Adapt or Struggle | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

There are times in our lives when we must intensify our resolve to see what's been placed in front of us through the eyes of faith.  We have to break new ground in the exercising of our faith because our approach in times past does not work for today's trial.  In our quest for greater spiritual maturity, we can be assured that our trials will intensify.  Therefore, we can't get comfortable in our pursuit of growth because the growth process is all about change.  In order to grow, the trials we face must place increasingly greater demands on our faith so that we're forced to either adapt or struggle.

Adaptation is a key part of the spiritual growth process.  If we never adapt, then we fail to gain strength.  One of our greatest features as humans is our ability to adapt to the demands our surroundings place upon us.  It's in our ability to adapt that innovation takes place.  If this be true in the physical, then how much greater in the realm of the spirit?  GOD has empowered us to be spiritual innovators.  He's equipped us spiritually to not only adapt to but triumph over our physical surroundings by releasing heavenly innovation through the exercising of our faith.  And as we see the power of Heaven manifested in the Earth, we experience the spiritual growth that elevates us in our faith walk to a heightened level of operation.

Just Go With the Flow | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Recently, my spiritual big sister Sylvia asked a question on one of her Facebook statuses:

"Do your actions interrupt the flow of the Spirit in your life?"  

It really got me thinking because part of me was like, "Yeah, it does."  But as I began to meditate on that thought, the Holy Spirit brought back something back to my remembrance that profoundly ministered to me.  Of all things, it was something from the motion picture "Finding Nemo."  For those who have seen the film, you may be familiar with the Eastern Australian Current (EAC) that Nemo's father took to Sydney.  If not, check out this short clip from the movie.

Before you think I've just completely lost it, allow me to explain how the EAC fits into all of this.  This current is ALWAYS present and NEVER loses strength.  However, in order to access its strength, the sea creatures have to leave where they are and go to it.  I'm sure there are a number of sea creatures who have seen the EAC and are maybe even knowledgeable of its existence, but they have never experienced its flow and how powerful it is.  And never experiencing it neither negates the current's presence nor diminishes its strength.

Tearing Down The Statues | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

Ironically enough, this blog post started out as Facebook status update:

"Elton Taylor is thankful for the power to tear down every statue I've allowed the enemy to erect in the garden of my heart. «More Below»"  

But when the «More Below» became too much to post on FB, I thought it best to share this on my blog so I could really expound upon this thought like I so felt.  So here goes... Most times, statues symbolize victories.  They commemorate events and memorialize those responsible for the achievements gained.  In the Bible, we see how statues even became the objects of idolatrous worship, by which way GOD's people strayed away from what He stood for and consequently held in higher esteem that which the statues represented.

Although Satan is not GOD's equal on the opposite side, this truth doesn't stop him from trying to portray himself as such.  Even though the devil is ALREADY a defeated foe, thanks to Jesus' resurrection from the dead, WE ALLOW the evil one to be victorious over us when we don't enforce the victory that's already been secured for us.  Each victory we grant him is symbolized by a statue he erects in the gardens of our hearts as a reminder of the sinful things we've done, the ungodly behaviors that have been part of us most--if not all--of our lives, and the dominance the Kingdom of Darkness exerts over those areas of weakness.

Four Keys To Personal Security | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

(The following blog was originally posted in my MySpace blog on September 4, 2006.)

I just had to share this with everyone on MySpace.  My church (Greenwood Acres F.G.B.C., Shreveport, LA) has an awesome singles ministry, and our last meeting dealt with Personal Security and Insecurity.  Below is information from one of the handouts we received, which was adapted from "A Life of Influence. Exploring Your Identity:Sharpening Your Focus," authored by Tim Elmore.  I have not read the book yet, but I may have to because just this information alone has been very helpful to me.

There are four keys to personal security, the truth of which we must embrace completely in order to prevent us from sabotoging ourselves with our personal insecurities.

No Effect | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

(The following blog was originally posted in my former MySpace blog on September 2, 2007.)

In Philippians 3:13-15, it reads,

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."

Not too long ago, my pastor delivered a message entitled, "Leave The Past Behind," which included a portion of the above passage as part of his text.  He mentioned that in deciding to follow Christ, we must forget about the past in order to be used of GOD.  Forgetting the past doesn't mean that it never again comes to mind; it means that it has no effect or influence on you.

The Takeover (Part 1) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

This morning, I was reminded of something I heard my pastor, Bishop Fred A. Caldwell, Sr, say a couple of Sundays ago:

"GOD's not in the business of taking over our lives.  But whatever we desire to give Him, He will take ownership of it."

What amazes me about GOD is that, even though He created and sustains mankind, He has given us free will.  GOD will not force Himself upon us and He won't make us do anything.  We ALWAYS have a choice.  Yes, I will admit that GOD can make some pretty compelling arguments; but at the end of the day, we still have a choice to make based upon what has been placed in front of us.  So now I find it very interesting then how I've heard believers say such phrases as, "GOD, you can take over my life."  Thus begins my quest to figure this thing out because it begs me to ask, "Is our desire for a GOD-takeover authentic?"

Protect Your Future, Not Your Feelings | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

(The following blog was originally posted in my former MySpace blog on August 23, 2006.)

While getting ready for church this past Sunday morning, I had the television tuned in to Creflo Dollar's ministry.  The message he delivered was powerful, as usual; however, he made a point that resounded greatly in my spirit: when you are hurt, your emotions will cause you to make decisions to protect your feelings and not your future.

That statement got me to thinking about the plight of our youth today, and adults alike.  Unfortunately, many of the youth have had terrible examples in the adults who live before them.  Lacking temperance (or self-control), people react to their situations and other people the only way they know: out of their emotions.  When these perfectly natural feelings go unchecked, the wreak havoc in the lives of those who have not been taught how to bring them into subjection.  Unlearned in combating their emotions, otherwise good people ultimately find themselves in dire straights when their decision-making caters to protecting their feelings.

Starving Fear | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I recently came across a quote from an unknown source that a Facebook friend of mine posted as a status update: "Feed your faith and your fear will starve to death."  Immediately, what came to mind was the picture of fear and faith vying to occupy the same space.  In the battlefields of our minds, there is a warring between the kingdoms of light and darkness to dominate our thought lives.  Whoever controls the mind controls the person, and we cannot take lightly the daily battles in our minds to either operate in faith or fear.  That's right...it's EITHER faith OR fear, NOT BOTH.

Faith and fear cannot occupy the same space.  A perfect example of this is in Hebrews 11:23, which speaks of the faith of Moses' parents.  Not fearful of the king's decree that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed at birth, they hid Moses for three months because they saw in him something special.  They may not have been sure what it was exactly about this child, but they were persuaded to move past any fear associated with defying the king to protect the life of their son.

Over the years I've learned from my pastor a couple of interesting acronyms, which regular readers of this blog are probably familiar with because I love using them so much.  "FAITH" can be understood as "Forsaking All, I Trust Him," and "FEAR" as "False Evidence Appearing Real."  These simple sayings are easy to remember; and they have certainly proven to be quick, effective reminders of what's true.

I guess this is why I love the quote that inspired this post so much. It illustrates yet another truth about faith and fear that can serve as a valuable reminder amidst the battle for my thoughts: faith and fear clearly have different cravings.  Faith feeds on the Word of GOD, whereas fear feeds on the words of Satan.  Both the GOD of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4) and the father of lies (John 8:44) want to dominate our thoughts, but the choice is ours as to whom we grant occupancy.  Do we feed faith or fear?  It depends on what we choose to digest...truth or lies?  Philippians 4:8 gives us a list of what we should think on; and whenever our minds deviate from these things, we're basically operating in fear.  So let's be mindful of what we're thinking about that we might starve fear to death and live by faith.

The Life of a Champion (Part 2 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

(Continued from yesterday's blog post)
When fear (ie false evidence appearing real) and doubt (ie mistrust) arise, the champion must identify them as such and cast them down immediately.  Those seeds must not be given the opportunity to germinate and grow, but must be quickly recognized as demonically-influenced imaginations and handled as such.  However, until WE understand that we are targets, we'll never learn to keep our guard up and get in the habit of maintaining a heightened sense of awareness towards the enemy's tactics.  

We must exercise control over minds.  This is accomplished through our minds undergoing a continual process of renewal by the Word of GOD.  Our success as champions mandates a consistent intake of solid biblical teaching because it's the nutrition needed by our spirit man to condition our souls (ie mind, will and emotions) for the enemy's grueling attack against our bodies (ie five senses) to gain control over our souls.  Continued application of GOD's Word to our lives conditions us for the opposition's use of fear and doubt, thereby fortifying our defenses and ensuring we give up little or no yardage.  Remember: EVERY challenger is coming after the champion with their A-game.  Consequently, we cannot afford to dismiss any opponent as an easy victory.

Let's pray: Father in Heaven, we--Your children--come before Your throne to obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.  You're our GOD and we worship You in spirit and in truth.  We thank You for making us champions through Christ, and we don't take lightly the sacrifice He made that we might freely receive the gift of righteousness.  Give us, O GOD, an insatiable appetite for Your Word that we might triumph over every attack of the enemy.  May Your Word transform our lives and renew our minds in every way possible.  Forgive us, Father, for not committing ourselves to the systematic study of Your Word, the Constitution of the Kingdom.  You have given us all things that pertain to life and godliness; therefore, we repent for not being receptive to Your Word and Your way of doing things.  Let us not be deceived by Satan and his wicked devices, O GOD.  Deliver us from his strategies as well as his cunning operatives.  For You, O GOD, are the Mighty GOD.  All majesty, dominion and power belong to You.  Your Kingdom ruleth over all and Your glory fills the Earth.  Blessings and honor unto the Most GOD.  Amen!

The Life of a Champion (Part 1 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The life of a champion is one of great intensity.  Most people assume that things ease up once the championship is won, but that's far from true.  The competition becomes more strenuous because the champion is now a target.  Every opponent wants the satisfaction of knowing that they've triumphed over the champion.  Challengers come against the champion even harder than their other opponents simply because the champion has been recognized as the best.

Our champion, Jesus, dwells within us via the Holy Spirit.  When He took up residence in us, we became a different kind of target for our adversary--the devil.  I've heard it said that it's the anointing that draws the attack, and I agree wholeheartedly.  It's the divine presence of GOD Almighty within us that "reddens the water" of the spirit realm and gives off a scent that catches the attention of satanic sharks seeking to devour the righteous.  This is why GOD's people must have a firm understanding of their identity as Kingdom citizens as well as the ramifications of their status in the realm of the spirit. Our enemy certainly knows the ramifications--whether or not we do--and he's planning our demise because of them.

Now we know that we have the victory, thanks be to GOD.  However, Satan's game strategy is predicated upon the successful creation of an environment of fear and doubt.  It's not so much that the opposition can outright beat us, but the fact that an atmosphere can be created to cause us to beat ourselves.  The challenger studies the champion, discerns his weaknesses and devises fear tactics to magnify uncertainties.  The ONLY way the champion can experience defeat is at his own hands.

(Click here to read Part 2)

Being Set Apart For Greatness | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on May 30, 2007.

I was reviewing some notes taken during one of my pastor's recent sermonic messages, and I ran across a particular statement that really caught my attention:

"We tend to put emphasis on people, but God emphasizes His Word.  What sets people apart for greatness is their faith."

It is indeed amazing how some people experience greater or lesser degrees of success, even though they may have been exposed to similar stimuli, experiences or information resources.  The Bible declares that God has given each man the measure of faith, which can be taken as God providing all men faith in equal portions.  However, differences begin to surface once the notion of "working" one's faith is factored into the greatness equation.  Faith itself is invisible.  As a matter of fact, all that is now visible was once invisible.  Because faith is the evidence (or proof) that the invisible indeed exists, it is through faith that we connect to the invisibly existent and release the power of God to realize (or manifest) the invisible in our lives.

You see, God tells us what to do now so we can see the results He's already shown us in the future.  And that's the process.  It doesn't get any simpler.  This is why we must remember that it is our faith setting us apart for greatness.  When God speaks, do you take Him at His Word?  Do you trust Him for the outcome when He gives you instructions (that may even sound ridiculous)?  God is looking for some people who are crazy enough to actually believe His Word and work that Word day by day until the manifestation appears.  He's seeking for persons who are willing to push their faith to the limit, so He can increase it even more.

Ultimately, the potential for real success is much more than ability, as society believes.  Beyond your ability, you must be full of it - faith, that is.  And faith requires work and demands action; you can't just sit on it and expect greatness to come.  Unfortunately, so many people believe otherwise.  They have yet to realize that every means of gauging success promoted by society is false.  The best means to determining your potential for greatness is quite simple: how much of you is the Lord Jesus the Christ influencing?  That's it.  The results you achieve are in direct proportion to your level of faith.  The increase you receive is totally based upon how you utilized your faith.  Begin to increase your faith usage today and further set yourself apart for greatness tomorrow.

Your Time of Refreshing Is Now | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I recently came across the Amplified version of Acts 3:19, which reads as follows:

"So, repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to GOD], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, or reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord."  

My soul couldn't help but get happy reading this because there is so much hope found in this one verse of scripture.

Truly my heart goes out to all those who love GOD but have found themselves so far from Him that they feel like just giving up and letting the chips fall where they may.  Yes, they have made mistakes and enjoyed lifestyles not pleasing to GOD; but beneath all that is wrong in their lives there lies a desire for that which only GOD can provide.  (This is why it's so important for me to not judge people based on their behavior.  My focus can't be on judging WHAT people are doing because it takes understanding WHY they're doing it to really help them.)

I want to encourage someone who feels like GOD, who was once so near, is now afar off.  Know that He's NEVER stopped loving you.  Even when you tried everything and everyone else to deal with all that's wrong in your life, GOD NEVER GAVE UP ON YOU.  His steadfast love for you outlasts ALL of the temporary fixes that, after they have given you a few moments of relief, only abandoned you to feeling worse than before.  With arms outstretched, your Heavenly Father patiently awaits to embrace you, His child.

It's not too late to change, no matter what anyone says.  Don't focus on how it will happen, just make up in your mind that you want to change and that you're willing to do what it takes by His power to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Not only will GOD erase all the sins you have committed, but He will refresh you.  (Thank You, Father!!!)  YOU WILL RECOVER from the effects of the heat experienced in that dry place from which you came.  No longer will you feel numb, for GOD will restore the feeling you thought would be forever lost as a result of the dry spell.  As it says in Isaiah 12:3 (KJV), "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

Don't wait another day.  Don't deny how you feel for another hour.  Your time of refreshing is now.  I know you feel the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart strings.  I know you want to be relieved of the mounting pressure within.  Your time of refreshing is RIGHT NOW.  The voice of GOD is calling you.  The way you once knew is closer than you think.  Be refreshed, my brother, my sister, in Jesus' name today.

Are You Willing To Break Through? (Part 2 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on October 29, 2007.


(Continued From Part One)
The enemy has us all figured out.  He knows which buttons to press, which feelings to arouse, and what tactics to employ to force us to our limit(s).  Why?  Because we fall for that same foolishness time after time after time.  So, let's get real about this thing!  YES, the enemy's got your number, and he's not afraid to pull it if it means thwarting you from making any further progress towards fulfilling your God-given purpose.

We can't avoid pain, so we just need to go ahead and get over it.  Pain is necessary, so don't be afraid of it.  I know that's not probably what we want to hear, but it's true.  We love to hear messages about sweatless victories, everything working for our good, and no weapon formed prospering.  But what happens when you're in the middle of that trial sweating buckshots?  How do you deal with the long process of everything working for your good?  What are you gonna do when that formed weapon is heading right your way?

Realize that your anointing can only be refined in the furnace of your affliction.  And you can take that one to the bank!  So don't use pain as an excuse to quit.  If that be the case [regarding the refinement of your anointing], then you need to prepare yourself to deal with the pain whenever it comes.  See, your trials don't come to make you strong.  Be for real: they've come to take you out of here.  However, when you maintain the proper perspective--that is, GOD's perspective--as well as the right attitude, then that trial sent to take you out becomes an opportunity for growth, refinement and victory.

But you can't get there until you make up in your mind that you cannot quit.  Come hell or high water, you can't give up.  You must be willing to break through!  Whatever it takes to break through the quitting points of your past, commit now to pressing your way beyond the limitations.  Resolve that GOD has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

If you find that you've boxed yourself in via the idolatrous worship of avoiding pain, then it's time that idol be destroyed.  Grab hold of endurance because that's what you need (Hebrews 10:36).  Distance runners experience a lot of pain, but it's endurance that won't allow them to quit.  They continue running despite the pain because they're in pursuit of something greater than quitting can provide.  Moreover, the pain no longer matters because they know that it's necessary for them to succeed.  And because they already knew that, they trained in preparation for the pain!

You want to succeed, don't you?  Then be willing to break through the quitting points.  If you choose to make that decision, I promise that you'll never live to regret ever having made it.

Are You Willing To Break Through? (Part 1 of 2) | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

The following blog was posted on my former MySpace blog on October 29, 2007.

I recently read a passage of Dr. Wayne Cordeiro's "Attitudes That Attract Success" that resonated within me: "When we reach a certain level of physical, emotional or mental pain, we reach a quitting point and our systems begin to shut down.  This quitting point can be the result of past habits, or it may simply be our predetermined tolerance level for problem solving.  Whatever the cause, we bail out with predictable consistency at that certain quitting point."

I'm reminded of a time not too long ago when I was in elementary school.  For two years, I played the drums.  Between the practice sessions at school and home as well as the private lessons, I spent an awful lot of time with the sticks.  But what I remember most about that whole experience was the moment I quit.

My private instructor was teaching me how to read sheet music for an entire drum set, which was difficult by itself.  I became so frustrated with the challenge and difficulty of perfecting my hand-eye coordination along with the sight reading that I literally pitched a fit in the middle of my lesson and refused to ever play again.  Not only do I remember that event, but it's one decision I admittedly regret was ever made.

Life has a way of confronting our notions and concepts unlike anything else.  It's so true what they say: "A fool must see his folly before he can become wise."  We get so caught up in our routines and comfort zones that when life places in front of us a problem that requires us to stretch ourselves beyond our known limitations, we quit.  As soon as something demands a little more focus than we're accustomed to giving, or we're required to exhibit increased discipline in an area that was beforehand unnecessary, we jump ship real quick.

At what point do we become willing to break through our quitting points?  At what time do we realize that as long as we keep quitting we're impeding our growth?  Better yet, when will we stop committing idolatry?  Say what?!  That's right!  I-D-O-L-A-T-R-Y.  We've become so hell-bent on avoiding pain that it has become our god.


(To be continued in Part Two on tomorrow.)