Sometimes, we are waiting for our lives to “takeoff” and were confused about why we may still be in a “queue” (British) or line. God is the both the control center and the Divine Pilot. He is seated in the “pit” of our lives and desires us to arrive at our destined place but needs our cooperation. There are instructions to follow. He has a team providing them and demonstrating what safety looks like. He prepared for this moment. He came fully loaded and everything is in place. I PAID a price already for the seat that I occupy. This seat has my name on it, I belong here. What I could not cover, He took care of it.
Aircraft does not take off sometimes due to factors such as weight(baggage), altitude pressure and runway conditions. I had to check myself. You have been “grounded” for so long but isn’t time? What is going on? What weight are you carrying that is excess that isn’t even yours? The altitude of my faith, where is it? And most importantly, what is going on with the runway of my life? God has already cleared there way and gave a green light. The signals were very clear, but I couldn’t see it.
I then asked myself, aren’t you not built to go the distance? What is going on with the surface of the path? And is there fear? I got my answer tonight in Midnight Prayer (Encounter). My spiritual father, Dr. Courtney M. Bradley elaborated on being fastened. I then realized that it is me. I must be deliberate about being “fastened” in Him so he can take me where I need to go at the correct attitude. My problem was I couldn’t grasp what that meant or what was needed from me. It dawned on me afterwards that not only have things been demonstrated, but there is also a manual and guide to refer to. Even if I am afraid of the height; even if I never been this way before I MUST trust that He is an expert in my life.
:Always forward, never backward” – Abraham Lincoln
God’s plan isn’t to disappoint or crash. My expected end doesn’t include casualties but life. He made the announcement for me to “prepare” and that’s my cue to use what is provided to “buckle up”. I am precious cargo to Him. I am not on this ride alone. My dear friend Tameka Samuels said when we take heed to the instruction to “be fastened then we can withstand the sudden (or projected) turbulence and winds”. In order to soar, we need speed and that’s what God is trying to build if we let Him. It is our time to soar. Soar over dangerous waters, conquer our fears, experience unchartered territory, and discover, escape the past, expand our perspective, learn, become more cultured in Him. It’s not time to loose control but allow him to be in cruise control. I don’t know about you but I’m ready for takeoff.
I woke up feeling disgusted and confused to some extent. The house was in every way disheveled and unorganized. When things were far from put together. It affected me mentally and also shifted my mood.
In any home, things typically quickly accumulate or slowly build. That goes for dishes, laundry and even dirt. This happens intentionally or unintentionally. The key factor is you. You must be the one to recognize the need for cleaning. Sometimes you aware of the change immediately other times it just hits you like a ton of bricks. Being aware is only part of it. Next, you must make time and be motivated to make that change. You can see a pile up and keep saying tomorrow or later I will do that. Living non-motivated to make changes.
Suddenly, your doorbell rings and an unexpected visitor stops by. You are left embarrassed or quickly trying to fix things. By then it’s too late. You make comments like “Excuse the mess” or “I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to clean up” with nervous laughter following.
I don’t know about you but cleaning is extremely cathartic and therapeutic for me. When my environment is clear and I feel free in my mind, I’m and overall happy. It’s welcoming and I get a sense of freedom. I took a moment to take it all in. I noticed the breeze from the window was the epitome of a perfect September afternoon. The smell of fresh linens, “Bath & Body” works signature scents in the air, the sight of glossed floors and well-organized space did something to me. I felt empowered and oh so good. Creativity started flowing and I was free to be my artistic self.
While wrist deep in a soapy environment the Lord whispered to me. You love how this feels right? That is great for the home, but what about you? I almost dropped the pot cover. Wow! What about me? I knew exactly what He meant. He was not referring to the space or even the boost in my mood. I am the vessel who houses God. His presence lives me, but my spirit has been junky. I recognized a lethargy in my spirit but was saying “I’ll take care of later or I don’t even wanna address this right now” Spiritual procrastination, neglect and eventually build-up. Spiritual build-up is the daily failure to renew my mind and spirit. The failure to communicate with the Savior to get rid of the dust of worry, the muck of stress and pile up from the doors I opened to the enemy. He resides inside of me and what an insult to be surrounded by the external and internal elements that have left a residue. Its unwelcoming and uninviting. Who feels comfortable in a dirty house? I was immediately convicted, and I needed to repent.
I said “Lord purge me. I want to turn from my wicked ways. Everything that upsets you please forgive me and help me to live the way you desire. I want you to smile when you see me. I want to do what is most pleasing to you after all I am the apple of your eye.”
PSALM 51:10- Clean heart, renew my spirit
Sometimes external things are easier to spot and you get uncomfortable enough to do something about it but internal mess we allow ourselves to live comfortably with. Christ lives within, no unwanted guests can dwell here. Just a clean atmosphere to maintain freedom, joy with no clutter. Every house is not a home, but I desire to be that vessel and that place He can call home.
Sometimes, we have to check our environment and monitor what’s being placed within. Is this a waste or is this edifying?… and where do I place this or that? Every home has a place for treasured items and a place for waste. When the two mix, we are in trouble. You must ask yourself “am I just living recklessly or am I being intentional about managing my home? I was perturbed by the disgust I felt internally and externally but so grateful that I recognized, acknowledged, and ran to the source that can help me clean up.
Sometimes when people clean, they put on their favorite jams that sustains their momentum. Oftentimes, music is very essential during this cleaning process. What are you playing as the soundtrack to keep you spiritually clear? Music that edifies or infiltrates. It is a spiritual experience and we should be very careful as to what we feed our spirit. It’s important that we protect our gates. Our ears, sight, heart are some gates to protect. They should have a combination that only God has the code for on them. In Isaiah 52:11 KJV tells that those that bare the vessels of the Lord should not touch the unclean thing. We ought to be Holy vessels not defiled ones. Imagine someone coming over to your home and thirsty and requests water. Would you take a dirty cup and then serve them? We are saved to serve and we can’t contaminate the people we are called to help save and heal.
Thankfully, repentance is like a combination of Mr. Clean, Clorox, Lysol, and any other substance you clean with. It is an opportunity to wipe clean, purify and purge. When you don’t feel good about or in your environment, check in with the one who lives within and I guarantee things will change. You can’t do this type of cleaning on your own.
According the Webster Dictionary, a receipt is the action of receiving something or the fact of its being received. Simply put, it’s a confirmation that a transaction has cleared, you now have full ownership.
When you walk into a store and see something you desire greatly and get to hear the register clear your purchase, you are ecstatic. It’s a great feeling to know that “it” is in your possession. In today’s society, online shopping is just as satisfying for all the cardholders. We live in that one click away generation. We anticipating the “promise” to be delivered and constantly check for its arrival. He thought we were worth dying for (Romans 5:8)
Imagine how Christ feels when He looks at you. You are his prized possession. We are purchased by his blood. You are the apple of his eye and He is so mindful of you. Every aspect of your life belongs to him and He is concerned about. Why? He paid a full price for us. He gave everything to give us everything and it was all done in love. We are his great desire. When he looks at the earth its like shopping…looking for someone to love. What new soul can I attain. Whose life can I enhance? We are the promise that He spoke. He patiently waits for our arrival in the earth realm and rejoices along with the angels when we finally choose him and make an arrival in the spirit. He is so patient and loving. He doesn’t have to track us; he knows eventually because were on His schedule that we will come around. What a wonderful Savior.
Our debts are paid in FULL
When you look at the aspect of shopping its basically an EXCHANGE. It’s a trade not a one-sided deal. Salvation is a life for life. Relationship with Christ is our heart and obedience for his heart towards us. We get a good deal too, included is His hand, his mind, blessings, favor, grace mercy and the list can go on infinitely. I implore you to give Him your all; you can’t wrong or loose out. There is no false advertising with Jesus, there is no disappointment, no regrets He gets amazing reviews all around because He truly delivers. Not only are we His prized possession but when we’re fully His, we become the RECIPT. We are the living, breathing proof of his transaction on the cross. How fulfilling that must be when we live for Him and love Him completely.
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