Proverbs 18:16 (Amplified Bible) ¹⁶A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

It has been a good challenge for me to decide what would be the first topic; I would blog about this year.  A lot has happen since my last posting.  I celebrated a birthday my 31^st, I began working in a new industry health care administration and officially graduated to the status of courtship with a man of valor; a friend I have known since my girlhood.

With all these new developments and responsibilities I had to begin the process of evaluating my priorities again.   Judge myself and see if the last things God told me to do, if I was still doing them with the same level of passion I had when they were first dropped in my spirit.  Or had I allowed other things to distract me from accomplishing my assignments.  Basically I asked myself have I been a faithful steward.

In short in some areas being very transparent, I have not been consistent.  The word consistency is defined by Webster to mean “1 a archaic: condition of adhering together: firmness of material substance b: firmness of constitution or character”.  Ironically, one of the points my Pastor taught during our Watch Night / New Year’s Eve service was in fact the importance of being consistent.  He let us know that his year having a steadfast mind will be one of the perquisites for obtaining the fullness of the blessing (the empowerment to prosper.)

Looking back at the last 12 months and at my I WILL statements for 2009, I can say I believe I have made good progress in areas such as being a better steward over my relationships with others professionally, personally and spiritually.  I have become more pliable and fearless out of necessity and a true desire to want to change my life for the better.

2009 was a year where God began pruning me.  I was like a tree with unruly branches that were bearing fruits of selfishness, a short temper and just plain fleshy behavior.   I had to go back to the basics in making sure I was getting in enough word and fellowship time with God (prayer) to balance any worldly attacks.  I had to humble myself and repent to those I may have hurt emotionally through the neglecting of their needs in my pursuit to guard myself from new hurts.  In short I had to get honest with myself and God.

So as I embark on this New Year 2010, the one question that I continue to replay in my head and I know I must answer is… “What was the last thing God told me to do?”

I am sure and I know that there will continue to be more pruning by God as he prepares me for the next phase.  He is preparing me to walk out my destiny in fulfill his ultimate purpose.

I DARE YOU… To begin to ask yourself similarly the question, WHAT WAS THE LAST THING GOD TOLD ME TO DO?  AM I STILL CONSISTENT IN FULFILLING IT? You may be surprised by the answer you receive back.

If you liked this feature and would like to share your own dreams, leave your comments now.

Lela Jefferson

http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

Lord if the tongue is that of a pen of a ready writer…Let it not be me that, is the author, but you who is the author and finisher of my faith that speaks through me. That is my prayer today! Psalm 45:1

The above statement is one of my new daily confessions.  Though I have been saved and a Christian for a number of years.  I am just truly learning the lesson of how important it is to speak life, positively not only about others but also myself.  Too many times, because I have not wanted to put my hopes up too high I have downgraded the awesomeness of God and what he can do and has done for me.

What I mean by this is if he placed desires in my heart, he is not going to tease me with them.  He is going to put me on the path to obtaining them.  However I must have consistent faith, patience and put some sweat in.  As my mother used to say “There’s no free lunch.”  In short meaning I have to WORK towards achieving my goals.

The beautiful part about the whole thing is that know I am not alone.  Each time I speak life and equally give God his due and his praise. I am not only encouraging myself I am also bringing God into the mix.  I recently dug out my high school year book because I am reconnecting with many of my friends from that time period.  In it, I found not only funny pictures of my friends and myself, but also my first resume.

My first resume was already two pages long.  I am not trying to boast.  However it reminded me, that who I am today, is not too far off from who I was then character wise.   I still list as my hobbies a love for creative writing, dancing, singing, reading, helping others and a passion for leadership development.  The only differences between the Lela I was then and the Lela I am now besides no longer having dreads, actually enjoying wearing my glasses and my switch from totally militant afro-centric clothing is life has happen and doubt has tried to creep into my psyche.  The key word here is being has TRIED.

Where I am today is not necessary where I pictured myself, all those years ago.  However, I have no regrets.  My experiences the good and the bad have shaped me and brought me to the place where my reliance is not in my own works, but in God.  It’s kind of funny.  One of my good friends recently told me God had to slow me down for me to finally stop and listen to what he has been trying to tell me for years.  Which is again as my mom used to say…”If you do your best God will do the rest”.

I have put all my faith / trust on that statement and now have put it all to rest.  As I do my part I know that God is out there working on my behalf.  For as his daughter and one of his willing servants I can expect nothing less from him.  He has already shown me how much he loves me and he desires only the best for me most importantly thorough loving correction and rebuke.

Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (The Message)

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

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1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (New International Version)

19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

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1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (Amplified Bible)

19For although I am free in every way from anyone’s control, I have made myself a bond servant to everyone, so that I might gain the more [for Christ].

20To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to men under the Law, [I became] as one under the Law, though not myself being under the Law, that I might win those under the Law.

21To those without (outside) law I became as one without law, not that I am without the law of God and lawless toward Him, but that I am [especially keeping] within and committed to the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law.

22To the weak (wanting in discernment) I have become weak (wanting in discernment) that I might win the weak and overscrupulous. I have [in short] become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ].

23And I do this for the sake of the good news (the Gospel), in order that I may become a participator in it and share in its [blessings along with you].

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1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (King James Version)

19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

The words seem to not be able to escape from my lips…

However, I know they need to be said.

Listen, I have to get this out of my head…

I know I have the power to stop you with my declarations.

I have loved you for so long.

However, I love another more…

Our destinies seem to have different paths that don’t meet in the end.

So as I am sitting here close to being washed away from my own flood of tears.

I know I must be the one to find the courage to walk away.

Shh…Don’t speak…

I really don’t want to hear anything you have to say.

Don’t waste your time.

I’m not listening.

I am not looking back.

Goodbye.

Sin…

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By Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

& http://www.poetryofablackgirl.com

I WILL release my past so I can move forward into the perfect will of God for my life…

• 

  A "Door of No Return" from Goree Isle - Senegal, West Africa

  I will be a better steward over my relationships with others professionally, personally and spiritually.

• I am a Proverbs 31 woman.

• I will be more pliable.

• I will review my life one day at a time, so I can make positive changes for the better.

• I will operate as I am directed and not as I am driven, yet still listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say, in regards to timing.

• I will forgive those that used and abused me in the past and move on (including me.)

o    I will not allow myself to allow others to block my blessings.

• I will study my Bible and pray in the spirit at least one (1) hour a day.

• I will operate my attitude adjustment plan daily.

• I will take care of my physical and mental health.

• I will dedicate at least one day out of the week to spend with myself and those I hold dear.

• I will stick to the fundamentals of the January Fasting guidelines throughout the year.

• I will go to the gym at least three (2-3) times or do something physical during the week.

• I will continue to work on leaving at a decent time.

• I will actually schedule a vacation and TAKE IT.

• I will continue to work on my delegation skills.

• I will get out of debt, the biblical way.

• I will be a good steward to my pets’ health.

o    Walk and groom the dog regularly.

o    Reinforce the dog training.

o    Clean the turtles’ tank every two (2) months.

I agree to these I WILL statements,

Lela Jefferson                                                12/31/08

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Signature                                                          Date

Ten Questions to Uncover Your Destiny

Introduction:

The following 10 questions are based on Dr. Creflo Dollar’s October 23rd, 2005 7:30 AM WCCI sermon entitled “Ten Questions to Uncover Your Destiny”.

Every six months I go back and review the study notes that accompanied the sermon and ask these questions of myself.

It has always been a good exercise for me to go through.  I was amazed at how easy recently after having some time to really honestly and candidly answer the questions for me to answer them.

What is your heart’s deepest desire?

My heart’s deepest desire is to use all the skills I have learned and my natural talents to make the world a better place.  I enjoy writing and reading, singing, imparting into others and helping them become the best they can be.

What ignites your passion?

What ignites my passion is good dialogue; opportunities to share what I have learned with others.

Helping others to improve how they do things organizationally.

What naturally flows out of you?

What naturally flows out of me is the ability to come up with creative concepts that show people how they can use materials and other things that they already have in their arsenal; to better market themselves and their products/services.  Finding the best in others and inspiring/encouraging them to make it happen.

Where do you produce good results?

I produce good results in those I have selected or have been given charge over to mentor. I also produce good results when I am handling projects or tasks that others consider impossible or challenging.  I love a good challenge and being able to say I have found the solution to someone else’s problem.

What is the witness of the Holy Spirit in your spirit?

The witness of the Holy Spirit in my spirit is when I am working on a project, or when someone asks me a question pertaining to something I have either worked on or have knowledge of.   I can actually feel the wheels of my brain begin to turn before almost effortlessly answering the question I feel a sense of peace.

What do mature Christians see in you?

What mature Christians see in me is that I have the tendency (if left unchecked) to have a controlling spirit and have to work on staying in my lane, when I am trying to help.  These are two of the things I have been working on in my quiet time with God to show me how I can improve on being a better help.  At times I can take myself too seriously and things too much to heart.  On a positive note, I have been told that I am loyal, loving and faithful; and that I am very efficient when put to task.   I have also been told that my moods are intense, that I have passion and a sweet spirit with the heart to serve without hidden motives or agendas.

What career/ministry do you feel the peace of God about pursuing?

The career/ministry I feel the peace of God about pursuing is project management in the public relations and marketing industries specifically online.

What ideas, visions or dreams are impossible to get out of your mind?

The vision or dream I seem to not be able to get out of my mind is starting my own company to help others market their passions.  The other passions I have not been able to get out of my mind are for writing and teaching.  I have always been very expressive in my speech, writing and when I impart into others.

To what can you give 100% of your life?

What I can give 100% of my life to is helping others to pursue their passions and/or discover them.

What is it that you do so well that people are drawn to support your efforts?

What I do well that people seem to be drawn to support my efforts in is project management and team creation and leading.

Father God by the blood of Jesus continue to show me how not to operate with the spirit of fear and/or rejection.  I know that you supply all my needs and desires and you have shown yourself true and faithfully.  As I sow friendship and love in the natural and in the spirit.  You will bring me godly connections that will strengthen and edify me.

I release my cares to you in Jesus name.  With your help I will become debt free this year, be employed by the summer and my company will turn a profit, allowing me to sow even more into the kingdom.

Father God use me where and how you need to. Show me and guide me to my true destiny.

In Jesus mighty name I pray this Amen.

I am confident that my faith is out in the field working for me. I also understand I must do my part in being a good steward and not just hide the seeds that were given to me… I must cultivate them AND till the soil so they can multiple.  My faith in the anointing is like spiritual Miracle Gro… I am in expectancy of double for my trouble.  My cares are no longer an issue for I have given them ALL to God.

Scripture(s):

Luke 12:35-48

Matthew 24:42-51

Mark 13:33-37

Friday, April 17th, 2009 9:30 AM

Please bear with me as I type this. I have just come out of my prayer and praise time this morning and had to share just a fraction of the Word that the Lord shared with me with you.

We as Christians and especially those of us that are World Changers (I am a member of World Changers Church – New York; my pastors Creflo and Taffi Dollar) have been taught to trust in the LORD and His promises… not to question it… just to trust in it. True we may take time out to study it out more to gain a stronger understanding. However… first and foremost we are told to trust and obey the Word of God. Though at times for some reason we find it hard because though His promises can and have been seen in our lives … example 1) we have the breath of life in us. Most times most of us just do not see or cannot recognize the fulfillment of those promises.

I was lead this morning …and I do mean I was completely led this morning by the Holy Spirit to read the following verses out of the King James and Amplified versions of the Bible.

The Holy Spirit actually told me “Read what your hand is lead to read…” Now I did not have this chapter bookmarked for “religious” style daily reading… and that is why I find it so powerful and I had to share it with you.

I was lead to read from the King James John 20:12 and from the Amplified same chapter John 20:18-31 (till closing thereof.)

In these verses Jesus has already gone to the cross, gone down Hell (took back the keys of salvation and righteousness) and has just came back to minister to his disciplines before ascending to be with the Father.

I found it interesting that I was lead to read only verse 12 and then jump straight to verse 18… In between those verses is something profound… that shows that ‘Mary believed first…’

Just walk this out with me…

Mary Magdalene… went to Jesus’ tomb and SAW two angels. She did not need to be told that they were two angels she knew. Nowhere in these verses/in the text do we see the two angels that sat at the foot and head of where Jesus body had been lain identify themselves to Mary that they were angels.

Mary just knew what they were. She actually entered into a dialogue with them when asked why she was sobbing when she saw that Jesus’ tomb was empty. She did start screaming at them and ask why they were there… she just had the confidence to know who they were.

She didn’t even accuse them of taking Jesus’ body… she said “they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him”.

Then when Jesus reappeared and spoke to her after she first mistakenly thought him to be just a gardener. She KNEW and BELIEVED instantly who he was because she had spent so much time at His feet…She knew him to be her “Rabboni… her Teacher her Master.” Once again Mary believed first…

I believe while she was sobbing earlier in the verses though it is not in the text she was also praying and supplicating. So going back a little in review we see Mary… she prayed… she believed…first in the presence of the angels and then in knowing who she was speaking to was her Lord.

Then… she obeyed Him when she was told to go back to bring the news to the other disciples that their Lord Jesus had come back from the dead and that she had seen him. Basically Mary HEARD the voice of the Lord and obeyed it.

Now here comes her results…she told the disciples right away that Jesus had come back and she saw him…that very evening Jesus revealed himself behind closed doors to his disciples! Well most of them at least… Thomas was the only one that was not there… he was the other part of lesson for he doubted the news of the Lord’s return. Even though Mary AND the rest of the disciples had seen and spoken to Jesus. He gave the fleshy answer that we all know… he had to basically not only SEE it to believe it… he had to TOUCH it. “It” for a lack of a better word, was that Jesus had returned.

What is so profound to me is that he is referred as “the Twin” in this chapter. Twins in nature come from the same genetic stuff… one egg and one sperm and then are split. Once split they become two different and distinct beings… for just this case in study… we have one twin that believed without seeing and another that had to not only see it but also touch it to believe it.

The Christian church right now acts a lot like spiritual twins, one half being emotionally led and the other being spirit led but that is a whole another article…

Getting back to the last part of the lesson I was taught this morning… Jesus gave Thomas a WHOLE week to get his mind lined up / rooted in the fact that he had actually risen and came back. Being always the patient teacher though he showed himself again and allowed Thomas to examine him… However in the end when Thomas finally believed that the Lord returned was rebuked and told basically you don’t have to see to believe my word… you just need to believe!

So my question in closing to you… is this, are you going to be like Mary or Thomas? I am personally going to be like Mary who BELIEVED first…