November 30, 2009
Ephesians 3:20 (King James Version) says:
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
This simply means that God is able to do above and beyond anything that we ask Him to do or anything that we can think about, but it depends on the power that we have and operate in. God is saying to us, that there is nothing too hard for Him to do for you if you have faith enough to believe it. I’m sure that we can all be witnesses to that, because where we are now, some of us would never have believed it if someone had told us. So be encouraged brothers and sisters knowing that the very thing we want and need from God, if we can think about it, if it is pleasing to God, and if we are in right standings with Him, we can have it. I challenge you to walk in the power and authority that God has given you, and go possess all that God has for you!
December 7, 2009
Philippians 4:19 say- But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Now if I were to ask most of you do you have a need, you would say no. However, if there is any thing in your life that isn't whole or complete, you have a need. A need is simply to be in want, or a lack of something requiring relief. Many of us are in need of peace: in our homes, on our jobs, in the community, and lots of times in our church. Some of us are in need of a financial blessings, and let's not forget about the need of a spiritual charge. Sisters and brothers, no matter what the need is, the word of God tells us that God will, meaning that it's a done deal; supply, which means to satisfy the need or provide, ALL- lacking nothing, totally, or complete; of your need. In other words, what may appear to be many to you, is one to God. So be encouraged knowing that everything I need is in God. All you have to do is confess the need, believe it, and wait for it. Get excited knowing that God is in control of everything!
December 14, 2009
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Now it’s in Chapter 27 that Moses gives the people a charge to keep the commandments. This leads up to Chapter 28. I know that often times we get excited about a word, but we forget the commandments that goes with it. Moses was telling the people that they would be blessed beyond measure, if they would do all that they were told to do.. So, to bring it closer to home for you, the question is: What are the things(commandments) that God have given you to do that is holding up the Deuteronomy 28 from coming to pass in your life? One thing that I know for sure is that disobedience will cause you to miss out on the things that God promised you, that you can have. The more I read this, the more excited I become, because I realize that all I have to do is live right, humble myself, and be obedient to the voice of God, and I can have all of this. I encourage you this week, don’t try to figure out where everyone else is missing it, but rather search yourself, then ask God to work on you, be obedient to God, fix the things that you can, and what you can’t turn it over to God, and watch these things come to past in your life.
December 21, 2009
Habakkuk 2:3 (King James Version) says:
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version) says:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matthew 6:33 (King James Version) says:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hebrews 11:6 (King James Version) says:
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
As you can see, all of these verses have a but in them. While going through a small test on 12-17-09, these were the verses that God gave to me. He literally said to me, that even in a storm or test, it’s not over. Believe me when I say that before I minister to you, God has already ministered to me, and please don’t ever think that I don’t go through because I’m ministering to you, if anything, the devil comes at me harder so that he can get me off focus and I won’t give you what He has given me. But I’m sure you know by now that the devil is a lie!!! Now to share with you, what He said to me, God said that but is a continuation of something that has happened. It is the other side of something, letting me know that this has happened, But this is what’s going to happen now. All of these scriptures have hope and life in them, and I am fully persuaded that if I can hold on to the but, all will be well. Brothers and sisters, hold on to these scriptures, knowing that as long as I hold on to God, there is a but for me. I am excited as always to know that God loves me so much, that He sends storms and tests to strengthen me, and then rewards me for my faith to endure, adds things that I need unto me, gives me strength and makes sure that I don’t faint, and most of all, promises me that if I wait on Him, my visions will come to past. What an awesome God!!!!!
December 28, 2009
Mark 16:17-18 (King James Version) says:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Brothers and sisters, I believe that we are living in a time when God is calling us to bigger and better things in Him. He has equipped us with all we need to possess all that we desire, for Psalm 37:4 (King James Version) says: Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. I believe that God is calling us to a place that if we can trust Him for one thing, why not trust Him for all? If you can trust Him for a new car/house/spouse, why not trust Him when He says He has given us power? Why is it so hard to believe that we can cast out a devil, instead of surrendering to it? How is it that we know that God can’t and won’t lie, and we see what Mark 16:17-18 says, and won’t operate in it? I get joy in knowing that God has entrusted me with power, and because He is depending on me, to operate in it, so that things around me will change and work for my good, I refuse to let him down. I pray that you will get a spiritual attitude, and serve the devil notice, that you’ve found out who you are in God, you have power, and therefore, you will no longer be bound with devils and sickness. If someone tries to harm you, inform them that, the weapon might form, but it won’t prosper (Isaiah 54:17). If you don’t have a heavenly language, or speak in tongues, ask God for it, so you can communicate with Him in a different way, without the devil knowing what you’re saying to Him. Be encouraged, knowing that you have power in God to turn your situations around. Walk in the authority that God has given you. Be in tuned with the Holy Spirit that you will move at the right time. Pray always that your steps may be ordered by the Lord, and you will be victorious in the things of God!!!
January 4, 2010
Philippians 3:13-14 (King James Version) says:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let me begin by saying Happy New Year. I am definitely praying that this will be a year for us that will blow our minds, both spiritually and naturally. Stand on every promise that God has spoken to you, and continue to be encouraged knowing that delayed never means denied. Now to the text. Here Paul is talking to the Philippians. Paul is simply saying that there are a lot of things that I don’t understand, but one thing that I do know, that I have to forget those things that are behind me, and reach for the things that are before me. Then he says I press toward the mark, or go the direction, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. In other words, we have to forget anything or anyone that may cause us to get off track, or take our eyes off of our prize. Then we must press, or continue to strive, for the prize, or that very thing that God is going to reward us with, for our victories over the devil. Then he tells us that it’s not just any prize, but a prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, meaning my Heavenly call. So my pressing now, will determine what my prize or reward will be later. Brothers and sisters, know that storms will come, but they never come to stay. The key to a storm is not holding on to any fragments left from it: hurt, embarrassment, pain, grief, etc. We have to get to a place in God, where we can forget those things that are behind us. No matter what you face in this year, I challenge you to forget anything or anyone that may cause you to take your eyes off of your prize, which is Heaven. Know this one thing family, the way you run your race now, will determine your ultimate prize in the end. So ask yourself the question: Where will I spend eternity? Don’t allow the cares of life to cause you to run your race in vain!!!
January 11, 2010
Psalm 27:14(King James Version) says:
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:6-9, 34(King James Version) says:
6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7-Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8-Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 34-Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
My brothers and sisters, it took a while for me to write this one, because as God gave it to me, the spirit of the Lord was heavy upon me. This is a word that someone needs to get in their spirit. The one word that God is saying to you is WAIT. I know that there are times when it seems like everything around us is totally out of control, and that everyone else appears as though they have made it, and you ask yourself the questions, “When is it going to be my turn? How long God will I have to go through this?” Well God decided to answer you today, if you can hold on to Psalm 27:14, I promise you things will work in your favor. David tells us not only to wait, but wait in the right spirit. Be of good courage, and watch God give you strength. Then he goes on to encourage us by saying in chapter 37, not only will He strengthen us, but He’ll give us rest. In other words, you’ll begin to feel lighter, and sicknesses will begin to cease. When you see people that are not saved, and it appears as though they have everything that you feel you ought to have, all those that are prospering in their own way, all of those that are doing wicked things, the bible tells us not to worry, for they will soon be cut off, and we’ll see it when it happens. Now don’t get it twisted, I’m not excited to see anyone fall, but the word of God tells them what’s going to happen, so I’m happy that God hasn’t forgotten me and my labor of righteousness for Him. So I encourage you not to turn back to things that you’ve once done to get ahead. God has not forgotten you, and today, He wants you to WAIT on Him. In conclusion, hold on to and remember verse 34, if we wait on Him, keep His ways, God will exalt you to inherit the land..
January 18, 2010
Galatians 5:1( King James Version) says:
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
John 8:36 ( King James Version) says:
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Looking back on the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I’ve realized that his legacy is the manifestation of what God had already ordained. One of his most powerful quotes is "Free At Last". As I look at that in the spiritual realm, we have all been bound, and it looked like it took a long time, but finally, one day, we were Free, and then we said, At Last. I read the word, and all that God is saying to you is, after He has delivered you, stand strong in the freedom that He has given you. Don’t be confused by the link that held you in slavery. In other words, don’t allow yourself to keep going back into, or falling back in the thing that He’s delivered you from.. The next verse confirms it by saying, that if Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed. This simply means that there is no going back when God sets you free. Brothers and sisters, all I can say to you is be free in Jesus! Let nothing or no one hold you bound. Know that God sent Jesus, and He died that we could be free. I beseech you, or beg you, not to allow Jesus’ death to be in vain. Since you know what His purpose was for us, let Him get glory out of us, knowing that we are free in our spirits, hearts, minds, homes, jobs, and our churches. In conclusion, I pray that if you were not free, after today, you’ll know that you’re free, and will continue to stand fast in your liberty.
January 25, 2010
Proverbs 13:1-6 in the King James Versions says:
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Brothers and sisters, I greet you today in love. I pray that as you read and meditate on these scriptures, you will realize that the book of Proverbs is a book of instructions. Here we are told how we should live, what we should and should not do, and what are the rewards for what we do. Believe it or not, we will get paid for whatever we do, whether it be good or bad. We are told that a wise man hears his father's instructions. What are the things that God has told you to do? Have you done them, or have you continued to do your own thing? Being obedient can cause us to eat good, meaning live a good life, if we are careful what we say and how we say it, if not, we will have to suffer the consequences. If you learn to keep your mouth sometimes, and not always feel like you you have to have the last word, your life and light will shine brighter in Jesus, if not, you can cause more harm than good. In the fourth verse, the word fat here means full, and wanting or lacking nothing in God, but that's only if you're humble and are striving after the things of God. Stop entertaining lies, because as a believer, you ought to hate them and not tell them. In the last and final verse, our lifestyles ought to help keep others in the way that they should go, because those that are wicked, are the cause some are overthrown. In conclusion, brothers and sisters, be a light, and make sure that you not only hear your father's instructions, but do what He's telling you to do. Your actions will cause God to call you a wise man. Who is God calling you? .
February 1, 2010
Acts 3:1-8(King James Version) says:
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
Brothers and sisters, although it looks like we are living in difficult times in our individual areas, there are some that are in conditions that are worse than ours. As I observe all the things in our country as well as surrounding countries, I realize that we all have one thing in common, we all need Jesus. In this text, Peter and John were on their way to church, and a man sat by their entrance begging. How many people are in your paths as you are going on your way? Are you meeting the needs of that person, or are you getting what you need and that's all that matters? Notice, Peter and John stopped to see what it was that he needed. Now although they didn't give him a handout, mainly because they didn't have it, the important thing was they took the time to stop. Often times we don't stop to check on anyone because we feel like we don't have anything to give, but notice, the scripture says after he asked them for a handout, Peter said to him, we don't have any money, but the one thing I do have, I give it to you, get up and walk. Now Peter and John offered him all that he needed, and that was Jesus, the one that was able to heal him and cause him to obtain his own money. All I'm saying today is, offer those who don't have who you have, so that their lives may change for the better as your did. If you notice, after he received what he needed, he went to church and gave God praise for what He had done for him. For those of you that are waiting on something, when you get it, don't forget to give God praise for it. I encourage you, to get busy about God's business. Introduce God to some, remind others about Him, and encourage those that already have Him, that none of us will be left begging at the gate when Jesus comes back.
February 8, 2010
1 John 3:1-3, 10-11(King James Version) says:
1-3. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
10-11. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
Greetings brothers and sisters. As I pondered on this text, it excited me in my spirit. The text simply starts off by asking a powerful question, what kind of love is this that God has given to us that we are called the sons of God? Now to those that don't know Him, they won't know us. But for all of those that have a relationship with Him, they can say and see, that we are the sons/daughthers of God. Not only are we the children of God, but when He shall appear, the bible says that we shall be like Him. This is the place where I became real excited because now I know that not only am I His child, but I'm growing up to be just like Him. This is one of those situations when it's a good thing for someone to tell you that you are just like your daddy. (I hope you caught that in the spirit.) Now that we know who we are, and even have an idea of what we will become, we have to do everything in our power to stay meek, or humble, before Him. We must do all we can to remind others that we really are the children of God, and the best way to do that is by our lifestyles. I've realized that our walk with God can either be effective or infected. I need you to really understand that. We can be effective by the way we live and treat others, showing them the real characteristics of God, or we can infect them by doing something totally different from what we're telling others to do, leaving them totally confused and feeling as though they are better off in the world. The word of God is better shown than just talked about, and we can hurt people by being a hearer only and not a doer of the word. We must realize that some of us are the only word others will see. Some will watch you to see if this thing is really real. Some have seen the change, and are wondering, how? This is the time where both children, God's and the devil's, are manifested. We must love one another, and for those of us that find that too hard to do, we are not the children of God. Brothers and sisters, live a life that is pleasing to God, that when He appears, we'll be able to look like Him, and help others while He is working on us.
February 15, 2010
Psalm 40:1-5 (King James Version) says:
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
Greetings brothers and sisters. As we celebrate all the things that God has for us, let us not forget that it's simply because of Psalm 40. David says that he waited for the Lord, and He inclined, or listened, to him and heard him. Now it appears that David had a prayer-life and patience. Often times in our lives, we pray, but sometimes we have no consistency and no patience to wait. David, in the scripture, knew that there were some things that he needed God to do, so he realized he needed to pray. Brothers and sisters, we need to make sure that we have a prayer-life, make sure that when you pray, you pray for patience that you won't miss out because you couldn't wait. Notice that there was a blessing in his waiting. Once God heard him, He pulled him out of some things that he was in, and put him in a place that was safe and solid. The safest and most solid place I know is in Jesus. After He pulled him out of his situation, He showed him the way he needed to go, gave him a new song that brought forth a new praise. We must remember that people are watching, because the next verse says, many shall see and fear and trust in the Lord. That simply means that people are watching to see how you are going to come out. This will cause them to have a fear for the Lord and come to Him just as well. Don't lose the one you're witnessing to, they are counting on us to help them hold on while God is listening to us.The real good part of this is that God says we are blessed when we trust in Him. All of us can use the blessings of God. To know that we are blessed by God is unexplainable, because that means that my everything is in Him. In his conclusion, David tells Him that He has done so many things for him that he couldn't tell it all if he tried. Although it looks like there is nothing happening for you or that God hasn't answered your prayer yet, know this, that God will incline His ear to you if you pray and and wait patiently on Him. When you have mastered waiting with patence, then you'll be able to see all the things/blessings that God has for you, and they will be so many that you won't be able to number them. Be encouraged my brothers and sisters,pray, be patient, and watch what God does for you.
February 22, 2010
Isaiah 40:4,8,10-11 (King James Version) says:
4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. 10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Brothers and sisters, as always, I am excited about this word. As I was meditating on what God wanted to say to you this week, these are the scriptures He gave to me. I'm sure that you have had some things in your life that caused you to feel like you could not go on. Times when everything around you looked so big that you couldn't see anything but what you were facing, but I want to encourage you today. According to Isaiah, these things are only temporary because the word says that every valley will be exalted, meaning that everything that appears to be at its lowest in your life will be exalted, or lifted up, and the mountain and hill shall be made low, or the biggest problems, sickness, or hurts,etc. will be made low. He goes on and encourages us by saying that the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain. Now that really excited me because that simply lets me know that all the things that are not right in my life now, will soon line up with the word of God and will cause all the things that seem so rough now, to be easy. Now verse eight is the one that should encourage you the most, because it tells me that no matter what comes or goes, God's word will be here forever. So now that we know that God can't lie, and He's word will stand forever, then you need to study for word, find a scripture for your situation, and stand on it. God is coming back and when He does, His reward is going to be with Him. I advise you in the spirit of love, to do those things that are pleasing to God, so that you won't regret the reward that you will receive when He comes. God is going to take us in His arms, and feed us, because we are His sheep and He is the shepherd. When He gets us all together, He's going to carry us in His bosom, and lead us to where we need to be. I love the very thought of knowing that I will be in the arms of Jesus, for the song writer said it best when he said, Can't nobody do me like Jesus." No matter what tests, trials, and/or burdens that come your way, be strong in the Lord knowing that He's going to exalt everything that is low in your life, and everything that seems to be to high, He's going to make low. That fact that He told us that it's going to be MADE low, is good news because now I have assurance that it's not a possibility, but it will definitely happen. Brothers and sisters, stand strong and hold on to the word of God, and know that the glory of God will strengthen us as we eagerly await the arrival of our creator, God himself.
March 1, 2010
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Brothers and sisters, as I was in prayer, God gave me very little to say, but what He said was very important. As we go through life, we have many roles to play: parents, spouses, employees and/or employers, children, shepherds, sheep,etc . No matter how many roles you play, remember on thing, don't allow your roles to distract you from hearing the voice of God. Things and people can come, and if you're not careful, they can be more of a distraction than a blessing. We can get caught up in the things or the person and we forget who's really in control. The bible tells us here in Psalm 71:1, that the safest place to put our trust is in God. In other words, we find ourselves trusting in things and people, and forget that it is God that allowed us to be blessed with the things/people. The bible also says that we should never be confused about who our trust should be in. There is nothing wrong with having a friend and a relationship with your friend, but never get to the point where you forget God, because when friends don't do it, or see it like you think they should, then you are distracted by the situation causing you to miss what God may be saying to you. It is hard to hear God's voice when you are distracted. Distracted people make discussions based on their feelings and not according to the will of God. Know that God is is faithful, and that there is nothing to hard for Him. He is able to take your burdens and handle them, for the word of God says in
1 Peter 5:7, to cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. In these last days, know that God loves you, and He is concerned about what you may be going through. Never stop praying and believing that God is able to turn everything around and cause it to work for your good. Be encouraged brothers and sisters as we keep our hearts and minds stayed on Jesus.
March 8, 2010
James 1:1-8 (King James Version) says:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Brothers and sisters, this passage of scripture is one of the many awesome ones to me. James has introduced himself as a servant of God, and he is saying to everyone, hello! James, the writer of this text, tells us to get excited or happy when tests and challenges come our way, for they will cause our faith, in God, to be tested, and cause us to gain patience while we wait on God to complete the work in and around us. Now he knew that waiting wasn't going to be easy, so he encourages us by saying, let, or allow, patience to have her perfect work, or better yet, let patience have her way and do what it was created to do, because then it will make us complete in Jesus and will find yourselve in a place of wanting nothing. By this time, realization should have set in, that everything I need is in Jesus, and I can and will access it, if I wait. Now one of the most important keys to the success of this is wisdom, and if you're not sure that you have it or don't have a clue of how to obtain it, you need to ask God to give it to you. But be sure that when you ask Him, you ask in faith, believing that you will receive it, and you can have it. Never go to God and ask Him for anything if you don't believe that you can have it, for you are like the wind, and we all know that the wind is unpredictable. So the bible tells us that this kind of person can't get anything from God. Another thing, don't be double minded, or in other words, don't believe today and doubt tomorrow. Believe that you can have whatsoever God says you can have. Stand on the word of God, and know that when God finishes with you, you will not want for anything. I encourage you to wait, with patience, and walk in everything that has been predestined for your life.
March 15, 2010
Exodus 14:10-31 (King James Version)
Brothers and sisters, the purpose of this text is to learn to say Thank You in advance. As I studied this text, I realized that the victory for Moses and the Israelites actually didn't come at the end of their storm, but rather in the middle of their journey. The Israelites became wearied as it appeared as though Pharoah and his army was going to killed them, but Moses encouraged them as God encouraged him. People of God, it is important that we yoke up with people that know how to seek God and will be able to encourage us in a storm, because the bible tells us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers anyway. Moses kept leading the people, walking, pressing, and believing God eventhough it appeared as though the enemy was closing in on them. I encourage you to keep pressing through your storms, because just as Moses, it is in the middle of the storm that we will obtain victory, but enduring until the end will allow us to see the promise. Notice that although the waters came back together on Pharoah and his army, it wasn't until they got to the other side that they saw the enemy dead on the land, which confirmed their victory from the middle of the sea. Listen, to say Thank You, is to show appreciation or gratitude for something received. We say Thank You to God for His Son and the Holy Spirit. We say Thank You for the promises, knowing that we've received them, but yet waiting for them to be manifested. This is an act of faith, according to Hebrews 11:1. We know that the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy according to John 10:10, but I've learned that he also comes to distract, delay, and divide. He wants to distract us so we can lose focus on what God promised; delay what we've been promised and frustrate us by making it seem as though God has denied us; and lastly, divide everyone/everything that God has joined together. I pray that all of you that have power and know that are walking in the authority that God has given you to declare Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9, which both says: What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Asunder simply means to split, divide, disconnect, or separate. Brothers and sisters, know that your victory comes when you embrace your storm, and endure unto the end.
March 22, 2010
2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (King James Version)
Brothers and sisters, it is always a joy to bring the word of God to you. Here in 2 Corinthians, Paul is basically talking about himself, but we can apply this to our lives. Paul says, I don’t want anyone to be fooled; don’t imagine me to be anything more than God says. And so I wouldn’t get big-headed, I was given a thorn in my flesh. (a handicap, storm, trial, etc.) It was provoked by Satan, but permitted by God, to remind me of my limitations. This thing was designed to take then keep me down, but what it didn’t know, was that it actually pushed me farther to my knees, reminding me that Romans 8:28 says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Now this makes it no chance of me getting the big-head. When God allow these things, at first, we don’t see the blessings behind it, and we ask Him to move these things/people more than once; Paul asked Him to move his three times. But then He told me, His grace is enough; it’s really all we need. He says His strength comes into its own in our weakness. In other words, He’ll strengthen His own children by placing His strength in us; all we have to do is make sure that we are His children. So now I get excited when the enemy attacks the body, family, finances, church, workplace, and community. I can stop focusing on the thorn and begin appreciating the fact that God is molding my life and strengthening our relationship with Him, through prayer. An illustration that God gave me is that we are like gas tanks that are almost on E. We can go on E, but no one knows how much farther we can go, because nothing is registering, and it feels like there is nothing left in it; but once we put gas in it, we can go on. Well, the cares of life can drive us to E, meaning ENOUGH!!! That becomes a thorn, but once we begin to pray and surround ourselves in a spiritually gas station, which is a word church; hook up with some spiritual gas pumps, which are prayer warriors and intercessors; and begin to become and stay humble under the cashier, which is your pastor; the strength of Christ moves in, refuels us, and replacing our weakness. Now we can take the foolishness with good cheer, knowing that the weaker we become, the stronger we become, because we're allowing God to be God in our lives, and when we are weak, He makes us strong because we're His. This then took me to Romans 8:31-“If God be for us, who can be against us?” In other words, if God is on our side, how can we lose? People of God, God is calling us to a higher place in Him. I encourage you to drive on for Jesus, and when it looks like you are on E, get to the station, knowing that the gas you need is God's Awesome Self.
March 29, 2010
Colossians 1:16-17 (King James Version) says:
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Brothers and sisters, as I was on my way home from the beauty shop Saturday, I looked up at the sky and the sky turned white. At this time, my attention is no longer on the road, but on what God was preparing to say to me. Now I know it was of God because nothing happened to me. So as I begn to listen, and I realized that it actually wasn’t God speaking, but one of the angels and he said to me: “Who is this God you serve? He’s so big that He can hold the whole world in His hands, but not too heavy where He falls from the sky.” That’s just AWESOME!!! Now you know that anything that weighs anything can’t stay up without being held up by something or someone. Now if that wasn't enough, he came back to me later that night, and said, “Not only that, but if His hands can hold the whole world at one time, why do we feel as though He won’t or can’t hold me or keep me when I’m going through a storm by myself?” So I thought about it, Colossians says that we were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. In other words, it's because of Him that I'm here, and His going to take care of me because I was made for Him. Now all that means is that God has a plan for my life and that gives me a purpose. Therefore, as long as I know who’s holding me, I can stand in confidence. I’ve realized that God is present, although He’s invisible. So that made me think about an airplane. Have you realized that God’s invisible hands are holding the planes so we can ride in confidence, knowing that the thing that I’m riding in is in God’s hands? Now if God takes the time to hold an airplane, that has so many people and so many other things with it; my problems and concerns are nothing for Him to handle. I encourage you to know who’s holding you, and release anything that's holding you bound, that your Creator, who made heaven and earth, may complete the work in you. Don't you know that who we are is God's gift to us, but who we become is our gift to God? All that means is that He will see His word come to past through us. Hold on brothers and sisters, and remember, you are in invisible hands but they are capable of holding you.
April 5, 2010
Romans 8:10-14 (King James Version) says:
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Brothers and sisters, I believe that we are in a time when God is calling us to a place that we totally give ourelves to Him that He may use us for His glory. I believe that He is calling those of us who are ready, willing, and able to surrender our all to Him. Here in this chapter, Paul is talking to our spirt. He tells us first of all in verse 10, if Christ lives in us, we should be dead to sin, but alive to righteousness. Now to be dead to sin is not to pick the things that we are ready to get rid of, but rather let them all go. In other words, anything that is not pleasing to God, anything that we have to hide to do, or anything that we have to question or wonder should we have done, is sin and we need to let it go. For the bible says that if He is in us, then we should be dead to that stuff. If Christ is really in us, then conviction will hit us when we are in error, and when the Holy Ghost quickens us, as verse 11 says, then we should be obedient to the voice of God so that we will not have to suffer the consequences later. Listen, we are debtors, or in other words, we owe God for what He's done for us, and one of the best payments that we can give to Him is obedience to what has He asked us to do in His word. Living a life that is pleasing to God may not always look easy, but it's actually easier to live a God-fearing life, with promises, than to live a life of sin that's full of disappointments. If we live the life that God intented for us to live, the bible says in verse 14, that we are called the sons of God. If we live a life that will cause God to look down and smile upon us, then He'll acknowledge us as His children. Brothers and sisters, we should strive to get to the place that will cause God to be proud to call us His children. Remember that no one is perfect and we may miss it sometimes, so if we do, repent, and we can move on and not return to that situation again. Be encouraged family, knowing that God is here to help us, and the Holy Spirit is here to direct us. God is expecting us to live a sin-free life. He is counting on us, because He knows that we can do it, don't disappoint Him.
April 12, 2010
Psalm 37:1-9 (King James Version) says:
1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Brothers and sisters, as the night drew near, I waited for a word from the Lord, and this is what He said to me, FRET NOT!!! Now those two words instantly caught my attention, and made me to eagar to know what was coming next. To fret is simply to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or vexation. So what God will have you to know this week is, don't let those that are doing wrong vex you because their time is almost up. You should get excited about that knowing that God is working on any situation that is trying to get you off focus from pleasing Him. Our jobs are to trust God, do good towards others and delight ourselves in Him, or get pleasure or enjoyment out of God, and He will give us the desires of our heart, or the things we want the most. Commit your way unto the Lord, or in other words, obligate, as by pledge, or entrust yourself to the Lord, and the things that you are believing Him for will come to pass. After that, He will begin to allow everyone to see who you really are in Him. Rest in the Lord, or take a break from trying to do it on your own and let God do it. Wait on Him because His time and our time are not the same anyway. Stop worrying about the ones that are getting things in an ungodly way, don't even let it get you off focus, because God is in control of your life. Don't be vex by what you hear or see, because those of us that wait on God, are the ones that will inherit the earth. Get excited knowing that your blessings are tied up in the ways of God. Be sure to please Him by following the instructions He has given us in His word. Brothers and sisters, be encouraged knowing that you don't have to worry anymore about anything because God is in control of everything.
April 19, 2010
Hebrews 11:24-32a (King James Version) says:
24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32And what shall I more say?
Brothers and sisters, here in the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we talk about faith. As verses 1 and 6 have previously stated, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, and that without faith it is impossible to please God. Now having said all of that, here we begin to talk about Moses' faith. Moses had gotten to the point that he was tired of being labeled as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, but rather wanted to be called by his own name. We should get to a place where we ought to wear our true identity, and that is the identity of Christ. People should know that we are God's chosen vessels, and not be confused by who we are because we are not living up to the name that God has given us. Moses decided that he would go through with Jesus, then to suffer for sinning with the sinners. Now that's where we miss it, we want to please everyone but God, but we need to get to a place, where we say enough is enough, I'm living for God, because HE is the only one who can live up to all the promises that have been made to me. Moses was able to overcome every adversity, because he had faith in God. Even when he had to cross over the sea, he kept his faith in motion. When the walls of Jericho fell after seven days, know that it was because of his faith. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. In other words, know that your faith in God can and will deliver you and hold you through any thing you may find yourself in. Now in order to get this kind of faith, you MUST have a prayer-life. This requires more than your normal prayer, but rather spending some time alone with God, that He may pour His word and spirit into you, and cause your spirit- man to rise up, and strengthen in the Lord. I encourage you to establish a life of faith, through the word of God, and begin to cause the devil to run from you instead of you always running from him. Don't you remember that demons tremble at the name of JESUS? Therefore, because you belong to Him, and you wear the identity of being His sons/daughters, then the devil ought to get scared to even come your way. Now remember that this won't stop him from coming, but the results ought to be different this time because you know who you are, and what you need to come out, Pray and Faith. Stay rooted and grounded in the word, and watch things work out for your good.
April 26, 2010
1 Peter 3:8-9; Psalm 133:1 (King James Version) says:
8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Brothers and sisters, it is so important that we always have a heart for people. Often times, we are so caught up in the things that concern us, that we forget about others. Do we not know that there are hurting, wounded, sick, and the list goes on, with the diversity of people that we deal with? Some people go through storms, and will never tell the saints of God because it appears to them that we really don't care anyway. But here in the word of God, we are told that we should have all the same mind, having compassion one of another. Now this simply means that we should think about others as we do ourselves. It is so easy to be distracted by the things that are going on around us, that we forget about others. Somebody somewhere is waiting for us to lend a helping hand. We should love everyone as though they are our brothers, be concerned about them, and be kind to them. Sometimes we find this hard to do, because the ones that need us, may be the ones that have wronged us, but the bible says that we can not render evil for evil, or railing for railing. In other words, we can't treat them the way they treat us, do to them what they've done to us, or even utter bitter complaints concerning them, but rather do the total opposite to them and that's simply bless them. Then what this will do, because you know that you are called, will cause you to inherit, or gain, a blessing. Psalm 133:1 sums it up real good by saying it is a good thing for brothers and sisters to get along, or be on one accord. I believe that it pleases God when He sees the people of God unified. I've found out that unity is less stressful than confusion. Unity is like a song with all three parts flowing fluently. It sounds good and even has the ability to cause you to look good. Another word for this is called harmony. Harmony gives a sound that is unexplainable. It soothes the environment and causes the entire atmosphere, where it is, to change. Therefore, if you need your environment or surroundings to change, possess unity/harmony with those that are around you. Confuse the enemy by operating in these three scriptures and watch what God does for you. Brothers and sisters, I pray that you will begin to become concerned about others as well as yourselves, and if by chance you are not received when you display unity/harmony, their blood will not be on your hands. Be encouarged, knowing that God has equipped you and even has confidence in you to do what He has called you to do.
May 3, 2010
Scripture Reference: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-14
Brothers and sisters, here in the second book of Thessalonians, Paul is writing in Corinth to let the people know that nothing has changed. He is still talking about God and what is required of us, preparing us for what's to come. I feel like Paul, I am praying that the word of the Lord will have free course, and be glorified through us. Paul says that he is aware that all men do not have faith, so he is praying for us that we may be delivered from them. In other words, we need to disconnect ourselves with peopple who are faithless before we find ourselves in the same condition. That's why the bible tells us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. (2 Corithians 6:14) Paul encourages us that the Lord is faithful and He will touch us to continue to do the things that He has called us to do. Now the warning is that we have to disconnect ourselves with anyone that is walking disorderly, or in other words, anyone that is out of the will of God. Now it is our job, as children of God, to walk in a way that is pleasing to God that we can be an example for others to follow after us. Now there are some that walk among us that the bible call busybodies. These are those that are on the look out for all the wrong of others, starting confusion, and are not doing anything that God has told them to do. For those that fall in that catergory, our job is to pray for them, but as for us, we can't get weary in well doing. All that means is that we can't get discouraged or distracted by the things that are going on around us. It is better to obey this word, than to be made ashamed of later. In my closing, be careful how and where you walk, because someone is following you, and we have to be careful where we are leading them.
May 10, 2010
Psalm 102:1-3 (King James Version) says:
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
Brothers and sisters, let me begin by saying that we are living in a time when we need to know God and establish a relationship with Him. Often times we find ourselves in things that will cause us to pray like never before. Some of us actually wouldn't pray if we didn't go through anything. Others of us have formed a prayer-life, meaning we will pray regardless. Whatever catergory you find yourself in, the bottom line is, you have to pray, and when you pray, you have to have confidence in God that He will hear and answer your prayer. Here in the text, we find that there is a petiton being offered up to God. The prayer is a cry for help. This is a prayer that we find ourselves prayering sometimes. Verse 1 is asking God to hear my prayer. Sometimes it seems as though God is not hearing or listening to us, and it causes us to ask Him to hear us just in case He doesn't. Not only do we need Him to hear us, but let my cry come unto thee. In other words, when you really need God to do something for you, it's not always going in being cute, tears will be shedded, and you may get an occassional runny nose, but we need to have the attitude of God, whatever it takes to get this prayer through, is what I will do. It may look or feel like God doesn't see what we are going through, so we say, hide not your face from me in the day of trouble, hold your ear towards me, and come fast. It may even feel like we are in the fire and we are getting burned up in the fireplace, but Psalms 46:1 tells us that; God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. No matter how it feels, looks, smells, or even taste, you better know that God will never leave you nor forsake you. He is a man that never changes and if He did it once, He'll do it again. Establish a prayer-life, and stand on the word of God. In this season, I believe that God is bringing us into a place where we must trust Him and take Him at His word, and only those that are obedient will reap His promises. I pray that you will develop a life of prayer and trust God until He comes back for us. I'm a witness, that if you stand still and let God be God, He'll show you that He really is God. Remember that the the final statement in 2 Chronicles 20:15 tells us that, the battle is not yours, but God's. Brothers and sisters, hold on to what we know works, and that's prayer.
May 17, 2010
Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version) says:
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Brothers and sisters, while on my way to Sunday morning's service, God took me to the book of Proverbs. There are times in our lives when we seek God for an answer, but it seems, to us, as though it's not coming, and if so, it's not fast enough. Well, I've found out that it's not that the answer isn't coming, but rather I need more patience to wait on God until He answers. Often times, we don't have patience to wait while He is answering us. The book of Proverbs states general principles. It is a book of choices, and a place where the fear of God is critical. When we talk about principles here, we are simply saying what will happen when the people of God make the right choices. The writers are actually trying to guide your decisions. Proverbs 1:7 states that the fear of God, is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instructions. In this text, we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart. In other words, we can't believe a selected group of things about God, and not the rest. We have to take God at His word, and stand on what He said. We are also instructed to lean not to our own understanding. There are times when we don't understand what is going on with us or around us. That's the time when we have to totally depend on God. Believe that what He says is what He means, and He'll do just what He said. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. In everything we do, we must know and believe that He is God. Allow God to take you where He wants you to go, and that's where you go. Allow Him to tell you what to say, then you say that and only that; and allow Him to be in total control of your situation, and that will cause you not to mess with it and mess it up. Stop trying to analyze what God is doing, or saying, and just be obedient to Him. Establish a relationship with Him, that He may know you and you may know Him, so that when He begins to direct you, you'll know that it's Him. Do you not know that we can hinder ourselves by standing in God's way? I know that change is sometimes an uncomfortable thing, but I believe that if God changes it, it must need to be changed. Brothers and sisters, allow God to take you wherever it is that He is taking you, so that you'll be in the right place when He comes back to get you.
May 24, 2010
Numbers 22:17a (King James Version) says: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me:
Zechariah 9:12 (King James Version) says: Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
Mark 11:23 (King James Version) says: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
John 16:23b (King James Version) says: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Brothers and sisters, This week's word is one of encouragement. I believe that the closer we get to our blessings/breakthroughs, the more discouraged the enemy tries to make us. We get discouraged at work, in the home, in relationships, with finances, with our church families, in our communities, and the list goes on. But I've found out, from experience, that these are distractions, and they come that they may cause us to forget what God has promised us in His word. I am not sure what it is that you are believing God for, but Moses(who wrote the book of Numbers), Zechariah, Mark, and John all had one thing in common, and that was their confidence in God, that if He said it, He would bring it to pass. The same should apply for us today, we need to stand on the same thing, and that is the word of God. Moses tells us that God will promote, or raise, advance, further, or launch, you to very great honour, and do whatsoever we say to Him. We often wonder why we are in certain situations, but God is letting us know, through these writers, that it's because we are not declaring and decreeing His word. Zechariah declares that God will give us double. There are some things that casues us to feel like prisoners, but we have to turn to the stronger one, Jesus Christ, and once He delivers us, there is a double headed our way: double anointing, double in finances, double peace, and the list goes on. Mark says that we have to speak to the mountains, and don't doubt that God is able to move it, and we can have whatsoever we say. There are all knids of mountains, so all you have to do is be ready for God to move them, and they will move. John sums it up by saying that whatsoever we ask the Father (God), in the Son(Jesus) name, He will give it to us. So brothers and sisters, I encourage you to get it right with God that you can walk in the blessings of God. We know now that God has given us the power and authority to ask for what we want, but remember, that we have to live a life that's pleasing to Him to obtain it. Get excited knowing that God wants the best for us, in every area of our lives, all we have to done is believe it that we may receive it.
May 31, 2010
Philippians 4:4-9 (King James Version) says:
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Brothers and sisters, I am excited that God has decided to deal with this passage of scripture for this week. We all know that Paul was an awesome writer, and he didn't mind talking about whatever situations that were at hand. Paul, to me, is one of the most encouraging men of God known, because he didn't take his salvation for granted, neither did he mind telling the people of God just what he felt they needed to do in order for them to please God. Paul didn't mind suffering or enduring hardship for the sake of Christ. In other words, this was a man that stood up for who and what he believed in at any cost. Paul has decided to tell the people, here in chapter 4, to celebrate God all the time, and again he says to celebrate. If we would apply this passage to our lives today, Paul is encouraging us to make the people aware that God is near and could arrive at any given time. He reminds us not to worry about anything, but pray about everything. In life, I realize that there are times when we desire to do things another way, but the only way we can please God, is to continue to pray to Him, thanking Him in advance for hearing and answering our prayers. The awesome benefit of doing this is, once we do it, then the peace of God, will take control of your heart and mind, and will cause you to see everything coming together and working for your good. Then Paul sums it up by saying, think on or meditate on the things that are: truthful, honest, just, pure or authentic, lovely and lovable, and of a good report or gracious, if there be any virtue or excellence, and there be any prasie, these are the things you need to think about. Now in verse 9, Paul tells the people, now that I have told you all of this, you have to practice what I've preached to you and what you have received from me, as I not only taught it, but lived it. To those of us who are in leadership, it is imperative that we do as we preach, that others may follow us. Paul told them to do as they saw in him. In other words, Paul was an example to the people of God. Children of God, in order for us to gain witnesses, they must see that what we are telling them is possible, because they will see us doing it. Make the instructions that God has given to us come alive, which is the word of God, that we may win souls for the kingdom. It's time that the people of God become doers of the word, and not hearers only. Stay encouraged family as we continue to live a life that is pleasing to God and appealing to the people that they may get curious about the God we serve, cause them to try Him, fall in love with Him, and serve Him until His return, and in turn, cause them to become witnesses to someone else.
June 7, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (King James Version) says:
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Brothers and sisters, while meditating on this text, one word came to mind and that was seasons. As we know, seasons are times when certain things happen. In the natural, for example, in the winter season, it's cold; in the spring season, it begins to warm up and the flowers start to bloom; in the summer season it's very hot; and in the fall, the leaves begin to change color and dry up a bit. Well, it's the same in the spirit. There are different seasons in our lives, and different things happen in those seasons, but know that our response to the seasons will determine what will happen to and for us in them. We were all born and whether it be by death or the rapture, we will leave here. Most of us are givers, well we must know when to give and when not, as well as who or what to give to. This is what Solomon meant when he talked about planting. Later on he says there is a time to kill, heal, break down and build up. Now, Solomon is not telling us to physically take someone's life, but he does instruct us to let go of some things/people in your lives or kill some relationships. After you do this, then the healing process will come. There are times when you have to break down some things in your lives that just may be too tall and causes us not to see the things of God clearly. Once we have the faith enough to break that thing down, when God says so, you can build again. Pastor Paul Morton and Mt. Tabor said it best when they sung, Lord, whatever you're doing in this season, don't do it without me. The only way He won't do it without us, is if we are obedient to Him. We have to get to the point where we take God at His word and do what He says, when He says it. Pastor Morton also said that we can build again on broken pieces. So don't get weary when all you see are the pieces that are left from what was torn down, know that with God, you can start over again. There will be times when you cry, but don't worry, because laughter is on the way. Times when you not only cry, but mourn, but be encouraged because David declares in Psalm 30:11, that God will turn our mourning into dancing. Listen, the scriptures continue on in telling you what will happen in your seasons, but the one thing that will determine how you come out of your season will be your obedience to humble yourselves to do whatever God is saying to do in your season. God is so awesome, that everyone will be in a different season at the same time. I believe that happens so I can help you and you can help me. Remember that seasons are working for your good, and seasons do change. In other words, it is impossible to stay in the same season throughout eternity. To sum it all up, be encouraged knowing that a new season is on the way for you. If the season you are in now is uncomfortable, hang in there with God, and get excited knowing that one of the seasons, headed your way, you are destined to enjoy.
June 14, 2010
Matthew 5:16 (King James Version) says: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (King James Version) says: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Hebrews 12:6(King James Version) says: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Brothers and sisters, it is with joy that I give you a word of encouragement for the week. I am excited because I've been encouraged, by God and others all weekend, therefore, it is now my turn to do the same to you. I've found out that the best way to encourage people is through the word of God, because the word is my spiritual bodyguard, or in other words, it backs up what God has said to and about me.The scriptures this week are very clear, and the most important message from them is to follow Christ. No matter what anyone else says or does, the safest place for us is in the will of God. The scripture tells us in Matthew 5:16, that we should have a light, and that it should shine that people may see what God can do through us, and eventually they will give God glory for it. The key thing is to make sure that we are doing those things that please God, and when people begin to enquire about it, remember to piont them to Christ, knowing that if God didn't do it, it would not have been done. 1Corithians 11:1 encourages us to follow someone as they follow Christ. The key question is, Is the person you're following really following Christ, or are they travelling in their own direction, disguised, making it an illusion? We all know that an illusion is one thing appearing to be something else. This is one reason why it is so important to have a discerning spirit that you will know what's real and what's not. These two scriptures work so well together because we are the light that's shining so others may know their way in the dark times. Here is a quick word of enlightment, for those of us in leadership, and even those that have a voice that people are drawn to, please make sure that we are leading people to Christ, because in the end, it's all about God, because we belong to Him. Finally, Hebrews 12:6 says, For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. In other words, those that God love and receive to Himself, He chastises and whips them when they are out of line. People of God, be careful, because if God catches you doing the wrong thing, it is a biblical fact, that He will whip you, and because His thoughts and ways are not like ours, we are not sure how He will do it. I don't know how you feel about it, but I can't afford to be whipped by God. In conclusion, I encourage you to be the light that lead people to Christ, knowing this will please God, and our ultimate goal should be to please Him. I pray that this word has been a blessing to you, and will cause you to watch your walk and be prayerful while helping others that are learning to walk.
June 28, 2010
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (King James Version) says: 2And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Isaiah 1:19 (King James Version) says: If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Brothers and sisters, it is always a joy for me to encourage you weekly. Believe it or not, when I encourage you, God is encouraging me as well. As I read these two passages of scripture, I found that these two prophets had one thing in common, and that was the realization that obedience is the key to obtaining what you want and need from God. Habakkuk and Isaiah both knew that in order to enjoy the fullness of God, we have some things that we must do. Habakkuk says that we have to write the vision and make it plain. Now the first thing we must know, is that we should have a vision for our lives. There are some things that we need to write out before the Lord, and be specific when we do it, so that those that are reading it, will get excited and run with our vision. Often times our blessings are tied in with someone else, but they have to know what the vision is, in order to know if it is something that they want to be a part of. The thing about it is, we have to have patience to wait on it. It has been promised to us that it is coming, but we have to learn to be patient and wait on Jesus. Isaiah tells us that if we are willing and obedient, to write and wait, we'll eat the good of the land. In other words, if we can have patience to wait on God, no matter how long it takes, then whatever we have written to Him and waited on Him for, will come. I know that waiting can get uncomfortable, but there is a blessing in waiting. The bible encourages us that if we wait on the Lord, He'll renew our strength. So God is reminding us that there is a possibility that we will get tired, but then reminds us that He is a restorer of strength if we wait on Him. This means that everytime we feel like we can't wait any longer, He'll give us another dose of strength that we won't have any excuses for not waiting. This is awesome to me, because it lets me know that God is supplying me with everything I need to get everything I want. (Philippians 4:19) It is imperative to know that we can't just sit while we're waiting, but we have to be prayerful, humble, and obedient to what God is saying to us. If you feel as though this is too much for you alone, get connected with someone who doesn't mind waiting on God, someone who has received what they were expecting from God, for waiting, and join your faith with theirs, that you may obtain all that you desire from the Lord. My prayer for you, brothers and sisters, is that you will not be weary in well doing, for in due season, which is an appointed time, you shall reap if you faint not. So I encourage you to wait on the Lord with a spirit of expectancy, knowing that your vision is coming to past.
June 28, 2010
Isaiah 26: 3-7 (King James Version) says: 3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: 5For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. 6The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy. 7The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.
Brothers and sisters, as I think on these scriptures, I believe that Isaiah was sending out a wake up call to those that were around. Well, here is our wake up call. Most of us may be going through some things in our lives, but even in that, Isaiah tells us that we can still have peace, but we must focus on God and trust Him, instead of focusing on what is going on around us and even with us. He tells us that we should trust the Lord forever, for the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. The name Jehovah is a name of God that means, "I am that I am", and "I am the one who is." In other words, Jehovah is the one that has everything you need, even your strength to go through what your going through. We must be careful because God can and will bring down anything and anyone that is lofty. A lofty person, or lofty city, as the word of God says, is one that is elevated in character, exalted, or arrogant. To sum that up, God will bring down anyone or anything that exalts itself. The bible says that He will lay it as low as the ground, He bringeth it even to dust. This simply means, that those that think that they are too high, God will bring them down, to the ground, and make them look like dust. This reminds me of a song that the older church members would sing, "If I'm too high Lord, please bring me down." I realize now, that what they were really saying was, if I get to a place that I shouldn't be, in my mind or my actions, fix it for me now because that's not really where I want to be. Some of us need to pray that kind of pray, one that acknowledges that it is possible to be like that, but please don't let me go on like this because it's not a good place for me, and it could cause me to lose my blessings and a witness. The ideal prayer to pray is "Lord, keep me humble when you exalt me in you", because realisticlly, if God doesn't promote us, we are doomed for failure anyway. The bible goes on to say that He will make you so low that it will feel like people are walking on you, even the poor. Now the poor here does not just mean finanically, but the ones that you think are less than you. Well the word says that even they will be higher than you. The way that we should live, as christians, is upright, and the meaning of upright is simply being in accord with what is right. Brothers and sisters, the most important thing to remember is that God gives us intructions for our next steps. In other words, you must believe that God is about to do some things for you that are going to blow the minds of the people, as well as your minds, but He wants to make sure that we are able to keep that which He has for us, so He is warning us now of how is He expecting us to act, or He'll allow the enemy to take it from us. Remember that we can't blame the devil for everything. God has warned us of how we should live, but some of us still have a minor case of forgetfulness ocassionally, and when we realize it, it's too late, and this causes us to have to start all over again. I encourage you to stay humble that we all may receive every promise that God has for us, and be able to keep and enjoy it, because we were obedient to the word and remained humble.
July 19, 2010
Matthew 7:7-11 (King James Version) says:
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Brothers and sisters, Matthew is the writer of this text, his countrymen are the readers, and Jesus is the subject. Here in chapter 7, Jesus tells us just how to get what we need from Him. The first thing He says in verse 7 is ASK. God gave me a word last week, and He said to me that Obedience Produces Favor. As He begin to reveal more, He specified that obedience to the word of God will cause the people of God to obtain favor with Him. In other words, after you become obedient to the things that God requires of you, then you can ask what you will of the Father, and it shall be given to you, seek for Him and you will find Him, knock and the door will be open unto you. Well, all this simply means is, when you begin to do what God asks you to do, He will do what you ask of Him. Notice that He continues to say shall. The word shall is a guarantee to something, so all He is saying to you is if you do your part, then he'll definetly do His. He goes on to tell us that if we, with our funny ways, know how to give the right things to our children, then why do we feel that He, who is perfect, is not going to give us what we need? There isn't much that we would not do for our children because we love them, well, God feels the same way about His children. I guess the question is: Do you belong to Him? Are you His child? Are you living the life that will cause Him to look at you, and acknowledge you as His child? If the answers to these questions are yes, then you won't have to worry, but if you are unsure about your answers, then you need to pray to God that He will save you, and that you'll get a relationship with Him, so that you'll be worry-free. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to be obedient to the word of God, that God may smile on you, you'll receive His favor, and you'll be able to receive every good gift that He has in store for you.
July 26, 2010
Hebrews 13:5-8 (King James Version) says:
5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Brothers and sisters, it is with great joy that I encourage you today. I've learned that it's a good thing to be encouraged by one who has been encouraged. It is good to be free in Jesus, because when one is free in Jesus, you can shed some light on others on how to become free. Here in Hebrews, Paul is saying to us that we need to watch our conversations, and let them not be in covetousness. In other words, we have to be careful not to allow our conversations to contain things that make us sound greedy. Greediness can come in many forms, not just natural but spiritual as well. Do you not know that people can try to drain all the anointing out of you? Sometimes it's because they are really trying to do better and want the help, but sometimes, it's because they don't have it and are afraid of you with it. That is considered greediness. We have to be careful that we don't try to take any credit for what God has done, is doing, or what He is going to do. We have to come to a place that we are content or satisfied with what we have until God gives us the rest. I believe that we should be content with Jesus, loving on Him and appreciating Him, instead of focusing on what isn't, because His word has said that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. God is trying to get our faith to a place that we know that He is always there, and that there is really nothing that people can do to us. Paul also tells us to appreciate our leaders, who have given us the word. Here is where you need to search yourselves. The bible says that we should remember, or appreciate them , but they also need to be giving us the word, and as we watch or take a good look at them, we should consider their manner of living. Well another way to put it is, their faith should instruct us. Leaders, can we, the body, watch and then follow you? We should be able to model ourselves after our leaders, not try to become them, but rather get the right instructions on how we should live our christian lives by watching them. If you don't remember anything else, know that God is the same God that He was yesterday, He'll be that same God tomorrow, and will forever be God. I believe that we are at a very critical time in our walk with God. It is time that we trust the God that we sing, pray, preach, and talk about. It is time that those that are lost can see the goodness of the God we talk to them about, by watching us. We can't encouraged them if we are always discouraged. In conclusion, remember that we serve a God that is greater than anything that we face. Let Him be God over your life. Let His glory reign through you that the lost will be eager to know how you can do what you do, and possess what you have. Brothers and sisters, don't forget, when they come to you seeking, remember to direct them back to Him!!!
August 2, 2010
Hebrews 12:1-6 (King James Version) says:
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Brothers and sisters, here in this text, Paul is telling the christians that we need to lay aside every weight or thing that is causing us to miss the mark and hinder the progress of God. Now only we know what our weight is, but if we're not careful, everyone can see that we are carrying a weight. The thing that so easily besets us is the thing that we find ourselves addicted to that causes weakness. When we begin to cast that care on God, then we are able to run, with patience, the race that God has assigned to us. The only way that we can do this is through Jesus, who is in control of our faith. Now if Christ could endure the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, then we have to be like Him, and endure some things, too, knowing that when He finished He was seated at the right hand of His father. Well saints I just believe that when we finish, we'll be able to be with Him. God did promise us that where He is there we may be also. (John 14:3) Now we have to think of Him, Jesus, who endured from sinners, bitter hostility, against Himself, so that we may not grow weary, tired, lose heart, relax, or faint in our minds. I believe that when we do this, we make our father proud of us, and that lets the world see, that we are not just hearers of the word, but that we are doers also. Often times, we get so caught up in what we are going through and we forget that we have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have we yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out our own blood, so why do we complain so much. The bible says that we act like we've completely forgotten the word of encouragement which we are reasoned with and have been addressed as sons/daughters. Paul reminds us that we, as His children, should not think lightly or refuse to submit to the correction and discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage and give up and faint when you are corrected by Him. Now verse 6 really blessed me, because the word says that God chasteneth or disciplines those that He loves. In every day life, those of us that have children know that we discipline them when they are wrong and even before they are wrong because we try to stop them before they get to that bump in the road, and actually it's only because we love them. Well, I believe that God is the same way, because He loves us, He disciplines us just as well. We may not be able to correct other people's children sometimes, although we try, but we can correct our own. Watch this, I received a revelation from that, when I'm corrected, I know that I belong to Him, and that He loves me. In other words, don't allow the devil to tell you that being corrected means that you're in the wrong place, count it as a blessing. One thing you need to remember is that you shouldn't always have to be corrected about the same thing. We have to mature in God so that we won't have to always be corrected. Brothers and sisters, if and when we are corrected, we can still count it a blessing, knowing that all this means is that we have someone to answer to because He loves us, and that someone is Jesus. So lay aside, or put away, any and everything that may be holding you down, and run on for Jesus.
August 9, 2010
Psalm 31:1-4 (King James Version) says:
1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.2Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.4Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Brothers and sisters, it is always an honor for me to encourage you. Here in the scripture you will find that David is praying a prayer unto the Lord. One of the things that we must always remember is if we are excepting anything from God, we must obtain a prayer-life. Prayer is a powerful tool that is able to turn every situation in your life around. In the text, David tells God that he is putting his trust in Him, that he may not be put ashamed or that he won't be disappointed. Often times, we put our trust in people and things and we sometimes find ourselves hurt or let down by them, but I've learned that if we put our trust in God, He is so powerful and loving, that He'll never fail us. He goes on to say: deliver me in thy righteousness, or in other words, save me because you know what is right. Then he asks God to turn His ear to him and come quickly. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and we need God to come quick, and when He comes, we need Him to be our rock of protection and a fortress where we can be safe. The safest place to be is in Jesus. (Amen) Now verse 3 is the important part because here is where David acknowledges who God is and reminds himself of what He is able to do. David says, thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. What David is actually saying is I know that you are my rock, the solid foundation, and you are my fortress, a cave of protection, so since I know what you are capable of doing for me, lead and guide me and wherever I end up, because I'm following you, I know that I'll be in the right place. Family, we are in a time that we need to follow Jesus and have faith enough in Him to know that wherever we end up, as long as Jesus is there, don't try to analyze it, just rejoice in it. Finally he asks God to pull him out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. In other words, David, like many of us, are saying, Lord I need you to pull me out of the traps that my enemies have set for me for thou art my strength. There are some things that the enemy have set up for us to fall into, and they have done so in secret, but once we realize that God is able to deliver us from the tricks of the devil, then we can be free in Him. We must come to the conclusion that God is our strength and we can find protection in Him alone. We don't need to continue to look to man for everything we need, because all we need is in Him. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to find that place with God, that will allow you to fully trust Him, and let Him deliver you. There is nothing wrong in having a brother or sister to agree with you, but remember, it takes God to complete any and everything in our lives. Be encouraged, my family, knowing that God can deliver you out of any situation you find yourself in. The key to your door of freedom is believing that He can and will do whatever it is that you need Him to do.
August 16,2010
Ezekiel 36:26-27(King James Version) says: 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Jeremiah 29:11(King James Version) says: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
2 Corinthians 5:17, 6:1(King James Version) says: 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Brothers and sisters, as we prepare for the places and the things that God has in store for us, we have a few things that we have to do as well. There have been times when we have had things to happen to us that hurt us to our hearts. Some of those things we thought that we would never recover from, but here in the text, beginning with Ezekiel, God tells us that He will give us a new heart and a new spirit will He put within us: and He will take away the stony heart out of our flesh, and will give us an heart of flesh. What God is telling us is, He's about to do a spiritual operation on us, and take out all of the old things that we had in our hearts that made them hard towards people/situations, that was also causing us to miss our blessings, and make them new, that we may be able to eat the good of the land. Then He goes on to say that He's going to put His spirit in us. This will cause us to walk in His ways and likeness. When we take on the form of Christ, then we can walk easier and burdens won't be so heavy because we will allow Him to handle all of them for us. (Glory to God). He tells us in Jeremiah that there are some things that He is thinking of concerning us, and these things are full of peace, and they are good and not evil. These things will cause us to have an expected end, or in other words, these thoughts will cause us to have something positive to look forward to. Just knowing that God is thinking of you, what He's thinking is good about you, and that those things have a reward with them, should make you excited. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians, when we give our lives to Christ, we are new creatures, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. What the author is telling us is simple,
once we come to Christ, the old you is gone and the new you appears. Now notice that it says become new. Become is a word that means process, it is working towards something else. In other words, everything won't happen then, but know that God is working on you to become new, that's why He's doing the operation on you in the spirit. Now to sum it up, Paul says that we then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. What this is telling us is, we are not only working for God, but we also work with Him. This is a privelege because we are doing what He does with Him, but we must have power to do so. (Acts 1:8) Know that if we are workers together with Him, that means that He is with us always. From this point on, remember that everytime the enemy tries to attack your mind, telling you that you are alone, remind Him that you work with God and that means that God is always with you. Brothers and sisters, get excited knowing that God is making you over, in Him, and in the end, you will receive your reward.
August 23, 2010
Matthew 7:20(King James Version) says: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Romans 6:6; 13:4(King James Version) says: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
1 Corinthians 9:27(King James Version) says: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Brothers and sisters, this week I want to encourage the people of God to be careful in the way we live. Often times you may hear me say be careful so we want lose our witness. This is such a true statement because I'd rather watch you do something than just listen to you tell me about it. In other words, I'd rather do as you do, than do as you say. Here in these scriptures, Matthew and Paul are letting us know that people will know who we really are by what's going on around us. Rather we be true christians or down-low hyprocrites, they will know. In Matthew 7:20, the writer tells us that by their fruits ye shall know them. What he is really saying is that people can tell by our lifestyles and the way things are going on around us, who we really are and who we really represent. Being a christian doesn't mean that we won't have trials, but the way we deal with them will let people see who lives in us. Not only that, but the way that people receive us, will allow others to see and know whose side we're on. Ask yourself the question, As a christian, are people drawn to me because of the anointing, or are they running from me because they see that I am as confused as them? As we read farther, we see that Paul tells us that the old man is crucified with him (Christ), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. What Paul means is, we have to turn away from the old things that we use to do when we come to Christ, that all of the sin that we are/were doing will be destroyed and we will not allow sin to control us anymore. The next verse, verse 14, tells us how to do that. It tells us, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. In other words, when we fully take on the lifestyle of Christ, we don't have time to play games with the devil. We all know what our weaknesses are, so once we come to Christ, then we should stay our distance from those things and don't go in that area unless God instructs you to do so. If He tells you to go, it's because He has equipped you with what you need to do what needs to be done. Finally in 1Corinthians, Paul writes, But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Here, Paul is talking to all of us that are ministering to others, and he says, that he has to keep his own body and make sure that it doesn't do anything that is not pleasing to God; anything that doesn't line up with the word of God. As you read on, he says so when he preaches to others, he won't be a rejected or fake. As I've told you in times past, the word of God begins with me, and I have to line up with it first before I can tell you anything. I have to show some fruit, speak to my flesh and tell it what it will and will not do, and make sure that I do this before I try to minister to you, because as I said in the beginning, if you're like me, you want to follow and listen to someone who is doing and living what they are telling you to do and live. This makes it easier for people to see that it really is possible to live a holy life. Brothers and sisters, be encouraged knowing that if people see the fruit, they won't mind hanging around the tree. Make sure that you are a tree that is producing fruit so that God will continue to give you more of what you need to continue to grow and not cut you down because you are not doing what you were made to do. Be fruitful and multiply for the kingdom of God.
September 13, 2010
Psalm 54:1-7 (King James Version) says: 1Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. 2Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah. 4Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.5He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. 6I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. 7For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Brothers and sisters, let me begin with an apology for not updating Fresh Manna for the last two weeks. We were having issues with our computer, causing us not to be able to upload anything to the site, but we are back and serving notice on the devil, that God is in control and nothing ever happens unless He allows it. So having said that, it is with excitement that I come to you this week. I find myself more and more eager to encourage you, the people of God, every Monday. While asking God for a word for this week, Psalm 54 rose in my spirit. Each time we upload Fresh Manna, I pray that I am in tuned with the Holy Spirit that He may speak, through me, whatever it is that you not only want to hear, but those things that you need to hear as well. Here in this text, you'll find that it is a Psalm of David. David, as many of us do, finds himself crying out to God as asking Him to save him. The problem in the body of Christ as well as with unbelievers is that we try to fix too many things ourselves and never cry out to God to save us from what we are going through. David asks God to hear his prayer. He finds himself praying because the enemy wanted to destroy him. They wanted to kill him and he knew that he needed God's help. Often times, we find that poeple will try to kill us, whether it be naturally or spiritually, sometimes both, but the best way to defeat the enemy is not by trying to get back at them, but by praying to God and allowing Him to handle it. David says that He will reward my enemies. What he is really saying is that we don't have to fight, God is going to do all the fighting for us and give the devil all that he deserves for messing with His children. After God handles our situations, remember to praise Him for His goodness towards us. Remember that if He doesn't do it than it won't be done, therefore, praise Him because He did just want we needed Him to do for us. Brothers and sisters, when you find yourselves in storms, if you don't remember anything else that I've said, please remember to let God be God in your lives and allow Him to handle every situation that you find youself in, that you will not cause it to be worse than it really is. Cry out to God and watch Him hear and answer your prayer. Be obedient to what He tells you to do when He responds to your request, because remember, Obedience Produces Favor, and I promise you that there is nothing like the favor of God.
September 20, 2010
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (King James Version) says: 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Brothers and sisters, as always it is a joy for me to encourage you, but this week, I find myself encouraging myself first, that I may be able to encourage you. On last week, my family lost two loved ones in a span of two days. We buried one on Saturday and another on today. As I looked around I found myself telling God that "I need you to strengthen me that I may be able to speak life into them while we are in this storm." It wasn't until days later that God gave me these scriptures. God told that even though it looks rough, if you will only pray without ceasing and give me thanks in all things, I'll take care of all of you. People of God, no matter what your situation is, remember to never stop praying, and always give God thanks, because this is what He requires us to do. Although there are times when you may feel like your prayers are not being answered, and things are getting worse rather than better, I dare you to keep praying because it is at that time that your faith is being tested and God is waiting to see if you will continue to give Him thanks. I don't care what it looks, feels, or even sounds like, you just keep giving God thanks, and I am more than confident in the God that we serve, that He will answer you if you keep calling. Your praise can cause every situation in your life to turn around because you are showing God that you still love and trust Him no matter what's going on around you. I join my faith with yours, that as you continue to pray to God and praise Him for being God, that everything that you desire will come to past. In this life, we will always have to face something, good or bad, but the awesome part about it is that we know that we have someone to go to that is more than able to see us through it. Not only will He be there in the end, but He's there with us the entire time. Always remember that just because we don't always hear his voice, doesn't mean that He is not there. I believe it is at that time when He wants us to know that He is there. The word of God tells us in Matthew 28:20(in the b clause) "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." In other words, God is telling us that He's never left us and He won't leave us now. I believe that's all the assurance that we need. In closing, know that prayer and praise are two of your weapons against the devil. These two, when they are worked together, shows him that you know what to do in a storm and believe in whom you're doing it to. Let's continue to confuse the devil, and we can do that by instead of us crying and going into a state of depression because of how things appear to be going around us, continue blessing God, realizing and acknowledging that He is good at all times.
September 27, 2010
Matthew 11:28-30 (King James Version) says: 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Brothers and sisters, as I begin to look at the people of God, I find that so many are tired and frustrated. They are carrying things that are weighing them down. Some of these things include: family issues, church issues, job related stress, lack, and the list goes on, but I am greatful to God for these verses in Matthew. It brings comfort to me to know that God loves me so much that He is willing to switch positions with me. In other words, God wants to take everything that we are dealing with and handle it for us, and give us the liberty and freedom that He has. God, through the scripture, is calling for all of the tired and worn out people, both spiritually and naturally, to come to Him and He'll give them rest. He wants us to get away from all the things that are weighing us down, and walk with Him. While we're with Him, He'll show us how to walk in peace and how to live free from burdens. This is not to say that tests and trials won't come, but He'll show us how to deal with them so they won't continue to weigh us down. It is so hard to praise God when we're stressed, but God wants us free that we may be able to worship Him and enjoy it while we are doing it. God delivering us, gives us another reason to praise and worship Him. God is so concerned about us that He repeatedly reminds us that what He has to offer, is much better than what we are trying to face, on our own, right now. Brothers and sisters, take God at His word. Try Him and see if His way is better than ours, and I promise you that you'll find out that it is. Why should you try to handle anything that someone else wants to handle for you? Especially when it is someone who is very capable, and one who is willing, ready, and able to handle it for you. God knows all, therefore, He has the answers to everything that you may be concerned about. Let Him be God in your life, and give all these things that may try to distract you to Him, so that you can continue to be free to worship Him. I encourage you as always to be free in Jesus.
October 4, 2010
Luke 18:27(King James Version) says: And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Psalm 16:11(King James Version) says: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Brothers and sisters, this week's Manna isn't a long one, but it is one that I believe we need. This week, I would like to challenge you to trust God for everything. Not just in the things that seem to be a bit difficult, but in every area of your life. Everywhere we turn, people are talking about the economic system, and although it is in a bit of a crisis, Luke tells us that the things that are impossible with men are possible with God. I believe that Luke had gotten a revelation of the word of God and that revelation was simply that when all else fails, remember that God is still God and He is still good. Luke's revelation is telling us that no matter what it looks like, God is there. Even when it appears to be no way possible in the natural, God can and will supply all our need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4:19) There are times in life when we depend on everyone else but God, and I believe that's why Luke tell us that there are going to be times when people can't help you, but God is able. (Ephesians 3:20) The 16th chapter of Psalms goes on to say that in thy presence is fulness of joy. So the conclusion that I came up with was simple, and that is to trust God for everything because He can do what man can't and He is able to give you joy while He's doing it. He goes on to say that at God's right hand are pleasures evermore. In other words, not only can He do what you need Him to do, but He is also able to make sure that you enjoy what He's doing. No matter what it looks like, if you would allow God to be in total control, even in your storm, you'll have peace. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to go through your storm with Jesus, knowing that there is somewhere that He's trying to take you, but you have to trust Him that He knows what best for you. Hang in there, you've come to far to turn around now.
October 11, 2010
Haggai 2:9 (King James Version) says: The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
Brothers and sisters, it is in times like these, in which we are living in now, that we find ourselves wondering, "Lord when are things going to change." Such things may vary according to our current situations, but there are still things in all of our lives that we are expecting God to change for us. Here in this passage of scripture, the prophet Haggai is encouraging the people that things will change. Haggai has gotten a word from the Lord that the things that we seen now will change. He tells them that the glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former. In other words, God is going to reveal himself in our lives in such a way that will be blow our minds. If you think what He's done for you in the past was great, I encourage you to hold on through these times, and watch what He's about to do for you. I've found out that the closer I get to what God has for me, the harder the struggles. Just when it appears to me that all is well, something new rises up, but I became encouraged when I starting watching the devil's tricks. He loves to distract us so we won't see the God we trust in our situations, but rather become so consumed with what's going on around us, that we miss all that's headed our way. Remember that the devil doesn't change what he does, but rather changes the people in whom he does it through, and the presentation of the distraction. Haggai goes on to say that there will be peace in this place. What he means is that God will give us peace even when every thing around us is messed up. While we may be facing the same tests as others, because we belong to God, we can have peace and joy while others are stressed, simply because God is with us. When we find that things are a bit out of the norm, and our faith is not wavered, that's a good indication that I've matured in God, and that He is about to do something that will totally blow our minds. Don't move from your position in God. Stand strong while in these times, because our futures look far better than our pasts.
October 18, 2010
Luke 6:44-48 (King James Version) says: 44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Brothers and sisters, here in the text, Luke is telling us that it is impossible to get bad fruit from a healthy tree. You can't walk up to a fig tree and expect to get apples, neither an orange tree and get grapes, but if you use wisdom, if apples are what you want, then you need you plant apple seeds. In other words, what is our life producing? Are you planting the right seeds that will cause you to get the right fruit? Can people walk up to us, as the christians that we say we are, and get what they need or even expect from us? We should ask ourselves the question, Are we producing the kind of fruit that God has created us to produce? If you are a person that does good things, then you can expect good things to happen to and for you. Now if you are a bad person that does bad things, then all you need to expect are bad things. Remember that we reap what we sow, and that's not just in money, but in every thing that we do and sow. Luke reminds us that we normally speak what's in our hearts. It is impossible to keep our feelings hidden, because what we feel in our hearts, we can normally see on our faces and then eventually, we'll say with our mouths. Be careful of what we allow to get into our hearts, because those are the things that we say with our mouths and then we can either help or hurt someone. God goes on to say in verse 46, Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and do not practice what I tell you? In other words, why call God's name and still do and say whatever you want to inspite how it may effect you and others? God encourages us at the end of these sciptures, that if we do what He has commanded us, then He'll show us what will happen for us. God says that if we do it His way, when things come up against us, we don't have to worry because we won't be moved. We won't move because we'll be like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on a solid foundation. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. Brothers and sisters, make sure that you have built your lives on the solid foundation and that is Jesus Christ and the word of God. Let us not live the word only when we feel it is beneficial to us, but rather make it our lifestyles. Let it not only be used on Sundays and bible study nights, but allow it to be continual, so Sundays and bible studies will be a time to refuel us for the next storm. Be encouraged and know that when it seems hard, and we can't take any more, that's a good time to pray and turn it over to God.
October 25, 2010
Psalm 30:5b(King James Version) says: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Joel 2:25(King James Version) says: And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Brothers and sisters, it is with excitement that I bring this word to you this week. As I began to look at the frustration of the people of God, and even those that do not have a relationship with Him, it made me pray harder than ever before. While in prayer, Psalm 30:5b can to me very clearly. After I read it, God began to speak to me. He said to me, your crying will cease the day you realize that your morning depends on you. For a minute I was confused, but because He never leaves us ignorant, He explained it to me. God said in this scripture that although many may be weeping now because of certain situations in their lives, it isn't over. The bible says in the later part of Psalm 30:5, that joy comes in the morning. Now in the natural, when we lay down and get up the next day, it's morning. Here in the spiritual realm, the minute we acknowlegde God, trust His word, and find some joy in Him, we are in our morning. We may not see the sun yet, but know that it is coming. Notice that when you get up, depending how early, the sun is not up but that doesn't stop it from being morning. Now notice that the prophet Joel tells us that God is going to restore everything that we've lost. In life, we have all lost things, although they may be different, small sums or large, we have all lost something, but isn't it good to know that God is going to restore all of it? To restore simply means to give back, return, put back into use or service, to put or bring back into a former or original state, and to put again into possession of something. So in other words, God is saying, through Joel, that He is going to give us back all that we have lost through the years. Brothers and sisters, this is enough to get excited about. I believe the word of God and if He said it, that's enough for me. Be encouraged and don't allow anyone to hinder you from believing the word of God. Get up daily with expectancy, because today just may be the day that God restore your loses. Get up knowing that even though you can't see it now, because you got up, it is an indication to the devil that you are a day closer to whatever blessing and miracle that God has for you, and because you have power in your tongue, begin to bind the devil and bless our God for what He has already done and what we are waiting for Him to manifest.
November 1, 2010
Proverbs 8:32-36 (King James Version) says: 32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Brothers and sisters, as always I am excited about this week's Fresh Manna. As I watched God move so awesomely this week alone, I began to encourage myself that I may be able to encourage you. Although tests come and we try to figure out what's next, what we miss is the fact that the God we serve have already made provisions and have given us a word to stand on in the process. Here in this text, Solomon is calling the people to wisdom. Solomon lets the people know that it is a blessing to keep God's ways. If you ever want to really please God, keep his ways, or in other words, be obedient to Him. The bible calls us wise when we hear the instructions and refuse them not. In other words what it is saying to us is, don't decide to do the wrong thing after you hear the word. The Message Bible explains verse 34 like this: Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me, awake and ready for me each morning, alert and responsive as I start my day's work. In other words, God has an agenda for us daily, and He calls us blessed when we get up in the morning seeking to do whatever it is on He's agenda for us. So when we get up in the mornings, we need to seek where God is, and where ever He is, is where we need to strive to be. The word tells us that those of us that find Him, finds life and obtain favour of Him. I've learned that favour can do things for you and take you places that money and other people can't. Now for those of you that are in sin, God says you wrong yourself, and if you hate Him, you love death. The bibles tells us that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23a) That simply means that you will be rewarded for your sins, and the reward you will receive is death. Brothers and sisters, obedience to God will cause the favour of God to rest on your lives. So from now on, get up in the mornings looking for God. Seek what it is that He will have you to do for the day and do only that. How we miss it and mess it up is when we add our own agendas to His. Remember that God is all-knowing and perfect, so therefore, He doesn't need your assistance, He only needs your obedience. Know that while you are being obedient, you are obtaining favour. Favour is grace and good will, and I am positive that we all need His grace and good will towards us constantly. Continue to walk in the ways that are pleasing to Him, and watch the favour of God rest on your lives like never before.
November 8, 2010
John 6:54-56 (King James Version) says: 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Brothers and sisters, for the last two weeks, God has been dealing with me concerning His blood and His body. I was always excited about the blood of Jesus, but it wasn't until I received this revelation of the word that my communing with God began more intensed. Here in the scriptures, the Jews are having a conversation about Jesus. Jesus had previously spoken that He was the living bread and if you eat of His body, then you'll live forever. Well the Jews wanted to know how was He going to do that. Isn't that just like some of us today? God tells us something, and instead of us just believing it, and doing exactly what He says, we want to know how He's going to do it. Here in our text for the week, Jesus tells them that whosoever eat and drink of Him will have eternal life and He'll raise them up at the last day. Well I became excited about that because what He meant was He'll raise us up at the end of time because He's in us. He says that His body is meat and His blood is drink. In other words, we should not have a need of anything because the one that has it all is in us, and we know this to be true because we digest Him every time we take communion. That's why the word tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:26: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." How often are you digesting Him? Do you know that according to the word of God, in verse 56, He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him? In other words, God is saying that not only do He dwell in us, but we dwell in Him because we become one. To view this another way, when we hold the bread and the wine in our hands, because it symbolizes God's body and blood, that simply means that we are holding Him in our hands and are about to digest Him into us. Not that we are taking away the weight or size of God, but because He is a God that we can't measure, He'll be whatever size we need Him to be for whatever situation we need Him in. Isn't it awesome to know that God is not only with us, watching over us, and providing for us, but that every time we take communion, we put more and more of Him on the inside of us? Remember the word told us that as often as we do it. Notice, He didn't specify how many times, but He did say as often. I believe that the more we do this, the more we acknowledge what He did for us, show Him that we appreciate it, and let Him know that we will not allow His body and blood to go to waste, so we'll eat and drink it until He returns. Brothers and sisters, no matter how many times you partake of this event, the blood will never lose its power. Now, for me, it's hard not to cry and worship God before, while, and during communion, because now I understand the real meaning of this service. Don't take this time lightly, but take the time to remember how important it is to commune with God.
November 15, 2010
Psalm 51:10-13(King James Version) says: 10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Brothers and sisters, here in this text, you'll find that David has found himself in a place of repentence. David realizes that he is in error and the best thing for him to do is repent to God. David knows that God is the only one who can totally restore him. David had a relationship with God, and because He knew God and God knew him, he was confident that when he cried out to God, that He would hear and restore him. Isn't it awesome that God is still there even when we are out of His will for our lives? I noticed that David never doubted that fact that God would hear him even during this time. Brothers and sisters, you must know that we serve a God that will hear us when we call. Now this is not a license for you to sin because you know that He will forgive you, but it gives us comfort in knowing that if we should fall, accidentally, that God will restore us. Notice that David didn't discuss his situation with everyone, he went directly to God and repented. Often times we mess things up even worse by telling our faults to others instead of taking them straight to God. I am aware that there are people in our lives that can help us pray our way back in right standing, but even then, notice that those people have to pray. In other words, prayer is the key to any situation you may find yourselves in. This particular Psalm for the week is one of repentence. David prays to God that He would create in him a clean heart. Now we know that create simply means to make, so therefore, David asked God to make his heart over and renew in him a right spirit. There are times and circumstances in life that will try to darken our hearts and damper our spirits, but when these things happen, we need to immediately ask God to clean our hearts so that we can have the right spirit towards Him and others. In verse eleven, he pleads with God not to remove him from His presence and not to take His Holy Spirit away from him. I believe that it would be a scary thing to live a life without the presence of God because with Him I live, move, and have my being, and without the Holy Spirit, I wouldn't have anyone to correct me when I'm in error and no one to bring all things to my rememberance. So David knew how important it was for God to forgive him and put him back in the right position. The next thing David asks for is restoration of his joy. Do you not know that there is a joy that comes with salvation? He was aware of how important it was to have the joy that God gives to us. In my walk with God, I've found the word to be true and that is that the joy of the Lord is my strength. People of God, never allow the devil to cause you to lose your joy because it is connected to your peace and your strength in God. In conclusion, David tells God that when He restores him, then he'll teach the sinners His way, and they'll come to Him. In other words, there are people that are waiting on our testamonies of the goodness of Jesus as well as how He's able to restore them, that they may have a desire to come to Him and serve Him. Brothers and sisters, don't allow your sins to keep you from living a life of peace with God. God is faithful and just enough to forgive you for everything you've done, put you on the right track, and then use you to bring others to Him. Don't hold God up, nor others that need to know what you know, by not repenting and getting back to your rightful place in God. I think Pastor Donnie McClurkin said it best when he said "A saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up." Rise up and move on; God is depending on you and others are waiting for you!!!
November 22, 2010
Psalm 92:1(King James Version) says: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O MOST HIGH:
Psalm 100:5(King James Version) says: For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Brothers and sisters, as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holidays, let us not forget the purpose for which we celebrate. As David said in Psalm 92:1, it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord. During this holiday season, let us not forget to thank God for every thing, because without Him we wouldn't have anything. We often forget to thank God for the small things because we are so focused on the big ones we have and are expecting to get. I pray that during this time, this year, that we will begin to be thankful for the air we breathe, and the activity of our limbs, being in the right state of mind, homes, families, friends, food and clothing, but most of all, the Trinity, having God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Now there is nothing wrong with being grateful for other things, but please don't forget these because they play such an active role in our lives. In every thing give thanks, is a statement that carries much weight, for there comes a time in life when situations can try to bound you, but even then, give thanks, for its those things that are working for your good. I believe that the tough things that happen to us, works for us, in spite of how it appears. In other words, it is in those times that we grow and prove to God and the devil, that we are ready for our next phase with God. Psalm 100:5 tells us the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. In other words, don't allow the devil to trick you, in every thing, God is still good and constantly shows us His mercy, and He'll continue to do it as long as we exist. Brothers and sisters, celebrate this Thursday with an attitude totally different from times past. Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with an attitude of true gratitude. Remember this year that no matter what the devil has said to you, because you are still here, that's another chance for God to turn your situation around. Bless God this week for another chance. Bless Him for being the ruler of your life. Bless Him for family and friends. To sum it all up, just Bless God because He is good to us. Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.
November 29, 2010
Psalm 92:1(King James Version) says: It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O MOST HIGH:
Psalm 100:5(King James Version) says: For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Brothers and sisters, as we've just celebrated the Thanksgiving holidays, I pray that we didn't forget the purpose for which we should have celebrated. As David said in Psalm 92:1, it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord. During this holiday season, we should never forget to thank God for every thing, because without Him we wouldn't have anything. We often forget to thank God for the small things because we are so focused on the big ones we have and are expecting to get. I pray that during this time, this year, that we will begin to be thankful for the air we breathe, and the activity of our limbs, being in the right state of mind, homes, families, friends, food and clothing, but most of all, the Trinity, having God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Now there is nothing wrong with being grateful for other things, but please don't forget these because they play such an active role in our lives. In every thing give thanks, is a statement that carries much weight, for there comes a time in life when situations can try to bound you, but even then, give thanks, for its those things that are working for your good. I believe that the tough things that happen to us, works for us, in spite of how it appears. In other words, it is in those times that we grow and prove to God and the devil, that we are ready for our next phase with God. Psalm 100:5 tells us the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. In other words, don't allow the devil to trick you, in every thing, God is still good and constantly shows us His mercy, and He'll continue to do it as long as we exist. Brothers and sisters, let us display an attitude totally different from times past. Celebrate everyday with an attitude of true gratitude. Remember this year that no matter what the devil has said to you, because you are still here, that's another chance for God to turn your situation around. Bless God this week for another chance. Bless Him for being the ruler of your life. Bless Him for family and friends. To sum it all up, just Bless God because He is good to us.
December 6, 2010
Isaiah 40:28-31(King James Version) says: 28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Brothers and sisters, while in prayer, God began to remind me of Him. He began to remind me that He is God and besides Him there is no other that is able to do what He can. He began to remind me of the way Hezekiah spoke to Isaiah in the last verse of the 39th chapter, telling him that those were some good words that he had spoken. In other words, Isaiah prophesied some things and they came to past making Hezekiah excited. Well brothers and sisters, although I've shared this word with you before, God gave me another revelation of it this time. There have been some things that have been spoken to you and you should be excited that those things will come to past. The real excitement for me started in verse 28th of this chapter. I believe that Isaiah decided to remind us of God's goodness. What he is saying is that you must not know neither have you heard that God never gets tried of us. Although we don't understand it, just know that He is always willing, ready, and able to help us. Instead of Him getting tired, He actually gives strength to us when we get tired. There are many things in life that causes us to get tired, but we must stay strong and focused knowing that we can call on someone and He is able to help us in our weak times. The bible states that even the youth can get tired and may fall because of the lack of strength. Getting weary doesn't have a specific age. No one is exempt, but here comes the shouting part. The bible says, through Isaiah, that all of us that wait on God shall get new strength. In other words, all of us that get tired on our journey, if we continue to wait on God, He is going to give us our strength back. After that, we'll mount up with wings as eagles. In other words, we'll begin to feel lighter and the cares of life won't be on us, but they'll be under us because we will soar above them. Then we'll be able to run on for Jesus and not get tired, we'll run and won't give in this time. In this season, I pray that we will not allow the pressures that society is known for putting on us, cause us to forget who is really in control. God gave me a revelation that blew me away. He said to me, In the natural, it is proper etiquette to close a door when you walk out of it. In closing that door, it means that you've walked into another room. In the spirit, know that when one door closes, it is an indication that you've just walked into something new. So don't get frustrated about closed doors, get excited, and walk into your new room that God has prepared for you. Brothers and sisters, if you don't remember any thing else, please remember to wait on God in every area of your life. Waiting on God should not cause you to lose your strength, but just in case you do, remember that He'll renew it. So while praying, pray for patience that you may be able to wait on Him.
December 13, 2010
Isaiah 41:10-13(King James Version) says: 10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Brothers and sisters, it is with joy as always that God has allowed me to come to you and share what He has said to me. As we all know, Isaiah was one of the prophets. One of the men of God that was used often to speak a prophetic word to the people. Here in this passage of scripture, Isaiah writes words of encouragement to the people. Many times in life it appears as though we face things that are greater than us. Some have even made things and people idols by allowing them to take the place of God in their lives. When that happens, there are certain times when those people and things try to rise up against us and even try to tare us down, but that's when this scripture carries it weight best. God says to us Fear not for I am with thee. No matter how rough it seems, we must remember that God is with us so we don't have to be afraid. He goes on further to say that He will strengthen us and help us and hold us up with His hand. All I see that we have to do is believe God because He is actually doing all the work. He goes on to say to us that all of them that were against us will be ashamed. In other words, all those that are doing you wrong, they will be the ones that will be ashamed and be as nothing. Now The Message Bible explains verses 12-13 like this: When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won't find them. Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory. That's right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, 'Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.' Brothers and sisters, I'm not sure how you feel about it, but that's good news to me. We should never wish for any thing bad to happen to a person, but that's why it's so important to know the word of God, so that we won't find ourselves in situations that will cause us to vanish. What we have to understand is this, that we are children of God and we may not won't bad things to happen to people, but they will if they don't leave God's people alone. People of God, make sure that you are who God called you to be. A person that knows, acknowledges, and lives a life for God, so that when the enemy comes against you, you won't have to fear because you know who is really in control of your situation. I pray that this will begin to bring comfort to you as you realize that God will take care of His children in any and every area that we need Him to. Continue to walk in a way that is pleasing to God, and watch Him take care of all your needs. Remember that He wants to handle every thing, so take your rightful place and that's wherever God needs you to be, just make sure that you are not in His way, trying to do His job. Let God be God in your life and watch the weight of the world lift off of you right before your eyes. I am a witness that once you allow God to take total control of every area in your life, and get delivered from people, whatever He has purposed for you will be all that you will want to focus on. Even when you begin to think about circumstances, you won't concentrate on it long because you'll remember who those battles really belong to. Stay encouraged and watch God and not your situations.
December 20, 2010
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (King James Version) says: 11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, as we approach one of the most important holiday seasons, let us not forget the true meaning of it. While in prayer, God reminded me of this scripture. Here in the text, Paul is writing his second letter, to the Thessalonians, from Corinth, instructing them about the day of the Lord and events that would immediately proceed it. Paul writes to them and says that he is praying for them that God will count them worthy of the calling that He has given to them. Today, we ought to have someone praying for us that God will be pleased with the way we are operating in the call that God has given us. We need to ask ourselves the following questions: "Are we the ones praying for the those with the call? Are we one of the ones that have a call? Are we operating in the call? or Are we hating and speaking death instead of life to the ones who have and are operating in the call of God?" Often times we find ourselves jealous of those that are effectively operating in the call of God, but all we have to do when this spirit tries to attack us, is speak to it and remind the devil, that God didn't give us all the same gifts, but He gave me something that I can do, and I'll do that to the best of my ability that God will be glorified. Now remember, many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) In other words, be the best that you can be at whatever it is that God has assigned you to do. Make sure that God can count you worthy of the call that He has given you. After you make sure that you've done what you were called to do, and do it so God will be pleased, then you can enjoy the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, not only will God get the glory, but He'll make sure that you enjoy some of His glory. So get busy and be obedient and dedicated to the call that is on your life, and allow God to exalt you. So many times we try to do things on our own, when God is saying just do what I've called, anointed, appointed, and even chosen you for, and let me do the rest. Brothers and sisters, in this Christmas season, let us not forget that because Christ was born, we can enjoy all of the benefits that came along with Him. In this season, remember, if you don't have a gift to open or you may not have one to give to someone else, we already have the best gift that we could ever ask for, JESUS CHRIST. The awesome part about Him is the fact that He keeps giving to us. In the natural, on our birthday, we only want to receive, but on His birthday, He still gives: life, strength, health, family, friends, homes, food, anointing, power, wealth, and the list goes on and on. Some take some time and give God something. Some may ask what can I give? I believe that if you give your life to Him, then He'll give you the next set of instructions. When you find out the call that He has for your life, never forget to acknowledge that it was He that gave it to you, and know, that just like Paul, I'm praying for you that God will count you worthy of that call. From my family to yours, please have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!!!!!! Merry Christmas
