Monthly Archives: January 2012

MAKE THE COOK SMILE !

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Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

In the 23rd Psalms, the psalmist speaks of a table. It was not just any old table but a prepared table. When someone prepares something they generally are expecting someone to show up or something to happen. The psalmist made it clear that the one who was doing the preparing was the Shepherd.

The word prepare is defined as; to take the necessary action to put something into a state where it is fit for use or action, or for a particular event or purpose.

It is very obvious to those who know the Lord and are familiar with His character and nature that He is not a haphazard God. God is very orderly and organized. God never just throws things together and hope it all works out alright. Everything God does has purpose, power and passion. Therefore, when we think of a table that has been prepared by God we must think and imagine on a higher level. We must consider who is preparing this table and the resources that they have to do what they are doing. Now, there are people in this world who have lots of money and earthly resources but they don’t have the nature of God. God is an extravagant giver. He is not stingy nor is He greedy. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God’s resources and supplies are unlimited they are inexhaustible.

God is gracious and always looking for ways to bless and overflow people’s lives with abundance. God is Love and Love manifest itself through giving. God is never selfish; He is not trying to hoard things for Himself.

The scripture declares that the Shepherd prepares a table before you. Now notice it doesn’t say He prepares a table and sits you at the table. No, it says He prepares a table before you. This could mean either that He is getting it ready as you are looking or that He put an already prepared table right in front of you.

In the natural when you are expecting guest for dinner you prepare the table with your guest in mind. You particularly pay attention to what they like and also in love, what they need. The table that God prepares for us is right before us. It’s not hidden or covered its right there. Now, He is putting this table in front of you so that you can benefit from what’s on it but if you never go sit down and start partaking of its bounty you will only be a spectator. We can shout about the table, dance about the table, tell other people how pretty the table is but yet we never sit down and enjoy what’s on the table ourselves. Whatever God puts on your table is for you. Because the Shepherd knows His sheep, your table is stacked just for you. When you sit down at your table you will never need to look across the room to see if your neighbor got more or better things than you. The Good Shepherd will always provide lavishly for each and every sheep. There may even be something’s you see on your table that you may think surely the Shepherd has made a mistake this should be on so and so’s table not my table but rest assured God knows exactly what He has put on your table so don’t fret just dig right in and start eating. Know that everything on that table is for you and that it is good.

Make sure that you don’t get distracted by your enemies that are standing around watching you partake from your table. Don’t let fear or intimidation stop you from eating. Don’t let guilt harass you into the sense realm. It will have you saying things like, “But I feel bad about prospering right in front of them and they are just standing there with nothing.” The enemy of guilt and shame will use manipulation and pity to try and make you get up from your table and serve them. God is no respecter of persons, if they are truly God’s sheep the best thing you can do for them is to tell them to stop staring at you and go over to their own table and enjoy the things God has prepared for them.

Don’t wait for the people next to you to start eating before you start that’s a human courtesy and has nothing to do with your spiritual supply. We honor God when we scoot up to the table He has prepared and begin to dig in by faith and enjoy all that He has prepared.

There is nothing like seeing someone who is hungry set down at a table you have prepared for them and they just make themselves at home, enjoy every bite with a smile. These are those who don’t mind asking for second helpings and you always know they will be back because they were satisfied at the table. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, you’ll always come back for more.

It makes the cook smile!

Nurturing Nuggets blog is an extension of Cathy Harris Ministries, www.detoxifyingthesoul.com

BREAKING TRADITION

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Mark 7:8-9, 13

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Many of our cultural and religious traditions nullify the effectiveness of God’s Word in our lives. Traditions in and of themselves are not sinful, it’s only when they contradict the Word of God or distract someone from His God given assignment.

 Tradition defined:

  • The handing down of patterns of behavior, practices, and beliefs that are valued by a culture.
  • A long-established action or pattern of behavior in a community or group of people, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation.

 As you can see traditions are generally ingrained in a person’s soul and become a part of their everyday life. Traditions are valued and esteemed by many cultures. In many cultures to break tradition could result in a person being ostracized from the entire family or community. Rejection is a very unpleasant unwelcome evil to experience; therefore many people do whatever they must to avoid its bite.

Traditions are established by people and are handed down from generation to generation. Jesus said that traditions of men can make the word of God of no effect. When our traditions go against the Word of God it is time to make some changes and make them quick. God gave us His Word and He intended for His Word to be our standard. God’s Word is the only thing that should govern our spirit, soul and body.

Many times a person can have a religious tradition such as going to church every Sunday just because that was their family practice while they were growing up. They may not even be born again but because this was a family tradition they continue to practice it faithfully not realizing that just going to church does not give a person a right relationship with God. They practice outwardly something they don’t possess inwardly. Their faithfulness is the result of conformation not transformation. Therefore their heart is not right and the Word of God has no effect in their life.

Examine your life today; what traditions do you keep that hinder God’s Word from being effective in your life? It is time to breakout of tradition and fulfill all the will of God for your life, today!

INFLUENCE

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Influence defined:

  •  The effect of something on a person, thing, or event.
  • Power to sway: the power that somebody has to affect other people’s thinking or actions by means of argument, example, or force of personality.

 Another word for influence is persuading.

Today I pose the questions, “Who has influence in your life? Whose life are you influencing?

What things or people do you allow to sway your life? TV, radio, ancestors, tradition, your past or someone elses past, fear, culture, the opinions of natural unchanged men/women, etc.

Whether we know it or not throughout the course of our earth journey there are those in whom our lives greatly influence or sway and there are those who influence our lives. We affect those around us for good or for evil everyday by what we say and do. We can affect the way others dress, eat, wear their hair, train their children, and treat their spouses. We can sway peoples self-image, the way they think and speak, money management, the way they interact with God, their perception of God, etc.

 In the book of Acts chapter 18:12-13

… the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.

Here we see that Paul’s influence among the people was perceived by some to be contrary, although Paul was sent by God. Power persuades. The limited power of the kingdom of darkness persuades and the ultimate limitless power of God persuades. People and things can be greatly influence by power, even if it is weak power. Paul lived a life that demonstrated true power and therefore many people were willing to listen to what he had to say. Paul told the people to follow me as I follow Christ. In other words allow my life to influence your life in respect to my relationship and fellowship with God.

 In 2Corinthians 5:11, Paul says:

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Paul knew that he would someday have to stand before God and give an account of the life he lived and the influence he had in the lives of others here on the earth. Influence carries with it great accountability. The children (natural and spiritual) that God entrust to us here on the earth are influenced by our lives; we can sway their hearts toward good or evil. If we influence children to be partial and have respect of persons because of our own fears and pride we will have to give answer to God for that misguided influence. We can by precept and example influence our children to love and honor then we our responsible for that influence as well.

What kind of a sway do you have on people around you? Are you the kind of Christian that influences everyone around you to be carnal? Or does your life persuade and stimulate spiritual hunger in people? Do people follow and emulate you because you follow and emulate Christ?

Jesus delegated the power of influence to His Church. He told Paul, in Acts 26:18, that he was chosen and appointed by God:

To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me.

You too are a light and influence in somebody’s life, whether they are young or old. So let that light shine bright before them so that they may see your good works and glorify God by following in your footsteps.

IT’S ATTAINABLE

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Compromise defined:

  •  A settlement of a dispute in which two or more sides agree to accept less than they originally wanted.
  • Something that somebody accepts because what was wanted is unattainable.

 What part of your God given destiny have you compromised? Are there things God has shown you about your future, things He would like you to attain?

Now as you consider those things which of those things have you given up on because you reasoned in your mind saying, “Oh that will never happen in my life.”

Look long and hard at the picture God showed you of your destiny, if that’s not what you see in your life today you need to re-ignite the fires of passion in your soul and pursue with all your heart the plan God has for your life. Compromise must never be an option where your destiny is concerned. Fight the good fight of faith and fight to win. Don’t settle for anything less than what God has shown you. Your destiny is important to God and to us. Never retreat into a life of complacency; it will strip you of your passion.

Whatever God showed you are attainable, so press beyond reason and aim for the target and watch the power of God propel you into purpose.

Philippians 3:14 (AMP)

I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

EAT RIGHT !!

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Jeremiah 15:16

 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

 The word of God is nourishment for the whole man. The best meal of our day is not dunkin donuts or bacon and eggs. The best meal of the day is the Word of God. The word of God reaches every realm of our being: spirit, soul and body. God’s word should be the joy and rejoicing of our heart.

As you search the scriptures today let God’s word enrich and fulfill your every desire.

It is so important that we eat right. We need the right food so that we can grow properly and fulfill our God given Destiny. Be diligent to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to you in the Word of God today. Let that word sink way down deep into every fiber of your being. As you practice this you will notice an increase in supernatural joy. This Heavenly joy comes from God and it produces supernatural strength, helping you to maintain a steady course in the path God has chosen for your life.

So eat and be filled to the full, even to overflow as you partake of the Word of Life!

The Great Exchange

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We live in a world today where people esteem things, customs, traditions, sports, occupations, entertainment, ideas, inventions and other people more than they ought to. These things are nice and can be very convenient but they were never to be exalted to the place where people have exalted them today. Inventions like air-conditioning help keep us cool in hot temperatures and furnaces that help warm us during those cold seasons are welcomed and enjoyable but they are not indispensable to life. If you didn’t have those things you could still live and enjoy life. I remember as a young girl growing up, in the summer months it would be so hot outside that you could literally see the heat waves in the atmosphere. We did not have air-conditioning most of my childhood but we went about everyday life and did just fine. There are things that are greater than modern day conveniences. Some people would rather die than give up their conveniences. These things may help in making our every day life easier but they can never provide life or true peace. Life and Peace only come from God.

The bible says, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

 Exchange defined:

  •  To give something and receive something different in return.
  • To hand something over and receive as a replacement something more suitable or more satisfactory.

The above scripture challenges us to evaluate our lives and to weigh those things in life that we deem profitable to us. What one person may consider to be profitable may not seem profitable to the next person. What do you value in life? What do you give most of your time and energy to? These are the things that can easily distract us from our soul prosperity. The soul is comprised of our mind, will and emotions. What things have you exchanged for true peace of mind? What things have you exchanged for a will that is totally surrendered to fulfilling God’s plans and purposes in your life and the lives of your children and family. What things have you exchanged for sound, stable emotions?

Sometimes the exchange is subtle and seemingly unnoticeable until it has robbed us of years of productivity and fruitfulness. Sometimes people don’t even realize they have replaced valuable time spent with love ones with sitting in front of a television set until they look up and suddenly wake up to what they have lost.  They exchanged or replaced a relationship with their family with something they thought was more satisfying or suitable to their leisure. However the bible says what does those things profit a man if he loses his own soul. How suitable are those things when you find yourself in the midst of a hard situation? Can those things that you have given weeks, months and sometimes years of your time, attention and devotion to help you?

Nothing can ever replace or be more suitable than the presences of God. When we devote time and energy to God and His will we always come out profitable. Our soul belongs to God. We must be alert and watchful to guard our lives of those things that would come to steal our affection and attention from God.

The bible says,Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 1Peter 2:11

 

God loves you. God loves spending time with you. God loves to encourage, strengthen and build you up. It is God’s delight to bless you and multiply you in good things. It is so wonderful to hang out with God and let Him teach you and show you things to come. God loves to share His plans, thoughts and ways with His family. Nothing is of more greater value than God. Life is short, so we must choose to invest our time and efforts wisely if we are going to have good success in life. 

Don’t you think it’s time to exam your own life and begin to allow God to show you all of those things that need to be eliminated or exchanged for the greater things of God’s Kingdom and purposes. Your life is valuable, you are important to God. Don’t exchange the greater for the lesser but rather lay hold on the greater and see your life and future soar like an eagle!  


Praying with Confidence

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1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 Praying yields great results when we pray according to His will. God’s will is His Word. When we take the time to search the scriptures to see what God has said concerning our situation or need we receive not only guidance on what to pray for but faith to receive what we have ask for. God is not a man that He should lie; He will perform what we ask of Him if we ask according to His will.

Prayer is not burdensome, it is life changing and fulfilling. Prayer is vital to our existence here on the earth. Prayer is not an option, it is our spiritual oxygen.

To communion with God on the level of ask, seek, and knock is a privilege too often ignored. We must take full advantage of our right as born-again believers to pray.

So as you communion with God today remember to pray according to His will and have confidence that He hears you and will answer you.

Road Signs

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Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Many times when traveling on a familiar road we tend not to pay attention to the road signs because we have been down that particular road before. We casually glance at the signs as we confidently go our way assuring ourselves we know where we are going. How many times do we tell others, “Oh I’ve been there so many times I could get there with my eyes closed. But how many times have you been on a familiar road but your exit was different because you were going to another place that day and you almost missed your exit because you were so used to going to that familiar place.

Sometimes we can miss vital Divine directions in our lives because of routine familiarity. We begin to assume we know exacting what God is going to tell us to do, so much so that we stop asking Him for direction because we think we already know the answer and the way. We reason within ourselves from our own lives experiences that we know what is ahead. But God said in His Word that He would give us daily bread. The bread may look the same as yesterdays bread, it may feel the same, it may even taste the same but if it was prepared for today than it is today’s bread not yesterdays bread.

Sometimes we can also lose value and direction in relationships with others because we assume we know that person so well just because we have been around them for years. You can lose the initial respect and purpose God brought you together with that person. Even though that person may have changed in many ways you still see them as your little girl or boy, or our high school sweetheart, or that’s just my parents etc.

Hearing from God daily is so vitally important to life success. Today is a new day, a day we have never seen before. Everything in your day may look exactly like it looked yesterday but today is not yesterday it is today. Don’t assume you know today just because you made it through yesterday. Take time to find out what God has for you today because even though it may look like yesterday in all actuality you have never seen today before. So trust God to guide you every day in every way, fully trusting and depending on Him to lead the way.