I AM

I love the story in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asks God what to say when he tells the Israelites about deliverance from oppressive Egypt. Moses anticipated that he would receive the natural response of those who wanted to know every detail of their escape. First and foremost they would want to know the name and title of this great deliverer. The answer God gives is beautiful because he simply tells Moses to tell them " I am who I am". The simplicity and the assurance of his person and character is beyond words can describe. God does not give a dissertation of his accomplishments and he could of listed a bunch. He doesn't say I created the heaven, moon, and the very air you breathe. These great tasks would certainly move the average person like you and me to list all the great things we have done. As I read the passage the spirit led me to invaluable insight into the true character and nature of our God. He is a God who is not caught up in titles, authority, and accomplishments instead he just simply is. He is assured in his abilities and not distracted by insecurity. How wonderful it would be to have this assurance and trust. Before I read this passage the sprit brought to me this question "Kohl who are You?" In a society that frowns upon uniqueness and loves conformity this question is easily drowned out and opportunities for assurance are missed. I went to bed thinking about this question and received my answer this morning . By having the understanding of who God is through the simplicity of his answer to Moses it gives me some instruction as to how to walk out my life in Christ. I like Moses because he is prepared. He is prepared for the inevitable questions that he will receive from a skeptic and oppressed people. As I journey through this new season people will undoubtably ask and want to know who I am. Regardless of if it's a job interview or a date, people are curious about your true person and character. In order to answer these questions we have to know and be assured of our identity. Our answer to them is this" We are in Christ". The answer is simple which is what makes it so beautiful. It simply means we are assured of his forgiveness, redemption and power to save. Most times people will recognize this by our actions. They will recognize this by an assured and trusting spirit. One that is calm, relaxed and engaged. This is my true identity in Christ. It does not take a long dissertation about our accomplishments all of which were only made possible by the Living God! It is not what we have done but who we are that is of true value. God cares about my character and not my accomplishments. I am trusting in Christ and these words" My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand" John 10:27

I am his child.
I may not be all that you are.
I may not be a shining star but what I am.
I thank the Lord for making me his child.
I may not be all that you are.
I may not be a shining star but what I am.
I thank the Lord for making me his child.
Thank you Lord for hearing every prayer.
Thank you Lord for just being there.
Thank you Lord.
Thank you Lord.
For I am not worthy of your love.
I may not be all that you are.
I may not be a shining star but what I am.
I thank the Lord for making me his child.
So don’t use me or abuse me for I am his child.
Don’t teast me or mistreat me for I am still his child.
You can even talk about me but I am still his child.

Just the Beginning

Well I officially made it through trying 25! I want to thank all those who stayed with me during the journey. The journey is not over, but I do feel as if one chapter has closed and a new one is beginning. I still feel like Paul when he says " Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."~ Philippians 3:13. In these last 25 years God has given me many tests and challenges that have equipped with the knowledge to meet other challenges and opportunities. I am learning that learning is a continuous process. What you learn at 25 is the foundation for what you will learn at 26. The thirst for learning should never be quenched, because there is always something new to learn. For me, when I completed my master's program last May I almost fell into the notion that I was somehow finished and had accomplished all I needed to. This couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality it was just the beginning and the foundation for the next challenge. The same is true regarding my thirst for biblical knowledge and truth. I have not learned everything and will never know the complete mind of God, but what he has revealed is the cornerstone for continued learning and searching to meet those purposes he has ordained for me since ancient times. I am a huge Kurt Carr fan, and there is one song that is particularly fitting during this season. The song is titled " Just the Beginning". If you have a moment please check out the lyrics. Until next time, peace and blessings!

The True Definition of Wealth

Before I begin with the topic I just want to say that its not my intention to sound as if I know it all or have attained complete knowledge. I am ever learning and growing, and these blogs are opportunities to share what I am learning with others.I was speaking with a friend a few weeks back, and our conversation inspired me to write this entry. We were talking about true riches and wealth, but not in the concepts of worldly structures and constructs. In our culture it is extremely easy to get consumed by those things that at the end of the day have no value and will perish to dust. The clothes we wear and the cars we drive have value, but they don't add to our spiritual substance which is in essence life. These things are simply a means to an end. The assurance of knowing Christ and the peace that comes with accepting his love and God's forgiveness IS the greatest treasure anyone can gain "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" ~ John 6:13
A person who knows Christ, his authority and peace is wealthy. Instead of focusing on earthly wealth that at the end of the day as no value, why not focus on attaining true wealth found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and his people? Truthfully over these last few months I have lost sight of this. In my ambition to be " successful" I was missing these elements that bring so much peace and stability to my life. In the midst of uncertainty its a struggle to keep your eyes on the prize. Christ is the prize and promises to restore us if only we would look to him. I am so grateful that God places friends and mentors in our lives to bring us back to the reality of his deep love for us, and his living presence. As I embark on this next chapter,the following are the key concepts I hope to remember from this current season:

Peace of mind is priceless

Knowing my true identity in Jesus Christ is priceless.

Recognizing my dependency and constant need of Jesus is priceless.

Trust is priceless.

Knowing that we were all made and formed by the Creator for a purpose is priceless.

Knowing your true purpose (the one God wills you to do) is priceless.