Zeal

why cant we operate with zeal for God? Because of double-mindedness. Half of the time we spend trying to appeal to the flesh and the other half of the time is spent trying to walk according to the Spirit. Two cannot walk together unless they agree and we wonder why we are stagnant.
We desire power and pleasure, effectiveness and relaxation, but they are contradictory. we desire impact without opposition but this is not the natural order of things. There must be a commitment to doing what is right simply because it is right and not because it is easy because most of the time "right" is hard.
Zeal is a response to obedience that wells up inside and overflows from the believer and this is the victory that breaks free from spiritual heaviness into the triumphant life of being more than a conqueror.
Opposition is coming today, do not let times of peace fool you. Do not waste time sleeping your day away or wondering what might be but hear the Lord say, "find me while I may yet be found and I will be with you and bring victory to every battle you enter by my Spirit. Victory came when I put on flesh not in the absence of opposition."

James 4:1 Why are there quarrels among you? You desire something but you dont get it.

Everyone is a star on Facebook and viewing pages of our friends can stir up feelings of inadequacy. These feelings that suggest we must get it together, do more, or be better in our pursuits can weigh on our minds and cause us to replace the goals and visions that God has given us with those that come from our own selfish ambitions. I love technology and the manny tools it provides but lets consider concentrating on service to others rather than media that may send us into a downward spiral.

Elder Kenan

Created to Thrive rather than Survive

There is a spirit of excellence inside of each of us and when it is tapped into we are filled up. We lift above out circumstances and we allow God to take care of our survival. Our basic needs for food, clothing, and companionship are met because we no longer focus on obtaining them on our own but we focus our efforts on excelling in our service to the Kingdom of God. This is what it looks like to thrive. Doing all we have been given to do to the best of our ability because we recognize that it has all come from God.

Consult the Lord

There is a weight that we carry that we are not required to. The yoke of Christ that is easy and the burden that is light provides a rationale to cast our cares and not just the cost of our salvation onto the shoulders of our Lord. This morning in prayer and thanksgiving to God I told Him about uneasiness that I had been feeling for the past few days. This time of candid sharing brought to light sin in my heart that I had not repented for. After the repentance I was relieved of anger and tension and my limited earthly perspective that had caused the ill will toward my day’s activities. I walk lighter today because I serve a God who desires to be consulted.

A moment of Thanks

The new year has begun and my family is a wonderful blessing. My daughter is still going strong in Kindergarten and reading 4th grade books. Daddy is so proud. My wife is writing and composing music and ministering effectively. Ministry is growing and my Pastor remains a world class discipler to me. Days like these are beautiful. Thank you Jesus.

Rest is good

Rest is a good thing. My wife and I enjoyed each others company on Columbus day last week. I tend to be a person that has to get up and go. I have to accomplish something. I have to be productive. I made up my mind to take time to breathe in the day. I didn't do work. I didn't even engage in making music. After our daughter went to school we hung out and went from place to place and even had time for a nice sit down lunch at a local restaurant. I went back to work the next day ready to engage because I had been refreshed. I engaged in ministry with new found energy. I accomplished everything that needed to be accomplished outside of my home because I focused on being in the moment with my wife while I was inside of our home. Thank you Lord for rest.

Just What I Needed!

Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. – 2 Peter 1:3

I have recently gotten back into the work out process thanks to the guidance of a wonderful friend. I have been faithfully working out chest, arms, back, and shoulders during the week before going to work and feeling great! As I prepared for “shoulders-day” I felt a severe pain in my lower back and my upper leg. The pain became more pronounced with every stretch.

After completing my first exercise I felt the pain decrease significantly. By the completion of the second exercise the pain was completely gone. I felt better than I had felt after my most successful chiropractic care visits. I was amazed! It was just what I needed.

God gives us everything we need to live the life that he has called us to live. Our Bible, prayer, family, skills, employment, dreams & visions, and even our work out routines play a part. Open your eyes and take advantage of the plans that God has for you and you may just find yourself in love with life.

In Christ,

Elder Kenan