with you. As we celebrate today the birth of our Savior Jesus, it is also a time for reflection about things and events that transpired in both our personal and spiritual lives. Let me just say the Lord took me to school this year. He made me wean from the bottle and challenged me to graduate from Kindergarten to a higher level where I can begin to eat some solid food such as meat. So, I have tested the "meat of the Word" and I can tell you that it is good and it gets better day by day. That's why I have no intention of reverting back to "baby food". I am praising God for spiritual upgrade and for allowing me to graduate to higher level in Christ. Throughout the upcoming blogs, I will write about the lessons I have learned and how I dealt with life's unexpected turns.
However, I just stop today to say a prayer for you but most importantly to bring my gift to Jesus: a Thanksgiving offering.
Indeed we don't need a special day to say thank you. We all know how the world becomes so frantic during this season as I mentioned it on a previous blog .  We can dare to be different by being less self-centered and more Christ-centered. After all, it is His Birthday.
Imagine for a moment being the guest of honor at a celebration that was the talk of the town. Your transportation, your clothes, your shoes, your jewelry were all paid for by the same person who invited you. Not to leave anything undone, He even booked you a room at a "Taj-Mahal" like hotel.You could hardly believe your eyes when you entered the place where the festivities were taking place : exquisite foods, "out-of-this world" delicacies and drinks" Did I mention "precious stones" cutlery and diamond plates that you did not have to return ? How about the "professional staff assigned to cater to every one of your needs. But wait, you were not just like any guest ! You were seated at the table of Honor and treated like Royalty. In addition, you were not required to bring any gift or even contribute anything. Rather, it was written in golden letters on the invitation cards:

"Come as you are, Grace will be supplied in Abundance at no Cost to you"

This is not a fantasy but a reality that anyone can live when they understand the reason why Jesus came. I don't know about you but I am going to tell you few among countless blessings He bestowed upon me when I accepted His invitation :

- He gave me a second lease as far as my life is concerned with a much better proposal that I could not refuse: "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:10, NLT)

- He covered my nakedness, made me over and crowned me with Glory: “ I bathed you with water and washed the blood from you and put ointments on you. I clothed you with an embroidered dress and put leather sandals on you. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with costly garments.I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck,and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. " (Ezekiel 16:9-12, NIV)

- He covered all my unrighteous acts with His grace and made me right with Him: "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17, NLT).

- He did not disqualify me because of pre-existing conditions but He accepted me with all the baggage from my past: "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved." 
(Ephesians 1:6, KJV).

He looked me straight in the eye and told me to believe until it sunk deep within my soul that: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14, NIV)

The list goes on. I would not have enough room to tell it all. Jesus is the "Man". How can I ever repay Him back? It is impossible. Nevertheless, I know I can do this much, which is to glorify God for bringing Emmanuel, who wanted to tabernacle among lowly men. I am so glad you came, Jesus, my Lord, my Brother and Best Friend more than two thousand years ago on a Christmas day! Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas to all! May you be rooted in the love of God and may this wonderful season grant you an Abundance of Christ's Peace that will linger forever. Joyeux Noël!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come with a grateful heart to present to you a Thank offering. Nothing can compare to the most precious gift that you have freely given us, your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we have received salvation, eternal life, restoration, deliverance, freedom, peace and so much more. May your Name be praised! Power, Glory, Dominion and Honor belong to you Emmanuel, King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Bread of Life, Adonai !  I love you! I Adore You! In Jesus' Name! Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi



 


 

 

A New Chapter.

The city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia has been my home for almost five years. As the Bible instructs us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB):

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-"

I thoroughly enjoyed my season in Philadelphia. I am grateful to God for many blessings He bestowed upon me:

Friendships, valuable life's lessons, spiritual growth and maturity. Most importantly, this is where I really experienced God's unchanging Hand. Despite living in a foreign land, I always had a roof above my head, food on my table, clothes on my back, God's protection, God's provision and God's providence. On many occasions where I could have found myself in a pit, God intervened and showered me with Fresh Manna from Heaven. Manna is defined in the dictionary as :

" food miraculously provided, spiritual nourishment of divine origin, something of value that a person receives unexpectedly."

Yes, Miracles still happen and I have been the recipient of many. As I am getting ready to close a chapter of my life in Philadelphia, I am counting of the faithfulness of the "Miracle-Wonder-Working" God to carry me over. Our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the one who will walk with me as I relocate back home to Canada.
Life will take us trough different changes. Some might even be unexpected and difficult but I encourage you to be opened during the process. While times of transition can be scary because of the fear of the unknown or leaving the familiar, we should always remember that God is immutable. He is constant in His Love for you. Therefore, He will be with you to help you navigate through periods of uncertainties. He is the God of your past, present and future. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Some doors may close, others open or be in a limbo stage but God does not change. He reminds us himself in Malachi 3:6 (NLT):

"I am the LORD, and I do not change"

What a wonderful promise! I am holding it close to my heart and looking forward to a new beginning while I continue to be in awe of God's amazing plans for all of us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we worship you today for who you are. We magnify and bless your Holy Name! You are immutable! You are incredible !You are amazing! We thank you Lord for your constant love and faithfulness towards us as we experience periods of transitions. Our circumstances and surroundings may change but we know that your unchanging Hand is stretched towards us in every season that you have ordained in our lives as Isaiah 59:1 proclaims: "Listen! The Lord's arm is not too weak to save you, nor His ear too deaf to hear you call." Help us, Jesus to firmly believe in these promises when change comes knocking at our doors. In Jesus' Name! Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi

Uprooting the Weeds!

" Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)

Happy Monday! I hope everyone is off to a good start. I know, I am. Over the weekend, I had a "rewind" episode, playing in my head. My mind took me back to some events that occurred last year. I recalled how the actions of one individual led to the demise of my job. It was not only hard to swallow at the time because of the financial troubles it created but I also found myself hating this particular individual with a passion. Soon my emotions of pain, hurt and betrayal yielded to more than I could bargain for .Slowly but surely, I was filling my mind, my heart and my soul with weeds. Those weeds were anger, bitterness, resentment, hatred and unforgiveness. Those were unattractive, undesirable and troublesome feelings that I allow to grow wild where they are not supposed to thrive: My heart. My heart should be a sanctuary for God, a temple for His Holy Spirit. It simply happened because I kept dwelling on the past. I could not let go of the painful memories because it became an unhealthy way of coping. I found myself quickly in the prison of my past and it was very difficult to enjoy my life. How could I have any hope for the future to get better if my present appeared bleak.
It was not long before I felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to shake myself loose of the past hurts, past pains and past betrayals because these weeds were killing me softly. It was indeed time to do what God said in
Colossians 3:8 (NRS)

"But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth." and Colossians 3:13 (NRS) "Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." 

You might be thinking to yourself that : "All of this is easily said than done". I completely agree with you but no matter how much you find it difficult, it is totally worth trying. By making the decision to forgive, you are also shedding pounds of unwanted burdens. You are not doing the person who offended you a favor. In fact, you are setting yourself free. Yes, like others have mentioned it before, Forgiveness is really for you.

If we are hurting now as the result of another person's actions, we can reclaim the power we unknowingly handed them by forgiving them. In addition, we should no longer rehearse our past but only use it as a testament of "lessons learned". Rather, we should embrace our present and move on. As we do that, God's healing process can take place and restore our broken hearts. However, we must first commit to uproot the weeds today and heed the words of St. Paul in Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

" No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead."

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we are tired of holding on to our past hurts. Forgive us our trespasses as we learn to forgive those who have offended us. As we promise to let go of our painful past, we believe that you will do a new thing in our lives. We thank you Lord for the promises of Peace, Healing, Deliverance and Restoration that are given to everyone who chooses to cast their anxiety on You because You care (1 peter 5:7). In Jesus' Name. Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi

An Attitude of Gratitude.

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5 :18 (NLT)

I am sure you previously heard the following cliche: "your attitude determines your altitude". Today, I am taking the liberty of modifying it a little bit by saying : "An attitude of gratitude will determine our altitude". Altitudes are the milestones we want to reach, the dreams we want to accomplish, the goals we want to achieve. Along the way, we are faced with the reality that such heights are not attained without overcoming obstacles. Many who are now able to stand at the summit of the mountain of Success and Achievement will tell you that they first needed to go through the valley of despair, disappointment and discouragement. Our perfect example is Our Lord Jesus Christ. He did not allow the pains of the Cross and Golgotha from preventing Him to grasp the Glory of the Resurrection. I not only admire Jesus' total obedience to our Heavenly Father but I am also learning other facets of His personality. Jesus' attitude did not stink! Let me correct it for the purists out there: Jesus' attitude was above reproach. He never complained about dying for ungrateful sinners or having to do it all by Himself. He did not have a " Why Me? " attitude. Rather, He remained in a posture of humility and wore a " Thank God" attitude. Jesus knew that because of His sacrifice, everyone who would accept Him and call upon His Name, would  be saved and receive eternal life. So, He was thankful.

You see, I can use few pointers myself from Jesus' life. I woke up this morning with a phone call  and some email that really upset me. The news were discouraging. All I wanted to do was to crawl in my bed and lament all day.However,something inside of me encouraged me to see the " glass half-full" rather than "half-empty". I believe that it is the Holy spirit who is constantly teaching me to renew my mind and change my attitude.  We must realize that our enemy ,satan ,will always send us some distractions in order for us to fail. Always remember that the devil can see where God is taking us. He knows that God has a great future and plans  for  us (Jeremiah 29: 11) and that is why he will do everything in his capacity to block or destroy our destiny. We can either fall for his tricks or change our attitude towards the problem we face. I don't know what has been troubling you lately? Maybe it does not seem as if you are making some progress. Maybe, you think that life has been unfair to you and you will never make it. Be comforted because God says in

Jeremiah 32: 27:

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (NIV)

Absolutely NOT! God can transform our circumstances instantly according to his timing and Will. While, we are waiting,we should keep on pressing. We should  count our blessings and adopt an Attitude of Gratitude.

I started a " Gratitude journal" where I write 5 things that happened during the day and that I am grateful for. This simple but yet powerful exercise allows me to keep my attitude in check and to recognize that God is in control and the last time I checked Jesus is still seated on the Throne,at the right hand of the Father. So who cares what the world would bring tome today ? I am thankful that God woke me up this morning, that's enough for me to praise Him. Hallelujah! What are you grateful for today, every day? Write it down!

Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, please teach and show us how to be thankful regardless if things are good or bad. Empower us to have the mind of Christ,which will allow us to conquer every situation we face no matter the difficulty. We thank God that He cares and sees us even in the midst of our struggles. He will not give us more than we can bear and will provide a way out for us when it becomes unbearable (1 Corinthians 10:13). Help us, Lord Jesus, to keep running for the prize of the higher calling that is found in you alone. In Jesus' Name. Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi

2012 : I am coming Back!

Happy New Year 2012! I pray that God will perfect everything which concerns you in 2012: Health, Family, Relationships and Finances. I was one of those who could not wait to kiss 2011 good bye. I was eagerly waiting for the new year to get here. Excitement was building up as I looked at the clock ticking. You may wonder what was the hype all about. Every year, I would usually just go through the motions and write my resolutions. It would not take long before I gave up on my commitments and return to my old habits. I have been doing the same routine for as long as I can remember. However, I made a conscious decision that some things would need to change in 2012 because I was so determined to not repeat the same mistakes I made in 2011. In addition to writing my goals, I have also added four ingredients on my plate: Determination, Discipline, Dedication and Devotion. I believe these will be the keys that will transform my setbacks into comebacks. I thank God for giving me a clear vision, which allows me to understand the purpose in my pains. Indeed, I went through in 2011 in order to come through and come back. The trials were not meant to destroy me but they were used by God to brew a revolt within me that shouts: "Enough is enough! I am coming back in 2012." I have jotted down few points to explain how I intend to accomplish just that.

In fact, if  you feel the same way I do, You can come back in 2012 by being:

- Determined:  We should have a firmness of purpose and  make the resolution to put God first in our lives. We  must seek Him first and acknowledge Him in everything we do so that God can direct our paths. Therefore, We must commit to read the Bible daily, to pray without ceasing, to seek God's face through worship and to spend time alone with God so that we can hear His voice.

- Disciplined: We have to exercise self-control and train ourselves to comply to the promises we made to God and ourselves. This will be achieved by setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-framed (S.M.A.R.T) goals and apply them in every area of our lives: Spirituality, Career, Business, Health.

- Dedicated: We must be wholly committed to our dreams. If God has put a desire in our hearts, We should follow a specific action plan in order to see them materialize. It is no longer enough to talk about it or  pray about it but Now is the time to get up and just do it! We have to  forsake and renounce procrastination, laziness and slothfulness forever. The Bible says: "Faith without works is dead."

- Devoted: We should become zealous in our love for God, our family, friends and ourselves. We must shun negativity and pessimism in all its forms from our lives. We should engage in activities that will not only nurture our relationship with Jesus Christ but will also create health of the body, mind, soul and spirit. Furthermore, it is very important to practice the discipline of speaking positively, seeing the glass half-full rather than half-empty, turning a failure into a learning opportunity.

I am up for the challenge and It is my prayer and hope that you will join me. When you do, I am 100 % positive and persuaded that God :

" is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3: 20 (NIV).

Yes, I guarantee you that God will bless us in 2012 beyond our wild imaginations but we must also do our part. This is not just some wishful and positive thinking but it is a formula that has been tested and true as King Solomon says in Proverbs 30: 5 :

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."

As you step out of your comfort zone and walk by faith throughout the year, I am encouraging you with my "Marching orders for 2012" : to live passionately for Jesus Christ, to laugh out loud and to get back up when I fall down.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we consecrate this year 2012 into your hands. Have your way in us. Please give us the courage, the strength and the ability to be determined, disciplined, dedicated and devoted to keep the promises we make to You and to ourselves. May the goals we want to achieve in 2012 be aligned to your divine Will. May you open the doors that need to be opened and close any door that needs to be closed. May your unmerited favor rest upon us as we are always mindful to give you thanks, glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' Name. Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi

Who would Imagine a King?

The buzz! If you haven't heard by now, you must be sleeping under a rock.It is everywhere.People are doing their last minute shopping , picking up gifts, going over and beyond their spending limits. Come on y'all! There is a birthday celebration and no one wants to be left behind. It's Christmas time in the city!
I absolutely love this time of the year. I love the colors. I love the decorations. I love the scents. I love the mint flavored and pumpkin spiced hot chocolate. I love the sweet potato pies. I love the elaborated designs done with the Christmas lights. Did I mention the Christmas cartoons? Charlie Brown's Christmas , anyone? Above all, I love the one who inspired all this joy and excitement: Jesus Christ. Over the years, our society has trivialized Christmas and reduced it to a season of high consumerism and commercialism.
What about the birthday's boy? Jesus? For many of us, He has just become a cute porcelain figurine that we can include in the nativity display if we even bother to have one. For others, we  just pay him some "lip service" during a special Christmas' Eve or Midnight worship service. After that, let's just be merry and happy! Jesus? Oh, well! He understands our hearts, don't you agree?
I am not trying to be a "Grinch" and steal your Christmas. However, I want us to remember what the prophet Isaiah foretold about  Mary's baby boy:

" For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9: 6-7 (NIV)

Yes, Emmanuel came to us as a baby boy, born in a manger but His initial status should not make us forget who He really is:

Jesus is  Mighty God.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Jesus is the Author of Life.

Jesus is the Giver of all blessings.

Jesus is the Lord of Lords.

Jesus is my King. He is your King. He is truly the reason for this season. This is just not a slogan but it is the essence of Christmas. So, as you are celebrating with friends, family and counting your blessings, just pause with me for a moment and say: "Thank You, Jesus!" . Better yet, Let's sing: " Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus." We don't need to be pitch perfect, all we have to do is to make a "Joyful Noise" unto Jesus. Trust me,St. Paul was right when he said:

"remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20: 35 (NIV)

Dear Friends, in the Spirit of Christmas, Let us offer to Jesus the best gift we can give Him: Our Gratitude. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I would like to wish you a Happy Birthday! I don't have myrrh to present to you. I don't have frankincense to offer to you. I don't have gold to adorn you. So, I am offering you the fruit of my lips. I am giving you my praise and thanksgiving. Thank you Jesus for coming into the world to bring me Joy, Peace, Liberty and the most precious of all gifts: Salvation and Eternal life. I love you Lord for being my Savior and King. Amen!

May your life be a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God !

Abi