Deuteronomy 7:6

"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession."

"OH, BUT A GLIMPSE OF HIS LOVE!"

As the year comes to an end, I feel stirred to encouraged everyone to:
"SEEK THEIR MAKER IN THE UPCOMING YEAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE!"

You may be on the right path!
But God is calling you to go deeper!

"OH, BUT A GLIMPSE OF HIS LOVE!!!"
"THIS NEW YEAR, HE DESIRES TO EXPAND YOUR VIEW!!!"
"POWER! POWER! WONDER-WORKING POWER!"

"YOU ARE HIS TREASURED POSSESSION!"
"DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENT!"

Hebrews 5:7-10

"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek."

Mark 1:15

“The time has come,” He said. “The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the Good News!”

"DON'T CUT CORNERS!"
"DON'T CHEAT YOURSELF!"
"DON'T DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF EVERYTHING GOD HAS FOR YOU!"

"STAY THE COURSE!"
"FINISH THE RACE!"
"DON'T GIVE UP!"

"DON'T LOOSE YOUR FIRE!"

"LORD, WE WANT MORE OF YOU!"
"LET IT RAIN!"
"OPEN THE FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN!"
"LET US RUN THIS RACE WITH ENDURANCE!"

Exodus 23:25a

"Worship the LORD your God"

Acts 4:31

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly."

"THAT WHICH FILLS YOUR HEART WILL EVENTUALLY OVERFLOW!"
If you are full of joy, you will eventually break out in praise!
If you are full of adoration, you will eventually breakout in worship!
If you are full of sadness, you will eventually break out in tears!
If you are full of anger, you will eventually break out in violence!

"THAT WHICH FILLS YOUR HEART WILL EVENTUALLY OVERFLOW!"
"THEREFORE ALLOW GOD TO FILL YOU & REJECT ALL OTHER FILLERS!"
"THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONLY INGREDIENT WE NEED!"

I will say it again:
"THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE ONLY INGREDIENT WE NEED!"

Isaiah 44:22

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."

"IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!"
"BUT THE ROAD BEGINS AT THE CROSS!"

"NO SHORTCUTS!"
"WE MUST ALL TRAVEL THE SAME PATH!"

"NO ONE IS EXEMPT!"
"OUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!"
"CHRIST WILL RETURN!"

The good thing is that He says;
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."

"DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!"
"IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!"
"BUT THE ROAD BEGINS AT THE CROSS!"

ONLY 15 DAYS AWAY!

Worship by Pastor John Davis, the Burning Bush Band, and Justin Doss. 

FREE. FREE. FREE. FREE. FREE. FREE. FREE. 

Bring friends and coworkers

Matthew 27:27-31

"Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand. Then they knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on Him, and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again. After they had mocked Him, they took off the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him."

"SACRIFICIAL LIVING CAN BENEFIT OTHERS BEYOND YOUR LIFETIME!"

During my prayer time this morning, The Lord reminded me why so many of us are able to experience such a blessed season.

"JESUS GAVE UP HIS THRONE!"
"JESUS GAVE UP HIS TIME!"
"JESUS SACRIFICED EVERYTHING FOR A PURPOSE!"

"THAT PURPOSE WAS TO MAKE RIGHT THE WRONGS HUMANITY HAD COMMITTED AGAINST GOD!"

"BUT IT TOOK SACRIFICE!"

"JESUS WAS WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE IN ORDER FOR US TO CELEBRATE LIFE!"

"WHAT MANY MAY CONSIDER JUST ANOTHER X-MAS SEASON!"
"ACTUALLY COST JESUS EVERY OUNCE OF BLOOD IN HIS BODY!"

"LET US NOT TAKE LIGHTLY THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS BIRTH!"
"IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF HIS STRUGGLES HERE ON EARTH FOR US!"

"LET US BE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE, SO THAT OTHERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY ETERNAL LIFE!"

"SACRIFICIAL LIVING CAN BENEFIT OTHERS BEYOND YOUR LIFETIME!"
"DARE TO LIVE FOR OTHERS!"

Luke 2:11-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

"TODAY, TAKE SOME TIME OUT TO JOIN THE HEAVENLY CHOIR IN SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST!"

It doesn't matter if you have an award winning voice or not!
God hears the melody of your heart, not your mouth!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS & MERRRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!"

Matthew 25:14-18

"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money."

"DON'T BURY THE MASTER'S TREASURE!"

"CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF CELEBRATING!"

"CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF SHARING!"

"CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF REMEMBERING THAT GOD SENT HIS ONLY SON AS A GIFT TO ALL HUMANITY!"

"FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE!"

"DON'T HOLD BACK!"

"IF THE SPIRIT STIRS YOU IN THESE NEXT FEW DAYS TO GIVE MORE THAN YOU NORMALLY WOULD, DON'T TALK YOURSELF OUT OF IT!"

"EMBRACE IT!"

"IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!"

"WHO KNOWS, YOUR GIFT MAY TELL THE ONLY ACCOUNT OF CHRISTMAS THE RECEIVER EVER HEARS!"

"DON'T BURY THE MASTER'S TREASURE!"

Disciple of Jesus Christ, Mr. Frank Woods

Come out to the "Living in the Hood" Men's Conference on Jan. 10th & 11th and hear Mr. Frank Woods give his testimony and how God is now using Him in the Genesis Prison Ministry. 

Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

"TO FOLLOW CHRIST IS TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO HIS IMAGE!"
"ANYTHING LESS RESULTS WHEN WE STRAY FROM HIS TEACHINGS!"

Notice that I did not say:
"WHEN WE ARE IN SIN!"
I said:
"WHEN WE STRAY FROM HIS TEACHINGS!"

Ignorance & lack of understanding are a very dangerous combination!
We fail to promote Christ, when we misinterpret His teachings!

In the verses prior, Jesus' disciple's had been offended by the actions of some of their very own.
They misunderstood Jesus' purpose here on Earth!
Hence, they acted out in ignorance, causing bitterness & separation.
They failed to grasp Jesus' teachings & began seeing themselves above everyone else!

"JESUS, BEING THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE, MADE HIMSELF THE SERVANT FOR OUR SAKE!"
"SHOULDN'T WE DO THE SAME?"

Lord, grant us Wisdom concerning Your Word!
May Your Holy Spirit guide us into all Truth!
May we represent You as Jesus did!
"GOD IS LOVE!"

What would you do?

This happened to me last year but I wanted to share this story again for those who have not heard it. 

 You are walking down a path and you come across a very deep hole in the ground. At the bottom of this hole is a man and he is asking you to help him up. It is obvious to you that he is hungry, dirty, and he needs a change of clothing as his is badly torn. He is trapped and has no way out.

Would you help him up?

 Was your answer yes? If so, did you first stop to ask how the man got in the hole? Maybe he lost his footing, maybe he was pushed in, maybe he was being foolish,  maybe he was blind and did not see the hole. If you knew ahead of time how he wound up in the hole would the reason reason he fell have made a difference as to you helping him up?

 The reason I ask these questions is this...I was in the grocery store today and I walked past a woman wearing a t-shirt that said "I support same sex marriage" when I read her shirt, I am sure with what I was thinking, I gave a look of disgust.

 Just seconds after walking past her God spoke to me and asked me the same questions that I asked you just moments ago. He showed me that we have all "fallen" and need help up. When we cry out to Jesus Christ He lifts us up and sets us free. It doesn't matter what we did to cause us to fall. He simply helps us up. (Psalm 116 says, "He lifts us up from the pit and places our feet on solid ground so that we may praise him")

 When I read the woman's shirt my thoughts should have been "She has fallen and needs help up. She needs to be fed the word of God, clothed with compassion and washed clean by the Holy Spirit" My first reaction should have been 'prayer'

 When you look at the wordly people around you are you looking at them with disgust or as people who have fallen and need a Saviour? 

Does your heart harden or break?

The Lord is faithfull in giving the things we ask in His name. You see, I ve been praying for a renewing of my mind, a transformation. God is begining to open my eyes.

And yes, I did stop and pray.

Matthew 28:16-20

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”"

Matthew 13:18-23

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

"WE ALL FALL INTO ONE OF THESES CATEGORIES!"

Question is:
"WHICH ONE?"

"BEING TRUTHFUL WITH ONESELF WILL HELP US REACH THE GOOD GROUND!"

"DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!"

Forward from: Pastor Greg Laurie

Not an Optional Belief

And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God." —Luke 1:35 I have heard people say that it isn't important to believe in the virgin birth of Jesus as long as you believe in His death and resurrection. But I beg to differ. If you doubt the Virgin Birth, then you doubt the Word of God. If you doubt the Virgin Birth, then you are actually saying that Mary was an immoral woman who conceived Jesus out of wedlock. If you doubt the Virgin Birth, then you doubt the character of Jesus. If Jesus had not been born of a Virgin, then He would have been a mere man with no ability to atone for our sins. If there was no Virgin Birth, then there was no sinless Christ. If there was no sinless Christ, then there was no atonement. If there was no atonement, then there is no forgiveness. If there is no forgiveness, then there is no hope of heaven. If you take away the Virgin Birth, you lose everything. So don't tell me the Virgin Birth is an optional belief. It is essential that we believe the Word of God when it says that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was supernaturally conceived in Mary's womb. The Lord Jesus was born of a Virgin, He lived, and He voluntarily went to a cross and died for the sins of the world. Then He rose again. When Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus in the temple, Simeon said, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against" (Luke 2:34). We either believe in Jesus, or we reject Him. Gabriel's announcement to Mary introduced the pivotal point in redemptive history. How people respond to the Child whom Gabriel spoke of will determine their eternal destinies.

Matthew 10:30

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

"THE LORD CARES ABOUT EVERY DETAIL IN YOUR LIFE!"

Whether great or small, He concerns Himself because He cares!
When you least expect it, He shows up!
When you most desire His presence, He is there!

"GOD LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE!"
"GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU CAN NOT BE COMPARED!"

So in the midst of struggles, in the midst of doubt & fear, just remember:
"THE LORD CARES ABOUT EVERY DETAIL IN YOUR LIFE!"

Therefore, seek Him with your whole heart, because He seeks you daily!

"GOD LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE!"
"GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU CAN NOT BE COMPARED!"

1 Kings 15:12-14 The reforms of King Asa of Judah

  "And he banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. Also he removed Maachah his grandmother from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. And Asa cut down her obscene image and burned it by the Brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed. Nevertheless Asa's heart was loyal to the LORD all his days."

Anything that is an idol in our lives has to go. Greed, lust, anger, materialism, anything unholy or we depend upon or desire above God. And if Granny is acting a fool and won't straighten up, she got to go too. 

Matthew 9:16-17

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

"WHEN YOU INVITE JESUS INTO YOUR HEART, YOU BECOME NEW!"
"OLD THINGS ARE DONE AWAY WITH FOR OBVIOUS REASONS!"
"PUTTING THE NEW INTO THE OLD CAUSES CONFLICT!"
"PUTTING THE OLD INTO THE NEW CAUSES CORRUPTION!"

"THEREFORE, PUT NEW THINGS INTO YOUR NEW SELF!"
"DO AWAY WITH THE OLD & MOVE FORWARD!"

"WE CAN NOT PUT THE NEWNESS OF LIFE INTO THE DEADNESS OF SIN!"
"JESUS' TEACHINGS WILL ONLY BENEFIT THE NEW YOU & SERVE AS A WITNESS AGAINST THE OLD!"

"THEREFORE, DO AWAY WITH YOUR OLD WAY OF THINKING!"
"GET COMFORTABLE IN YOUR NEW SELF & BEGIN LIVING THE WAY GOD INTENDED FOR YOU!"

"GOD HAS SO MUCH FOR YOU!"
"BUT YOUR OLD SELF CAN NOT CONTAIN IT!"
"GOD'S PROMISES IN CHRIST ARE FOR THE NEW YOU!"

"THEREFORE, PUT ON THE NEW YOU & RECEIVE HIS BLESSINGS TODAY!"

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

"APPLICATION!"
"APPLICATION!"
"APPLICATION!"

"KNOWLEDGE IS MEANT TO BE APPLIED, NOT MERELY ADMIRED!"

Knowing what to do & actually doing it is the difference between;
"WISDOM & FOOLISHNESS!"

Question:
"WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN THE RAIN COMES?"

Ephesians 4:29-32

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

"WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF DOER'S, NOT TALKERS!"

"ALL THE BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE A PERSON ATTAINS IN LIFE IS MEANT TO BE PUT INTO PRACTICE!"

"WHILE IT IS GOOD TO WRITE BOOKS, GIVE SEMINARS, HOLD GREAT BIBLE STUDIES, START CONVERSATION PIECES, ETC.!"

"APPLICATION WILL ALWAYS TRIUMPH OVER ANY DEGREE WE COULD EVER ACHIEVE!"

"THIS WORLD IS NOT SEEKING THE NEXT BIG PREACHER OR SCHOLAR!"

"IT IS SIMPLY LONGING TO FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL LEAD THE WAY!"

"NOT WITH WORDS, BUT WITH ACTIONS!"

"APPLY WHAT IS REVEALED TO YOU IN THE WORD!"

"THEN REPRODUCE YOURSELF IN OTHERS!"

"DISCIPLESHIP!"

"WORDS ARE FORGOTTEN, BUT ACTIONS ARE EMBEDDED IN A PERSON'S SOUL!"

Never Compromise Holiness

Mark 6:30-31

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them,
“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”"

"JESUS WANTS TO REPLENISH YOU!"
"HE WANTS TO REFRESH YOU!"
"TODAY!"
"AT THIS VERY MOMENT!"
"THEREFORE DON'T PUT IT OFF!"
"BUT EMBRACE HIS REFRESHING TOUCH!"
"FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM ALL OVER AGAIN!"

Matthew 6:1-4

"“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

"BE TRUTHFUL WITH ONESELF!"

Matthew 5:20

"For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Today, God gave me a very simple message for us all;
"DON'T DO IT TO BE SEEN!"
"DO IT FROM THE HEART!"
"DO IT BECAUSE YOU MEAN IT!"

Nobody ever really sees the little things that God does for us,
But we know He does them because He cares!

Let us imitate Him today!
We don't need to announce to the world our deeds!
We just need to proclaim Christ by living a life worthy of the calling we have received!"

Enjoy your day family!

Matthew 1:20-21

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”"

"WE ALL LOVE MIRACLES!"
"BUT WE DON'T ALWAYS WELCOME THEM AT FIRST!"
"JOSEPH WAS HESTITANT!" (Jesus)
"ZECHARIAH WAS IN DISBELIEF!" (John the Baptist)
"THE INNKEEPER COULD NOT SEE WHAT WAS TAKING PLACE BEFORE HIM!" (Therefore, he turned away the miracle birth!)
"BUT MARY RECEIVED IT WITH JOY!"

How about you?
What category would do you find yourself in at this present moment?

God knows you have struggles in your life!
But God has a miracle waiting for you!

"WE ALL LOVE MIRACLES!"
"BUT ARE YOU WILLING TO RECEIVE IT TODAY WITH JOY!"
"OR ARE YOU GOING TO REMAIN HESITANT?"
"OR IN DISBELIEF?"
"OR SIMPLY FAIL TO SEE WHAT'S TAKING PLACE RIGHT BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES!"

"The sooner you receive it with joy, the longer you get to enjoy it!"

Malachi 3:16-19

"Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.
“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."

Question of the Day:
"CAN OTHERS SEE THE DISTINCTION IN YOUR WALK?"

Notice that it doesn't ask:
"DID OTHERS HEAR ABOUT YOU SAYING A PRAYER TO ACCEPT JESUS?"

"TRUE CONVERSION EVENTUALLY LEADS TO TRANSFORMATION!"
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COME TO CHRIST & REMAIN UNCHANGED!"
"THE VERY REASON FOR HIM COMING WAS TO TURN OUR HEARTS BACK TO GOD, NOT FURTHER AWAY!"

"If you are in Christ, then you are a new creation, old things have passed!"
"The only things that don't change are the things you don't surrender!"

Question of the Day:
"CAN OTHERS SEE THE DISTINCTION IN YOUR WALK?"

"THE REASON WE WALK WITH CHRIST IS TO BRING GOD GLORY!"
"THE WAY WE BRING HIM GLORY IS BY LETTING OTHERS SEE HIS LIGHT SHINING THROUGH US!"

Let your light shine today! Brighter than ever!

Zechariah 2:8

For this is what the Lord Almighty says:
"WHOEVER TOUCHES YOU, TOUCHES THE APPLE OF HIS EYE!"

God is extremely sensitive when it comes to you!
I don't think you truly grasp the concept of what you just read!

So I will say it again:
"GOD IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE WHEN IT COMES TO YOU!"

"GOD WILL MOVE HEAVEN & EARTH TO REACH YOU!"
"GOD WILL TEAR DOWN EVERY WALL TO FIND YOU!"
"HE WENT AS FAR AS LAYING DOWN HIS LIFE JUST TO HAVE YOU!"

"GOD IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE WHEN IT COMES TO YOU!"
Someone troubles you, they trouble God!
Someone hurts you, they hurt God!
Whether it be a spirit or a person,
They will have to answer to the LOVER OF YOUR SOUL!

I will say it again!!!
"GOD IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE WHEN IT COMES TO YOU!"
If the Lord is your God, then you are the apple of His eye!
Although, at times, it may seem as if you are fighting a losing battle,
The truth is that:
"YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE WINNING TEAM!"
"GOD HAS YOUR BACK!"

Enjoy your day, blessed child of God!

Dare to take the risk!

"IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE THAT GOD HAS FOR YOUR LIFE, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE THE NECESSARY SACRIFICES FOR PREPARATION!"
God does not place us in positions of failure, but of success!
Have you had any failed attempts lately?
DON'T BE DISCOURAGED!
Your failure was just a lesson you needed to learn as part of your PREPARATION FOR SUCCESS!
Man frowns upon failure, but the truth of the matter is that:
"A FAILED ATTEMPT IN CHRIST IS BETTER THAN ANY VICTORY THIS WORLD CAN OFFER!"
Therefore, don't be afraid of making mistakes, because the grief of failure develops a passion for success!

1 Corinthians 9:27

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

"What is uncomfortable for the flesh is usually the most comfortable place for the spirit of a man."

"Discomfort does not always originate from poor choices."
"We can make the right choice & feel the worse way!"
"This doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it feel uncomfortable!"

"Therefore, don't be discouraged when you have to make a tough decision for the right reason!"
"IT MAY FEEL HORRIBLE, BUT IT SERVES IT'S PURPOSE!"

"THE FLESH IS ALWAYS AGAINST GOD'S WAY OF DOING THINGS!"
"THEREFORE, IT WILL NEVER GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!"
"BUT THE FACT STILL REMAINS THAT THE SPIRITMAN MUST PREVAIL!"

"THE PRIZE IS GIVEN TO THE VICTOR, NOT THE DEFEATED!"
"THEREFORE OVERCOME THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST!"

My Savior...My God

Anger / Hatred / Unforgiveness

1 Peter 2:21-25. There are some key words in this passage that people often overlook. (To this...Because...Instead...So that...For...But now) Meditate on what is being said following these powerful words and pray the Holy Spirit would speak to you through the word as you read. I encourage you to read this passage numerous times this week. Remember, Jesus is our perfect example. How did he respond to Anger, Hatred, and unforgiveness. Read the passages before and after these passages as well to get a fuller understanding of the text. 

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps “He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Matthew 28:19-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

"GOD SAVED US FOR A PURPOSE!"
"FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR MAKING UP EXCUSES & MOVE FORWARD!"
"INACTIVITY PROVES THAT YOU ARE STILL MAKING UP EXCUSES!"

"WE ARE CALLED TO GO, NOT GET COMFORTABLE!"

This is not a bashing, but a nudge in the right direction.
God is calling you to do something!
"THEREFORE, DO IT!"

Psalm 100:1-3

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

Today, I just want to take the time & show my appreciation to my beautiful family!
I've been blessed to have you in my life!
You have no idea how much of an inspiration you are to me!
As time goes by, I realize that I have become the man that I am because of the influence & impact that you have had on my life!

I am not saying that we are perfect, but you have taught me to persevere!
If it wasn't my father, it was my mother!
If not my brothers, then my sisters!
If not my uncles, then my aunts!
If not them, then my cousins!
I can not forget my family in Christ, who helped me make sense of it all!

Today, I am blessed with a beautiful wife!
Beautiful children!
Beautiful in-laws!
Beautiful friends!
This is all due to the fact that I am blessed with a Beautiful Savior!
"JESUS CHRIST!"

Some people ask why I always use exclamation points instead of periods in my writings & the answer is very simple!
"EXCLAMATION POINTS ARE USED TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS!"
"I USE THEM BECAUSE I AM FULL OF EXCITEMENT!"
"GOD'S WORD EXCITES ME!"
"TELLING OTHERS ABOUT HIS GOODNESS OVERWHELMS ME WITH JOY!"

Habakkuk 2:2-4

Then the Lord replied:
“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness."

"RUN WITH IT!"
"WAIT FOR IT!"
"LIVE BY IT!"

What am I talking about?
I'M TALKING ABOUT GOD'S PROMISES!

"RUN WITH THEM!"
"WAIT FOR THEM!"
"LIVE BY THEM!"

"SPEECHES & SERMONS ARE NOT GOD'S DESIRE!"
"GOD IS MORE INTERESTED IN A PERSON'S ABILITY TO GRAB HOLD!"
"GOD CONCERNS HIMSELF WITH FOLLOWERS, NOT TALKERS!"

"THEREFORE, GRAB HOLD OF HIM & LET GO OF WORDS!"
"FOLLOW JESUS & LEARN TO LISTEN!"
"THEN YOU WILL HAVE WORDS TO SPEAK!"
"WORDS THAT RESTORE!"
"WORDS THAT NOURISH!"
"A LIFE THAT PROCLAIMS GOD'S GOODNESS MORE THAN WORDS EVER COULD!"

"A PERSON LIVES ACCORDING TO THEIR BELIEFS!"

Micah 7:18

Who is a God like You?
Who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."

"GOD ACCEPTS US BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS!"
"NOT WHO WE ARE OR WHAT WE HAVE DONE!"

"GOD IS LOVE!"
"GOD IS JEALOUS!"
"GOD IS GOD & NO ONE CAN QUESTION HIM!"

"DO NOT REJECT HIS LOVE, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL BREATHE YOUR LAST!"
"DO NOT PROVOKE HIM TO JEALOUSY, YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO STAND BEFORE HIS ANGER!"
"DO NOT QUESTION HIS INTELLIGENCE, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE HIS RESPONSE!"

Please do not let the enemy lie to you about what is being said here.
I am not preaching "WRATH!"
But I want you to recognize that the God that created all things is Almighty & He has the power to do as He pleases, but chooses not to!

"GOD CAN DESTROY US FOR OUR OFFENSES AGAINST HIM!"
"BUT HE CHOOSES TO SHOW MERCY!"
"IN FACT, HIS WORD SAYS THAT HE DELIGHTS TO SHOW MERCY!"

Many times, we take God's Love for granted & we trample it underfoot!
We do whatever we want & expect God to deal with it & accept us!

A word of advice:
"FORGIVENESS IS FOR THE REPENTANT HEART!"
"NOT FOR THOSE WHO PLAN ON DOING THE SAME THING TOMORROW!"
"THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO OUR ACTIONS & INACTIONS!"

Revelation 22:7,12-16

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Joshua 24:15

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served, or the gods, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

"WE ARE YOURS, JESUS!"
"DO AS YOU PLEASE WITH US!"

"DO NOT SERVE IN GOD'S KINGDOM BECAUSE YOU MUST!"
"INSTEAD, SERVE BECAUSE YOU CAN!"
"ENJOY EVERY OPPORTUNITY!"

"GOD DESIRES WILLINGNESS, NOT RELUCTANCE!"
"GOD REQUIRES FAITH, NOT HESITATION!"

Above all;
"GOD DEMANDS OBEDIENCE, NOT RESISTANCE!"

"TODAY, CHOOSE TO SERVE GOD WHOLE-HEARTEDLY"
"TODAY, CHOOSE TO PUT OFF HALF-HEARTEDNESS!"

"THE GOD OF HEAVEN LOVES US WITH ALL HIS HEART!"
"DOESN'T HE DESERVE THE SAME FROM US?"

Register Today!

Get this out to your churches. Tickets are free but seating is limited. Let us know how many tickets you need by emailing milwaukeeremnantforce@gmail.com 

I am Persuaded...

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. ~ 2 Timothy 1:5 ~

Paul was writing this letter to Timothy and says the faith he sees in Timothy is the same faith that was in his mother and grandmother. But Paul didn't just take it for granted that Timothy's faith was sincere. Paul said, "I am now persuaded" Timothy's life lined up with his words. Over time it became obvious that Timothy's faith was truly of The Lord. 

What does your life say? Does it line up with your words? Would people who know you say they are persuaded your faith is sincere?  If not, you can start changing that opinion today. Confess and repent to The Lord and make a change in your life to become a reflection of Christ to all those around you. 

Mark 16:3b-4

"“Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away."

MANY TIMES,
WHILE WE ARE BUSY CONCERNING OURSELVES WITH THE DETAILS,
WE FAIL TO REALIZE THAT ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LOOK UP!
THEN & ONLY THEN, WILL WE TRULY SEE GOD AT WORK!

In these verses,
Although it is very clear that the disciples encountered a large obstacle between them & the Lord,
It is also evident that:
"THE LORD USUALLY DOES ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING FOR US!"

"THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN SEPERATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST!"

Therefore, don't let the obstacles of life become your focus!
Instead, put your focus on Jesus!

"STRUGGLES WILL CERTAINLY COME FROM EVERY DIRECTION!"
"BUT VICTORY ALWAYS COMES FROM ABOVE!"

TJ ZOVAR & FISHGATE - THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

Men & Women Invited

An Intimate Night of Worship

December 6th

Cafe Room @ Evangel

6-9pm don't miss it. 

John 1:12

"Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."

"HE WHO IS ASHAMED TO BOW BEFORE HIS KING, IS NOT ACTUALLY A SERVANT!"

"JESUS SET ME FREE & I DO NOT NEED OTHERS AROUND ME TO PRAISE HIM, IN ORDER FOR ME TO LIFT UP MY HANDS IN WORSHIP!"

"I WILL WORSHIP HIM PUBLICLY, WHETHER OTHERS AROUND ME RIDICULE ME OR JOIN ME!"

"BUT I WILL WORSHIP HIM FREELY!"

"I WILL WORSHIP HIM FOR ETERNITY!"

"MY FATHER IN HEAVEN HAS GIVEN ME THAT RIGHT!"

"GUESS WHAT?"

"YOU ALSO HAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME A CHILD OF GOD!"

"HAVE YOU RECEIVED JESUS INTO YOUR HEART ALREADY?"

"IF NOT, WILL YOU RECEIVE JESUS INTO YOUR HEART TODAY?"

"CHRISTMAS ISN'T ABOUT GIFTS!"

"IT IS ABOUT THE ULTIMATE GIFT!"

"JESUS CHRIST OFFERS THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE TO WHOEVER WILL RECEIVE IT!"

Hosea 6:6

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."

"ENOUGH SAID!"
"LET US PUT OFF PRETENSION & CLOTHE OURSELVES WITH INTENSION!"

As this season of celebration begins;
"Let us draw near to God to get a better view of who He really is!"
"Don't take anyone's word for it!"
"Find out for yourself!"

"YOU CAN NOT REPRESENT CHRIST CORRECTLY, IF YOU HAVE A FAULTY VIEW OF HIM!"
"Jesus is truly merciful, while man sacrifices false humility for human recognition!"
"Jesus' sole focus is a pursuit of accomplishing His Father's Mission, while man seeks to do God favors with ulterior motives!"

"DON'T LET THIS BE YOU!"
"GENUINELY SEEK GOD & STUDY HIS WORD!"
"GET TO KNOW HIM!"
"HE WILL SHOW YOU WHAT TO DO!"

This Christmas Season, there will be ample opportunity for you to demonstrate the "TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS" to someone!

Whether, it be forgiving someone of a past wrong!
Or handing someone a plate of food or a toy!
Most of all, never forget to share 'THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!"
After all, that is the reason for the season!!!

"THIS YEAR, BE INTENTIONAL WITH YOUR SHARING!"
"THEY DON'T HAVE TO DESERVE IT!"
"YOU JUST HAVE TO GIVE IT!"

ATTENTION CHRISTIAN MEN OF MILWAUKEE...

Living in the Hood

                   Christian Men's Conference. January 10 & 11, 2014

         Fatherhood

       Manhood

         Brotherhood

         Servanthood

Confirmed Speakers: Pastor's Jay Fischer, John Timothy, Lasae Simpson, Steve DeVroy, & John Davis. As well as Bart Helmbreck and Master of Ceremonies Abner Rolon. 

Worship by the Burning Bush Band. 

Friday January 10th from 6-9pm

Saturday January 11th from 8am-4:30pm

Evangel Assembly of God (Good Hope & 99th)

ABSOLUTELY FREE

More info to come soon. 

Attention Christian Men of Milwaukee

Living in the Hood

Christian Men's Conference. January 10 & 11, 2014

Fatherhood

Manhood

  Brotherhood

  Servanthood

Confirmed Speakers: Pastor's Jay Fischer, John Timothy, Lasae Simpson, Steve DeVroy, & John Davis. As well as Bart Helmbreck and Master of Ceremonies Abner Rolon. 

Worship by the Burning Bush Band. 

Friday January 10th from 6-9pm

Saturday January 11th from 8am-4:30pm

Evangel Assembly of God (Good Hope & 99th)

ABSOLUTELY FREE

More info to come soon. 

Psalm 63:1-5

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.
Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You."

"Being grateful means not grumbling about what you don't have!"
"Being grateful expresses satisfaction with what you do have!"

"Being thankful is an expression, not a meal!"
"Being thankful is an attitude, not a holiday!"
"Being thankful is all of the above & so much more!"

"THANKSGIVING IS LIVING THANKFULLY!"
"THANKSGIVING IS THANKFULLY LIVING!"
"THANKSGIVING IS GRATEFULLY LIVING IN REMEMBRANCE OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU!"

"HE BLESSES YOU WITH FAMILY!"
"HE BLESSES YOU WITH FRIENDS!"
"HE EVEN PREPARES A FIEST FOR YOU TO ATTEND!"

"THEREFORE ATTEND IT!"
"BY ALL MEANS, ENJOY IT!"
"BUT MOST OF ALL, REMEMBER WHO GAVE IT!"

"THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL BLESSINGS!"
"HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!"

Matthew 5:9-12

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

"DON'T ALWAYS ASSUME THAT YOU SHOULD DISCARD SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT APPRECIATE YOU"
"SOMETIMES, THEIR LACK OF APPRECIATION COMES FROM THEIR LACK OF A HEALTHY HEART!"

"PRAYER WILL USUALLY SOLVE THAT PROBLEM!"
"BUT NOT FAKE PRAYER, REAL PRAYER!"
"PRAYER DIRECTED TOWARD THE ONE WHO CAN ACTUALLY SOLVE PROBLEMS!"

Sometimes we vent our thoughts & mistakenly call it prayer!
Hence, we remain unchanged!
Even worse, we grow bitter & reluctant to face our issues peacefully.

"DON'T EVER LOOSE SIGHT OF GOD'S GIFT!"
"OR IT WILL SOON BECOME A DISTANT MEMORY!"

Psalm 46:8-11

"Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

"HARD SAYINGS DO NOT HAVE TO BE SAID HARSHLY, JUST FIRMLY!"
"NEVER CONCEDE YOUR AUTHORITY TO THE ENEMY BY IMITATING HIS CHARACTER!"
"INSTEAD, EXERCISE YOUR AUTHORITY THROUGH ACTS OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S SOVEREIGN POWER!"

"DON'T STRONG-ARM YOUR NEIGHBOR!"
"INSTEAD, STRENGHTEN THEIR FEEBLE ARMS WITH AN ENCOURAGING WORD!"

Daniel 9:18b

We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy."

Tips for a healthy relationship with God:
1- NEVER APPROACH THE LORD ON THE BASIS OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!
2- NEVER BE UNGRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU RECEIVE!
3- NEVER DEMAND MORE THAN WHAT YOU RECEIVE!
4- ALWAYS BE WILLING TO SHARE WHAT YOU RECEIVE!
5- LASTLY, NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO FALL UNDER THE MINDSET THAT YOU DESERVE ANYTHING FROM GOD!

"He gives, because He loves!"
"We live, because He chooses!"
"We have, because of His grace, not our deeds!"

"GOD IS SOVEREIGN & WE ARE MISTAKEN TO BELIEVE THAT WE COULD EVER STAND BEFORE HIM, IF NOT BY HIS MERCY!"

"JESUS MADE THE WAY & THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!"
"GOD DOES NOT ACCEPT US BY MEANS OF WORKS, BUT BY GRACE!"
"WE DO NOT DESERVE HIM!"
"YET HE OFFERS HIMSELF BECAUSE HE LOVES US!"
"THEREFORE, ALWAYS APPROACH GOD WITH A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY!"

"HEAVEN'S LINES OF COMMUNICATION ONLY REMAIN OPEN TO THE HUMBLE!"

Daniel 4:37

Daniel 4:37
"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble."

"HUMILITY COMES IN TWO WAYS!"
"WE CAN CHOOSE TO HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE GOD!"
"OR WE CAN BE HUMBLED BY GOD THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES!"
"THE ROUTE WE CHOOSE WILL DETERMINE THE REWARD OR THE REBUKE!"

The first is a choice we make which carries great reward & very little consequence, if any.
Example:
Someone yells at you & you decide at that moment not to retaliate, but to allow God to work in that person's heart. By humbling yourself before God, you have just avoided an issue from escalating. Although that person believes they got the last word, you have won the ultimate battle of spiritual peace!

On the other hand, pride & stubbornness will call for God's hand to intervene through a series of undesirable circumstances, which are deemed necessary by God in order to keep us on the right path.
Example:
You know you shouldn't be involved in a certain activity, yet you ignore God's warnings & continue in said activities. Eventually things begin to fall apart all around you & get out of control until you turn back to God in the midst of turmoil & ask for him to rescue you!

"HUMILITY IS RECOGNIZING THAT EVERYTHING GOD DOES IS RIGHT!"
"HUMILITY IS ACKNOWLEDGING THAT ALL HIS WAYS ARE JUST!"

"TRUE HUMILITY WILL ALWAYS REMIND YOU THAT GOD IS ABLE TO HUMBLE THOSE WHO WALK IN PRIDE & STUBBORNESS!"

Ezekiel 48:11-12a

"This area is set aside for the ordained priests, the descendants of Zadok who served me faithfully and did not go astray with the people of Israel and the rest of the Levites. It will be their special portion when the land is distributed, the most sacred land of all."

"IT IS SET ASIDE..."
"FOR THOSE WHO SERVE ME FAITHFULLY & DO NOT GO ASTRAY..."
"IT WILL BE THEIR SPECIAL PORTION..."
"THE MOST SACRED LAND OF ALL..."

There is something to be said about faithfulness!
In these verses, God does just that!

"THERE IS GREAT REWARD FOR THE FAITHFUL!"
"THEREFORE, KEEP ON PRESSING IN!"
"EVEN WHEN EVERYONE ELSE TURNS AWAY!"

Remember:
"THERE IS GREAT REWARD FOR THE FAITHFUL!"

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?"

I don't know about you, but it is good to know that:
"THE ROCK WON'T MOVE!"
"JESUS IS THE FIRM FOUNDATION I STAND UPON!"

HOW ABOUT YOU?
WHAT KIND OF GROUND ARE YOU STANDING UPON?
IF IT IS JESUS, THEN PRAISE HIM!
IF IT IS NOT JESUS, THEN ACCEPT HIM INTO YOUR HEART & FOLLOW HIM ONTO SOLID GROUND!

"JOY IS OUR POSSESSION!"

John 14:15
"If you love Me, keep My commands."

Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

"HAPPINESS IS PRODUCED!"
"BUT JOY IS POSSESSED!"

"THEREFORE TAKE OWNERSHIP OF IT TODAY!"
"DON'T LET YOURSELF BE ROBBED OF GOD'S GIFT TO YOU!"

"THE ENEMY MAY BE ABLE TO ROB YOU OF EARTHLY MATERIALS!"
"BUT HE CAN NEVER TAKE YOUR ETERNAL INHERITANCE!"

Today, I want to encourage you to:
"POSSESS WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY YOURS DUE TO JESUS' WORK!"
"WE ARE HEIRS IN GOD'S KINGDOM!"
If that's not something to rejoice over, I don't know what is!

Not by Works but by Grace...

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away  – look, what is new has come! And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ...1Corinthians 5:17-18

You are who you are as soon as you are born. Yes, you are born an infant and have to go through stages such as adolescence to become mature but you are who you are the moment you are born. 

The same thing is true when you surrender to Christ and are "Born Again". God say's you are a new creation the moment you are born again. You don't have to earn salvation over time by being good. By God's grace through Jesus sacrifice you are who you are the moment you are born. And just like the body, the spirit too is born as an infant and has to go through stages to mature. Obedience is a sign you truly belong to God and are maturing but good deeds cannot save you. So never let the enemy deceive you. If you are in Christ you are a new creation the moment you are born again not by good deeds. And that's worth praising the name of Jesus and worshipping in spirit and in truth by offering our bodies as a living sacrifice not towards salvation but out of a heart surrendered to the only one capable of saving us, Jesus Christ. 

The Importance of Fellowship - click on link to see video if getting this in your email

Friday November 22nd

6:30-9pm

Evangel Assembly of God

99th & Good Hope

Ezekiel 36:21

I had concern for My holy name, which the people of Israel profaned among the nations where they had gone."

Question:
"WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR HOUSE?"
"DOES IT BRING GOD GLORY OR DOES IT BRING YOU SHAME?"
"ARE YOUR ACTIONS SPIRITUALLY LED OR CARNALLY MINDED?"
"DOES YOUR WALK RESEMBLE THAT OF JESUS OR YOUR FORMER SELF?"
"ARE YOU A GOOD EXAMPLE OR A BAD ONE?"

These questions are not here to condemn you, but to challenge you to:
"THINK BEFORE YOU REACT!"
"PRAY BEFORE YOU SPEAK!"
"GIVE BEFORE YOU RECEIVE!"
"LOVE RATHER THAN HATE!"
"EXALT GOD & HUMBLE ONESELF!"

"THE GREATEST TESTIMONY WE WILL EVER GIVE IS THE ONE WE DAILY LIVE!"

"LET'S EXALT JESUS TODAY!"
Be it at school, at work, at a doctor's appointment, in the market!
May our conduct & conversation direct others to the King of Kings!

Ezekiel 34:31

"You are My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord."

Is someone taking advantage of you?
Is someone mistreating you?
Is someone taking you for granted?

Although, it may not be a good feeling, I want to encourage you with this reminder:
"GOD IS JEALOUS FOR YOU!"
"REMAIN FAITHFUL TO HIM & WATCH AS HE RESCUES YOU FROM THOSE WHO DON'T APPRECIATE YOUR VALUE!"

"YOU ARE PRICELESS TO GOD!"
"HE WILL NEVER TAKE ADVANTAGE!"
"HE WILL NEVER MISTREAT YOU!"
"HE WILL NEVER TAKE YOU FOR GRANTED!"

"YOU ARE HIS & HE LOVES YOU!"
"THEREFORE, DON'T LOOK FOR LOVE IN ANYONE OR ANYTHING ELSE!"
"JESUS, THE LOVER OF YOUR SOUL!"

Do not take the Lord's name in vain...except in movies or for entertainment purposes.

Looking at Christian movie review websites tonight. Important note: these are CHRISTIAN movie reviews not secular. Most of the PG-13 movies had at least two or three misuse of God's name, a couple  times paired with a curse word, and several mis-uses of Jesus name. Not to mention numerous other curse words, violence, partial nudity, and more. I won't even get into the R rated movies.

 Now here is my point...almost all of these movies had at least a 3 out of 5 star rating for family friendliness.  

Christian means you are not only following Christ, but completely surrendered to Him, and completely in love with Him. Who in their right mind would tolerate any form of entertainment that degraded  or misused the name of the one they love and whom saved their life. Not only would you not go but it would upset you greatly to hear about it. 

Yet, these "Christian" sites are giving these movies 3 out of 5 stars because they have a good message or the cinematography is good. And Christians are going to see them. 

This is one of those moments where you must decide between following Christ and desiring the things of the world. But it's just a movie some might say. To this I say, "Is it?" 

Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. 

Ezekiel 33:30-32

"As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice."

Don't be one of these:
"ONE WHO HEARS, BUT DOES NOT DO!"

Instead, be one of these:
"ONE WHO HEARS & APPLIES IT TO THEIR DAILY LIFE!"

Music can be pleasant to the ear!
But it is useless for our daily life circumstances!
Why?
Because it does not penetrate a persons soul!
At best, it moves you momentarily, but it can not transform you permanently!

"GOD'S WORD CAN DO IT ALL!"
"WHEN PROPERLY APPLIED, IT CAN ELEVATE YOUR EMOTIONS & TRANSFORM YOUR INMOST BEING!"

"GOD'S WORD IS NOT JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT!"
"IT IS ETERNAL BLISS FOR THOSE WHO EMBRACE IT!"
"IT'S APPLICATION WILL PROVE TO BE OF MATCHLESS VALUE!"
"BUT IT IS OF NO PROFIT TO THOSE WHO VIEW IT AS JUST ANOTHER STORY BEING TOLD!"

Truth be told:
"APPLICATION IS FAITH!"

"Reading the Bible!"
"Praying hour long prayers!"
"Singing on Sunday mornings!"
"Attending every Church Service!"
"THESE THINGS DO NOT INSTITUTE FAITH!"
"THEY ONLY DEMONSTRATES RELIGION!"

"APPLYING GOD'S WORD IN OUR DAILY CIRCUMSTANCES IS TRUE FAITH!"

ARE YOU HINDERING THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?

 

1 Corinthians 9:12

Psalm 116:15

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His faithful servants."

"I PRAY THAT GOD WOULD STRENGTHEN THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS!"
"WE DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE STRONG!"
"BUT WE ALWAYS NEED TO RELY ON GOD'S STRENGTH!"

I had a passing in my family recently.
Sadly, my TT is going to be missed!
But her love for Jesus will always be remembered!
Her acts of kindness will always reign supreme in our memories!

She made us laugh!
She made us cry!
But most of all;
"SHE FILLED OUR HEARTS WITH LOVE & JOY!"

On a personal note;
She taught me kindness, hospitality & family values!
Not in words, but in her actions!

I'll explain;
When I was young & arrogant, I set out to conquer the world & soon realized that it was too big of a task for me.
Needless to say, I failed at conquering the world & found myself alone & desperate.
My TT Beechy & Tio Noe made it their job to help me through that part of my life, which I must add; "I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR!"

The point is that my TT went beyond the illusion of talking about love & carried me into the realm on experiencing unconditional love!
"TT BEECHY WAS & ALWAYS WILL BE A MAJOR INFLUENCE IN MY DECISION TO FOLLOW THE LORD!"

"FOR MY FAMILY, I PRAY STRENGTH IN THIS HARD TIME!"
"FOR TIO NOE, I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD KEEP BEING THAT EXAMPLE YOU WERE TO ME!"
"I LOVE YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS YOU!"

1 Timothy 2:5

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus."

"JESUS STOOD IN THE GAP FOR US!"
"HE STANDS BETWEEN GOD & MAN!"
"HE IS OUR HERO!"
"HE IS OUR REDEEMER!"

"SIN CREATED SEPERATION BETWEEN GOD & MAN!"
"JESUS CAME & ABOLISHED THAT SEPERATION!"
"THERE IS NO SPACE BETWEEN GOD & MAN ANY MORE!"

"WE ARE INVITED TO SHARE IN A NEW & BEAUTIFUL RELATIONSHIP!"
"SIN FORMED AN ENORMOUS GAP BETWEEN GOD & MAN!"
"BUT JESUS BECAME THE BRIDGE WE MUST CROSS!"
"JESUS IS & ALWAYS WILL BE OUR REDEEMER!"

"NOW WE KNOW THAT THERE NO LONGER IS ANY SPACE BETWEEN GOD & MAN!"

"THE ONLY SPACE THAT COULD EVER COME BETWEEN US & GOD IS THE SPACE WE FORM!"

"GOD SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO CLOSE THE WOUND THAT SIN HAD CAUSED!"

"THEREFORE, DON'T REHASH SIN'S EFFECT!"
"NEITHER REOPEN THE WOUNDS CAUSED BY IT!"

"DRAW CLOSE TO GOD & CLOSE THE GAP IN YOUR LIFE!"

Psalm 33:4-5

"For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love."

"HIS WORD IS RIGHT & TRUE, NEVER MISTAKEN OR MISLEADING!"
"HE IS FAITHFUL IN ALL HE DOES, NEVER UNRELIABLE OR UNLOYAL!"
"JUSTICE IS HIS DELIGHT, NEVER THE PERVERSION THEREOF!"
"GOD'S LOVE COVERS THE EARTH, TIL THIS DAY, HE HASN'T GIVEN UP ON US!"

"ALL THESE ATTRIBUTES ARE TRUE OF HIM!"
"BUT NOT ONE OF THESE ATTRIBUTES IS TRUE OF US!"
"WE ARE NOT WORTHY!"
"WE HAVE NEVER BEEN WORTHY!"
"WE WILL NEVER BE WORTHY OF HIS LOVE!"

"IT IS HIS GRACE THAT MADE A WAY FOR SALVATION!"
"IT IS HIS MERCY THAT KEPT HIS HAND FROM DESTRUCTION!"

"IT IS & ALWAYS WILL BE HIS UNFAILING LOVE THAT COVERS THE EARTH!"
"BELIEVING ANYTHING ELSE WOULD BE A MISTAKE!"
"RECEIVING ANY OTHER FORM OF SALVATION WILL CERTAINLY CONDEMN YOU TO ETERNAL SEPERATION!"

"GOD'S WORD SAYS THAT JESUS IS THE WAY!"
"THEREFORE, BELIEVE IN HIM & RECEIVE HIS GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!"
"HIS WORDS ARE TRUE! HIS LOVE IS INTENDED FOR YOU!"
"RECEIVE IT! RECEIVE IT! RECEIVE IT!"

God Bless You & Enjoy Your Day!

Ezekiel 22:30

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one."

In this day & age; "WILL YOU BE THE ONE?"
?
You may be asking yourself; "What do you mean?"

I mean;
"WILL YOU BE THE ONE TO STAND UP & MAKE A DIFFERENCE?"
"WILL YOU STAND IN THE GAP FOR OTHERS?"
"WILL YOU PLACE OTHERS BEFORE SELF?"
"WILL YOU ALLOW JESUS TO LIVE THROUGH YOU?"
"WILL YOU BUILD UP, INSTEAD OF TEARING DOWN?"

"GOD IS SEEKING MEN & WOMEN WHO WILL DEDICATE THEIR LIFE TO THE FURTHERANCE OF HIS KINGDOM!"
Notice that I said 'THEIR LIFE', not 'A FEW MOMENTS'.

"GOD DESIRES FINISHERS, NOT BEGINNERS!"
"IF YOU HAVE BEGUN & SOMETHING HALTED YOUR JOURNEY!"
"THEN, I ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY TO CONTINUE ON YOUR JOURNEY!"
"DON'T LET GUILT HOLD YOU BACK!"
"DON'T LET REGRET ROB YOU OF YOUR FUTURE!"
"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR YOU, SO LONG AS YOU HAVE BREATH!"

"GOD PROMISES THE CROWN TO THOSE WHO ENDURE!"
"SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT STUMBLING!"
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT MAKING MISTAKES ALONG THE WAY!"
"JUST FOCUS ON SEEKING GOD & HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!"
"GOD WILL COVER THE REST!"
"HIS GRACE ABOUNDS & HIS HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTS!"

Now I will ask you one more time;
"WILL YOU BE THE ONE?"

Video Blog - Vlog

Psalm 62  

My souls finds rest in God alone. 

Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

"BE CAREFUL!"
"YOUR SURROUNDINGS WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME YOUR HOME!"
"INFLUENCE HAS A VERY POWERFUL EFFECT ON US!"
WHETHER WE ARE AWARE OF IT OR NOT!"

"THEREFORE, CHOOSE YOUR COMPANIONS CAREFULLY!"

"WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE BY YOUR SIDE, SKY'S THE LIMIT!"
"BUT WITH THE WRONG COMPANY, HELL IS YOUR DESTINATION!"

"SO MAKE IT YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE TO SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE WISE ENOUGH TO HUMBLES THEMSELVES BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY GOD!"

"IF YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO EXALT THEMSELVES, THEY WILL EVENTUALLY LOOK DOWN ON YOU!"
"BUT IF YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO CONSTANTLY HUMBLE THEMSELVES, THEY WILL ALWAYS LOOK YOU IN THE EYE!"

"IT DOESN'T TAKE A GENIUS TO KNOW THAT A FOOL TRAVELS A FOOLISH PATH!"
"BUT IT DOES TAKE WISDOM TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT WON'T GO WELL FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW!"

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Today's devotion is very simple!
"JOY & PATIENCE ARE VIRTUALLY UNATTAINABLE WITHOUT PRAYER!"

"THEREFORE PRAY!"

1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Pray without ceasing."

"A Tribute to Prayer Warriors Everywhere!"
"Never Give Up!"
"This World Needs You More Than It Knows!"

I would like to give a brief account of something great!

There once lived a woman who struggled with terminal cancer.
She suffered greatly through her sickness.
Eventually, she returned to her Maker.

But during her time here on earth, she gave her heart to Jesus!
She got married & had a beautiful family!
She served the Lord & her family with complete devotion!
She was a woman filled with the Spirit of God!
She prayed exhaustingly & would eventually collapse in the Spirit!

Then one day, during her sickness, one of her children went astray.
Being bed-ridden, there wasn't much physically she could do.
So she instinctively did what she knew to do best, "PRAY!"
As her child progressed in sin, her heart broke more & more.
BUT SHE CONTINUED TO PRAY!

The child eventually ended up in far away place.
But she could not visit due to her physical condition.
THEREFORE, IN HER RESILIENCE, SHE CONTINUED TO PRAY!"
She continued to ask Jesus to make a way for her child to know Him!

Today, I want to tell that:
"I AM THAT CHILD!" "MY MOTHER WAS THAT WARRIOR!"
"ALTHOUGH I DID NOT SEE THE NEED AT THE TIME, TODAY I RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER!"
"I AM GRATEFUL TO MY MOTHER FOR PLACING ME BEFORE HERSELF!"
"I LOVE YOU MOM!"

If you get anything out of this, let it be that:
"PRAYER PLACES HOPE IN HOPELESS SITUATIONS!"

Ezekiel 18:30-32

"Therefore, I will judge each of you, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!"

How many of us view God as an 'Angry Figure'?
How many of us believe that God is waiting for us to mess up so that He can pour out His wrath on us?
How many of us walk around with shamed faces?
How many of us carry around feelings of guilt too heavy to bare?
How many of us live in the gloom of defeat & despair instead of in God's victory through Grace?

"SATAN PREACHES A GOD OF CONDEMNATION!"

"BUT GOD IS A GOD OF SALVATION!"

"GOD TAKES NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF ANYONE!"

"HE DOES NOT DESIRE FOR ANY TO DIE!"

"BUT FOR ALL TO LIVE!"

"BUT WE MUST FIRST REPENT IN ORDER TO LIVE!"

"REPENTANCE IS THE TRUE SIGN OF A BEATING HEART!"

"BUT AN UNREPENTANT HEART IS A HEART THAT DOES NOT BEAT!"

Ezekiel 12:26-28

The word of the Lord came to me:
“Son of man, the Israelites are saying, ‘The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.’
“Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of My words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord .’ ”

"RUN YOUR RACE AS THOUGH IT WERE YOUR LAST!"
"SPEAK YOUR WORDS AS THOUGH THEY WERE NO MORE!"
"PLACE YOUR FOCUS ON ETERNITY!"

"FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND & WE WILL ALL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR ACTIONS!"

"FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND & WE WILL ALL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR WORDS!"

"MOST OF ALL, WE WILL ALL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR INACTIONS & SILENCE!"

Many live their life as though Jesus were never going to return!
But sadly, one day, they will be staring Truth in the face!
Sadly, there will be no excuse!

Therefore, it is our duty as Christians to tell them about God's love for them!

"THE DISTANT FUTURE IS NOT AS DISTANT AS IT MAY SEEM!"
"TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED TO ANYONE!"
"THEREFORE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT JESUS TODAY!"

"IN ORDER TO FINISH A RACE, ONE MUST PARTICIPATE!"
"INACTION WILL NEVER CROSS THE FINISHLINE!"