Life Notes from God - A Journal for Today's Believers

The Government of God: An Easter Message

2010-04-01T12:07:00.001-05:00

The 7 core principals of Jesus the Christ ministry and life was:

1. Love

2. Forgiveness

3. Redemption

4. Salvation

5. Holiness

6. Faithfulness

7. Good works

A person who calls themselves a "Christian" or follow of Jesus "the Christ" must know and understand the following Biblical passage of scripture:

Luke 6:34-36 (King James Version)

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

God's kingdom will be established on earth but through Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we as Christian must first surrender our will and way and pursue the truth and rightousness of Jesus the Christ.

We must show love in the face of hate and forgiveness in the face of wrong-doing. Yes it is VERY difficult but the bible says:

Romans 12:19 (King James Version)

verse 19 - Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

So, love and pray that God will strengthen you and that you will not fall into hypocrisy but be a true Christian.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Daily Meditation - Look Godward

2010-03-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalm 27, King James Version)

The house that I'm trusting God for

2010-02-21T23:04:00.001-06:00

This is, Lord's will, the new house this year.

http://tourfactory.com/561168

A good article on Haiti's undiscussed history

2010-01-30T11:55:00.002-06:00

Please check out this link concerning a bit of the history of Haiti. As is typical, there's a lot we don't know about the past as things become conveniently left out of the mainstream and unless you're particularly interested in a subject, you'll never really know the how and why but the what and where.

Haiti's history is complex and of course, slavery is the cornerstone of it's modern foundation as the affects of slavery are still pervasive. Click this link below:

Nation News - Home

Are You 'Well Able'?

2010-01-16T14:20:00.003-06:00

²⁹The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan.
³⁰And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
³¹But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. (Numbers 13:29-31, King James Version)

Are you 'well able'? Do you believe that despite the imposition of your enemies, life circumstances, or previous failures that are 'well able'? If not, begin today.

Consider the scriptures from Numbers 13:29-31. It indicates in verse 29 that the young nation of Israel was surrounded by enemies. In this kind of situation, most people will consider, if not, give up and surrender to their enemies hoping for mercy.

Instead Caleb, one of the solider spies Moses sent out to spy on the land God had promised the Israelites, calmed the people's troubled hearts and told his leader Moses that they (the children of God) are "well able" to overcome their surrounding enemies and posses the land.

This is the attitude we must have to face life's challenges: we are well able to overcome! Sure, it's hard a is likely impossible. Nothing is in your favor and odds are you will lose. But somewhere along this life's journey I read in I John 4:4 that:

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he
that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4, King James Version)

So see my friends, we must remember and believe who we and who's we are, against all odds, and that God can and through His divine grace will deliver us.

Verse 31 in Numbers 13 reflects what many of those who surround you feel. The men in verse 31 told Moses "...we are NOT able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." As my wife has taught me, a situation can be what you say and/or think it is. If you believe it's impossible, it likely is impossible. If you feel weak or inferior, you will be weak and inferior.

Caleb believed in the promise of God taught to him by Moses, a prophet/leader of God for the young nation of Israel. Because of Caleb's faith, he was rewarded the privilege of entering into the promise land later on while the others who did not believe in God's word died in the wilderness.

²⁹Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me.
³⁰Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
³¹But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. (Numbers 14:29-31, King James Version)

Don't die in the wilderness of life. Make it to the promise land. Fight to believe against all odds. God has allowed us another chance to escape death in the wilderness by His grace and mercy.

Remember:

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. (Isaiah 40:29-31, King James Version)

We are 'well able' to possess all that God says we can and do all that God says we can do. Stand in faith and hold on.

Do You Really Mean It?

2010-01-15T00:38:00.003-06:00

33 Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."

34 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the
rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

35 But Peter declared,
"Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other
disciples said the same.

Matthew 26:33 - 35

Peter thought it and so do you. We all think it but not often tested. What will you do during your adversity? What will you do when the heat is on?

I too would like to believe as Peter did that I would never fold: I will remain strong until the end whatever that may be. I, like Peter, love the Lord and desire to follow Him and be strong like Him. I want to do my best and show Him that I am different; that I am devout and steadfast. However, we see that Peter failed in this case despite his strong belief that he would never do such a thing.

Without the Holy Spirit, which is what Peter and the other received at the day of Pentecost, all of us are doomed to failure in Christ. We cannot serve Christ as He expects or even as we desire without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit giving us supernatural stamina, confidence, boldness, courage, and wisdom.

Paul was another Apostle who demonstrated how powerful the Holy Spirit operating in ones life can be. Paul ran his race well and for what it's worth I am proud of him and grateful of words he wrote and the life he lead through the grace of God.

Here's my prayer:

God, please anoint me with your Holy Spirit such that I can face
adversity with courage and utter faith in you. Lord, my short-comings
are many and often I feel ashamed that I am not further along the road as even I
desire of myself. Nevertheless, I fight on because I want to please you as
I love and appreciate your love for me and your grace and mercy.
God, please strengthen my heart and my mind. Make me wise that I might
live well before the. Grant me favor that I might be a continued blessing
to others in this life. Have mercy upon me and my family that we might
dwell safely in this world. Deliver us from evil and keep us in the time
of adversity. Please deliver us from the will of the enemy and bless
us with a double portion of your love and provision. Have mercy upon us.
Amen.

I pray that anyone who stumbles across this post will take a moment and pray to God in heaven that He would strenghten our hearts and help us to become the best we can be, live for Him, and be strong.

When Your Back Is Against The Wall

2009-11-30T18:25:00.004-06:00

When you back is against the wall financially, spiritually, emotionally, or professionally -or all of the above, know that our God is able. No matter what, God can make a way. Our relationship with Him is the difference needed to turn night into day. Our Savior sent us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and reassure us that God is still on the throne and nothing can happen to us without His permission and if it is happens -we can handle it. If God believes we can handle it, then we can make it!

³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31, King James Version)

Who can be against you? Keep pressing, keep praying, keep believing and keep fighting for that breakthrough. Remember what David said:

¹I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1, King James Version)

¹⁵The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. (Psalm 34:15, King James Version)

Are you living right? If not, recommit yourself to God and as Jesus said "...take up your cross and follow Me". Stay in God's word and be encouraged that the God we serve is not slack.

⁹The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, King James Version)

Did you see that? God is not slack concerning his promises. He's promised not to withhold any good thing to those who trust and obey Him. The bible says in Hebrew 11:6 that we must believe who God is and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

Don't give up. One day, your ship will come in. God will make a way for you. He cares about you and wants you to grow strong in Him.

Keep fighting:

Fight through the pain,
Fight through your tears,
Fight through your fears,
Fight when you're up,
Fight when you're down,
Fight!

Never give up; Let it be said that we refused to give up on our dreams and on our God.

Daniel 3:16-17 reads:

¹⁶Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

¹⁷If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

¹⁸But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:16-18, King James Version)

You see, even facing certain death, God's faithful servants did not give up.

Keep fighting. Come what may, God can, and I trust and believe for me and you, that God will do exceeding and abundantly beyond all the we could ever seek Him for or expect from Him.

Send God a text message today

2009-09-24T20:24:00.002-05:00

I heard a statistic on NPR (National Public Radio) today that said teenagers send around 2200 text messages per month! This is staggering considering the time, effort, and concentration it takes to send just one text message for most adults.

How often do we pray? Do we pray 2200 times a month? 200 times per month? 20? My point? If we prayed to God more, just a fraction of the number of text messages generation 'Y' sends and receive, we'd be some powerful, spirit filled people!

It doesn't take much to pray. Pray in the morning, pray in the afternoon, pray in the evening, and pray at night. The more you pray, the closer you'll get to God and the more you'll experience Him and his guidance and favor. The less you pray to God, the more evil will tempt you and you will likely fall prey to it.

Seek God. He is faster than a text message and closer to you than air.

Why is God good? (a short note)

2009-09-02T10:49:00.002-05:00

Psalm 106:1

King James Version

God is good because there is always hope in Him. When no one cares -He cares. When no one believes in you -He knows and holds your future in His hands. When trouble comes -He is strong and might and able to deliver you from all your trouble.

¹⁹

Psalm 34:19

King James Version

This note is intended to encourage anyone feeling stressed or troubled. If you feel down right now, just know that:

⁵

Psalm 30:5

King James Version

When it looks bad...God is with us!

2009-08-31T20:03:00.005-05:00

Our scripture reference is taken from Judges 6:12-13 which reads,

¹²

¹³

Judges 6:12-13

King James Version

Gideon is human just like we are and in his human reasoning and perception he (as we often do) finds it hard to believe that God is with the people of Israel. Gideon has an intellectual understanding of history and has heard that God did great and mighty things in the life and times of his fore-fathers but Gideon has not yet fully experienced God for himself.

Often times, it is when we are most vunerable, most afraid, most hurt or disappointed that God uses our pain for our gain. God is in control and thus knows the future and so He is able to speak to Gideon in such a manner as He did in verse 12. In verse 14, God further says to Gideon:

¹⁴

Judges 6:14

King James Version

I praise and thank God for being compassionate and merciful. Despite our unbelief and short-comings, God desires greatness in us all. God spoke to Gideon in verse 14 and told him he (Gideon) would save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Remember, Gideon believed that God desires or at least is allowing the Midianites to devour them.

Do you ever feel that your enemies or circumstances are getting the upper-hand? Have you ever felt that God was not near or seemingly uninterested in helping you? Ever feel that God has forsaken you? If so, and trust me you're not alone, consider the following:

²⁸

Romans 8:28

King James Version

²³

²⁴

²⁵

²⁶

⁵

²⁹

³⁰

³¹

Isaiah 40:29-31

King James Version

Remember, when it looks bad, God is with you! Our God, your God is able to "...do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20, King James Version)

Remember, the power worketh within us. Let us use the power God has given us through His son to overcome the world, be transformed, and live an abundant life full of grace and mercy.

Do you know who to call?

2009-06-18T00:41:00.003-05:00

Hallelujah Saints of God. The Lord has a word for us today.

Who do you call when you're in trouble? Who do you call when you're in need? Where do we turn when in despair? Who do we look to when we feel looked down upon?

The Word of God has an answer for us today. Psalm 34:15-19 reads:

15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their
troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

The eyes of the LORD God of heaven are upon the righteous and his ears are open to our cry. I thank God for His love for us. His Word forever encourages us, teaches us, inspires us and corrects us that we may be made perfect and in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Call on God in the midst of your troubles. Call on the Lord God of heaven and he will hear you. The fourth verse of Psalm 34 says:

4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Matthew 7:6-8 says:

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

I encourage you today to call on God. He alone can save you; He alone can comfort you and keep you. Trust in Him and He will show Himself strong in you. God wants to deliver you that you may believe and be saved. But also, you have to believe that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

The Lord will reward your faith. Call on Him in the day of trouble and He will answer. By God's great power and authority He will speak a blessing into your life and save your soul.

Be encouraged.

It's been a while

2009-05-06T19:22:00.002-05:00

I'm back. I'm committing to keeping my blog up-to-date weekly with new posts. Thanks to anyone and everyone who's ever read my blog. I'll post a article line-up soon so you can know ahead of time what I'll be writing about in case you want to check back in.

Through It All -We are learning to trust and depend on God

2009-01-17T11:48:00.008-06:00

Our Savior, who gave up his estate, is calling us to trust in Him. He has demonstrated his obedience to God -our God and His Father under the most difficult and trying of circumstances. He demonstrated as we might say 'grace under fire'.

Jesus was and still is our example as to how we ought to live our lives her on earth. He told us that some rain will fall but he also told us to be of good cheer. He promised not to leave us nor forsake us. He told us that we can overcome just as he did and become victors and not victims. He told us that we can have the desires of our heart but we must but our unwavering trust in Him.

Who is more qualified to deserve our trust? Who is better able to deliver on all His promises? Who has never failed do what He promised to do? Which of us have the power to overcome death? Which of us can save our own souls from destruction? Who can give us peace that surpasseth all understanding?

Jesus never failed His disciples nor the people around Him during His day. He never failed at healing anyone. He never failed and casting out devils. He never failed at raising anyone from the dead. Jesus never fails.

As such, let's pledge our allegiance to our Lord who has shown us what is good and right and who's path we must follow to get to the Father -to get to Heaven. There's no more death and destruction in heaven; no more sickness and disease; no more famine and suffering.

Through it all, I have learned to trust in Jesus. Let us learn that God is awesome. He can do great and might things for us as we trust Him. I want God to do something awesome in my life. I want God to show Himself strong through me and you. I want God to transform our lives into lives of living and not lives of getting by.

Help your neighbor.
Love your children.
Love your spouse.
Pray for your neighbor.
Pray for your children.
Pray for your spouse.
Pray for peace.
Pray for mercy.
Pray for a miracle.

God can do it. Let us pray that He does and we will give Him the glory -either way.

Praise God for being our good Shepard.

URGENT! Children of the world need you!

2009-01-08T23:59:00.010-06:00

May I take time to pray for all the children (100's of millions) in the world that are less fortunate than mine or any child regardless of fortune that is facing dark days or being ill-treated. As much as I'd like to pray for myself and my needs (peceived or real) and etc I want to take time and ask God to bless the children.

Children are wonderful, full of hope and promise and it is a shame that many are disregarded and discarded. Many children are facing unimaginable challenges and obstacles that would make many of us in the West feel immediately intimidated and overwhelmed with stress and discouragement.

While I could complain, I cannot [should not] as I am sitting in a home that I was able to purchase (i.e. obtain a mortgage). I have heat and running water. I have two cars and a small business that's struggling right now but at least I'm generating income to feed my family [everyday] and have a few extras.

Many children (i.e. 100's of millions of children) don't even eat on a daily basis (possiby over a week) let alone eat McDonalds or Burger King. I think I've eaten McDonalds at least once this week and thus far my son is on track to eat "McD's" at least 2 or 3 times this week (unfortunately).

What am I saying here? I am saying that I am grateful to God for all He has done for me and my family and for those around me. BUT, we have an obligation to share our "wealth" with others. If you have over $1 in your pocket on a daily basis you're doing better than 1 billion people in the world today. I cannot imagine what a billion people look like all in one place but it's staggering to know that 1 billion people live on roughly a $1 US per day.

Share your wealth. Sponsor at least 3 children per month. Go to http://www.worldvision.com/. Get involved in helping poor kids in your community. Yes, there are children within a 100mi radius from your house that could use your help and prayers. In fact, there is a family on your block that can use your prayers right now.

God has been good to me. I am not a millionaire by any stretch of the imagination nor do I need to be. I want to share my "wealth" now and just help. My small contributions can make a difference and at least I tried. I encourage you to try and become a part of the solution to world hunger, poverty, and disease.

My God bless you so you can bless others.

Someone told me the Lord is my shepherd

2008-10-11T00:36:00.009-05:00

The words found in Psalms 23:1 which read "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want", has given comfort to so many of us believers throughout the years that we owe a debt of gratitude to King David for allowing the Spirit of God to stir him in such a way that he concluded and documented for us to know through the ages that -the LORD is our shepherd. Hallelujah!!! Thank you Jesus!

When I think about the goodness of God (which often comes when He gives me a mental reprieve), I can't help but to feel safe in His arms. I feel, if not but for just a moment in time, that I am truly loved in ways that I cannot understand but feel deep in my heart. I begin to see the "bigness of life" and get overwhelmed with thoughts of gratitude that God has allowed me to play a small role in His plan and am eternally grateful to experience the love of my wife and children.

This song has kept me and keeps me regardless of whether I feel down or am feeling good; this song reminds me of the goodness of God and how much I mean to Him. I hope you feel the same after listening.

Another song that very dear to me and nearly makes me cry each time I listen to it is "What Shall I Do" by Rev. James Cleveland. This song again reminds us that we can count on God to make a way somehow. It reminds us that things do not always go our way; it reminds us that life gets hard at times but that our God is able.

Jesus told us to be of good cheer; He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. My friend in the Lord, King David, witnessed and wrote in Psalms 37:25 that reads:

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Again, Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!

There is hope, but it is in our Lord and Savior and not in the things of this world.

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." I John 2:17

God, help us to trust in you and believe that you are who you say are and can do what you say you can do. Hallelujah!

Declaring Victory of Your Mind

2008-09-26T23:03:00.003-05:00

More than a positive attitude, more than the "name it and claim it" mindset ushered in during the decade or so of prosperity preaching, is the idea that God wants us to actually believe in Him.

God wants you and I to believe in him and be convinced that He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Again, God doesn't just want an intellectual nod but a sincere, core belief that He is able.

Yes, God does want us to think positive and believe for a brighter future but I have learned that you can't get there with out being truly convinced that Jesus loves you and in obedience to the Father came down from heaven to live an earthly life and ultimately die a horrific death for our sins while being blameless and having no sin.

When I think of what Jesus did for me and how much God the Father loved us that He gave us His only begotten son so that we would not spend our lives languishing in sin, doomed to an eternity in hell but Jesus came in the world to give us life and freedom from sin.

So what am I saying? I am saying that we must not only think positive or have a good attitude but believe and be convinced that God is on our side and is able to do anything but fail. We don't always understand His ways but He asks us to trust Him and believe.

Your mind is the battleground. Chose now what you will believe. Different thoughts may come into your mind but what do you believe and/or who do you believe? We must begin to believe we can. We must begin to believe that through the grace and mercy of God we are able. We must believe that God will make all grace abound towards us and give us the ultimate victory. One day, we will meet him in the air and hear those precious words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". In one moment, everything we lost and everything we gained will be dissolved into a eternity of being with the Lord.

So let us begin to move beyond thinking to believe that our God is able; He is a deliverer, He is our provider and he will come through. We must now believe this and not just think it.

I Remember

2008-09-15T16:38:00.002-05:00

I recently gave a talk about the future but spoke primarily of the past. I asked the audience to remember what God has done for them and others. Remember how the God of heaven, our Creator made a way for us and others throughout history. I asked them to remember how God has been merciful and demonstrated grace when we least warranted it (as if we can ever deserve grace) and how his mercy saw us through our darkest of hours.

I could quote common bible scriptures that speak to the goodness of the Lord but I am equally learning that it is something that we must imprint upon our hearts, minds, and souls. I must come to know that the Lord God, Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim can provide for my needs and yours as well.

I don't know what tomorrow brings as I am not a prophet. However, I know that God is able. He has promised to always be there for me even when I don't feel or have the audacity to believe he's not there or doesn't care. I hope, have faith, and trust that my God will deliver me into a bright future.

Pain is a purifier and we must all be tried by it. Fiery trials are what remove the dross or impurities from silver and gold. No one takes pleasure in being tried but we can have confidence is knowing that God will deliver us and give us an expected end.

So I encourage you (and me) as you're going through your trial, time of testing, pressure cooker, or stressful situation to find one thing to be thankful for and say Hallelujah, Lord I love you! Thank you Jesus for giving your life so that I could have one. Thank you Holy Spirit for being my guide and comforter as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Thank you God for making it possible for me to spend an eternity with Him where there will be no more dying, or crying, or trials, or evil things. God will make us new in Him and we will put off mortality for immortality and be forever with Him.

Again, as much as I or you could complain or could feel down trodden or depressed, let us lift up our hands and eyes and look to Jesus for our help. He will make a way some how.

Before bankruptcy, God provided relief to His people

2008-03-13T14:52:00.005-05:00

During the time of the Old Testament, there was no such thing as bankruptcy. Sure, there have always been people who for some reason or another could not repay their debt but there was no legal method in place which allowed them to avoid repaying their debt in full.

In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a woman with no means to repay her debt and who is also a widow, asks the prophet Elisha, what can she do? Elisha told her to gather as many empty oil vessels as possible from her neighbors. Next, he told her and her sons to go inside and begin to pour their existing, near empty oil vessel into the others. The woman and her sons filled up all the vessels from the one near empty vessel and the oil then stayed. Elisha then told the woman to sell the oil and repay her debt.

Bankruptcy is not, was not, still is not God's way. Our LORD provided for this woman. We don't know nor can we judge where, when and how she got into debt. We can, however, see that God made a way out of no apparent way. Without God, this woman and her sons would have become debt-slaves which was customary at the time when a person could not repair their debts. However, God made a way for her and her children and they survived.

May God bless us all in such a way. LORD, in the name of Jesus, help us to pay our debts in full and never return to them. Give us peace and contentment in your ways and in your word that we may be full of your grace, mercy and provision. We ask that you take charge of our finances, deliver us from the evils of debt and help us to be fiscally responsible and prosperous that we may lend and give to those around us. As a result, showing the love, mercy and grace God has promised to all that will believe in Him.

Oh! what a tangled web we weave...

2008-03-10T09:48:00.005-05:00

Yes indeed, "we" have woven ourselves a tangled web of debt. Through greed, lack of self-education, errant Christian leaders, commercial media, financial industry leaders, 'instant gratificationism', and plain ignorance many of us have become financial slaves to our creditors and lenders.

Most of you thought that your home was an asset. Why? That's what you were told. In fact, the real estate bubble was predicated on that lie and the complicity of banks, mortgage brokers, Realtors, and appraisers. Had you ever considered the definition of an asset? At best, your home or any real-estate is considered a long-term asset. A long-term asset implies that it cannot be quickly converted into cash. However, you home was functioning as a quasi liquid-asset during the real-estate bubble and gave you access to easy money that tempted many to go out and live well beyond their means.

The reason I said "quasi liquid-asset" is because a true liquid-asset can be converted completely into cash; You simply sell the asset relatively fast and receive a sum of money for it with no debt obligation. A home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) should have been viewed as a means to raise capital. That capital should have been put towards some venture that generated revenue and profit in order to justify the use of it. On the other hand, the capital could have been used to truly consolidate or 'restructure' debt payments and save money on interest and/or other fees and penalties associated with the previous debt(s).

The key to securing a capital loan against an "asset" is to understand the past, present, and future valuation -worth- of that asset. The banks and other lending institutions speculated the future worth of your home and lent you money based on their assumptions about its future value. You spent the money based on the same set of assumptions. However, the bank can afford to speculate as they ultimately retain ownership of "YOUR" home/asset. They can sell their failing lending business, receive government assistance (i.e. corporate bailouts), and/or write down their losses on their corporate income tax.

Most people don't understand how banks work or how their mortgage works. For example, what's the difference between APR and APY? How is the interest applied to the loan? These two basic question are essential to understanding the most fundamental financial instrument that many middle class people have -a mortgage. For example, would it surprise you to know that the interest payment on your mortgage is calculate daily? 7 days a week, 365/yr

I would encourage you guys to begin reading about bi-weekly mortgages and other mortgage accelerators that will help you pay less in interest over time and build or re-build equity in your home. Furthermore, many now have mortgages and are experiencing negative amortization. What is negative amortization? It is when the value of your home or "asset" is less than the outstanding mortgage balance on the home. So, if you house is worth $200K and your mortgage on the home is currently $230K -you are in negative amortization which means your paying more for your house than what it's worth! You possibly can't afford to sell it and you can't refinance it. What a tangled web we weave.

So what are our options? First, pray to God for a solution out of your present financial trouble. Make a solemn vow to never re-enter a "negative" debt obligation but trust in him for provision if you have a need that can't be met without going into debt. To digress a bit, "negative debt" is credit card debt, car loans, payday loans/title loans, and etc. Good debt is real-estate investments, margin loans secured by stocks or other securities, or any form of debt used to produce consistent income/profit, well managed, reduced over time, can easily be converted into cash, offers nice tax advantages/savings.

An example of good debt is purchasing a rental property. In short, the tenant's rent should pay the mortgage note at a minimum. Additionally, there may be a small profit that can be used to help manage the property. Moreover, rental property affords tax advantages such as depreciation, property maintenance expenses, etc. Over time, you can refinance your investment property to get cash to roll-over negative debt balances into now making that negative debt tax deductible and improving your monthly cash flow.

To begin untangling this 'web of debt', we must begin with God and understanding that He does not want us to be in debt but be lenders. We must also understand that debt repayment is required by God unless the creditor forgives some or all of your debt. Finally, we must begin sowing seeds through our monetary giving to the local church and others around us that are in need.

God does STILL have a plan for us and it's not too late for Him to execute that plan in our lives. God is able to do the impossible -including getting us out of debt. Be encouraged and pray today for a plan and act on it.

Honor the Lord at Christmas

2007-12-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

Jesus was a great teacher. At the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the synagogue teaching and engaging in debate with the pharisees of His day. Just think, a boy teaching as though he were a man. Not only a man but a learned man with great wisdom and insight.

Jesus gave few sermons. His most important work was teaching, healing, and forgiving people of their sins. Preaching was not His primary goal. I am not suggesting in any way that preaching is unnecessary. On the contrary, the bible says that in order to have faith the Word must be preached and those who aspire to such an office are wise.

However, I believe that we have plenty of preaching today and not always enough teaching. Teaching allows people the opportunity to digest Jesus in smaller portions such that they can better understand Him and who they are in Him. As Christians, we must learn God's word in order that we may teach our families and whomever we can about the importance of Christ and His message.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this coming Tuesday, December 25th 2007, let us consider that we must continue to learn all we can about His coming into the world. Why did He come? What was His legacy? What did He teach or preach? Who did He die for? A thorough understanding of these things alone will make us effective witness for the Lord. II Timothy 2:15 reads:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

The key here is study. You and I must study the Word of God. It is one primary way we can honor our Lord and Savior and His life and death and resurrection and ascension into heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father -the one true God.

Merry Christmas! After celebrating and exchanging gifts (if you practice this), take time to read your bible and pray that we can all exchange heavenly gifts with each other and with our fellow man: goodwill, peace and love.

When The Pain Won't Go Away

2007-12-18T09:16:00.000-06:00

There is a song titled "I've Been in the Storm Too Long", performed by the gospel group 'The Mighty Clouds of Joy'. Do you feel that you've been in the storm too long?

Is your heart heavy? Are your eyes weary? Do you groan and cry out to God Almighty but yet the storm rages? Are you tired? Do you feel like giving up? Do the winds seem to keep on blowing and yet you can find no shelter? If you answered "yes" to all of these questions then you really feel that you've been in the storm too long.

Where is God during the storm? We often ask if He cares. Why won't He help me? Why can't I just wake-up one day and it be over? My heart goes out to you. If it helps, know that you're not alone.

Many of us experience times of drought or even affliction in our lives. We can't see our way out of our problems. We've waited a long time and prayed all night and yet when the morning comes there still seems to be no end to the night.

Oh God, how long shall I be here? LORD please hear me. I am tired. This life is getting the best of me. I am not happy. Where is your joy? Where is my peace? Have you forsaken me?

Yet I have decided to still hold onto your hand. You are the only one who can help me. Please stop by my house, hospital bed, job, church, shelter, abandon house, car, ICU room and help me. My heart cries out to you continually. Please oh LORD, hear my earnest prayers and pleas and if you can just stop by for a moment to save me -that's all I need. I just need a touch. I need a word from heaven.

What must I do oh LORD? I have removed sin from my life and my heart is available to you. I am weak and you are so strong and able to do all things. In my despair, in my pain, please just take a little time to comfort me.

If I could just press through the trials and troubles of life and touch the hem of your garment, if I could just feel your presence in my despair, if I could hear a word from heaven letting me know that you see my pain and struggle, I would feel comforted knowing you heard my cry.

LORD save me from myself and my troubles. Help me to overcome and never to quit. Your calling is worth more than my life and with what I have left make it the best it's ever been. Bring joy into my life. Bless me with the desires of my heart. Deliver me upon high places and subdue my enemies that seek my destruction.

LORD, I need you. Father, your sons and daughters are calling upon you in their day of trouble and despair. You said in your word in Psalms that you would deliver us from trouble and that in turn we would worship you. I worship you now oh LORD. Please turn things around, make me the head and not the tail. Bless me to abound and not be abase for a season. Heal my son, daughter, and other love ones and make whole all the brokenness in me and in my loved ones.

Despite everything, I believe God love us. We may not understand it all but let's trust and believe that He will make a MAJOR way. That He will demonstrate His love in such a way that it changes our lives forever.

God loves you and so do I.

The Winds of Life

2007-12-16T01:31:00.000-06:00

The wind cannot be seen but nevertheless, it can be felt. Wind has no taste or smell of it's own, yet it can carry the smell of any odor -sweet or foul. Wind is an unseen force that is necessary to circulate stale air to provide continuous fresh air.

It's strange how things in life have multiple purposes. A bullet can save a life through its destructive forces. Yet, a bullet can also kill and maim a person. Words can sooth us; A song or a poem can take us to a different place mentally and/or spiritually by filling our hearts with hope and our minds with new possibilities and new insights. Yet, words can "cut" a person down, destroy self-esteem, hurt feelings, cause misunderstandings, and even lead to spiritual or physical death.

We must at times accept and, if possible, ask God for understanding so we can discern the winds in our life. I can't always see trouble, but I feel it. Trouble has different "smells". Have you ever heard the expression "I think I smell a rat" or "I smell trouble"? I am sure you have. We can all feel and even "smell" trouble. Despite this, trouble can actually smell sweet if God is using it for our benefit and for His glory.

For example, if your trouble lead to great wisdom and riches like King Solomon or success in business and in relationships, you might feel that the trouble is/was worth it because the end is positive. On the contrary, some trouble is truly that -trouble. How do we deal with plain, hurtful and disheartening trouble? Consider the Psalmist words:

Psalms 138:7 - Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

NOTE: Please also read Psalms 31:7-24

Praise God! I ask that you pray for me that the Lord will be there for me and my family to deliver us from trouble as we face the winds of life. Pray that a good wind blows in our life. I'll do the same for you and your family.

The "winds of life" will and must blow. Life continues through God's grace and mercy. I pray that in the midst of our trouble, in the midst of our valley, that God will give us victory over fear and doubt. Give us peace or Lord to stay in the "race".

Please God comfort us and deliver us. We need your hand at work in our lives and your face to shine upon us to give us favor and protection. I love you and so does our God.

Be a good and faithful servant. Do the right thing.

Learning to Intercede

2007-12-16T01:10:00.000-06:00

Intercede - to plead on another's behalf; to act as a mediator in a dispute.

Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

After a day spent at the hospital praying for a man recently made a paralytic by a unintended bullet and praying with his mother who is deeply saddened and troubled, I began to really understand what it meant to bear another's burdens and intercede.

If we truly love our neighbor as we love ourselves, then we absolutely must pray for each other and be there for each other. We must learn to trouble ourselves for someone else; make a sacrifice. Take time from you day and pray for someone you know who needs it. Your prayers make a difference in the lives of others -even if they never know you prayed for them.

As the Spirit of the Lord makes intercessory prayer for us, we must do the same for one another as best we can. Get to know your neighbor, co-worker, or anyone as the Spirit leads you and learn something about them that you can petition the Lord for help and deliverance.

Your groanings, words, and faith will make the difference in someone's life. Also know that even the way you live your life represents all that you are. Are you a child of God? Do you love God? Do you believe that somehow, some way, He can make a way? Let's act like it and encourage each other as believers and pray with or for non-believers that they will experience the awesome presence of God and learn to intercede for someone too.

Learning to Give

2007-12-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

My Christian brother and friend, Larry Robinson has a remarkable calling on his life to teach believers how become richly blessed through their giving to God. Larry teaches us that giving is a reflection of our relationship to God. According to Larry, God is not as interested in the gift as He is the giver -or the giver's attitude. Attitude determines our "altitude".

Read Larry's blog which contains his complete work and information on his Podcast series. Larry's work is titled "More Than The Gift". He has been a blessing in my life and that of our church's. We wish him continued success in all things.

See http://christiangiving.blogspot.com

WARNING: Are you being watchful and prayerful?

2007-12-04T10:08:00.000-06:00

Back in the 19th and 20th centuries, coal miners would place a canary (a yellow bird) in the mines to detect methane gas. Canary's are very sensitive to this gas and if the levels are too high, they will die. As a warning system, the miners used this technique so if the bird stopped singing and was found dead they would then evacuate the mines for safety. Do you see the warnings around you? Are you sensing the coming danger?

This posting is meant to encourage you to educate yourself in God's Word, the world, and current affairs. Despite our personal challenges, desires, dreams, and goals, there is much going on in the world today. The global economy is near depression, the U.S. dollar is at it's lowest point in recent history and social/political unrest is occurring in many countries. Oil futures prices are seemingly out of control and the supply and demand for oil balance in changing for the worse (e.g. more demand than supply).

We all studied the 1929 US Stock market crash but a global market crash is coming and it will be unprecedented and much worse than the 20th century's stock market collapse. Even then there were various scholars, political leaders, business leaders and even preachers warning the world of a pending calamity with global economic implications but no one seemed to listen. No one seems to really believe something like this can happen in our modern economy and world. For example, many people really believe that there's "someone" in charge when the reality is that no one person or entity is in charge that has world influence -at least not yet.

Countries, corporations, and individual investors all act as independent agents in today's global capital markets. Believe it or not, no one at the proverbial switch. Our global economy is a very delicate balancing act between large and small investors. All it takes is one major war, weather event, act of terrorism, oil shortage, etc and our economy as we know it will fall like a house of cards; consider the current sub-prime fiasco.

God said "...be not deceived: God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.". This is God's ultimate axiom or law, that that as long as the earth remains there will always be a seed time and a harvest time. Many of today's economic seeds were planted long ago. Greed was the creed for the roaring 90's as Wall Street, Washington, and the world feasted on unprecedented success and prosperity. Even you enjoyed the benefits of this season. I am not suggesting you were greedy or did anything improper but that we all enjoyed this season of high home values, large gains in the stock market, jobs were aplenty, and nearly anyone qualified for a loan to buy cars and homes and etc.

So, am I saying that because our economy has taken a down turn, there will be no rebound? Am I suggesting that because times are tight now that they'll be this way forever? No. What I am saying is that you need to read the signs of the times. You need to now start learning more about your bible, biblical prophesy, and bolstering your relationship to God through His son, our Savior Jesus. Now is the time.

We may experience another "season of prosperity" before it's all over. But beware, God's anger is kindled and judgement is sure to come upon the earth. The world's financial markets will fall, the US dollar will fall, wars and rumors of wars are happening and this will give rise to a new world order -the season of the anti-Christ.

So what should you do? Pray and watch -which is EXACTLY what the bible tells us to do. Jesus told His disciples to NOT be afraid but that perilous times would come upon the earth and but He would NOT forsake us.

Do not do anything with yourself, finances, and family as a result of my comments but be wise and pray, seek God's direction. Did you know that TODAY, many of world's rich have fortified mountain retreats with security and stock piles of food as they see the coming financial disaster a far off? But there is no place for them to hide.

It's time to grow up now and get the facts and discern the changing times. Jesus REALLY IS coming back. His agenda, His primary agenda has been to build-up his church and bring to earth God's kingdom. If you happen to get rich while you're alive or before His return, GREAT! Jesus says the poor will always be among you and that it is our job to care for them.

Read, watch, fast, and pray. Read your bibles, study God's world, and get educated. Read the newspapers and pray to God for understanding and peace. Prepare your hearts and your family's hearts through prayer and devotion to God.

I have many dreams and I have material desires. But God comes first, then family, then friends and ministry partners, then money. God is asking us to start paying attention and get our houses in order. Do not get slack and think you have anymore time that what you have for the bible says no man knows the day or the hour or Lord cometh.

Have you considered my servant Job?

2007-11-30T09:10:00.000-06:00

God is moving in our lives and getting us ready. Amen. Stay with me.

I am still speaking on the subject of counting the cost from my previous posting where I discussed that it cost to be a disciple or follower of Jesus. I went on to say that in many cases no one sat down with you and helped you consider the cost so that you understood what was required of you and thus could begin your training knowing what the end result would be versus floundering around trying to find your way and being lead astray by false prophets.

Consider this teaching on how God deals with His sons and how he accepts us into His flock; Hebrews 12, verses 5-13:

(v5) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
(v6) because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes [scourageth] everyone he accepts as a son
(v7) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
(v8) If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
(v9) Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! (v10) Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
(v11) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (v12) Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
(v13) "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

WOW! Goodnight! You can turn off the late night "seed sowing ministries" and stop reading Christian books on "how to be rich": sorry, "how to live abundantly" and go to bed or carry on your day in peace knowing that God is using your trial(s) and trouble(s) to discipline you and me. No book or ministry is going to change that. You are suffering for a divine reason. You are being refined by the refiners' fire to become righteous and strong in faith, ready to uphold, defend, and share the gospel of our Lord. You see, these are the things that God is most preoccupied with as oppose to material gain.

What am I saying? I am saying, stop seeking material gain for the moment and get your fundamentals together. You want God to say that what you are doing or have done is "good enough" -it's not. You have to keep going. You have to keep praying. You have to keep fasting. You have to keep trying. You cannot faint. You will and must finish this race. God is not going to say, "Well, she got almost there" or "Well, she didn't sin too much so...". No, our God is perfect and exacting in every way. His standards are high and you must meet them if you want His best for your life.

You are not ready for your blessing just yet. Take this time and let us all work together to strengthen ourselves and each other so that we are ready to do all the is required of us and enjoy our crown, enjoy our reward, and reap our harvest. If you faint, you will not receive the blessing and you can read your bible to find that out (see Galatians 6:9) which reads:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Again, stop asking God to give "it" to you early -He won't. You must endure and hit your mark as my brother shared with me last night. I am encouraged to hit my mark and taste victory whatever it takes. I don't want to ask God to accept my 99.5% service as "good enough" or "almost". On the contrary, I want to give Him a 100% because that's what He gave and gives me, His all. Remember the song which says: "Lord I'm running, trying to make 100 because 99 and a half won't do"?

Remember, I love you and so does God. He just wants us to get better and learn to fight and to win and to overcome. It is a struggle and you will hurt and even cry. But in the end, you will be made strong, wiser, better, courageous, mighty, and live a life of VICTORY!!!

Counting the Cost: No cross, No crown

2007-11-21T23:08:00.000-06:00

Are you aware that you to are called to be a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple of our Lord is a requirement versus a post or spiritual gift. The definition of disciple means "one who follows another's teaching". As a result, we are learners or as the bible says on many occasions "partakers". Consider Hebrews 3:14:

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;..."

As a disciple, your primary goal is to learn; Learn of the Master which is Jesus. We are to emulate him and imitate him in such a way that people can see the "Christ" in us -sound familiar? Recall what God desires concerning our relationship to His son. Consider Romans 8:29 which reads:

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son,..."

In order to be conformed into the likeness of God's son we must be: taught, coached, learned, exposed, and chastised in order to subscribe to the teachings and ways of Jesus. As a result, we then become His disciples and He our Master. Just so you are aware, you are in no worse a position to become a disciple as the original twelve disciples Jesus chose. He chose simple, yet hard working men who's hearts He could mould into a heart after His. It was their willingness to follow Him that made them great disciples -then Apostles.

However, this discipleship or path that we've chosen does cost something. Consider Luke 14:26-33:

v26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
v27. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
v28. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
v29. Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
v30. Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
v31. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
v32. Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassador, and desireth conditions of peace.
v33. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Verse 26 uses strong, colorful language to suggest that nothing can be put above our service to Jesus as His disciples. Verse 27 indicates that we too must be willing to suffer to some extent or another as He suffered during His walk here on earth. Our Lord and Savior walked where we walk and endured trials, temptations, lack, sorrow, and happiness just as we do. Note: An effective leader will not ask his followers to do anything the he hasn't or truthfully would not do himself.

Verse 28 provides an example of counting the cost. What does it cost to do this or that? Verses 29 and 30 tell us that we plan to fail if we do not assess the cost or requirements before we decide to do something or follow someone. The final verse 33, reiterates that we must be willing to give up all, to gain all.

Yes, this a tough issue. Far from prayer cloths, prayer rugs, and late night "seed planting sermons", we learn that our walk with Christ requires more from us than what many of us have been taught. It is time that we understand just what following Christ is all about. It's not about church, or being in the choir, or trusting God for money and promotion but at its core it is about self-denial and righteousness. If you think about it, this is the only way we can do many things that God has asked us to do such as:

Love our enemies
Pray for ones who mistreat you
Abstain from uncleanliness (sin)
Seek God first in all that we do
Be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ

Can you see the pattern evolving? It all requires self-denial (i.e. the putting down of pride, revenge, and will) and living a holy life. The Lord says to "...be holy, as he is holy".

This is unpopular and you are brave if you read this long enough to get to this sentence. This disturbs our flesh and makes us feel a bit burdened or even sad as we realize that there is indeed a cost of following Christ -a cost that exceeds what many of us have been taught.

When you joined church, if you can remember, what happened? Did you really learn or fully understand what it meant to follow Christ? Did you know that you decided to become a disciple versus a church memeber? Did you know that you became a partaker in the sufferings and also glory of the Lord?

Remember, God doesn't place His primary focus on the material elements in this world as He has said throughout the bible that this world is temporal and will pass away. He has promised to provide all of our needs and to give us the desire of our hearts but remember James 4:3 which reads:

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

What's my point, am I trying to discourage you? No. Does God want you to suffer lack? No, unless maybe He's using it as a tool to chastise you or increase you. But you and I need to read our whole bibles to understand what's really going on. I can, as many do, give you pieces of scriptures and string them together in such a way that you will be lead to believe that God's gonna make you a billionaire. Is not God's value to us worth more than money or material gain?

Your value to God is being a disciple of His Son Jesus. By doing this you will be made righteous in His image and experience God's blessings and provision while here on earth and spend an eternity in His presence upon His return. Your abundant life starts the day you give up your current life and say "not my will, but thy will be done". Count the cost and pray that God gives you the strength to run this race. I leave you with this:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

I love you and so does God. Stay with me...we're being pruned for growth. Keep reading.

Who Do You Listen To?

2007-11-21T21:54:00.001-06:00

There are many influences out there in the world that compete for our attention. Listening is the primary way that all men and women receive information. For example, before literacy was common and before people developed the ability to transcribe or write, they told stories. In addition to story telling, it was also common to pass down history and events through the form of poetry and song.

What is my point? Where am I going? Well, I'll tell you: Be careful what you listen to and what you allow your children to listen to. Music and poetry (especially spoken word) can have a powerful influence on your thinking and interpretation of the world and your relationship with God.

Unfortunately, much of today's music is not consistent with biblical instruction. Today, many hip-hop artist and R & B singers sing songs that encourage fornication, lust, murder, elicit drug use, intoxication, and strife. Are we to listen to these songs? Are we to support people that promote the things our God hates and has severely punished and destroyed entire nations because of their involvement in such things? Are we heir destruction or abundant life? Has not Jesus come to redeem us and deliver us from such sin?

Friends, I am not saying that all music (including "worldly" music) is bad. What I am suggesting to you is that you listen to the content. What are the saying? What are they suggesting as "the thing to do"? The bible says the we must guard our hearts and beware of evil influences. Apostle Paul says that we should renew our mind daily and commit our way to the Lord.

Let us stop listening to music in who's content our God hates. God does not hate music nor musicians. He does, however, hate sin. Music that glorifies sin is wrong. Our very lives should be testimonies to God's saving power. The bible says that we ought to abide in Him and He in us. Would God listen to much of the music you listen to? Would God promote music that gives adults and kids bad ideas about sex, drinking, money, women, and etc? No. God would promote love above murder and revenge. He would promote marriage above consensual sex. He would promote being good stewards of the money He's allowed us to use and not spending it foolishly and lavishly to promote ourselves.

Who do you listen to? Does it glorify God? Does it agree with what God agrees with? Does it contain lyrics that suggest that sin is good and abstaining from such sins is bad? Is it peaceful or mean-spirited? God wants us to be more in tune to Him. God's calling you; He's speaking to you. Are you listening right now or is your mind consumed with worldly music and lifestyle.

Choose Jesus today as your Savior. Listen to God's quite voice (which means you must meditate and pray) and omit the "worldly" noises in your life.

I love you and so does our God. God bless you and keep you.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be thankful.

God's Call

2007-11-21T21:22:00.001-06:00

I believe that God's calling on my life is to live out and help restore to the local church the principals outlined in Galatians 6:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 5:6-7. If you have an issue with this consider this passage of scripture which is Hebrews 12:10-13. My friends, God requires us to be pure and holy. Today, many preachers are preaching about God's grace and mercy but oddly enough fail to preach about God's wrath and hatred of sin and unrighteousness. They preach about money and wealth but not about the Lord's return and His judgement.

Let me say this plain: God hates sin. God does not want you to sin. God sent his son Jesus to "set the captives free". Who were the captives? What are they being set free from? The captives were you and I and we were being set free from sin. Sin had us in bondage and Jesus came to offer us a more abundant life. Can a slave live an abundant life? Can a slave do as he wishes? No. An abundant life in Jesus does not consist of things but of an abundance in spiritual blessings and gifts. It is rich in love and mercy; It is full of joy and peace.

An abundant life is not free from suffering nor death. An abundant life will feel pain and suffering much like our Master, Jesus, did during His life here on earth. Many preachers preach that an abundant life is primarily abundant with things (i.e. money, cars, houses, vacations, wealth). However friends, I tell you that Jesus nor God our Father is concerned with those things as we are so concerned. Jesus said that God would supply our needs and with such I am learning to be content.

Do I want things? Do I have material desires? Yes! But I also realize that my desire for these things can:

Cause me to lust after them
Cause me to put more energy into pursuing those things than pursuing God
Cause me to make unrighteous choices or compromise my godly standards
Cause me to become greedy or very self-centered
Cause me to put those things before my family

God will give you the desires of your heart but only after your heart is a heart the reflects His heart. His heart loves and has compassion for the poor. His heart is forgiving. His heart is rich in mercy. His heart is patient.

Are you obedient to God? Do you know His word? Are you patient? Do you love those who don't love you? Are you holding a grudge still? Do you have mercy -even if the other person doesn't deserve it?

Remember, God's ways are not our ways. The system God setup for us is TOTALLY different than that of the world. You are IN the world but not OF the world. As a result, the world's system will affect you but you are not to live by it, but by God's system. God's system is contrary to your carnality or natural ways. Your "psyche" suggest that God's system is foreign -it is! Remember, you were born into sin and thus need to be re-born or "born again".

Friends, I am here by the grace of God to provide a place for us to help one another. I need your help and you need mine. Read Galatians 6:1-2 and you'll understand our mutual purpose. However, in order for us to purify and sanctify God's house we must be free from sin ourselves, humble, full of the Holy Spirit and PATIENT. We must continue to support each other in prayer and seek the Lord for His direction to bring about a revival in the local body of Christ.

I don't know about you but I need the LORD before a car or house. I need the One who died for me more than I need a house. I need the Holy Spirit to comfort me and give me peace when times are hard than do I need anything. I need the LORD and his grace and mercy. I can live on these things; I can't live on material things as when calamity comes, I will be utterly destroyed.

I love you and so does our God. Praise him! He is worthy to be praised!

No more pity parties

2007-11-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

As I was driving home from church, the Spirit put a thought in my head. As I was passing by a pond, I observed a barren tree. The Spirit said, "Does the tree feel sorry for itself?" I didn't quite get it in the split second I had to debate it before I observed all the leaves of this particular tree neatly arrayed in their yellow hue on the ground below it. Again, all the tree's branches were barren and its leaves were on the ground directly below it. As I began to think about this, the Spirit again said that it was the tree's season to lose its leaves.

Wow. Think about it. Did the tree feel sorry for itself. I believe the tree knew that shedding its leaves was necessary. In fact, I don't even think the tree knows or maybe understands why it's necessary. Moreover, he has probably never asked his Creator, "Why are you taking my leaves?" I can't imagine the tree arguing with God about his leaves. After all, did the tree create itself? Did the tree give himself leaves?

You see, God's creations know their purpose and place in the world -even the universe. They feel no pity for themselves and understand and accept when their time or season is at an end. Why do they show such grace? Because they have fulfilled their purpose in the sight of God.

Are you fulfilling your purpose? Are you more to God than the tree? The bible says so. In fact, you are the crown jewel of all God's creation. So, today, let us both stop throwing pity parties. Know that you serve a God that is able to deliver you from all of your troubles and distress. Stop being a victim and start being a victor.

Let us begin to truly seek God. Read your bible today and pray. Actually set aside time to praise, pray, and prepare. Start your day by thanking God for it and for the good possibilities it can bring. You are fearfully and wonderfully made; you were made in the very image of God. Believe it; know it and live it. Get free and enjoy your God given life. Ask God today for deliverance and continue in prayer until it comes. I love you and so does God.

Where did we go wrong?

2007-11-16T08:14:00.000-06:00

At some point during life's journey you and I took a wrong turn. Some where along the way we became no longer content with the simple things in life; Some where along the way someone lied to us and told us that God wanted us to be rich. At some point we saw, with our natural eyes, other people with nice or even great material possessions and decided that we wanted such things for ourselves -not even always for our family or children; But for ourselves.

The bible says in Exodus 20:17 (by the way, this is where the 10 commandments are listed) that we should not covet our neighbor's possessions. But some where along life's journey we decided that we wanted what our neighbor's lifestyle. Also know that your neighbor is not just the person or family next to you: every man and woman in the world is our neighbor.

Whether we realize it or not, sometimes that noble and good desire to aspire and achieve can lead us, over time, to covet our neighbor's possessions. That once nice, passing desire has now turned into lust. Generally, we often confuse lust with passion. Please read my previous journal posting titled "God's best for you" where I break down lust and lusting. In any event, this passion can quickly become lust as our desire for things or a thing [or person] intensifies.

Our intensity and lust, we mistakenly believe, represents our "focus". We are "focused" nowadays and don't have time for bible study, mentoring, family activities, etc. We are so "focused" that we have moved away from the very being that has all power in His hands and is able to do more that we could ever imagine or think if we put Him first in our lives. Remember, seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness (stop acting un-Christian) and all these things [house, clothes, food, money, transportation] will be added unto you.

Turn your desire and focus for material gain into a strong yearning for God's presence in your life. He is able to do what you now believe is seemingly impossible despite what the enemy and some of your friends and associates have told you. Turn to God for He alone can and will supply all your need as He has promised to in His word. Be patient and be humble; For the bible says in due season you will reap if you faint not. The bible also says that God has a chosen time to exalt you so don't spend anymore time exalting yourself.

Impress God; read your bible and turn from sin. Again, enjoy life's simple pleasures. Know that it is OK to be yourself. It is OK to say, "I can't do or buy that." It's OK to have to "pinch pennies" and sometimes sacrifice or do without some things (i.e. a new car, new clothes, hair cut every week, etc.) Are you not more than your clothes, cars, and hair? Is God not able to provide you with these measly material things?

Stop looking at your neighbor and look at God. Rest in Him. Love yourself and your family. Take time to read your bible each day or at least 3-5 times a week as it is what will get you through the daily grind. Your day is coming. Wait on it. This time, do not go wrong for now you know what to do. Your key to success is your relationship with God. Make it happen today and tomorrow too. I love you and so does our God! He is worthy of our praise. Praise God!

A very short thought...

2007-11-15T09:56:00.000-06:00

“Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.”
Psalms 119:143.

Please meditate on this scripture and recognize what's most important -your trouble and distress or God. God is able. Pray for me and I pray for you that he will deliver us from our trouble and distress. For those of us who keep His commands (or have now learned to keep His commands in our trouble and distress) and for those who fear Him, God has promised to deliver us. The Psalmist said he praised God seven times a day; consider the fact that in his distress he still praised God.

Praise God once today. Praise Him because the winds are changing direction in your life and God is going to show you how much He loves you. He may not be done with you, but He knows how much you can bear and wants to let the sun break through your cloudy day. I love you and so does our God. Glory to His name! Praise God!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

2007-11-12T12:45:00.000-06:00

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us..."
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities,

Does this ever sound like your life? Maybe you're feeling or experiencing the essence of Charles Dickens carefully penned words. Life is complex. This merry-go-round called life seems to never stop sometimes. But the "joy of the Lord" as some bible authors articulate it, is the key to emotional and mental stability so we can have peace and joy during the best of times and worst of times.

Joy is not common in our language today. Think about it, how many times do you use or hear someone use the word 'joy'? We often hear words like happy, good, best, perfect, and etc. to describe how we feel or how we feel about a thing or situation but we seldom use the word 'joy'.

Joy means being emotionally stable. Joy implies that you know the truth about life which is this:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace [joy]. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So in this life, we will have tribulation. But our Lord says to be of good cheer! For He has overcome the world. But here's the central theme of my postings captured in verse 32:

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

You are not alone; the Father is with you! When we know who we are and who's we are we can then begin to have peace. From peace, we will experience joy. From joy, we will know contentment. Once content, we will learn and show patience. As we wait, we will develop hope. After hope, we will experience God grace.

This may be a dark time in your life. You may very well be in the valley of life. I understand -I'm right behind you. You see, I too want to give up sometimes; I too feel abandoned or left to wonder where is God. Don't lose hope. Hang in there. Keep the faith. The bible says that those who come to God must believe who He says He is for without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

Also consider that you do not have a better alternative. Who else is able to do, what God can do? Consider Ezekiel 37:1-28 concerning the valley of dry bones. The LORD asked Ezekiel in verse 3 "Son of man, can these dry bones live?". What God does next is amazing! He told Ezekiel to prophesy or "speak" life into those dry bones and by the power of God, through Ezekiel speaking God's word, those dry bones lived.

Tip for our lives: Speak to your valley of dry bones: broken dreams, failed relationships, failed businesses, and bad decisions and tell those dry bones to live.

I know the refiners furnace is hot right now and you are tired. I understand your earnest prayers for God to release you, rescue you, or heal you. Despite your despair, there is one thing I know: God is able. He is abundantly able such that in our best of times, worst of times, and all times in between to do exceeding and abundantly beyond all that we could ask or think.

Let us support and encourage one another. Pray for me and I for you lest we fall. I pray for you and me that we hold on until our change comes. Rest assured that our "best of times" are coming. Praise God!

(Besides, if they don't come soon, I'll be out of cigarettes! LOL! Just Kidding)

Be encouraged! (and don't smoke)

Do you really love yourself?

2007-11-09T20:29:00.000-06:00

Why are we seldom happy with our true selves? We tend to put a lot of energy emulating other people instead of putting that energy into ourselves. God desires for us to be the best us, we can be. Jesus said, when asked what is the greatest commandment, that we ought to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind and that we should love our neighbor as we love ourselves (see Mark 12:30). So see my friends, Jesus' assumption or rather expectation is that we LOVE ourselves: our true selves.

Often we spend a lot of time trying to be like someone who we believe has something more special than what we have. In addition, we frequently spend too much money and/or get into a lifestyle of indebtedness, trying to pursue or live a dream lifestyle or fantasy. Moreover, some of us really began to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and began to look down upon others or grow frustrated with those who don't seem to reflect our new persona. Consider Romans 12:3 which reads:

v3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

What's wrong with loving your real self? The self that's broke or broken; afraid or unsure; heavy or plus size. The self that does not always have it together and the self that is still struggling to find itself. The key to your success comes first by accepting who you really are. Money, fame, or fortune will not make you, a better you! You will continue to be the same lonely, afraid, insecure, baggage carrying, low-self esteem having, ashamed of the past true YOU.

The you, that you present to the world may have a Mercedes, multi-million dollar estate, investments, VVS(2) clarity diamond jewelry, and etc. That you, that you present to the world may have it going on, so to speak. Nevertheless, the real you can be dying inside: experiencing a deep feeling of emptiness. That you is yet lonely and afraid: hurt and still longing for true love.

My beloved, be the best you, you can be with or without the material things you desire. Get yourself together so that when God allows material fortune or whatever you desire to come your way, He can rest assured that you will be a trustworthy steward -this is key. Remember that all is His and nothing is ours; we are only users or borrowers at best.

The bible says naked you came into this world and naked you shall depart. When and if God gives you an abundance of resources, only a God-centered, spirit-filled, loving you can handle all that comes with such a blessing. Most importantly, that real you can begin to help others find themselves and become the real them.

Love yourself and be content (not complacent) with where you presently are in life. Things can and will change but make sure the real you is ready. Please feel free to click 'Comments' to share your thoughts.

The reason why we sing

2007-11-08T14:05:00.000-06:00

What does it mean to bless the Lord at all times? Many of us can praise and worship God when things are going OK and definitely when things are going the way we want them to go. However, God requires that we praise and worship Him at all times. Why? Because He is still God -regardless of what we're going through. Remember, time nor life stops when we're going through a storm. You may have just gone through a storm and be rejoicing because you made it through or possibly just experienced a good season in your life but now things aren't going so well. In either situation, God is still worthy to be praised.

Jesus did not promise that everyday will be good, but that He would never leave us or forsake us. He promised to leave behind 'the Comforter' to enable us to continue in all good works and rest in God's mercy and peace. Do not let your heart be troubled such that you believe the Lord has forsaken you. His timing is impeccable and above all He demands of us that we trust Him. Remember, Hebrews 11:6 which reads:

6 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.

How do we diligently seek the Lord? Through prayer, study, fasting, and meditation. God will bring your life to the point that these things become priorities to you all of a sudden. Before, fasting was too hard, now you find yourself fasting an entire day versus a "juice fast" for a half-day. Now, you are praying nearly all day long whereas before you said "Jesus wept" quickly before you ate lunch at work. Now, the bible isn't "too hard" to read. Instead, you are now going to bible class, Sunday School, or even bookstores seeking more insight on God's Word and in particular something that speaks to your situation.

My friends, God has now gotten our full and complete attention. Actually, He has helped us to help ourselves. You see, we have now began to diligently seek Him therefore, now He can reward us! Not only are you seeking him, surprisingly enough you have stopped sinning. You can't remember the last time you had un-marital sex with that man or woman. You can't remember the last time you got drunk. You can't remember the last time you cussed someone out or gossiped. My goodness! God has not only got your attention, but now you are really acting like you are His child. See what God had done for you?

Through the suffering and through the pain, He has transformed your life in a way that you were unable to do so without suffering. God alone has helped you to position yourself to be blessed by Him and experience His grace and mercy. He has used you despite your unwillingness to fully cooperate before and has shown you that you really can be righteous; that you can live a life that's pleasing in His sight.

However, during this time the devil will use our God-given emotions and abilities to reason, to state that God has abandoned us; that He no longer cares. As I've stated in the past, we often go through a similar process before we begin to realize that God does love us and that we have to trust Him.

Take this with you: God will not allow you to suffer a second longer than necessary. He does not take pleasure in your suffering.

Remember King David's words in I Chronicles 28:20 which reads:

20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

So why do we sing? We sing praises to God in our strange place or time of trouble because He alone is able to save us, restore unto us that which we lost, and make prosperous all that we do; all that we dream. These (and many more) are the reasons why we sing.

God's Best for you

2007-11-06T15:00:00.000-06:00

Depending on where you are, what kind of person you are, or what you're going through, the title of this message could be reassuring to some or further frustrate others. After all, what's best doesn't always feel like it's best for us. The LORD says in Isaiah 55:8:

v8. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. v9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

So, we are challenged then to begin to see life from God's perspective. God sees us through the eyes of eternity and purpose. Often times, we live our entire lives as humans never fully knowing our purpose or realizing our divine calling.

The cares of this world over take us and we begin to only focus on material needs and desires. After a while, what God wants for us becomes second to what we want for ourselves. We believe the desires of our heart are good for us and the reality is that our desires may truly be noble and harmless. However, our desire turns to lust. Many of us really do not know what lust really means. Follow this link to learn more: http://www.access-jesus.com/definition-of-lust.html

Once we begin to lust, our lust will lead to perversion. This is where Satan enters your heart. A once good desire for what we felt was "best" for us has now turned into lust, perverted ideas and obsessive behavior. The final step on this road is to become out of control which leads to utter rebellion against earthly authority and our God in heaven.

Let us learn and be made to know that God's way is the best way and that patience is necessary in all areas of life. Regardless of what we see or how we feel, God has a plan for us that is customized and intended to be His best for us.

Finally my friends, let us all learn to be content. It will keep us from evil and from making wrong choices that are sure to damage our fragile lives.

A Strange Place (part 2)

2007-11-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

Life can be a strange place. The bible says in Hebrews 11:13:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

As a result, we often times feel that as Christians, the way we are required by God and our Savior to live while on earth is nearly opposite than the way everyone else lives. Moreover, "everyone else" seems to be getting ahead despite their wickedness and contempt for God and His laws. These "everyone else" people seem to succeed while we are hard-pressed on every side and often find it challenging to "get ahead".

The moral code in which we are required to live by is superior and foreign to us which is why it does not seem natural -it isn't natural! Our Creator has required that we live righteously and pattern ourselves after His son, our Savior Jesus. Jesus faced many of the same challenges we face. He suffered lack just as we do. Let us look at Matthew 8:20:

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath no[t] where to lay his head.

Our Savior suffered pain and felt the sting of death. So, our Savior suffered just as we do and yet there was no quick fix for Him either. God could have stopped this process or even skipped it all-together and simply wiped out mankind. However, He sent His only begotten Son to die a sinner's death -a thief and/or a murders death, for you and for me.

Yes, you are in a strange place and yes you are going through a dark valley. Yes, He knows you are hurting and yes He understands your brokenness. He sees you cry and discerns your heart. Above all, He loves you despite how you feel. I wish we could all physically hold His and at times -even if He didn't make the situation better immediately, but there's just something about God's presence.

God's presence in our lives will make the difference. Psalms 23 reads:

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

So, we see here that as the Psalmist is going through the valley, the LORD is with him, His rod (means to keep evil at bay) and staff (used to guide you) will comfort me. It doesn't say God's rod or staff will provide the solution, nor does it say they will hurry the Psalmist along but comfort him.

Jesus left the Holy Spirit here to comfort us and be our guide. The closer we are to Him, the more comfort we will experience throughout God's peace, fellow believers, and time in prayer.

I'll leave you with this passage by Charles Spurgeon:

My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver me.

God will deliver you -don't quit. Post your story to help others who may be struggling through a strange place or time in their life.

A Strange Place (part 1)

2007-11-01T23:07:00.000-05:00

Are you in a strange place? Life can be a strange place. What's in your head versus the reality of your life can be discouraging.

Below is a scene. Consider a person, like you -in a strange place. These are his thoughts and fears...can you relate?

Everyone is doing better than me. I tried them all but there are no quick fixes...what to do, what to do. Trust in God? Isn't there something I can do? Why can't I fix it? Hmm...I'll throw a pitty party since I can't fix it now. Surely, someone will come to my delightful affair, see my plight, have the solution in hand and fix things right away! Ok...that didn't quite work as planned.

Aha! I've got it! I'll complain! Surely complaining will get someone's (hint, hint) attention! He'll have no other choice than to help me. After all, who wants to listen to someone complaining? At the same time, maybe he'll be ashamed of himself for not having helped me when I needed it so now to redeem himself, he'll have to help me.

He must be deaf! I mean after all I've done to get his attention. Ooh! Maybe he's not paying attention and doesn't give a care. That must be it! He doesn't care. After all, if I were him and it were me, and I saw someone like me in need I would rush right in and help them. Man, if I had what he had then no one (including me) would ever feel like I do. I can't believe he doesn't care. Surely he must. Why doesn't he hear me? Screw it. I'll figure something out...

Damn it! I'll just quit! It's been too long and nothing. That's it, I'll just quit and give up. If I give up, then I'm not responsible because I gave up...it was too hard. If the situation would have been easier or if someone (hint, hint) would have helped me then I would be OK. I did all I could to fix it and mind you with no help. I prayed and he didn't answer NOR did he attend my party. I thought he would stop me from quitting but didn't do that either -he let me quit!

I have no idea where I am...I am in a strange place. Nothing looks familiar to me -including myself. No one is here with me; I am all alone. All I can do is think about the past and how great it was before I got here. I wish I could find my way out. I cry, but no one hears me. I scream, but no one helps me. I have no more hope and am in despair.

I am in a strange place. I have exhausted all possibilities. I am too tired to run and too tired to feel sorry for myself. I want to get out of here.

Are you in a strange place now in your life? Do you feel powerless? Do you feel like throwing in the towel? Share your thoughts...

A Faithful Friend

2007-10-27T08:52:00.000-05:00

It is often hard to see God as a "faithful friend" when times are hard. Today, while I was driving to work, I had a vision of our God, our Jehovah, looking at me. It literally brought me to tears as I was so moved by His presence. In the vision I saw him on a great white or ivory throne, flanked by angels, arrayed in fine gold.

As a friend, our desire should be to please God and do unto Him, as we desire Him to bid unto us. We must desire to seek God's presence, knowing that His "hand" is always able. Please refer to Isaiah 50:2 which reads:

Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

"hand" refers to His help/assistance. God is not just here to help or aid us. But to be our God and us His children and faithful servants. God's presence in our lives has the ability to bring favor and blessings into our lives as His presence ushers in divine influence and abilities.

This week, read and meditate on Psalms 1:2-3. It will give us hope as we press forward and persevere through prayer. We believe as God says which is that nothing for Him is impossible and all things are possible to him who believes. We are encouraged to read John 14:1-3. This passage of God's Word instructs us regarding our weariness and fear.

I will leave you with my newest, favorite Psalm. Psalm 40 reads:

1. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. (2) 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. (3) 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.

God is our wonderous Heavenly Father whom we have the pleasure of knowing and serving. Our obedience to him will bring us all the we need and more to accomplish all that He has for us. With God, there is no lack. He alone is THE provision and manna.

Praise God!

Welcome!

2007-10-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

Friend,

I was inspired to begin this blog while at work, thinking about what God is doing in my life. For many years now, despite being a follower of Christ, I have attempted to live life on my own terms. Simply put, I wanted things to go my way. I prayed to God and asked for his help and/or guidance but internally I knew what I wanted to do and many times ended up doing just what I had intended without waiting on the Lord.

Do It Now! is the message for today. This may sound kind of confusing after reading my opening paragraph where I suggest that waiting on God is best -It is best! Do it Now! refers to change. Don't wait to begin the changes in your life that are necessary in order for God's purpose to be revealed and manifested. Often times we wait foolishly to make much needed changes in our lives. We create and/or allow distractions from keeping our eyes (including our spiritual eyes) off the prize.

Do It Now!:

START seeking the Lord in all thy ways; Listen to Him -Do It Now!
START seeking God for His help and revelation on the changes that you need to make in your life to become great -Do It Now!
START realizing your true, God-given potential and beauty -Do it Now!
START fighting for what's right! Stop giving up too soon. Don't loose hope. Pray for God's help to persevere and have courage -Do It Now!

The last item is tough which is why we're here: to support one another and help each other become and experience all that the LORD has in store for us.

The 'Lord's Prayer' says "...give us this day, our daily bread". Making better choices each day, making incremental changes NOT New Year's resolutions, and daily bible reading and reflection will help you achieve and enjoy our dreams all while keeping your sanity and experiencing God's care and goodness.