Empowering Nuggets

Rising Above the Ebbs and Flows of Life

2011-05-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Living life is much like seasons of weather. As we all know, seasons are usually transitions of climate and weather. There will be seasons where it seems that everything we touch or embrace is in our favor. Contrarily, there will be seasons where it may seem to have characteristics of "nothing working no matter what." What's one to do during those seasons of "ebbs" instead of flows in their lives? An "ebb tide" occurs when the flow seems to decline or go backwards. In these times, it is a good idea to stay focused on where you are going. Downsizing or "cutting back" will reduce the load and also make it easier to move forward. In Acts 27, Paul and some other prisoners were caught in a fierce storm at sea. They ran into this storm as a result of the Centurion in charge of them, bypassing Paul's warning that they should not attempt the voyage. Sometimes we go against our inner voice to embark on what "could be" only to find ourselves in a pit of confusion where everything is going wrong as a result of not listening to HIS still small voice. After three days at sea in the overwhelming storm, the ship was battered. Paul instructed the men to "lighten" the load, by throwing certain items overboard. Paul was instructed, by an Angel from the Lord "NOT to give up, because everyone was going to make it to dry land." None would be lost if they stayed united. The key was to follow the voice of God to safety. The first thing Paul and the men did was to lift up of a voice of THANKSGIVING to God for the food they were about to consume. The food eaten was to strengthen their bodies for the continued journey as they lighten the load further. What storms are you facing today? Is there something that seems like there is "no way out of" or "no answer" to? Are you eating "spiritual food" to strengthen your spirit and soul for the journey? Are you WAITING and LISTENING in HIS PRESENCE daily..seeking HIS Divine Directions? Finally, what is it that you need to let go of to "lighten" your load? There is NO FAILURE in GOD. HE will bring you through to Deliverance..if you TRUST HIM.

We Are Accepted in the Beloved

2010-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

All of us have experienced the feeling of not being accepted whether it is with groups of people, an activity, a relationship, or employment related. Throughout every walk of life, people in every culture possess an innate desire to be accepted. Lack of acceptance or the spirit of rejection can be experienced on many levels and in variant settings. For example, the crucible of peer pressure is hinged upon acceptance or rejection. Identical mindsets are experienced whenever there are groupings of people. In church or in everyday life, people reject those who "they" don't feel fit. Rejection in church is very difficult and uncomfortable, attributable to the church supposedly being a place where "all" are accepted. What happens to our psyche or minds when our emotions say we are rejected? It is a very helpless feeling and somehow we tend to feel abandoned or "left on the outside" of whatever situation that is present. Rejection is a spirit that isolates its victim. It attracts other spirits such as offense, loneliness, abandonment, and low self esteem. Ephesians 1:3-6a says:"How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him. Long before He laid down earth's foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and Holy by His Love" (The Message Bible). How AWESOME is that, that we were in God's mind and the object of His affection of Love before the earth was formed!?

God, the Creator of All Living things has accepted us in Him, which means we are cherished by and in Him! We are greatly loved and dear to the Heart of God. "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings"(Psalm 17:8). "People who reject others are broken themselves" (R. Oliver, 2010). Rejection is a spirit and it seeks to destroy what God has intended His creation to become. How does one get free of the spirit of rejection? First, we have to recognize when the spirit of rejection is present, it comes in subtle ways, and that it is a lie against the Truth (Word of God). When we understand that our God...The Bread of Heaven and The very Breath of Life accepts us as His cherished children..WE ARE LOVED! Secondly, we need to understand that Jesus warned of this kind of hatred. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you"(John 15:18,19). We will be hated and rejected by the world..even in some Christian circles because of the spirit of "religion." Sadly, some of these people can be found in leadership. Jesus was rejected by his own. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" (John 1:11). Next, we need to draw strength from knowing( having intimate knowledge) that our God loves us and we are in Him and He is in us. Jesus prayed the following in the Garden on the night before His betrayal:"I have given them the Glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:22-24). Finally, we must walk in love to show forth the Love of Jesus at all times..even in the face of the adversity of rejection."As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). On the night of Jesus' betrayal, He washed the disciples feet showing them His tender Love and service. He demonstrated His Love so that each disciple would understand the importance of displaying the Love of Jesus. Jesus' humility and Love included washing the feet of His enemy..the very feet that would run to lie and betray Him. In conclusion, Beloved...we must love our enemies...those who reject us and pray for those who persecute us... (Matthew 5:44)..Then we will show that we are children of our Father who is in Heaven...

Have You Encountered a Dream Killer?

2010-10-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Has there ever been a time when you befriended someone who you thought was nice or who you may have considered as a little more than an acquaintance simply because of spending random, quality time with them? You may have called them friend, however to no avail..unannounced..these people say things to you to tear you down in the "name" of helping you? The faces of these kind of people can also appear in people who are close to you. When someone tears down without building up...they are being used by the enemy to lower your self esteem in order to steal your dreams. Dream killers all have similar characteristics and a persona of their father... the devil. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10a).They usually are very jealous people and no matter what possessions they have...their envious "eye" is on wanting what you have and sadly, they usually don't want you to have ANYTHING. Dream thieves are selfish, self centered, and covetous in nature. It doesn't matter how much or how little you may have. Dream killers usually can see the "Favor" of God on your life through the gifts that you possess. Some of them seem to enjoy the injurious words they speak and they do it all in "fun" and sometimes laughter at the expense of the dreamer. Be aware that these kind of people smile and manipulate with their words. They are "master" camouflaging opportunists. The ill words they speak are not always detectable. If you are not watchful in prayer....you can end up in a mental "pit" of confusion not being able to see your dreams, future, or a way out. Worst yet...you can end up imprisoned by their words.

Joseph in Genesis Chapter 37 experienced the hatred and jealousy from people who he loved and cared about. Joseph being the kind person he was, shared his dreams with his brothers and family. He had a gift of dreaming and interpretation. It was known that Joseph's dreams came true! Joseph's brothers... and eventually the family thought Joseph was "puffing" himself up with his dreams. Joseph shared his dreams because they excited him. Your dreams will excite you, but do not share them with the wrong people. Joseph's brothers lay in wait... finally finding "opportunity" to carry out a plot to destroy him with the express purpose to "kill the dream". God's favor and love for Joseph kept him through this very dark time of loneliness, isolation, rejection, and pain.

Don't share your dreams with people who trample or make light of what God has called you to. Do not receive supposedly "prophetic" words from these kind of people. Learn to boldly stop these people and their destructive words by telling them that you do not receive the negativity of what they are saying. Gifts from God operate in love. The purpose of the "prophecy lie" is to derail you and place you into a state of confusion. Don't allow people to speak into your life when it is negative and contrary to what God has spoken and confirmed. We are encouraged by the Word of God to shield our hearts with all diligence..thus not allowing people's ill words to penetrate our hearts. Watch and pray(Matthew 26:41a). "Above all else, guard your heart because out of it flows a wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23).

The Intervention of God

2010-09-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a situation happening in your life that you have no control over, yet you have done everything to make it better and to no avail it still isn't changing? There are times in life that circumstances appear and no matter what we do as believers...the situation does not go away or improve. In fact, sometimes it gets worse! We can read out Bibles, pray, fast, go to church on a regular basis, have faith, speak the Word...and still...NO CHANGE. Now, I am not saying that all of the previous are useless things to do--ABOLUTELY NOT! On the contrary, we are suppose to continue in the things of God by walking by faith and not by what we see (2 Cor. 5:7). God requires us to believe Him no matter what we see or experience. As our faith grows, we grow strong enough to grasp this mindset. When we KNOW our God and have intimate knowledge of His unconditional Love... which is called Agape because it is "self sacrificing," then will we began to understand how much He cares for us and will work all things out for our good..even though it may not look or feel good for the moment. The very nature of God is Love (1John4:8). He not only Loves..He Is Love.

God hears and sees His children at all times...and He does not fall asleep! He knows the plans that He has for us.. a plan to prosper us and not to harm us ...giving us a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). When it seems like you can not take another step in your circumstances...stand in faith with the loins of your mind girded up with the truth (Ephesians 6:14)... God intervenes. When God steps in...you won't have to ask if it is Him. YOU WILL KNOW that it is Him. I must caution you that God will only move according to His design and purpose for your life because ultimately...He sees the "BIG PICTURE". He will work a miracle in the worst of situations and you'll watch it being worked..and become still (with Awe)...KNOWING that He is God.

Keep Your "Eye" on the Prize

2010-08-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager in high school, I played softball. I was a novice at the game initially, so when it was time for me to bat I would miss the ball. My coach, Mrs. Hawn would always yell out from anywhere on the field.."Robinson, "LOOK" at the ball!" At first, I resented my last name being yelled so loudly on the field because it was just downright embarrasing! As time went on, I began to take her advice and to my amazement..I began to HIT the ball...far! I not only became a good softball player, as a result of such a directive, but my team and I became known in the league as excellent softball players. Today...I can still hear Mrs. Hawn yell for me to "LOOK" at the ball just like she did those many years ago. Years later, as a teacher going to one of my former students' baseball games..I yelled the same thing to my student Dominick because his mother told me prior that he had never had a hit...he would only strike out everytime. Dominick was eager to please me as his teacher because it was my first time seeing him play. That day..Dominick hit the ball for the first time and ran to his base. He was so very proud of himself for being able to accomplish that which seemed very hard. His team mates and coach were estatic!

As I sat here reminiscing, I began to think of the "principle" of keeping your eye on something you wish to accomplish. The words began to echo in my memory banks of simply not losing focus for what you are trying to achieve in life. Imagine what can happen if you do not lose focus? Broken focus allows the eyes to see other things that will not help with the initial goals of what you are trying to accomplish. What you are able to "see" is what you will be able to "achieve." In some instances..you will have to "shut the noise" of life out. Everyone does not see what you see..so telling them will only solicit negative feedback from some. If you are serious about living your dreams and reaching your goals, you may have to rid yourself of some folk. Surround yourself with positive people who are going places in life. NEGATIVITY breeds NEGATIVITY. What is in your heart? What is it that you are trying to achieve? Can you see it in your vision? Can you touch it with your heart? Today...take steps towards it and "GO FOR IT!" Remember..."The secret to your future is hidden in your everyday routine"..(Dr. Mike Murdock)

Entering into the Rest of God

2010-07-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

In our world today, the upheaval of economic stress on every level has affected and alarmed many around us. So much turmoil is around us, be it diseases which turn into an epidemic, national weather disasters, or economic crashes. Simultaneously... the housing, banking, job market, and credit card industries casted a shadow of uncertainty for tomorrow. The tensions are felt everywhere as prices and unemployment rates go up. Doors are closing on places that once stood for years in communities as a beacon and thought of as lucrative income. In times like the previously described, one must enter the rest that Jesus spoke about in Hebrews 11:28-30. He encourages the weary who find themselves trying to pull the heavy loads of life's circumstances...whether it is making ends meet, a broken marriage, joblessness, the loss of a home, or facing illness within yourself or a loved one...whatever the problems...Jesus invites the downtrodden to come rest from the toils of this old broken world with its inadequate resources and day to day uncertainties. Long ago, a song was penned with the words: "Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." The rest of God is unique in that it brings peace to the spirit, soul (mind), and body. One can only enter that rest with knowledge of His promises mixed with faith in the only Wise God who can not lie. The Word of God must be received into the heart mixed with faith in order to see the manifestation of that promise. Hebrews 4:10 speaks of not only entering into the rest of God, but ceasing from your own works....which is to say after we have done all to stand, believe His truth by resting on what God has promised. When we are completely confident in knowing that God will answer and act on our behalf, we will not be worried or anxious about the matter at hand, thus experiencing the Peace of God that passes all understanding. "Entering in" is the very act of becoming immersed into something. When one enters a room, they are in the surroundings of that particular room. We are instructed in Hebrews to "immerse" ourselves in the confident Power of God. Resting in God is a total dependence on Him because we realize that we can not do what God can do. During your next time, when you find that things are simply not working in your life and you are overwhelmed...seek God with heart diligence and lay down to rest. Let him refresh you with the Waters of Life.

The Power of Betrayal

2009-06-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

Often times the word "betrayal" is thought of with a negative connotation and impact. Betrayal is defined as the interruption of a social trust that breeds inner turmoil in contracted relationships(Wikepedia,2008). The very act often leaves one drained or depleted in their emotions....ultimately feeling rejection or anger. The mother of betrayal is jealousy and its offspring are bitterness and divisions. People become jealous for a variety of reasons...none of which seem to make sense to the people who fall prey. The betrayor is usually knowledgeable of their victim's whereabouts and a master at being a "great pretender." They are secretive about their own true feelings toward their target. The betrayor knows that they are fully trusted by their intended victims. Betrayors are innately opportunistic. They study their victim and wait for a planned, strategic time to expose the act.

Who is exempt from betrayal? Mostly every person in relationship with humankind on every level have either experienced betrayal or will experience being betrayed at some point in their lifetime. How one views the occurance will create a "victor" instead of a victim. On the night that Jesus was to be betrayed, He knew his betrayor..and best yet..He LOVED his betrayor and sent him off to do quickly what he must do. Jesus understood that a decision was made in the heart of His betrayor..He further understood the PURPOSE... which is the power of being betrayed. The betrayal was the ultimate pathway..the Via Dolorosa.. the pinnacle of all human suffering...which led to the Cross...ultimately saving all who would receive Christ as Lord and Savior.

What is your true purpose for living life? What have you been designed to do? Extract the nectar from your life pain to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Price of being a True Mother

2009-05-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

Mothering is a selfless act of never ceasing love, affection, concern, protection, and prayer for her children. What is the price of being a true mother? The answer is.. True mothers are simply "priceless." Every true mom begins life with their children by bonding, nurturing, and protecting their young. These are natural instincts. In the animal kingdom, one can find instinctive examples of the love, care, protection, and nurturing from animals that become mothers. Have you ever tried to take a cub from a mama bear?
A mother does not get time off, vacations, or overtime pay for being the doctor, nurse, cook, endless money in the bank, taxi, teacher, supplier of gifts for birthdays, Christmases,or graduations.
A mother can have several children and when one of them does something in the home, she can tell which one of her children did whatever it is! She is a human truth detector! She KNOWS when her children are not telling the truth!

What is a mother's worth? There are no words created in the English language to describe the worth of a mom. Her worth is indescribable! Her love is undeniable and unconditional. The Bible says that her "price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10). A true mother serves her household with heart diligence and gladness. She is strength and honor personified. The laws of kindness and wisdom rule the actions of her words. She gives from her heart without ever withdrawing or becoming weary. She is the true fragrance and breath of humanity.

Twitter...what's that?

2009-05-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Many people are asking the question..what is Twitter? Everyday..hundreds of thousands are following and being followed on the 3 year old site created by Jack Dorsey called Twitter. Twitter is the new "buzz" in social networking that allows people to connect and talk via web or from a text message on a cell phone at anytime, anywhere, with anybody, about anything. Initially twitter seems to be confusing. It is a much faster pace than Facebook. It is much more messaging....yet it can be no more than 140 characters in length. Truth be told...social networking took a giant leap ever since President Barack Obama used social networking on multiple sites to clinch the Presidential election. Pretty innovative of him huh?.... extremely well thought out, and strategic is more like it. Using technology was briliant actually! President Obama proved that we are well advanced in the area of technology.

Twitter is a social network that allows the subcriber to collaborate and share information via Internet through You Tube, emailing, blogs, and other website applications for informational purposes, leisure, inspirational, or for profit. If you have ever desired to have your own Internet business... Twitter offers that opportunity. Marketing yourself as a Viral Marketing agent will take work, but will pay off huge dividends. Diligence and passion are key in becoming successful. Twitter can also be used for chatting and leisure. Please keep in mind that it is different from Facebook. Facebook is more of a pictorial account of the lives of subcribers and can be used for marketing purposes. Pictures are always a nice way to comunicate and they certainly tell stories. Twitter, on the other hand is several things: It can be chatting with several people at once, sharing business ideas/information, inspirational quotes, current events or news information, all in one forum. You can be on twitter and never miss what is going on in the world be it sports, breaking news stories, or political updates. Additionally, several tools to enhance and manage your tweeting (communication) experience are available. For the beginner, it can be a bit intimidating because of the fast pace and format. Most do not understand the mechanics of how to navigate on the site. If you are a serious entrepreneur who aspire to use the Internet to do business....Twitter is definitely for you. I have met 20 something year olds who are making 5 to 6 figure incomes marketing their businesses on Twitter. It can also work for you if you are a leisure user who enjoy meeting and talking to people. There is a certain protocol and language to becoming a successful Twitter user.

Stay tuned for my eBook, a beginning twitterers guide to successful tweeting and my You Tube demonstrations for effective "tweeting" (communicating on Twitter).

We have choices..

2009-05-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

In life, we are consistently presented with many choices. As we are confronted to choose, a war between our flesh and spirit emerges. Often times, we "want what we want" and in some cases, we talk ourselves into it, although we fully know that it is all wrong. We begin to believe that we will never be found out. We do that with things like people, relationships, and food. When flesh and spirit are at war, the evidence is confusion. It is really difficult to make a choice. Remember, wrong choices can lead to severe consequences...just as right or good choices can lead to peace and better circumstances. What choices are you making about a situation that you know may not have a good outcome? Are you surrounded with people who will tell you the truth or tell you what you want to hear?
Some choices are made out of fear. Others can be made out of ignorance or a lack of complete information.
How does one make a right choice in a bleak situation? The answer is to do what is right at every turn. Be honest in your dealings and transactions with all involved. Take the "high road" if the situation is a tight one. Above all seek Wisdom from on High....

Don't Panic! Stay Focused

2009-04-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

In the day and times we live in, it is very easy to panic and become worried about the economy, personal assets, and the overall mood of our present time. We receive information from media, the Internet, family, and friends. "Don't suffer from broken focus"(Dr. Mike Murdock). If we have ever needed to stay focused..the time is now. How does one stay focused? For starters, blocking out negativity that will affect your vision. Negative talking family, friends, and co-workers. It is so easy to get caught up in negativity when dealing with people. Love the people...hate the negativity ultimately, refusing it. Read and listen to information that will feed your mind and spirit with positive vision. Surround yourself with people who are going in the direction in which you desire to go. Watch who you share your dreams with! Many people who are negative are "dream killers." Exposure to environments that will help you build your dreams are another important factor to achieving your dreams. "The secret to your future is hidden in your everyday routine"(Dr. Mike Murdock) What are you doing daily to reach the goals you have set for yourself? Who is in your everyday inner circle?

Finally, learning to relax and reflect on what really matters in life will help you stay focused. Write out a plan for what you desire and where you are going. Enjoy everyday and don't ever allow a day to go by without releasing the gift of laughter...