A Good Sign

[00:00:00] And J-Baz called on the God of Israel saying,

[00:00:08] Oh that thou wouldst bless me indeed,

[00:00:10] and enlarge my coast,

[00:00:12] and that thine hand might be with me,

[00:00:14] and that thou wouldst keep me from evil,

[00:00:17] that it may not grieve me.

[00:00:19] And God granted him that which he requested,

[00:00:22] first Chronicles 4 and 10.

[00:00:25] Hey everyone, this is MJ

[00:00:27] and I want to talk about something today

[00:00:29] that may seem a little uncomfortable.

[00:00:31] However, I feel it will help you in the future.

[00:00:34] If you are a person of positive influence

[00:00:37] with a strong work ethic

[00:00:39] that can inspire and motivate others,

[00:00:43] a person that people look up to

[00:00:45] and want to emulate,

[00:00:47] those are very positive qualities

[00:00:50] so they attract good things

[00:00:52] but they also attract things that are not so good

[00:00:56] like hate and jealousy.

[00:00:58] So how do you deal with it?

[00:01:00] Well, I'm going to speak about that

[00:01:03] and more in this episode

[00:01:05] so please stay tuned.

[00:01:07] There may be a person that is living

[00:01:13] an unhealthy lifestyle

[00:01:15] by eating a lot of junk food

[00:01:17] and doesn't exercise

[00:01:19] and just doesn't get the proper rest

[00:01:21] and then one day you decide

[00:01:23] you know what, I'm going to make a change.

[00:01:26] I want to do better

[00:01:28] and so what do you do?

[00:01:30] You start eating healthy food

[00:01:32] or even going on a detox

[00:01:34] and when some people do that

[00:01:36] they start getting sick.

[00:01:38] You may think, wait a minute

[00:01:40] I'm doing the right thing

[00:01:42] so why do I feel bad?

[00:01:44] I mean people will

[00:01:46] have flu like symptoms

[00:01:48] and in their bathroom all day

[00:01:50] and even though they feel bad

[00:01:53] it's a good sign

[00:01:55] because your body is getting rid of

[00:01:57] all of that toxicity

[00:01:59] that has been building up over time.

[00:02:01] So in doing that

[00:02:03] you are extremely uncomfortable

[00:02:05] but as you continue

[00:02:07] you will begin to feel better

[00:02:09] and better.

[00:02:11] Same thing with exercise

[00:02:13] if you haven't been to the gym

[00:02:15] or worked out in a while

[00:02:17] you will be very sore

[00:02:19] and it doesn't feel good

[00:02:21] either, but it's a good sign

[00:02:23] that your body is responding

[00:02:25] to what you are doing

[00:02:27] and just like the diet

[00:02:29] as time goes on

[00:02:31] you will see positive results.

[00:02:34] Those signs indicate

[00:02:36] that you are on the right track

[00:02:38] you're not there yet

[00:02:40] but you're on your way.

[00:02:42] Sometimes when we are doing the right thing

[00:02:44] we expect nothing but the positive

[00:02:47] but nothing confirms

[00:02:49] you like hardship and adversity

[00:02:52] I know we don't like those words

[00:02:55] we don't want to deal with it

[00:02:58] but it's something that comes

[00:03:00] with success

[00:03:02] and being chosen

[00:03:04] I have to tell you this

[00:03:06] and it's not good news

[00:03:09] but you need to know

[00:03:11] I don't care how smart you are

[00:03:14] I don't care how talented you are

[00:03:17] I don't care how loving you are

[00:03:20] I don't care how good looking you are

[00:03:24] everyone is not going to like you

[00:03:28] you will have haters

[00:03:31] for some of the reasons I just mentioned

[00:03:34] or there may be others

[00:03:36] but I do know this

[00:03:38] that success draws hate

[00:03:42] and if you are successful in anything

[00:03:45] you need to be prepared

[00:03:47] for the haters that will come with it

[00:03:49] yes even in the church unfortunately

[00:03:52] you will have hate

[00:03:55] but don't despise it because

[00:03:57] it's an indicator that you are doing something right

[00:04:01] I will be very concerned

[00:04:03] if you were doing some kind of work or assignment

[00:04:06] whether it's at your job or church or anything

[00:04:09] and you have absolutely no hate

[00:04:13] you don't have any hardship

[00:04:16] any challenges

[00:04:18] anything that's coming against what you are trying to do

[00:04:21] not only is that a bad sign

[00:04:24] it's scary

[00:04:26] and you need to re-evaluate your life

[00:04:30] now hear me clearly

[00:04:34] I'm not telling you to go look for haters

[00:04:37] and start fights and whatnot

[00:04:39] I'm just saying

[00:04:41] don't be surprised when the hate shows up

[00:04:45] and most times it shows up in the people

[00:04:49] that you at least expect

[00:04:52] Genesis chapter 4 verses 1 through 8

[00:04:56] and Adam knew Eve his wife

[00:04:59] and she conceived

[00:05:01] and bear Cain

[00:05:03] and said I have gotten a man from the Lord

[00:05:06] and she again bear his brother Abel

[00:05:09] and Abel was the keeper of sheep

[00:05:11] but Cain was a teller of the ground

[00:05:14] and in the process of time it came to pass

[00:05:17] Cain brought up the fruit of the ground

[00:05:20] and offering unto the Lord

[00:05:22] and Abel he also brought up the firstlings

[00:05:25] of his flock and of the fat thereof

[00:05:28] and the Lord had respect unto Abel

[00:05:31] and his offering

[00:05:33] but unto Cain and his offering

[00:05:35] he had not respect

[00:05:37] and Cain was very rough

[00:05:39] and his continents fell

[00:05:42] and the Lord said unto Cain

[00:05:44] why are thou rough

[00:05:46] and why is thy continents fallen

[00:05:48] if thou doest well

[00:05:50] shall thou not be accepted

[00:05:52] and if thou doest not well

[00:05:54] sin lieth at the door

[00:05:56] and unto thee shall be his desire

[00:05:59] and thou shall rule over him

[00:06:02] and Cain talked with Abel his brother

[00:06:05] and it came to pass

[00:06:07] when they were in the field

[00:06:09] that Cain rose up against Abel his brother

[00:06:12] and slew him

[00:06:15] Abel was killed by his own brother

[00:06:20] his only brother

[00:06:22] because of jealousy

[00:06:25] if Cain would have only done right

[00:06:27] the Lord would have respected his offering also

[00:06:31] jealousy is tough

[00:06:34] in Solomon chapter 8

[00:06:37] it says love is strong as death

[00:06:41] jealousy is cruel as the grave

[00:06:45] but don't let threatened people stop you

[00:06:49] sometimes people attack you

[00:06:51] because of your potential

[00:06:54] they can see where you are going

[00:06:56] and they want to hinder you

[00:06:58] they don't want to feel mediocre

[00:07:01] they don't want you to outshine them

[00:07:04] sometimes people have the opportunity

[00:07:07] to do the exact same thing you are doing

[00:07:10] and they wouldn't do it

[00:07:12] or they didn't do it with integrity

[00:07:15] maybe because of disobedience

[00:07:17] or fear or something that they

[00:07:19] allow to hinder them

[00:07:21] and because you are doing what they won't do

[00:07:24] or what they didn't do

[00:07:26] now they are angry and ashamed

[00:07:29] but it's not your fault

[00:07:31] keep going

[00:07:33] God chose you for a reason

[00:07:35] he touched your heart for a reason

[00:07:38] you don't have to compete or look for validation

[00:07:41] from anyone

[00:07:42] if he chose you

[00:07:44] he will cover you

[00:07:46] he will speak clearly to you

[00:07:49] what he desires

[00:07:51] you can't help that you are chosen

[00:07:55] you were chosen before you were in your mother's womb

[00:07:58] you weren't even your own choice

[00:08:01] you are God's choice

[00:08:04] and you can't let haters make you think

[00:08:08] and act otherwise

[00:08:10] be humble

[00:08:12] and confident

[00:08:14] act like you belong there

[00:08:17] you can do that without being arrogant

[00:08:20] and in doing that

[00:08:22] you show God your appreciation for his choice

[00:08:25] but if we act incompetent

[00:08:28] it's like we are downplaying our heavenly Father

[00:08:33] who does not make mistakes

[00:08:36] you know we say that a lot when someone passes away

[00:08:39] or there is some kind of tragedy

[00:08:41] but he doesn't make mistakes with his choices either

[00:08:45] because he looks on the heart

[00:08:48] 1 Samuel 16 and 7

[00:08:51] but the Lord said unto Samuel

[00:08:53] look not on his countenance

[00:08:55] or on the height of his stature

[00:08:57] because I have refused him

[00:09:00] for the Lord seeeth not as man seeeth

[00:09:03] for man looketh on the outward appearance

[00:09:06] but the Lord looketh on the heart

[00:09:09] you are chosen

[00:09:11] so when people come against you

[00:09:14] you don't have to fight

[00:09:17] I know that's hard

[00:09:19] especially when you are being attacked

[00:09:21] when people are trying to ruin your reputation

[00:09:24] or sabotage the work you are trying to do

[00:09:27] but you have to trust the Lord

[00:09:29] and let him fight for you

[00:09:32] Romans 12 and 19

[00:09:35] and this is the NIV version

[00:09:37] do not take revenge my dear friends

[00:09:40] believe room for God's wrath

[00:09:42] for it is written

[00:09:44] it is mine to avenge

[00:09:46] I will repay says the Lord

[00:09:49] we have to remember that God sees everything

[00:09:52] that is going on

[00:09:54] every single thing

[00:09:57] what is done in the light

[00:09:59] and in the dark

[00:10:01] and the hearts of people

[00:10:04] so sometimes we get this urge to fight

[00:10:07] and I'm telling you

[00:10:09] let the Lord handle it

[00:10:12] he knows how

[00:10:14] way better than you do

[00:10:16] you may do something real stupid

[00:10:18] when you get caught up in your emotions

[00:10:21] and make things worse

[00:10:23] you don't have to fight

[00:10:25] so don't

[00:10:27] and you don't have to compete

[00:10:30] people will try to convince themselves

[00:10:33] that they are better than you

[00:10:35] so they start a competition

[00:10:37] that you didn't agree to

[00:10:39] but

[00:10:41] you don't have to participate

[00:10:43] just keep doing you

[00:10:45] and being you

[00:10:47] most times when people do things

[00:10:49] to make you look or feel bad

[00:10:51] it may look like they are winning

[00:10:53] but trust me

[00:10:55] they are only digging a ditch for themselves

[00:10:58] do you really think that the Lord

[00:11:00] will let someone tear down

[00:11:03] what he is using you to build

[00:11:06] do you think he will let someone

[00:11:09] defeat the person he is using

[00:11:12] no

[00:11:14] that's why you need to cover your work

[00:11:16] in deeds in prayer

[00:11:18] because the enemy is going to attack

[00:11:22] but

[00:11:24] he will not win

[00:11:26] Psalm 64

[00:11:28] and this is the NIV version

[00:11:30] hear me my God

[00:11:32] as I voice my complaint

[00:11:34] protect my life from the threat of the enemy

[00:11:38] hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked

[00:11:41] from the plots of evil doors

[00:11:44] they sharpen their tongues like swords

[00:11:47] and aim cruel words like deadly arrows

[00:11:50] they shoot from ambush at the innocent

[00:11:53] they shoot suddenly without fear

[00:11:56] they encourage each other in evil plans

[00:11:59] they talk about hiding their snares

[00:12:02] they say who will see it

[00:12:05] they plot injustice and say

[00:12:08] we have devised a perfect plan

[00:12:11] surely the human mind and heart are cunning

[00:12:14] but God will shoot them with his arrows

[00:12:18] they will suddenly be struck down

[00:12:21] he will turn their own tongues against them

[00:12:25] and bring them to ruin

[00:12:27] all who see them will shake their heads and scorn

[00:12:31] all people will fear

[00:12:33] they will proclaim the works of God

[00:12:36] and ponder what he has done

[00:12:38] the righteous will rejoice in the Lord

[00:12:40] and take refuge in him

[00:12:42] all the upright in heart will glory in him

[00:12:45] I know it's not easy dealing with hate and jealousy

[00:12:51] but I want to give you a couple more scriptures for encouragement

[00:12:56] Isaiah 54 and 17

[00:12:59] no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper

[00:13:02] and every tongue that shall rise against the in judgment

[00:13:06] thou shall condemn

[00:13:08] this is the heritage of the saints of the Lord

[00:13:11] and their righteousness is of me said the Lord

[00:13:15] Romans 8 and 31

[00:13:18] what shall we then say to these things

[00:13:21] if God be for us

[00:13:24] who can be against us

[00:13:26] and Matthew 10 and 14

[00:13:29] and whosoever shall not receive you

[00:13:32] nor hear your words

[00:13:34] when ye depart out of that house or city

[00:13:37] shake off the dust of your feet

[00:13:41] being a chosen vessel

[00:13:45] you will be challenged

[00:13:47] and sometimes it's not just people but maybe things

[00:13:52] are not working out the way you thought they would

[00:13:55] maybe you thought your business would have launched by now

[00:13:58] you thought certain people had your back

[00:14:00] and you found out that it was all fake

[00:14:02] well I want to leave you with this saying

[00:14:05] that I heard a minister say

[00:14:07] and I never forgot it

[00:14:09] people who are not mature enough to understand you

[00:14:14] will try to redefine you

[00:14:18] when they can't take advantage of you

[00:14:21] they'll try to reduce you

[00:14:23] when they don't know the truth

[00:14:26] or can't handle it

[00:14:28] they'll make up a lie

[00:14:30] you have to be careful who you allow to define who you are

[00:14:34] please don't let insecure

[00:14:37] petty

[00:14:38] jealous

[00:14:39] threatened people

[00:14:40] try to define who you are

[00:14:43] because they will try to diminish the glimmer of your greatness

[00:14:47] no person of greatness had it easy

[00:14:53] did you all hear what I said

[00:14:56] no person of greatness had it easy

[00:15:00] no one in the bible or today

[00:15:04] if there is favor and greatness in your life

[00:15:08] you will have haters

[00:15:11] it's just a given

[00:15:13] it's uncomfortable

[00:15:15] we all want to be liked and loved

[00:15:17] but there is someone

[00:15:19] I don't care what you do

[00:15:21] they just won't like you

[00:15:25] there are many people who are doing beautiful positive things

[00:15:29] and they were persecuted

[00:15:31] the enemy hates God in everything that he stands for

[00:15:36] John 15 and 19

[00:15:38] if you were of the world

[00:15:41] the world will love his own

[00:15:43] but because you are not of the world

[00:15:46] but I have chosen you out of the world

[00:15:49] therefore the world hated you

[00:15:53] dealing with jealousy and hate is not easy

[00:15:57] I know it can be very challenging

[00:16:02] especially if it's family or people in the ministry

[00:16:06] but I want to encourage you

[00:16:08] don't stop because it's a good sign

[00:16:13] that you are doing something right

[00:16:17] you don't have to live in regret

[00:16:20] in which you would have continued something

[00:16:22] that you gave up on

[00:16:24] because of people's actions and opinions

[00:16:27] your focus should be to please the Father

[00:16:30] to give him all you have

[00:16:32] despite of all the criticism you receive

[00:16:36] isn't that what Jesus did

[00:16:38] being sent to the earth on divine assignment

[00:16:43] doing his father's will

[00:16:45] and be under constant scrutiny

[00:16:48] by the Pharisees

[00:16:51] being betrayed by one of his own disciples

[00:16:55] Judas

[00:16:57] and dying for the very people that crucified him

[00:17:01] but in the end

[00:17:03] his father exalted him

[00:17:07] let him be your example

[00:17:09] when you go through

[00:17:11] if the path is easy

[00:17:13] then it's not great

[00:17:16] embrace what will make you strong

[00:17:19] what will make you better

[00:17:21] what will make you wise

[00:17:23] and most of all

[00:17:26] what will put a smile on the Lord's face

[00:17:29] make him proud that he chose you

[00:17:34] I hope you enjoyed today's episode

[00:17:37] thank you so much for listening

[00:17:39] if you have not already

[00:17:41] please subscribe because there'll be many

[00:17:43] inspirational episodes that will be coming your way

[00:17:46] and don't forget to check out our website

[00:17:49] which is ChangeMyLifePodcast.com

[00:17:52] well who knew being chosen would change my life