I NEED A SINGLE HOUR: Part V - Recalibration

Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. (Matthew 6:26, MSG).

• Job Requirement: Recalibration (to adjust precisely for a particular function)
• Job Applicant: Malkia S. White
• Job Status: Unemployed
• Work History: Resume of Malkia S. White
• Cover Letter: See below

Dear Hiring Manager:

I've not been tied down to a job description for over one (1) month. For your review, I've attached a copy of my resume.

As you can see, I have over fifteen (15) years of experience in marketing, training and development. For over ten (10) years, I've managed daily operations and activities for government, non-profit and corporate offices. I am a certified Paralegal, Notary and I possess a Masters in Business Administration. I am a proficient blogger and a self-proclaimed YouTube sensation. (TEAM JAGUAR Thursday).

Life is challenging because I don't know how I'll make it through one (1) more month of unemployment. I have bills that exceed my unemployment benefits. I have medical expenses that exceed my unemployment benefits. I need to eat. I need operable heat throughout this autumn season. I need to tithe. I need a boyfriend. I need paper to print copies of my resume. I need ink to print the aforementioned. I need enough fuel in my vehicle to travel to the unemployment office and potential offices of employment. I need an impressive interview ensemble. I need you to see my resume, read my resume, call me to schedule an in-person interview, send me an offer letter that exceeds my expectations, and hire me. I need a relaxing, week-long beach vacation before I start this new position. And, I need the new Vaneli boots on sale at my favorite shoe store.

Dear Malkia:

Thank you for your interest in the open position.

I'm offering an opportunity for you to trust that I know what you need before you ask for it in writing. (Matthew 6:8, NIV). Your life is good because each time you enter your closet alone and shut the door closed, I know what you are privately praying and I intend to reward you. (Matthew 6:6, CEV).

Note, you listed some wants. Keep in mind, this new position will offer you the recreational funds to purchase your wants, and prepare you for the love you desire.

Life is abundant because my Son, the One seated at My right hand, making intercession for you, "doesn't change--yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself." (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 13:8, MSG).

• The Jesus you called on when you held the job description of Marketing Trainee/Inside Sales Assistant, Incentive Specialist, Director of Administration, Program Representative II, Executive Assistant/Training Specialist, Paralegal, Office Manager/Legal Assistant, Office Administrator/Marketing Coordinator...is the same.
• The Jesus you called on last month, lifted the heaviness of depression, helped you choose Life, delivered you and loves you.
• The Jesus you call on today will "send you what" I have promised; but you must stay in the city (of unemployment) "until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49, NIV).
• The Jesus you call on tomorrow will give you hope!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Luke 12:25, NIV).

I Need A Single Hour Blog Series

I know from life experience that challenges do not discriminate--every individual on planet Earth experiences challenges. The theme scripture for this 5-part blog series is Luke 12:25, NIV: Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? It is my hope that this series will inspire you to spend "a single hour" communicating with God.

WAIT FOR THE WIN

It is right to pray for a sign of God’s goodness. As David found, it may be just what we need. But let us not overlook the signs he has already given, the support of family and friends, the fellowship of other Christians, the light of each new day. And we can be confident that he knows our situation no matter how desperate it becomes, and he cares. (Psalm 86:17, NIV Application Notes).

Q: God, how long must I wait for what I want?

A: “Be still, and know that I am God . . . .” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

Q: God, You know I'm not getting any younger, I didn't think I'd be waiting this long?!

A: Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like Me who works for those who wait for Me. (Isaiah 64:4, MSG).

Q: Surely I'm not asking You to do something that's outrageous and out of your scope of work, so what's the holdup?

A: But I'm not finished. I'm waiting around to be gracious to you. I'm gathering strength to show mercy to you. I take the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for Me are the lucky ones. (Isaiah 30:18, MSG).

Q: Okay, but my friends and relatives got what they wanted years ago, don't You think it’s about time for me to get what I want?

A: I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. (Jeremiah 29:11-13, MSG).

Q: Well, why does it appear that my enemies have everything they want?

A: Be still before ME and wait patiently for Me; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7, NIV).

Q: I know I am not perfect. I also know that I seek You daily, I read Your Word, I study Your Word, I practice Your Word, I'm a vehicle of compassion, and I pray for others. Don't I qualify to receive what I desire?! Uuuuugh . . . I'm tired of waiting!

A: Why would you ever complain, . . . saying, "God has lost track of me. God doesn't care what happens to me"?

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?

I don't come and go. I last. I am the Creator of all you can see or imagine. I don't get tired out, I don't pause to catch My breath. And I know everything, inside and out. I energize those who get tired, give fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon Me get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.  (Isaiah 40:27-31, MSG).

God, there are moments when I get so anxious about my future, I start grumbling. Considering my résumé and credentials, I believe I should've already achieved certain milestones. I get so caught up in thoughts of where I think I should be, I don't give my entire attention to what You're doing right now. (Matthew 6:34, MSG).

Forgive me, O Lord, for being impatient and prideful. Please accept my sincere apology for not always respecting Your authority over my life. I know I shouldn't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow" and I am truly sorry for not honoring Your timeline. (Matthew 6:34, MSG). When I'm frustrated and life is challenging for me, please remind me to go off by myself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear." (Lamentations 3:28-29, MSG).

God, I appreciate our conversations. Like Abraham, I can approach You and we can engage in a Q & A session.  Life is good because You show me "that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that" Your answers come from Your perspective. (Genesis 18:33, NIV Application Notes).

LORD, I am serious about finding You and I really do want it more than anything else! (Jeremiah 29:13, MSG). While I wait for my win, strengthen my faith and remind me that life is abundant because You reward those who earnestly seek You. (Hebrews 11:6, NIV). While I wait for my win, let me acknowledge all of what You are doing for me right now, and let me be grateful.

While I wait for my win, I wait for YOU, my whole being waits, and in Your Word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Calm down & stop fidgeting! God heard you at Question 1 and replied.

God is working; remain confident & expect to be wowed by God!

That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. (Romans 8:24-26, MSG).

A DOSE OF ENCOURAGEMENT -- April 13, 2011

Deeply respect God, your God. Serve and worship him exclusively. (Deuteronomy 6:13, MSG).

My recent blog posts have addressed challenging issues.  It is not an easy task to write about the challenging issues of life.  Yet, I write because my life is not a work of fiction.  I incorporate scripture in my writing because it is the non-fictitious Word of God that helps me cope with and conquer life's challenges.  I write because I sincerely believe that my personal testimonies will serve as encouragement to others.

Around 1:00am this morning, I was in my powder room preparing for bed and I started thinking about the God I serve.  I yearned to thank God; I needed to encourage myself and intercede for all people in desperate need of hope.  I began to speak adoration:

• I serve a God who can do all things.  (Mark 10:27, NIV).

• I serve a God who knows me.  (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV).  I serve a God who forgives me.  (Psalm 103:3, NIV).

• I serve a God who performs miracles.  (1 Chronicles 16:12, NIV).

• I serve a God who hears me.  (Psalm 5:3, NIV).  I serve a God who listens to me.  (John 9:31, NIV).  I serve a God who answers me.  (Psalm 3:4, NIV).

• I serve a God who supplies.  (Philippians 4:19, KJV).

• I serve a God who heals me.  (Exodus 15:26, AMP).  I serve a God who strengthens me.  (Philippians 4:13, HCSB).  I serve a God who empowers me.  (2 Timothy 1:7, CEV).  I serve a God who promotes me.  (1 Peter 5:6, MSG).

• I serve a God who loves me.  (John 16:27, NIV).  I serve a God who values me.  (Matthew 6:26, NIV).

• I serve a God who talks to me.  I serve a God who educates me.  (Joshua 1:8, NIV).  I serve a God who warns me.  (Psalm 19:11, NIV).  I serve a God who disciplines me.  (Deuteronomy 8:5, NIV).

• I serve a God who fights for me.  (1 Samuel 17:47, NIV).  I serve a God who shelters me.  (Psalm 61:4).  I serve a God who rescues me.  (Psalm 91:14).  I serve a God who keeps me.

• I serve a 3-in-1 God!

• I serve a God who calls me.  I serve a God who anoints me.  I serve a God who utilizes me.  I serve a God who accompanies me.  (Joshua 1:5, 9, NIV).  I serve a God who speaks through me.  (Jeremiah 1:9, NIV).

Life is good because I can extol God via speech and composition.  Life is abundant because I serve and worship God exclusively!  (Deuteronomy 6:13, MSG).

Dear God: I speak Your credentials because I revere You!  My soul is restored when I worship You.  It is an honor and privilege to serve You.  I hope today's Dose of Encouragement revitalizes the spirits of Your people.  In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11, NIV).