Meditate So You Can Elevate
How To Keep Going Up When Life Is Pulling You DownBy James E. Jones, Jr.AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Rev. Dr. James E. Jones, Jr.
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4567-4714-5Contents
Dedication.......................................................ixAcknowledgements.................................................xiForeword.........................................................xiiiLove Doesn't Hurt................................................1Take Somebody With You...........................................2Coping with Stress...............................................3You Can Do It....................................................5Keep Your Eyes Open..............................................6He's Still the Same..............................................7You Are Going to Need More Room..................................7Be Like Jesus....................................................8Save Me From Me..................................................8What Kind of Fruit Are You Bearing?..............................9What Is Your Issue?..............................................10Handling Hardships...............................................11In God We Trust..................................................12The Power of Prayer..............................................13A God Who Answers................................................14Less Becomes Greater.............................................15I'm Not Going to Lose My Mind....................................16When What You Do is Not Enough...................................17Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...............................18Stop Running.....................................................19When God Is Silent...............................................20God Never Fails..................................................21Wait On God......................................................22I've Been Changed................................................24Guard Your Heart.................................................25Under Distress...................................................26The Troubles of This World.......................................27What Gets God Excited............................................28Now..............................................................29ShadowBoxing.....................................................30Be True To You...................................................31Constructive Criticism...........................................32I'm Desperate for God............................................33I'm In Over My Head..............................................34I Almost Walked Away From God....................................36God Always Comes Through.........................................38Remember Me......................................................39He Gave Us All He Had............................................40Walk In Freedom..................................................41The Bigger They Are ... The Harder They Fall.....................43It's In Him......................................................44The Blessing of Being Broke......................................45No Other Name....................................................46You Can Do It....................................................47Only What You Do For Christ Will Last............................48Return to Sender.................................................48No Other Choice..................................................49A High Cost to Low Living........................................49Living in the Overflow...........................................50Build Me Up – Don't Tear Me Down...........................50What Have You Done For Me Lately?................................51Which Road?......................................................52A Praise Party...................................................53No Limits........................................................54My Pain Won't Go Away............................................55No Time For Childish Games.......................................57Watch Out for False Teachers.....................................58Wash Me..........................................................59No Division......................................................60When God Changes His Mind........................................61Freedom With Limitation..........................................62God is Still In Charge...........................................63Where Is My Healing..............................................64Just Keep Believing..............................................65It Won't Break Me................................................66Expect the Unexpected............................................68Say Something....................................................69Working Together.................................................70It Hurts But Keep Going..........................................72It Really Doesn't Matter.........................................73The Blessing of Succession.......................................74Dedicated and Disciplined........................................75When Nobody Seems To Care........................................76Where Were You?..................................................77Trust the Promise................................................77Get A Piece of the Rock..........................................79God Is With You..................................................80Take Care of Your Temple.........................................81New Direction....................................................82Wisdom Over Wealth...............................................83Worship the Lord.................................................84Time is Drawing Near.............................................85God Gave It To You...............................................86I've Been Changed................................................86The Most Important Part..........................................88Shake It Off.....................................................89The Power of Pentecost...........................................90Live Free from Fear: A Prayer....................................92
Chapter One
Daily Devotionals Love Doesn't Hurt
Romans 13:10 (New International Version)
10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Recently, I was engaged in a conversation with a young lady who suggested that one of her friends was involved in a sexually abusive relationship. She continued to tell me that the man in the relationship used the Bible to justify and support his case. He would consistently argue that this woman was his personal slave and as such, was supposed to do whatever he wanted even if it was against her own will.
I would offer today that you be careful about getting submission and abuse confused. So often in life, people mistreat us, take advantage of us, and abuse us all in the name of love. I believe Tina Turner was right when she raised the question, "What's love got to do with it?" Love may not be perfect but it is not wrapped in pain either. How long are you going to watch someone you love destroy you, all in the name of love? Could it be the person who is trapped in the dark side of love is you?
Let's be great today.
Take Somebody With You
2 Corinthians 13:1-4 (New International Version)
Final Warnings
1 This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." 2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
Trouble is easy to get into but hard to get out of. That phrase brings to mind an important meeting I once had with a certain individual regarding the allegation that he was spreading rumors throughout the community, as well as in the church. During the meeting, this individual said something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. His exact words were, "When it's just me and you, it's your word against mine." Although he openly admitted that he had started the rumors during our private meeting, he would never admit it publicly.
Life is filled with these kinds of individuals. You know them ... the ones who throw rocks and hide their hands. Be careful how you settle disputes. Try not to settle them alone. When you travel with a witness, it becomes your word against theirs.
Today, let's be victorious together.
Coping with Stress
Philippians 4:6-13 (New International Version)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I'm sure you've heard many people say, "I am too blessed to be stressed!" Although that may be true with some of us, it is not the case with everyone. My question to you today is what do you do when your blessing is the cause of the stress? Here are a few things you can implement the next time you are feeling stressed out.
1. Step away and do something fun for yourself.
2. Don't take yourself or others too seriously.
3. Remember, you have a right to be concerned but not consumed.
4. Don't kill yourself trying to do it all by yourself.
5. Find a quiet place throughout the day and read His word.
6. Don't let anybody live in your head for free.
7. Eat healthy.
8. Exercise regularly. Force yourself to if you have to. You will feel better.
9. Ask yourself if it will matter 30 days from now.
10. Most importantly, PRAY, PRAY and PRAY. If you are still stressed, then PRAY, PRAY and PRAY some more!
Remember, this too shall pass
You Can Do It
Joshua 1:7-9 (New International Version)
7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Life is filled with ups and downs. There are haters and critics everywhere. There will always be at least one person, who is either hating on you or jealous of you, who feels it is their divine responsibility to tell you what you can't do or what you can't become. The next time one of these individuals seek to move around in your space or get close to you, don't subscribe to their negative press. Instead, become like Joshua. Believe that you can go where nobody else has gone, do what nobody else has done and possess what nobody else has possessed. You may be asking yourself, "If nobody else has done it before, why should I think I am going to do it?" God is always waiting for the right person at the right time. This time, it's you. You can do it. You are a champion.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Matthew 25:31-40 (New International Version) The Sheep and the Goats
31" When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Oftentimes we miss precious opportunities to be a blessing to others simply because we overlook them. The person who needs a hug doesn't always look broken. The person who doesn't have enough money to get something to eat does not always look desperate. Sometimes those who need it the most are standing around us, sitting near us or live close by. Don't miss an opportunity today to be a blessing in somebody's life because you overlooked them. Keep your eyes open today so that not only will you be impressed with their outer appearance but your view of them will reach their soul. Today, may God grant you the vision to see exactly what is going on with others. Today, may He allow you to not only see others but to look through others. You must keep your eyes open or you may just miss your blessing. Stay focused on the Saviour and not your surroundings.
He's Still the Same
Hebrews 13:8 (New International Version)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Everything around us seems to change. Relationships change, our addresses change, our phone numbers change, our jobs change but God never changes. So many times we talk about God as if He is some abstract being who is intentionally avoiding us. Truthfully, God is waiting on you in the same place you left Him. If you're having problems locating Him, it's not because He has moved ... maybe you have. God hasn't gotten a U-Haul - maybe you have?
* * *
You Are Going to Need More Room
Psalm 18:19 (New International Version)
19 He brought me out into a spacious place, he rescued me because he delighted in me.
I can't speak for you, but one of my least favorite past times is moving. The process of moving seems like an endless discovery of things you had forgotten about. Sometimes our lives are like that process. God can remove something and for some reason we replace it. This is going to be your season of expansion. God is going to bless you like never before. Even as you are reading this, start clearing out space because the place you have reserved for your blessing is simply not big enough. You're going to need more room. Increase is in your mouth.
Be Like Jesus
Ephesians 5:11-14 (New International Version)
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Several years ago, one of the biggest ad campaigns was the Nike campaign "Be Like Mike" referring to the legendary Michael Jordan. As great as Michael Jordan is, not even his greatness could prevent him from having to face some of life's greatest challenges.
So if you are looking for someone to pattern yourself after, I recommend Jesus. He is the only person I know who was always surrounded by sin but remained sinless. Try to be like Jesus today.
* * *
Save Me From Me
Romans 7:21-25 (New International Version)
21 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
I am convinced that for many of us we are our own worst enemy. For some of us, there is a constant battle between good and evil and right and wrong. God has blessed you with so much that sometimes it is hard for you to believe
In spite of all of the blessings, we still find ourselves struggling with the issues of life. You know your tomorrow looks much better than your yesterday. The only person who can mess that up is you. Today my prayer for you is that God will save you from you.
Don't be your own worst enemy today.
* * *
What Kind of Fruit Are You Bearing?
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
It has been stated that you will know a tree by the fruit it bears. If that is true, then a lot of people in the world are producing rotten fruit. Some of us could use attitude adjustments, our conversation could be more positive and pleasant and even the way we look sometimes sends a negative message. Try today to exemplify fresh fruit, beautiful fruit or healthy fruit. Have a winning attitude. If somebody were to shake your tree right now, what kind of fruit would fall off?
Let's be great.
What Is Your Issue?
John 4:28-32 (New International Version)
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
All of us have to struggle or fight against something. Whether it's lust, loneliness, low self-esteem, depression or anger, we all have our own personal challenges. The problem with having an issue is not acknowledgement but avoidance. Too many of us run from who we authentically are in hopes that we can "outrun" it before it catches up to us. We end up spending a lot of energy and time running from the very thing or person that is our issue. God knows our issues and loves us with them.
This is the season God is calling us to be authentically who He has created us to be. It is time for us to remove the mask and all levels of falsehood. Be who God knows who you are today.
Handling Hardships
2 Timothy 2:1-3 (New International Version)
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Over the last decade our world has seen its share of disasters and hardships. From floods to earthquakes, we have experienced tremendous misfortunes. For some of us, hardships are not about earthquakes, hurricanes or global misfortunes. It is more about just trying to survive everyday hardships like handling adversity at the workplace, dealing with a relationship gone bad, raising children without a support system or having more BILLS than money. As you ask yourself how to handle these hardships, remember two important things:
1. Simply endure it. Some stuff you just have to learn how to keep pushing through even when you get tired.
2. Go through it knowing that you are going to come out of it. Know that if you can't handle it, He can.
Remember, the greater the test the greater the reward.
In God We Trust
Psalm 56 (New International Version)
1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. 2 My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. 7 On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations. 8 Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- 11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Do you ever feel like it is just you against the world? Does it seem like everywhere you turn there is someone plotting your downfall? When your enemies are all around you watching and hanging on your every word, trust God to not only protect you from them, but to prosper you in spite of them. In God we trust needs to mean more to you than a phrase on the back of your money. It needs to become your verbal declaration. Trust God today. He can handle everything and everyone else.
Trust God no matter what.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Meditate So You Can Elevateby James E. Jones, Jr. Copyright © 2011 by Rev. Dr. James E. Jones, Jr.. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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