Serving in Church- 11/23/2016

Happy Almost Thanksgiving! I hope you will be spending this holiday with people you love, surrounded by lots of delicious food. I love the holidays like the next gal ! The food, the family, the gifts... The holidays are truly my favorite time of year. I am not naturally a person who enjoys serving but I've found that during the holidays it is easier for me to serve because I am in such a festive mood.  As God's daughter, something I've learned overtime is he wants me to serve not just on the holidays, but regularly throughout the year. That being said, one place we should serve is in our church body. As Christians, we have a responsibility to serve where we fellowship. Within church there are always a plethora of places to serve. Your pastor and the leadership need help! Once you are plugged into a church you need to serve in a way that maximizes your God-given abilities. Here are a few ways I serve in my local church:

1.      Worship Pastor –I serve by choosing worship songs, doing worship power points, finding scriptural references for the worship songs, doing rehearsal and praying over the worship.

2.      Benevolence Team- I help get benevolence (giving) projects organized and efficiently ran.

3.      Discipleship Leader- I help teach young women about the word of God in weekly or bi-monthly sessions.

What are some ways you serve in your church?
XOXO,

Myah Lonye’

Three Things I've Learned About Developing Faith- November 4, 2016

By personality, I am not an individual who goes to the Lord often and asks’ Him to increase my faith. In the early part of my walk, growing in faith was not something that was attractive to me. I wanted more knowledge, a deeper prayer life, to experience the Holy Spirit in worship- but faith was not something I often asked the Lord for. To be honest, I think it is because in a lot of ways I didn’t feel like I needed faith. I believed I was the type of woman who trusted God easily and for the most part, I did and I still do. I trust that God will open doors for me, I trust that God will assist me through the process of completing my degree. I used to feel that trusting God was easy, until he begin to put things in my life that were harder to trust Him for: like growth in my business, expansion in my family’s ministry, healing in my body, and money. Especially money.

 I’m a hard worker and I have often prided myself on my hard work taking me where I desire to go. Now don’t get me wrong, hard work is Biblical. The Bible is very explicit that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). We have to work for and prepare for what we pray for. However, in some ways I was more self-reliant on my hard work taking me where I wanted to go than God reliant. But at some point in every Christian’s walk, we experience challenges and our faith grows through trials. In the process of God growing my faith, I’ve learned a myriad of things. Here are three simple tips on how to grow your faith.

1.      Faith come by hearing: The Bible says that “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17).

Meaning we develop our faith by the consistent hearing of God’s word. If you are not consistently indulging in the word, either by reading, watching or listening to it, your faith is not growing.

2.      Be prepared to grow through challenges: You develop faith by being challenged. If everything was easy breezy we would have no need to trust God right? That being said, you have to expect that you are going to go through various things that will cause you to have to exercise your faith muscles. Maybe it’s being single at 35 and wondering where your Boaz is. Maybe it’s the loss of a best friend to cancer. Maybe it’s a rough patch in a relationship. Maybe it’s a decision you made out of obedience to God that seems as though it is going haywire. Whatever it is, faith is developed out of the difficult parts and you have to be prepared for that.

3.      You must be patient to see the result (and you have to be willing to trust the result): Seeing the fruit of faith takes patience. Sometimes a few moments, sometimes a lifetime. And while I have yet to meet a person who loves developing patience, it is a vital part of the faith component.

Developing faith is simple, but certainly not easy. It takes humility, trust and a lot of patience. But the result of waiting until you see something blossom through in faith is sure to be nothing short of remarkable.

XOXO,

Myah Lonye’

Myah's Favorite Bible Study Tools- November 3rd, 2016

Studying the Bible can be daunting. Trust me, I completely understand.  To make my study time more approachable I have a few tools that I often use and want to share.

1.      Hardback Bible and/ or Bible App- You obviously need a Bible to have a Bible study. I use both a hard-back NKJV (it’s a teen edition that I’ve had since I was 11, lol) and BibleGateway. I use Bible Gateway because I can switch back and forth between versions without having to by 20 different translations.

2.      Notebook or journal- I like to write down any insights the Holy Spirit gives me.

3.      Pens, Pencils, Highlighters- to write in said journal.

4.      A guided chapter study, devotional, or Christian book. Now this is optional, but  when I first learned how to have a prayer time, I learned by reading a Christian book (Girl Talk With God) , looking up all of the reference scriptures in my Bible and applying the scriptures to my life. This really helped me learn how to create “context” for the scriptures in what they mean and how they applied to me at that time. You have to be intentional about the writers and devotionals you choose for a guided reading. Some of my favs are Joyce Meyer, Beth Moore and Dave Williams.

5.      Greek and Hebrew Lexicon: I use this when looking to find the original meaning of the words in the scriptures. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament Greek, so the meanings of words are not always as obvious at face value. That being said, I often use my Lexicon to show me, exactly what the Holy Spirit was communicating in the meaning behind the text.

6.      Concordance: A concordance is basically like a sourcebook of words where you can find where each word is in the bible. It is fantastic for topical study.

7.      Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary- I like to use this dictionary because it gives the original meaning of words in the English language before social constructionism arose and begin to change the meanings. And yes, I know some of you are thinking, “but all words are socially constructed,” but this dictionary carries a biblical world view in how it approaches the English language.

8.      Index Cards- To write out my memory scriptures or any notes I want to keep handy.

XOXO,

Myah Lonye’

How I Stayed Pure in College - November 2, 2016

Often, college is an easy time to lose your footing, on the track toward purity. No one is exempt from temptation. When I was in undergrad I felt immense pressure to be sexually active. I desperately wanted to please God by saving my body and waiting until marriage to have sex; yet I also wanted the guys on campus to like me and to fit in with the “sophisticated” women at my job. Staying pure was an emotional and social fight and in the process, I had to develop coping skills and mechanisms to assist me. Here are some of the things I did and encourage you to do to stay pure in college.

1.      Strong accountability- In order to stay pure, I came under strong accountability. I was very honest about my sexual needs and desires with my accountability partners. It was a no-shame game. I knew I had to be honest in order to stay pure. If I did not express my heart honestly, it would have been easy for me to hide and fall into hidden sin. I let my accountability get “all in my business.” And I can say it has paid off so far. At 26, I am still a virgin and I am still praying and trusting God for my purity.

2.      Find a Christian big sister who is waiting- You need at least one example of a woman who is or has waited until marriage to have sex. I actually had two ladies who were my “purity big sisters.” My Christian big sisters would call me and talk to me about purity and waiting. Sometimes they would send me resources and pray for me. Their guidance greatly helped me to grow spiritually and encouraged me that waiting was actually possible.

3.      Surround yourself with Christian friends: More often than not, non-believers are not going to encourage you to stay pure. Be sure to surround yourself with like-minded Christian friends who will encourage you to maintain your purity. Note, the emphasis on like-minded. If your Christian friends are into premarital sex, then they are not the group you will want around you on the road to purity.

4.      If you can’t find Christian friends, resolve yourself to a period of solitude. One of the prominent reasons I often hear of why people don’t have Christian friends is because they cannot find Christian friends. This is real a experience for many people and this is valid. However, it is not an excuse of why you should lower your standards and choose friends who are not godly. What we meditate on we become like. If you cannot find Christian friends, perhaps God is calling you to a space of solitude or to a time of separation to take you into deeper intimacy with him. Either way, no friends are better than a group of compromising friendships or friends who will lead you into sin.

5.      Read books on purity- Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). If you want to encourage yourself, read Christian books on purity. Some of my faves are Every Young Woman’s Battle (Shannon Ethridge) and The M Word (Debbie Adebayo).

6.      Memorize scriptures on purity- We are transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2). Thus, if you want to gain strength in purity, take time and memorize scriptures on the topic It will renew your mind to pursue waiting in a Godly way and will also encourage you in your journey.

7.      Be very selective with whom you date or make a choice not to date at all for a period. There were many times during undergrad when young men would approach me for dates and I knew they were unsaved. Not only does the Bible tell us to not be unequally yoke (2 Corinthians 6:14), it is unwise to date guys who are not on the same track to purity as you are (that includes in thought, word or deed.) For example, if a guy is willing to not “have sex” with you but wants to participate in heavy petting, oral sex, or other modes of sexuality (outside of penetration) he still does not have a godly view of waiting and should not be dating you.

8.      Learn how to control your sexual desires and offer them up unto the Lord. If you a human being, you have sexual hormones. It is what it is. You are going to have times when you are aroused (especially when Aunt Flo pays a visit and your sexual and reproductive hormones are heightened). Arousal is not sin. It is a chemical response that God created. It is what you do with the arousal (outside of marriage specifically) that distinguishes rather or not you honor God. Be honest with the Lord about your physical needs. Express to him what you feel. Then ask Him to help you take control of your flesh. This does not mean he is going to take that natural chemical response away, but rather it means that when you experience times of sexual arousal you will be able to practice self control and put your sexuality in the proper place.

I pray this is helpful!

XOXO,

Myah Lonye’

Resource Friday- Cindy Cruse Ratcliff "Costly" (10-14-16)

What is resource Friday?

Every Friday I feature a musician, poet, author, entrepreneur or speaker who has incredible material. I believe that as Christians we can help one another grow by providing each other with Biblically sound resources. Every resource I suggest is of someone who's work I truly believe in and/or use myself.

This week’s resource: Cindy Cruse Ratcliff’s song “Costly”

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Being a worship leader, I often find myself looking for worship songs that fit into various themes. I love the theme of surrender that Cindy Cruse Ratcliff’s song “Costly” inspires. This song is a great reminder that as believers in Christ we should do any and everything to fulfill the call of obedience, no matter how costly that call is. I encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already.

Happy Listening!

XOXO,

Myah

Wednesday Wares: 10-12-16

Why Clothes?

You may be thinking "Hey, Myah... I thought this was a Christian blog, created to help me grow closer to Christ?" Rest assured ,it is. However, I've felt led to begin incorporating style selections to promote creative style ideas for women who want to be cute and modest. I hope these style choices help in your quest toward conservative and stylish apparel.

 

 

Cardigan and Blouse- Ross

Pants- Old Navy

Shoes- BCBG, from TJ MAXX

White tank under blouse- Cato

Earrings- Walmart

Is Virginity an Outdated Concept?

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Let’s begin here: I am 26 years old and I am still a virgin.

There. I’ve layed it out on the table; and while some of my readers might think “we’ll duh, you’re a Christian, of course you are a virgin.” Many other’s probably gasped a little at the concept. This isn’t for bragging rights, or to showcase how “holy I am.” Trust me; I am the closes thing to flawed that a human being can be. However, in this area of my life, I have a resounding passion to speak up and to speak clearly.

Purity until marriage is not a choice. It is not an outdated concept. It is not unrealistic.

 Rather, purity until marriage is a Christian responsibility and a Christ centered expectation. If you consider yourself to be a Christian, then Christ expects you to be pure until you are in the right circumstances to embrace sexual intimacy- and that would only be in the confounds of a covenant (male and female) marriage.

The Bible is not time-stamped for relevance.

It transcends cultural norms and social constructs. Society tells us that each generation must decide what their norm is, i.e. how they want to live, interact and socialize, how they feel about religion and faith, etc. However, the Bible gives us very strategic instructions on how we should go about living our daily lives and that includes how we should approach sex and sexuality. Here are a few common lies that people often believe about sex outside of marriage and it’s relevance for now.

1.      That it is not “that bad”

Sin is sin. Whether it’s gossip, murder, gluttony or fornication. God holds all unrepentant sin the same. The word of God has deemed sex before marriage, as fornication, which is sin. The promise of sin is hell. (1 Corinthians 6:9-20)

2.      If I fall once, it’s no big deal. God will forgive me.

Yes it’s true that if you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you. God is a god of forgiveness, but He is not a God who embraces presumptuous sin (sin we intentionally do, with the intent to repent for it after committing it.) It doesn’t bring Him delight. He doesn’t want his children to fall into sexual sin and then repent later. Instead, he wants them to run from sexual immorality.  (Psalm 19:13, 1 Corinthians 6:18)

3.      It’s hard.

 So?  And I mean that in the most caring, sensitive way possible. Dying on the cross is hard. Being mocked, beaten and scorned for things you did not do is hard. Having your children disobey you despite how much you love them is hard. What Jesus did at the cross and what God continually does for us day in and day out is hard.  In comparison, abstaining from sex outside of marriage is not hard. And you can rest assured that it’s certainly a lot easier than hell.

4.      No one waits until marriage these days.

First, let me say that’s not true. While the statistics are not concrete, recent studies reveal that anywhere between 5 % and 30% of the American population waits until their wedding night before engaging in sexual intercourse. Secondly, since when is it okay to decide to embrace sin based on its popularity?  As mama always said, “would you jump off a bridge just because everyone else is doing it?” As Christians, we have to learn to stand for righteousness, because it is right. Nothing more, nothing less.  You don’t get to say, “Well in today’s culture, no one waits until marriage to have sex.” God has no plans to change His mind. If he said don’t do it, he means don’t do it. He’s not looking down from heaven thinking “oh, geez. In 2016, it’s popular to have sex outside of marriage. Let me change My Word and the promises of My Word to fit the social norms of humans in the 21^st century.” Ummm, nope definitely not going to happen.

I won’t tell you my entire story in this blog post (it would be wayyyyy to long. Definitely something I need to share in another post). However, what I can say is that I am empathetic to the difficulties that surround purity. I understand what it feels like to experience sexual abuse and then still have to trust God with my purity. I understand what it feels like to struggle with pornography addiction and then still have to trust God with my purity. I understand what it feels like to have good “Christian” men, attempt to seduce my heart as a means to have my body and then still have to trust God with my purity. I get it. I’ve lived it. But as I’ve walked through the walk of purity, what I’ve found is that ultimately waiting is an act of faith and obedience.

What will you choose?

 

 

 

Heart Check:

1.      What is your approach to purity?

2.      Are there areas of your life where you are not living pure? If so, what are they?

3.      If you are struggling with your purity, what are some tactics of support that you can use to help you overcome the struggle? (i.e. finding accountability? Joining a Bible study on purity, etc.)

4.      Do you have a sister in Christ who is struggling with her purity? If so, in what ways can you assist her in overcoming her struggle?

Friday Resource: Havilah Cunnington

What is resource Friday?

Every Friday I feature a musician, poet, author, entrepreneur or speaker who has incredible material. I believe that as Christians we can help one another grow by providing each other with Biblically sound resources. Every resource I suggest is of someone who's work I truly believe in and/or use myself.

This week’s resource: Havilah Cunnington

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Fun, witty, and charismatic is how I would describe Havilah Cunnington’s teachings. I discovered Havilah Cunnington’s messages about a year ago and ever since I have been hooked on her simplistic, relatable way of teaching the word of God. Havilah Weaves Biblical truths with personal life stories. So often during her teachings I’m left feeling like “What? Girl, you too?”  Watching Havilah is like sitting next to your girlfriend, having honest Jesus talk. And I love that; because sisters we need it (can I get an Amen?) Some of the topics she talks about are dreams, doing hard things, purity (she is the executive director of Moral Revolution), perseverance, comparison, inferiority and so much more. As an extra note for my mama readers out there, Havilah is a mother of four and she talks honestly about her struggles in motherhood (including postpartum depression) and how she has learned how to give herself grace while serving in the ministry of motherhood. Trust me, you’ll love her!

Happy Listening/Watching/ and Reading!

XOXO,  

Myah  

Resource Friday: Amanda Cook

What is resource Friday?

Every Friday I feature a musician, poet, author, entrepreneur or speaker who has incredible material. I believe that as Christians we can help one another grow by providing each other with Biblically sound resources. Every resource I suggest is of someone who's work I truly believe in and/or use myself.

This week’s resource: Amanda Cook’s Brave New World

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If you want a worship album that sings intimately about the character of God, then Amanda Cook’s album Brave New World is the album for you. I love her songs “Kind,” “Bitter/Sweet,” and “Pieces.” Brave New World is laden with scripture and is a true reminder of God’s unfailing love for us and compassionate care.

Happy Listening!

XOXO,

Myah

Four Tips to Help You Finish What You Start

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I love to start projects! I am very creative by nature. In fact, my name actually means “One who posses God’s divine creative power.” Talk about a blessing-curse. On one hand, I never run out of new ideas- ever. On the other hand, staying focused on one idea long enough to see it come to fruition often feels like a miracle. I’m a serial starter, that’s for sure. A while back the Lord began to convict me on the fact that I rarely finished what I started. One amazing thing about God is that he never runs out of patience and he is willing to walk with you along the way until you complete what has been asked of you. When the Lord asked me to begin working on finishing what I started it wasn’t just for one project, rather, it became a lifestyle journey. The Lord is a finisher (see Hebrews 12:2 and Philippians 1:6). He finishes what he starts and he wants his children to do the same. Here are a few things I’ve learned in the process of finishing what I’ve started:

1.      Start slowly and Do little- When I first began the process of finishing projects I had abandoned, I tried to work on everything at once. I wanted to organize my room, complete all of my half-read books and finish every craft project I’d ever began. As you can imagine, it led to disaster. For six months I felt like I was running in circles trying to complete a multitude of unfinished projects. Instead of working on one thing little by little until I completed it, I tried to do heaping piles of activities and as a result, I made very little progress in the beginning. Instead of taking off in a sprint and attempting to run a marathon, try finishing your uncompleted projects little by little.

2.      Find Accountability- When I was in the beginning stages of getting organized and finishing what I’d started, I told my family and friends. That way, when I fell off the wagon, they could encourage me to get back on and continue working on things until they were completed.

3.      Give yourself little rewards- If you have many tasks to complete or many spaces of your life to organize it can feel daunting to attempt to finish what you’ve started. When I completed a task, I allowed myself to celebrate. Sometimes that meant taking a little time off from cleaning or working on projects to go enjoy girl time with friends, sometimes it was something as simple as a nap or getting an iced chai latte. Whatever it was, I made sure to periodically reward myself for my dedication and doing so definitely boosted my morale.

4.      Cover it in Prayer- Being a finisher matters to God. In fact it’s a big deal. He likes seeing things brought to completion. When you finish what you start, you honor the Lord. Finishing what you start will not just be a physical discipline, but a spiritual battle. Cover it in prayer and even fasting if you need to (trust me, I had to do both!)

Happy finishing!

XOXO,

Myah

 

Heart Check

1.      Are there things in your life you need to finish? Maybe it’s a craft project or an unread book. Or maybe it’s something life altering like a health goal or finishing your college degree. Take time to write a list of the things in your life that need to be finished.

2.      So far, what has been keeping you from completing these things?

3.      Is there someone in your life who can keep you accountable in your journey?

4.      What are some little rewards you can give yourself to help aid in your journey?

Prayer

Dear Lord,

God I thank you for everything you are and everything you have done for me. Lord I repent for neglecting to complete the tasks you have set before me. Father, I ask that you help me to be a person who finishes what they start. God, I ask for your help in the spiritual battle of order and completion. Please give me the grace to complete the things I have begun.

In Jesus Name,

Amen