Today's Meditation: "Beloved, I pray above all things that you would prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers..." 3John Verse 2
The Lord is vitally concerned about our bodies. It is His will that we maintain divine health in our bodies. However, this divine health cannot have its full measure of abundance in our lives without first having the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we need to change the way we THINK. Personally, there have been countless times and seasons in my life that I've had to do an "extreme make-over" in my thought life, attitude, and physical appearance in order to line-up with the Path and direction God was leading me. Once I knew the Lord, and felt compelled to learn from His teachings, it became my life's goal to live out the scripture which implores Believers to "present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is our reasonable service; and be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Rom. 12:1-2)
Once we have a renewed mind concerning the prosperity of our physical and spiritual bodies, we will be able to win the war against poor health habits, harm, and dysfunction to our bodies. Due to the nature of ministry (preaching/teaching/music/outreach), the minister is always positioned before the people of God. This is particularly true of the liturgical dancer. What a tremendous responsibility to uphold! For many of us, Dance is ministry...but it is also PRESENTATION. Without delving deep into the world's stereotypical profile of a dancer--i.e. petite, slim, small-breasted females; or well-toned, muscular males; I will say that I truly believe that sacred dancers who are both anointed and skilled can be highly effective in all shapes, sizes, colors, and cultures. Yet, I also believe that we must make strong efforts to uphold a standard of good health, fitness, overall emotional stability and welness.
In Genesis 1:26, God said: "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth, and subdue it..."
When God says "them" He is speaking all-inclusively of the male & female 'spirit-being'. This 'spirit-being' which God named "Adam" did not truly take form and manifest until God gave him a BODY. This body, or outer garment is our Earth Suit--it is what gives us the authority to subdue, rule, and have rightful dominion in the Earth. Therefore, we must strive to be victorious in the battle to keep our bodies, souls, and spirits healthy and holy unto God. When the body and soul are not experiencing their full capacity of prosperity in the way they were created to, we are at risk to becoming unproductive, uncreative, unnecessary, and irrelevant. When an individual intentionally ceases to contribute to their God-given purpose here on Earth, they are unwittingly relinquishing their RIGHT to have dominion. And where there is no dominion, death is nearby.
Sacred Dancers: Our bodies are both our instruments and our weapons--they SPEAK and DEFEND multitudes--seen and unseen! Question: Is it time that you allow your Body Temple to speak a New Word about you and the Ministry you bring forth to God's people?
Gently stated, sacred dance is at first a visual art; yet when experienced through the holiness of God, has the power to encompass all our senses! We must stop forfeiting our dominion, credibility, and HEALTH by the active participation and over indulgence in ungodly practices of over-eating, under-eating, chemical dependencies, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of exercise and personal hygiene, sexual perversion, and negligence in the Word. Our Bodies are Speaking!
How will the Ministry go to the Nations if we are too hung-over to preach? How can the Dance be delivered with power and authority if we are too out of breathe to complete the first verse? How will our gift make room for us in the presence of Kings, Queens, Presidents, and Prime Ministers when our attire remains offensive/distracting/inappropriate upon arrival? What glory does the Lord get from that?
Remember: Our physical, emotional, and spiritual deliverance will be based upon the wise decisions we make in our obedience to God, our attitude of praise, and just plain common sense. The opportunity to serve in ministry is a call, a privilege, a JOY, and an honor---We make the choice to be in front of hundreds or thousands of people regularly, thus opening ourselves up to all manner of critique. Leaders, Our Bodies are Speaking! Do you or your ministry need to declare a new health regimine during a 21 Day Fast or Re-Dedication? Will you be willing to take an honest look at self and the needs of your people as it relates to unhealthy practices, or will you remain silent?
"Holy Father, show us your universal language of love as we advance your Kingdom agenda. Let our divine Body Language be a refreshing breeze to all who encounter us today and always."
Selah. Amen.
----Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
CONSECRATION: "A Time to Be Quiet and a Time to Speak"
Today's Meditation: For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1
There are seasons of consecration, but holiness is a lifestyle occuring in the true worshipper 24/7. The seed of sacred holiness is planted upon the entrance, acknowledgement, and activation of the Holy Spirit in our heart and soul. I cannot turn holiness on and off like a light switch, nor can I "prepare" myself to become holy. I must simply BE holy in daily living and loving, as God IS holy. Consecration requires a steadfast decision to stand apart from engaging in sin, evil, and wickedness.
Give your season of personal consecration a divine assignment and purpose--one which is not frivilous, materialistic, or a last ditch effort to get what you want, lest your time of communion with God be in vain. Each season should go deeper in enlightenment, prayer, and revelation of the many facets of God in order for your assignment to come forth with clarity, power, and anointing. The more we know God, the more we will know ourselves. Remember: A consecrated life is the purest, most effective form of spiritual warfare.
Enough with all the outward signs of screaming, rebuking, dancing, shouting, and speaking in tongues if you have not yet truly "possessed" (i.e. seize, gain control of) your own vessel AND acknowledging the very strong possibility that there is some "slithery-ness" that we inwardly must be delivered from.
I am learning that my ability to maintain a Consecrated Life requires:
Amen and Selah.
--Rev. Steph
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
There are seasons of consecration, but holiness is a lifestyle occuring in the true worshipper 24/7. The seed of sacred holiness is planted upon the entrance, acknowledgement, and activation of the Holy Spirit in our heart and soul. I cannot turn holiness on and off like a light switch, nor can I "prepare" myself to become holy. I must simply BE holy in daily living and loving, as God IS holy. Consecration requires a steadfast decision to stand apart from engaging in sin, evil, and wickedness.
Give your season of personal consecration a divine assignment and purpose--one which is not frivilous, materialistic, or a last ditch effort to get what you want, lest your time of communion with God be in vain. Each season should go deeper in enlightenment, prayer, and revelation of the many facets of God in order for your assignment to come forth with clarity, power, and anointing. The more we know God, the more we will know ourselves. Remember: A consecrated life is the purest, most effective form of spiritual warfare.
Enough with all the outward signs of screaming, rebuking, dancing, shouting, and speaking in tongues if you have not yet truly "possessed" (i.e. seize, gain control of) your own vessel AND acknowledging the very strong possibility that there is some "slithery-ness" that we inwardly must be delivered from.
I am learning that my ability to maintain a Consecrated Life requires:
- Periodic Silence
- Humility
- Flexibility
- Weighing my Words
- Preservation of Movement
- Obedience
- Holy Imagination
- Desire to Live Righteously
- Willingness to Love Passionately
- Consistency in the Scriptures
- Communion with the Holy Spirit
- Personal Wellness & Health for my Body Temple
- Cultivation of Wisdom
- Ability to Honor All things Sacred
- Balance of Service to Others vs. Self-Care
- Discernment of Time/Timing
- Understanding One's Worth to God and Humanity
Amen and Selah.
--Rev. Steph
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Monday, June 27, 2011
Gift Manipulation
Today's Meditation: "For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone of you: Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance to the faith God has given you..." Romans 12:3
After a very busy, fruitful, and fulfiling past few months of ministry, special events/outreach to the community, and travel, I am feeling a holy tug in my consciousness to simply be still, assess, and reflect. As I ponder all that my eyes have seen, all that my mind has absorbed, and all that my ears have heard, my heart now speaks to me on behalf of the Father: Are you remaining obedient to that which I have assigned and called YOU to do? Are the dreams and visions you have spoken over and prophesied to My people those which come from Me, or those which come from your fleshly intuition? Are you still passionate about My Word, or arrogantly passive concerning its power? Has your anointing been compromised by the self-manipulation of the gift that I gave you? With Whom are you dancing, and for Whom are you dancing when you "minister" to My people? Has the applause and accolades of man stifled your ability to hear My instruction?
These and many other thoughts have come to be valuable and necessary check points that I believe must be evaluated from time to time by anyone and everyone who serves in a ministry capacity. From Apostles to Bishops; Elders to Pastors; Clergy to Laity; Missionaries to Worship Leaders; Musicians to Psalmists...our approach to Kingdom ministry shouldn't become so externally driven that we develop a "keeping up with the kardashians" mentality. Nor should it be so internally centered on the greatness that lays within us, so that the achievements and successes of others cease to phase us even a little bit. My concern for myself, and largely for the Body of Christ, is that the "wonderment" of God is being replaced by "been there, done that", thus our egos have hindered us from encountering the miracles, signs, and glorious wonders that lay right at our feet! However, I must concede that whatever shift or shake-up that may need to occur, I can only be a catalyst for the revolution that begins inside of me.
For those of us in the ministry of the Word, as well as the Sacred Arts, we must admit that often times we have attempted (and succeeded) in manipulating the atmosphere of worship to be steered in the direction that our carnal minds and bodies desire it to go in--not always that which the Holy Spirit has prompted. From the preacher who begins to "whoop", not out of style, cultural tradition, nor the anointing--but rather, lack of material, preparation, and need of an emotional response from his/her audience; Manipulation...Or the musician/organist/keyboard player who decides that the sermon has gone on long enough--time to strike that "rap it up preacher" chord so that he/she may make it to Sunday Brunch before 2pm; Manipulation...and lastly of course, the Liturgical Dance Minister who even after 15 years in ministry still can't seem to make it through an entire piece without the claim that "the Holy Ghost just took over" and proceed to weep, wail, and gnash their teeth...Really? Still? How about your responsibility to completely deliver the prophetic movement message in its entirety to a people who needed a Word (through dance) from the Lord?
Healthy self-esteem is wonderful; let us who are servants of God not go over board! The key to an honest, accurate, assessment of who we are is knowing the basis of our self-worth: that is, our identity as a child of the Most High God. Apart from Him, if we allow ourselves to be judged by worldly standards we may have a measure of earthly success; the danger comes when we begin to think of our worth in the eyes of others, thus missing our true value in God. You and I are more than our gift, our talent, and our skill! Besides, none of that will matter when we are standing before Him on Judgement Day after living a life void of integrity and eternally bankrupt.
Open our eyes, oh God. Amen and Selah.
---Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
After a very busy, fruitful, and fulfiling past few months of ministry, special events/outreach to the community, and travel, I am feeling a holy tug in my consciousness to simply be still, assess, and reflect. As I ponder all that my eyes have seen, all that my mind has absorbed, and all that my ears have heard, my heart now speaks to me on behalf of the Father: Are you remaining obedient to that which I have assigned and called YOU to do? Are the dreams and visions you have spoken over and prophesied to My people those which come from Me, or those which come from your fleshly intuition? Are you still passionate about My Word, or arrogantly passive concerning its power? Has your anointing been compromised by the self-manipulation of the gift that I gave you? With Whom are you dancing, and for Whom are you dancing when you "minister" to My people? Has the applause and accolades of man stifled your ability to hear My instruction?
These and many other thoughts have come to be valuable and necessary check points that I believe must be evaluated from time to time by anyone and everyone who serves in a ministry capacity. From Apostles to Bishops; Elders to Pastors; Clergy to Laity; Missionaries to Worship Leaders; Musicians to Psalmists...our approach to Kingdom ministry shouldn't become so externally driven that we develop a "keeping up with the kardashians" mentality. Nor should it be so internally centered on the greatness that lays within us, so that the achievements and successes of others cease to phase us even a little bit. My concern for myself, and largely for the Body of Christ, is that the "wonderment" of God is being replaced by "been there, done that", thus our egos have hindered us from encountering the miracles, signs, and glorious wonders that lay right at our feet! However, I must concede that whatever shift or shake-up that may need to occur, I can only be a catalyst for the revolution that begins inside of me.
For those of us in the ministry of the Word, as well as the Sacred Arts, we must admit that often times we have attempted (and succeeded) in manipulating the atmosphere of worship to be steered in the direction that our carnal minds and bodies desire it to go in--not always that which the Holy Spirit has prompted. From the preacher who begins to "whoop", not out of style, cultural tradition, nor the anointing--but rather, lack of material, preparation, and need of an emotional response from his/her audience; Manipulation...Or the musician/organist/keyboard player who decides that the sermon has gone on long enough--time to strike that "rap it up preacher" chord so that he/she may make it to Sunday Brunch before 2pm; Manipulation...and lastly of course, the Liturgical Dance Minister who even after 15 years in ministry still can't seem to make it through an entire piece without the claim that "the Holy Ghost just took over" and proceed to weep, wail, and gnash their teeth...Really? Still? How about your responsibility to completely deliver the prophetic movement message in its entirety to a people who needed a Word (through dance) from the Lord?
Healthy self-esteem is wonderful; let us who are servants of God not go over board! The key to an honest, accurate, assessment of who we are is knowing the basis of our self-worth: that is, our identity as a child of the Most High God. Apart from Him, if we allow ourselves to be judged by worldly standards we may have a measure of earthly success; the danger comes when we begin to think of our worth in the eyes of others, thus missing our true value in God. You and I are more than our gift, our talent, and our skill! Besides, none of that will matter when we are standing before Him on Judgement Day after living a life void of integrity and eternally bankrupt.
Open our eyes, oh God. Amen and Selah.
---Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Double Life: Secret Motives"
Today's Meditation: "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8
Who are you really? When you're alone and nobody is there to observe, criticize, analyze, admire, or serve you? How do you really worship God? You know, when you are not at church, in the choir, in the pulpit, or ministering in dance on someones platform. When the spotlight is not on you, and you are simply at home with you--who are you really?
Our lifestyles represent our values, morals, and beliefs. For the professed Believer, these things should line up with how we govern ourselves, and the Word of God. But, beloved--how can we strive to live "above reproach" with God and humanity when we are caught in the web of living a double life? Ministers and ministry leaders: do you not know maintaining a double lifestyle will eventually cut, diminish, and destroy the flow of blessings and the anointing in your life? Try to deny it and justify it if you'd like--deep in our souls, we know when the glory has departed!
Double lifestyles are plaguing the Church Universal. With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, texting, "sexting", IPhones, IMs, and more, we are able to create on-line personalities which sometimes, are completely contrary to the real us. Blatant disrespect, promiscuity, adultery, immorality, bullying, and mean-spiritedness is practiced openly--in and out of the church. Pastors, Elders, and ministry Leaders attempt to preach righteousness on Sunday morning while secretly engaging in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse behind close doors. Conferences and meetings have been used as private rendevous opportunities for brothers on the down-low, and sisters wanting to be seen AND heard...at last. But, is this a secret?
Who are you really? When you're alone and nobody is there to observe, criticize, analyze, admire, or serve you? How do you really worship God? You know, when you are not at church, in the choir, in the pulpit, or ministering in dance on someones platform. When the spotlight is not on you, and you are simply at home with you--who are you really?
Our lifestyles represent our values, morals, and beliefs. For the professed Believer, these things should line up with how we govern ourselves, and the Word of God. But, beloved--how can we strive to live "above reproach" with God and humanity when we are caught in the web of living a double life? Ministers and ministry leaders: do you not know maintaining a double lifestyle will eventually cut, diminish, and destroy the flow of blessings and the anointing in your life? Try to deny it and justify it if you'd like--deep in our souls, we know when the glory has departed!
Double lifestyles are plaguing the Church Universal. With the advent of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Youtube, texting, "sexting", IPhones, IMs, and more, we are able to create on-line personalities which sometimes, are completely contrary to the real us. Blatant disrespect, promiscuity, adultery, immorality, bullying, and mean-spiritedness is practiced openly--in and out of the church. Pastors, Elders, and ministry Leaders attempt to preach righteousness on Sunday morning while secretly engaging in physical, sexual, and emotional abuse behind close doors. Conferences and meetings have been used as private rendevous opportunities for brothers on the down-low, and sisters wanting to be seen AND heard...at last. But, is this a secret?
The 5-fold ministry gifts are being perverted, watered-down, and hi-jacked by men and women seeking elevation through self-imposed titles; who travel the world producing charismatic worship productions, disguised as revelation knowledge and authentic ministry. Even some professed Christian organizations publicly endorse unity in the Body, while continuing to perpetuate subtle discrimination, supremacy, and racism.
When one's ministry appears to be thriving worldwide while their marriage is falling apart, it may be time to take a look at why I do what I do. If my call to minister to the nations REGULARLY supercedes my covenant to minister to my family (which God also gave me), I may just be out of balance. Today, God has placed the ministry of the Gospel, and the ministry of dance in the global arena--the World is watching; i.e. the secular world and the nations of the world. Success, prosperity, advancement, and position are all great--but only when it comes from living a life of integrity, peace of mind, joy, and transparency.
If we continue to present the facade of holiness and purity in public, while our true lifestyles are an abomination to God, there will be no true levitical remnant with clean hands and a pure heart left to carry the glorious legacy of Sacred Artistry and ministry into the next generation. As you begin to line-up your will with the Father's will, supernatural grace and courage will be upon you.
Let this be our Year of Exposure. Look deeply and shamelessly into your spiritual mirror, remembering that people with nothing to hide, hide nothing.
Amen and Selah.
Rev. Steph
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
"Hands-Free Faith"
Today's Meditation: When the commander of the guard found Jeremiah, he said to him, "The Lord your God decreed this disaster for this place. And know the Lord ha brought it about; he has done just as he said he would. All this happened because you people sinned against the Lord and did not obey him. But today, I am freeing you from the chains of your wrists." Jeremiah 40:2-4
In today's technologically advanced world, the term "hands-free" has been adopted and used to describe equipment that can be operated without the use of ones hands. While we commonly associate the ability to be "hands-free" with the possession of a Bluetooth device, or earpiece, the science of functioning in a hands-free capacity can also refer to a system governed via Voice Command. In essence, kings and high officials in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet ruled by way of Voice Command--whatever the King said, so shall it be.
When operating in the authority, priviledge, or position granted to us, we are not bound by our physical strength, abilities, --or lack thereof. All that is required of one in power is to only "speak the word", and his/her desires are carried out by those who follow. Leaders who speak both with authority, wisdom, and compassion have no need to "micro-manage" their people. That was exactly the case in regards to King Nebuchadnezzar and his then prisoner Jeremiah. Although captured and jailed by the Babylonians, the King had already declared that Jeremiah was to be looked after and not harmed; the King and his Babylonian Commanders were highly superstitious, and while they believed in the power of magic, they also respected the power of God. They had heard Jeremiah say repeatedly that his God would rescue him from trouble.
It is amazing to me that even today, many people recognize that God is real, has power to do miracles, yet they still refuse to personally accept him...
After Jeremiah's hands were set free, the Commander told him, "the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please". Jeremiah chose to return to his land of Judah. Had he stayed in Babylon, Jeremiah would have experienced comfort and protection; in Judah he would be poor and unwanted. Had he stayed in Babylon, he would be favored by the Babylonian rulers but hated by others who remained in exile.
Jeremiah's faith led him home. Judah in the Hebrew language means "praise". Don't let your haters keep you in exile! I believe that even when our hands appear to be tied; when it seems that all the forces of evil and darkness are rising up against our prophetic destiny in God; and when every attempt to achieve success with our own strength and limited intellectual capacity has failed; we must return to JUDAH! If my hands are bound, my feet are still free to dance and my mouth still has utterance--that is, if I know the Word of God.
Activate your body-temple as a supernatural "hands-free" device and see the Lord do just what he said he would do. He's Able!
Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
In today's technologically advanced world, the term "hands-free" has been adopted and used to describe equipment that can be operated without the use of ones hands. While we commonly associate the ability to be "hands-free" with the possession of a Bluetooth device, or earpiece, the science of functioning in a hands-free capacity can also refer to a system governed via Voice Command. In essence, kings and high officials in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet ruled by way of Voice Command--whatever the King said, so shall it be.
When operating in the authority, priviledge, or position granted to us, we are not bound by our physical strength, abilities, --or lack thereof. All that is required of one in power is to only "speak the word", and his/her desires are carried out by those who follow. Leaders who speak both with authority, wisdom, and compassion have no need to "micro-manage" their people. That was exactly the case in regards to King Nebuchadnezzar and his then prisoner Jeremiah. Although captured and jailed by the Babylonians, the King had already declared that Jeremiah was to be looked after and not harmed; the King and his Babylonian Commanders were highly superstitious, and while they believed in the power of magic, they also respected the power of God. They had heard Jeremiah say repeatedly that his God would rescue him from trouble.
It is amazing to me that even today, many people recognize that God is real, has power to do miracles, yet they still refuse to personally accept him...
After Jeremiah's hands were set free, the Commander told him, "the whole country lies before you; go wherever you please". Jeremiah chose to return to his land of Judah. Had he stayed in Babylon, Jeremiah would have experienced comfort and protection; in Judah he would be poor and unwanted. Had he stayed in Babylon, he would be favored by the Babylonian rulers but hated by others who remained in exile.
Jeremiah's faith led him home. Judah in the Hebrew language means "praise". Don't let your haters keep you in exile! I believe that even when our hands appear to be tied; when it seems that all the forces of evil and darkness are rising up against our prophetic destiny in God; and when every attempt to achieve success with our own strength and limited intellectual capacity has failed; we must return to JUDAH! If my hands are bound, my feet are still free to dance and my mouth still has utterance--that is, if I know the Word of God.
Activate your body-temple as a supernatural "hands-free" device and see the Lord do just what he said he would do. He's Able!
Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Friday, January 14, 2011
"Dream Catchers, Dream Killers"
Today's Meditation: "Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what becomes of his dreams." Genesis 37:19-20
Do you dream? Before you answer, consider that there are a few different ways that one may dream. There are the kinds of dreams that one experiences when in a deep slumber. They may reflect past events, present circumstances, or future possibilities. Dreams come in scenes; sometimes in color; sometimes in black and white. Sometimes dreams are marvelously wonderful--othertimes they are terrible and scary. When we rise, we are thankful to know that "Whew! it was only a dream." But there are also those dreams that one experiences when they are completely awake. These types of dreams are similar to visions--a grand plan, a strategy, a futuristic fulfillment of an idea or concept too great for one person alone to fulfill. In the life of the Believer, it is understood that great visions are implanted in our hearts and manifest through our prophetic imaginations. This could only be accomplished with the help of Almighty God. And, to the dreamer with the ability to see what lays ahead, the dream may even seem overwhelming--even impossible.
Being in the presence of a true dreamer will either inspire, intimidate, or irritate. Understand that dreamers are not in control of their optimism nor their confidence, for their faith lays not in their own ability, but in God's--they already know that they will be victorious! Dreamers can cause friction, jealousy, negativity, and envy to anyone in their midst who may themselves be too lazy, insecure, or "stuck" to dream their own dreams, yet become indignant when they realize that your dream is in fact, coming to pass...Miraculously, these same people become motivated--to kill your dream!
Joseph, like many dreamers, was hand-picked by God. He did not pre-plan his birth placement as the youngest of his siblings; he did not ask for the special coat of many colors; and he did not seek out the gift of dream interpretation. Maybe you are a Dreamer who has come through the challenges of hatred, hardship, rejection, and isolation. Like Joseph, we can learn from our mistakes, immaturity, and naivity. Dreams are birthed in our hearts, minds, and spirits; they must be nurtured...inwardly...before they are revealed outwardly. Catch the vision for your life that God has planted in you. Dare to dream boldly. Never allow fear, social, racial, economic, or educational challenges suppress what God has designed for your life.
You ARE a Dreamer. Now go forth and catch them all, to the glory of God! Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Do you dream? Before you answer, consider that there are a few different ways that one may dream. There are the kinds of dreams that one experiences when in a deep slumber. They may reflect past events, present circumstances, or future possibilities. Dreams come in scenes; sometimes in color; sometimes in black and white. Sometimes dreams are marvelously wonderful--othertimes they are terrible and scary. When we rise, we are thankful to know that "Whew! it was only a dream." But there are also those dreams that one experiences when they are completely awake. These types of dreams are similar to visions--a grand plan, a strategy, a futuristic fulfillment of an idea or concept too great for one person alone to fulfill. In the life of the Believer, it is understood that great visions are implanted in our hearts and manifest through our prophetic imaginations. This could only be accomplished with the help of Almighty God. And, to the dreamer with the ability to see what lays ahead, the dream may even seem overwhelming--even impossible.
Being in the presence of a true dreamer will either inspire, intimidate, or irritate. Understand that dreamers are not in control of their optimism nor their confidence, for their faith lays not in their own ability, but in God's--they already know that they will be victorious! Dreamers can cause friction, jealousy, negativity, and envy to anyone in their midst who may themselves be too lazy, insecure, or "stuck" to dream their own dreams, yet become indignant when they realize that your dream is in fact, coming to pass...Miraculously, these same people become motivated--to kill your dream!
Joseph, like many dreamers, was hand-picked by God. He did not pre-plan his birth placement as the youngest of his siblings; he did not ask for the special coat of many colors; and he did not seek out the gift of dream interpretation. Maybe you are a Dreamer who has come through the challenges of hatred, hardship, rejection, and isolation. Like Joseph, we can learn from our mistakes, immaturity, and naivity. Dreams are birthed in our hearts, minds, and spirits; they must be nurtured...inwardly...before they are revealed outwardly. Catch the vision for your life that God has planted in you. Dare to dream boldly. Never allow fear, social, racial, economic, or educational challenges suppress what God has designed for your life.
You ARE a Dreamer. Now go forth and catch them all, to the glory of God! Amen.
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
New Year, New Rules
Today's Meditation: But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. (Romans 7:6)
As another New Year comes, our minds and hearts can become bombarded with a myriad of resolutions, declarations, promises, affirmations, goals, dreams, and timelines: all designed to create a New You in the New Year. While these things are admirable, if we are not careful in their prayerful execution, those very things we purposed to help us can end up leaving us worse off than we were before. How many of us have promised to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more quality time in prayer, reading the Word, attending worship services more regularly--only to discover that we had bound ourselves into a ritualistic pattern of "doing" spirituality instead of LIVING a spirit-filled life?
With each passing year, I believe that I die a little more. Although my symbolic "annual deaths" are not without a struggle, they do manifest various levels of freedom from bondage--whether real, imagined, or self-imposed. The ability to die to those things which once bound us comes with the realization that you are complete in Christ! Thus, no need to hold on to outward signs of so-called success if inwardly, your spirit is failing. Today, and throughout this year, let us die to:
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
As another New Year comes, our minds and hearts can become bombarded with a myriad of resolutions, declarations, promises, affirmations, goals, dreams, and timelines: all designed to create a New You in the New Year. While these things are admirable, if we are not careful in their prayerful execution, those very things we purposed to help us can end up leaving us worse off than we were before. How many of us have promised to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more quality time in prayer, reading the Word, attending worship services more regularly--only to discover that we had bound ourselves into a ritualistic pattern of "doing" spirituality instead of LIVING a spirit-filled life?
With each passing year, I believe that I die a little more. Although my symbolic "annual deaths" are not without a struggle, they do manifest various levels of freedom from bondage--whether real, imagined, or self-imposed. The ability to die to those things which once bound us comes with the realization that you are complete in Christ! Thus, no need to hold on to outward signs of so-called success if inwardly, your spirit is failing. Today, and throughout this year, let us die to:
- Undeserved Expectations of Others
- Negativity and Critical Spirits
- Unclean and Impure Thoughts
- Lack of Integrity
- Stunted Creativity
- Lack of Giving
- Unnecessary Conversation
- Unwillingness to Celebrate Success in Others
- Spiritual Arrogance
- Living Above Our Means
- Mediocrity
- Shadiness
- Over-extending and Over-obligating Ourselves
--Rev. Stephanie
www.spiritofpraiseinternational.com
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