FINISHING WELL

Robin Ware

It's important that we pay close attention to timing of events that occur in our lives. We shouldn't allow time to float by or to let things just happen. For those with a destination in mind, you have to understand the value of providential moments.

We serve a God with a purpose. He uses providential moments to effect and or change our current paths permanently if we are obedient. As we get closer to the end of this year of trying times, economic challenges and multiple job losses, it's imperative that we draw even closer to God.

One of my first providential moments occurred in October 2003 when I was downsized from my job. I immediately knew that my survival depended on how I handled this moment. As I look back over the past 6 years, I can tell you that I thank God that I recognized this occurrence as a providential moment that would segue way me into my purpose and not as an instance that was recorded by me as being wronged, picked on or overlooked.

Often times, we as Christians, don't practice what we preach. We consistently say that we want what God has for us. It troubles me that when God gives us what he has for us, we question him, curse him and even turn our backs on him. The story of Job is so befitting for those that want to finish well. We know that God allowed the enemy to test Job. We have to understand that our tests and trials are no surprise to him.

If we are doers of the word, we know that the enemy will want to challenge God's best, which we all are. What assignments have you not completed that you know you must before the end of this year? Is it a book, a program for youth, or even a new career? What providential moment did you experience that clued you in that its time to make the next move?

It's heart wrenching to get knocked out when you are in a fight. Successful fighters spend years preparing physically and mentally for the challenge that lies ahead. Like fighters, God prepares us seasons in advance. Don't take anything for granted. You may not be where you think you should but what you have already experienced was for you to use in this season. God knew then what he could trust you with.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. One man was given 5 talents, one was given 2 and one was given 1. The catch is that they were given talents based on their ability. In order to finish the rest of this year of "birthing" it's important to get back in place, refocus and commit to go all the way so that you finish well.

SINGLE AND SIMPLY FABULOUS!

By: Michelle McKinney-Hammond

What do you think of yourself? How would you describe yourself to someone if you were being objective? Would you want to get to know you if you met yourself walking down the street? Well, it’s time to get under the skin you’re in.

I’ve told the story of the time I was deeply hurt in a relationship—so deeply I had a party with the devil who served me Unbelief Tea and Resignation Pie topped with “Why Me?” sauce. Well, the man got married and divorced. He became a Christian. He came back to me. I was thrilled.

Then we had a major disagreement. He married someone else without telling me. (Can you believe he got married on me twice? What was I thinking?)

Though it took a while, we resolved the past, and today we’re friends. One day when we were having a discussion I jokingly said, “Oh, no one wants to marry me.”

“Why wouldn’t anyone want to marry you?” he asked.

I replied, “I don’t know.”

He came back with: “Yes, you do. Why wouldn’t anybody want to marry you?”

That’s when the light came on in my head. I couldn’t think of any reason why a man with good sense wouldn’t want to marry me!

“Actually,” I said, “I think I am absolutely fabulous! I wasn’t always fabulous, but I am now, so the reality is that a man would be a fool not to want to marry me because I am a complete package.”

My friend replied: “Well, there you have it. I thought you knew that. You would be quite a catch for someone, but if you don’t know it, no one else will either. And men will treat you accordingly.”

His comments caused me to pause and reflect. I realized that lately I had been attracting a different kind of man. I had broken the cycle of disappointing relationships. I had changed.

That’s when it clicked: We attract people who feed off what we think of ourselves. Did you know that?

When I thought I wasn’t a great prize, I attracted people who reinforced that idea in my mind. I didn’t feel beautiful inside or out, so I allowed them to make me feel unattractive.

I didn’t feel as if I had any purpose, so I would lose myself in their pursuits and neglect the call God had placed on my own life.

I gave my heart away to the undeserving because I didn’t know how much it was worth. I was empty, spent by my efforts to find fulfillment in external things that would never satisfy.

Scripture says, “He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet” (Prov. 27:7, NIV). I don’t think I had any concept of what honey tasted like. It wasn’t real to me.

For me the bitter was as good as it got. It was what I was used to; therefore, I decided I should settle for it. After all, some man was better than no man at all, right?

Looking back, I see myself as a woman running around with her heart in her hand offering it to anyone who would have it: “Here, take my heart. Try it, you’ll like it!” Well, who would consider a giveaway valuable?

Girl, it’s time to come to know your worth and make no apologies for it.

Knowing Your Value

How do we get to the place in which our self-worth is intact? And how do we master confidence with grace?

When I address self-confidence and self-worth, please understand that I’m talking about getting a healthy perspective of your worth as a woman through Christ.

You are a pearl of great price. If Jesus thought you were worth dying for, there is no reason for you to believe others have the right to abuse the life He went through so much to save.

It is important for us to see ourselves as the King sees us. This can be difficult when we are bombarded by so-called perfect images via the media. According to them we should all be a streamlined size 6 or 8. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t hit those numbers since high school.

In the Song of Songs, the Shulammite woman speaks with confidence to her friends in defense of her looks, but she tends to lose that confidence when addressing the man of her dreams (see Song 1:5-7). Nevertheless, King Solomon sings her praises and pays tribute to her beauty (see vv. 8-10). Despite what she felt, he saw perfection.

As a result of reading Solomon’s dissertation, I have come to believe the media has misled us. It’s not about being model-thin with waist-length hair and chiseled cheekbones. It’s about being a complete package. This requires giving attention to both the outside and the inside of our beings.

Cultivate external beauty. The first thing that arrested the king was the Shulammite’s eyes (see Song 4:1). He said that they were like doves, which signifies that she did not boldly come on to him. She made a louder statement with her silence by displaying modesty and humility.

It has been said the eyes are the windows to the soul. This statement is not from Scripture, but it is true. If you are harboring any pain, any anger, any distrust, it will come to light in your eyes.

It is important to clear your heart’s deck with God so these negative things don’t become deflectors when you look at others. Your lips may smile, but your eyes will give your bitter heart away every time, and no amount of eye makeup can camouflage a wounded heart.

The king also liked his beloved’s hair. Women today have so many options that there is no excuse for not having beautifully groomed hair.

Don’t be above doing whatever it takes to get your head together—in more ways than one. Hair occasionally had significance in Scripture. For example, a Nazirite priest’s uncut hair was a sign of his commitment to God. What does your hair say about you?

Solomon mentions the Shulammite’s teeth, mouth and speech. She spoke things that were inviting, that caused him to want to spend time with her. Though she did not reach out to him, her mannerisms drew him to her.

Acquire internal grace. In mentioning the Shulammite’s inner qualities, Solomon revealed his heart to her. He called her his sister, his bride. He treasured her completely, granting her the same consideration and protection he would give to a sister.

The Shulammite woman was beautiful to the king because everything about her character was good. The fruits of her life were things that he valued because they mirrored the fruit of the Spirit (see vv. 13-16).

You might feel that the Shulammite’s standard of beauty is impossible to attain, but it isn’t. It’s not about being thin or about having perfect teeth or great hair! It’s about your being the best woman you can be, inside and out. Work with what you’ve got.

Dressed for Success

When you’ve achieved your own personal best, you’re going to feel good about yourself. Your different attitude will attract a different type of attention. When you’re comfortable with you, others will be too.

When Queen Esther was being prepared as a candi-date for the king’s bride, she, along with the other women, went through a beauty treatment that lasted for 12 months. They were entering a different lifestyle. Nothing of their old life was to remain. So they were treated with scents that delighted the king.

The day came when Esther and the others were ready to be presented to the king. On this occasion, the candidate for bride was given her choice of attire.

Esther asked the eunuch, who had been in the king’s employ for quite some time, what he thought she should wear. The other girls probably picked what to wear based on what had worked for them in the past. But it didn’t work for the king.

Seek wise counsel about what looks good on you—inside and out. Don’t get defensive when others offer constructive criticism; use it to your advantage, and get free. Don’t be afraid to let go of some old habits and embrace a new line of thought.

Esther listened when the eunuch told her how to dress for the king. More than enhancing your physical appearance, dressing reflects the countenance of your spirit.

All the fruit that Solomon raved about with the Shulammite woman should be evident in your life as the fruit of the Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit what you should wear daily in terms of attitude as well as what you should put on your body.

The bottom line is that we can all stand to improve ourselves. Change should be viewed as a positive adventure.

Pleasing the King

Don’t consider losing weight, changing your hair or even finding trendier clothes in order to get a man. Instead, take on each of these challenges as self-improvement steps toward being the best you can be for you and for the one who loves you most: the Lord Himself.

Being in good physical shape pleases God because you are taking care of your temple, His creation. You represent Him every time you walk out your door.

Trust me, God has great taste. So if you aim for catching His eye, the right man will be unable to resist you.

Beauty is hard work because it comes from within. Too many of us paint the outside without dealing with the inside, and it mars the finish every time.

God wants the man He places in your life to love you inside and out. But as long as your focus remains on you and your attributes, you will miss it.

The beauty in all of us is not our own. It is only as we release the beauty of the Lord that we are transformed from ugly ducklings into exquisite creatures who capture the hearts of those looking for a safe haven in which to rest.

“From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” (Ps. 50:2). God is the finisher of our beauty regimen. Without Him we are mere mannequins standing in the window of life.

No man wants to touch a mannequin, but a godly woman—that’s another story. A man knows that this is a woman he can trust with his heart. And a safe haven for all he holds dear will always be the most beautiful sight of all.

A PROPHET WITHOUT HONOR

by Os Hillman

"Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house" (Mark 6.3, 4).

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to spiritually impact your immediate circle of relationships and family? Jesus warned us of this phenomenon. We often relate to family and friends differently because they have a history with us that no one else has. They most likely have not had the privilege to witness the spiritual transformation that you have experienced and is evidenced by others in your life.

The spiritual authority that others may recognize in you is not there with your own family and friends. "After all, you're just my sister or brother, with whom I fought, played, and lived everyday life," is what is thought. Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in his own family and community's eyes. It was too difficult to change old perceptions of someone they knew so well. So too, is it for your family members.

The sad result of this mindset is that we often do not experience the same fruit of ministry in our family's lives that we do outside this circle. It is an unfortunate truth. "Jesus still healed a few sick people," meaning there is still a remnant of faith that can receive from you and I. Ultimately, God determines the fruit of our lives. Do not allow spiritual pride to prevent you from freely giving to your family and friends when they do not receive you in the way you think they should. You don't know which "few" God will choose to touch through your life.

Many did not receive Jesus. Therefore, many will not receive you. Nevertheless, allow God to touch the few in your circle He chooses to touch through you.

TELL PETER

Bishop Vashti McKenzie

Everyone likes a little personal attention. It's not that we're that selfish, self-centered, peculiar or particular (or maybe we are), but we all like a little personal attention every now and then.

That's why we patronize businesses that cater to their customers and their needs - that little personal attention that keeps you coming back for more: the sales associate who is understanding; the service station attendant who is patient; the clerk who answers all of your questions no matter how many times you ask them and get the same answer; and the manager who remembers you and what you purchased the last time.

Businesses have grown all because they knew the value of customer service. Other businesses have failed because they did not pay some personal attention to their customer base.

We like to belong to groups where there is some personal attention. We like to go to churches where people give you some personal attention, people are glad to see you come, and they miss you when you're gone. We love churches where someone may remember it's your birthday, or where you want to share your latest excitement because you know they will be glad for you. We love churches where the usher remembers where you sat the last time you were in church, and where the officer who remembers your name.

We love churches where someone may remember that your spouse is still in the hospital or that your family member is in town; the baby has finally graduated or that things are getting better where you live. We love a church home where there maybe a hug or a handshake- all of us like a little extra personal attention. Even if you're in a place where no one can remember your name, at least they will smile at you and make you feel at home.

In 16th chapter of Mark's gospel, the women came to the tomb early. There they pressed their way to complete the embalming process without knowing if the stone was rolled away or if the soldiers would give them a hard time. When they arrived, they found out God had already taken care of both problems. They had an angel experience. Jesus is not dead. He said, "Go and tell my disciples, and Peter."

Now here is the personal attention, and Peter. What about the other disciples? Why not ask about John or Luke, Andrew or Nathaniel. Why give such attention to Peter?

The mention of Peter is unique to Mark. The other gospels do not specifically mention his name. Now we must ask the question why?

Remember that Peter denied Jesus three times after pledging his faith. He was prepared to defend Jesus in the garden, but denied him before the cock's morning crow. Peter denied Jesus not once but three times.
Here is an indication that Peter's mistake was not final. He messed up, but he could finish well.

Peter was the leader who led the followers of Jesus into hiding. He made strategic mistakes, displayed poor judgment and exhibited improper behavior. Have you ever done that or been here?

Yet by calling his name at the tomb, was Jesus letting Peter know that his mistakes did not cost him his leadership position or his relationship with the Savior? Was this an indication that his mistakes were not final?

David made a mistake with Bathsheba and continued to be king of Israel. He finished well. The woman at the well made mistakes in serial monogamous relationships. She finished well. Saul persecuted the church, but after his Damascus Road experiences, as Paul, he finished well. Thank God for a Personal touch so we too can finish well!!

All of our sins were nailed to the cross and buried in a tomb. If we confess, God is faithful to forgive. All humanity was released from the bondage of sin so we could finish well.

Our mistakes are not final. (This is where you begin to praise God throughout the day!)