Change The Channel

There is something pressing on my heart today. Lately in the news, we are witnessing many tragic things. People are dying left and right and sadly we are also hearing about affairs as well. Death all together is very tragic- whether it's a famous celebrity or someone on the street that you don't know. For all of the families of those who passed, my heart goes out to them. I pray for their families peace but also that they would take note that life is as a vapor (James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.) I'm sure this scripture shows just how fragile life is. Followers of Christ, we need to step up and spread the Gospel. They need to know that their "life" does not have to end on earth- but rather that they can have eternal life in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Again, my prayers and thoughts are with all of the families; especially the children.

Now, as I mentioned above, besides death we are hearing about adulteress affairs. What in the world is going on? It seems, more and more people are coming out and admitting the affairs they are having. Unfortunately, with NFL player, Steve McNair, his affair was discovered in a tragic way- his death. And, once again, my heart and thoughts are with his children. But, married women, let me ask. What is going on?

Okay, many people quickly say "the devil is busy". I'm sure you've heard the saying. Frankly, I laugh when I hear it because I've always felt like people use that as an excuse. Come on now. People need to learn how to take some responsibility. The bible clearly explains how our hearts are deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV)9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? We can't blame the devil on everything. Sure, he exist and hates us enough to get us to turn our back on the Lord. But, there is something someone said to me years ago- Satan is NOT omniscient like God. Yeah, he has demon spirits to try and take us down, but Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world.

Married friends, we've got to die to our flesh DAILY. This thing is real and God does not play when it comes to adultery.

I was talking to my husband last night about all of this. Our conversation was actually really funny. (We joke a lot). But, I shared with him something interesting that happened a couple of weeks ago. This stayed in my memory, and you'll see why in just a second.

We were watching television and an attractive young lady appeared on the TV. Without hesitation, my husband changed the channel. Now, at first this struck me in a weird way. She was dressed modestly, so I knew he wasn't lusting after her. But still, he changed the channel. I thought, "Why did he change the channel?" In fact, I asked him. He plainly said, "The bible says to flee..." He was referencing the scripture James 4:7. Now, (LOL) I honestly did not get mad. This certainly struck me in a weird way, as I mentioned, but I appreciated his honesty. My husband is very real and honest, just like I am.

Immediately after he changed the channel, I believe it was the Lord who showed me that he is human. He is a man who has two eyes that work very well. Meaning, he's not blind to seeing an attractive woman. And, neither am I blind to seeing an attractive man. Although it is sweet to say that you'll never notice another man/woman and that you only have eyes for your spouse, let's be real. There are other attractive people in the world. We just need to learn how to not allow lust to take control of something or someone we simply see.

So, last night I asked him why did he changed the channel. I knew the answer, but needed to hear him say it. You see, he explained, men are visual. I told him just how different men and women are. Women are not as visual as men are. We can probably see an attractive man, but not necessarily need to change the channel. BUT, you should change the channel anyway. We certainly need to be careful not to lust after men. Keeping the channel on just to view an attractive man does not help you in any way. We can develop lust in our minds very quickly. And, lusting in our hearts is just about equivalent to committing an act of sin. (1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.)

I used this as one example of how we should change the channel in our lives. The truth is, there are many areas, I'm sure, where we should flip the switch off. I'm sure you feel me.

In Chapter 5 of my book, Simply Wisdom, I asked the questions "How do we really view the distractions of this world that are supposed to leave a sour taste in our mouths? Do we yield to them anyway because they taste and feel so good? Or, do we leave it alone and walk away?"

It's so easy to sit and take in things we know aren't wrong. Sin is pleasurable, but, it only last for a season (James 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.)

And so I ask you. Are you willing to change the channel?

I believe God wants us to be smart- especially if you know there is a certain thing that you may inwardly struggle with. We should most certainly have a sour taste in our mouth towards sin- towards all things that we know are unpleasing to God.

Today, I encourage you to Change the Channel. Don't allow your flesh to over power the Spirit of the Lord who is (should be) living within you. Instead, do like my husband did and change that channel so that you aren't tempted. This way, you'll certainly avoid all sorts of drama. Trust me, we're hearing enough of it on the news... you don't need any extra drama in your own life.


Thank you for visiting my blog today! I pray this entry has encouraged you to move forward in your journey for the Lord. Please take a moment and visit my website www.kennisha-hill.com. My first book Simply Wisdom was just released and is now available for purchase. You can order a pr`int copy or an e-book. I pray it blesses you tremendously!

Rechecking Priorities

While I was on my way to a doctor's appointment last week, my husband and I had an interesting conversation. I shared with him something the Lord is dealing with me about, which is, how to really keep my priorities in line. One area God is reshaping me is in the area of friendship; really being the Christ-like friend that's needed for my friends.

Lately, I admit I've been MIA in that area. Although it is understandable that pregnancy, labor & delivery is a just cause for rest and relaxation (even time away), it seems I've been so busy with things on my end to where I didn't have much of an opportunity to call, check on or even hang with close friends and family. My busyness has really kept me consumed and distant. It was never anything personal- just a huge focus on my new book, other writing projects and my family.

Still, I felt so awful because, it seems, people would call to check on my family- only to start the conversation with something like, "I know you're busy writing-". After hearing it so often, I began to feel convicted about being so busy all the time. Even though I'm a very passionate person and writing is the road the Lord has be traveling on, I literally had to step outside of myself to see exactly what was going on. Not only did it feel like I was neglecting family and friends by working on my craft, but I was also neglecting my personal time with the Lord. This was not becoming a healthy habit.

A very good friend and mentor of mine, Dianna Hobbs, wrote such an inspiring post Friday. There she said, "You see, many of us have been given exceptional gifts and talents by God, but, if we're not careful, we'll focus more on cultivating our gifts, instead of nurturing the anointing on our lives through prayer, studying God's word, and living a life that's pleasing in the sight of the Lord."

This spoke volumes to me because God was just dealing with me about this. There had to come a time when I'd close my laptop and open my bible just to spend that quality time with Him. There had to come a time when I'd turn the television off and play worship music just to saturate myself with songs of Praise. This was the habit I'd much rather develop!

Not only is my time with the Lord important. My time with my family is just as important. I admit, there has been days when I would be so consumed with writing that hours would go by and my son would just play independently in his room- occasionally coming beside me for attention. This would break my heart. The Lord would greatly convict me there. Though I enjoy spending quality time with my son (and now daughter), I had to pray and ask the Lord to forgive me and then help me to keep my priorities in line! My son is at such a crucial age of development. It's time for mommy to get on the floor and engage!

You've heard it said many times. The correct order of life is God first, family second and work/ministry third. Though I'm not so sure if it's scriptural, I will say this makes absolute sense. Though God is number one in our household, my family certainly should take precedence over work and even ministry work. Yes, ministry. Although you are walking in obedience to the Lord, your household ministry should be your first ministry.

This is primarily why I took a bit of a break from writing for a little while. Rechecking our priorities will keep us inline with what matters most.

Now, along with this message, I do want to encourage you do the best with your time. Sometimes, you should focus on honing your craft instead of hanging out. And, sometimes you need a break and should rest and relax. Keep a listening ear to how the Lord is leading you. He'll always lead you on the right path, which will have your priorities in line. Follow Him!

If you are a stay-at-home mom like I am, then our children should be first priority. I'm learning this as a stay-at-home mom. My time with my children should come before my writing. I have small children, so this means I have to schedule my time in between their naps. All it takes is a little scheduling.

I want you to know that you are greatly blessed and that God has such incredible things in store for you. I encourage you to line your gifts and talents up with the Lord. Spend more quality time basking in His presence and allowing the Lord to speak to you about your gift. He will lead and guide you to make the right decisions about what to do with your time. Remember, we can't do it on our own. Remember it's "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zech. 4:6b).


Thank you for visiting The Ready Writer today. I pray this entry has blessed you. Be encouraged in the Lord and in the power of His might!

Blessings,

Kennisha Hill| www.kennisha-hill.com