The Test of Real Value

Do you know how valuable you are? Anything that is valuable must be tested... Matthew 10:25-31; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139

Have a blessed a safe holiday season. Love you all to life...

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Stop Being Frustrated, Let Him Have It...

Do you want to stop feeling frustrated? Let God Have it!

"Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart." - Job 22:21-22

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Humility...A Virtue for Life

Ok, yes I have talked about humility before that it is not for wimps.
However, it always good to be reminded sometimes, right?
So check out my video blog below and I hope it helps as it did for me.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)

Blessings and I love you all to life...

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

I Didn't Sign Up For This

As I was relaxing at home one night, I was watching the movie "Ali" with Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. There is one scene in the movie where Smith's character is at the military recruiting site and is called by his birth name to be drafted into the US Army. He does not step forward when he hears his name called as a protest against the war at the time. 

I thought about how we as Christians have times in our lives that are quite tough. When God is elevating you to a higher level, it seems to get much harder from day to day. Sickness, finances awry, no peace at home, people scandalizing your name, etc. It is as if the bottom fell out of the sky and landed on you.  Don't you feel like saying to God: "I didn't sign up for this." Let's be real. A lot of us feel that way.

Here is the truth...when we submit to the Lord in our hearts and minds to His will, we do sign up for whatever He desires for our lives. Even though we may not see it coming, He loves us enough to allow the trials in our lives.  He trusts the spirit of God inside of us to endure the trials for more of His glory and character to be revealed in the Earth. Why don't you ask Job about it? It was God that signed him up for Satan to be allowed to touch his life, but not his soul (Job 1:8-12). Job endured a lot of suffering in loss of family, finances, and friends. But one thing Job held on to was his complete trust in God.  "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him..." Job 13:15. And later in the story, Job received double portion on his life and much more than he had before. 

I am learning that God has an unique mathematical system. He adds more to your life is by subtracting first. He multiplies to your life by dividing what you already have. Job's life teaches us a valuable lesson. Sometimes we have to lose what we have in order to have room for what we really need.

Just remember... if God has signed you up for a test, it is only a set up for greater blessing to manifest in your life.


(c) 2014 - The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Bipolar Christians...

Let me say this upfront. I am not referencing people who may have bipolar mental disorder. I am using the term bipolar as to reference instability in Christian's faith in God. I was inspired by a message that my spiritual son, Elder Brian Robinson preached at our prayer revival called "Am I a Counterfeit Christian?" One of the things he said was "There too many bipolar saints in the church. Loving people one minute, then cursing them out later. They lack the spirit of Christ." So it got me to thinking about overall, do we have a lot of bipolar saints in the body of Christ that lack the steadfast faith they need to live?  Check out this video blog to find out...

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." - I Corinthians 15:58

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

For A Limited Time Only

Time is a precious commodity. It is something we can not afford to waste when it comes to the purpose. Just like a mind is a terrible thing to waste, so is your time. Naturally, we do not like how it feels when someone else is wasting our time. Don't you think God feels the same way? Especially when it comes to your purpose.

When God released you into the Earth, it was for a limited time only. Just like those specials or sales you hear about. For example, I love when one of my favorite restaurants, Zaxby's, has these fried dill pickles or McDonald's has their McRib sandwich. They have it available only at certain times of the year. Semi-annuals sales, tax-free holidays for school shopping. But it is for a limited time only. In other words, it has to come to an end. So it is with your purpose, you're not meant to live here forever.

Jesus understood early on about being on Earth for a limited time only in Luke 2:46-50:
"Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them."

We all use prepaid or debit cards to make purchases. It comes with a predetermined amount already on it. You are only allowed to spend what is on the card. However, when you have reached your limit, you can't use the card anymore. Prepaid card do give you options to add additional funds once you reached your limit.

So think of your time on Earth as the currency on this card. God has already preset the limit. God already covered the cost by sending His son Jesus to die. However, the difference is, you don't have the option to add additional time to your purpose.  Every time you make a decision or act in a way that negatively affects your purpose, you are swiping that card. The more you swipe it, the more time is being taken from your predetermined limit for your purpose.

How are you spending your life? Are you being wise with time God has given you?
For most of us, we are playing catch up when it comes to our purpose in God. Therefore, we must be about our father's business.  Below, you can check out the video of me teaching on this message, For A Limited Time Only... Be blessed.

Newsflash...

Hello everyone...

 

I was selected as a guest writer for Blogs by Christian Women to have one of my articles featured on their website. I consider this a honor to share the Word of God to empower women on such a great platform. Check it out and feel free to leave your comments as well. Blessings on you all.

 

http://blogsbychristianwomen.blogspot.com/2014/06/humilitynot-for-wimps.html

 

 

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

 

 

Let It Go

As I was sitting at work one day, I kept hearing this song in my head, "Let It Go" from the animated movie Frozen. It is really an uplifting song. I must admit even as I have grown up that there are still some things I have to let go. In life, situations will happen to challenge you to look into the depths of your heart to help you to see what you need to change. It is God's way of showing us that He loves enough to help us to be our best.

There is a power you gain when you let it go. It allows more room for God to do greater in your life. I remember my counselor once telling me that I had to learn to accept that there is nothing in this world that can make up for whatever happened in my past. I was able to do that concerning what others had done to me. But I had yet to do so concerning things I have done toward others, especially people who are close to me. Truthfully, there were some past actions I had yet to forgive myself for. I knew it was time to change my mind and heart about it.

Philippians 3:13-14 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,  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

I chose to accept God's love in place of my past because I have received His forgiveness.  And I have also forgiven myself.  We have to understand His grace is much more sufficient in our weakness and to cover those things from our past and more (2 Corinthians 12:9).  I have made a fresh start to do better. So I encourage you to do yourself a favor. Free yourself and let it go...

Leading Ahead...

Recently, I heard this quote from one my classmates in a course I am taking online. She said "the tail is nothing without the head." We were discussing effective leadership as it relates to employee empowerment. It can also be applicable in our Christian walk with God. We have to allow God to be the full head of our lives so that we can go in the direction He is leading us.

I have found that I have grown and become more successful when I have submitted myself to proper leadership. However, it was not easy. In the church, solid and faithful leaders are becoming more of a rare breed than the norm. Their examples have been marred with negative circumstances and issues not reflective of the true character of God. That does not excuse Pastors and Leaders in their responsibility to following the sound doctrine of the Word of God in how they lead God's people.

You have to examine the scriptures to see how God connected us and how important leadership is. "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7

It does start with the head and then flows down to the body. In marriage and family, the man is considered to be the head of the home. If he is not fully submitted to God, then everything connected to him becomes out of order. If you think that you can easily operate without proper leadership, it would be quite foolish. No one can be at their best when they are an island to themselves. God did not design it that way. Through godly leadership, you receive correction, counsel, wisdom, and support that ensures safety in your purpose in God. "Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety." - Proverbs 11:14

I am grateful for the great people of God that have been effective leaders by their example in my life. One in particular, Apostle Designate Derian A. House, has been very instrumental in my growth in God. As a Pastor, leader, father, and husband, he has shown by example on how to lead in his labor of love for the people and ministry. Most importantly, I do thank God for being the true head of my life. For without Him, I would be nothing.

Elder Twanna House and Apostle-Designate Derian A. House

 

 

 



(c) 2014  The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

It's Your Responsibility...

On Saturday, March 1st around 10:25am, a tragedy occurred here in my hometown, Pensacola, Florida. A 2-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself in the head. When my husband (also my Pastor) and I heard about this, we decided to show forth our love and concern as a church to the bereaved family. We raised an offering to give to the family along with a card. Then, we contacted the County Sherriff's office to reach out to the family who lost their child. The Victim's Advocate was so pleasantly shocked that we wanted to help. In fact, they said we were the first ministry in the last 30 years to make an effort to do anything like this. The family was so shocked when we told them that they did not know how to receive it. Wow!! 

Pensacola is a city that has over 600 churches and ministries. It is amazing to me that we were the first ministry to reach out to this hurting family. Now, this makes me wonder if the leaders in the body of Christ are mindful of this gospel that they carry. We do have a purpose to minister Christ to all. Not just at church, but to everyone. Have we lost sight of the fact that we as believers have a responsibility to those who don't know Him?  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

It is our responsibility to show forth the light of God's love through our lifestyle. But some of us so-called believers have allowed life and worldly ideals to overshadow that light. We, as the church, need a reality check and accept responsibility that comes with being true believers of God. Guess what? You  are responsible. You don't have to be a Pastor, Bishop, Elder or have any title. Once you accepted Christ, you now are a carrier of His Gospel in your heart and have the responsibility to share your great testimony for others to hear and see. Remember, we do have an audience that is watching and waiting on us to own up to our responsibility. Let's rise up church and not keep them waiting.

(C) 2014. The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Happy Anniversary...

This a very special day. Not only because it is Valentine's Day. This is also our first anniversary for our blog, The Chronicles of a Strange Girl. Yes, we made it one year. So check out this video below as a thank you and in celebration of what the Lord has done...

Thanks so much and I love you all to life...

(c) 2014 The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Unspoken Witness

Let me be transparent for a moment...

I am beginning to wonder if we are fully taking responsibility as Christians for how we carry ourselves in the midst of others. Frequently, I have seen those who profess to be Christians one day and then post on Facebook something that completely contradicts their witness and is contrary to the word of God. Look, I am not judging anyone. But the word of God is clear. 

2 Corinthians 6:3 says "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path so that our ministry will not be discredited." Until we as believers realize our ministry is our life, then we will not be taken seriously because we are not consistent. We have a responsibility to those who are our family in Christ and those who do not know the Lord to mindful of our actions. 

Ministry is not like your clothes. You do not just put a dress on and then take it off when you get home.  You don't live for God on Sunday and put it down when you get home from church. Ministry is how you treat people, your character, and your actions (also reactions) beyond the church. Remember, your greatest and most powerful witness of God to someone is when it is unspoken. Don't be careless about it. It's your responsibility to represent Christ at your best.

(c) 2014  The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House

Humility...Not For Wimps

2014 is finally here. I can say that already it has presented its set of challenges. However, I have come to understand that tests and trials are necessary. Through them, you find out where you really are and how much you have grown. Well, some I have passed. And some others, I see I have growing up to do. Ironically, I gained a very powerful key to access great things that God can manifest in my life. So, what is it? Humility.  I promise you I did not just curse at you (LOL). I'll say it
again, "humility" - the quality or state of being humble; modest opinion of one's own importance or rank; meekness.

How is humility a powerful key? Well, let's look at James 4:6, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."  The word "grace" in this passage comes from the word "charis" in the Greek meaning "favor, grace, wisdom and strength." So, humility is not a sign of weakness. I am quite sure Jesus was not a wimp in all the persecution, anguish, and suffering He endured all the way to cross. And yet, His humility towards God was the key to access the unquestionable strength and grace needed to carry out His purpose.
 For me, I have learned to humble myself willingly as much as possible rather than being forced.  You know what I mean. Especially when you have been tried by someone that don't even know you, they curse you out when you have not done anything intentional to offend them. Help me Holy Ghost!! I had to humble myself in the moment and think, "God could fight a lot more battles for me if I keep my mouth closed (so as to avoid saying something foolish).

It takes great strength to humble yourself to access the power of self-control, a slice of the fruit of spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, I chose to keep a calm demeanor, walk away from the situation, and say nothing else. When I did, I realized that God had done a great work in me. It was through the testing of my faith that God showed me I was not so weak after all. In fact, it is usually the person that acts out of character that is weak more than the person that shows self-control and humility. So, humility is not for wimps. It is for those that know where there true strength resides...in God.

(c) 2014   The Chronicles of a Strange Girl by Elder Twanna House