Last night, I slept more peacefully than I have in quite sometime. I woke up around my usual 4 am without an alarm, cause God seems to always give me that early morning nudge. It's either a wake up call from a dream, a call to pray or meditate, but I woke up feeling extremely refreshed this morning. As I walked in the sanctuary for morning worship, the atmosphere was already charged with praises. I knew God was up to something incredible. I could feel it in the air. As I sat there attentively in service, Pastor Richard preached part two of a sermon entitled, "Spiritual Creativity Starts Here: Capturing Your God Idea." I allowed myself to become engulfed within the message & tried to imagine the path of my own spiritual creativity. All I could see was the ending, but the path was very unclear. Even though, I tried to tap into God for answers, the entire picture never came. He just dropped three words into my spirit: preparation, encounter & vision. Isn't that just like God-leaving you to dig in His word & decipher the revelation? He'd been dropping the word "encounter" in my spirit for awhile now. On this morning, I received an invitation to create an updated "vision" board. I already felt the season of "preparation" upon me. In fact, my friend leaned into me during service and said, "Hey, you're already doing that. That's your confirmation!" I gave her an innocent, sheepish smile because I was in awe that God ordained the "double dose" of confirmation. He knows I try to be stubborn at times, so I guess he wanted to make sure I wouldn't dare miss that revelation. In fact, every conversation, message, bible study, and meeting felt like a "prophetic encounter" these days. I've met strangers that felt like relatives with very familiar faces. In dreams, I've "seen" visions of five distinct women holding my arms up and God says, "Stay close to the fire!" His ways are definitely not our ways, so I'm trusting that He will direct my path accordingly. In his timing & through his will, I will live out his purpose for my life.
These past few weeks have been moving swiftly. My energy has shifted and I've barely have time to catch my breath. I don't think I've watched television in nearly a month because I've either been at bible studies, group sessions, doing bible study homework, reading, writing, studying or meditating. God has been at the center of every waking thought. I've literally been consumed with his word and my neglected household chores can attest to that. There's books, post it notes, papers, pens, and highlighters- everywhere. My couch potato days have long retired and the hopelessness is subsiding. I know I am a "walking miracle." I no longer hide out under the covers of "despair."
My circle has changed.
My thoughts have changed.
My actions have changed.
My language has changed.
In fact, my life has drastically changed.
I still have the introverted personality but the "darkness" is gone. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. (1 John 1:6) I'm definitely walking in my truth. I'm not overly concerned about things I can't change. I don't waddle in deep regret. I'm not giving new life to old memories. I don't entertain the critics. I don't subscribe to "lack." I'm not swayed by the enemy. My faith is no longer wavering. God is really transforming my heart. I'm more affectionate towards others. I try to be more intentional with my thoughts. I don't wait for spiritual warfare to hit before I start praying. I try to cast down evil imaginations before they give rise to any distractions. I keep my environment positive and I seek God continuously to strengthen my discernment. I refuse to lay down on my back while the enemy attacks!
As Pastor Richard confirmed today, God is a creator that designed us in his image; so there's no wonder my "desire" to create is so strong. I am fashioned after the Most High Creator. The creativity flows from the head. I don't plan on dying a premature death because my gifts and talents have fallen by the wayside. As Bishop Atwater always say, "I want to die empty (having used all my spiritual gifts & talents to the best of my ability).
Lord, I ask you to cover those who are actively seeking your will & pursuing your God-ordained destiny. Give them favor to rise up in you that they may be a willing vessel to serve in the kingdom as a reflection of your grace & mercy. May your word take root in all unbelievers & that they may see you as the living word and present help for their life. May the world be transformed by your unconditional love and the price you paid on Calvary. May the sick be healed and the lost set free in your son, Jesus name, I pray, AMEN.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
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