ç'est la vie RN

Tag: Jesus

  • Biblical discipleship:

    Biblical discipleship:

    Walking daily with Christ in a distracting world

    I would say I can’t believe I haven’t written in three weeks, but some of my paper journals have multiple month gaps. Well, in this gap, I am being enriched by our current sermon series, Disciples Unleashed. Discipleship, at its core, is about pursuing Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. In today’s fast-paced world, distractions abound, pulling us away from a life of genuine discipleship. Still, God calls us to a higher way—a commitment to walk in obedience and surrender to His will.

    The Call to Follow Christ

    Jesus’ invitation to discipleship is simple but profound: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, KJV). Being a disciple of Christ means leaving behind our old ways, stepping away from self-centered living, and pursuing His will. It’s not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live as He did. Believers often forget, Christ faced constant opposition. Similar that the world around us, with its allurements, demands our time, attention, and heart. We are called to resist this pull and stay anchored in Christ, just as Paul exhorted the early believers: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, KJV). Conformity to the world leads to compromise, but transformation through the Spirit leads to Christlikeness.

    The World’s Pull: Distractions and Temptations

    Jesus warned us about the dangers of the world’s distractions in His parable of the sower: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22, KJV). Many things compete for our devotion—careers, entertainment, material wealth—but when these take precedence over our relationship with God, we become spiritually unfruitful. The world offers immediate gratification and comfort, while discipleship often requires self-denial. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, KJV). This self-denial goes against the grain of our culture, which promotes self-fulfillment at all costs.

    Staying Focused on Christ

    So, how do we maintain our focus on Christ in a world full of distractions?

    1. Abide in His Word 

    • This is a constant work in progress for me, Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31, KJV). Regular study of Scripture keeps us grounded and nourished spiritually. As we meditate on God’s Word, we are reminded of His promises, His character, and His instructions for living as His followers.

    2. Cultivate a Prayer Life 

    • Prayer is the lifeline of a disciple. Jesus Himself modeled a life of prayer, often withdrawing to be alone with the Father (Luke 5:16, KJV). Create for yourself a sacred space. Through prayer, we remain connected to the source of our strength and direction.

    3. Fellowship with Other Believers 

    • Being part of a community of believers encourages us to grow and stay accountable. This has been a huge transition for me, as I am naturally a person that loves quiet and stillness. The Lord intended for us to live in community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) reminds us: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” If this part of your life is lacking, I would encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to bring the people you need into your life.

    4. Resist the World’s Influence 

    • James 4:4 (KJV) gives us a clear warning: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” We must guard our hearts against the subtle influences that draw us away from God’s truth. By focusing on Christ, we can live in the world without being of it.

    True discipleship is about walking with Jesus every day, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him. While the world may pull us in different directions, God’s Word remains a firm foundation. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, KJV), and as His disciples, we are called to follow Him wholeheartedly, resisting the world’s pull and staying anchored in His truth. Let us choose Christ daily by taking up our cross, denying ourselves, and walking in the path of true discipleship.

  • He’s in the room

    He’s in the room

    I’ve been running around like crazy the past two days, but I had to come share a quick story about yesterday. The day started with me getting up super early to have an expectations conversation with a pair of feuding nurses. I wasn’t ridiculously concerned about having the conversation, but the energy required to counteract negativity can be mentally draining. After I completed that task, I proceeded to my office. About two hours later, one of the pharmacy techs was passing by. We exchanged morning greetings, and a few seconds later she reappeared at my door. She said, “Jesus told me to tell you He loves you.” She said initially she was going to keep walking, but it hit her spirit so heavy she knew she couldn’t. Not even two hours later, one of the nurses asked if we could chat. I invited her into my office, and we went through her checklist of items. She begins to tell me how there is a change in the atmosphere with my presence and says, “You must have brought Jesus in here with you.”

    Later that afternoon, another nurse came to visit me. We discussed a number of things for about fifteen minutes and before she leaves, she closes the door and says, “I wanna tell you something.” She continues to tell me how I am doing a great job, and she feels I was sent there specifically for that staff…I got chills. It’s confirmation that…1) I am clear about my purpose. 2) I was anointed before I was appointed. 3) The Lord is with me! It gives me confidence and certainty of victory that is to come. How gracious of God to send blessed assurance in such an unexpected way! I may have not overtly felt the Lord’s presence for myself yesterday, but He made sure I KNEW He was there. And knowing so, gives me such joy!

    Psalm 16:11 speaks of the deep joy and fulfillment found in God’s presence. The passage highlights that true life and satisfaction come from walking with God. It points to the eternal joy and pleasure that can only be experienced in communion with Him, both in this life and for eternity. It reminds believers that God’s guidance leads to lasting peace and joy that surpasses anything the world offers. Do you have joy or do you need a closer with Thee?

  • Leaders need love too

    Leaders need love too

    The past two weeks have been a little rugged and challenging to say the least. Last week one of my team members was put on a final warning and this week, one was terminated. I am about 6 weeks into this job. Even though I know it’s the employee behavior that brought about these circumstances, I also know others will equate those actions with my presence. It leaves me to ponder how to move forward and overcome these hurdles when I am already burning the candle at both ends. I don’t think many people truly appreciate the level of burden that comes with being a leader. And I’m not only speaking to leaders in terms of career…this includes our familial leaders, our government leaders, our teachers, our coaches, our mentors, our spiritual leaders, and truly anyone who have been given the space or platform to be influential in the lives of others. Leadership is a great responsibility and over the past few years, my view on the subject has matured in deed and thought. Here is what I’ve learned…

    • Leadership is a spiritual assignment, leaders will give an account to God for how they lead, which should urge them to care for people with integrity and diligence. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” – 1 Peter 5:2-3.
    • Leaders experience moments of weakness too. Great leaders are humble enough to know that the success of their leadership can never be obtained through their power alone. “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” – James 4:10. The Lord is the ultimate source of power during times when we know all we have will not suffice. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” – 2 Timothy 1:7.
    • The Bible gives us Jesus as the blueprint for true servant leadership. In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, providing a powerful example of servant leadership. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus explains that leadership is about serving others rather than exercising authority over them. He said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

    When leaders fail to follow these principles, they stifle the growth of those under their stewardship. We feel the effects of this rippling through our communities. If you are any type of leader that is struggling in some capacity, I would encourage you to engage the work of John Maxwell who has a plethora of resources geared towards leadership growth. All of us should pray for the leaders in our lives. Pray that they have wisdom and discernment to know what is right and best for those they serve. Pray that they lead lives of integrity and uprightness, that their hearts be guarded against deceit and corruption and their lives be a reflection of God’s truth. Pray for your leaders to have courage and strength as they face challenges, that the Lord helps them to stand firm in times of difficulty. Pray that your leaders are protected, guided in righteousness and by wise counsel. Pray that your leaders speak out against injustice and have compassion for everyone they come in contact with. Finally, pray that they have clarity of their vision and are humble and accountable before God, submitting to His authority and honoring Him in all that they do!

    Hope this has encouraged you to encourage a leader in your life. Have a great week! Who Dat!!! : )

  • Answered prayers

    Answered prayers

    Last week was so fast and furious, I forgot to come and share my good news. My job search has finally come an end! In a neatly organized, colorful corner of my closet, my prayer requests decorate the wall. Above the empty clothing rack is a box titled answered prayers. It felt so good to take that card off my wall and put it into the box!

    No one could have paid me to believe that it would take this long for me to land a job. My plan was three months. The Lord said, I’ll raise your three, plus one! Leaning into my faith was necessary to make it through this process. I had to continuously remind myself, I wasn’t just praying for any job. I was praying for a job where my leadership can serve as a ministry to others, where the environment is conducive for me to thrive as a professional and human being, and where I can show up authentically everyday without worry. And because I’m also a little stubborn and have hasty tendencies, I also asked the Lord to let the first yes be THE yes I needed.

    Receiving a scholarship and a job (which the interview was pushed up) in the same week reminded me that God is a loving God and has unlimited grace for us. He is faithful in His doing and being. And I share my good news not as a brag, but to glorify Him and testify to His goodness. There is something about surrendering to His will and His way that allows our light to shine a little bit brighter. Don’t give up on that prayer on your wall or that desire He placed in your heart. He will deliver in His perfect timing.

    “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

  • Ignorance is not an excuse

    Ignorance is not an excuse

    My insides are still in motion from Desperate for Jesus 2024 this past weekend! Speakers Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Carol Kent, Jackie Hill Perry, as well as musical guests Niya Cotton and Amber Bullock used their gifts to fill the sanctuary with the Holy Spirit.

    If you are someone or knows someone that needs a good talking to about our LORD and Savior, Jackie is the ONE they need to hear from! Often we are afraid to speak on our experiences because we don’t wanna insult folks or hurt their feelings, but your truth is your truth. And I love hearing Jackie speak it, because it’s the truth. And the truth is (I’m paraphrasing here), we (as a collective) have grown to be morally bankrupt because some preachers just ain’t preaching about Jesus no more. You go to church, do all the things, check all the boxes and still are no closer to your salvation, still sporting phony faith. I can say that my perception growing up was there was a whole lotta preaching to us, about us, which included the installation of fear for God. I was never taught about the love of God, so I missed out on an entire different aspect of His character that I needed to know!

    Here’s the thing though….just like everything else in life, ignorance is not an excuse. At some point we have to take on the responsibility to find out who the Lord is and experience Him for ourselves. Even if someone tells us what we think is “right”, we need to pull out that bible and fact check, because His Word is the foundation. I was in the car this morning and the Holy Spirit gave me this analogy. I’m a registered nurse right. Let’s say I’m about to go round on my patients and another nurse tells me, “Don’t worry about room 123. I just walked by and the patient is asleep.” Let’s say I decided to take their word for it and let my patient sleep. Almost two hour later, I go into room 123 during the next set of rounds to a lifeless, still body. You’re probably thinking, Tiffany, that’s a little dramatic…is it really a life or death situation? YES, SALVATION IS A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION!!! Without it, there is no access to eternal life. And, once you realize and take in the gravity of what needed to occur to GIVE us salvation (not earn, buy, steal, or borrow), it changes you.

    “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.: – Romans 10: 9-10

    The Word is the absolute source of truth for verification. Don’t live off hearsay. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). To know the Word is to know God. Learn who He is for yourself. Start today!

    Image from Instagram account @ocbfchurch
  • Sowing seeds

    Sowing seeds

    Last night, I attended our Wednesday Night Connect service. Worship led to an impromptu prayer session. We were instructed to pair up. As I turned clockwise from my aisle spot, everyone near me was already paired. There was a young lady across the aisle from me in need of a partner, so there we were. I had never met her or seen her at church before. When I asked if she had any specific requests, she tearfully shared that she needed tuition for her upcoming seminary classes and a job.

    Prior to Monday, we had the same exact prayer requests: On Monday afternoon, I received a call awarding me a scholarship that covered my upcoming fall tuition. First of all, y’all, I saw the scholarship on scholarship.junkie’s Instagram page the day she posted it on May 7th. The scholarship due date was May 15th. Electronically, that’s plenty of time, but the application had to be sent via USPS. One of my transcripts had to be mailed, so I paid for an expedited copy. It arrived on the evening of May 13th. On May 14th, I made sure everything was in order and overnighted the application to the sponsoring foundation. Being out of work for over 7 months now, it was very possible that I would have had to sit out a semester if I couldn’t find a way to cover the tuition.

    With that said, I would never consider this meeting a coincidence. The Holy Spirit intentionally brought us together. I may not be in a position to pay her tuition, but I am a legitimate source of truth that God is faithful and knows our needs. I simply smiled, shared my testimony, and reminded her that God is Provider and our source for all things! It brought me joy to be able to glorify the Lord and encourage her at the same time.

    “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB

    Never underestimate how sharing your journey can plant seeds in another human being. It’s not up to us to nurture and grow it. That’s the Lord’s job. You may never see the harvest of your planting. Just know He is willing and able to make all things fruitful.

    Live with your eyes open and be intentional. Who is He asking you to sow into today?

  • Idols

    Idols

    I went to the rental center at DFW airport Wednesday afternoon, and in the middle of the building, propped in the air is this bronze bull. It struck me as odd because I did not believe any of the companies had a bull as their mascot, and then I laughed to myself a little based on a message delivered a few days earlier.

    Last Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Evans gave a sermon from 2 Kings 13 about Joash missing out on his victory because he didn’t shoot all the arrows. It was a sermon I had heard before, but Jonathan added context as to why the king was down to 50 horseman, 10 chariots, and in need of a spiritual victory. He referred us back to 1 Kings 12:28 when a previous king of Israel, Jeroboam decided to sin against God, “So the king consulted, and he made two golden calves; and he said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.” It goes on to say how this angered the LORD (rightfully so), and other kings followed in his example, so Israel was defeated over and over by their enemies until all that was left, was surely not enough.

    It is very easy for us to make idols out of anything…other people, jobs, relationships, possessions, drugs, alcohol, sex, ambition, political parties, and of course, money! Jonathan had mentioned the Bull of Wall Street, that’s why when I saw the bull in the rental center I chuckled. It made me wonder if people who are believers stop to consider the symbolism of things. Are we even aware when the stage is set for us to easily engage in idolatry? Idols are easy to identify. They move us out of alignment with God…His word and/or His will. It’s important to note how the consequence of sin was not limited to the one king, it continued down the line. As a rationale thinker, I would assume the first of the Ten Commandments is the most important. If you’re not sure about whether there are idols in your life, you can always ask the Holy Spirit to show you. Just be prepared to accept and act on what is presented to you. I hope you have a wonderful week!

    2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3“You shall have no other gods before Me. 4“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, inflicting the punishment of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing favor to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” – Exodus 20:2-6

  • Leaving things behind

    Leaving things behind

    Every year, I initiate the process of calling myself decluttering. My closet has gone surprisingly well. I donated lots of clothes, many with tags still in place. When it comes to my office, things get a little tricky. I have a set of books that have traveled with me from my late teens until now. The paper color has changed slightly, but they’re in perfect condition [hardcovers and binding included]. I have read most of them more than once. I know for certain I will not read them now or in the future. As I’m sitting here typing, I realize they are an attachment to a period of my life…kinda similar to the way certain cd’s can be the soundtrack to an event or experience. Speaking of which, I have over 200 stored in my garage in the age old case logic holders. If you were born 2000 or later, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about [unless your parent was a 70’s baby and passed down all the things].

    This weekend, I need to take all these books [Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Weber collections included] to Half Price Books. One of the reasons I have hesitated is because I know it is unlikely I will get any money for these books. Subconsciously, I guess that conjures up a sense of devalue and reminds me I am aging. The folks at the store have no idea why I’m attached to these books. They care about whether or not the title or author is still popular. I guess it’s time to prune, to stop holding onto old things and make space for new things that are to come in and bear fruit my life. Unfortunately, this isn’t limited to books and clothes, it includes people, places, attitudes, ways of life…etc.

    In Philippians 3, Paul is sharing with them all he is doing to become more like Christ. He is aware that because of his flesh, he still has more to do. Then, he tells us what in fact he does do…(13-14 KJV)

    “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”

    Because they say you should read verses in multiple versions to grasp the meaning, the NIV reads like this…

    “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”

    It reads on to say “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things”. So let’s concede and be more like Paul. Have a great week, simply because God is good!

  • In the midst of a storm, He’s there

    In the midst of a storm, He’s there

    I was watching footage on the Weather Channel from the tornado in Iowa. There was a video clip of a woman. She was holding her baby in her friend’s basement when the stairs began to collapse on them. She said it was the only time she had ever prayed. She only spoke “Dear Lord”, then it was over.

    I am a strong believer that prophetic words and events often occur so we can receive the message at a time when it is most needed. This past Sunday we reviewed the passages in Mark 6 (45-52) where Jesus walks on water. Dr. Evans opened his teaching with an analogy (he’s good at these). He said a soaked sponge under pressure [when squeezed] will reveal what is on the inside, and sometimes God intentionally allows or causes pressure [trials] in our lives to grow us spiritually and build our faith. Just an observation right quick based on this analogy…if someone doesn’t have a relationship with the Lord but call on Him during their trial, He has to inhabit a space within them for His name to be the first they call when under pressure.

    A couple of things that stood out to me regarding those verses:

    • You can be obedient, operating under the will of God AND still be in a trial – Jesus instructed the disciples to cross the sea. They became stuck in the middle, fighting against the winds.
    • No matter the time, day or night, He sees us in our struggles – Jesus was watching them
    • The Lord can present Himself in unexpected ways. If you limit Him, you may miss Him – The disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on water. They thought He was a ghost.

    I think I was in my late 30’s when I heard someone say that if you continue to experience the exact same trials over and over again, it’s because you’re not learning the lesson God is trying to teach you. My ultimate takeaway is we should be able to absorb God, know what He can do, and stand on that knowledge during our trials so that evidence of Him comes pouring out of us. No matter where you are in life and what you are facing, I pray you take a moment to remember when God clearly revealed Himself in the workings of your life. Bring this to the forefront during your next storm and remember the Lord walks on water!

    …But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” – Mark 6:50 NLT

  • Down in the basement

    Down in the basement

    Welcome to the Basement: An Upside-Down Guide to Greatness

    My first experience with basements was when I began visiting my family in Seattle as a young girl. In the New Orleans metro, we were already below sea level, so basements weren’t a thing. My dad’s basement was unfinished, dark and grimy; All the things that come to mind with the word basement. My aunt’s basement was the total opposite, a built out living and entertainment space. My grandma’s basement was a mix between the two. No matter what the basement looked like, it was obviously the safest place to be in the midst of a storm – within the foundation.

    Tim Ross aka Uncle (Tio) Tim has elevated the word basement. I believe it was someone from my spiritual growth group that asked me if I listened to Tim Ross’ podcast. This was maybe a year ago, and at the time, the answer was no. One day I decided to look him up on YouTube and found his podcast, The Basement. When watching that initial episode (I don’t remember which), I could instantly tell it was a psychologically safe space for people to be vulnerable. Tim’s responses to the audience let you know he was truly listening to understand, and even if his words were stern in return, they did not come across as judgmental. I remember seeing clips of Tim saying God gave him The Basement as an assignment. As I have come to learn more about him, the one thing that keeps me drawn to his videos is knowing he is a disciple of Jesus Christ and lives according to God’s word.

    I love that he is open and transparent, so when he released his book, Welcome to the Basement: An Upside-Down Guide to Greatness, I knew I had to get it to truly learn more and understand the basement concept. He details the vision he had at age 30. The description was so vivid, I felt like I was there! He concludes the vision by reminding us that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, and if we want to be closest to him, that means getting down to the basement. Tio Tim then shares a sentiment that I can so relate to in my current situation…Ain’t nobody got time to be living a self-conscious life to get to the top (where the world may or may not acknowledge you) and compromising your faith (and ignoring God’s will) on the way there.

    I think this book is for anyone who feels trapped, lost or out of place. Anyone who feels they are living out life “right” but persist with this nagging feeling that something is missing (that’s Jesus calling, by the way…). For anyone who has been let down by religion or cultural misappropriations of Christ and the Holy Bible and to those who have tried everything and everything has failed (but you have yet to try Jesus), this book is for you!

    For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, “The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” – Acts 4:11 NLT

    Do not be afraid to bring your dark and grimy things to the basement. The chief cornerstone invites us to come to Him and find rest; No act is too shameful, no burden is too heavy, no grief is too deep. He is our firm foundation and our anchor in the storm. He IS LORD of all.

    I have an extra signed copy of the book and accompanying workbook (by the author) to give away. Simply contact me via the let’s chat on the homepage.