If you read through the Bible you see the phrase " The kingdom of Heaven is near or is upon you", what does that really mean. For the past year the Lord has been teaching me about the Kingdom of Heaven and I am not saying that I fully understand everything about it what I do know I would like to now share.
Most people believe that we as believers are looking to make our way to heaven and that once we get saved and give our lives over to Christ that we must hold on and wait for Christ return or our passing from this life into the next. Along the way we are suppose to help others find Christ but basically our mindset as believers has been one of holding the fort. This is not the Kingdom of Heaven! The Kingdom of Heaven is summed up in the Lord's prayer, " Our Father who are in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven..." Does Christ suffer sickness, fear, depression etc., in heaven? No. Christ has called us to be ambassadors of heaven to bring the atmosphere of heaven to earth. He has called us to represent Him where ever we go. We are called to engage this world systems and to make it like Heaven. After all, the Garden of Eden was like Heaven on earth before the fall. Now if that was God the Father's originally plan for the earth than what we are called to help bring about is the reestablishment of this planet.
That means we as believers need to bring heaven into our workplaces, into our homes, into government, educational systems, media and business. We are called to be salt and light. Is salt and light needed in heaven? No these things are needed where things may be rotting and where darkness dwells. God has called us to be Kings and Priests unto Him. We as Kings exercise authority to make changes in the place that He has called us to dominate. We are priests because we change the spiritual atmosphere where we are at by our worship to God.
Church are you ready to renew your mindset and begin to think Kingdom? I challenge you to pursue this. If you do, it will change the way you see things and will help you realize the potential that God has given unto you.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Why Christians Should not Fear Death
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!
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!
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.
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