A life of balance & purpose!

2008 Presidential Election

It is amazing to see how confused people are when it comes to this election; well not just people, but Christian people.  Emails are flying across servers, phones are ringing off hooks, and videos are filling the minds of many.  The ignorant & the intelligent are being swayed all over the place.

I am a minority & a Christian.  While the idea of voting for an African American president is highly appealing on the surface, I am forced to take a deeper approach in my reasoning.  I must vote spirit first & flesh last.  Simply put I am Christian who is African American.  I must vote in this order.  Lately, I’ve battled with not voting at all.  While I am grateful, on a level no words can express for the scarifies that my ancestors made to give me the right to do many things; I get on my knees & bow my face in great humbleness at the sacrifice my heavenly Father made so that I can do many more things with the grand prize still yet to come!

At this point I am forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.  I will chose to make my vote for the candidate who most closes represents Biblical truths.  I have chosen to put aside what feels good, to look at the  WWJD side of things.  I also pay attention to my fleshly impulses.  Here’s what I see, if I let the feminist rise up in me then I would be Pro-Choice but the Bible clearly speaks to this issue(& surrounding factors) in Matthew 5:21, Psalm 127:5, Psalm 37:26, 1 Corinthians 10:8.  This is also stated in the 10 commandments and yes, I believe this applies to criminals as well.  If I buy into the homo-gene theory, I may desire to have a law that allows folks to marry, oh I’m sorry, I mean have a ‘civil union’ with the same gender but the Bible clearly denounces this behavior in Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:10, 1 Corinthians 7:2.  If I wanted to get back at folks for taking ‘our jobs’ & ‘using our freedoms illegal’ then I would support cutting them off from living but the Bible gives me examples of how to treat people at fault or in sin, check out: Jeremiah 31:34, John 4:7-29, Mark 11:26, and so many others.  Lastly (but  I do have more), what does the Bible tell us Christians about Universalism?  I mean really folks, are your eyes wide shut?

As I learned from listening to a highly intelligent & thought provoking speaker by the name of Alan Keyes, is that we should wonder why we don’t have enough true to the Word Christians entering the political arenas.  When I look for the Paul’s, Esther’s and Timothy’s of our day, they are very hard to find.  I believe it’s because we’ve conformed so much to the world that we are scared to step out, be bold & be ‘Like Christ’ instead of being ‘Like Mike’!

The main thing to remember is that God is always in control.  The candidate who is to reign will and the outcome will be what it will be.  God is never surprised!  2 years from now I wonder what the country will look like, what will the economy be like. 

The truth of the matter is this; Jesus is coming back to save us from this madness one day.  I hope you find yourself on the best side of this issue!!!  Be Pro-Christ in everything you do.  Maranatha!

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

Your will or His will be done?

Today’s inspired message comes from Colossians 1.  I am keying in on verses 9-12.  In the Amplified Version it reads:

9For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [^[a]special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the ^[b]full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [^[c]in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

10That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and ^[d]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, ^[e]acquaintance, and recognition].

11[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,

12Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the ^[f]portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.

It’ s a reoccurring them across The Bible that many Christians neglect.  To live your best, most purposeful life; you have to know the will of God, love the heart of God, and desire to please Him above all else.  Now, I realize that some days this is a hard pill to swallow.  We’re humans (the best excuse ever, LOL), we desire to control things, make things happen in our timing & in our way, and we simply are engulfed in pursuing what we desire while praying for God’s hands to move in our situations.  For many of us the problem is that we never consulted God to begin with.

Spending time in the Word is the primary way to grow in understanding the heart, mind & will of God.  Once we begin to get understanding on what’s important in life we can begin practically applying these truths to our daily living.  Sounds easy, right?  It is when your heart is ready to receive.  For many of us understanding God’s will and practically applying it means we have to first actually READ our Bible, then we have to give up certain fleshly pleasures, it could mean we have to lose a few friends, it usually means we have to work outside of our comfort zone, and for some it might mean a total lifestyle overhaul.

It may sound burdensome but it’s not;  it’s freedom.  When you operate under the direction of God, you gain the freedom to truly live.  He makes your way easy and your troubles light (Matthew 11:30).  He gives you every good thing and adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22).  He delights in you (Psalm 37:23).  There is no greater pursuit than to pursue the heart of God.  There is no greater joy than seeing His hand work through you to help others.  There is no greater success than following His guidance and reaping the benefits.  There is no greater love than the love He offers us.  You see He sits by waiting for that moment when you will desire Him more than you desire His gifts.

If you are entangled in the worlds way of living, you can break free and begin living a life of purpose.  A life where it’s about more than your needs and your family.  Read & pray Psalm 26:2-“Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.  Test my motives and my heart”.  Take a look at your life; what consumes you?  Is it food, alcohol, TV, secular music & videos, excessive work, uncontrolled shopping…whatever it is, take time to fast from that obsession.  Instead of being consumed with it, take that time to pray, read the Word and meditate.  If you get on the path…God will meet you half way!

Until Next Time,

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

That last breath!

When the end of your life arrives; what will your life legacy be about?  How will people remember you?  What do you mean to others?  What did you give your life to?  How many did you serve in the name of Christ? 

Is life all about you; your goals, your feelings, your success, your things and your money?  If yes, don’t continue to waste your life.  Need ideas, of how to use your talents, wealth, gifts, or knowledge to serve others?  Email me and I will prayerfully get you back to ‘real’ living.  If no, please share the ways you serve; this can help inspire others (ideas will be posted on my blogging sites)!

Have a blessed day and a joyful weekend,

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

Do good...even when it hurts!

This morning's reading took me to 2 Thessalonians 3.  I have read this many times before and verse 13 especially encourages & inspires me in my daily living.  Simply put it says, "do not get tired of doing good".  This can be most challenging for me when people purposefully walk all over my feelings & generosity.  I am a wear your heart on your sleeve kind of gal.  This is one of the areas where 'He' makes me strong in my weakness.  Even when dealing with my two toddlers (2.5yrs & 19 months) in their 'growth' season, I find myself asking for patience & I remember to continue on with the good work of child rearing.

Now, Paul was speaking to the hard-working Thessalonians in reference to the lazy/misguided Thessalonians when he wrote this but it still very applicable for Christian living in today's world.

Here's how:

1.        It calls us to remember the sacrifice of our Lord.  While I'm sure He would rather not have died a horrific death on the cross, He loved us so much that He pressed forward in this midst of our sinfulness.

2.       It call us to keep our pride meter in check.  When we continue to do good for & to others, regardless of what we receive in return; we can be sure that a special drop from Heaven will come our way.

3.       It calls us to be obedient outside of human fickle emotions.  Sometimes you have do things out of obedience no matter how you feel.  The heart will eventually catch up!

4.       It makes our testimony stronger.  When we die to self and hold up a standard, we make a very visual representation of our core beliefs.

5.       We spit in the devils face!!!  This is always a good thing!!! Satan uses anything or anybody to get you off course.  Like they told us in the Army..."Stay alert...Stay Alive"

Until next time,

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

Real Living

Why don’t more Christians actually read their Bibles?  Years ago I barely touched my bible so I will use myself as the research person.  Let’s see, I was busy with personal studies, research, and endeavors.  I was busy with house duties.  I was busy with personal health goals.  I was busy reading self-help books.  I was busy getting my beauty sleep.  I was busy gossiping on the phone (yep, I know me and another ‘Christians’…yip, yapping away).

The person depicted above is pretty self-consumed, wouldn’t you say?  It’s like we think our own wisdom is better than our Creators.  Most times it’s because we don’t seek true intimacy with Christ.  We are a superficial people and since we have abandoned ‘The Plan’ for personal endeavors that only benefit self we really don’t want to accidentally read something that might call us to turn away from focusing on self.  Some people just don’t think the Word is relevant for today. 

Throughout the New Testament a message is given to us:  If you cling to your life, you will lose it but if you give it up for God, you will find it (Matthew 10:39, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24).  I know that many of you have accepted Jesus but you haven’t really sought to build a relationship with Him.  So in a sense with all your personal goals that cause you to elude the Word, you are still trapped in the cycle & losing your life.  While you chase money, status at work, heftier retirement plans, more material things, and attempt to create the so-called ‘well developed’ children with the over-scheduling; you run away from the peace, the joy, the freedom that God provides when we stick to ‘The Plan’.  God’s way is easier & it keeps your mind light (Matthew 11:30). 

God really desires that our main desire be Him.  He truly wants to show you His love, speak to you, and use you to further His Kingdom.  This happens by hearing from Him which mainly comes through the Word and prayer & fasting.  How can we pray with power, if we don’t know any promises to stand on? 

When we begin to love God more than we love life, we can see miracles in our life and start a revival in our nation.  When we desire our citizenship of Heaven more than we desire to walk this earth then we shall see true Christians and the lost will be drawn to us!

Desiring more? Get filled on the right stuff!

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Voice for the Words (Test)

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Gimmie, Gimmie!

Many times we are not blessed in certain areas because our motives are wrong or simply because we are not ready spiritually to have it (whatever your “it” is).  You see God will not give us more than we need for that season.  He knows how greedy we can become and He knows how easily we are distracted.  He will not bless us with something that will distract our hearts from Him (see James 4).

Isn’t God good?  You see He saves us from ourselves.  He does give us opportunities to make certain decisions and it’s those little things that reveal our true character or lack thereof.

You can rest assured that He will provide all you need from day to day.  He longs to bless you in every area but He longs to have a relationship with you more than He wants to give you things.  The things are a by-product of the ‘real’ blessing which is a connection, a communion with Him.  The things of this world can never quench the longing of our hearts to feel _______(you fill in the blank).  This longing, this desire can only be quenched by Him.  We must  toss away our plans and be open to whatever He so desires for us.  Once we do this, yearnings for simple material pleasures are choked out because we are filled with the oxygen of His breath…and that is we really need!

Read Matthew 6:25-34…a highlight on verse 32 & 33.  Actually here it is below for your ease:

Matthew 6:25-34 (New Living Translation)

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

Give me more...of what?

Often times we dig ourselves into the miseries of life by our pursuit of worldly pleasures and securities.  We do not realize it until we are engulfed in its vicious fury.  Sadly many do not realize it all.  They blame their problems on past relationships, go figure…needing more money, and ‘rainy day’ planning but we are deceived in our thinking.

Throughout the Word we are warned of the dangers of pursuing wealth, yet and still we do it any.  We justify it under stewardship & plans to do things for Christ but could we not locate more practical ways to serve others and serve the Kingdom.  Habakkuk 2:5, tells us that “Wealth is treacherous…”, that is a very strong statement and goes against anything the world would have us to believe. 

How can we stay clear of this temptation? How can we avoid being the greedy?  We have to re-train our minds in the Word.  Make our pursuits of service to God and dying to self.  Honestly seek to please Him.  Seek His guidance.  Better yet, do the opposite of what the world is doing.

What would life be like if we truly relied on God?  What if we all had the same amount of money and our needs where already met?  What would we do?  What would we pursue?  What would be our purpose?  This must have been what the Garden of Eden was like.  Just chill!  Free to just be!  With this in mind, your heart should yearn for the coming of Christ.  Your soul should yearn to save the souls of the lost so they too can join you in the mission to save others. 

Our most intense pursuit should be our seeking after Christ.  When our souls prosper then shall we.

See Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Habakkuk 2:

The lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, are the entangling snares of men; and we find him that led Israel captive, himself led captive by each of these. No more of what we have is to be reckoned ours, than what we come honestly by. Riches are but clay, thick clay; what are gold and silver but white and yellow earth? Those who travel through thick clay, are

hindered and dirtied in their journey; so are those who go through the world in the midst of abundance of wealth. And what fools are those that burden themselves with continual care about it; with a great deal of guilt in getting, saving, and spending it, and with a heavy account which they must give another day! They overload themselves with this thick clay, and so sink themselves down into destruction and perdition. See what will be the end hereof; what is gotten by violence from others,

others shall take away by violence. Covetousness brings disquiet and uneasiness into a family; he that is greedy of gain troubles his own house; what is worse, it brings the curse of God upon all the affairs of it. There is a lawful gain, which, by the blessing of God, may be a comfort to a house; but what is got by fraud and injustice, will bring poverty and ruin upon a family. Yet that is not the worst; Thou hast sinned against thine own soul, hast endangered it. Those who wrong their

neighbours, do much greater wrong to their own souls. If the sinner thinks he has managed his frauds and violence with art and contrivance, the riches and possessions he heaped together will witness against him. There are not greater drudges in the world than those who are slaves to mere worldly pursuits. And what comes of it? They find themselves disappointed of it, and disappointed in it; they will own it is worse than vanity, it is vexation of spirit. By staining and sinking earthly glory,

God manifests and magnifies his own glory, and fills the earth with the knowledge of it, as plentifully as waters cover the sea, which are deep, and spread far and wide. (Hab 2:15-20)

Prayers that get heard!

In my study this morning, I came  across John 9:31, it reads: God doesn’t listen to sinners, but He is ready to hear those who worship Him and do His will.  Think about that for a moment.  Our Elohim (unlike humans) considers no sin greater than the next.  Sin is sin to Him.  With this in mind, when you choose to not pay your tithes, gossip, tell a ‘little white lie’, have un-marital sexual relations, watch a little porn, speed down the highway, abort precious babies and so forth…then later that evening pray for His divine blessings, protection & provision in your life, you can rest assured that your answers will be delayed!  So, if many of your prayers are going unanswered maybe (of course not all situations), just maybe, those continuous, remorseless acts of sin in your life are putting a barrier between your communication with God.

How can you fix this problem?  Read the second portion of the same verse.  “Those who worship Him & do His will be shall be heard”.  Now for you ultra religious & legalistic folks (this was me just a few months ago), don’t go thinking it’s all about saying, “Lord forgive me for all my sins known & unknown before you get into any prayer” out of ritual.  It is good & right to ask for forgiveness in prayer; as it is the model Jesus gives us in Matthew 6:9-13 but it is really about our core desire to be in love with & always pleasing to our Heavenly Father, it is about our relationship with Him.  When we truly want to show our dedication to someone, we tend to want to do nothing that will damage they way they see us.  We go out of our way to impress them.  When we have this type of passion & desire on the inside of us for our El Elyon; we naturally move away from things that would cause us to break His heart be it the music we listen to, the groups we join, the places we go, the things we say, the way we respond/act, the way we think..what it is we simply remove it & replace it with things that are pleasing to Him.  You see the Bible tells us plainly in Luke 16:10,11 NLT: 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?”. 

Note: please don’t think money, a big house,  a good job or prestige are indicators of your righteousness.  This is the world’s way of thinking.  These things are nice to have & God desires to bless us with material things but our ‘real’ riches are in Heaven depending how much ‘real’ work we put in. 

When we view life through our Heavenly glasses we can see the ease of life, we desire to obey Him and with this obedience all the things that the world chases, pursues, and rejects God for are given to us without any work at all because He blesses us with all we desire & adds no sorrow with it (Proverbs 10:22).  Our hearts, our core self must desire to always do the things that are pleasing to God!

Fall on your face before God and be honest with Him about your selfish motives, your sinful desires or your lack of knowledge.  He is waiting to reconnect with you!

Elohim means Our Creator & Judge

El Elyon means The Most High (Sovereign)

Until Next Time,

Kisha Guzman

Check us out at: www.balancedandpurposed.com