Why We Run From Our Calling (Parts 1 & 2)

(Part 1 of 2)

I sat on this topic for months and then I was pressed to ask some of my brothers & sisters to share their thoughts on this (and I thank everyone who shared their thoughts on this topic). So, sit back and hear  their perspective as to why we run from our spiritual calling. I will say that this is a long post (excuse me for that), but I want to put this all out due to the importance of this topic!

So, let's begin!

Prophetess Danielle Taylor: The reason most people run from their calling is due to the rejection from others and the hurt that others can dish out. There's nothing more hurtful than church hurt even when it comes to family... God is the one that does the calling and anointing, so that means it doesn't matter what MAN THINKS OR SAYS..... ITS WHAT GOD HAS DONE ALREADY!

Brother Michael Jones: some run away because of fear, they pay too much attention to what people will say (especially those haters that call you friend). Then there are some that aren't ready to let go of the flesh. I accepted my calling but wanted the flesh one more time. As a result, it took 15 years, but it still worked and I was conscious of the mission. I wanted to let go but I was being pulled back into my sin.

Prophetess Kelly Turner: One runs from the call because they know they're held accountable once God gives them the command to fulfilling their purpose. The mandate for many is too time consuming and one must decide to choose the way of God or their flesh.

Brother Davis Prime: First, any turn from a calling comes as a direct result of the enemy's opposition in some form.  The enemy is determined but lazy and typically strikes in the midst of fatigue, to remind those called of the daunting odds against success or the well-intentioned but discouraging words of a friend or relative.  His obstacles appear formidable but are flimsy.  They are like paper walls painted to look like brick, and they give way the moment they're tested.  All it takes is to keep moving forward, but the person who has turned to run believes the lie, believes the wall is truly made of brick.  Are you called?  Then, keep moving forward, because you will never fail based simply upon the odds in favor of failure.  God controls the dice and is above the odds.  

Prophetess Adrienna Turner: As I had a conversation with God on this very topic, He said look at Jonah as a prime example. He took the request to heart, and didn't feel that I (GOD) should help a nation that he felt was helpless, reckless, and rebellious. Yet, I am a just GOD, and knew that the word that Jonah would tell Ninevah was the needed message to lead them to redemption and repentance.  Therefore, people put themselves in the situation and emotions, and don't see it beneficial or what they expected or intended the calling that God gave them to do--and will run or hide instead. 

Then he said look at the parable Jesus gave about the one who buried his talents. He ran from his calling if you really think about it; He didn't see his worth. He didn't see how he could help. He felt what he had, wasn't enough to do what was required of him. Some people feel they are not capable, equipped, or even talented to do the call.


(Part 2 of 2)

Continuation of Adrienna Turner's thoughts:

Then there are those who are allowing doubt, disappointments, and worry to fill their minds and hearts. These emotions will only take us out of the equation instead of putting God in the equation. As I taught on last lesson, "dis" means relinquish, resign, and give up on what God has asked you to do. We allow these negative thoughts to camp on our parade, and will let it flood our emotions to the point, we run. We do not see the overall picture like GOD, and prefer to get out before we start anything that would ignite sparks to the vision.  

Evangelist Cynthia Lamb: Why do we run from our spiritual calling?

I have asked myself this question. I don't believe that I have run from my spiritual calling, but I recognize that I have hid from my spiritual calling. Let me explain. I once received a vision from God about what I was supposed to do with my gifts. It was so very powerful that I was overwhelmed by it. I said, "I'm not ready!" I thought, "It's too big! " 

"Please shut the door a little, or just open it a little, because that's all I believe I can do right now."

Well, God did just that.

A series of distractions began to unfold in my life. I welcomed the distractions, and called them blessings and journeys and discoveries and lessons.

A couple of years later, I found myself wondering why I was in a storm again. Why weren't my gifts growing?

Well… Could it be that I, in my fear, apprehension, and disbelief, had blocked my blessings, because I had blocked the calling that God had placed on my life? I asked myself this question.

Sometimes I think that is exactly the case.

So often I run to things. I run to the rescue of my family and friends when they are in need, or when they cry out for help. I run to sparkly, shiny, fun things that catch my eye, because they feel good. I run for cover when I am in fear, doubt, or just plain exhausted.

I pretend not to make excuses… but they are excuses just the same.

"Oh, I'm just tired."

"Oh, I'm just so busy."

"Oh, they need me right now." 

"Oh, I don't know if I can do that, Lord."

"Oh, I'm not ready yet."

Running… Call it what I will... Paint it any color I like... Speak it in any language I please… It's still me  not heeding the  calling God has for my life.

I am listening more attentively now… Facing my fears, ridding myself of my complacency, and stepping out in faith.

When God calls me again, this time I will heed His call, whether I feel ready for it or not… It is in trusting Him that I will become what He has purposed for me to become... It is in heeding His calling that I will discover the full blessing of my gifts and be able to be the light in this world He has called for me to be... Not for my glory but for God's glory. 

I began this piece by stating that I did not believe I was running, but instead I had hid from God's calling in my life. In retrospect, I recognize now that hiding is just a different form of running (running away)... It still creates the distance desired from that which causes discomfort or fear or anxiety. 

It is important that people of God, who have received gifts that they have been called to use, recognize them and recognize the spiritual calling on their lives... And walk in it, believe it, live it. Only then can we truly receive the fullness of the blessings God wishes to bestow upon us.

Pastor Darrell D Kelly: Some believers attempt to run from the call of God because of “fear of the unknown,” which really comes down to a matter of faith & trust. For others it could be the feeling of “being unqualified,” as in the case of Moses. Some believers struggle with feeling “inadequate,” yet the Bible encourages us to Walk Worthy of the Calling.  Then there are those who are like Jonah and just flat out disobey God's assignment. Even God struggled to find just one who would make up the hedge and stand in the gap. The Truth is that God is everywhere at the same time, so if you are running from Him/the Call – Where are you going? It's a miracle how the path you take while “Running Away” becomes the same path that runs you right into His Will! (Ask Paul on the road to Damascus).

Pastor Shantae Charles: There are many reasons but here are 3 I will highlight: Some run from their calling because

1. They fear the responsibility of the calling- Your calling is a gift and you are a steward over that. Trying to take on the weight of the call without the Grace for the call causes the flight mode in some (see Jonah)

2. They have been convinced that the calling is insignificant- Some may not see or realize the importance of what they do. They must ask God to show them the significance in what they are called to. He will show you.

3. They feel unworthy of the calling (either in self-perception or they have been made to feel unworthy by outside entities). - Sometimes we look so much at what we have done that in our opinion or in the opinion of someone we value, we may be "unqualified for the task".

To the third reason, I say consider these forerunners: Rahab saved her family from destruction.  Esther, an orphan saved her people group from total annihilation.  Mary, a young pregnant teenager carried the Son Of God to the tune of criticism. David, the youngest of his family took on a National Giant and rid the country of a terrorist.  Paul, a murderer was transformed by the call on his life into the Apostle who wrote most of the Doctrine of the New Testament based on his revelation of Christ.

Running is always an option but it will not satisfy the desire of completion. Phil. 1:6

Me: Here are my thoughts as to why we run from our calling. We think the calling is about us (so we tend to focus on every fault we have, such as I'm still in sin, I can't speak, no one will listen to me, I'm not equipped from this task). We feel that we have to be right before God first before we walk in it. Granted, when we get saved, we don't have to be right before God first. We come as we are and allow God's Word to do a work in us. Same holds true for the calling that God has called each and every one of us to. 

Another factor as to our running is a word that people fear: ACCOUNTABILITY! Knowing that everyone has a unique calling, no matter where you turn, you are accountable for fulfilling His call for His glory. Yes, the gifts and callings are without repentance, but we must not be blind to the fact that we are responsible to our assignment. 

We run for fear of rejection, fear of what is to come with the calling. 

I can say more, but I will be repeating what was said above. Hope you were blessed by all of the guests on this post (and again, excuse the length of this).

I encourage you to take that step of faith today and pursue His call for your life. I promise you that it won't be easy, but it will be rewarding in the end. 

Author Spotlight (Teleah Scott)

I was so blessed to meet this author at the African American Author's Expo (held in Timonium, MD) in August 2013. I heard a little of her story at the author's reception we had, and she has a story for you. What I love about her is her spirit. With that said, show your love to sister & fellow author Teleah Scott.

In January 2013, I published my first book, Free To Grieve: A Mother's Memoir In Black and White, which deals with grief and loss. I, unexpectedly lost my 16-year-old son, who was also a promising athlete to sudden cardiac death. My book is a moving memoir of my journey through the grieving process and how I came to accept the reality of losing a child. I talk about the events surrounding his death and how it was initially treated as an investigation similar to homicide cases.  Then I share what I've come to learn about sudden cardiac death in young athletes in order to help other families.

My synopsis reads, Free To Grieve: A Mother’s Memoir In Black and White is a powerful and compelling narrative about a mother whose life begins to quickly unravel when her 16-year-old-son, a high school football player, is found lifeless in his bed. Her son had died without warning. After a harrowing plunge into the depths of despair and grief, she resurfaces with a greater sense of purpose to help spread awareness about the number one threat to young athletes. Intertwined with personal excerpts from her journal she began weeks after her son’s death, this moving memoir offers a chronicle of her emotional devastation and unspeakable pain to how she moved forward through the gravity of her loss towards acceptance, wholeness, and renewed strength. 

My bio is pretty much straightforward: "Teleah Scott's life has been a courageous journey of tragedy and triumph. The unexpected death of her son, Timothy, sparked her to conduct research to deepen her understanding and knowledge about sudden cardiac death in young athletes. In doing so, she gleaned a deeper insight on how important it is for children to receive heart screenings. A native of Harrisburg, PA, Teleah currently resides in Owings Mills, Maryland with her family. Never ashamed of her testimony, Teleah is a living witness that God is bigger than any tragedy life can bring you. She founded the Timothy Q. Scott Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help spread awareness about sudden cardiac death in young athletes."

Teleah's personal note: After attending the University of Pittsburgh, I became a social worker then attended law school at Duquesne University School of Law. My dreams of becoming a trial attorney were not exactly what God had in mind. I never became a trial attorney. So, I thought back to the very thing that gave me the most passion and I discovered it was writing.

I started writing as a playwright in 2004 and I penned several plays that were performed at my church. Soon, life and responsibility took over and my writing was put on hold. Now years later, I am realizing my dreams and I'm not looking back. My personal memoir about the loss of my son was my intro into the literary world. Next, I penned a children's book that focused on how children deal with loss and grief.  The story is told through the eyes of a child and it was released by Mascot Books on October 1, 2013.

However, I want to expand my writing even more. I want to write fiction so I plan to brand myself as a legal fiction author whose novels involve events that *ahem* never take place in a real courtroom. You can expect to find a mixture of mystery, suspense and romance! So, on December 25, 2013, I expect to release Passing the Bar, the first novel in my Odd Justice Series (Alyssa Parrish and Alex Knight Trilogy).

A Message To Church Leaders

This was heavy on my spirit this morning. I believe this was the case because a warning needs to go out to church leaders. There are many church leaders today from what I sense in my spirit that have some things twisted. What am I talking about? Many leaders today don’t want to turn on their discernment spirit and will blindly embrace those who attend the same church, like the same pastor, etc. (and will gladly place titles on those who God hasn’t even called to that title/position) – which is in short acting like what I called it a year or two ago (the American Middle Class Church mentality). At the same token, they will not use Godly judgment when calling sin out. Instead, they’ll show partiality (again to those who are part of a clique or will call some people with a certain sin out without calling out those who they admire and even idolize just because they itch your ear).

Sadly, there are many people in the body of Christ with titles who have serious ego problems. And their egos have gotten so bad to where they become very touchy, and will curse anyone who offends their personal agenda (that has no Scriptural base). There will be no unity if we continue to hang our personal agendas over other people’s heads.

Leaders need to discern those who are just using Christ for filthy lucre’s sake (I don’t care if they are an author, musician, politician, or a church leader). Sadly we’re not doing that. What we do instead is call those who call out those who are using you for self-seeking purposes as our friends and those who speak against it as our enemy. Not only is that twisted, it’s also shows that we don’t have spiritual discernment! The time for pacifying people (to get them to like you) needs to stop. And this is something leaders really need to stop doing: stop throwing your title over people (and cursing them just because they don’t have a title like you do) and stop having people that only have titles as the only people allowed in your inner circle.

If the leaders can’t get it together, what chance does the flock have? We want the signs and wonders, but we don’t want to check our egos at the front door. We want to preach and prove who we are as whatever title we have, but we show so much partiality to our brother and sister (coupled with hate and malice). Yep, somebody’s offended right now. But get this, we’re people who will take offense more to what somebody didn’t intend to do over when somebody intended to do (and this how we act in the Body of Christ).

I’m just wanted to be brief with this. Peace!

The Mayne Man ... (drops mic)

The Difference Between Demonic Oppression & Possession

It's such a privilege & an honor to turn today's post (which is a very serious topic) over to this fellow author. She's the author of the Wife 101 Series and the novel Spell (under her pseudonym Janell),  has a master's in marriage counseling, a Ph.D in Leadership, and the list goes on. Everybody show your love to my Sister & fellow author Dr. A'ndrea Wilson (and please support her works, she is one gifted author).

Based on a True Story:

The Difference between Demonic Oppression and Possession

By Janell

As a child, I remember seeing the movie The Exorcist, featuring a girl who was possessed by a demon and a religious clergy who attempted to release her from this awful fate. Since then, a plethora of movies and books have emerged, sensationalizing demonic possession in an intentional effort to scare the living daylights out of us. The worst of those endeavors being the ones that begin with the eerie disclaimer, “Based on a true story.” I’ll never forget going to the theater to see the movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and afterwards, being terrified of waking up in the middle of the night for weeks. If I was smarter and bolder back then, I would have done my homework on both this particular phenomenon and demonic possession, and probably would have slept better a lot sooner. Unknown to me in those days, in movies that are based on true events, the original story is often drastically changed or added upon for the sake of entertainment. Despite this truism, demonic possession does occur; however, before you find a wooden cross and start reciting The Lord’s Prayer, allow me to give you a bit more information about the topic.

We know demonic possession is real because it is spoken about throughout the Bible, including during the time of Jesus. There are many references to Jesus and his disciples casting out unclean spirits—better known as demons. Since we are aware that demonic possession has taken place throughout time, the next crucial questions most would probably ask is why and how. I don’t claim to be a Bible scholar, but in my research for my novel, Spell, I discovered the following Christian-based beliefs about the why and how.

Why?

The Bible tells us that the devil and his “fallen” angels were cast out of heaven. Since then, they have become the enemy of God and mankind. This enemy seeks to destroy humanity because of his jealous nature toward God. His hope is to hurt God by ruining one of His greatest creatures—man. This mission began in the Garden of Eden with the tricking of Adam and Eve and will continue until the enemy is cast into the Lake of Fire before the creation of the new heaven and new earth.

The enemy’s army is spiritual which means that they do not have human bodies. Without a human body, their ability to influence the natural world is limited. Therefore, they look for human bodies to become houses, places where their spirits can reside and have a greater negative impact on the natural world. This is where it is important to understand the how. Spirits without a human body can only oppress people, but some find a body to reside in, and those persons are considered possessed.

How?

As stated, most spirits reside outside of the human body and only have the ability to oppress. Demonic oppression is simply having an influence on a person via their thoughts or emotions, but unable to have access to the person’s mind and body. The spirit can only impact the individual using their senses (what the person sees, hears, smells, touches, tastes). An oppressive spirit might try to get the person to believe they are depressed, angry, lonely, vengeful, tired, etc. Simple prayers and a refocusing of thoughts are enough to overcome an oppressive spirit. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We are encouraged to keep our thoughts on what is positive right after we are told not to be anxious for anything, but to use prayer and petition, as well as to allow God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).

Alternatively, demonic possession reflects the inhabiting of the person’s body, giving the evil spirit more influence and control than oppression. In most cases, people who are possessed must be delivered and the possessing spirit must be cast out. Often we think of exorcisms as the typical method of casting out spirits, but it is possible that salvation itself could remove the spirit. Spiritual guidance is warranted in these cases.

Based on my research, Christians can be oppressed by evil spirits, but not possessed. The Bible states that light and darkness cannot exist together. However, Christians can make themselves vulnerable to possession through sin. Christians are encouraged to stay far away from witchcraft and occult practices such as Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot card, palm readings, psychics, séances, etc. Christians are also told to flee from all sin because sin creates holes in our spiritual armor, making us more prone to the tactics of evil.  

So let’s recap. Demonic possession is real. The enemy wants to destroy lives and often does so through demonic oppression and possession. Demonic oppression is influencing the individual from outside of the body while demonic possession occurs within the body. Salvation is key to avoid possession, yet a saved individual can still be oppressed, and if they open themselves up through witchcraft and/or sin, can also be possessed. To avoid oppression, think on good things. Keep your mind stayed on God who is able to keep you in perfect peace. To avoid possession, receive salvation, avoid sin and witchcraft, and repent (turn away) from committed sins. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:11-13). True story.   

Janell is pseudonym used by Inspirational Author A’ndrea J. Wilson. Janell is the author of Christian thrillers, including Spell, Grave, and Vanity. To find out more about Janell visit www.iamjanell.com or www.divinegardenpress.com.

How We Act When We're Offended

On my way to work this morning, my spirit was so full and/or heavy. With that, I need to empty it because my life is to be poured out. God was showing me how we act when we're offended. Eight scenarios appeared to me and they capture the essence of how we act when we're offended.

1. Some people will be offended by what you say & do, but will overlook it if they are able to use you for their self-seeking purpose.

2. There will be those who will be offended by you & they will get their friends and your friends to betray you (because of pride, maintain their status quo). 

3. Many people will be offended but they won't vocalize it until you get real close to their face with what offends them.

As I'm typing this, The Lord dropped this. You get offended when others are going through, but expect others to drop what they're doing to cater to you when you're going through. Because you're offended, you don't bother to pray. This is nothing more than a Pharisee attitude. 

4. Just because you have a certain elite group doesn't mean that everybody has your best interest at heart (Judas Iscariot was part of an elite group and He turned on the Leader because he was offended).

5. We run quickly to the next biggest event (because a man/woman is in our area) than we do the Word of God. And we will take offense if we point out an action that man/woman does is a sin against the Bible. We will really take offense if we call out his or her teaching (even if he or she says we are our own god).

Back to point 4. There are modern-day Judas' around. They stay silent until you say something that offends their personal agenda. Once you say something, they come out of nowhere and unleash every demonic spirit within them. Now, I'm not saying they are demonic, just pointing out the action.

6. We love Jesus though He came to bring division (offense), but we hate our brother/sister because they offended us over something so minor.

7. When a believer says something you don't like, you take offense! But if someone with a title says the same thing the believer said, you welcome it with open arms.

8. Now watch people take offense to this one: God does not base your status in heaven based on your earthly title!

The Mayne Man ... dropping the mic!

Author Spotlight (Tina McKinney)

I met this author at the Ubawa Book Fair (held in Atlanta, GA) in September 2013. She's an awesome person. With that said, show your love for sister & fellow author Tina McKinney.

Tina Brooks McKinney began her writing career as a dare. As an avid reader, writing was the next step for her. Armed with a very active imagination and a story to tell, Tina penned her first novel All That Drama.  Readers fell in love with Tina’s no-nonsense characters and her comedic style of weaving a story. Since then, Tina has written ten novels and two novellas. Her titles include, All That Drama, Lawd, Mo’ Drama, Fool, Stop Trippin’, Dubious, Deep Deception, Snapped, Got Me Twisted, Deep Deception 2, Snapped 2: The Redemption, Betta Not Tell and Catch Fire and Catch Fire 2, which will be released in the next few months.

 

A wife and mother of two, Tina uses real life situations to both entertain and inspire her readers.  You can find out more information about her by visiting her website, www.tinamckinney.com or drop her an email at tybrooks2@yahoo.com. She would love to hear from you.  

Tina McKinney http://www.tinamckinney.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/tinamckinney

Sexual Predators Show More Love Than Family & Friends

I think about all of the teens I've talked with who suffered sexual abuse and adult survivors of sexual abuse (of which I am), and I find a common trend. Family & friends side with the sexual predator (even if it's in the family) and tell their abused child to get over it, how dare you lie about the family (or put our business in the street), or they're punished more than their sexual predator. If we proclaim that we "love" everybody, then show some love to an abused child instead of ridiculing a child.

What you're about to read below comes from a page that I like on Facebook. And this confirms what I typed above and the need for the community to wake up (or don't be surprised if it happens to one of your children and then you cry foul)!

There are things that predators sometimes offer children that well-meaning adults don’t. Predators often listen to children to make them feel valued. Predators compliment children to make them feel special. Predators tell children that they love them to make them feel adored. Predators give children favors to make them feel important. Predators give children responsibilities that make them feel competent. Too often these things are absent in the life of children, and the absence of these things is what opened the door to many of our victimizations. Predators are evil people that are given opportunities by well-meaning people. Wake up, humanity.