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Finishing Your Race Before Dying
Is seeking greatness from ego or God?
Who is setting your bar?
It is common to see many Christians setting their bar based on the teachings of their denomination and church.
The tone set by their denomination, more importantly, the local church, determines how far a believer desires to go in life.
Just be honest:
- Who is setting your bar and how far you can go in life?
- You (I mean your ego)?
- Your parents?
- The media you frequently listen to and watch?
- Your teacher or mentor or coach? Or
- God (your soul)?
Having ego isn’t the problem, the type of ego that possesses you is the issue
There were a few individuals who cared and boldly confronted me. They were frank in my face telling me that I had ego.
My immediate response always had been, who doesn’t have ego? Most of these good people were shocked!
- First, they didn’t know that I knew about having ego.
- Second, they didn’t anticipate that I’d be frank about it. They were expecting me to be apologetic. Why should I?
Sometimes for a few minutes while other times for hours and for more than one session- depending on with whom I was debating- I must explain to them that even Moses, Jesus, and Paul had egos except that they weren’t led by their ego.
You can imagine how stunned they were. They thought I was crazy, even speaking blasphemy for putting Jesus’ name into the mix. Of course, until I provided the context…
I don’t blame them. The problem is the definition of ego they had. In my world, there are two ego types:
- Healthy and normal, and
- Toxic and abnormal.
The healthy ego is necessary to survive in the physical universe
The normal ego is meant to help us in this dangerous world. Can you imagine what will happen if you always use your soul to guide you here on earth? You can’t protect yourself from:
- Car accidents,
- Fire, and
- Many other dangerous beings and things including bad people.
Think of your infancy years, before you developed your ego when you were 4 – 6 years old. You didn’t have a personal identity yet. You were trusting and relating to everyone, even strangers and potentially horrible people.
If a snake crawled toward you, you would have grabbed it and might have attempted to swallow it. If there was a fire in front of you, you would have played with it. You got my point…
Before we move on, I fully understand that the line between having a healthy and a toxic ego is very delicate.
What is more? At one point in life, before we developed our spirituality, we all might have been possessed by a toxic ego that thought there was only a physical universe, and the most important thing is survival and comfort of the physical body.
In the future, I will dive deep and talk about the different identities we have, in which universes they operate, and what their agendas and priorities are. Familiarizing ourselves with these personalities helps us to differentiate and also prioritize whose voice to hear and when.
Just a quick example, if I’m driving on a highway, I want my ego to be in charge and pay attention to avoid accidents and hurting other people around me. This isn’t the time to think heavenly. When I am in a prayer and fellowship mood, I silence my ego and command it to sit tight until I’m done. I tune to the voice of my inner self and leave the physical and metaphysical universes to communion with the heavenly beings in the spirit.
Depending on where I’m at a given time, what I’m doing, and with whom I’m interacting, I switch between my identities. You got the point…
You may be rolling your eyes and thinking that I’m being dishonest or having a multiple personality disorder.
If you’re tempted to negatively label me like that, you haven’t read what Jesus said: “Here I am sending you out like sheep with wolves all round you; so be as wise as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. But be on your guard against men.” (Matthew 10: 16)
Jesus was telling His disciples to be wise!!! You can’t always be a dove or a ‘serpent’ and always and everywhere. Be wise when to switch your personality hat…
Ego will fight to death to stop you from seeking true greatness
That being said about ego, the question is who is seeking greatness? Your ego or your highest self within? The short answer is your highest self.
Let me break it down for you. Ego is selfish, think temporal, and fearful. On the other hand, your soul- your highest self, doesn’t think small and never buy into human made limitations. It’s eternal and never afraid of anything…
If you think about it, ego is afraid of you taking the journey of your soul and being truly great. It will lose you if you step into this realm…
Ego only seeks high places, like the pharisees, as far as the glory doesn’t cost their lives and cause discomfort.
The next question is: Does God be unhappy if you succeed on earth and become great in your own unique way?
No way! He is the GREAT ONE and it is His pleasure to see His images, you and I, attain true greatness. Here is what He said to Abraham: “I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12: 2)
Didn’t He made Abrham great? Why then do you think He will be intimidated or offended if you also become great in your own unique way and according to the glory He had for you before the foundation of the world?!
No one who took their fulfillment seriously stayed ordinary and obscure
By the way, I’m not talking about the greatness ego seeks. I’m talking about the greatness your soul desires and destined to achieve. Her fulfillment on earth is dependent on whether you pursue your purpose in life and get fulfilled or not.
Without any doubt, no one took this fulfilling and God ordained journey and remained ordinary, obscure, and stayed under the table! If you find yourselves ‘under the table’ and your light is not shining on top of a hill, it’s because you haven’t yet begun the journey of your soul. You haven’t yet left ‘egypt’ and martched forward toward ‘cannan’…
Jesus pursued His assignment in life, and He became great. Remember, He:
- Wore our flesh.
- Began from scratch as a kid and grew in strength and wisdom (Luke 2:40).
- Didn’t succeed automatically.
- Sought and pursued His assignment on earth till the end until He said: ‘It is finished.’
Your greatness begins when you start the assignment God gave you on earth
One of the most powerful scriptures that has inspired and guided me for many years is one of Jesus’ last day’s prayers in John 25 where He said, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17: 4)
But, Jesus wasn’t the only one who discovered, pursued, and fulfilled His assignment on earth. Paul followed the same pattern and encouraged others to do the same when he said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11: 1)
Paul too finished his race and announced, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” (2 Timothy 4: 7)
I’m aware of one of the quotations some preachers use to limit the aspiration of their congregation. They quote the same Paul I just quoted who hadn’t content until he finished his race. In Philippians 4:12, Paul confessed: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
Unless someone wants to take this out of context, Paul wasn’t talking about being content where you’re in life, away from God’s purpose for your life. He was talking about learning to be content with what he had materially.
Yes, we should be content with what we have materially right now. The question is are we contented based on what others tell us where our finish line should end and how high our bar should be or are we contented based on the destiny God has for us, which isn’t too small nor too little?
Mistaking a transit as a destination
Unfortunately, most of us camp on a ‘mountain’ for too long, never moving to our destiny thinking that that is where God wants us to conclude our journey. We’ve mistaken the transit as a destination.
I can hear God admonishing us like He did the Israelites in the desert. “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Exodus 33: 1).
God has a glorious destiny for all of us during our lifetime that allows us to unchain our full potential. It isn’t behind us. It is ahead of us and we must begin this journey if we haven’t yet.
Sadly, many of us think that our potential will be fulfilled when we get to heaven and in the spiritual universe. As a result, we camp where we are now and WAIT til we die. Very saddening and heartbreaking!!!
This message is especially important if you’re mistakenly thinking that you’ve arrived. If you’re still breathing, you’re not yet done! You’re not close to the finish line yet, let alone crossing it, until you fulfill your assignment.
Why? Because you know it when you cross the finish line. Your soul testifies that you have arrived… You have peace unlike in this world. And most importantly, the world around you know it. Nothing is fulfilling like the feeling of finishing your God-ordained assignment faithfuly and courageously by staying committed and resilient till the end!
Don’t forget, Jesus knew when He crossed the finished line. After saying ‘it’s finished’, He stayed a little longer to mentor His successors. Likewise, Paul finished the race and stayed for the sake of His followers. He said: “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Philippians 1: 23-24).
I’d like to make some disclaimers:
- Your purpose and destiny are different than the ones Jesus and Paul had.
- Where you finish your race and how it will come about is totally different than mine and everyone else’s.
- We all may not finish our race while leading at the front like Jesus and Paul. Do you remember the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36–38) and Simeon the devout (Luke 2:25–35)? They played significant roles in supporting the mission of Jesus while He was a kid and vulnerable. They knew why they were there. The outcome would have been different if these were bad people who worked for Herod. They understood that they were playing a part toward the eternal agenda of God. Because of that they fulfilled their spiritual duty. Once it was done, they knew when they crossed the finish line and ready to transcend to the spiritual world feeling contented and fulfilled. What a journey and an end!? What about you? How do you plan to finihs your race? How can we help?
In conclusion, we all should discover God’s purpose for our life and pursue it till we fulfill it. We shouldn’t fear stepping up to the plate to join the eternal movement of the Kingdom of our Almighty Father even if our ego limits our aspirations and tries its best to stop us from taking the journey of our soul. Even if the world around us thinks that we are egotestical and trying to make a name for ourselves.
Beware!
- The ego has a totally different agenda how it would like to use you.
- The devil may also use the people you trust to cheat you out of your glorious destiny, without them knowing it, by lowering your bar, over staying at a transit, and stopping before you reach the finish line.
Ego thinks that there is only a physical universe and a body it protects and take care of. It is so selfish that it seeks comfort and avoids taking risks, such as pursuing your eternal assignment, which may make you uncomfortable and require you to pay some dire prices.
Whether your purpose entails you to be at the front and leading like Moses, Jesus, and Paul or provide support in the background like Mary, Anna, and Simeon, don’t settle until you cross the finish line and get fulfilled in life while you’re alive and on earth.
If you would like to:
- Discover your purpose in life,
- Equip yourself with the necessary mindset, skillset, and character, which enable you to pursue and fulfill your call, you should be part of our community.
We would like to hear from you. Send us email if you have any questions or would like to be part of our team at [email protected]
Who Should Worry About Money as Their Lord?
Some people think that the devil is in the same class as God. They wrongly assume that the two compete.
God never competed with the devil and never shown any worry that the devil may replace him in the hearts of His people.
The reason is simple. God believes that His people can easily recognize that the devil is a creation, and everything he got came from its Source, God, who is our Father!
Sadly, however, there are a few who, knowingly or unknowingly, chose to serve the inferior lord. These people decided to serve the devil and allow him to lord over them. Sad!!!
Then you may ask if the devil is not a competitor, who else is there to compete with God?
Well, let’s hear from the master. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money”.
As you can see, the devil isn’t in the equation. Jesus didn’t say ‘You cannot serve both God and money.’
This clearly shows that money is more powerful than the devil…
You may not agree with me on this one. Many people shouldn’t worry about money becoming their lord.
The reason is simple: They don’t have enough money that can alter their thoughts, decisions, and take their focus from God to money.
For that matter, what is happening is that many spiritual people are worried too much about money and stressed out to pay their bills that they don’t have enough time to fellowship with God and serve Him and His purpose in their lives and in their generation. Unfortunate!
These precious people don’t worship money, but they need money to survive. If they don’t survive, they can’t even have a roof over their heads that allow them to sit down and pray and worship God.
If you ask me, who should be worried about money becoming their lord are those who have MONEY! Rich people may wrongly decide to worship money because it gives them temporary self worth and security, get what they want, get away with so many jams, and do what they want to do.
If someone is poor or average, they shouldn’t worry about money lording over them. What they need to worry about is why they’re not yet using their God given talent, His guidance, and favor, to make money so that they can serve God, His People, and meet the needs of the poor.
I’ve witnessed many spiritual teachers watering down their messages and getting manipulated because they were highly dependent on some members of their congregation to fund their mission. Rather than talk, behave, and do the way they truly believe and as they are instructed by the Lord, they lower their bar and conform to appease donors.
It is better to have enough money these servants of God need to fund their mission and worry about whether they worship money or not rather than being hostages because they don’t have enough money.
Part of the problem is that many believers are afraid of making money because of some scriptures that talk about money that have been taken out of context. Scriptures like “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
This scripture doesn’t talk about money as evil. It is the LOVE of money. Money that doesn’t ‘err you from the faith and pierce you through with many sorrows’ isn’t evil.
These the same people who misunderstand what Paul was saying in the above scripture also, somehow, escaped or neglected to read scriptures like this: “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Here, Moses was not talking about rich, he was actually talking about WEALTH! From this scripture, you can clearly see that God doesn’t have a problem if you and I become wealthy.
For that matter, when you look back in history, many of God’s servants were wealthy. Think of Abraham, David, and Solomon.
Even in the New Testament, Jesus never lacked money. He was so wealthy that he needed an accountant. Not just any ordinary and ethical accountant. An accountant that stole from Him. What was impressive? Even if He had such a thief accountant, He never lacked money.
I know some people will be alarmed by what I just stated above above Jesus because they know another scripture which says: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Compared to His glory and richness in the Heavenlies- before He took our flesh and came here on earth- yes, He looked poor during His earthly years. Otherwise, money never had been an issue and came in the way of affecting Jesus’ lifestyle and the way He ministered His people.
By the way, I’m not here in this blog inspiring you to seek money or wealth. I just want you to stop and reflect to evaluate and see if in case you are afraid of money and wealth in vain- if not consciously, unconsciously- because you don’t have the full context why God doesn’t want you to be porr so that you proof Him that you love Him and He is your LORD.
If in case there is any trace of worry God may disown you if you get wealthy, I’m here to ask you what kind of wealthy father desires his kids to be poor?
Our wealthy Father desires us to have all-around wealth, not just rich in money. We bear His image, and we represent Him better when we have abundance than scarcity.
Of course, God will never disown poor people. He wants us to help the poor…
Nonetheless, do you know that if you happen to be poor, God doesn’t want you to feel poor. It is written in Joel 3:10: “Let the weak say I am strong and the poor say I am rich.”
It seems paradoxical. But that is the way we should live our lives. We shouldn’t be afraid of getting wealthy. When we have abundance:
- We have freedom.
- We can choose and decide godly.
- We don’t allow the lack of money to stress and lord over us.
- We can make money serve God’s purpose in our lives.
Not only should we believe that we should strive to be wealthy by using the unlimited potential, talent, and gifts He gave us, but we shouldn’t say, behave, and act as if we’re poor even if we may not have a lot of money in the NOW.
- Let’s be honest:
- There is no glory in being poor.
- The overwhelming majority of believers shouldn’t worry about money being their lords. They don’t have enough money yet.
- Having a lot of money doesn’t instantly or by default make you worship and make money your lord.
Let’s be real. For example, most middle-class people in any country can’t send their kids to good schools, and of course, unless they get scholarships. While in this position, they should be far away from fearing money becoming their lord…
Actually, people who don’t have money are susceptible to allowing money to lord over them. They may:
- Say,
- Behave, and
- Do things that are not godly because of money so that they may survive!
Spiritual people can only gain their freedom by getting more money through proper channels, taking out the lack of money out of the equation. When they have neough money, they can focus on God, and spend enough time and resources to serve God and His people.
In closing, who should worry about money being one’s lord? People who have millions and billions of dollars. They may become susceptible to the lordship of money.
But we know so many wealthy people who:
- Didn’t allow money to lord over them.
- Created jobs.
- Help countless needy people.,
- Also live a godly lifestyle.
You want to be like them to transfer the wealth God has for you in store to those who need financial help. The least, you shouldn’t resent and judge wealthy people. Most importantly you shouldn’t scared of becoming wealthy as if money owns your soul authomatically and by default. It does’t; unless you allow it…
Therefore, this concern of spiritual people who don’t even have enough money to pay their bills and people who are not even leading a comfortable life to worry about money becoming their lord, is unnecessary, to say the least.
If you share our mission, don’t hesitate to reach out via [email protected] and/or [email protected] We would like to hear how you would like to contribute your share. We always look for those who would like to join our:
- Board of Directors
- Accountability Board
- Leaders
- Volunteers
Fruitfulness Through Faithfulness
Why should you be faithful toward what matters the most
What do you value the most? We all have some things that we value the most compared to other things though these things differ from person to person.
Are you enjoying fruitfulness in the areas that matter the most? Your answer could be YES or NO or NOT SURE. Depending on your answers, there is a universal law you honored or ignored or neglected- FAITHFULNESS…
This law works in every culture, generation, industry, and field. You cannot escape or get an exemption from any authority… No shortcut! If you desire to enjoy fruitfulness, abide by the principle of faithfulness.
If anyone tells you that they became successful and enjoyed undeniable results without paying their dues in the form of FAITHFULNESS, don’t believe them! They are either lying or don’t understand or fail to recognize the very principle that enabled them to succeed.
We cannot be successful and enjoy undeniable results, whoever we’re and wherever we invest ourselves seriously, without undying commitment.
Your FAITHFULNESS to God (your family, church, ministry, organization, or business) highly determines your FRUITFULNESS…
Here is the PROBLEM: We all think- at least in our own very eyes, we’re faithful!
There is no litmus paper to test one’s faithfulness. You cannot see, touch, or measure FAITHFULNESS.
You may ask: Mr. Restorer, how can I know whether I’m or someone is faithful?
I’m glad you asked. Look for the fruits in you or others…
Speaking of False Prophets, Jesus said: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Mathew 7: 16) You cannot open their hearts or read their minds to tell who is who. You can only look for their behaviors, decisions, actions, and ultimately, the fruits they bear…
Faithfulness is a cause. Even if you don’t see it, it manifests on the outside in the form of fruits if it is there. Do you have faithfulness to what matters the most? From 1 to 10, one being zero commitment and 10 being ultra committed, all-in, and faithful till death, how do you scale your faithfulness?
Let me make it practical. Right now, if you haven’t yet manifested the FRUITS you have been looking for, don’t wander around to find a solution out there. It is straightforward. You just lack faithfulness.
Wishful thinking alone doesn’t cut it. Prayer, fasting, and other spiritual exercises alone cannot give you fruitfulness.
There is a human part you have to play. You have to roll your sleeves and do some tangible, earthly, and physical things to demonstrate your faithfulness if your desire is to reap the benefits of your undying commitment.
The higher RISK you’re willing to take, the higher your FAITHFULNESS. The higher your faithfulness, the higher your FRUITFULNESS, and vice versa…
As far as you aren’t willing to sow the seed of tangible commitment TODAY, there is no soil that can produce FRUITFULNESS that can be seen and harvested TOMORROW…
Hope you got the answer to the question in the beginning: Why should you be faithful toward what matters the most? This is because you cannot be FRUITFUL and achieve undeniable success, become world-class in what you do, and be great in your own unique ways unless you demonstrate unwavering commitment and FAITHFULNESS to your CAUSE, whatever that may be for you.
If you find this blog a good reminder, inspiring, and informative, share it with those who may need this today.
PS
Don’t forget. We’re here to serve those believers who may not find teachings somewhere that equip them to succeed in the real world.
Whether you are an artist, politician, entrepreneur, educator, community leader, professional, or what have you, we’re here to equip you with spiritual truths that prepare you to succeed in what you do.
Our teachings are designed to enable you to be salt and light.
We’re not religious. We don’t serve such individuals, they have many places to get religious services.
We’re spiritual and only empower those who are spiritual. Those who are in the real world, those who would like to be change agents and leaders in their communities, organizations, and marketplaces…
If you have any questions or comments, send your emails via [email protected]
You’re Born to Greatness (video clip)
https://youtu.be/DGjPRdj1VmQ
This motivational speech was given to Cherry Hill Believers Church in Maryland. This the same speech was given a week earlier to one of the mega Orthodox Tewahedo church in DC.
The two latest books of Assegid Habtewold (The Highest Level of Greatness and Unchain Your Greatness) were written to anyone regardless of his/her religious affiliation, cultural background, or nationality. However, Assegid serves diverse Ethiopian Christian denominations by taking some of the contents from the books and the Bible.
If you’re interested Assegid to speak to your group, reach out to him at [email protected] or call him @ 703-895-4551.
Remember, Assegid Habtewold Ministries is a non-denominational ministry that serves all denominations. He doesn’t promote or criticize any one’s dogmas or doctrines.
Walk as if you’re already great because you’re!
It’s easy and simple. If you still have sin consciousness and feel deep inside that you’re unworthy, you’ve not yet saved, you’re not yet born again 🙂
What is expected of you is to seek the highest level of greatness- the greatness Moses, Mary, Simon the devout, Jesus, Paul, and the likes sought after- and finally commit yourself to pass through the four stages they passed through to unchain the greatness God had chained within you before the foundation of this universe to the fullest…What is expected of you is to seek the highest level of greatness- the greatness Moses, Mary, Simon the devout, Jesus, Paul, and the likes sought after- and finally commit yourself to pass through the four stages they passed through to unchain the greatness God had chained within you before the foundation of this universe to the fullest…
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel in order to be notified when these videos are uploaded. You may also follow us on social media by going to the top right corner of our website. You may also subscribe below to get our monthly updates:
AHM strives to restore the greatness of humanity one person at a time. The teachings of the ministry focus on restoring the whole man (woman)- the body, mind, and spirit. The messages are uplifting, life-changing, inspirational, transformational, and empowering. If you share the vision of AHM, you can join us in restoring the greatness of humanity one person at a time…
Find Your Rightful Place in the Universe (1-min video clip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a1KBuSbVxA&feature=youtu.be
In this 1- Minute of Power with Mr. Restorer, the founder of AHM highlighted the importance of finding your rightful place in the universe. We all have the place where we flourish. Knowing that spot requires exploring to discover. Taken from his latest book “Unchain Your Greatness”, he talked the importance of Exploring to discover one’s uniqueness and purpose in life. That is the place where we flourish. The book is available on Amazon.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel in order to be notified when these videos are uploaded. You may also follow us on social media by going to the top right corner of our website. You may also subscribe below to get our monthly updates:
AHM strives to restore the greatness of humanity one person at a time. The teachings of the ministry focus on restoring the whole man (woman)- the body, mind, and spirit. The messages are uplifting, life-changing, inspirational, transformational, and empowering. If you share the vision of AHM, you can join us in restoring the greatness of humanity one person at a time…
D5 Creation