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Welcome to my blog where you'll find a variety of INpowering truths, Tiney Thoughts and Twittistry,org.
If you are looking for a niched blog,
this isn't it, but the common thread for all of my post is JESUS.

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Shhh, Badu is on to something!

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Wait, everyone I know it’s about art and music and it’s controversial but I really want to hear the rest of what she has to say about those layers and demons. Shhhh.

You can read the story by clicking here. I know what she did and that JFK's assasignation site is considered sacred ground(probably considered more sacred than Jesus by some!?) and I know many said it was distasteful but is there a main message or theme being overlooked? Groupthink, layers, demons etc. Shhhh!

The news is still buzzing with reports that American soul singer Erykah Badu has caused a stir with a music video in which she strips naked in public at the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, and falls to the ground as if shot…..

According to reports the Dallas-born entertainer strips down in Dealey Plaza in the city center, and falls to the ground with a jerk at the sound of a rifle shot, which was edited into the five-and-a-half minute video. Badu, said the song was about "liberating yourself from layers and layers of skin or demons."

Huh? Layers and layers of skin or demons? Groupthink? Maybe Badu is on to something!

Groupthink may be a 1950’s term but the concept and principles are very much alive in the church today, people are going with the flow and sometimes against God’s word to remain cohesive, have less friction and fit in. Critical thinking and analytical skills are watered down to keep the peace. Exactly how far are we willing to go to keep the peace?

I like the way Webster’s defines groupthink: a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics.

What caught my attention here is ‘self deception’. Think about it;  going with the flow especially when that flow is not Christ-centered is a form of self deception and the root cause of that is generally rejection, the fear of rejection or people pleasing. I think Badu is on to something! And yes this is generally layers and layers of demons.

Attention Christians: Follow Jesus.
If you are doing what they say just to please THEM and what they are saying does not align with God’s word you are operating in idolatry. Many Christians have practiced this form of people pleasing so long it has become layered—like an onion. Or like skin… yep, I think Badu is on to something!

She's onto something the church and body of Christ needs to hear, discern and walk out--Be FREE INDEED. We are called to be fitly joined together (Eph 4:16), walking in unity of peace with one vision-God's vision. BUT to often the deeply layered demon of rejection cause us to to fit-in rather than being fitly joined. Groupthink is not your friend.

No, I'm not an Erykah Badu fan and I'm not saying what she did was okay, I'm just saying that Badu is on to something! ~ Just another Tiney Thought.

[Join Me for INpowering Truth,  don’t forget to set a reminder for ‘Breaking The Chains’ at 7:30PM on Saturday, April 24, 2010. Save the call in number in your cell in case you’re out and about. It’s 1-724-444-7444 Call ID 33937. Shhhh, Badu is on to something!]

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Peeling Back The Layers-INpowering Truth

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Please mark your calendar to join me on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30P CST for INpowering Truth, click here for details.

Many of our struggles in life are pushed back after we get a peek at deliverance. Bam and we’re in there…saved, set FREE and delivered, it’s over! Many times it’s not over. Being set free from things that hinder our Christian journey is often a progressive work like peeling back the layers of an onion. Why then do we think we’ve gotten to the core (root) when we’ve only peeled back the first or second layer?

Residue is an issue. Many people experience deliverance in powerful ways but until we deal with the seed cause of an issue, until we get rid of the residue the enemy has something to work with. I know, I know, no one wants to hear about being transformed into the image of Christ in a time when there is already so much negativity in the air. But why is being transformed an unpopular topic?

Tell me how good God is, how much he loves me, what he has in store for me, how he’s going to bless me etc. is the measuring stick of the day and if you don’t stay in that vein you’re not an encourager. Biblical encouragers spoke the truth in love and not all of that truth was viewed as positive by today’s standards.

There is a truth we all have to embrace, found in 1 Peter 4:17-18: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

It doesn’t give me goose bumps but it does jolt my spirit to attention and help me realize that God wants to do a work in me so he can do a greater work through me.

I know you many people already have ministry up and running, and are preaching powerfully and the people are loving it, complimenting them , patting them on the back, rubbing shoulders with them—I know this and it’s wonderful because they are a gift to The Body of Christ. The Lord deposited in each of us his anointing specifically for the purpose of worshipping him and advancing the kingdom but we are not to forget about our own soul. Don’t say OUCH or AMEN—simply YES LORD!

To many servants are saying they are about kingdom business in the public eye but behind closed doors there is another layer waiting to be peeled back……
Matthew 16:26 ask US a question: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

In our own power we cannot bring about TRUE deliverance in our own lives. There is a call from heaven that the seeking heart and hearing ear is answering in this season to get back to biblical basics. I know this is not popular and doesn’t produce an “Owweee God” moment in our lives. Where God is taking us requires a new level of dying out to ourselves …. Peeling back the layers to get to the core and bring us to a spotless place IN him.

Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

For some who think they have to come to God’s measure of perfection (maturity) on their own this is a challenge but the raw truth is you cannot redeem you nor can you peel back your own layers. You don’t have to because God’s grace is available to do the work for you, yield to it layer by layer. ~Just another Tiney Thought.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Ten Things Every Gossip Needs To Know

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We are all familiar with work environments , you know the old talking about whoever is out of the office for the day and being their buddy as soon as they walk in the door. I’ve had the opportunity to witness this often and I’m certain you have also but it’s not just an office thing, this thing is alive and well in the body of Christ too.
Recently I observed some women walking through a little rift in what had been a seemingly good relationship, all of a sudden they were no longer speaking to each other and were doing the ole “backstabbing, talking behind your back thing”. I encouraged them to do two things. I encouraged them to grow up and handle it like big girls and according to Scripture; translated that means GO and talk it out and be reconciled.

After all when you really step back and look at a lot of the things you’ve disconnected from people over or they’ve disconnected from you over it usually not that deep. Sometimes communication-simple communication makes all the difference. Perception is a monster, a big monster. Just because you THINK someone meant something a certain way doesn’t mean that’s how they meant it.
The saying that a person’s perception is their truth has to be coined from satan himself. If what you perceive is your truth and your reality you’re in big trouble. The majority of the time the way you “think” it is isn’t how it is. Our truth and reality should be God’s word not how we feel about it.

BUT, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt and disappoint. I know it hurts and I know it doesn’t feel good. I also know Jesus’ grace is sufficient for the many things we face.

Why can’t grown men and women—saved or unsaved talk it out? Why can’t they love each other enough to work through relationship challenges without all the drama. Yes, drama! Years ago there was a t-shirt line and the slogan said “I’m a drama queen” people may not wear those t-shirts much anymore but the fruit speaks for itself. AND why do we have to go running to everyone but the one involved and tell them all about it? Why? If we are going to talk shouldn’t we talk to the person(s) involved and not everyone else?

How encouraging is it for grown men and women to behave like children and have the emotional and spiritual aptitude of a child? Many of the drama kings and queens have children and grandchildren. It’s amazing….

It’s time to put away childish things. I know it’s hard but that old whispering spirit has to go in Jesus’ name. It’s just gotta go!

A family member called me this week to ask me if another family member was gay! What? I let that family member know I don’t operate like that and engage in such conversations and secondly I did have the other family member's contact info if they would like to contact them and ask them. It’s time to put away childish things…. All the gossip and the chatter is a childish thing! It’s gotta go!

TEN things that every gossip needs to know:

1. Gossip is not attractive
2. In most cases by the time you hear it, it’s all twisted…
3. What a person sows is what a person reaps
4. You’re gifted, use your voice to build UP rather than Tear DOWN
5. God sees and hears you.
6. Gossip is a sign that you need business of your own, a hobby MaYBe?
7. 10 times out of 10 you’re not going to tell it like you heard it.
8. If a person takes time to listen to you gossip, they’ll take time to talk about you too.
9. Gossip delays and in some cases denies your blessings-OUCH
10. The time you spend gossiping could be used for kingdom impact.

It’s time to experience a mind shift. ~Just another Tiney Thought \o/
** I took the photo on an overcast morning as I was driving. CLICK HERE for more photos:)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The Ease Of Overlooking Truth

READ THE NEWS STORY HERE


I read an interesting article about a 16 year old who used a Walmart intercom system to announce and encourage all Black people to leave the store. That event within itself does not surprise me, what surprises me is that that the president of the Gloucester County chapter of the NAACP, Loretta Winters is overlooking truth.

Without a doubt this is a racially motivated comment and action, and it should come as no surprise that racism is very much alive in 2010, it has taken on a very subtle form just like the deception in the garden of Eden.

Police said the boy, whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile, went on the intercom at Walmart's Washington Township store Sunday evening and calmly announced: "Attention, Walmart customers: All black people, leave the store now."

"I'm assuming this person didn't realize how hurtful his comments were," Loretta Winters said.
Earth to Loretta—Sure he did!

No doubt, this politically correct response will minimize drama surrounding this event but can it be that easy to over look truth? Yes it can. The truth is this 16 year old was motivated to do this against ‘blacks’ and it’s a matter of the heart.

Matthew 12:34-35 provides some insight that is not only applicable to this situation but is also applicable to us in daily life, we are reminded:

34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

What’s in our hearts will eventually show up on the outside. We may not have a Walmart intercom system to announce the evil that’s working in us but it will show up. God wants to set us free and create in us a clean heart—renewing a RIGHT spirit in us. It’s easy to overlook truth. It’s time to call it like it is. Racism is racism, not just insensitivity from someone who didn’t know what they were doing. When we are engaging in or have engaged in sinful things let’s call it what it is! Political correctness does not save, set free  or deliver souls and it is God’s desire that all come to repentance.

The Lord had many occasions in the Gospel to be ‘Politically Correct” but he spoke a truth seasoned with love instead…~Just another Tiney Thought

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

His Sandals


njstevenson 0310 (64a)
Originally uploaded by ebbystouch

We launched the Ebby's Touch Camera Club on Sunday and we captured some amazing images, you can view the entire gallery at http://flickr.com/photos/ebbystouch and register for the online network at http://ebbystouch.ning.com.

I don't image that Jesus' sandals looked like this but I can image him walking dusty roads in open toe, open back shoes of his day and time. Foot washing was an act of humility and was done by a servant, so why was Jesus washing the feet of the disciples?

There is a lot of history behind the washing of feet as it was done in the bible days and some churches today still do what we call "foot washing" but would you do it?
Jesus being the Lord of Lords, The King of Kings, The Holy One and The Messiah who had performed signs, wonders and miracles could have insisted that the disciples wash his feet but he didn't. Just as he was born in a lowly place he lived his life and carried out his short ministry on earth in a state of humility which is a world apart from much of the pompNfare we see in the church today.
When we really look at the model and example set before us by Jesus, are we walking in his sandals? Just another Tiney Thought~

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A Bible-LESS day at Church?!

I just downloaded a few bible apps onto my iPhone, I was wondering will the day come where people will not carry the traditional paper bibles we are so accustomed to? Already the market is inundated with paper books. Self publishing has become popular and everyone is an author these days but what about the changing face of media as we know? Devices like Kindle have changed the face of reading, but curling up with a good paper book and an drink are just relaxing. Would it be as relaxing to have that same drink and my electronic device in hand? If you’re like me you have a bible here and a bible there. One bible for the car, one in the family room, one in your office and on and on and on. When I consider that in some countries having a Holy Bible is a crime and people lose their life over it it makes me more appreciative. I am blessed to be able to have multiple bibles in my home and the word of God hidden in my heart –I’m definitely for decreasing my load. I do plan to use my electronic bible heavily; very heavily. Yes, it displays well and has large print and several translations with a searchable database. I love it already!

We have entered a time where many people no longer carry paper bibles to church; the text for the day is often printed on bulletins, flashed on large monitors or just listened to. “You don’t need a bible” has a lot of appeal. But if I don’t have a means of reading the word on my own away from the Sunday worship how will I become skilled and learned in God’s word? I won’t. Does not having the printed word in front of you make you more susceptible to passive listening? 

What if your church had a bibleless week, no bibles allowed. You’d find out how much of God’s word is committed to your head from rote memory and how much is committed to heart in practical application.  I’m thanking God for allowing me to have a bible-a paper bible and my iPhone apps.  Above all I am thankful for writing the word on the tables of my heart-the best place for the Word is the tables of our hearts.

Are bibles as we know them going away? Just another Tiney Thought

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Marriage: Twittistry.org Integration



I do believe God is calling for us to simplify our lives so we can spend more quality time with him; I’m determined to do just that. Across the various social networks, blogs and face to face settings many who want more of Jesus are feeling the need to slow down, take a deep breath and tweek a few things to devote more time to strengthening their relationship with Jesus.
I'm excited to announce that our Twittistry.org blog is being integrated with this blog—I know it’s not conventional but that’s how it is when you’re unboxed. iHeart Jesus and feel him tugging at my heartstring for me to embrace my next level...I'm on my way.
Traditionally you just wouldn’t have a blog that’s unniched but when you really think about it it is niched and the niche is Jesus. So our http://www.twittistry.blogspot.com/  is officially retired as of this post and all twittistry.org post will be highlighted here. Rest Peacefully http://www.twittistry.blogspot.com/.

I’m still working on my Twittistry writing project so stay tuned.

OH for those who are not familiar with twittisty, it’s where we highlight a tweet from the CalledWoman or GAPMin Twitter feeds. You can find tweets from either feed on the side bar and we'd love for you to come connect with us there.

Did Jesus Just Say Blah, Blah, Blah?

Tweet From @gapmin: Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't present your prayer request to the Father in the form of blah, blah blah?
I confess I’m guilty of entering the Blah Zone—my husband and I were talking and as I told him about family matters I came to a point in the conversation where I said “and blah blah”…he responded what, just two blahs? Two blahs is more than enough don’t you think? But I realized he was right, what happened to the third blah? Usually we hear blah, blah, blah.
Blah is pompous or pretentious talk or writing---a filler. It made me think of the Lord and how he never enters the blah zone. When we share something with him we’ll never hear him say “blah, blah, blah”. Don’t you just love that Jesus never enters the blah zone, I do.
Visit Twitter, Facebook, Called WomanNJClicks and G.A.P. Ministries:)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Grace x2

There are two sets of doors leading out of my office building, one is automatic and the other opens by hand-it’s the old fashioned “push me” door type. To exit the building you go through one set of doors and then through a foyer to another set of doors before landing outside under the awning.
As I was leaving the office today I was in step with another woman, we arrived at the exit at the same time. She went to the automatic doors while I walked toward the other doors but the automatic door did not open for her—I pushed my door open and begin to walk through it. She stopped for a minute looking puzzled; I’m sure she was wondering why the door didn’t open for her. She didn’t realize that the automatic doors are locked at a certain time each day and the only way to exit is to push.

As we walked through the foyer to the second set of doors she walked over to the automatic doors and guess what? Yes that’s right, they didn’t open. Again, she stopped and looked puzzled. Like those office doors sometimes God’s blessings are open and flowing, they are in season and he’s pouring them out; we can go in and out of the blessings with little to no effort—it’s called grace. All we have to do is approach the throne and it’s done—the doors open and we walk through them exiting adversity, situations, circumstances and stuff. BUT at other times the only way we are going to EXIT is to PUSH; it’s important that we know which mode God is in.

There are many believers waiting for God’s grace to slide back the automatic doors and let them exit what they are going through. News Alert: The sliding doors are locked! The push doors are your way of escape/exit. PUSH your way out of where you are by standing on the word, praying and trusting God to do what HE SAID he would do. I know I say it a lot but here I go..."It may not be easy but it is necessary".

No matter how long we stay at the sliding doors of grace after God has locked them they won’t open and the only alternative we have is to PUSH.  We often make the mistake of thinking that if we have to PUSH God is not walking with us. The Apostle Paul understood that the ability and strength to PUSH is God's grace overflowing in our lives.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
 
Life will offer us opportunities to exit, sometimes we will effortlessly walk through automatic sliding doors and at other times he will equip us with the strength and ability needed to PUSH our way out....either way his grace is sufficient. ~Just another Tiney Thought.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Doodle with Me:)


God is not limited in his ability to speak to us in different ways and I favor photography. For me, images speak without saying a word. If you enjoy photography and other creative outlets consider joining us on the Ebby's Touch Network at www.ebbystouch.ning.com. You can also check out my doodles at www.njclicks.blogspot.com , that's where iDoodle with my cellphone. It's a photo journal.    I pray he empowers us to see beyond the norm and to embrace the things that cannot be seen with our natural eyes. Thats where faith lies--beyond what we can see with our natural eyes.

Monday, March 1, 2010

IPhone Pardons Whoring?

Stop it---an IPhone application that was supposedly started before this whole Tiger-cheating thing started, an application that allows cheating spouses to store data (text, emails etc) on a separate server and set an automatic delete date so they won’t get caught. Are you serious? Many Christians that are in the SMH (shaking my head) mode have forgotten that God’s chosen people were dubbed cheaters long before Tiger Woods was exposed and they didn’t have an iPhone app to cover their tracks. Ironically, nothing’s changed. Christians everywhere are ‘cheating’ naturally and spiritually.

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking it’s different because the Israelites went whoring after other gods, right? Isn’t lust, of any kind another god or an idol? Tiger’s passion was lust but many have ungodly passions for other things and they go whoring to get it.

Read it:: Exodus 34:15-16, Leviticus 17:7, 20:5-6, Numbers 15:39, Deuteronomy 31:16, Judges 2:17, Judges 8:27-33, 1Chronicles 5:25, 2 Chronicles 21:13, Psalms 73:27, Psalms 106:39, Ezekiel 6:9, 23:30, Hosea 4:12, Hosea 9:1

The word whoring is not mentioned in the KJV New Testament, so are we to assume that there is no whoring taking place under the new covenant—SMH (John 8). We know “whoring” has a sexual implication of fornication/adultery but one of its other meanings is simply to be unfaithful to God. I’m certain there is a group somewhere claiming that they have always been faithful to God and have never detoured from his righteousness and I’d love to meet them; well, I’d like to observe from a distance anyway.

The Tiger Woods drama continues to unfold and Christians and non-believers alike are engrossed with the cheating Tiger…. Some are praying, some are gossiping AND some are praying and gossiping! What a great opportunity for us to examine ourselves for the cheater in us. I heard that gasp—sorry but for those that Love God allowing him to examine us and adjust our cheat-o-meter in life is a must. Iphone apps will not be able to erase the thing that stands between us and God. Cheaters never win. They didn’t then and they won’t now, the only way to erase the data from our pursuit of other gods is to repent and allow God to remove our whoring as far from us as the east is from the west. Toss it in to the sea of forgetfulness Jesus…..~Just another Tiney Thought.