Whitnee's journey with Christ

You ever listened to a song or sung a song in which the lyrics did something to you?! I mean it sparked an emotion or response that was brand new, mind altering, and refreshing all at the same time. There is a song entitled I Am Available To You that does that for me every time I listen to it (YouTube video below-but keep on reading you’ll have time to listen to it at the end.)

After listening to the man of God speak on the life of Enoch it really had my mind going. For reference read the following scriptures:

• Hebrew 11:5
• Genesis 5
• Jude 14-15
• 1 Thess. 4:16-18
• Leviticus 26:3, 11-12
• Ephesians 6:18

Some of the following questions were asked/statements were spoken:

• How is your walk with God?
• What is standing in the way for my walk with God?
• God makes it possible to walk with Him!

And on top of that, interest cards were placed in the vestibule area for parents and the youth to take and fill out. These cards had about 9 or more selections on how a youth would like to participate in worship service.

Scanning over the form, I immediately thought of the book entitled Having Nothing, Possessing Everything by Michael Mather. The author of this book is genius! In the book the author talked about asset mapping. Being very unfamiliar with the term or the concept, this book gave great insight and actually helped me on the job, in my personal life, and as I strive to build up a team of believers around me.

I was inspired when Kelly showed the Sunday school class the form that Kami eagerly filled out. Anyone who knows Kami knows that she is one charismatic leader. She is the epitome of what the scripture is talking about in John 13:12-17. I mean I’ve never met a 2nd grader who is so Kingdom minded, God oriented, purpose driven, artistic, loving, thoughtful, creative, strong willed, determined, tenacious, and passionate as Kami. She has truly been an inspiration to me and her artistic ability and vision has encouraged me in ways she will never know. She even made me want to stop wearing weave and rock my natural, to the point I’m a dread head now! 😝

One of Kami’s greatest assets is her willingness to help others and be of service to God.

God allowed this message to simmer and stew in my brain for a few weeks now and I thank Him for not allowing me to really pull deep thoughts into this one. You see I had gone through a “dry spell” where I couldn’t write. My mind was so cluttered, my body was so tired, and I was wasting time on things out of my control that I could not understand what God was saying to me.

You see the very essence of my struggles is what God allows me to use to write from the heart. And because a certain situation was so dear to me I held out what God placed on my heart, selfishly. I didn’t put it out there to be talked about and then tossed to the side because of the fear of judgement. Although I can write when I am in a peaceful state of mind it’s when I’m really go through some things that I am able to testify how good God is for always seeing me through things.

I want you to know that God can use anyone, anytime, anywhere, and at any place. He didn’t tell the stripper to get off the pole before he could use her. He didn’t tell the crackhead to get off of crack before he could use him. He didn’t tell the preacher he could only use him when a message is being delivered. No, God never said that.

It starts with your heart and with your desire to do. So often we want to do things but we don’t know how to go about it. God hears us and He knows our heart, we have to be willing to serve and He will do the rest. Like Kami some of us may have the desire to sing on the choir or praise team, lead a prayer, read a scripture, lead responsive reading, serve as an usher, give the children’s sermon, play an instrument, or preach a sermon but don’t think we are qualified, too shy, don’t know how to assert ourselves, or afraid of what people will think. What do you think Jesus was thinking when he washed the disciples feet in John 13?

Our churches are struggling. Our businesses are struggling. Our families are struggling. Our communities are struggling? Why you may ask? Well one reason is we don’t have enough people who are willing to give of themselves (of their time, talents, gifts, prayers, etc.)

No one person is greater than another person. We appreciate the person picking up the trash in the parking lot just as much as we appreciate the person cooking the food. We appreciate the person at home keeping the kids straight just as much as the person out making the bacon. We appreciate the person who sits on the back pew and nods of in church a time or two but listens and spreads the Word just as much as the pianist.

The point I’m trying to make is we all have a place in God’s house. Yes, I know some folks don’t go to church and some folks are still watching services on line but it’s not about your location, it’s about your availability.

Ask yourself what can you do to build up your church?

• Do you know how to cook, then what’s stopping you from helping Mrs Carolyn out?
• Do you have a great singing voice, then why aren’t you blessing us with your angelic voice?
• Are you a plumber, then why aren’t you helping to restore the hot water in the women’s bathroom?
• Are you a builder, then why don’t we have an area gym in the 29203 area that is more accessible for the youth and church based communities?
• Do you know how to do hair, then why are there so many kids who look like they don’t know what a brush or a comb is? IJS

Whatever it is that you can use to bring to the table- God can use it. Make the time to make yourself available, you won’t regret it!

We’ve got to stop finding an excuse for everything and get like Nike and JUST DO IT or like D’Etta says let’s get er done!

Erica said it best, the best thing you can do is give God your Yes! Many of us have given God our yes but have grown stagnant when it comes to being of service to God, others, or maybe even ourselves. We forgot about what self care truly entails. We’ve grown cold, lukewarm, or lost the desire as a whole. Don’t fret!!!!!

Philemon 1:6 says, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

What God has started in you, He will bring it to completion. God has not given up on us and He won’t ever give up on us. Whether you are the beginning, in the middle, or nearing the end of your faith…God is not through with you. Open your hearts and your mind. His presence will become stronger and more powerful as you meditate on His word and keep a praise in your mouth and on your tongue.

There is a saying when you know better, you do better. My sisters and brothers, we know better so let’s strive to be more like Christ and do better. Let Kami’s willingness to be a servant leader at heart be our encouragement this week and into the weeks to come. Let us display godly faith that springs forth a blessing to the building up of the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father.

It’s time to spring into action, are you available? God is stirring up His saints in Asbury and all around the world, get ready, you are next in line! Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from being available to the living God.