Get In Your Element

There is nothing like being in your element because--when in that space--you come across as confident, at peace and fearless. This is why it is important for you to allow your Creator to make clear the gifts He has wired you to express via your existence. Any area of gifting you possess, as shared by Dr. Myles Munroe, is to be understood as territory in which you are meant to dominate. And being armed with this understanding, you can--without apology--focus your time, talent and treasure in maximizing your efficiency through targeted deployment of your unique giftedness.

The abilities you come to understand as GOD-given gifts MUST be nurtured. Doing so refines the rawness of your abilities into a polished presentation of them that sets you apart as one who dominates in your respective area(s) of gifting. But in order to fluently express your gifting at such notable levels, demand MUST be consistently placed on your potential to produce it with excellence. This is the key to surpassing good and becoming exceptional. As you deploy your gift, excellent delivery of it ensures the continued employment of your gift, because people will consequently come looking for you in order to access what you produce when in your element.

So whenever you experience being in your element, thank GOD for each and every opportunity He gives you to function in the capacity for which you have been well-equipped. After all, it is His gift working in and through you to do that which is His will and good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Each opportunity you are afforded testifies of GOD's ability to guide your feet into places which He has already prepared for you to succeed. Therefore, wherever you may find yourself on the journey to greatness, being in your element is always a cause for celebration and thanksgiving. 

Show Me How To Get It For Myself

"You can't be my friend and NOT show me how to get it for myself." --Floyd Mayweather

As I recently watched video of a recorded conversation between boxing champion Floyd Mayweather and award-winning recording artist Snoop Dog, my attention was arrested upon hearing the above statement.  Mr. Mayweather was sharing that it was simply not enough to enjoy experiencing someone else's home, yacht or jet.  It was, in fact, more important to him that he learn how to get his own to enjoy.  But here's the kicker: look at how important it was that he gain access to this information...  In his mind, it is the granting of access that legitimizes the friendship!  There was no way Floyd Mayweather was going to regard ANYONE as friend who would rather showcase their prosperity than show him how to prosper as they have so done.  NOW THAT'S POWERFUL!  

Too often, we find ourselves merely admiring what others have attained AND feeling privileged for the opportunity to witness their prosperity.  But what good is experiencing someone else's prosperity and afterwards remaining clueless as to how they were able to come into such abundance?  Of course, everyone isn't interested in that kind of information because we all know people who would rather enjoy the privileges of others without the responsibility of securing and maintaining it themselves.  However, for those who desire to know, each encounter with another's abundance is seen as a life-changing learning opportunity. 

Power Belongs To The Responsible

I was reminded last week of something my good friend and brother Prophet William L. Johnson II shared in a teaching a couple of years ago: "Power belongs to the responsible."  That statement really stood out amongst all he shared in that particular evening of revival, and it arrests my attention even now as I ponder over who power belongs to.  If you have ever taken a Physics course, then you're most likely familiar with the idea that power is the ability to do work.  Not just something that lies dormant, it is a force that enables the empowered entity to fulfill some degree of purpose. Therefore, power is only as valuable as the work it actually accomplishes. It makes no sense to possess power if it results in nothing purposeful. And let's be frank here: irresponsible people lack a sense of purpose.

In the hands of irresponsible people, power becomes abused (or "ABnormally USED").  As my favorite teacher, Dr. Myles Munroe, has said, "Where purpose is NOT known, abuse is inevitable."  Irresponsible people do not seek to understand purpose because it requires too much of them.  And without an understanding of purpose, people are totally clueless as to how they should respond to anything.  Furthermore, if responsibility indeed be the ability to respond, then why should supernatural power be entrusted to those who fail to appropriately exercise the limited ability they've already been given to favorably respond to life's demands?  It makes zero sense whatsoever...

Removing The Influence

One of the greatest misconceptions we can have about salvation is that it automatically takes away everything that allured us into sin prior to confessing Messiah as Lord and receiving the gift of eternal life. What we soon find out is that what tempted us before is still pretty hot and tempting. Those feelings somehow managed to stay... The only difference is what we could once freely engage in doing now stirs up feelings of guilt.  You see, what the preacher forgot to mention, when we decided to receive Messiah's invitation to discipleship, is that it's not the goal of salvation to cause the lust of the flesh and eyes as well as the pride of life (as found in 1 John 2:16) to just disappear instantly or even over time.

Wouldn't it be super easy to live holy if all the evil within us just went away like that? Why, of course, it would! In fact, we would absolutely love it because pleasing Yahweh would be a piece of cake. But there's really no power or glory in deliverance merely removing the presence of sin. Once it's gone, there is then no more need for the power and glory. It is essentially given a pink slip because it's services would no longer be needed.

The more accurate understanding is that sin will ALWAYS be present. Therefore, the power and glory lies in removing THE INFLUENCE of its presence in our lives so we can see and take the way of escape Yahweh promises us in moments of temptation (1 Corinthians 2:13). Salvation will never remove the temptation, but it opens the door for us to receive the power of the Set Apart Spirit to dismantle the attack of the adversary against our freedom as believers. Deliverance is indeed successful when it becomes part of our culture as Kingdom citizens to discern the presence of temptation, resist its influence and make our escape from its presence.

Trust In The LORD

It recently occurred to me how important it is to trust GOD.  We're so quick to say, "Oh yeah, I trust GOD."  But do we REALLY trust Him?  You see, trusting GOD is more than just placing confidence in GOD.  Yes, it's a VERY good thing to trust that GOD is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.  But a better question to ask ourselves would be, "At what level do I trust GOD to be who He says He is and do what He says He will do?"  I can assure you that we all do not have the same degree of confidence in GOD because there wouldn't be such disparaging differences in our lives if we indeed did.

Most--if not all--of us would agree that trusting GOD is super simple, when we can picture how He's going to come through for us.  That's technically NOT trusting Him (LOL!); but I'll make an exception this time.  I'm headed somewhere, though; so follow me...  When we really trust GOD, we don't even care HOW He fulfills His Word because our confidence rests in the fact that He's going to do just what He said.  It may not necessarily be how we would like for Him to do it or even when we feel He should do it.  But at the end of the day, GOD makes it happen just as He promised.

Take Responsibility

Responsibility is simply the ability to respond, as I've shared before on FHW.  Often times, we hear the phrase "take responsibility" and think of it as owning up to some manner of duty.  However, I wish to challenge your perception and understanding of taking responsibility.  If responsibility is indeed the ability to respond, then we must look a little deeper.  Ability, according to Merriam-Webster, is "the quality or state of being able; especially: physical, mental or legal power to perform."  It's further defined as "competence in doing" and a "natural aptitude or acquired proficiency."  To me, the key word in this definition is "power".  Should we get nothing more from this, it should be that ability translates to power.

When Jesus the Christ was preparing to ascend from the Earth back to Heaven, He instructed the apostles whom He had chosen to not leave Jerusalem before they were baptized with the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:1-5).  This baptism was of great importance because (1) it was promised by the Father, according to Acts 1:4, and (2) it would be followed by the receiving of power, as noted in Acts 1:8.  Therefore, if ability is power to perform, we can safely conclude that baptism with the Holy Ghost is necessary for the believer to be an empowered believer.  Without power, there lies within us a lack of competence, aptitude and/or proficiency, if we refer back to the definition of ability.

Beware of the Holy Indignant - Part 2 | 05.29.14

This blog post is a continuation of the previously published post of the same title.

The A-portion of Amos 5:15 reads, "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate."  If something is indeed unjust, unworthy, mean, unfair or wrong, then our response should be MORE than just dissatisfaction.  It should be hatred!  Bible here instructs us to do THREE things, not just to pick and choose which one(s) of the three we want to do.  It is, therefore, critical to our ability to righteously "establish judgment in the gate" that we "hate the evil, and love the good."  And in order to fulfill this prerequisite, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as stated in Romans 12:2, so that we can appropriately--and without question--discern evil and good BEFORE we establish judgment.

In considering "the gate," we must understand that it represents an opening--more specifically, a guarded opening.  This is why the aforementioned renewing of the mind is so important: it's designed to produce the mental sobriety necessary for us to successfully determine what goes in and out the gates of our lives.  Additionally, the phrase to "establish judgment" can be better understood as presenting the verdict.  And believe me: when the mind embraces GOD's verdict, the mouth can then articulate it with conviction.  But wait... Once pronounced, the verdict still must be enforced; and dissatisfied people DON'T enforce judgments.  Only the indignant are angry enough to call for the power of GOD as well as make the Spirit-led decisions that will guard the gate.

When people are desperate for change, they will do whatever it takes to see change happen. Therefore, may your worship welcome an uprising of holy indignation TODAY that will actualize your desire for change by spurring Spirit-led decisions for the power of GOD to back up on your behalf.

My Joy Is Not Available | 01.03.13

While in prayer on last night, I heard myself say, "Our joy is not available to be taken when we're in Your presence, GOD."  Clearly, the Holy Spirit inspired these words because I had never before thought or spoken them.  My mind was actually on Psalms 16:11, the latter portion of which I quoted just before uttering those words.  This year, my heart is fiercely determined to spend more time in GOD's presence than ever before.  It's my desire to experience GOD more and for His presence to literally be manifested in EVERY area of my life.  Therefore, STAYING in GOD's presence has become my number one priority.

To Like Or To Love | 12.29.12

A couple of days ago, I ended up in a conversation about the trials of trying to like difficult people.  We've all encountered those individuals who, for one reason or another, make it really hard for us to dwell peaceably with them.  Whether they be in our families, workplaces or the various organizations in which we're involved, there's always THAT SOMEONE whom we find ourselves going to GOD in prayer about because they repeatedly rub us the wrong way.  Well in that conversation, I shared what my own experiences have taught me; and it's my prayer that these life lessons are helpful to others, like myself, who are endeavoring to be those walking epistles read of men, both glorifying the Father above and pointing lost men to His amazing grace.

Becoming the Being | 01.30.2012

There is something to be said about being consistent.  The predictability that is characteristic of consistency IS NOT a bad thing.  As a matter of fact, it's crucial to the effectual availing of ourselves for the King's use.  Yes, the gifts and calling of GOD come without repentance (Romans 11:29); but that's certainly no excuse for being inconsistent.  Our problem is that we've become more comfortable with having the gifts and calling than we are with having the power required to effectively operate in them.  And since inconsistency is an indicator of disobedience, GOD is not interested in authorizing (or granting authority to) those who aren't willing to "become".

The Proof Is In The Power | 01.07.12

During the Christmas holiday, I had the wonderful privilege of traveling with my parents to New Orleans to spend time with my extended family.  While there, I was blessed to visit the church that I call home because it's where I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior during my teenage years.  The Life Center Cathedral in New Orleans is a very special place to me, and I was so glad to see everyone there.  Bishop J. Douglas Wiley delivered a message on Christmas morning entitled "A Difficult Path To a Merry Christmas" from 2 Corinthians 8:9, a major point of which was:

"Jesus proved that GOD owns everything by multiplying food, ceasing storms and raising the dead."

Word of Encouragement | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

It's the anointing on your life that draws the attack of the enemy.  But it's the calling of GOD upon your life that allows the attack of the enemy.  Since Romans 8:28 says that all things work out for your benefit, there's no need to lament the attack of the enemy on your life.  As a matter of fact, you can celebrate it because GOD has already fixed this thing so that you emerge from it better than you were before.

So instead of worrying about the situation you're in, start celebrating the victorious outcome GOD ordained for you in eternity.  Don't allow yourself to become frustrated with the circumstances.  And if you should become frustrated, don't take it out on the people around you.  This warfare is not one against flesh and blood.  It's spiritual.  So don't look for anyone to blame for how you're feeling.  Discern the demonic influences that are responsible for what's happening, and command them to leave.  It's the perfected praise of a confident people that creates for the Kingdom of Darkness an uninhabitable, toxic environment.

Let THIS test showcase how much you've learned and matured since the LAST one.  Don't let it expose how ignorant and immature you still are.  Times of testing are dedicated to revealing how much wisdom you're walking in.  And if wisdom is applied knowledge, it's nearly impossible to apply what you don't know.  So see this faith trial as an opportunity to be promoted in the Kingdom.  As I once heard a mentor of mine, Minister Steve Lawrence, say, embrace the test so you can get the power.  That's how you get to the next level.  It's not confessing the next the level, singing about another level or rejoicing over a "next level" prophetic utterance that ushers it in.  You make it to the next level when you pass the test.

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.

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.

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)

Hello Fear, My Name Is... | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

This blog post is taken from a conversation with my friend and brother, Gary ("Mr. G. Lee" himself...LOL!), on Facebook last night.  (Side Note: It's his fault I didn't finish "Silencing the Critics--Part 2."  So for those of you who were looking for the next installment, blame him.  LOL!!!  I'm sooo joking...Gary's a great guy, so y'all can leave him be.)  I felt compelled, though, to share this on the blog because the Holy Spirit literally gave me this on the spot.  I've NEVER BEFORE had to explain what you will read below, so I give GOD the glory for guiding my thoughts, words and fingers (as I speedily pulled scriptures off my copy of E-Sword).

Gary Lee Jonez
...I've been in PLENTY of scenarios where I've depended on the Lord but the suspense of trusting the Lord when ur hanging by a thread can feel like so much!!!  It was easier to just stay... in the boat if ya know what I mean.  Even Peter, who took a leap of faith and went out and did what many were afraid to do (WALKING ON WATER!!!).... still felt uneasy as he walked to Jesus.  He began to sank when he lost focus but thankfully Jesus caught Him just in time.  If walking by faith meant u never feel uneasy about decision I suppose everybody would be walking by faith.  I still wonder is there such a place in the Lord where literally all fear subsides in faith?  The scripture says perfect love casts out all fear right?  I'm wondering what that really means?  Is "fear" merely unbelief?  Would it be inclusive of the emotional/psychological kinds of fear?  Is trust always believing while afraid, or is trust something we do to not be afraid?.... More thoughts plz...lol

Enforce Satan's Defeat | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

I don't know about you, but I'm just about tired of the enemy running all roughshod over GOD's people.  Anyone who knows me knows that I try my best NOT to give Satan any airtime, but sometimes you've just got to let the hell chaser in you make a quick cameo appearance so the devil can be reminded of--as my pastor says--"how the cow ate the cabbage."  Let it be known now, henceforth and forevermore that we're here to enforce Satan's defeat. That's right!  The works of the devil have ALREADY been destroyed, according to 1 John 3:8, because this destruction was the purpose for which the Son of GOD was manifested.  And it's time out for us, the children of the Most High GOD, accepting the foolishness of fallen angels and their defeated leader.

EVERY structure the enemy has erected has been destroyed.  Whether it be sickness, poverty, spiritual damnation, abuse, confusion, low self-esteem, addiction, hatred, fear...WHATEVER it may be...Thanks be to GOD, Heaven's demolition crew has reduced it ALL to rubble.  Part of Jesus' four-fold ministry, as outlined in Matthew 4:23-24, was healing the sick and delivering those who were afflicted by demons.  What we must understand, friends, is that--as Dr. Myles Munroe best put it--"deliverance is instantaneous, but freedom is a process."  Yes, Jesus' wrecking ball toppled what Satan erected to make life on Earth miserable, but GOD has given us the power and the authority to stand guard over the remaining rubble.  Every hindrance, disappointment, setback, etc in our lives lies in that rubble.  So we must dare not let the devil grab a single brick from it because he'll erect another structure, if we let him. 

Thy Will Be Done | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

As I was listening to the song "As It Is In Heaven" being ministered by the Chief Musician at my church during this morning's worship service, I received an increased understanding of the portion of the model prayer that says, "Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven."  My mind has been pondering this quite a bit, especially since I recently produced an audio blog entitled, "Fly Away Syndrome," which was quite the experience in and of itself.  As the Holy Spirit ministered that blog post's content to me in January, it challenged much of what I heard over the years and to some degree even believed.  And hearing that song this morning inspired the following thoughts.

Jesus instructed us in the model prayer to petition the Father for His will, purposes and intentions to be manifested NOW in THIS ENVIRONMENT just as it's ALREADY been manifested in Heaven.  WOW!!!  Christ is expecting us to desire both HERE and NOW everything that Heaven comprises and represents.  We say there's no sickness, sadness, or poverty in Heaven, but our Father is waiting for us to desire this very same atmosphere in Earth simply because it's already existent in Heaven.  As a matter of fact, He wants us to desire it so much that we actually petition Him to manifest it in our midst.  Glory to GOD! (If you all only knew how I felt right now as I'm writing this!)

Kingdom Media Mandate | The Worshipper's Thought of the Day

On Thursday, I was reminded of my calling to deal with media; and I think I'm getting a better understanding of how this passion for communication is going to be channeled to advance the Kingdom of Heaven here in the Earth realm.  Over the years, it's been challenging to get a clear picture of just how I'm going to use this skill set and passion, or rather how GOD plans to use them--after all, He created me with them.  But I must say that the journey has been more than interesting.

Well, at any rate, let me share with you what happened this week.  A good friend of mine was trying to take advantage of an opportunity to share Kingdom insight on a rather controversial topic during a well-known  nationally syndicated radio program.  The widely renowned host of the show sent out a request via social media for participants.  My friend responded because it offered a national platform to communicate a Kingdom message to a captive audience.  Although the host understood my friend's stance, he wasn't interested in pursuing this hot button topic from this perspective.  In fact, it was the host's intention to express criticism of how some ministers have handled situations pertaining to the topic.  In other words, the host had an agenda from the very beginning that contradicted the Kingdom's stance on the topic and he was not interested in introducing the Kingdom's perspective to the discussion for balance.  What most bothered me, though, was the fact that this personality, I'm sure, has a significant listenership of believers who didn't need to be exposed to his slant on the topic as well as unbelievers who were going to be intentionally denied any exposure to the Kingdom of Light's perspective.  Since I don't follow this particular media personality's work, I'm not even sure if he is a believer.  However, if he is, I can guarantee that he will have some explaining to do at the judgement.