Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Fear of the Lord: Honoring God His Way


I would like to share with you something the Lord helped to make clear with His wisdom on this past weekend during a time of ministry. While discussing the topic “The Fear of the LORD” from the book by John Bevere, Father revealed how sometimes we treat the presence of others with more respect and honor then we do with His holy presence.  Following is the example He allowed for me to use as an illustration. While working in the marketplace a few years ago, the Director of the department I worked for came to the floor looking for one of the managers one day.  As the Director walked from one end of the floor to the other; you could hear one surprised response after the other. Oh hi, how are you? Great, it’s good to see you! What brings you up here? Etc. etcetera. Additionally, you would began to hear the sudden and quick typing of fingers upon keyboards along with papers being shuffled upon desks as she walked by each section.  I would sit at my desk still working and smh at the sudden activity of productivity because the big boss was on the floor.

Interesting to note after many of these surprise visits, one or more of the employees would come to my desk which actually happened to be the first desk after the entrance of the section and say to me, “Why did you not call to tell us that she was coming back our way?” One time I simply replied, “What would it look like for me, jumping on the phone calling to alert everybody when we should always be working as unto the Lord daily anyway. My response was based on Colossians 3:22 where the word of God states; “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.” Unfortunately, hearing the truth of God that day did hurt the feelings of my former co-worker even though I spoke it in a gentle manner. A good question to have posed on that day would be, “Should the Director of the department I worked for have asked for permission prior to visiting our section or should she have free course because she is of course the Director? Before you answer the question, let’s take it a step further.

Now imagine God and the fullness of His glory entering your home without a moment’s notice. Would you be prepared to receive His presence or would you have to shuffle things around pretending like you have been busy doing the work of the Kingdom? Following His departure would you then proceed to call your neighbors asking “Why did you not call and tell me that God was coming to our neighborhood today?” Same scenario as the first but different on so many levels because God of course is the Sovereign and Holy God and He is much more worthy of the honor and the glory. Although some may think this would be an interesting situation to find oneself in, it can very well begin to happen especially if we as the people of God continue to treat the presence of the Father as something common.

Each day as God allow for us to get up from our bed; it is then that we can make the conscience decision to serve Him and reverence Him as the Sovereign God that He is. Also as we begin to walk in the fear of the Lord on a daily basis we are ensuring that we are taking advantage of the opportunity to get to know the Father in a personal and intimate way. The word of God states in Proverbs 9:10 that the “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One understands.” These powerful words should be viewed as extremely important in the life of every Christian.  The word “Wisdom” as described in the Leadership Bible is “the ability to use the best means at the best time to accomplish the best ends. It is not merely a matter of information or knowledge, but of skillful and practical application of the truth to the ordinary facets of life.” By understanding and walking in the fear of the LORD, our obedience to God in honoring Him will help to unlock and keep open the doors to the things that are needed for us to carry out the divine will of the Father in our daily lives. Attempting to live our lives without respecting and honoring God, can only lead to the pathway of walking in the impure wisdom of the world. The wisdom of the world is definitely no match for true wisdom which can only come from relationship with the Heavenly Father.

So how can we as Christians continue to honor and reverence God His way?


1.      First, we have to search our hearts and repent for any of the times that we treated His holy presence as something common.
2.      Seek to spend more time reading and mediating upon the word of God. This will help us to know Him in a greater capacity.
3.      Taking time during the course of our day to spend quality quiet time in His presence. Doing this allows for us to know Him in a more intimate way.
4.      Opening our hearts and accepting His wisdom and instruction by making application to our daily lives.

May your life from this day forward be greatly enriched as you begin to walk in the fear of the Lord by reverencing God as the Sovereign God that He is.     



Blessings,

Arnita L. Fields

A Scribe to the Lord, a Scribe for the Lord


References:



Zondervan Publishing House, the Leadership Bible; NIV. Grand Rapids, Michigan.


If you desire to be forgiven of all your sins and get to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please pray the following: 

Prayer of Salvation
I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days. It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.
If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please call or write us, we will be happy to send you a free booklet.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

2012 National Poetry Month: Spotlight on Poet I. Renai Collins

It is our pleasure here at "A Poetic View" to honor poet, I. Renai Collins during the 2012 National Poetry Month this April. She is truly anointed to write unto the Lord and it is an honor to know such a precious vessel of God.

Renai Collins grew up in Palm Beach County, Florida where she began the journey to becoming an award winning poet. For fourteen years, she made her home in Plano, Texas and it is there that her poetry began to receive the notice that it deserves.In 1995, Ms. Collins received a Special Merit Award from the Ninth Annual Iva Mary Williams National Inspirational Poetry Program. The program, which is sponsored by Cooper House Publishing and Poet Magazine honored Renai for her poem, Can’t, Can’t Be. Renai was also heralded by the Plano Star Carrier newspaper for her outstanding poetry.

Upon her return to Palm Beach County, Renai immersed herself into the area and continued to write and perform her phenomenal poetry. She started the Junior Poets of Palm Beach County in 1997 and served as vice-president of the Poets of the Palm Beaches from 1997 to 2001. In 1998 Palm Beach Magazine named Renai’s Open Mic Poetry group one of the top 25 best things to do from Boca Raton to Vero Beach, FL. In the April 24, 2002 issue of the Palm Beach Post, columnist Linda Haas wrote of Renai’s outstanding poetry in an article titled, Poet Tries to Inspire, Plants Positive Seeds with Her Words.

In addition, Renai served as Poet Laureate and hostess of adult and children’s poetry events for Barnes & Noble, Book-A- Million, schools, libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs along with numerous churches. Renai is a member of the American Academy of Poets and the American Christian Writers Association. Her book Can't, Can't Be was released in November 2009. You will also find her poetry on Cross Way Publication www.christianpoetry.org “Proclaiming God’s Promise Through Poetry”


Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee & Poet I. Renai Collins Presented the 1st Annual Poetry Contest January of 2011

 
Book Reviews:

All too often, we are inundated by negativity from the world around us. The stories of war, poverty, cruelty and sadness can threaten the resolve of even the most determined optimist. But I. Renai Collins’ poetry shines with a hopefulness that touches us deeply. She writes from the heart about the essence of our lives – family, beauty, and yes, love. Yet, this is not a collection of poetry that ignores the darker side of life. In “Remember Me,” the protagonist demands that her legacy be one of humanity, not perfection, and in “Colors,” Renai recounts the tale of a teenage victim of gang violence. However, even when Renai writes of pain it is covered in the grit of survival; we are left with no doubt that, although one’s past have yielded disappointments, the future offers goodness and light. In “Solid,” Renai writes: “Know my past/I do/my future/now I face/my roots are/firmly planted/I cannot/be moved.” It is this determination to be optimistic that sets Renai’s poetry apart; it is this determination that makes Can’t, Can’t Be a unique pleasure to read. - Africa Fine Author of Katrina, Becoming Maren and Looking for Lily

I continue to be amazed at the power of the word. Whether written or spoken, words can and will change your life. I. Renai Collins understands the power of the word and she has put her words to use in the form of poetry that will grab you from the very moment that you open her book. You will confront “Fear,” but you will refuse to let your “flame… be snuffed out before it is lit.” As you near the end of the book you will “transcend greed…and your eyes be opened by the truth, never to be blind again.” When you close this book after reading it the first time, although you will read it many, many times again, you will know without a doubt, that “what you dream really can come true.” Let the words change your life. - Steve White Publisher, Protective Hands Communications

Product Description - Amazon
Can't, Can't Be is a book of poetry by award winning poet, I. Renai Collins. Her poetry covers all aspects of the personal life experience. Renai takes you on a journey of your past, remembering those life changing experiences with your mother and grandmother. She explores the intimacy and the hurt of male, female relationships. She helps the reader visualize a brighter day and a better world. You will transcend the moment.


Friday, April 13, 2012

From the Father’s Heart (April 13, 2012 1:28PM)


Social Site Curses

Hear the voice of God today; hear the heart of the Father.
There are too many curses spoken through the mouths of my own
because they can not have their way.

Hear the voice of God today; hear the heart of the Father.
Submit all which concerns your life today into the hands of the Father.
Social sites are not the place for you to rant and rave.
My word has called for you to take your plight and come before Me; this day.

Hear the voice of God today; hear the heart of the Father.
I have not been pleased in how you say that you still represent me, the Father.

Come out from among them and wash and be clean, let Me purify your heart, for I AM the one who will supply what you need. 

Hear the voice of God today; hear the heart of the Father. There’s too many curses spoken through the mouths of my own and I AM not pleased says the Father.


April 13, 2012 1:28PM

Arnita L. Fields

A Scribe of the Lord, A Scribe for the Lord 


 
If you are in need of Jesus the Savior, you are welcome to pray the following prayer.

Prayer of Salvation

I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days. It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please call or write us, we will be happy to send you a free booklet.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Potter's Clay


Isaiah 64:8

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.


In this season as the Father is bringing forth His divine alignment in the earth and throughout the Body of Christ, it will be necessary as Christians to submit and be pliable to the winds of change.  Despite what we may have been accustomed to in this last season as well as in the seasons before; total submission of our vessels to God will allow for us to fully enjoy the benefits being made available.  Although this scripture in Isaiah is written as a call and plead for help from the Father against their enemies, the children of Israel realized that no matter what, they were clay and God was the Potter.

The process of taking clay and forming it into a beautiful vessel takes skill, patience and love. In the book of Genesis when God created Adam, he was formed from the dust and God blew into him the breath of life. It was at this moment that Adam became as God created Him; fearfully and wonderfully made. Wikipedia online describes clay in this manner:

There are several materials that are referred to as clay. The properties of the clays differ in: Plasticity, the malleability of the body; porosity, the degree to which the fired pottery will absorb water; and shrinkage, the degree of reduction in size of a body as water is removed. The various clays also differ in the way in which they respond to different degrees of heat when fired in the kiln. Each of these different clays are composed of different types and amounts of minerals that determine the resulting pottery. There are wide regional variations in the properties of raw materials used for the production of pottery, and this can lead to wares that are unique in character to a locality. It is common for clays and other materials to be mixed to produce clay bodies suited to specific purposes.”

Just as the first man Adam was created for a specific purpose, so are we. As seen in the description about the clay above, we see that there are various types of clay and that some even contain different amounts of minerals. With this thought in mind, we the people of God are all clay before the Father, and even though He formed and fashioned each one of us individually; we must understand that we all may not have the same type and mixture of clay. Some may have a greater mixture in some areas than others but none the less; we all have to submit and remain pliable in the hands of the Master Potter.

After being called into the ministry in the 90's, at first I did not heed the call of God that was upon my life because of fear of what to do with what I heard. Years later after accepting the call and attending ministry school in Nashville, Father continued to shape and mold me as the seasons changed and the new ones came forth. During this time I wrote the poem below and shared it with my classmates because I had been thinking about dropping out of the class which was now in its 2nd year because I was experiencing some hardships in many areas of my life.

The funny thing about me not wanting to be pliable in God’s hands was that I was not the only one. In fact, we all had hardships which tried to take our focus off of the future plans of God for each of our lives. But in the end; I had to die and submit to what Father was speaking to me individually. Which now leads to the last point; it does not matter what you have been or are going through even at this very moment, know that God has created and shaped you to handle anything that comes your way. You are fearfully and wonderfully made and designed with a purpose. Keep this reminder in your heart concerning all things, Father God is the Potter and you are His clay, humble your heart and die to yourself and let the Father always have His way.

April 11, 2012

Blessings & love,

Arnita L. Fields

A Scribe of the Lord, a Scribe for the Lord


References:


http://biblebrowser.com/isaiah/64-1.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Humbled Again

Hard and gritty with a shape that was unknown, I was an unshaped blob of pottery moved from the shelf to on the floor, in a room all alone.

I had lost that original beautiful shape in which I was uniquely made.
I thought I was the same not even noticing my color had even darkened a shade.

As I sat alone in the darkness of this room on the floor, I soon realized that it was my attitude that had changed and I had allowed pride to enter through my heart's door.

Now repenting, but grateful, I ask the Potter for more mercy and for grace. As I repented for my shortcomings and how I allowed the pride of life to pull me down from my place.

Immediately the door is opened and a bright shining light fills the room.
I'm happy and elated as the entrance of the Potter makes me forget my previous gloom.

He picks me up so gently and holds me in His hands. I'm overwhelmed with love for Him as He places me back on that grand old potter's stand.

He wets me down with water as to soften up my old frame. He mixes in a special blend of clay that won't dry right away.

The Potter sits me back out on the shelf not far from the bottom row. It will take some time for me to dry out and adjust to my new mold.


Arnita L. Fields (c) 2002



 
If you are in need of Jesus the Savior, you are welcome to pray the following prayer.

Prayer of Salvation
I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days.

It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please call or write us, we will be happy to send you a free booklet.












Monday, April 9, 2012

Holiness



Resurrection Morning after enjoying a time of worship and praise before leaving home  to attend corporate worship at my church, Father spoke to my heart concerning the word holiness and how it relates to His people.  He brought to mind 1 Peter 1:15-16 which also serves as the foundational scripture for Holy Poetry Publications and this song being ministered by Cece Winans. And the word of the Lord reads, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” The Father is a holy God who is worthy of all the glory, honor, praise and adoration due to His name. As the Holy God that He is, He also desires that we as the children and people of God be holy as well.

If you have questions concerning what true holiness is, by the time you are done reading this post you will have a better understanding. So, how can we be holy the way God desires? Before we can define what holiness is we first have to understand that being holy is actually one of the characteristics of God. His character is what distinguishes who He is as the God of all creation. So to make things easier to understand, we first need to define the word holy which is described as:

1. Exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness

2. Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.

3. Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.

4. Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly: a holy person.

5. Specified or set apart for a religious purpose: a holy place.

Looking at this definition we can see that it gives us some understanding of the word holy and how the Father is to be treated.

So what are some of the ways we can exalt God? According to Psalms 57:9-11 it reads “I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”  In order to exalt God we would need to learn how to bless Him in the manner as the word “exalt” is described and that is:

1. To raise in rank, character, or status; elevate.
2. To glorify, praise, or honor.

We have now learned the meaning of the words “Holy” and “Exalt” which now will bring us back to the original discussion about “Holiness. The word Holiness is describes as:

1. The state or quality of being holy.

Now how do we as the children and people of God be holy as God is holy? First, let me say that we can never live a life that is 100 percent picture perfect like that of our Heavenly Father. He created us so He already know our limitations, but because of His grace we can accomplish anything He desires for us to do for Him. So in order for us to live a holy lifestyle and walk in holiness, first we must make a conscience effort with the Holy Spirit helping us to walk it out on a daily basis.  By walking in this manner daily our character and how we operate as an individual will help to distinguish and set us apart as a bonafide holy child of the Father.

If you desire to be more pleasing to the Father and step up your walk as a child of His, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas in your life which have been prohibiting you from living a lifestyle of holiness. It does not have to always be sins of the flesh, you could have personality or behavioral issues or broken areas which you desire a touch from God. Whatever the case may be, each of us have something we need the help of the Father to work on.

My prayer is that you have been enlightened, encouraged, and strengthened from what been shared from the Father’s Heart on today, April 9, 2012

Blessings & love,  

Arnita L. Fields

A Scribe of the Lord, a Scribe for the Lord



References






If you are in need of Jesus the Savior, you are welcome to pray the following prayer.

Prayer of Salvation

I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days.

It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please call or write us, we will be happy to send you a free booklet.



Saturday, April 7, 2012

Don’t Misplace Your Keys


Matthew 16:13-21 NIV

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will beg loosed in heaven.” Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

This has truly been such a fulfilling and enlightening “Holy Week.” Not only has God enriched my life immensely on this week but He has also enriched the lives of those who are near and dear to me. Truly this year will go down as one of my most treasured and memorable Holy Week’s to date, which takes us to our scripture reference for today.

This particular passage of scripture focuses on the time leading up to the last time of Passover which Jesus would actually be able to celebrate with his twelve Disciples. In fact this would of course be the most memorable week that the Disciples would experience since meeting Jesus and walking closely with Him.

During this time, Jesus is asking the Disciples if they knew who the people thought He was. When He asked the Disciples who they thought He was, Simon Peter then receives a touch from God and is given revelation which could only come from the heart of the Father concerning the identity of Jesus. When this revelation is revealed Jesus replies that the church which we are now a part of will be built upon this very revelation.  In addition to learning who Jesus is the Disciples also received the promise of a special set of keys which will help to serve as some of the most important tools that the church and modern day Christians would have access to.

Because these keys are special and unlike any keys we will come in contact with, we have to make sure that we keep them close where they are assessable at all times. How many of you have walked into your home and laid your keys down on a counter or a table and come back later they are no where to be found? It does not say these keys are not valuable to you because they are needed. But once these keys are found, you may find yourself placing them in a secure place where you can easily access them when you need them.

As you continue to reflect during these last few days of this special “Holy Week” may you be reminded of this special set of keys made available to us as a result of Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

Have a beautiful weekend.


Blessings & Love, 


Arnita L. Fields

A Scribe of the Lord, a Scribe for the Lord



Reference:




If you are in need of Jesus the Savior, you are welcome to pray the following prayer.

Prayer of Salvation
I repent of all of my sins and right now I do confess that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for the remission of my sins. I believe that Jesus died and was buried and rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. I receive Him now as Lord of my life and I now commit to serve him for the rest of my days.
It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.
If you have just prayed this prayer and want more information about beginning your new life as a Christian, please call or write us, we will be happy to send you a free booklet.