Are we ready...???

An email I received from Revive Israel, an organization that the ministry I work for supports had a video within it entitled “Are We Ready? Testimony and Parable of the 10 virgins”. (click here to view) Immediately (before watching) I shuddered internally. I’m NOT ready for Jesus’ return. I’ve grown too consumed with myself, too concerned about the ways of the world and how it affects me, too plagued by imaginations that I’m supposed to be casting down but I’m just letting lie… yes, lie… lie in one spot in my soul (mind, will, and emotions), but also lie as in the imaginations are NOT true! They’re called imaginations for a REASON. WHY are they dominating me? It’s not always so obvious to us when this is the case, but they’re dominating me because I’m ALLOWING them to. At some point, I have to FIGHT BACK and DECLARE that enough is ENOUGH! Whether it’s a layer of something old or fear wrapped around something new, it’s NOT welcome.

Last year, preparing for this new year I began hearing the words FRESH WIND. I mulled it around in my mind and finally said, “Okay, Lord. I come into agreement with the fullness of this phrase” right before the New Year made its entrance. A prophetic bulletin released by Lana Vawser entitled “THERE IS A FRESH WIND BLOWING” mid-January caused the phrase to settle even more deeply within me, as I resonated with every word that I read. (click here to view) What I think we tend to forget (at least I do) is that every word we receive is most often tested in our lives, in one way or another. I’m reminded of the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 (read it here). Is the ground of your life capable of receiving? Do you hear and understand? Is your heart one that is softened? Can you hear with your ears and see with your eyes? Are you willing to turn/shift/repent/mature so that God can heal you? Don’t allow your tests to snatch what belongs to you. Don’t allow your tests to cause you to fall away from the faith.

Even though my lack of readiness for Christ’s return drew me to journal (and I mean journal for real, like, I wrote this on pen and paper first…lol), it’s clear to me that a need for healing and repentance is at the root of my hesitation. Something I’ve learned about healing over the years is that we must partner with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to receive it, and when it’s not instant, we can’t allow the imaginations (from the enemy) to rise (again) and tell us that there’s no power in the Triune God to bring us the VICTORY that is imminent. It’s a lie. Go through your process and try to be as gracious as you can while you do because you’re sowing seeds. Will it be a harvest of good fruit, or will it be a crop failure?

• Don’t allow your pain to keep you from reaching out to your dear friend or family member after a fallout or keep you from reconciling and reconnecting with your husband or wife after a string of disagreements or disappointments.
  

• Don’t allow your pain to keep you from the house of God (a Bible-believing Church or ministry where the pastors emphasize the Word of God and healthy community/fellowship with other believers.
  

• Don’t allow your pain to keep you from experiencing the fullness of the love of Christ daily and, one day, seeing Him face to face.

Like the old saying goes, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” 😀

MAY YOU EXPERIENCE A HEALING FLOW IN YOUR LIFE THIS YEAR, AND IN THE YEARS TO COME.

I can’t leave you without giving you an uplifting, healing song to listen to (it’s one of my favorites from back-in-the-day, for me that’s 1997… I was in 7th grade, I think). Take a listen: Cry No More

Need some healing and need some help walking it out? Click here to schedule an in-person Heart-Work help session if you live in South Bend, Indiana or a virtual one if you live outside of the area.

Wishing you love, joy, peace, and fresh wind,

Arielle

Accountability As H.E.L.P.

*From the message entitled “The Gift of Others” shared on 12/27/2020 at Christian Life Center South Bend.

I was so delighted to be asked to share in this message that basically gives credence to the fact that we were created with a need - not only for God - but also for one another. When we realize that we are gifts to one another we can grow in ways that we’d never thought possible because what I may lack you happen to carry in abundance, and where you may lack I happen to have an abundant supply. Along with my transcribed share, you can find the link to the entire message if you’d like to see - and hear - it. I hope this blesses you like it blessed me.

“

What does it mean to be accountable, and how can we function in it - effectively and efficiently - in our lives?

The definition of accountability is “the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.” (Webster’s Dictionary)

In a culture where blaming others for our failures and only accepting credit for our successes, it seems that accountability is a subject that we absolutely need to dive more deeply into and lay hold of.

I found another definition that really brought this principle home for me, and I hope it does the same for you:

“Traditionally, accountability is the obligation to give a reckoning or explanation for one’s actions and responsibilities to a higher authority…. In the church setting accountability involves managing the resources God has entrusted us with, organizing for service and mission, and providing programs to carry out the church's mandate. The goal is to help people grow in Christ and learn to find Him as the source, force and course of life. Indeed, accountability is to the church, what tracks are to a train: without it, we flounder, lose focus, detract from moral purity, and fail to achieve true unity and cohesion.” (Osisioma, 2013)

I was asked to share about Accountability AND Help, but I’d like to present Accountability AS Help.

H.ealing & Hope

E.ncouragement & (positive) Expectation

L.ove & Leadership

(fresh) P.erspective & Peace

The Word of God in Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Let’s get sharp today. :)

H!

H.ealing & Hope

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].” Galatians 6:1-2 AMP

What I’ve come to know about my own moments of insufficiency that lead to sin is that there is typically a root that needs to be plucked out and healed. When we respond to one another in gentleness by the leading of Holy Spirit, we can become that healing salve for one another. And if I recognize that I am no better - that I can be overtaken by a fault as well - that HUMILITY makes it easier for me to carry my brother or sister’s burden; and, if I’m carrying it WITH you that burden will never be too heavy. In this way we are helping to keep each other accountable by bringing Healing & Hope… and this is a two-way street. Not only do I need to be willing to carry it with you, you also have to be willing to receive the relief that comes from sharing a load. That takes humility as well.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP

E!

E. Encouragement & (positive) Expectation

1 Thessalonians 5 (the entire chapter) hit me in a brand new way as I sought the Lord regarding this subject of accountability, and, while I’m not going to read the entire chapter to you, it screams the necessity of accountability as we are encouraged to stay alert, be sober, and conduct our lives in a manner that is Christ-like. I believe it will minister to you should you decide to add that particular reading to your devotional time. There is a song that comes to mind, and it says, (singing) “I need you, you need me. We’re all a part of God’s body. Stand with me. Agree with me [the Matthew 18:20 kind of agreement… “For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”]... (so) (continue singing) Stand with me. Agree with me. We’re all a part of God’s body. It is His will that every need be supplied. You are important to me… I need you to survive.” You are important to me and the Kingdom of God… I need you to survive… I need you to be healthy and whole, I need you at peace and set free… so that our body functions optimally. Every piece of this body matters. YOU matter. That is encouragement! And the positive expectation comes in with this, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].”

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

L!

L.ove & Leadership

I feel that these two are the undergirding or foundation of what I’m speaking of. When we walk in love, the leadership is inevitable... but here’s a combined quote for you: “Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished”... because... “Love is where leadership begins”.

P!

(fresh) P.erspective & Peace

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture… Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Pastors Doug & Shanna had a session with my husband and I the day before our wedding in 2017 and shared the importance of us having a scripture foundation for our union - our why - to look back upon if and when things could become... “heavy” - that’s the safest way I can say that. :) But, what I’ve learned about this scripture is that it's a principle that works in relationship period… This can be for husband and wife, brother and sister, or even between friends. “Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” We weren’t meant to do life alone, and when we function in this way - with two rather than one - we are able to defeat the enemy. We’re stronger, we can see and hear better (two eyes, two ears right?)... TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. Together we can gain fresh perspective, ultimately bringing us peace because we know that we don’t have to walk through anything in this life alone. We are better when we hold one another accountable by H.E.L.P.ing. each other. What is H.E.L.P. again?

H! Healing & Hope

E! Encouragement & (positive) Expectation

L! Love & Leadership

P! (fresh) Perspective & Peace

“

References

The Word of God

Webster’s Online Dictionary

“Accountability In the Church” by Benjamin Chuka Osisioma, August 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282090580_ACCOUNTABILITY_IN_THE_CHURCH

CLCSB | The Gift of Others | Pastors Doug & Shanna Neal - 12.27.2020

https://youtu.be/kZ57dFGQzJs

The Chasm Between the Black Race and Faith

I am grateful to have been born.

I am grateful to have been born black.

I am grateful to have been born a black woman.

I am grateful to have been born a black woman IN America.

I am grateful to have been born a black woman in America in a household of faith.

Many could say that these things are strikes against me. Over the years I’ve veered in and out of seeing it that way, but, today, I recognize that ALL of these things have made me who I am including the “strikes” that led to ill treatment that I’ve experienced at the hands of people who didn’t value me - including those within my race. From my friends parents making difference because I was black (telling their kids they couldn’t play with me - we were in Kindergarten)... and my 2nd grade teacher saying she didn’t know how to teach a black child (thankfully my mother was heavily involved in my education and didn’t let things like that slip by - valedictorian of my high school class)... to desiring to date outside my race and learning from the guys who were interested in me that their family just wouldn’t allow it. There’s a whole lot more in between the lines of all of these mentions and so much more that I could share, but I don’t want to take away from the real reason I’ve chosen to write.

Where is the line between believing that my life is of value to the point that I say BLACK LIVES MATTER and approaching the conversation of race with love, in love, and through Christ? Or is it all a distraction from something else going on in the world? Or is there a depth of spiritual warfare taking place that I can’t quite wrap my mind around?

I am a black woman in America who has faith in Jesus Christ. The chasm between the black race and faith is that the Bible has been cherry-picked by many to suit their own fleshly desires (you know, like slave masters using it as a means to have and control their slaves). The cherry-picking, no matter what generation you were born in, yields a people who either continue to serve Christ but still have questions about the validity of the Bible or those who stray away entirely. I can imagine them asking, “Are we serving the same God?” I’ve found myself asking that question over the years, and even now. As I’m typing, I’m reminded of someone who was abused growing up - by a parent who claimed to be a Christ-follower. The abuse didn’t match the message, and that parent made it a part of it. That abused child (who is now an adult) does not believe in Christ as a result. Even though I’m emphasizing the black race, I know this happens with people of all races. Undoubtedly, as it’s been stated by many... deeper than a race issue this is a sin issue.

I’d written a post comparing the lack of equal thought processing between the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Ku Klux Klan. I’d seen people call BLM a hateful ideology (because on the surface BLM is just trying to assist with equality for black and brown people), but I wondered why the same hadn’t been inferred from those same people concerning the KKK who is still active but more covert in operation. I later removed my post because I was made aware of the fullness of the BLM Movement ideology. Black lives absolutely do matter, but I will not align myself with that movement. If you’re reading this, do your research. I will not debate concerning this, but here’s one article that was shared with me: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/did-you-know-black-lives-matter-supports-abortion-homosexuality-anti-family-agenda

You can agree or disagree, and we can still co-exist.😊

My husband is reading a book called “Woke Church: An Urgent Call for Christians in America to Confront Racism and Injustice”. Here’s a review: “Between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference.” –Frederick Douglass, 1845

The prophets of old were not easy to listen to because they did not flatter.  They did not cajole. They spoke hard words that often chafed and unsettled their listeners. Like the Old Testament prophets, and more recent prophetic voices like Frederick Douglass, Dr. Eric Mason calls the evangelical church to a much-needed reckoning. In a time when many feel confused, complacent, or even angry, he challenges the church to:

Be Aware – to understand that the issue of justice is not a black issue, it’s a kingdom issue. To learn how the history of racism in America and in the church has tainted our witness to a watching world.

Be Redemptive – to grieve and lament what we have lost and to regain our prophetic voice, calling the church to remember our gospel imperative to promote justice and mercy.

Be Active – to move beyond polite, safe conversations about reconciliation and begin to set things aright for our soon-coming King, who will be looking for a WOKE CHURCH.

What I’m learning from all of this is the need to be vigilant about what I allow into my eyes and ears, and that can be difficult to do in this age of overwhelming information. What’s TRUTH?

Do your research.

Let the Holy Spirit be your comfort and guide.

There’s SO much that I want to say... SO many directions this can take... but... this is all for now.

I’m praying for you... I’m praying for all of us...

Love, Arielle

*This song popped in my mind as I typed “Let the Holy Spirit be your comfort and guide.” ENJOY.

https://youtu.be/gKEjewWKuEo