When it comes to living in this world fear of death is one thing that dominates how we all have to deal with. When one thinks about all fear whether it is of heights, or being in a tight crawl space or flying it all centers around the fear that death could be involved if the situation lives up to what our imagination has visualized. Fear is the devil's faith. God's faith is based on the fact that He wants us to believe Him for what He has promised us from His written Word. Now I have been through the Bible quite a bit in my life time and I have yet to see where God wants to bring us harm. The Bible declares in John 10:10, " That the enemy comes to kill, to steal and to destroy." That is what the devil's faith will produce if we adhere to what he is preaching and wanting for us to confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts for.
God wants us to confess and believe upon the promises that He has given unto us. Stand upon God's promises for the Bible declares the following in Deuteronomy 30:19, " I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live". Fear or faith is a choice which one has to make. The more one fills oneself with what the world has to offer the more fear will dominate. It is just like body building. It depends on how often you work those muscles that determines how strong one will be. I know that spending time with the Lord in His Word and prayer will build muscles that exercise the God type of faith that He wants for us to have. Fear and the death it produces will dominate if a person won't lock into the God way of doing things. So if you want fear and the death to continue its reign of terror in your life than don't spend anytime with the Lord of the Universe and you will continue to enjoy the results of what these two deadly fruits will produce. But if you want a different path than choose to try the God of the Bible's way. I highly suggest that you choose Life. For God's way suggest that the closest that death will ever come to you is as a shadow (Psalm 23:4). Life through Christ has overcome death. Praise His name!
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Saturday, November 4, 2017
The Power of Words
Have you ever thought about the power of words? I know when I was a young child that one of the rhymes one heard was the following, " Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That is a lie from the pit of hell! I know that words do have an effect. Look at the number of people you may know who have been cut off from their destiny because of what someone said about them that undermined their belief about themselves. I know of a a young lady who don't get the verbal support that she should have gotten from her father and that has caused her to look and find that acceptance from others who can't replace what his word means to her. I believe that we as believers in Jesus need to watch what we say. If one remembers the Bible states that we are created in the reflection of our Father God. He spoke and the worlds were created. Now you and I don't have that power to do just that, but we do have the power to speak and create not only our own world but those we have surrounded ourselves as well.
The Bible states the following in Matthew 12:36-37, " But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Church we must watch what we are saying. Are you speaking words of judgment and commendation before you are sure that they are justified? Love is what God is about. Are words need to be framed in that. Are you saying course jokes? Have I been without fault in this area? No, I am just as guilty as anyone of falling short in this area. But the Lord has been speaking to me about this and I wanted to share with you what I have read and heard. It is time for us to grow up in Christ and to be more like Him.
Ephesians 4:29 says the following," Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Are you and I practicing this with those we work with, those we fellowship with and those we encounter with on a daily basis? I encourage you to seek God on this and to repent and turn your conversation toward what God intends that you may grace to those that you encounter. It is through these moments that you and I will have an impact on our world that others will recognize. When one thinks of a man who has practiced this principle that is still with us today I must point to the Reverend Billy Graham. I can't think of an incident where he has been accused of misrepresenting the gospel of Christ by what he said or shouldn't have. Let us follow that example and speak life. For the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
Let us speak Life that the gospel of Christ will manifest in a generation that is in need of His presence as never before.
The Bible states the following in Matthew 12:36-37, " But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Church we must watch what we are saying. Are you speaking words of judgment and commendation before you are sure that they are justified? Love is what God is about. Are words need to be framed in that. Are you saying course jokes? Have I been without fault in this area? No, I am just as guilty as anyone of falling short in this area. But the Lord has been speaking to me about this and I wanted to share with you what I have read and heard. It is time for us to grow up in Christ and to be more like Him.
Ephesians 4:29 says the following," Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Are you and I practicing this with those we work with, those we fellowship with and those we encounter with on a daily basis? I encourage you to seek God on this and to repent and turn your conversation toward what God intends that you may grace to those that you encounter. It is through these moments that you and I will have an impact on our world that others will recognize. When one thinks of a man who has practiced this principle that is still with us today I must point to the Reverend Billy Graham. I can't think of an incident where he has been accused of misrepresenting the gospel of Christ by what he said or shouldn't have. Let us follow that example and speak life. For the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
Let us speak Life that the gospel of Christ will manifest in a generation that is in need of His presence as never before.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Reformation is it our only Hope?
Just how powerless is the Church in this hour? When you think about what is influencing our nation and the culture that we live in do you think of the Church as having a say in that? To be honest I don't see it. The Church in America has instead of being a conquering warrior minded organization with the blood bought power of Christ flowing through our veins we instead our the ones who like to bury our head in the sand and hope the next time we pull our head up out things will have changed for the better. Guess what that doesn't work. The Bible teaches the following in James 2: 17-26, "
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Church must take action and invade the mountains of influence in our society. Education, media, business, and politics are just a few areas where believers must invade and take the gospel of the kingdom of God into these realms so that reformation of these areas can begin. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16,
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We are called to be salt and light to our generation. Which is why in this hour God is calling spiritual fathers and mothers to mentor the millennial generation. I believe God is wanting to use the millennial generation to change America and the world for Christ. The Bible says the following in Psalm 145:4, "
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."
Has my and your generation done just that. Have we praised and declared to the Millennials all that God has done so that they have an example to follow after and than develop their own relationship with a supernatural God who desires to use them. Church it is time for us to declare the goodness of God in the our past and in our now so that the Millennials can run with the most High and declare His goodness to all they are called to reach. The Millennial generation is the one who is positioned to go into the mountains of influence but we must be able to give them the power of relationship and connection that we have with God to help them run the race. They have the strength but we as spiritual fathers and mothers have the wisdom that they need so they don't end up like the young prophet whose ax head fell in the water and could do no more work without it. It wasn't until the old prophet Elijah came and ask the young prophet where the axe head fell that he was able to get the axe head to swim up from the bottom, Elijah's relationship with the God of the supernatural, that once the axe head was retrieved the young prophet was able to finish the work he started by reattaching the axe head to the axe handle (2 Kings 6:1-7).
Church let us mentor this Millennial generation and bring them into the fullness of relationship with the living God. As we do transformation will come and the Kingdom of God will manifest as was foretold by the prophets of old. It is time for reformation. Let it begin with us and the Millennial generation.
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Church must take action and invade the mountains of influence in our society. Education, media, business, and politics are just a few areas where believers must invade and take the gospel of the kingdom of God into these realms so that reformation of these areas can begin. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16,
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We are called to be salt and light to our generation. Which is why in this hour God is calling spiritual fathers and mothers to mentor the millennial generation. I believe God is wanting to use the millennial generation to change America and the world for Christ. The Bible says the following in Psalm 145:4, "
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."
Has my and your generation done just that. Have we praised and declared to the Millennials all that God has done so that they have an example to follow after and than develop their own relationship with a supernatural God who desires to use them. Church it is time for us to declare the goodness of God in the our past and in our now so that the Millennials can run with the most High and declare His goodness to all they are called to reach. The Millennial generation is the one who is positioned to go into the mountains of influence but we must be able to give them the power of relationship and connection that we have with God to help them run the race. They have the strength but we as spiritual fathers and mothers have the wisdom that they need so they don't end up like the young prophet whose ax head fell in the water and could do no more work without it. It wasn't until the old prophet Elijah came and ask the young prophet where the axe head fell that he was able to get the axe head to swim up from the bottom, Elijah's relationship with the God of the supernatural, that once the axe head was retrieved the young prophet was able to finish the work he started by reattaching the axe head to the axe handle (2 Kings 6:1-7).
Church let us mentor this Millennial generation and bring them into the fullness of relationship with the living God. As we do transformation will come and the Kingdom of God will manifest as was foretold by the prophets of old. It is time for reformation. Let it begin with us and the Millennial generation.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Hearing the Voice of God
When it comes to being led by God one has to be able to hear His voice. Now the question that most of us have to deal with is whether or not are we hearing Him or are we being led by our own selfish desires or the voice of the devil. These are the only three voices that one can be lead by, but we must be able to discern which one is which if we are going to be able to do the will of the Father God in the earth.
I have wrestled with this on my own because there has been many a time when I thought I heard God and then it didn't turn out the way I thought it would. Or I have not done what God has said to me because of fear. How does one know the voice of God? For one God will always speak something that lines up with His Word. If what you are hearing from God doesn't line up with the Word of God than know that it is not God. If there is fear involved in what you are hearing, there is no peace in your heart about what God is saying to you, it is not God. Will God ask you to do something outside your comfort zone? Yes, He will. Why? Because He is wanting you and I to walk in the one thing that God responds to which is faith. If you are able to accomplish what He is speaking to you in your own strength and resources it is not God. God is wanting to stretch you and I to become more like Jesus, which means He is going to ask us to some things that we could not do without His help.
When it comes to hearing the voice of God don't make yourself out as a failure because you have missed Him. Remember Abraham? He got a word from God about being the father of many nations and after waiting patiently for many years not seeing it come to pass him and Sarah tried to make it happen in a way that God did not intend and Ishmael was born. God forgave them and when the time was right the child of promise was born. So just keep developing that relationship with Christ and do has He leads and as you draw nearer to Him and know Him even better you will also get to know His voice much better as well. Because, " His sheep know His voice, and a stranger they not follow". It is time to draw near to God. We must know His voice so that we can fulfill the plan that He has for us. Will you join me in this?
I have wrestled with this on my own because there has been many a time when I thought I heard God and then it didn't turn out the way I thought it would. Or I have not done what God has said to me because of fear. How does one know the voice of God? For one God will always speak something that lines up with His Word. If what you are hearing from God doesn't line up with the Word of God than know that it is not God. If there is fear involved in what you are hearing, there is no peace in your heart about what God is saying to you, it is not God. Will God ask you to do something outside your comfort zone? Yes, He will. Why? Because He is wanting you and I to walk in the one thing that God responds to which is faith. If you are able to accomplish what He is speaking to you in your own strength and resources it is not God. God is wanting to stretch you and I to become more like Jesus, which means He is going to ask us to some things that we could not do without His help.
When it comes to hearing the voice of God don't make yourself out as a failure because you have missed Him. Remember Abraham? He got a word from God about being the father of many nations and after waiting patiently for many years not seeing it come to pass him and Sarah tried to make it happen in a way that God did not intend and Ishmael was born. God forgave them and when the time was right the child of promise was born. So just keep developing that relationship with Christ and do has He leads and as you draw nearer to Him and know Him even better you will also get to know His voice much better as well. Because, " His sheep know His voice, and a stranger they not follow". It is time to draw near to God. We must know His voice so that we can fulfill the plan that He has for us. Will you join me in this?
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Arm of the Flesh versus being Led by the Holy Spirit
As I have walked with the Lord during my new venture into the Southern part of our nation God has been speaking to me about my current job and how I took it as result of fear and not trusting in Him to provide for me and my family. This is called the arm of the flesh because it is when someone tries to do it their own way instead of the way God intends. In my current position I have been cut off from spending the proper time connecting with the people God wants me to be connected with. I have been working long hours which does not allow me to spend time I need with those God called me to. I have been isolated from people contact which is one of the main things that I know I am need to have so I can continue my marketplace ministry. I have found the work to be drudgery. This is when you know you have made a wrong turn.
I feel like Jonah when he was called to go to Nineveh. When he got the call he did not embrace it but ran away from it. I received a call from God to come to where I currently reside, but instead of waiting on the Lord I got out in front of Him and now I am wrestling with the consequences of my decision. I have spoken to the Lord and have repented for my mistake. Much like David did in Psalms 51, where he confesses his sin in regards to Bathsheba, so I have poured out my heart to God about where I am at. I know that He heard my cry and now I have to reset myself and wait upon Him to show me where to go next. To often we as believers get excited about what God has spoken to us and we do have a tendency of running out in front of Him. Then we must suffer the consequences of that action. God is merciful. I have been given another chance. Walking by the Spirit is not easy. It is the best way for all of us, but we do have a tendency of listening to others and their opinions before going to God with the issue at hand.
I believe that I will get to where God wants me but it may be delayed because of my decision that was made in the arm of the flesh. Much like Abraham and Sarah did when trying to get a son for an heir another way than what God intended they ended up creating an Ishmael. Ishmael will rob you of your intended future. Keep the number of Ishmael's you generate to a minimum and you will know that you are being led by God's Spirit.
I feel like Jonah when he was called to go to Nineveh. When he got the call he did not embrace it but ran away from it. I received a call from God to come to where I currently reside, but instead of waiting on the Lord I got out in front of Him and now I am wrestling with the consequences of my decision. I have spoken to the Lord and have repented for my mistake. Much like David did in Psalms 51, where he confesses his sin in regards to Bathsheba, so I have poured out my heart to God about where I am at. I know that He heard my cry and now I have to reset myself and wait upon Him to show me where to go next. To often we as believers get excited about what God has spoken to us and we do have a tendency of running out in front of Him. Then we must suffer the consequences of that action. God is merciful. I have been given another chance. Walking by the Spirit is not easy. It is the best way for all of us, but we do have a tendency of listening to others and their opinions before going to God with the issue at hand.
I believe that I will get to where God wants me but it may be delayed because of my decision that was made in the arm of the flesh. Much like Abraham and Sarah did when trying to get a son for an heir another way than what God intended they ended up creating an Ishmael. Ishmael will rob you of your intended future. Keep the number of Ishmael's you generate to a minimum and you will know that you are being led by God's Spirit.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
God's Way or Else?
I am now in the midst of a drastic changes in my life. I have moved out of my former state to another part of the country to seek God's plan for me and my family. It has not been easy for I have been married for several years and left all to come to this place, but it is not by my choice I believe that this is where God wants me. I have been reading 1 John and came across the following scripture that has made me really think about where I am and I thought it might be helpful to all of you who will read this.
The scripture that I want to speak about is 1 John 2:15. It says, " Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Have you really thought about what Christ is saying here. If we love the world or the things in this world we don't have God's love in us. What God is saying is that He wants to be first in our lives. If we have things in this world system it is not wrong for us to own them that is not what He is saying here. God is wanting us to make sure that He is first in our lives. He wants to make sure that we are willing to give up anything He may ask us to surrender to those in need, which we would be able to do because we have His interests in our hearts first and foremost. Christ gave up everything to come down to earth(2 Philippians 5-8). How much more should we be willing to follow His example. By not letting ourselves get caught up in what the world has to offer may our attention be upon what God's kingdom has to offer. After all Christ told us to not store up treasure here in the earth, but in heaven(Matthew 6:19-20). Does that mean we should not have material wealth? No, God wants us to prosper and that means having our needs met along with having more than we need so we can help our fellow brothers and sisters and those who are outside the covenant see His goodness. For it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). How does one express that goodness? By being a channel in which God is able to bless others through. Remember we are His hands and feet. We follow His directive because Christ is the head, but He can't accomplish what He is wanting to do if we don't move to where He wants us.
That is why I am here. Christ has led me to this moment in time to come to the Southeast and here I am. Now I must continue to seek Him, but He is ordering my steps, because as a follower of Christ that is what we must do if we want to see what He has for us. Are you ready to follow after Him? Are you willing to lay everything down to see Him use you? Don't let the devil use fear to stop you. Know that God has got you and as you walk with Him He will lead you to the green pastures that you are seeking, He will prepare a table of plenty for you in the midst of your enemies, His rod and staff will protect and guide you and when you look back you will see that goodness and mercy have been following you (Psalm 23). Care to join me on this adventure? You won't be disappointed.
The scripture that I want to speak about is 1 John 2:15. It says, " Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Have you really thought about what Christ is saying here. If we love the world or the things in this world we don't have God's love in us. What God is saying is that He wants to be first in our lives. If we have things in this world system it is not wrong for us to own them that is not what He is saying here. God is wanting us to make sure that He is first in our lives. He wants to make sure that we are willing to give up anything He may ask us to surrender to those in need, which we would be able to do because we have His interests in our hearts first and foremost. Christ gave up everything to come down to earth(2 Philippians 5-8). How much more should we be willing to follow His example. By not letting ourselves get caught up in what the world has to offer may our attention be upon what God's kingdom has to offer. After all Christ told us to not store up treasure here in the earth, but in heaven(Matthew 6:19-20). Does that mean we should not have material wealth? No, God wants us to prosper and that means having our needs met along with having more than we need so we can help our fellow brothers and sisters and those who are outside the covenant see His goodness. For it is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). How does one express that goodness? By being a channel in which God is able to bless others through. Remember we are His hands and feet. We follow His directive because Christ is the head, but He can't accomplish what He is wanting to do if we don't move to where He wants us.
That is why I am here. Christ has led me to this moment in time to come to the Southeast and here I am. Now I must continue to seek Him, but He is ordering my steps, because as a follower of Christ that is what we must do if we want to see what He has for us. Are you ready to follow after Him? Are you willing to lay everything down to see Him use you? Don't let the devil use fear to stop you. Know that God has got you and as you walk with Him He will lead you to the green pastures that you are seeking, He will prepare a table of plenty for you in the midst of your enemies, His rod and staff will protect and guide you and when you look back you will see that goodness and mercy have been following you (Psalm 23). Care to join me on this adventure? You won't be disappointed.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Witchcraft in the Church?
I have to be honest when it comes to the topic of witchcraft most of us think of it as something that has to do with the Occult or with Halloween or a Harry Potter movie, but the truth of the matter is that the spirit of witchcraft is something that can also infiltrate a body of believers. How you may ask?
Witchcraft is a spiritual power that seeks to control those it can by manipulating situations and or people that may not recognize its influence. How do Christians fall under its influence in either using it or submitting to it? What Christians do that use the spirit of witchcraft is they will try to manipulate those they are trying to control to either submit to their ideas or beliefs on a topic that forces the other person or group involved to be like them. The Spirit of Christ is never one to force one to do anything. Christ will draw a person and will offer them the opportunity to do what the Spirit is leading them to do, but it still is the individual's choice. Some believers I have encountered have tried to say that if someone doesn't what they are wanting them to do that they are being disobedient and need to be disciplined for not acting on what they perceive is the best path for them. This is witchcraft in operation.
In the story of the prodigal son the Father knows that the son who becomes the prodigal knows that the choice that they are making is the wrong one, but does He discipline the son, does He try to stop them from doing what they want to do with their life? No. Because the Father knows that for the son to understand what he is doing is wrong he has to travel that path on his own. Did the Father disown the son when the son realizes that he can come back to work for his Father? No the Father actually runs to his son and greets him and throws a huge party for him, because the Father has a love for his son that goes beyond what he has done, he loves him because he is a part of the Father's family.
The lesson we need to learn here is that we should not let the spirit of witchcraft run our lives whether we are on the giving or receiving side of it. We need to make sure our motives are pure and let us influence others by showing them the love of God which is truly the best way to help influence those we care most about. For I rather have people respect me and listen to me and know that I truly care about them and their life choices than to be an individual who dictates to them how things should be and have them turn their back on me with very little hope of reconciliation. As the Bible states in Deuteronomy 30:19, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Choose life Church.
Witchcraft is a spiritual power that seeks to control those it can by manipulating situations and or people that may not recognize its influence. How do Christians fall under its influence in either using it or submitting to it? What Christians do that use the spirit of witchcraft is they will try to manipulate those they are trying to control to either submit to their ideas or beliefs on a topic that forces the other person or group involved to be like them. The Spirit of Christ is never one to force one to do anything. Christ will draw a person and will offer them the opportunity to do what the Spirit is leading them to do, but it still is the individual's choice. Some believers I have encountered have tried to say that if someone doesn't what they are wanting them to do that they are being disobedient and need to be disciplined for not acting on what they perceive is the best path for them. This is witchcraft in operation.
In the story of the prodigal son the Father knows that the son who becomes the prodigal knows that the choice that they are making is the wrong one, but does He discipline the son, does He try to stop them from doing what they want to do with their life? No. Because the Father knows that for the son to understand what he is doing is wrong he has to travel that path on his own. Did the Father disown the son when the son realizes that he can come back to work for his Father? No the Father actually runs to his son and greets him and throws a huge party for him, because the Father has a love for his son that goes beyond what he has done, he loves him because he is a part of the Father's family.
The lesson we need to learn here is that we should not let the spirit of witchcraft run our lives whether we are on the giving or receiving side of it. We need to make sure our motives are pure and let us influence others by showing them the love of God which is truly the best way to help influence those we care most about. For I rather have people respect me and listen to me and know that I truly care about them and their life choices than to be an individual who dictates to them how things should be and have them turn their back on me with very little hope of reconciliation. As the Bible states in Deuteronomy 30:19, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. Choose life Church.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Fear versus Faith
When it comes to the walk of faith in God the biggest enemy that we all face is fear. I am a true believer that fear is a reciprocal of faith. The enemy will attempt to place fear in one's heart about anything that we are not sure of. Whether it is a job change, a relationship that we want to have or about anything that we are faced with a decision that moves us out of our comfort zone fear will try to move us into a place where we will just stand still and do nothing. Fear binds a person.
Faith on the other hand requires action. If God is leading you to go and do something that is beyond your comfort zone He will show you a step but you must be willing to take that step to find out what the next one is. Faith is not trusting in the situation that you are faced in and what you may have in resources or in the amount of people you may know, it is based in a relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God wants us to trust Him. After all the Bible declares in Hebrews 11:6, "That without faith it is impossible to please Him, for we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him".
So when you are faced with a situation that you are not sure of don't let fear gripe your heart. For fear is the devil's version of faith. Use your faith in God and His word to guide your steps. Step out and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit of God. If you make a mistake admit it to the Lord and He will get you back on the path that you need to travel on. Don't be a person like Abraham's father Terah who left for Canaan but stopped short of the promise land and settled in Haran(Genesis 11:31-32). It is not time for us to settle for less than what God has promised. It is time to possess our promise land in God and to bring the Lord's Kingdom into the earth. For it is time for faith to arise. Let us walk with God seeking Him and doing as He says. As we do we will conquer fear and experience a new level of knowledge and experience with God that we would not otherwise.
Is the walk of faith easy. No, but those of us who want to experience the best that God has will take this challenge and experience what the word of God says in 1 John 5:4 " For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Let us be over comers in Jesus name.
Faith on the other hand requires action. If God is leading you to go and do something that is beyond your comfort zone He will show you a step but you must be willing to take that step to find out what the next one is. Faith is not trusting in the situation that you are faced in and what you may have in resources or in the amount of people you may know, it is based in a relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. God wants us to trust Him. After all the Bible declares in Hebrews 11:6, "That without faith it is impossible to please Him, for we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him".
So when you are faced with a situation that you are not sure of don't let fear gripe your heart. For fear is the devil's version of faith. Use your faith in God and His word to guide your steps. Step out and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit of God. If you make a mistake admit it to the Lord and He will get you back on the path that you need to travel on. Don't be a person like Abraham's father Terah who left for Canaan but stopped short of the promise land and settled in Haran(Genesis 11:31-32). It is not time for us to settle for less than what God has promised. It is time to possess our promise land in God and to bring the Lord's Kingdom into the earth. For it is time for faith to arise. Let us walk with God seeking Him and doing as He says. As we do we will conquer fear and experience a new level of knowledge and experience with God that we would not otherwise.
Is the walk of faith easy. No, but those of us who want to experience the best that God has will take this challenge and experience what the word of God says in 1 John 5:4 " For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Let us be over comers in Jesus name.
Friday, August 11, 2017
Destiny
When I think of destiny I have to wonder, like many of you do, just what does God mean when it comes to fulfilling it. I have been a follower of Christ now for nearly 31 years and I am amazed at what is happening in my life right at this time.
When I first got right with God it was during the late 1980's and the network on Christian television to watch was PTL or Praise the Lord Network led by Jim and Tammy Bakker. This ministry was based in Fort Mill South Carolina and during its height of glory was the second most visited place in the United States, second only to Walt Disney World. I always wanted to visit this place when I was in my early 2o's but did not have the time nor the resources to do so. Eventually this ministry fell apart as Jim Bakker was accused and convicted of booking more hotel reservations than what the PTL could fulfill and Heritage USA was eventually closed down.
Nearly thirteen years ago MorningStar Ministries bought the place and began to restore Heritage and have also founded a church there that is very prophetic and cutting edge on how to conduct itself as a body of believers. Most of the believers that attend this church come from all over the United States to be a part of it, and now me and my family are being called to this place of worship. The Lord has brought me full circle in the fact that a place that I loved called PTL that was dead and buried has been resurrected and is thriving.
In my own life I have experienced some of these very things. I have been to the mountain top in God and I have been in the valley. But God has brought me through quite a few things over the years only to call me from a place where my prophetic anointing is not well received to a place where it is not only allowed but is encouraged. I have seen dreams that I have pursued die before my eyes only to wonder what really does God have in mind for me. I have felt the call to minister God's word and the Lord spoke to me years ago that I was not to be a typical pastor, and that I would have a prophetic unction on my life. But what does that look like?
I tried pursuing the typical pastoral path only to see my dream snuffed out time and time again. After being quite frustrated by all of this I finally began to embrace my workplace as my church and once I did that I began to experience satisfaction and fruit from my efforts. But now that door is closed and God has led me back to my past to embrace my future. It is the same as when God spoke about Jesus dying for our sins before the world began. God has a plan. As I prepare to leave my home state for Fort Mill I don't even know the why of what God has called me to. All I know is that He has called me and my family to move to this place called MorningStar or die where I am currently at.
I don't believe this to mean that I will die physically but if me and my family don't go we will not experience the destiny that God has intended for me and for them to experience. Destiny is a funny path. All I know is if you want to find and experience it you must do it by placing your faith in God and acting upon the instructions He gives you. The road ahead of each one of us is not always clear and sure. But with God you can rest assured that He is with you and that is all you need when it comes to fulfilling His plan and destiny for you.
When I first got right with God it was during the late 1980's and the network on Christian television to watch was PTL or Praise the Lord Network led by Jim and Tammy Bakker. This ministry was based in Fort Mill South Carolina and during its height of glory was the second most visited place in the United States, second only to Walt Disney World. I always wanted to visit this place when I was in my early 2o's but did not have the time nor the resources to do so. Eventually this ministry fell apart as Jim Bakker was accused and convicted of booking more hotel reservations than what the PTL could fulfill and Heritage USA was eventually closed down.
Nearly thirteen years ago MorningStar Ministries bought the place and began to restore Heritage and have also founded a church there that is very prophetic and cutting edge on how to conduct itself as a body of believers. Most of the believers that attend this church come from all over the United States to be a part of it, and now me and my family are being called to this place of worship. The Lord has brought me full circle in the fact that a place that I loved called PTL that was dead and buried has been resurrected and is thriving.
In my own life I have experienced some of these very things. I have been to the mountain top in God and I have been in the valley. But God has brought me through quite a few things over the years only to call me from a place where my prophetic anointing is not well received to a place where it is not only allowed but is encouraged. I have seen dreams that I have pursued die before my eyes only to wonder what really does God have in mind for me. I have felt the call to minister God's word and the Lord spoke to me years ago that I was not to be a typical pastor, and that I would have a prophetic unction on my life. But what does that look like?
I tried pursuing the typical pastoral path only to see my dream snuffed out time and time again. After being quite frustrated by all of this I finally began to embrace my workplace as my church and once I did that I began to experience satisfaction and fruit from my efforts. But now that door is closed and God has led me back to my past to embrace my future. It is the same as when God spoke about Jesus dying for our sins before the world began. God has a plan. As I prepare to leave my home state for Fort Mill I don't even know the why of what God has called me to. All I know is that He has called me and my family to move to this place called MorningStar or die where I am currently at.
I don't believe this to mean that I will die physically but if me and my family don't go we will not experience the destiny that God has intended for me and for them to experience. Destiny is a funny path. All I know is if you want to find and experience it you must do it by placing your faith in God and acting upon the instructions He gives you. The road ahead of each one of us is not always clear and sure. But with God you can rest assured that He is with you and that is all you need when it comes to fulfilling His plan and destiny for you.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Do you have Power or Authority over the Devil?
When it comes to facing up with the devil most people either run in abject fear of who he is or underestimate what power he does have in this world. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ defeated the devil at the cross. He stripped him of all his power. What this is saying is that the devil does not have authority over a believer because we are now seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20-23). If we face the devil without Christ we have no power in of ourselves to defeat him. But because Christ stripped the devil of his authority, and authority that the devil gained because of the fall of Adam and Eve, we now have been given back that authority through the shed blood of Christ. It is like we have been reborn to live a life that God intended before the fall.
What God wants the Church to be able to do is to reclaim the territory that the devil stole from mankind. The devil is like a squatter on a land that does not belong to him. We have the right to enforce the defeat that he took at Calvary. Why did Jesus not finish the devil at Calvary? Because He wanted us, His children, to learn how to overcome the adversary in much the same way He did. Christ showed us how to live for God and how to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth. We are called to bring redemption to the planet. Don't fear the devil. Respect his power, but when you know that he is messing with the people you love drive him out. Bind him with the authority that Christ gave you in Matthew 16:18-19. Loose the angels of God to minister unto people by speaking God's word over the situation, for God's angels hearken to God word to preform it. Remember we are an army in the Lord. We need to advance the Kingdom of God where ever we go and with whomever will listen. Cast out devils, speak with new tongues and lay hands on the sick. Tell the poor they don't have to be poor anymore. This is the message we carry and this is the message the devil doesn't want preached. Be a solider under God's command.
What God wants the Church to be able to do is to reclaim the territory that the devil stole from mankind. The devil is like a squatter on a land that does not belong to him. We have the right to enforce the defeat that he took at Calvary. Why did Jesus not finish the devil at Calvary? Because He wanted us, His children, to learn how to overcome the adversary in much the same way He did. Christ showed us how to live for God and how to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth. We are called to bring redemption to the planet. Don't fear the devil. Respect his power, but when you know that he is messing with the people you love drive him out. Bind him with the authority that Christ gave you in Matthew 16:18-19. Loose the angels of God to minister unto people by speaking God's word over the situation, for God's angels hearken to God word to preform it. Remember we are an army in the Lord. We need to advance the Kingdom of God where ever we go and with whomever will listen. Cast out devils, speak with new tongues and lay hands on the sick. Tell the poor they don't have to be poor anymore. This is the message we carry and this is the message the devil doesn't want preached. Be a solider under God's command.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The Mark of the Beast. How close are We?
I don't know how familiar you are with the mark of the beast but it is something that the Bible talks about in the book of Revelation chapter 13. Here is what verses 16 through 18 state:
16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (KJV)
Even so come Lord Jesus!
16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18Here
is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the
beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred
threescore and six. (KJV)
This passage has been something of great debate within the body of Christ throughout the years but I believe that as time goes by the technology to bring it to pass becomes more and more acceptable to a younger generation who is not as well as informed of this passage of scripture and because of their willingness to trust that all that technology is for man's good. But I must remind you that technology is indeed neutral when it comes to whether it is good or bad, but the real question becomes whom is in charge of the technology. If evil men are the ones who are in charge than this technology can become very controlling to those who decide to buy into it.
So what could this mark of the beast look like. Well man has been micro chipping animals for years as a way to identify them if they should get lost. Now for the first time that I am aware of their is a United States company in Wisconsin who is offering their employees an opportunity to be micro chipped so that they can work for them. I believe that we are in a time in the history of the world because of the lack of Bible knowledge that this type of technological offering is very appealing because people are not aware of how much control they are giving away.
Am I saying that we should not pursue better ways of doing things? Not exactly. What I am saying is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we need to take a longer look at things through the lens of the Bible to determine whether or not a technological advance is the best for us or mankind in general. We are suppose to be the ones who are on the cutting edge of what God is getting ready to do in the world. Let us no longer respond to what the world and Satan are doing and let us be the watchmen on the wall who warn those of impending doom and destruction, all along pointing the way to our Savior, who is coming on a to judge all on the earth who are outside His kingdom in the following manner per Revelation 19:11-21:
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (KJV)
Even so come Lord Jesus!
Saturday, July 22, 2017
The Power of Love
In our world today many people believe that the most powerful nations are ones with nuclear weapons en massed. Others believe that if you can defend oneself with various weapons of their choosing that they can intimated their enemies and keep them bringing them harm. Some people believe that if they have unlimited resources they can effect change whenever they like at the nod of their head. These things can and do have impact and can force others to make changes but when one truly examines this much more closely does it not appear that it is driven more on the basis of fear than anything else.
I believe that the truest and most powerful force in the universe is the Love of God. Why do I believe this. For one the Bible states that God is love(1 John 4:8). When one thinks about what Christ has done for each one of us, how He died on the cross for our sins, sins that He himself do not commit, just how deep is that love? It is truly unfathomable. It is one thing for me to do good to my fellow man, who I have love and concern for, but to die for those who will hate you and spit in your face and never change their mind about you, that is real love.
I believe that we as the Church have trivialized this. We have come to accept His love as if we deserve it, when in reality we don't. However God wants to have relationship with each and everyone of us. Thus His love never does end. It is when we as His people exhibit that love to one another as Christ prayed for in John 17:23 that the world will know and see that God truly is among us. When will we see the manifest glory of God? When the love of the Father God follows out of us unto those He has commissioned us to reach out to. I use to believe that the signs and wonders was what I truly wanted so I could demonstrate and prove the existence and the reality of the God of the Bible. I have come to re think that position. Now all I want is His love flowing into me so I can turn and give it out to those who need to know that love. For as I pursue my future in God and leave behind some precious people the power of Love that God gave me has shown me just how much impact it can truly have on those who wanted to receive it. And for that I am eternally grateful.
I believe that the truest and most powerful force in the universe is the Love of God. Why do I believe this. For one the Bible states that God is love(1 John 4:8). When one thinks about what Christ has done for each one of us, how He died on the cross for our sins, sins that He himself do not commit, just how deep is that love? It is truly unfathomable. It is one thing for me to do good to my fellow man, who I have love and concern for, but to die for those who will hate you and spit in your face and never change their mind about you, that is real love.
I believe that we as the Church have trivialized this. We have come to accept His love as if we deserve it, when in reality we don't. However God wants to have relationship with each and everyone of us. Thus His love never does end. It is when we as His people exhibit that love to one another as Christ prayed for in John 17:23 that the world will know and see that God truly is among us. When will we see the manifest glory of God? When the love of the Father God follows out of us unto those He has commissioned us to reach out to. I use to believe that the signs and wonders was what I truly wanted so I could demonstrate and prove the existence and the reality of the God of the Bible. I have come to re think that position. Now all I want is His love flowing into me so I can turn and give it out to those who need to know that love. For as I pursue my future in God and leave behind some precious people the power of Love that God gave me has shown me just how much impact it can truly have on those who wanted to receive it. And for that I am eternally grateful.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
The Will of God
Recently I have many a discussion with family and fellow believers about what the Will of
God is for one's life. I know that my time at my current employer is nearly over and I believe that God has called me and my family to Charlotte North Carolina area to continue the work that has already been started in us. But how does one know what the Will of God is?
To find out what the Will of God is for one's life you have to be able to hear God speak. Does this mean that God speaks through an audible voice? Sometimes He does and it is through a person that you may have a deep regard for but in most cases God will speak to your spirit by the time you spend with Him in prayer and in the Bible. Whatever witness you get will be backed by God's written word, if it does not I would trust it to be from Him. Another thing that will confirm His will to you is whether you have peace about what He is calling you to do or go. If there is no peace about what you are about to embark in than stay where you are or what you are doing.
For where the Will of God is there will be no fear. For fear is of the devil and our God is love. If you encounter a person who is trying to make you do something or go somewhere you don't have peace about then you don't go or do it. God will witness to you about whom you should be with and where you should go. In the book of Acts Paul wanted to go to Asia to preach God's word but was not permitted to do so by the Spirit of God(Acts 16:7). So even though there are good men and women of faith who want you to something that is of God you may not be led by the Spirit of God to do it simply because it is not the Will of God for you to do it.
If one will do as God leads than you will find joy and every need met. To live in God's Will and plan is the only way to live one's life to the fullest.
God is for one's life. I know that my time at my current employer is nearly over and I believe that God has called me and my family to Charlotte North Carolina area to continue the work that has already been started in us. But how does one know what the Will of God is?
To find out what the Will of God is for one's life you have to be able to hear God speak. Does this mean that God speaks through an audible voice? Sometimes He does and it is through a person that you may have a deep regard for but in most cases God will speak to your spirit by the time you spend with Him in prayer and in the Bible. Whatever witness you get will be backed by God's written word, if it does not I would trust it to be from Him. Another thing that will confirm His will to you is whether you have peace about what He is calling you to do or go. If there is no peace about what you are about to embark in than stay where you are or what you are doing.
For where the Will of God is there will be no fear. For fear is of the devil and our God is love. If you encounter a person who is trying to make you do something or go somewhere you don't have peace about then you don't go or do it. God will witness to you about whom you should be with and where you should go. In the book of Acts Paul wanted to go to Asia to preach God's word but was not permitted to do so by the Spirit of God(Acts 16:7). So even though there are good men and women of faith who want you to something that is of God you may not be led by the Spirit of God to do it simply because it is not the Will of God for you to do it.
If one will do as God leads than you will find joy and every need met. To live in God's Will and plan is the only way to live one's life to the fullest.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
The Power of Love and Forgiveness and how it Figures into Discipline
I have recently been involved with a situation with someone who is close to me and how this person was in the process of making some life changes that are pretty dramatic. I discovered during a conversation with this individual and another person within their circle of influence that possibly they were thinking of "shacking up" with their significant other. As a Christian man I am not one who thinks highly of this way of living because it does take away from the relationship between the two who are in love, but even in a greater way it hurts their relationship with Christ and helps to spoil and tarnish their witness for Christ.
When I had the chance to speak with the one who was in the process of making this life change I confronted them about their choice. How did I make that confrontation? The person that I was dealing with was sure that I would yell at them for the potential mistake they were considering on making. However, when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden did the Lord yell at them (Genesis 3: 8-9). No, He went looking for them. When the father of the prodigal son saw that his son had spent all that he had gotten from him and his son had come to his right senses in that he made his way home, the father ran to meet him and threw a huge party celebrating his return. So how did a handle this situation. Just like the Father God would. I showed love and forgiveness along with stern instructions on why this was not a smart move to make. When it comes to disciplining those you love you must be willing to put yourself in their shoes. You must understand where they are in their relationship to you and to the Father God. For if the Lord God can forgive David for his adulterous affair and still let him reign as King over Israel how can I come down so hard on a person who loves the Lord but is still learning their way and place in the Kingdom. For if I had been overly harsh I may have crushed their spirit and instead of them learning from the experience it may have given them a place of hopelessness that may have led to them walking away from the One who loves them more than anyone. And I don't want that blood on my hands. Do you?
When I had the chance to speak with the one who was in the process of making this life change I confronted them about their choice. How did I make that confrontation? The person that I was dealing with was sure that I would yell at them for the potential mistake they were considering on making. However, when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden did the Lord yell at them (Genesis 3: 8-9). No, He went looking for them. When the father of the prodigal son saw that his son had spent all that he had gotten from him and his son had come to his right senses in that he made his way home, the father ran to meet him and threw a huge party celebrating his return. So how did a handle this situation. Just like the Father God would. I showed love and forgiveness along with stern instructions on why this was not a smart move to make. When it comes to disciplining those you love you must be willing to put yourself in their shoes. You must understand where they are in their relationship to you and to the Father God. For if the Lord God can forgive David for his adulterous affair and still let him reign as King over Israel how can I come down so hard on a person who loves the Lord but is still learning their way and place in the Kingdom. For if I had been overly harsh I may have crushed their spirit and instead of them learning from the experience it may have given them a place of hopelessness that may have led to them walking away from the One who loves them more than anyone. And I don't want that blood on my hands. Do you?
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