Experiencing God Unit 8: Week 8

Hello Virtual Disciples and eLearners,


Would you believe that we are more than half way through our study of Experiencing God? Four more weeks to go and then we can break to enjoy the holiday season. And, wouldn't it be nice if you could share some of the things you've learned with your family and friends during the holidays? Even better than that if they could see a noticeable difference in you without you even having to say a word about it?
I'll share the testimony that I had mentioned once before. I was in a situation at home where a pretty intense conversation had begun to brew between me and some others. Initially, I started to feel defensive and slightly angry. In this conversation certain people where accusing me of being a certain way, acting a certain way or if nothing else--coming across a certain way and I didn't like it. In other words, I believed that they were perceiving my behavior in a different way than my intent. As my temper began to rise, I believe the Spirit was saying to me "watch Me, pay attention to where I am at work, recognize Me and listen to Me." So, my entire attitude changed. I became more intentional and I began to look and listen more closely than usual. Then I responded and the first thing I said was, "I'm sorry." Then I went on to share my heart. To make a long story short the Spirit intervened and revealed the message that both parties needed to hear and understand. Instead of arguing and fussing we were communicating and gaining an understanding. When it was all over one person said to me-I had never understood where you were coming from until now. Needless to say, my eyes watered up and I began to thank God for the remainder of the day for blessing me, no for blessing us all with a fresh and new understanding of each other.

     And, I believe that this testimony ties right into Unit 8--Adjusting Your Life to God. As the author mentioned, we always want God to speak to us but we never seem to be interested in making the necessary adjustments in our lives.

Day 1: Adjustments Are Necessary
Day 2: Kinds of Adjustments
Day 3: Obedience is Costly-Part I
Day 4: Obedience is Costly-Part II
Day 5: Total Dependence on God

There is no possible way that I could sum up Unit 8. It is so jam packed with insight,
instructions, information and inspiration that this blog would be extremely long. So, I am encouraging you to read the summary statements that I have chosen to share & to listen to the audio clips and excerpts that I post here on the Live On Five YA Ministry FB Page. I may even do a video clip before the week is over.

So, here we go "You cannot stay where you are and go with God." Okay, I'm done! LOL. But seriously, the author states that "adjusting your life to God is the second critical turning point in your knowing and doing the will of God." The first turning point is "the crisis of belief." What all of this really boils down to is that you cannot continue doing things your way and accomplish God's purposes. Seriously, you have to make the time to read the daily lessons--this unit is a game changer.

Meanwhile, I want to congratulate both Shannon Goodwin and Rami Pouncey again for being the winners for the 2 contests we've had so far. Rami was the first one to post during our Conference Call and Shannon was the first one to post the definition of "crisis of belief" based on our study. And, just to see if "you" are really reading this post-the first person to post on our FB Page one of the three (3) statements listed in Unit 8 under the heading "Obedience Requires Adjustments" is our next winner.


You'll hear more from me about this unit before Wednesday,
Until then,

Be Blessed
-Rev Kyles

Experiencing God: Unit 7-Week 7

Hello Everyone!

We have now crossed the mid-way point of our study--Experiencing God! There are 12 Units we have completed 6 of them and today our Unit Topic for week 7 is "The Crisis of Belief."

The Lesson Title are as follows:
Day 1: A Turning Point
Day 2: Encounters with God Require Faith
Day 3: Encounters with God Are God-Sized
Day 4: What You Do Reveals What You Believe
Day 5: True Faith Requires Action

As stated in the book, this unit focuses on a major turning point in following God's will. When God invites you to join Him in His work, He has a God-sized assignment for you. You will realize you cannot do what He is asking on your own. If God doesn't help you, you will fail. This is the crisis of belief when you must decide whether to believe God for what He wants to do through you. Now let me ask--What came to your heart and mind when you read that? Here's more--when God tells you what He wants to do through you, you will face a crisis of belief. What you do next reveals what you believe. No, here's the one that got me--the way you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God.

Beloved, this unit really made me think long and hard. And, it helped me to understand that it wasn't so much that I wasn't qualified or prepared but rather that's how God-sized assignments work. God doesn't give us assignments that we can handle on our own. I believe that's important for people to know.  So, when God shows you your purpose or His plan//assignment for you and you think to yourself, "Whoa! I cant do that!" God is saying, "I know." Day 2 goes on to talk about faith-Faith is confidence that what God has promised or said will come to pass. Here's what stood out for me--your faith does not rest on a concept or an idea. Faith must be in a Person-God Himself. Faith is valid in God and what He says He is purposing to do. Day 3-- Our world in not seeing God because we are not attempting anything that only God can do. Another summary statement says, Let the world watch God at work and He will attract people to Himself. I thought that was powerful. Here's one more--God is far more concerned with your walking with Him than He is interested in you getting a job for Him.
Day 4--What you do reveals what you believe about God, regardless of what you say. Another statement says--Unbelief is extremely costly. Then there is Day 5 that talks about action! One of the summary statements--Faith without action is dead. Another one says, God has planned something far better for people of faith than the world has to offer.

There are so many important things from this unit that can be shared. With that in mind, I mainly posted some of the summary statements that stood out to me. But the main thing we all need to understand as we seek to "experience God" is that God-sized assignments are bigger than us. And, when we understand that then we can move forward in faith realizing that God wants to use us do major things. But we cannot doubt God's power, dismiss His directions, ignore His instructions and then think we can figure it all out and do it our own way--in our strength. The things that God has called us to be and do require us being in relationship with Him. It may seem scary but with God it's possible.

Experiencing God Unit 6: Week 6

God Speaks, Part 2

Hello eLearners and Virtual Disciples,

We have hit the 1/2 time button--6 down and 6 more to go! And not only that, we are in Part 2 of God Speaks. Next week, our unit topic will be "The Crisis of Belief." Meanwhile, this two-part lesson is an extreme blessing. It talks about how God speaks and why. It goes on to say that God has spoken and continues to speak in different ways-through visions, dreams, symbolic actions, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the Church and other ways too. One of the summary statements

that really pierced me was "That God spoke is more important than how He spoke." My Gawd! Put in my terms, any way you bless me--you know the rest. :) And, the reading under "A Wrong Pattern" was very interesting to me as well. Pictured here is one of the diagrams that caught my attention. It shows the way God speaks through prayer.

Meanwhile, here are the lesson topics for Unit 6:

Day 1: What Happens When You Pray?
Day 2: God Speaks Through Circumstances
Day 3: The Truth of Your Circumstances
Day 4: Spiritual Markers
Day 5: God Speaks Through the Church

Day one gets right to the point, so are you ready for this? Here it is: You must decide whether you will do what you want and ask God to bless it or go to work where He is working. And, if that's not enough, here's another one--God will let you know what He is doing in your life when and if you need to know. But before you go to Day 2, you've got to read about "The Silence of God." The author points out that there are 2 possible reasons for God's silences when you pray--sometimes, God's silences are caused by sin. Other times, God is silent as He prepares to bring you into a deeper understanding of Himself.
Day 2 "Go to God and ask Him to show you His perspective on your circumstances." Beloved, this lesson is a must read. Especially the part in this shaded box that talks about "When Circumstances Are Confusing." Here's one example: Do not try to understand what God is like from the middle of your circumstances. Day 3 "You cannot know the truth of your circumstance until you have heard from God--this summary statement blessed me. Here's another, Don't evaluate you situation until you have heard from Jesus. He is truth. Day 4 "When God gets ready for you to take a new step or direction in His activity, it will always be in sequence with what He has already been doing in your life." Personally, this lesson or should I say any lesson on spiritual markers really blesses me. Because-- it reminds me & reassures me that God has always had a plan for my life. And it encourages me to set aside physical markers of great things or spiritual encounters with God. I hope that you will really take time to get into the reading "A Spiritual Inventory" and create something that shows the spiritual markers that you have identified in your life. And, the last day talks about how we need to "Allow God to Speak Through the Church." One summary statement says--apart from the body you cannot fully know God's will for relating to God's people. Another one says--As I function in relationship to the church, I depend on others in the church to help me understand God's will.

I believe that this is a good time for you to evaluate your beliefs about the church. In our Bible Café we are having open sharing about what people believe about God, Jesus, the Bible and the Church. It's interesting to hear the feedback. For example, one person said that they are the church. Somebody else said that they felt that the church was where you had to go if you wanted to be saved. Another person said that the church is a body of believers and you can't really have church if it's you-by yourself. So, what do you believe about the church? Do you agree with the author?

In closing, I think that this is another power week! I hope that you are still with us and that during this season you will pace yourself and be intentional about getting this work in and Experiencing God. Yes--I said it. It's work.


Love and Blessings

Rev Kyles

Experiencing God Unit 5: Week 5

Hello eLearners and Virtual Disciples!

Look at where the Lord has brought us from!! We started at Unit 1--God's Will and Your Life. We went on to Unit 2--Looking to God. We kept going to Unit 3--God Pursues a Love Relationship. Then on to Unit 4--Love and God's Invitation, which made us double up on the topic of "Love." :) And, now we are in Unit 5!!! Our Unit Title for this week is "God Speaks, Part I." The lesson topics are as follows:
 Day 1- God Speaks in Different Ways
Day 2-God Speaks by the Holy Spirit
Day 3-God Reveals
Day 4-God Speaks Through the Bible
Day 5-God Speaks Through Prayer

Beloved, I'm going to go ahead and be honest with you--the season is changing, there is a lot going on in our personal and family lives-- so these next few weeks is going to require more of a push than the previous ones. But you cannot get this far into the study and give up! This is where we begin to learn about how God speaks and the need for us to identify when He speaks and to respond, immediately. This is where we learn about how God reveals Himself, His Purposes and His ways. This is critical--do you agree? Have you been longing to hear from God? Have you been unsure about how God speaks and how you can discern the difference? Well, if the answer to any of those questions are yes then "you gone have to" push through. In other words, honor the time you've designated to study. Make up the times you miss because of unplanned interruptions. Be intentional about using the on-line support ie blog, post, and audio excerpts. Carry your book with you to read when you have down time. And, make time for reflection, prayer and meditation. You will be glad that you did.

Does this sound familiar?--"If a Christian does not know when God is speaking, he/she is in trouble at the heart of their Christian life." Here's one that got to me-That God spoke is the most important factor, not how He spoke. Whew! Here's another one--If you want to know the will and voice of God, you must devote time and effort to cultivate a love relationship with Him. There's more!!

Day 1 the author begins with sharing about how God spoke in the Old Testament. Then when it gets down to the part of the lesson "A Wrong Pattern" you need to read this slowly and carefully--then read it again. (I'm going to leave that right there).

Day 2 talks about how God speaks by the Holy Spirit. Here's a summary statement--When I understand spiritual truth, it is because the Holy Spirit is working in my life. Here's another one--An encounter with the Holy Spirit is an encounter with God. Here's one, truth is never discovered; truth is revealed. When you get to the part of the lesson "Respond Immediately" you need to read this slowly and carefully-then read it again. (I'm going to leave that right there).

God's revelations are designed to bring you into a love relationship with Him. God reveals Himself to increase faith that leads to action. God reveals His purposes so that you will know what He plans to do. All of these summary statements are found in Day 3. And, these are one of those days where you'll need to carve out enough time to complete the assignments and digest the lesson. In this lesson you will see 11 circles-the part that really ministered to me was the 3rd circle (which is on page 99 in my book).

Day 4 says that God speaks through the Bible to include other ways such as: prayer, circumstances, and the church. These four ways are difficult to separate. God uses prayer and the Bible together. Then there is the part of the lesson that talks about the Spirit of Truth and Responding to Truth. Here's a summary statement--Understanding spiritual truth does not lead you to an encounter with God; it is the encounter with God. Here's another one--God is more interested in what I become than in what I do.

The last day in this Unit--Day 5 talks about prayer. And, this summary statement made me shout: What God says in prayer is far more important than what you say. It goes on to say that prayer is a relationship to a person--its not just a religious activity. Its purpose is to adjust you to God, not to align God with your thinking. God doesn't need your prayers, but He wants you to pray because of what God wants to do in and through your life as you pray. Beloved, this is one of those days that you need to carve out some extra time to engage. Let me end with this statement from Day 5--When the God of the universe tells me something in my quiet time, I should write it down before I forget it.

You know if there is a Part I then there is a Part II. I pray that we will get everything out of these lessons that God wants us to have. And, I'll meet you again in Part II.

Blessings,

Reverend Tajuan Kyles

Experiencing God Unit 4: Week 4

Hello eLearners and Virtual Disciples,

It's Wednesday! Day 1 of Week 4 of the Experiencing God Study. And, by now you should have gained a new perspective--a mind shift-- regarding how God works and the need for you to align and adjust yourself to His ways. Hopefully, you are familiar with the 7 realities and there is at least one summary statement that jumps off the page at you and/or has stuck in your mind and memory.

Once again, you are encouraged to join our Power Chat each Wednesday at Noon EST and for those of you who were unable to make the call here is the audio link: Pre-Recorded Power Chat. There will be a live recording on Wednesday--9/23/15 @ 12 Noon EST.

On last week we our Unit Topic was God Pursues a Love Relationship. And, one of the summary statements was: "A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life." This week our Unit Title is Love and God's Invitation. The lesson topics for Unit 4 are as following:

Day 1: Know God
Day 2: Worship God
Day 3: Love God
Day 4: God Invites You to Join Him
Day 5: Knowing Where God is at Work

Personally, some of the lessons from Unit 4 are my favorites or should I say the ones that stuck with me the most and longest. And, even though Juanita Bynum isn't one of my favorite singers this song she sings here Be Still And Know That I am God really blessed me as I studied Day 1 of Unit 4: Know God. It's a difference between knowing that I have a father and knowing who my father is. Yes, you need to know that there is a God--but even deeper than that, know that the God you serve is more than just a god-He is Almighty God. Can I go deeper? And, He is the God who can be what you need Him to be at the time you need Him to be that. (don't miss your shout). And, Day 1 gives a list of the names, titles, and descriptions of God and ask you to select or describe God in ways that you have personally experienced Him.  For example: Advocate, Savior, Counselor, Teacher, Redeemer--how have you experienced God? For me, I just call him FAITHFUL--because that's what He has been to me. I know too much about Him to doubt Him. He has been my keeper and that's why I totally love Tye Tribbett's song Keep Me.  One of the summary statements are "Knowing God comes only through experience as He reveals Himself to me."

Day 2 goes into a discussion about Worship. The summary statement is "To worship is to reverence and honor God, to acknowledge Him as worthy of your praise." And, this lesson lists ways to worship God such as: Bless His name, Glory in His name, Rejoice in His name, Trust in His name....and so on. Its not a long lesson but after this lesson your worship should be long! Then there's-- Love God which goes right into what I've said and asked before, "How can you demonstrate your love for God?" And so Day 3 talks about obedience as one of those ways. Here's the summary statement, "If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem." Wow!! Let that sink in. Here's more, "Obedience is the outward expression of my love for God." And then there's day 4.

Day 4 proves to offer a different way of looking and thinking. Listen to this summary statement, "When you see the Father at work around you, that is your invitation to adjust your life to Him and join Him in that work." What?! In other words, God's revelation is your invitation. Huh?! That is definitely not the way I had looked at this. In other words, after reading the entire lesson I believe that the author is saying that 1st  you have to be in a love relationship with God. Then when God opens your spiritual eyes you will begin to see His activity--because He will reveal it to you. And, once you discern and see God's activity that becomes an invitation for you to join Him. How does that sound to you? What are your thoughts on that? Have you been able to recognize God's activity around you?

On the last day of week 4--which is Day 5 you really need to take some time out to get into this lesson. This lesson right here....this lesson is one you need to really hold on to--tightly! I have got to post the audio reading of the introduction. Meanwhile, here's a clip: "By the time we pray, the opportunity to join God is gone." I'm going to let you think about that for a minute with hopes that you will run and go get your book and turn to that lesson just so you can read it for yourself. Here's the thing, "A tender, sensitive heart will be ready to respond to God at the slightest prompting." Would you agree? Maybe or maybe not? In other words, people often respond with "Let me pray about it." Wait! But haven't you been praying already? Did you tell God that you love Him? Did you ask Him to use you? So, now that you're being called upon you need to pray about it? I wish I could go more into this lesson but my recommendation is that you TAKE YOUR TIME AND READ THIS LESSON CAREFULLY. Beloved, it will bless you!

In closing, I want to express my thanks to all of you who read these blogs. I'm thankful for so many of you who have committed to the Experiencing God Study along with me--I get blessed each time we do it. I encourage you to keep up with your reading, to remain committed to the study, and to take advantage of the on-line support. You can also attend classes at your local church and if you are in the Charlotte area it's offered at the Steele Creek AME Zion Church 1500 Shopton Rd @ 7p. Hope to meet you on the call.


Increase and Blessings,

Rev Kyles

Experiencing God: Unit 3 Week 3

Hello eLearners and Virtual Disciples,

It's Wednesday! And today we start Week 3 with hopes that you are still on board with the Experiencing God Study. Again, we welcome you to our Power Chat offered each Wednesday at Noon EST and for those of you who missed it today here is the link of the recording: Week 3 Power Chat. On last week our Unit Title was "Looking to God." And, I don't know about you but the lessons from week two bless me every time. God takes the initiative. God takes the initiative. Listen, God takes the initiative. "He waits until we respond to Him by adjusting ourselves to Him and making ourselves available to Him." Then of course the whole idea of God developing our character to match the assignment is something so important for us to always keep in mind.
Moving forward, our theme for this week is God Pursues a Love Relationship. And, here are the lesson titles for this week:

Unit 3
Day 1: Created for a Love Relationship
Day 2: A Love Relationship with God
Day 3: Walking with God
Day 4: God Pursues a Love Relationship
Day 5: A Real, Personal, Practical Relationship

The first statement that you will read in the top corner of Day 1 is "A love relationship with God is more important than any other single factor in your life." Let that sink in for a few moments and then respond to that. And, if that isn't enough here's more food for thought, "Everything in your Christian life, everything about knowing Him and experiencing Him, everything about knowing His will depends on the quality of your love relationship with God." So here's the question that the author poses "Can you describe your relationship with God sincerely saying, "I love You with all my heart?" Personally, I don't know of anyone who would answer this question with "no." So for me the question is: How do you express Luke 10:27?  or What does loving God with all your heart, mind, body, strength and soul look like? How differently does someone's life, behaviors and attitudes who DOES love God with all of their heart look like from those who DON'T love God with all of their heart? That's something to think about. Does that make sense? In other words, what's the difference?

One of the songs mentioned in the reading was I'd Rather Have Jesus-by Rhea Miller and then there is a short exercise after the printed lyrics where the author ask readers to check one or the other in the pairs provided. One of the choices are: I would rather have- Jesus ___  or Men's applause and worldwide fame ___. That seems like an easy choice right? Well, maybe not for some people. Meanwhile, the song that came to my mind that I wanted to dedicate to those who are engaged in this week's study is This Love by Mary Mary. Have you heard this song before?

Being the Servant Leader for Eternal Joshua Ministries may be the reason I could appreciate the part in Day 2 that talks about being created for eternity. Listen to this, "God did not create you for time; He created you for eternity. Time-your lifetime on earth-provides the opportunity for you to become acquainted with Him. It provides occasions for Him to develop your character into His likeness. Then eternity will hold its fullest dimensions for you. We say it like this, "There is today, there is tomorrow, there is eternity." How do you prepare for eternity?

Heads Up!!! Prepare yourself to take a walk because that's what Day 3 is about "Walking with God" and the assignment is to actually take a walk. The rest of the assignment is to write about your feelings while taking the walk. For example, during your walk, "What happened that was especially meaningful or joyful?" Once you get to Day 4 you should give yourself some extra time to complete the assignments. There are some Scriptures that you'll be asked to read and give response. One of the summary statements for Day for is: I cannot know God's activity unless He takes the initiative to reveal it to me. Here's another one: I do not choose Him. He chooses me, loves me, and reveals His eternal purposes for my life. Then Day 5 starts off with a short assignment but once completed- the rest of the reading is enjoyable and life changing. Listen to this, "God's constant presence is the most practical part of your life and ministry. Unfortunately, we often assign God a limited role in our lives. Then we call on Him whenever we need help." Wow, respond to that statement!

In closing, a relationship with God is EVERYTHING! And don't forget the word "initiate." On next week our Unit Title will be "Love and God's Invitation." So it looks like for the next 2 weeks LOVE is in our forecast. Enjoy!  Oh yeah-And, please share your feedback either on this blog or on FB.

Increase,

Rev Tajuan Kyles

Experiencing God: Unit 2 Week 2

Hello eLearners and Virtual Disciples!

It's Wednesday! And, believe it or not we are already going into Week 2 or Unit 2. Last week's unit title was "God's Will and Your Life." Our new title for this week is, Looking to God.  And, I would like to dedicate this song Look Up by Tye Tribbett to all of you who have committed to the Experiencing God study and are continuing in your study.

Also, if you haven't already, you're encouraged to join our Facebook Experiencing God Study Group for more highlights. We also offer a 15 minute Power Chat on Wednesdays at Noon. If you missed it today you can access the recording using this link Power Chat Week 2 And, lastly we encourage you to attend classes on-site. One place in particular is at the Steele Creek AME Zion Church 1500 Shopton Rd in Charlotte, NC. where Dr. J Elvin Sadler serves as pastor. And, I serve as Minister of Young Adults.

Now, this week Lesson Titles are:
Unit Two: Looking to God
Day 1: God-Centered Living
Day 2: God's Plans Versus Our Plans
Day 3: God Takes the Initiative
Day 4: God Speaks to His People
Day 5: God Speaks With a Purpose

One of the very first statements you will read on the top left hand corner of Day 1 is that " To know and do God's will, you must deny self and return to a God-centered life." Then the author breaks it down in a chart and shows the differences between a Self-Centered Life vs a God-Centered Life. One of the things listed under a God Centered life includes seeking God's perspective in every circumstance. Is this something that you do? What about the other things listed? What about the summary statements? There were five of them and the one that caught my attention was "I will watch to see what God is doing around me and join Him." This requires paying attention wouldn't you say? And, it is definitely something that I have been more intentional about doing.

Maybe like me you will read Day 2 very carefully. What did you think about this: We implement the plan and accomplish only what we can do. We ask God to bless our plans, and then we promise to give Him the glory when He does. Yet God is not glorified by making our plans succeed. He receives glory when His will is done in His way. Wow!! You should prepare to spend a little more time to engage with Day 3 and keep in mind one of the summary statements that says, "God's revelation of His activity is an invitation for you to join Him." Day 4 seems to send this message loud and clear: GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. HE STILL SPEAKS TO HIS PEOPLE. And, if you're like me this is very reassuring because I'm always looking for a Word from the Lord.

On the last day of Unit 2 the lesson title is "God Speaks With a Purpose" but it mainly talks about character. For me, this lesson drilled deep. Listen to this: God Develops Character to match the assignment. Beloved, you would want to read this lesson and then read it again. Especially one of the other summary statements that says, God has the right to interrupt my life. He is Lord. When I accepted Him as Lord, I gave Him the right to help Himself to my life anytime He wants. Do you agree? Let's talk about it and any of the other highlights from this unit that stood out with you.

Overall, I really enjoyed all of these lessons. Let's prepare to engage all this week. And, then on next week we'll start Unit 3: God Pursues a Love Relationship.

Experiencing God,

Pastor TaJuan Kyles
Eternal Joshua Ministries

Virtual Discipleship Minister//
Steele Creek AME Zion Church

Experiencing God-Unit 1 Week 1

Hello eLearners!

It's Wednesday. And, Wednesdays are always Day 1. Again, each Unit consist of a 5 day week and at the end of each week, we begin a new Unit. Please find below the Unit Title and Lesson Titles for our first week of studying Experiencing God together.

Unit One: God's Will And Your Life
Day 1: Jesus is Your Way
Day 2: Jesus is Your Model
Day 3: Learning to be a Servant of God
Day 4: God Works Through His Servant Part I
Day 5: God Works Through His Servant Part II

One of the very first statements you will read on the top left hand corner of Day 1 is that "As you follow Jesus one day at a time, He will keep you in the center of God's will." The next statement says, "Christianity is not merely a religion; it is a relationship with a Person." These 2 statements alone should encourage us and help us to know that being a Christian involves a step by step process and a on-going relationship with God. The author goes on to say that your intimate relationship with God, cultivated through prayer, meditation and study of the Word will be an indispensable part of this class.

Some of the expectations that the author has is that as a result of the study you will be able to-
  -Hear when God is speaking to you
  -Clearly identify His activity in your life
  -Believe Him to be and do everything He has promised
  -Adjust your beliefs, character and behavior to Him and His ways
  -Recognize a direction He is taking in your life and identify what He wants to do through your life
  -Clearly know what you need to do in response to His activity in your life
 - Experience God doing though you what only He can do

How important is it for you to be able to do any or all of these things listed above? Think about it, do you know when God is speaking to you and do you recognize when God is at work in a situation?

Weekly Forecast:
I encourage you to read Day 1 closely but let me warn you about Day 2! You need to read Day 2 REALLY CAREFULLY! Whew. When you read it you will know what I mean when I say, "The proper question is What is God's will?" Maybe like me, you weren't asking the right question. I really want to hear/read your responses to what you read on Day 2. On Day 3 get ready to answer some questions. You may need to set aside a little more time on this day so that you can complete everything. Day 4 is critical. Its when you are first introduced to the 7 Realities of Experiencing God. You may want to copy the page (my page is 21) and keep it with you. I'm going to touch on that this week. On Day 5, you may want to set aside a little more time to really dig in. This unit ends talking about Moses and there is quite a bit of things you need to cover and process.

One of the most powerful summary statements I read in Unit 1 which is found in the Day 5 reading on the far left side of the page is "I can't stay where I am and go with God." I'm telling you, if I just post that up somewhere visible and read it regularly, it will bless me each time. GO WITH GOD!! GO WITH GOD!! You can't stay where you are and follow God. You must identify where He is at work and join Him; accept His invitation. What summary statement resonated with you the most? I encourage you to share!

In closing, I think this is a good starting point and that you have enough information that can be accessed on-line until you can get to your book and read for yourself. I'll be posting things on FB from time to time and looking to read your comments and engage with you. Again, you can connect through our FB Group Page, you can comment on this blog, you can attend classes on-site and/or you can call into the Power Chat Conference Calls on Wednesdays at Noon, the number is 605-475-4850 Access Code 133575.

PS: I also have a number that you can leave me a Voice Mail or send a Text: 410-989-1539.

Let's Go!!

Welcome to Experiencing God

Hello eLearners!

I am so happy to serve as your Virtual Discipleship Minister and to have this opportunity to experience God with you through our upcoming study, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry & Richard Blackaby, and Claude King. Some of you have done this study with me before so for you, I call this the REPEAT. But, if you know like I do, this study never gets old and there is always something fresh and life changing to learn from it.

We start on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 and go for 12 weeks which means that this study will end the same week of Thanksgiving. So let's get this done and then eat turkey to celebrate! :) So here are the expectations: 1. Pray Daily 2. Complete Daily Readings 3. Respond to the Questions and 4. Engage On-line (and/or through Conference Calls using 605-475-4850 PIN 133575). The other option to this is to physically attend the classes where they are offered. For example, Steele Creek AME Zion Church on 1500 Shopton Rd, Charlotte, NC offers this class on-site. Other churches/ministries do too.

And, when we say engage on-line that means you should either be a) liking post-which means you've read it or it resonated with you b) post comments in the comment box c) share the post and/or d) share your thoughts, questions and feedback on the actual blog. We also offer a Noon Day CONFERENCE CALL on Wednesdays; so you can call in on your break and listen to me share for 15 minutes.  I AM HERE TO HELP YOU!!! Its easy to get behind in your readings-life happens! But I offer blogs, audio clips, and FB post to help you keep up or catch up!

Here is how it goes: There are 12 Units and each Unit is the same as a 5 day week. You take Saturdays & Sundays off. So Wednesdays will always be Day 1. It will look like this,
Day 1- Wednesday
Day 2-Thursday
Day 3-Friday
Day 4-Monday
Day 5-Tuesday
Then the next Unit and we start again. For example, UNIT 2: Day 1

You should be familiar with a) highlights b)Scriptures c) summary statements and 4) review questions.

HEADS UP: Unit One is entitled, God's Will and Your Life
Day 1 Jesus is Your Way
Day 2 Jesus is Your Model
Day 3 Learning to be a Servant of God
Day 4 God Works Through His Servants Part 1
Day 5 God Works Through His Servants Part 2

Let's Go!!!

9 Critical Traits to Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

A while back, I was introduced to this book entitled, Disciple Making Teachers authored by Josh Hunt and Larry Mays. By the way, Josh Hunt has been noted as writing the most Bible Study lessons of anyone else dead or alive. Although, I didn't use the book a lot I would often go back to it and refer to the 9 Critical Traits to Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ. (Please read them) The authors use the letters in the word D-I-S-C-I-P-L-E to describe 9 critical traits and every time I revisit these traits I always get stuck on the first one. And, I still do.

When I first became familiar with these traits I started to pay more attention to them and be more intentional about them. The one that first caught my attention was based on the letter "P." A disciple feels true and compelling passion for God; put a check there, I had that. The letter "S" often ministered to me because there were times when God was calling me to give, sacrificially, and although I struggled- at first, I knew that sacrificial giving was critical to my faith. The other ones were pretty comfortable although I have to admit that the 1st "S" which speaks to the issue of self esteem reflecting God's view of yourself is a reoccurring struggle that not only I have to address within myself but others whose self esteem rates below zero.

But it was that 1st one, the "D" that throws me into a spin. Discipline. When I hear the word "discipline" the first thing that comes to my mind is "punishment." I envision myself being scolded or yelled at. I imagine being spanked or whooped. I see an angry, disapproving face that is upset or unhappy with my behavior- although I'm very clear that this is NOT the sum total of the meaning or intent of that word.  Actually, more emphasis should be placed on the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.....which involves punishment to correct disobedience. Words like train and correct should stand out the most. Which leads to the synonyms of discipline which are: training, teaching, regulation, direction, order, authority, drill, coach, regiment and the list goes on.

As parents and leaders, we often struggle with being disciplined and disciplining others. Or we find it easier to discipline others but harder to be disciplined ourselves. In a real sense, discipline has to do with a specific character or pattern of behavior. I'd like to offer the word consistent or even self control. When we are disciplined it can translate into behaviors such as eating healthy or praying daily. When we discipline our children the outcomes can result in good behavior and great report cards. When we offer training in the workplace or ministry it often results in smoother operations and increased productivity and growth.

Personally, my struggle is the will power to be consistent in terms of the times when I just don't feel like it. The ability to do what I need to do when I need to do it, every time it needs to be done. I mean, I will do it and it will get done eventually but if I were more regimented and had more discipline it could translate into better eating habits, increased savings, productivity, accelerated spiritual growth and a host of other things. Maybe like me you are great with some of these traits, pretty comfortable with others with room for improvement on at least one. Then, there is that "D" which after reading this list should now stand for "determination." Today, I'm determined to demonstrate more discipline.

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Thanks

Rev. Kyles

Am I Gay? My Experience With Women

Maybe it's because of what's going on that I finally feel comfortable sharing this story about me and this woman whose been flirting with me for quite a while now. I'm not sure if it will be helpful or even insightful to anybody but I hope that it will at least be thought provoking and something worth considering. To that end, make sure you don't forget to read the message at the end:

I'd begun to have these dreams about this beautiful, breathtaking woman. In my dreams, we would always be in each other's arms. We'd be caressing each other and even kissing-on the forehead. Seemed like most of the dreams involved us sitting on the edge of a bed. But, wherever we were, the scene was always intimate, private, and maybe even romantic. After having these dreams for so long, I started to wonder. I started wondering the meaning of these continued dreams. And not just to wonder what the dreams meant but what they meant to me, for me and why. Why did I keep dreaming about this gorgeous woman? I got to a point where I wondered if the dream was telling me that I was gay or at least bi-sexual. I wondered if this dream was revealing to me that I was attracted to women or maybe a particular woman. Was there a woman that was attracted to me and I didn't know it? Was it someone I knew? Wait! Am I ignoring a secret desire or am I in denial about something or someone? I just didn't know what to think. Then, I started to reflect and look back over my past. Had I ever been attracted to women before? Could I even think, identify or name just one woman, one who I was attracted to, sexually?

I kept thinking and thinking and thinking. I could recall some beautiful women but not one, not one single one of them sexually aroused me. Nor could I think of one, not one single woman that I would be interested in having a romantic relationship with, or exploring my sexuality with, or flirting with, or even playing like we had a thing. I just don't play like that! My best girlfriends in the world are Wilma Jean, Pamela Clark, and Bernadine Trotter and we have never called each other boo, boo thang or anything similar. We were "boy crazzzy" and there was nothing, no feeling that compared to us having a boyfriend or a few of them who were just as crazy about us too! But, that didn't make this dream go away. Nor did it stop this woman in my dreams from staring into my eyes with desire and extending her arms to hug me tight & hold on to me, like the way I sometimes fantasize of holding on to Morris Chestnut, lol. (I mean my husband-cough, cough)

But wait! I remembered. There was this girl named "Johnna" that I met at Jackson State. She was gorgeous and prissy. She had long hair and what my husband calls the total package- authentic long hair, big breast and curvy hips-small waist and cute in the face. I was so intrigued by her and I liked everything about her-the way she dressed, her laugh and even the way she walked. I even liked how she smelled.  She had her own place, her own car, and a job. Her apartment was so cute and it was jam packed with shoes, clothes, perfume and accessories. I loved visiting her and just admiring all of her shoes-all 500+ pair of them, lol. She was a student full of aspirations. We could talk for hours. She was so prissy and gorgeous and sweet....Wait! Was it her?  Was I too crazy about her and enjoyed her company way too much? Was I crushing on her, lusting for her or what? Maybe I was jealous of her. In all honesty, I wished that I could be her; or at least have it going on like she did. I had 1 bottle of cheap perfume and a few pair of shoes. Meanwhile, she had no children and was single. Wait! This wasn't a sexual attraction this was me vicariously living my life through "Johnna."

Finally, and against my better judgment, I shared all of this with a close friend. Never before had I allowed this "secret" to leave my lips. I said to my friend, "I'm constantly having these dreams about a beautiful woman caressing me and I don't know what it means." Then I went on and on. Somehow in the conversation after being asked a series of questions I said, "When I really think about it and if I were gay, there would be only one woman I could see myself being with and that's..........that's..... Lisa Raye." There I said it! Well, from then on, that friend helped to put in my head that Lisa Raye was my female crush; my celebrity crush. And wouldn't you know, that this went on for years. For years, I've been saying this and even going so far to say "she's my woman." One time I hollered through the TV, "Get your hands off my woman!"  What?! I know! I said that. It was so subtle; and that's how it happens. I said it without realizing it. I would never see her in a million years, right? So to me it didn't matter, she could be my woman, right? Wrong!! What if I actually did meet a female who looked just like her? Where would I draw the line? Here's a kicker, If I ever actually met her would I say, Hi, I'm Reverend Kyles and you're my female crush? Or better yet, "Let me lay hands on you for prayer?"

So back to my dream. Not too long ago and I can't even remember the exact series of events but it was revealed to me that this woman who I had been dreaming about was..........ME. The interpretation of my dream had to do with me falling in love with myself. Or better yet about me running from the opportunity, the possibility of falling in love with myself. Me avoiding the real me or playing hard to catch. The woman who was "flirting" with me was "the better me." In my dreams, she was loving me or at least trying to and even inspiring me to be "her" similar to the same way that I had wanted to be "Johnna" in the past. She was strikingly breathtaking and she was symbolic of the "future me" and how beautiful I or my life could & would be once I embrace myself and fall in love with me, who I am. The real me. In essence, she was encouraging me to be true to myself. And, to embrace and love myself.  Somehow she knew that it was easier to admire and be intrigued by "Johnna" than to be happy with who I was and what I had. Just think, "Johnna" may have secretly been wishing that she could be me.

Fast forward. One day my husband managed to convince me to get dressed and go to the mall with him without telling me that he was planning to buy me a new suit. I'm huffing, puffing and thinking to myself that this was not a good day for me to be shopping because I looked a mess, I don't feel good and I'm just not feeling this. First stop, shoe store. A pair of new cute shoes always helps. Next store, we get there and at this point my husband hands me several suits and says, "Here, try these on!" Meanwhile, I get to the dressing room, try on this suit and before I could get it all on, he hands me a hat over the door and tells me to put on the shoes that I had bought earlier. When, I walked out of the smaller dressing room to look at myself in the bigger mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes. There she was! She took my breath away and while I stared at her and admired her beauty, several people passed by and said. "You look great in that suit!" My husband said, baby I like that! Do you like it? Baby, do you like it? Baby? Meanwhile, the tears were streaming down my face. I saw her. I saw the woman in my dreams, she actually showed up and looked me in the face, in my eyes actually. It was as if she was saying (in a Lisa Raye voice) "What happened? I thought you wanted me too. But lately, you've been avoiding me. You've been letting me down, you've pushed me to the side, I don't feel important anymore. I need you. I need you to make me feel wanted. So today, I arranged to have you brought here so I can show you a preview and a glimpse. I love you and I hope that you will put our love back on top." The tears just kept streaming but before I could utter a word, she vanished. Finally, I wiped them away secretly. He bought the suit and hat. He said, you looked great and I hope you're happy. Are you okay? Baby, are you alright?

I could say more yet I'll stop here. But, not without pointing out a few things and sharing a message.

• Initially, I thought that my dreams were telling me that I may be gay. And, I believe that sometimes there are things, people or experiences that cause us to question and even wonder about our sexuality.
• Next, I looked back over my past. And, I believe that sometimes we do have to look back and identify signs, people, or feelings that may be related to what's going on in our present. I could not identify not one female who I was sexually attracted to in the past. However, I could have used "Johnna" as an example or confirmation that I had gay tendencies or that I was gay when in fact that wasn't true. I believe that sometimes people look back and misinterpret things that they consider as examples or reasons to believe that the inclinations were always there. For example, just because someone touched you inappropriately doesn't mean you're gay.
• Next, I told a friend and with their help I opened myself up to possibilities that would not have been there otherwise.  I believe that sometimes people have unknowingly and even unintentionally led us to believe things about ourselves that really isn't true. What if I had continued on with that line of thinking? Eventually a door could've opened.
•  And, lastly sometimes we are trying to get our own attention. Some people act gay for attention. Some people have taken on this lifestyle because they have failed to give themselves the proper attention. If you don't attend to yourself, you'll end up being vulnerable and open. Just because you've been attracted to the same sex, or that you are intrigued by someone of the same sex, or that your friends have given you some bad advice or left you to your own craziness, or that you haven't given yourself a chance to be healed or whatever the case may be doesn't mean you're gay.

Someone reading this post may be wondering, Am I Gay? You may have concerns, or questions, doubts or fears. All, I'm saying is at least don't be wrong about it or use the wrong reasons, people, or signs to confirm something that isn't true. One day I was wondering was I gay but now I have no doubt that there is not a gay bone in my body.

Please feel free to respond to this blog.