Are You Willing?

Matthew 10:1

 

1And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

 

Jesus knew the mission God the Father gave Him needed to continue on earth after He ascension to heaven. So very early in the mission he chose twelve to do so. Jesus used mass duplication which is very effective in leadership.  Not all of the original twelve would carry out the mission. Jesus took people with various backgrounds. Jesus even took a tax collector, called Matthew. Tax collectors were not well liked and were often considered crooks. God can use anyone! Peter, who would later build the church, had a nasty temper. So much so that he cut off the ear of one of the guards that arrested Jesus. But God can use anyone! The sons of Zebedee, James and John were very ambitious to the point of self-centeredness. But God can use anyone! Jesus took the weaknesses of these twelve and still utilized them for God's glory. Yes, He continued to prune those weaknesses in time. But none of the twelve would be considered 'perfect enough' to sit at the feet of Jesus. That's just it though! None of us are but by His grace and mercy. Verse two lists out the disciples. It's not that Jesus didn't use all twelve because He did. He even used Judas that would betray Him. God uses everything to "work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Judas' greed still played a part in Jesus being glorified.  But have you noticed anything in scripture? Who was present during the transfiguration? Who walked on the water with Jesus? Who was present when Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane? Who did Jesus say would be the rock? In all four major cases, one or all of the three were present: Simon Peter, James and John ( the sons of Zebedee). Peter was to build the church so it makes sense that He would be much closer to Jesus. But remember, James and John came to Jesus saying they wanted to sit at His right hand. So they had a chance to have more personal time with Jesus. Those who spend more personal time with Jesus will be used by Jesus to the fullest. Those who are willing will be used by Jesus to the fullest and those whom He has chosen will be used to the fullest by Jesus. Yes, everyone can be used by Jesus but those who are willing, the Lord will show them even greater things. Are you willing?

You Have a Future

Jeremiah 29:11

 

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

 

Jeremiah the prophet had written a letter to the captives in Babylon. His letter was to reassure them that God had not forgotten about them and that they would not be left in Babylon forever. If you recall, the people of Israel had been taken captive by the Babylonians for 70years. God's message to the people of Israel was their captivity would not be long lived. God still had a plan for them if they were willing to seek Him.

 

Last week, someone asked me a question. "How did you come into your purpose?"  My answer was the truth. I unfortunately had a near death experience first and within a year, God spoke to me about writing and it all unfolded. The person didn't believe it and thought what the doctors told me was just them making it up. But the threat of death was indeed real. "Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." That's where I was. But Bless God because He was with me! Do I want anyone else to find their purpose that way? Of course not! But, I didn't understand at the time that it was also a "dying of self" taking place. Learning to listen and obey God's instructions in such a life or death situation was the beginning of transformation. Now, I'm not scared like I was then because I know now I'm on the right the path. But up until that point, like the people of Israel, I sought my own way and ignored God's instructions MOST of the time. So did the people of Israel, and for it, they were in captivity. My pastor preached on this topic of God's way vs. your way. What is captivity? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines captivity as 1) to be made prisoner esp. in war; 2) kept within bounds; 3)held under control.  Do you understand that the sin in your life is captivity? It may seem like "fun" but it hinders your growth in Him. And even hinders you understanding who you are in Him which will lead you to your purpose (why you are here). How can you become "a new creature" as the Word of God says when you are still stuck in the old ways and mindset? "The renewing of your mind" requires that you shed the old you. The Lord has thoughts of peace, hope and a future for you. But how can you grasp hold of them if you are held captive by your own thoughts and actions? His name is J-E-S-U-S! He already paid the price for the remission or forgiveness of your sins. Jesus freed you from Babylon and captivity. You just have to grab hold of it so He can walk you into freedom, victory and purpose. You are no accident in God's eyes. You have a future.

THANKS FOR TUNING IN TO NBC4!! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Good Evening,

 

Thank you so much to those of you that tuned in! For those of you that missed it, here is the link to the story: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video/#!/news/local/Helping-Victims-of-Child-Abuse/271403971 …

 

   Granted, NBC4 did cut A LOT of my interview which was more about hope. I bless God for the therapy I did receive many years ago as a child! The tears were tears of joy not sadness because the message of hope was clear in my interview. It takes more courage than you know to go on camera and give in depth details about what happened. Safe Shores kept asking if I was okay because most survivors NEVER feel safe or secure enough to talk about what happened in that way. I hope you not only see the passion of why I agreed to do this interview on camera, but also see why it's important for YOU to address the subject in your own families whether it's to tell your children what to do if someone attempts something and YOU being aware of what signs and changes to look for in your children if something has happened and steps to take. And survivors, why you need to address what happened to you. This interview and my book Shh Don't Tell: Journey of Survivors are not in vain. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!  

 

GOD BLESS YOU!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Good Evening,

 

I hope this email finds you well and having a productive evening!!

Many of you know the volunteer work I have been giving both physically and virtually to support D.C.'s Children Advocacy Center, Safe Shores (www.safeshores.org) as its mission is very much aligned with part of my purpose and mission to fight child abuse and my second book, Shh Don't Tell. Two weeks ago I sat down with Safe Shores and NBC4 Washington for an interview on the effects of child abuse on mental health. NBC4 is having an open and honest year long conversation about mental health. You can see their pledge here:  https://www.nbcumv.com/node/976906.   My interview with NBC4 will air this Thursday, August 14th during the 5pm broadcast with Jim Vance and Doreen Gentzler. I have provided you all will the link for the live stream broadcast below if you are not in the viewing area.  I hope you are able to tune in.

Catch the live broadcast here: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/livestream-News4-watch-live-Vance-Gentzler-Kammerer--269554921.html

Blessings and Love!

-Joy

A New Walk

Ephesians 4:17

 

17This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,

 

The NKJV Study Bible translates the verse as, "The Ephesians were admonished to avoid the lifestyle typical of unbelieving Gentiles all around them. This lifestyle was characterized by "futility", being empty and without purpose."

 

How many are wandering around without purpose right now? How many think they are content with they way the world lives but do things to themselves to force some kind of feeling, any kind of feeling just so they know they are still physically alive? Oh it's real.

 

Over the last 24 hours the Lord has been reminding me about the miracles, signs and wonders in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and that many people, including some who claim to be followers of Christ or "believe in God," do not believe can happen today or have happened today. God was taking me through the times I said "yes" to Him starting from my baptism in October 1991 and then the dream I had in November 1991 that I didn't know then would have to do with my part of my purpose and my second book. God was taking me through the first time I finally said that I would be His evangelist in December 2007. He also took me through SOME of the times when I attempted to take back that yes and live as the world lived but He came to collect on that yes. I went back on a vow not to have sex outside of marriage and three months later, I was being told by doctors that I had 48 hours to live and maybe a year at most with the treatment I was started on. But when I was willing to say yes again and listen to God, He reversed it all. One misstep of His directions to get healed would've cost me my life. He took me through the times where I have experienced some of His miracles signs and wonders, not just in my life but in the lives of other believers around me. As I grew more in my walk with Christ I began to experience what is known as the mercy gift being able to physically feel the pain, hurt, happiness, joy, love, peace of those around that God allows. I began to experience the gift of discernment whereby knowing the difference between good and evil.  For the first time when my cousin was in the hospital God allowed me to feel her spirit slipping/transitioning and the frantic run to the hospital my mom and I made. I anointed her with oil and sang songs of praise to God and encouragement to her. I learned after her death that what my pastor and assistant pastor told me was true, that I had to be a light for her and that the book, Get Your JOY In The Morning connected the dots for her regarding who God is and what He desires from us. I recall seeing my pastor tear pedals from a flower not looking, only to be called up to witness what God had done. The pink pedals were in the shape of a heart with blood coming out representing Christ's heart. I met a man, Arnold Harvey II whom I would mentor as an author who first gave his life to Christ in a pool of blood to die multiple times but God brought him back. Proof that God has the final say when life ends no matter who is on the other side of a gun, knife, etc. I know people can hear while in a coma. My late step dad, not only heard me in the induced coma he was in but I saw tears at words I said and I had never seen him cry before. I witnessed the soles of the shoes of both my pastor and assistant pastor disintegrate from the fire of God in them. I witnessed several people in my church get healed by the Lord and leave doctors in amazement. I have witnessed prophesies from the Lord come to pass. I have witnessed people finding their purpose, including myself, out of their obedience and willingness to hear and grow closer to God through Jesus Christ.

 

I serve the Lord whole heartily in a NEW walk because NO ONE can tell me that He does not exist. NO ONE can tell me that the miracles of the Bible are non existent. NO ONE can tell me now that living in the futility of the world is better than what I have in Him. Do you really believe that what you have is better than Christ? Better than the almighty God who has the power to give and take life? Are you tired of feeling empty and trying to create situations just so you can see if you still have a pulse? Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to know Him? As the group, forever JONES sings in their song, "You Can Do Anything," referring to Jesus, He really can.

You Are a Walking Advertisement

1Timothy 4:12

 

12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

Let me just share with you tonight that my plan was to work on something else but when God said I had to write the enemy REALLY did not want you to receive this message. The attempt was to lock me out of my email. So you know this will be "life changing" for someone.  The day that God had me send out the message "The Blind Will Fall" I had several living examples in front me through out the day of people who fell away from the church because the conduct of those in church did not reflect what they were teaching and who they professed to be. This is a VERY serious subject. This week I met a woman who was so damaged by someone's conduct in church that I just wanted to hug her and cry. It hurt my heart so bad. This is not a test of the emergency broadcast system. This is real. 

 

The apostle Paul addressed Timothy who was his son in the ministry. Paul reminded young Timothy that being an elder came with responsibility. That responsibility included every aspect as Paul detailed in the scripture above. But as men and women who claim to carry the name of Christ and heritage of being God's children, whether teacher or not, whether elder or not, we are all called "to be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Yes, everyone is a work in progress but your conduct as a follower of Christ or the lack there of, can directly hinder someone's walk in Christ especially if they are babes in Christ. Someone who has been hurt by the conduct of those who claim to be followers of Christ and carry the name can walk away and never return. They can easily be so hurt that they refuse to grow in Christ. It's heartbreaking to see trust me. But if you have ever experienced the hurt then just think if you were a babe in Christ. Would you want to follow Christ? This is real talk. Put yourself in the shoes of others and examine your conduct. Ask yourself the following questions: Would God be pleased with my conduct? Does my conduct reflect that which Christ calls me to live? Is my conduct hindering my walk and growth in Christ? Is my conduct potentially damaging to anyone else in the body of Christ? Would someone in the world want to know and follow Christ based on what I am doing and saying? Am I displaying the love of Christ? Am I walking in faith? This is not from a place of condemnation but a place of true inward reflection. If you look at it from a business perspective, you are the brand of Christ. You are a walking commercial/promotion/advertisement for the body of Christ whether you believe it or not. The minute you say you believe in God, are a Christian, recognize Christ as your Savior, a follower of Christ then you are automatically in the spotlight. No your assignment is not about pleasing man but Proverbs says that you may have favor with God and man. The word also says that your enemies will be at peace with you. How can you lead anyone else to Christ if you are unwilling to follow Christ? Even if you are not trying, remember, when Christ was on trial, everyone around noticed those who were seen with Christ. If you've been seen or associated with Christ in any way, you too are being noticed. You are part of "The Great Commission." Let your spirit and conduct be what others notice and let the love of God rest and abide in you that it draws others to Christ.

Life Changing

Luke 5:11

 

11So when they had brought there boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

 

Jesus had just demonstrated the miracle of casting the net and catching fish after a night of the fishermen failing to catch at all. It was a life changing moment for Peter and the sons of Zebedee that made them want to leave their old lives behind and follow Jesus. I don't know what your life changing moment was but Jesus has done many miracles in my life and at each great encounter with Jesus, I left more of my old life behind. It's like a growth spurt. The growth spurts have been so dramatic over they years that for some people, it's hard for them to believe who I once was unless they actually knew me then. This weekend I watched the film, Son of God  and I cried so much my eyes were slightly swollen the next morning. Though the film is not 100% aligned with all that happened during Jesus' earthly ministry, it was enough as long as you knew the Word of God for yourself. There was a point where Jesus had knelt down to comfort the woman who was caught in sin and about to be stoned. When He said to her, "Go and sin no more," I cried, as I did with much of the film. At the point that Jesus forgives you for things you know the world wouldn't, the understanding is that you leave that part of your life behind. You leave who you were then, and let the mercy and loving kindness of Jesus stay with you so much so that you don't want to go back to who you were. Looking back, I don't miss who I was. But I love who I am now because I know it was not by my own might but by the Power of God and the Love of Jesus that I have come this far. I ask through tears of gratefulness this morning, has Jesus demonstrated who He is to you to the point that you are ready to leave your old ways behind? Has He made such a life changing impact like He did with the disciples that you are willing to walk away from what you know?