May I Pour You Another Class of Milk?

 ^“11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. ¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:11-14) Maybe Paul wrote this or maybe he didn’t, but nonetheless the author was trying to get a group of Believers (the Messianic Church) who were in danger of falling away from the truth to reevaluate their spiritual lives and wellbeing.

Sisters, today I have the same goal as the author of Hebrews. I hope to get us to reevaluate our spiritual maturity and what we need to do in order to make change. Amen!

The author of Hebrews was not talking to new converts (the true babies), no, he was addressing those who had been in the household of faith for sometime—years even! And that is who I am mainly addressing today.

In the natural babies cry and whine a lot. This is normal and expected. We understand this is their only form of communication for awhile, and as mothers and caregivers we quickly learn to read and understand their needs and wants.  Well, we can tell a baby Christian the same way. They whine, complain, and find fault a lot. But this is to be expected because coming from a world of sin and being used to doing whatever you felt like doing, is a huge shock to the physical and spiritual being in us. But just as babies start to grow and become capable of rolling over, crawling, and walking, so should we as Believers. Babies drink nothing but milk for awhile, but then we begin to introduce mushy solid foods in the form of grains, fruits and veggies. It is sometime before we introduce meat into their diet. First we wait for teeth to come in and they can chew without chocking. And last but not least we make sure their digestive system is developed enough to be able to handle it.

It’s the same in the spiritual life of a newborn Believer. It takes time to be able to eat the meat and throw away the bones on our own. As well educated and affluent as Paul was,—He still went away for 3 years to learn and get understanding—after his Damascus experience with Jesus. So, it does take time to find and develop our spiritual muscles. But it doesn’t take forever—well it shouldn’t.

We can gage the spiritual maturity in our lives and that of others by answering one simple question, “How do we handle people and stressful situations in our lives?”

Are you one who complains a lot to others? If you answered “Yes,” you are a baby. Do you still find yourself easily angered and unwilling to forgive? Do you keep a list of wrongs others have done to you? Are you having sex outside of marriage? Do you think its okay to lie? Do you repay evil-for-evil? Do you think it is okay to steal from your job—whether it is paid time or office supplies? Is your first response in handling a situation still led by your fleshly feelings? When given godly or constructive criticism, do you respond defensively versus listen to what is being said? Are you taking things into your own hands and then getting upset with God because they didn’t work out? Do you still think your voice is that of God? I think you get the picture by now. These are some of the things that show us we are still babies.

You might ask, “Why are many of us finding ourselves trapped as a spiritual infant?” Well, for one, we don’t study the Bible and we don’t do what it says to do! It is not complicated.

How can we turn things around?

Simple…go back to the elementary truths of God’s Word!

And listen to James—start being doers of the Word—not hearers only—and stop deceiving ourselves.

We won’t learn to discern the voice of Jesus if we do not spend quality time studying and meditating on the things of the Bible.  We cannot hope to build strong spiritual muscles if we don’t do things God’s way, no matter how difficult or hard it may be.

There is no excuse for any of us to not be growing in the things of the Lord in this day in age. If your church does not have a good women’s Bible study or you are unable to attend…there are good books to read and lessons on the internet.

Yes, there is so much out there one could be confused, so I am going to suggest Gloria Copeland and Joyce Myer! Why? They will help you lean the “elementary truths of God’s Word!”

I admonish you to stay away from the Paula Whites and Juanita Bynums of our times. Why? “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil,” and as babies we cannot distinguish, so I’m going to help you at this time. 

My dear sisters, it is time for many of us to grow up and throw away the bottle. It is time to ditch the pull-ups and put on our big girl panties and walk in the confidence of the Lord! Accepting God’s will for our lives (whether it looks like what we wanted or not) and trusting He knows best.

Start agreeing with God in ALL areas of your life, and you will begin to see the drama and sin leave. Only to be replaced with peace, love, joy, contentment and gratitude! God’s way—is the only true way to live the good life on this earth. Amen!

Until next week,

Love and Hugs

Ponnie

Hey! Why Are You Trying to Blow Out Her Candle?

I was hanging out and minding my own business the other day when, “Do you think competition is good?” dropped in my spirit. It sort of took me by surprise for a moment, but then I realized I needed to answer this question and in a thoughtful manner.

Competition: noun…the activity or condition of competing. Synonyms: rivalry, competitiveness, vying; conflict, feuding, fighting “aka” keeping up with the Jones.

In answer to the question, “I think it’s good when businesses have to compete for our dollars.” It makes things much better for us as the consumer when we have choices. If you live in an area where there is only one supermarket then you are held hostage to their prices and with little or no competition around, you pay more for maybe not the best quality or service. But, when we have the option of four or five different markets all within a 3 mile radius…then it stands to reason we will get more bang for our buck because of the choices we can make. So, competition in business can be very beneficial. “Noun”

But not so much when it shows up in the workplace, marriage, families, sibs, friendships, church and most of all with each other. “Synonym”

Have you ever experienced a situation where you found yourself in a competition, but wasn't sure how you got there? Let me give you an example. I used to be a breastfeeding counselor at a major teaching hospital. My specialty was helping moms pump and supply milk for their hospitalized babies and make the transition to breastfeeding before they left the NICU.  During the 5 years I worked there I encountered an array of different case scenarios—from the best to the worst. So often new or expectant moms would seek out my advice. I remember this one particular incident at a luncheon (with Christian folks) where a new mom was asking for help with a particular problem she was encountering. For some unknown reason her girlfriend (who had breastfeed her baby) began commenting on everything I said or suggested. I couldn't open my mouth without her letting me know in someway, she was more knowledgeable and knew better. I didn't know this woman from a can of paint—but she had somehow decided we were in a competition.

Ever had one of these experiences—or better yet, have you been the one who started the competition?

Sure you have! And most of us can honestly say, “We’ve started one too!” I know I have, and on more than one occasion. Why? Well at the time I really didn’t know who I was? I let the things I did or had accomplished define me. That was how I was raised—to work for the approval of other people. And the only way to do that is excel in the things that we do. We start to wear labels, such as…great cook, excellent baker, hostess with the mostess, (sic) sharp dresser, great homemaker with a beautiful house, go-getter, smart,a  gifted seamstress, life of the party, generous “aka” pushover/sucker and mother of the year. We work to be known and labeled as exceptional or something people need or want.

And it seems once we get it in our heads (or begin to believe the hype of others) we are good or gifted at something; we can easily slide into a competition mode over the least little thing. It’s sort of like trying to blow someone else’s light out, hoping it will make ours shine brighter. But it doesn’t work that way. In fact most of the time it makes others feel bad and shines a bright light on us in a negative way.

There was a season in my life where it meant everything to me that people see how smart I was and the many things I had accomplished in the business world. And then I got SAVED!!!

As I began to study the Bible and attend Women’s Bible Study, the need for the approval of others started to wean as I grew in who God says I am. I no longer had to prove that I was viable to society. This revelation and change didn’t come about overnight. No, I must admit it's been a journey. But I can honestly say, “I am free!” And it is one of the greatest experiences of life. No more insecurity, jealousy, envy, or self-doubt when it comes to my sisters. Of course these little devils still show up, but they no longer control or consume me. They have trouble provoking me to try to put out my sister’s light in hopes it will make mine shine brighter. I know better, so now I do better. Amen!

Truth is—we can’t do anything apart from Christ—we can’t have anything apart from Christ—we can’t be anything apart from Christ and we can’t achieve anything apart from Christ! So, why is it that we compete against one another? Not one of us has anything God didn’t make the way for. Nothing! Therefore not one of us is better or more important than the other. God gives according to His will and His desire—no more—no less…

…So, instead of trying to blow out the candles of others, we should be in the business of helping our sisters find and protect their light. We should walk in unity with lights shinning brightly so those in darkness will be drawn to us and the love of Christ.

My dear sisters, the next time you are tempted to blow your own horn at the expense of someone else (trying to blow out their candle), please keep your mouth shut. And at that very moment of temptation, ask Jesus to help you, not be insecure, proud or mean spirited. If you desire to be a bright light—obedience to God’s Word—following Christ—walking in love are the ways to make that happen. Amen.

Until next week!

Love and Hugs....Ponnie

Waiting On Our Breakthrough!

One of the things I love about where I live is everyone has a lawn and is big on flowers and good landscaping. But walking my grands to school this morning it was very obvious from the lack of color all around, that winter has held on longer than usual.

In the northeastern part of the USA, we are a month behind in landscaping and flowers, due to the wild winter we are coming out of. And to top it off, the temps are still basically 10 -15 degrees below what they should be and 20 – 22 degrees below normal at night. But we don’t sweat the small stuff because there has never been a year that any of us have not seen spring show up—therefore our faith is high that any day now—temps will rise to normal and stay there!!

May and June of last year we had so much rain that the perennials around our house died months before they should have, but even with all that, and a harsh winter too boot—they are starting to come up out of the ground. Yippee!!! When you think about it, they have been through a lot, but because of God’s natural order of things—they came back! He cares about flowers—you have to know He cares so much more about us.

When we look at nature, and natural disasters, they are great examples of seasons and experiences of life.

This past winter it seemed as though we couldn’t catch a break. Once the kids started Christmas break, they didn’t have a full week of school again until mid March. And it was all due to snow, ice storms and more snow! Every single week! Well, isn’t life like sometimes? One thing after another! Where it seems like we just can’t catch a break? Yes!

But unlike nature that forges on, we can become discouraged and give up—especially when things start to turn around a bit—and overnight you find yourself right back where you were.

About 2 weekends ago, we experienced the most beautiful weekend weather thus far. Everyone was out doing yard work (including me) and putting out the porch furniture. It was such gorgeous weather, and then—Bam!!! The following Tuesday we had a frost warning two nights in a row and many of the flowers folks planted that weekend didn’t make it if they were not protected properly.

That’s what happens to us—we can become so weary that we forget to “protect” that which is planted and trying to bloom. We stop working on keeping our hopes high and our trust in God fed. As the days begin to run into each other, we start to focus on how life has changed and what we don’t have or what we can’t do, versus continue to look forward to change (our springtime) and answered prayers.

There was a period this winter when I barely got out of the house. There was too much snow and ice on the ground to go for a walk, and driving just to be driving wasn’t an option because the roads were also bad. And yes, there was the temptation to give into feelings of sadness and depression. But instead I chose to look at what I had versus how my life had changed.

My grands where home a lot and they were noisy and restless—but I was grateful I had ears to hear. We had a bad ice storm and many around us were without electricity or heat (in the dead of winter) for over a week—not us! Our internet and cable didn’t go out and I was warm, had plenty to eat, hot and cold running water and 2 toilets that worked perfectly. I chose to be grateful for what I did have. And I knew this was all temporary and spring would be here before I knew it.

Well…spring seems to be taking its good old time! Yet we still have faith it will show up, so we continue to watch the 7 day weather forecast hoping for good news.

This is the same attitude we must adapt in the winters of life, when it seems we just can’t get a breakthrough. We must trust God with all our hearts, just as we trust spring will get here. Sometimes it takes longer to come, but we cannot give up hope anymore than we do on the natural seasons.

Sisters, some of us are experiencing life as a season of dead winter. We are living through blizzard like conditions, where we feel trapped with nowhere to go. Our resources are dwindling and as soon as we think things are turning around—another storm hits, dropping more on top of all that is already lying around. We feel lost and forgotten by others and maybe even God. Somehow we weren’t prepared for all of this and to top it off, we start to look at our fellow sisters as they post pictures on Facebook of beautiful skies, blue oceans and sandaled feet. In other words—their lives look so much better than ours.

Truth is—we all have our time to experience the different seasons of life. Today might be your winter, my spring, someone else’s summer and another’s fall. It’s called “living” life. But when a cold and hard winter hangs on too long, just like a hot and drought ridden summer can—we must not lose faith or hope for the change of a new season.

As many of you know there are things we must do to tend a garden, even during the winter months. So, is the same for our hearts—we must protect them. If we have an hour to watch TV, then we have an hour to spend with God. And that is how we protect ourselves and keep our hope and faith high, (clinging to God) as we wait on our—Breakthrough! 

Until next week!

Love and Hugs....Ponnie

The Free Gift of Love

Good Friday for many is a time of reflection about the Crucifixion of our Messiah—a time to remember what He endured so that we might be made the righteousness of God through Him. But I think we often miss the big picture of what was truly done for us. Yes, eternal life with God—but so much more was at stake—so much more was gained and given.

For me, “The Passion of the Christ” was the best movie ever made to depict Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Crucifixion. I remember as a baby Christian one day reading Matthew’s version of when the guards accosted Yeshua in the Garden of Gethsemane, and all that was done to Him. It lead me to read the other three accounts by, Mark, Luke and John in one sitting. I remember crying like a baby as I pictured them spiting on him and what that must have looked like. I wanted to know exactly what type of whips where used to beat him and found they had pieces of metal in them so it would tear his skin. Even now as I sit here writing this, my heart is growing heavy just thinking about it.

When Sunday comes we will shout with joy as we think about His resurrection! There will be a spirit of jubilation in the air…for He has risen!!! And then when Monday comes, many of us will go back to living lives that are far from victorious. Lives filled with sadness, dread and hopelessness. Lives void of all that Yeshua’s free gift of love has entitled us. Again, we will have missed the big picture.

When Yeshua said, “It is done!” He was talking about so much. Not only was a way made for us to be forgiven of our sins and reconciled with God, but also that life on this earth would be different for those who belonged to the Household of Faith.

It means we don’t have to wait until death to experience a wonderful relationship with ADONAI (the Lord our God), Yeshua (the Christ) and the Ruach HaKodesh (the Spirit of God). It means we have a great hope while here on this earth.

This past week a friend wrote on Facebook, “I want to lead like Jesus!” my comment was, “I want to follow like Jesus!” Why? Yeshua did everything the Father told him to do. He did “nothing” apart from God. His ministry and life on this earth—was ALL about pleasing and obeying God! Yes, even unto death. But His death wasn’t just for life everlasting—it was for joy, peace, healing and a new life while we are here on this earth.

Sisters, it is time for us to stop weeping over spilled milk (life’s past mistakes). It is time to rise up and stand tall in this wonderful gift of love that has been bestowed upon us. It is time to show the world how great our Savior and Lord is through our actions. It is time to start living a life that draws others to us.

A few weeks back I went to a meeting of my sisters-in-Christ. It was a wonderful fellowship and great food too boot! ~Smile~ And we had a great time talking about the Lord, but there was a common thread for this particular group. Several ladies were experiencing difficulties with people on their jobs. Yes, the enemy really seems to have a stronghold on Believers when it comes to troubles at the workplace. And trust me “when we are going through” you can bet others are watching—closely. I most certainly understand because I have walked in their shoes, so I’m not making any type of judgment—just an observation.

But if we could look at things the way the Messiah did through His relationship with the Father then our job troubles might go something like this—Our Father (God) is CEO of the company we work for, and all we have to do is be patient and obedient as to how we are to respond and let Him handle things.  If we have that belief and attitude we should be able to handle anything and anybody—victoriously! Yeshua did. I know, you’re saying to yourselves, “Well, of course He did—He was God! Well, let’s look at Paul then—he did too! How? He understood all the Crucifixion and Resurrection entailed for him and for us.

Daughters of the King, let us take this time to reflect on what this selfless gift of Love truly entails. It is time to grab hold of it to the fullest, so that our lives will have more joy and our hearts are at peace. Our lives should be such that people are so intrigued, they are drawn to us in ways they can’t even understand. You see, the anointing and light of Christ will do that to people. I know it did for me.

My prayer is that we start to learn more about what the Crucifixion did for us, as we study the life of the Messiah—so that the world will know that we are His. Amen.  

Until next week!

Love and Hugs....Ponnie

Are We Spending Too Much Time in Church?

Hopefully some of you raised an eyebrow or two when you read the title for today’s blog. I hope something stirred in you—maybe a little indignation? Or was it a bit of self-righteousness?  How dare she insinuate that there is such a thing as “Spending too much time in church!” Well, my dear sisters, I hate to be the bearer of bad news—but there is such a thing.

Okay, take a deep breath! Now hear me out before you remove yourself from following the blog or “unlike” my page on Facebook. Give me a moment to explain myself and hear where I’m coming from.

Over the years we have gotten into a culture of a “church community” versus being the “Church” in the community.  Back in the day, people belonged to the church congregation in their neighborhood or area, and knew each other through daily living. That is not the case so much anymore. We drive miles and even pay tolls to get to church. Truth is we don’t really know the people who live in the area, and some of us are not that interested in knowing them either.

I remember going to church a lot during the weekday when Jesus first became Lord of my life and I was very grateful for the safety that came with that—though I too got in my car and drove there. There is still a great need for that safe place in exchange for our past life for a new one in Christ. But how long are we to stay in the safety and comfort of our church community? Some of us have been attending nothing but church events for years. We pride ourselves that we faithfully attend Bible study or pick-me up midweek services each Wednesday, and have for the past 10 years. But what are we doing with all this church going? How is it benefiting the unsaved?

Now there are those who must work and volunteer to keep things going in the church building and there will always be a need for such people, but the world has a need too! It needs the gospel and love of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday in my reading I came across…Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors, if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)

When was the last time you had folks over for dinner, outside of your circle of Christian brothers and sisters? Have you ever had a luncheon where the target audience was the lost and broken? Not to preach or beat them up with the Bible, but just to get to know them?

Are you beginning to see where I am going with this?

If you belong to a large church or one that has more than one service on Sunday, you might attend a monthly “cell’ or “small group” meeting. Well, why can’t we also start some type of monthly gathering in our home for those who don’t attend church?

Please, no one misunderstand me, I am not being critical or judgmental, I’m just trying to help us think about the need to change and do things differently.  

Several years ago I started a book club out of my home for young women when I lived in the city. It mostly consisted of single mothers, who were not working and or hadn’t finished high school. Of course they were a little leery that Miss Ponnie would have them reading something about Jesus. I searched and prayed for just the right book, and it was “Cover Girls” by TD Jake. It had enough rough stuff to keep them interested and also be able to identify with the characters. But it also lacked the profanity or vulgarity most of them were used to in their everyday lives. Friends chipped in to help me by a copy for each of the ladies. My purpose was to build relationships and it worked.

Some of us are walking around with a “past due” expiration date. In other words our season for hanging out in church all the time is over and we should be taking what we have learned and using it in our everyday lives with others.

I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where we are instructed to drag people to church to get saved. But that is what many of us focus on doing. Building relationships with people is more fruitful.

Sisters, it’s time for some of us to stop hanging out at the church building so much. I guess some of you are shocked I have made that statement, but the truth is…your church building has become your community, social life and safety net. And just maybe, over the years you have become somewhat complacent too.

The organization Big Sisters could use women who love the Lord. We lose opportunities to be a light to the lost when we just work or volunteer with other Christians if the outreach is not to the lost and unsaved. There are many organizations out there which focus on meeting the needs of people and could use our help and light.

It’s time to reflect if you are one who is spending too much time at your church building because it is safe and comfortable? Or is it time to take what you have learned as a Disciple of Christ and use it to make a difference in the world?

Jesus wasn't afraid of sinners and neither should we be. I mean after all—we used to look just like them. 

Until next week!

Love and Hugs....Ponnie