A Self-Starter

It seems lately that in order for me to write, I have to hear, see, or touch something inspiring.  My lack of “worthy” subject matter in recent weeks is an indication of my less than positive perspective, rather than a lack-of stimulating material.  This same apathetic attitude can and has been adopted by each of us from time to time in our respective spiritual walks.  How many times have we each experienced a lull in our prayer-life, devotional time and overall service to others due to what can best be described as a lack of motivation?  There is something I find extremely valuable in the workforce as a manager, and that is a self-starter.  One who does not need constant direction and is consistently in pursuit of an area of need in order to eliminate or minimize that need.  Although it is clearly and explicitly stated throughout scripture, that God loves and expects our dependency on Him.  He may be just as pleased if not more, when we move, take a step, or launch out in some areas without a strong Divine prodding.  It is clear that as we mature, there should be a systematic elimination of reminders to take care of ourselves and others.  In fact, every parent I know takes great delight in eliminating these kinds of rudimentary directives as their children grow.  Reminders to brush your teeth, keep your hands to yourself, or not to stick fingers in an electrical socket, are certainly unnecessary as we age.  Likewise, an earth-shattering, goose bump-inducing message from our Creator should not be a requirement to study the Word of God, love and assist our neighbors, or to continue to do the things that we know we were told to do.  Therefore, until I am given a directive to stop writing these blogs, I cannot let myself off the hook, with dismissive notions claiming a lack of inspiration and motivation.  I am actively working on consistently being a self-starter in both the secular and spiritual areas of life.  Will you join me? 

REDIRECTED… by “The Switch”

Recently, I began to hum an old song sung by Tremaine Hawkins and recently released by Chrystal Rucker entitled “Changed.” After a brief musical introduction, the psalmist begins the song by expressing the following: “A change, a change has come over me…” I began to think about the concept of change in the life of the believer, and just how we can participate. As I pondered this concept for myself, I began to summarize this process as being REDIRECTED.

“I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands.” Ps. 119:59-60 NLT

“When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders.”  Ps. 119:59-60 MSG

In my studies and meditation, I came across an interesting natural concept that I think will illuminate some truth for all of us. I have heard it said by individuals who give their lives to the Lord, that a light bulb came on and they were able to see clearly. This is certainly in line with scripture especially throughout the book of St. John in which, Christ is described as Light, able to not only navigate through but also eradicate all darkness. (John 1:4-5; 8:12)

This thought took me deeper into a study of light switches as it relates to the flow of an electrical current. According to many dictionaries, a switch is an electrical component that has the ability to open, close, break or change the connections in an electric circuit. This switch is also able to interrupt the current by diverting it from one conductor to another.

In light of this understanding, allow me to look at these truths within a spiritual framework. Let’s collectively envision The Switch as being representative of God and The Conductor as either the Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Error. (1 John 4:1-6) Firstly, in order to call ourselves Christians there are a few nonnegotiable items that should be established. The first and most important is a submission of one’s life to the complete authority and dominion of God. If God is truly operating as the Divine Switch in our lives, this means that we have abdicated our power as the decision-maker. We have given God control to govern the flow of our lives continuously, permanently, non-stop and without interruption. If we really were to give an honest estimation of this relationship, we may find that we have relegated God in our lives to play the role of a momentary switch that is temporary, brief, and often interrupted depending on our comfort and perceived need at any given moment. The focus of many Sunday morning sermons is centered on the state of our personal relationship with God and just how much control and/or governance He has in our lives.

Taking this idea a step further, I would like to examine the notion of how our relationships with each other are greatly affected by the level of autonomy and authority we give The Switch in our lives. In each of our lives The Switch has one or more sets of electrical contacts, which are in one of two possible positions either “closed” meaning the contacts are connected and electricity can flow between them, or “open” which means contacts are separated and The Switch is not conducting or is rendered inoperable. By giving The Switch momentary authority in our respective lives, we have opened ourselves up to numerous unholy connections. Being open in this manner, interrupts the heavenly flow of power and direction, and disconnects us from our brothers and sisters, who are dependent upon us for their own healthy conduction and movement in the earth. To make this idea perfectly clear, our constant and unfettered connection with God and the comforting governance of the Holy Spirit, affects not only our own lives but also the lives of every believer! In addition, when we take control of our own proverbial switch and play the role of God and decision-maker, we leave ourselves open figuratively and literally to the influences of the Spirit of Error and all of the consequences and hindrances that accompany ungodly influences.

This is a lengthy set of thoughts that I know may be a bit too dense to attempt to summarize in this forum, but I thought it so imperative to examine the notion of authority and how a weak connection with God thoroughly affects the body of Christ as eloquently summarized in Ephesians 4:16.

"...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Take a personal survey and list the areas that you know changed for the glory of God. When was the last time you allowed God to examine the state of your connections not only to Him but others? Have you been redirected; or are you still in control or your every move?

Simple Devotion: The Common Thing

Explosion:

• The result of chemical reactions instantaneously
• The faster reactants (explosives) undergo change, the more violent the explosion!

The principle of “explosion" found in chemistry 101 classrooms across the country, can easily be applied to changes one undergoes in a lifetime. It is no surprise to anyone just how unabashed simple devotion to God can and will transform a life. I submit that in order to sustain a true shift in lifestyle without experiencing the rapid rise and subsequently quick dissipation of an explosive religious life is best illustrated by a measured and continuous prayer life and study time (simple devotion). For many, simple devotion on the surface seems both elementary and common. It would surprise readers of this blog and others to discover that a lifestyle of maintaining the burning embers of daily prayer and study of the word of God far outweighs the explosive jumpstart of radical multi-day fasts or a few intermittently dispersed days filled with hours of prayer. These types of radical and generally infrequent practices usually yield spiritual fireworks that are short-lived. The seemingly rudimentary practice of simple devotion truly is the bedrock of spiritual maturity by God’s estimation. There is something to be said for a seasoned individual that is not swayed by the promotions and demotions of life. It is clear in the natural progression of experience that the frequent declarations of “it’s the end of the world” from a hormone-fueled pre-teen are very different from the “been there done that” attitude of the middle aged. Such is the same within the kingdom of God. Regardless of age, I believe that those doing the greatest exploits continually in the estimation of God and not man, are those tethered firmly to a daily prayer life. I recently heard a quote that fueled this blog post, and I will leave you with this prophetic thought: “The common thing has become uncommon, and will produce the uncommon.”

Intimacy's Best Kept Secret...

"Nothing speaks intimacy more powerfully than a whisper."

Get quiet before God today and listen...

¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: ¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

1 Kings 19:11-12

The Sovereignty of God...

I truly believe this is a message that needs to be shared.  It is of preeminent importance that those of us who have made the choice to follow God truly take the time to think about how I can magnify the Lord and make His name great in my life. Let me be clear, God does not need your help to establish His authority. He is already Great.  The message that I want to emphasize is this: no matter what it is that seems to be of paramount importance in our lives, it pales in comparison to the sovereignty of our Creator.  God is truly GREATER!  I am not necessarily endorsing this musical project, but I am compelled to share the message in this video clip as it directly mirrors the Word of God!  This is a message for this season for sure!  

God Bless(es), 

FlowRivers :-) 

A Manicured Lifestyle...

Manicure: to trim closely and evenly

Often when I sit for a manicure, I relish in the "me" time and get lost in being pampered. Although I love getting my nails done, there is a portion of the manicure process that I always scrutinize. The filing and buffing process is not something  I sleep through because I don't want my nails too short where I lose dexterity, or too long, where they snag on everything.  During the filing and buffing process, I usually cringe at the raking sound of the file as it shapes and forms the perfect rounded square fingernail. On many occasions, I hold my breath, as the discarded nail filings fly into the air in powdery clouds of white dust.  Somehow this less than desirable portion of the manicure is quickly overshadowed by the end result.  Without it,  I wouldn't walk out of the salon with healthy, shiny and colorful fingernails.

Certainly going through hard times in life is much like a refining manicure. The abrasive nature of life's difficult moments, buffs and  softens many of the rough edges in our character. This is a process that can only  be perfected by the skilled hands of our Creator.  If we have fewer rough edges, we will not easily snag, offend or be offended by others. We will also be less likely to have foreign, negative or purpose-draining attachments and expectations.

Let's begin (or continue) to not only envision but apprehend the next level in God. This is definitely not the time for resting in an established place. Agitation is not always negative. It can also be a strong push into deeper, greater and  unshakable communication with the Lord, that produces good success!

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Back To The Future... My Trip To Israel pt. 1

I recently concluded a life-changing trek across the world to Israel.  As I boarded the massive international flight, I tried to wrap my brain around the fact that in about 10 hours, I would place my feet firmly in the Holy Land.  On our way over I was captivated by the fact that during our time in Israel, we would celebrate Pentecost and as I scanned our flight, I saw the intermittent fervent prayers of many  Hasidic Jewish men with shoulder length payot (side curls).   As I marveled at their dedication to Orthodox Jewish traditions and beliefs, my excitement and curiosity multiplied with each hour of travel.  One of the first things that took me by surprise was the massive expanse of ancient stone and just how far I could see from various high points along our 10-day tour.  
Our tour guide was a native Nazarene that had been on the job more than 39 years!  His Hebraic accent was certainly representative of Jesus, and often, as He patiently explained the landscape and history of this great country; I found myself secretly wondering if Jesus' voice was as deep as his or did he speak much slower.  There are many items of interest from my trip that I would love to highlight here. I certainly plan to do so in future submissions, but for today, I will be content to share a little about my re-baptism in the Jordan River.  YES!  The Jordan River! The very place that John the Baptist humbly served Jesus in Mark chapter 1, Luke chapter 3 and Matthew chapter 3. 

Upon arrival at the baptism site, our group buzzed around and separated in order to change into our white linens in preparation for the service.  By the time we reconvened, we were busy talking about how to avoid messing up our hair (hence my beautiful swimmers cap), or just how nice the white robes were that we had obtained or just how many live fish and other river dwelling creatures we could catch on camera. 
Apostle Rebecca Murray (www.porteringtheglory.org) quickly reminded us of the significance of what we were doing. Our intermittent conversations about less than weighty subjects, soon transformed into beautiful harmony as we sang, "We Are Standing On Holy Ground."  Just about the time I belted out the lyrics, "and I know that there are angels all around,"  I truly was enveloped with the presence of the Living God!  This time of corporate worship prior to setting one toe into the Jordan River, meant more to me in my short time on earth than I can describe in mere words.  In hindsight, I truly felt a portion of the humility that I imagine John the Baptist felt in antiquity.  I knew for a fact that my Savior once stood in this body of water and now I am participating in the Holy sacrament of baptism much in the way that He did thousands of years before!  I won't continue to bore you with my musings of just how much this event means to me, but I will say this,  it was a pleasure and my reasonable service to die to all that is Meghan (one more time), and come up a new creature in Jesus' name! 

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:1-11

"...Bound to Repeat It."

"Those who don't know history are destined (bound) to repeat it." Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

What is not often shown in a project plan or schedule is where you have been. Focus tends to land solely on where you currently are and where you are going. There is usually little to no consideration of what has already transpired. I would suggest that it is imperative to consider and examine just how the past has affected your current placement. It seems that when we disregard or quickly discard any past missteps and/or victories we often set ourselves up for the possibility of a two-fold problem. We will either hop right back on the cycle of failure, which mirrors past shortcomings, or forget how we once obtained success, lose momentum by being uninformed, and wind up with a negative result. 

Experience has proven to me that the person with the best notes in the room has the most power. There is something innate in those who have found success in almost every field; they don't repeat past mistakes and they identify the formula, method and/or thought-processes that garnered success. Those items are documented and mastered as they move forward to greater conquests. 

As believers we have a great collection of historical "notes" contained in scripture. If we do not study the successes, promises, as well as the failures of others we are doomed to repeat them. Maturity and great success for me has become doing the seemingly elementary things consistently. In your own quiet time examine some of your great triumphs and defeats of the last few months and ask the Lord to help you identify areas that you should maintain, show you where you went wrong in the past and how to abandon those things moving forward.

 ^"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25

Violent Shaking

Haggai 2:5-7 KJV

"According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts."

As we get to a place of intimacy and fellowship with the Lord, it is impossible not to experience what Paul describes as the exceeding greatness of His dunamis power.(Ephesians 1:19)  Intimacy and true fellowship with God, comes with prayer and a lifestyle of worship and obedience to God.  The violent shaking from God although uncomfortable,  will eradicate issues, flush blockages/hindrances, diffuse pain and loose chains in our lives. When we experience these times of Divine shaking, it is imperative to find good footing in the Word of God and allow Him to violently shake some things loose in your life.(Luke 6:48) The violent shaking of God will break up the hard places in our hearts and minds and certainly will bring life to the dead dreams, treasures, and gifts inside of you!

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."

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