Stay in your Lane: Keys for your assigned race

Hebrews 12

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Learning how to stay in your own lane especially in your divine assignments can take some time when learning how to balance at first, but ultimately as you mature as a runner; you are able to succeed at what was once the impossible by incorporating a few key steps into your regimen along the way. These keys are practical so they can fit any area you may need help in whether spiritually, relationally or even physically

1. Stay within your set boundaries
Going outside the white lines in a race will cause you to be disqualified. Pay attention to your own inside lines.

2. Be willing to bend as your go around the curve
Issues in relation to your assignment may arise, but you will have to learn how to just go with the flow. Remain Flexible.

3. Keep your pace
Don’t try to use all of your energy up at the beginning of the race. Pace yourself in the Holy Spirit.

4. Stay Focused
Set your face as flint on the task at hand. Remain faithful to God in your assignment. He will tell you when the assignment is completed.

5. Push forward when directed
At the leading of the Holy Spirit press into prayer and fasting when you are led to to do so. This will give you strength when you feel you are at your weakest.

6. Celebrate those who cross the finish line before you do
Rejoice and celebrate with others who are promoted or blessed before you are. What God has done for others can serve as motivation for you.

7. Keep a good attitude
Don’t try to overshadow someone else’s victory with a bad attitude. A victory for one in Christ is always a victory for the whole body of believers. We are on the same team.

Prayerfully, these simple keys will help you along your journey as you keep pace in the race that has been set before you. May you always feel the love, joy and faithfulness of those who are assigned to cheer you on daily. A runner always performs much better when they have positive people cheering them on. Blessings.

"A Poetic View" 2011 National Poetry Month Spotlight for this week: Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928, is an author, writer and poet who writes poetry with a flair of color and a whole lot of jazz. Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, she is only the 2nd poet to have recited poetry during a presidential inauguration in our nation's history. Angelou one of our nation's most recognized poet's has also worn many hats throughout her life & career including those of a civil rights activist, dancer, film producer, television producer, playwright, film director, author, actress and professor.

Dr. Angelou has received over 30 honorary degrees and is Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. On February 15, 2011, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom the nation's highest civilian honor for contributions to society.

The Lesson


I keep on dying again.
Veins collapse, opening like the
Small fists of sleeping
Children.
Memory of old tombs,
Rotting flesh and worms do
Not convince me against
The challenge. The years
And cold defeat live deep in
Lines along my face.
They dull my eyes, yet
I keep on dying,
Because I love to live.

Maya Angelou

"A Poetic View" 2011 National Poetry Month Spotlight for this week: James Mercer Langston Hughes

James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American poet, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best-known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "Harlem was in vogue".


The Negro Speaks of Rivers

I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I danced in the Nile when I was old
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.

I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.


The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (1920)

Woman in the Mirror

Who are you to yourself?


Who have you become since you first gave your whole heart to God? When people interact with you on a day to day basis who do they really see? How do you view yourself as a woman of God? Jesus asked his disciples a question in Mark 8:27-29 “Who do men say that I? When he listened to their comments about whom the people thought that He was, he then changed the direction of the question to make it become more personal. In verse 29, He asked them “Who do you say that I am?” and then Peter said to him, “You are the Christ.”

Now that the disciples finally knew who Jesus was, He was then able to explain to them what His divine purpose in life was and the reason why He came to save the lost. What have you been showing people around you about you? Is there anyone who really knows what God has purposed for you to do as a part of the body of Christ? Do you even know? Join me for the next few moments as we look into God’s mirror.

For people to even understand your purpose as a woman of God, you would first need to know who you are. Sometimes we can make the mistake of placing our identity into the hands of people whom we love and interact with daily. This is not the safest or the best thing to do because people can sometimes treat what is holy as something common. You dear sister are special and you are a royal daughter, part of a royal priesthood. You are indeed one of God’s most prized possessions, so why not do yourself a favor and allow these words to rest in your spirit today, because you are one of the Father’s very special jewels.

Secondly, when you look at yourself from this day forward, step back from the mirrors of society and truly see yourself differently. You are no longer the woman who was born into sin and shaped in iniquity; you have been purchased for a price because you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Yes, I know and believe me when I say this that we have all done things in our past in which we may not be proud of, but God sent His beloved Son into the world so that the person we used to be would now be washed in the blood of Jesus. So, if you still need just a bit of reassuring about what God says about you let’s go straight to the word of God, which should always be the measuring rod you use when you are dealing with any of the cares and issues of life.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

3. Psalm 8:4-5 What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him? For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and you have crowned him with glory and honor.

4. Psalm 139:14 I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

5. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

6. John 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

7. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

When you see what the word of God says about you and the fact that He has redeemed you and now sees you as righteous because of His Son, well what possibly could stop you now? Sister, know that you are loved and are a tremendously blessed and highly favored woman of God. He has called you for a specific purpose just as He has called you to make a difference in the lives of those around you. When you know whose and who you are, you’ll have all the confidence to walk forth into your divine purpose. Now let’s go back to your mirror, now tell me what do you see?

Quenching your thirst for Life

Psalm 42:7-8 “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your waves and billows have gone over me.”

Since our bodies contain up to 60% of water, it is extremely important that we replenish it to ensure that it operates according to God's original design, purpose and plan. Can you remember the times that you have been so thirsty that it took more than an eight ounce glass of water to satisfy your thirst? Then you promised yourself that you would never again forget to drink water because the lack of it made you feel all tired and depleted.

The poet in this psalm wrote how they desired and longed deeply for the presence of God during a time of uncertainty and waiting on God. Sometimes in life we can become wrapped up in so many things at once that we can become dry and parched not only in our natural bodies but within our spirits. When this happens our spirit will begin to long for the very thing which help to keep it well watered and that is the presence of the living God. As the deep part of us (our spirit man) calls out unto deep (the presence of God) our once dry and parched spirit is then watered as we receive what is needed for our natural body to be replenished.

Now that we have entered into a new year, as well as a new decade, it is essential that we take the necessary steps to ensure that we keep a continual connection to our divine water source. The water which we receive from God is not only used to quench our thirsty spirits but it is also used to help quench the parched souls of those connected to us who may not know God.

So how do we keep a continual connection?

1. Give all your cares and concerns to God.

2. Ask God to reveal to you His divine purpose for your life.

3. Cut from your life those things or activities which have caused your spirit to become dry and parched.

4. Spend time daily meditating on the word of God.

5. Spend time in fellowship and prayer with God

6. Keep a song of praise and thanksgiving upon your lips.

As the living rivers in you stay connected to its true water source, God the Father, the living waters which flow up from out of your belly will never run dry and you will have overflow to help water others.

Blessings,

Arnita L. Fields


If you would like to know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please pray the following prayer:

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 now I commit to serve him for the rest of my days. It’s in Jesus’ name I do pray, Amen.

Welcome to the family of God!

For more information about your new found life in Christ, you may send an email to arnitafields@yahoo.com and we will be glad to send you a free booklet on your New Birth in Christ.

Moving Forward: Beyond 2010

Update for 12-11-10

I'm up working late on homework and was led to get this devotional from five months ago and repost. As I think about the place I was during that time versus where I am now, I know personally that I am a much better person because of the changes I had to face. Even after all of the changes I had to go through, I am yet a determined woman who is pressing ahead and moving foward as this year comes to a complete close.

Father God has great things in store, and I am joyfully expectant as a child would be when a parent promises a surprise gift months in advance. My prayer for each of you during the coming weeks is that you remain  stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor has not been done in vain. God is a rewarder of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Stay focused despite the small irritations and distractions. Know that God has you covered under the shadow of His wings because you are consistently making time to love on Him and to dwell in the secret place of the Most High God.

God Bless you and Merry Christmas!

Arnita L. Fields


Original Post

As I sat working on a project during the third watch of the night, I began to hear the rustling of the wind outside my window. As the wind picked up speed and lightening began to light up the sky, it was inevitable that a huge storm was about to pass through Memphis. After spending a few moments listening to see if I should just go on to bed and finish up what I was working on later today, I began to type faster as words began to flow up out of my spirit. Although a huge storm was moving throughout the city, I still had to remain focused and keep on working because God still had something to say despite what was going on around me.

During the course of the past few months Israel Houghton’s song “Moving Forward” has come up repeatedly in my spirit. I love this song not because Israel is one of my favorite minstrels, but because the words resonate with my spirit as a charge to move forward into the things that God has purposed for me to do and in the time that I have been allotted to do them in.

This morning during my quiet time as I listened intently to what the spirit of God was saying, I began to hear that there were some things in my life that needed to be closed out and completed before the end of this month. July which is the seventh month is also known as the month of completion. As details of the items that needed my immediate attention were revealed, I began to make mental notes so that I would not forget one single thing. God was truly showing forth His wisdom as He began to confirm to me details about the upcoming season and the things that were coming to a close in my life right now.

Although my breakthrough stands within sight on the horizon, I am truly glad that I was up and working before the storm came, it has put my mind at rest knowing that this type of cleansing rain was good not only for the city but for my soul and spirit as well.

One of my favorite scriptures is Ecclesiastes 3, where in verse 1 Solomon writes; “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” With this thought in mind, as I move closer to my 44th year of life, I am learning so much more about myself as an individual as well as who I am as a child of God. Although during the course of 43 years, I have made numerous mistakes, and have by the grace and wisdom of God made many good decisions. Many of these decisions led me closer to God and many others took me away from His planned will for my life. Regardless of this fact, God had continued to shower His love upon and in me. My deepest desire and heart’s cry is to be a vessel unto honor and pleasing to God no matter the cost. After today, I have no plans of looking back; my face has now been set like flint so that I can move forward in God.

Although I have been directed to remove some people and things that have become distractions, I know that all things do work together for good in the end. Despite the many storms of this past season God has truly been merciful to me and my family. For without His mercy and grace I believe I would have fainted right smack in the middle of it all, but because I have a purpose and destiny to fulfill in God, He has come to strengthen me and to restore my soul.

May this note offer some type of encouragement to you as you prepare to exit the month of completion and enter into your very own month of new beginnings.

In God's love,

Arnita L. Fields, 2010

Aim High and Fly Higher!

I have the Plans

 

Jeremiah 29:11

 

You’ve been grasping for straws in the sea of life, running here and running there with all of your might.

Looking to Bobby and to Betty Sue, seeking out people, to see what they can do for you. Shut down your project and come seek after me.

I am the one who loves you and have come to set you free. I have great plans that pertain to your life.

I am the one who holds the puzzle pieces and can set them in place upright. I know the plans that I have for you, and I have the directions and the map, that will help to see you through.

Poem from the book THE WORD a Poetry Connection, copyright 2008 Arnita L. Fields