Honor the Lord at Christmas

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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?

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

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

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?

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...

“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...

"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?

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

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

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)

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)

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

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!

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.