Proverbs 18:1-7

"Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips."
Since last night, God has pressed in my spirit to share this scripture & out of obedience, I do so.
GOD IS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION!
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH THAT HE SENDS MESSENGERS YOUR WAY ON A CONSTANT BASIS IN ORDER TO WARN YOU OF YOUR DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR!
You can not seek God's Wisdom & reject it all the same without consequences!
If you are asking God for Wisdom, then accept His Teaching!
Verse 12 says,
"Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor."
Haughtiness means arrogance, hauteur, insolence, loftiness, lordliness, overbearingness, presumption, pride.
Don't let these overtake you!
Instead, in humility let God exalt you!

Psalm 127:1

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
"IT ALL BEGINS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS!"
In order to rebuild a life that has been crushed;
"WE MUST COME TO THE CROSS!"
In order to remove the rubble of a lifetime of mistakes;
"WE MUST COME TO THE CROSS!"
In order to maintain a life of constant victory;
"WE MUST COME TO THE CROSS!"
Oh yeah, by the way,
In order to reach heaven;
"WE MUST FIRST COME TO THE CROSS OF CHRIST!"
So as you can see,
"IT ALL BEGINS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS!"
WITHOUT THE CROSS,
ANYTHING & EVERYTHING WE DO HAS NO LASTING VALUE!
Would you like your endeavors to become so significant that others benefit as well?
THEN BEGIN YOUR VENTURES AT THE CROSS!
Would you like to enjoy a better relationship with your loved ones?
THEN BEGIN TO ENJOY YOUR RELATIONS BASED ON THE CROSS!
Would you like to see lasting change take place in your life?
THEN COME TO THE CROSS, WHERE ALL THINGS ARE MADE NEW!
"IT ALL BEGINS AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS!"
WITHOUT THE CROSS,
ANYTHING & EVERYTHING WE DO HAS NO LASTING VALUE!
Therefore, when you wake in the morning, Invite Jesus to accompany you throughout the day & Enjoy His company!
After a while, you will begin to notice that:
"IT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE, WHEN YOU BEGIN YOUR DAY AT THE CROSS!"

Psalm 25:14 The Lord confides in him who who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

Did you catch that. The God of the universe, the creator of all things, wishes to confide in you, assuming you are a Christ follower and have a biblical fear of God. Now, to confide in someone is to trust them with what your sharing. So what's God wanting to share? The Text tells us. It's His Covenant!  God wants to confide and trust in you, not to keep the covenant a secret, but to carry out the covenant. You might ask, what's so special about His covenant? Well, I'll let the Word of God speak for itself in verses 8-10 "Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant." 

Proverbs 13:20

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Jesus was a carpenter,
Not because He woke up one morning & decided;
"I'm going to be a carpenter!"
But because the influence in His immediate surroundings was strongly suggesting carpentry!
Joseph, (Jesus' earthly father figure), was a carpenter.
So were His brother's.
It was a family business!
Notice the words that are used;
'Strongly Suggesting',
Not 'Forcing'.
"INFLUENCE IS A NUDGE, NOT A PUSH!"
"IT IS SUGGESTIVE, NOT DEMANDING!"
"AT TIMES, IT CAN BE SO SUDDLE THAT WE DON'T EVEN RECOGNIZE IT'S PRESENCE!"
But please understand that: "INFLUENCE IS EVER-PRESENT!"
Therefore, since we now know this fact;
Let's make it a point to surround ourselves with people, situations & environments that will inspire us to excel in life for the Glory of God!
Though the saying is true:
"PEOPLE CAN NOT CHANGE YOU!"
The fact still remains:
"THE SUDDLE & SUGGESTIVE NUDGE OF INFLUENCE CAN!"
You may not recognize it today, but as times goes by, you will realize that your mannerisms resemble those of someone around you or from your past.
"DO NOT FOOL YOURSELF!"
"THOSE AROUND YOU WILL AFFECT YOU!"
"IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER!"
Therefore, choose your conversations, company & environment WISELY!

Jeremiah 32:27

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
Jesus told us "GO, MAKE & DO!"
Matthew 28:19
"Go & Make Disciples of All Nations!"
"GO & MAKE!"
John 13:17
"If you Know these things, happy are you if you Do them."
"DO!"
"GO, MAKE & DO!"
These are words meant for ACCOMPLISHMENT & SUCCESS,
NOT INCOMPLETION, NOR FAILURE!
"GOD INTENDED US TO GO!"
"GOD INTENDED US TO MAKE!"
"GOD INTENDED US TO DO!"
"ELSE, HE WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED US!"
Sadly we fall short many times!
The reason is that we TRY instead of DIE!
God does not want us to do it in our own strength!
WHY? You may ask!
BECAUSE A GODLY MISSION CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED IN A GODLY MANNER!
It is when we stop trying & surrender our Life & Will to God, that the Holy Spirit can take control of the situation & accomplish through us what we could not do in our own ability.
"DYING TO SELF IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISH WE CHRISTIANS MUST SEEK!"
"BECAUSE ALL GROWTH FOLLOWS DEATH!"
John 12:24
"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
Therefore, from now on, when God urges you to GO, MAKE or DO, be sure to obey & not to bring out a list of reasons as to why it can't be done!
"DON'T BE AFRAID TO WALK IN YOUR CALLING!"
"GOD IS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, EXCEPT EXCUSES!"
"EXCUSES STEM FROM FEAR OR EVEN LACK OF FAITH!"
But I want to leave you with this last encouragement as you GO through your day;
Jeremiah 32:27
"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."
I just got to say it again:
"MAKE HIS PRAISE GLORIOUS!!!"
"PRAISE HIM IN HIS SANCTUARY!!!"

Psalm 66:2

(NIV)
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.
(NLT)
Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is.
(ESV)
Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!
(NASB)
Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious.
(KJB) (Cambridge Ed.)
Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
(HCSB)
Sing about the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.
(ISV)
Sing praise about the glory of his name. Make his praise glorious.
(NET Bible)
Sing praises about the majesty of his reputation! Give him the honor he deserves!
(AB in plain English)
Sing the honor of his Name! Sing the honor of his glory!
(GWT)
"Make music to praise the glory of his name. Make his praise glorious."
GET THE POINT!!!
FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD, BURN LIKE A FIRE IN ME!
LIGHT A FLAME IN MY SOUL FOR EVERYONE TO SEE!
A FIRE TO LOVE YOUR PEOPLE!
A FIRE TO LOVE THE LOST!
A FIRE TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS!
A FIRE THAT WOULD HEAL THE HEARTS OF THE HURTING!
THAT THE WORLD WOULD GIVE YOU GLORY!
MAKE HIS PRAISE GLORIOUS!
MAKE HIS PRAISE GLORIOUS!
The one thing Jesus did during His ministry here on earth, was that He made God attractive to others through His lifestyle!
We as His disciples should do the same!
"LET JESUS BE THE ONE WHO LIVES THROUGH YOU & ME!"

2 Kings 22:19

"Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord."
"BECAUSE YOUR HEART WAS RESPONSIVE & YOU HUMBLED YOURSELF BEFORE THE LORD!" "I also have heard you, declares the Lord."
God is not so much concerned with our words, as He is with our brokenness!
"HE HEARS OUR CRY'S, NOT OUR EXCUSE'S!"
Although disaster had been declared upon King Josiah's Kingdom by the Lord, due to his predecessors;
He did not put the blame on anyone else,
He did not try to excuse himself or his actions because of ignorance,
He did not accuse God of being unjust,
He simply responded with a heartfelt attitude of deep remorse which naturally led to a different course of action!
"HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BEFORE THE LORD!"
"WHEN WE REMOVE EXCUSES,  WE REMOVE THE ONE THING THAT KEEPS GOD OUT OF OUR HEART!"
"BECAUSE YOUR HEART WAS RESPONSIVE & YOU HUMBLED YOURSELF BEFORE THE LORD!" "I also have heard you, declares the Lord."
God is not so much concerned with our words, as He is with our brokenness!
"HE HEARS OUR CRY'S, NOT OUR EXCUSE'S!"

Go, Make Disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20 “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.”

Acts 3:6 Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you...

We are to make disciples...we cannot give what we do not have. How can you teach patience, when you deal with anger? How can you teach love, when you constantly fight with your spouse? How can you teach discipline, when you give in to worldly indulgences? 

What is the primary role of the Church with it's preaching, classes, programs, and lessons? Is it to teach about Jesus? Or is to help us to become like Jesus! 

Unless the people attending Church, in their daily lives, are being transformed into the image of Christ (the perfect example of how we are to live and love) then all of our efforts, time, study, and work in the Church, are a waste of time. 

Much of Today's Modern Evangelism say's "Go, make converts" Jesus never preached this philosophy. Jesus said, "Go...make disciples...teach them to obey, as I have commanded and taught you" The Holy Spirit came to convict men of sin. 

The difference is found in this...the former often times coerces people into saying a pray. The latter, by the Holy Spirit, leads people to feeling godly sorrow that leads to repentance, as they witness Christ in your life, and experience the love of Christ through you. 

True Discipleship leads people to ask for themselves "How must I be saved?" Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized...They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  .

Evangelism does not always include discipleship, but out of discipleship, always comes evangelism. Much of today's evangelism is trying to create a born again experience. But a born again experience is of God alone, and by His timing too. When we come along side of people however, and disciple them as commanded by preaching the Gospel AND being an example to them, then oftentimes God will touch them along the way and we witness true conversion. 

Two kinds of Discipleship: 

Pre-Conversion Discipleship: This mostly occurs in the community.

Post-Conversion Discipleship: This mostly occurs in the Church

Discipleship, is found between the incarnation of Christ, and the cross. Discipleship is in the life and teachings of Christ. We cannot simply preach and teach the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ (God loves you and died for you) We must preach the full Gospel which includes repentance and obedience along with demonstrating by example in our own lives.

Have you devoted yourself to doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. 

We cannot give what we do not have

Lord, make me broken. Psalm 119:33-38 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.[t] 34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.[u] 38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.

Make me broken

So I can be healed

‘Cause I’m so calloused

And now I can’t feel

I want to run to You

With heart wide open

Make me broken

Make empty

So I can be filled

‘Cause I’m still holding

Onto my will

And I’m completed

When you are with me

Make me empty

[Chorus:]

‘Til You are my one desire

‘Til You are my one true love

‘Til You are my breath, my everything

Lord, please keep making me

Make me lonely

So I can be Yours

‘Til I want no one

More than You, Lord

‘Cause in the darkness

I know You will hold me

Make me lonely 

Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights."
LISTEN VERY CLOSELY:
"BLESSINGS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED FROM THE LORD!"
"BUT NOT EXPECTED AS A CONDITION FOR PRAISE!"
We rejoice in the Lord because He has given us Eternal Life!
We honor the Lord because of His Great Sacrifice!
We love the Lord because He First Loved Us!
Most Importantly:
"WE FOLLOW HIM BECAUSE HE ENABLES US THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT!"
Therefore,
If things don't seem to be going the way you planned them!
If things are a bit more difficult than you would have them be!
In fact,
If things seem outright horrible as they did for the prophet Habakkuk,
"LOOK TO THE LORD DELIVERANCE!"
"LOOK TO THE LORD FOR STRENGTH!"
"LOOK TO THE LORD FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE!"
Then watch, as you find yourself praising God for who He is & not what He gives!
Eventually, God will look upon your situation with favor!
EVENTUALLY, YOUR SITUATION WILL BE A MEMORY & A MOTIVE FOR PRAISE!
LISTEN VERY CLOSELY:
"BLESSINGS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED FROM THE LORD!"
"BUT NOT EXPECTED AS A CONDITION FOR PRAISE!"

2 Corinthians 1:20

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God."
In Christ, we are called to: "DO!" "GO!" "TELL!"
Biblically, we have never been commanded to "TRY!"
Throughout life, the Lord has shown me that:
"TRYING INVOLVES UNCERTAINTY!"
When you know that God has called you to "DO" something, "GO" somewhere, "TELL" someone!
There is "NO" need to "TRY" or you lack faith!
Because of this uncertainty, you may never accomplish your mission!
"GOD'S PLANS WILL ALWAYS BE CARRIED OUT, BUT OUR LACK OF FAITH CAN RESULT IN GOD USING SOMEONE ELSE TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT HE ORIGINALLY CHOSE US FOR!"
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God."
"If all of God's promises to us are YES!"
"Then, when He calls, our answer should be AMEN!"
DON'T SAY "I'LL TRY!"
SAY "AMEN!"
"GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES!"

Mark 8:34-38

"Then Jesus, calling the crowd to join his disciples, said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”"
If you are familiar with this passage, then maybe you can remember why Jesus decided to call the crowd together.
It was because Peter, His own disciple, had allowed himself to become a hindrance to the Gospel.
In the verses prior to these, we read; (Mark 8:31-33)
"Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”"
Peter's zeal became a hindrance!
Not because he did not have good intentions!
But because he chose his intentions over God's Plan for Jesus' Life!
"Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”"
"TAKING UP OUR CROSS MAY SOMETIMES REQUIRE US TO SURRENDER OUR MOST NOBLEST INTENTIONS!"
"IN ORDER TO KEEP THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRUE MESSAGE!"
"THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!!!"

Godly Morsels!

Proverbs 11:25
"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Ecclesiastes 7:8-10
"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions."
Proverbs 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls."
GODLY MORSELS!
ENJOY THEM!
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY;
APPLY THE TO YOUR LIFE!
GOD BLESS YOU!
GOD HAS SOMETHING GREAT FOR YOUR LIFE!
GRAB A HOLD OF IT TODAY!

Fringe Benefit: There's no traffic on the extra mile!

If anyone compels you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

~ Matthew 5:41 ~

The Kings messengers in Persia were authorized to take by force Horses, carriages, and even men when they had need of them. The text was telling men when they were compelled to go, although it may be burdensome and hard labor, do so willingly instead of arguing. Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; but those who act upon right principles will have much peace and comfort, as well as be a witness to the world. This verses speaks to us today as well. What is it that is being asked of you? Overtime at work? Patience with someone? A little extra time with your kids when you just want to relax? Parking further away so someone else can have that spot up front? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:12 "we would rather put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ" Are you being compelled to go a mile? What's being asked of you may be a great burden, but  for the sake of the Gospel, when asked to go a mile, with a smile and a warm heart, go two. 

Psalm 21:6

"Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your Presence."
Hope to see everyone at Church!
Maybe, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit!
PRAISE THE LORD!

Acts 2:44

"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
"ONLY THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT DO WE RECEIVE EMPOWERMENT!"
"ONLY THROUGH EMPOWERMENT ARE WE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH GOD'S PLAN!"
"THEREFORE, I INVITE YOU TO COME LEARN ABOUT THE ONE WHO ENABLES US!"
"HOLY SPIRIT SEMINAR WEEKEND!"
"SIMPLY, COME & LEARN ABOUT THE ONE WHO DWELLS IN YOU & WORKS THROUGH YOU!"
This weekend we have a special speaker coming to Evangel Assembly of God. Pastor David Johnson will be sharing on The Presence and The Power of the Holy Spirit. This power packed weekend is sure to be a life changer! This event will take place at the church starting at 10:30am on Saturday, May 18th with a free meal provided at noon. Please come out and be a part of what the Lord is doing here at Evangel.
9920 W. Goodhope Rd. Milw., WI 53224.
If you have any questions, please feel free to inbox me or call me.
God Bless & Enjoy Your Day!

Proverbs 5:21

"For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all your paths."
ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Acts 2:4⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

This weekend we have a special speaker coming to Evangel Assembly of God. Pastor David Johnson will be sharing on the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. This power packed weekend is sure to be a life changer! This event will take place at the church starting at 10:30am on Saturday, May 18th with a free meal provided at noon. Please come out and be a part of what the Lord is doing here at Evangel.

Isaiah 49:1-6

"Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”"
MINISTRY IS NOT ABOUT SELF!
IT IS ABOUT SOULS!
MINISTRY MUST COST THE MINISTER,
OR IT WILL QUICKLY BECOME WORTHLESS!
It cost Jesus everything to accomplish His ministry toward humanity!
Therefore today, it is a sweet savor in His heart!
"IT IS HIS CROWN OF GLORY!"
Questions for those in Ministry today:
"What is your view of the ministry you are performing?"
"What is your investment in the ministry you are performing?"
"What is the driving force behind the ministry you are performing?"
Lastly,
"What are you willing to do to improve the performance of your ministry?"
"LOVE NEVER FOCUSES ON SELF, ONLY ON SOULS!"
"THEREFORE, LET LOVE BE YOUR MOTIVATOR!"
"LET LOVE BE THE PURPOSE BEHIND YOUR MINISTRY!"
"To desire Ministry is to desire Souls!"
"Leading sometimes requires that you pay the toll for other to cross the bridge!"

Psalm 150:1-6

"Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
Praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
Praise him with the harp and lyre,
Praise him with timbrel and dancing,
Praise him with the strings and pipe,
Praise him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord."
IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW WE PERCEIVE OUR SITUATION!
THE FACT IS THAT:
GOD IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!!!
NO MATTER WHAT OUR CIRCUMSTANCE!!!
I don't need to see rocks crying out to Him in praise!
I know how to praise Him right well & I will!
WILL YOU JOIN ME IN PRAISE TODAY!

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

We are called to be a living sacrifice for God.  In the old testament, they would sacrafice animals for sin. When someone made a sacrafice to God it was to honor God in thanksgiving or asking for forgiveness for their sins. 

In fact, Hebrews 9:22 says: In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness

In the new testament, we know that Jesus Christ was our sacrafice on the cross. Jesus paid our sin debt. Praise the Lord!

We are called to be a people that honors God and we do that through living a life that is pleasing to Him. A holy life is one that is set apart and dedicated to God. This is our resonable service. In other words, this is the fair and sensible thing to do.  

Proverbs 4:7-27

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
"THOUGH IT COST YOU ALL YOU HAVE!"
Question of the day:
"What are we Really Willing to give up?"
"GOD IS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF HANDLING OUR SITUATION!"
"HIS METHODS ULTIMATELY WORK OUT BETTER THAN OURS!
"THEREFORE SEEK HIS WISDOM, SEEK HIS UNDERSTANDING, SEEK HIM TODAY!"

Thou Shall Not Covet

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." - Exodus 20:17

A Roman Catholic priest who had heard the confessions of 2,000 people said that he had heard every kind of sin and iniquity confessed—even murder—with one exception. He had never heard anyone confess to committing the sin of covetousness.

I think that is because we don't really know what coveting is. Yet we do it all the time.

What does it mean to covet? Coveting is wanting something that never will be yours, should never be yours, and, in fact, belongs to someone else. The literal definition of the word means to set your heart on something. A better translation would be "to pant after something"—sort of like a predator pursuing its prey.

The apostle Paul said that of all the commandments, this was the one he struggled with the most. Why? Because all the other commandments involve external actions—"You shall not commit adultery" . . . "You shall not kill" . . . "You shall not take the Lord's name in vain."

But then there is "You shall not covet." That is more difficult to figure out. It is internal. It is wanting something that belongs to someone else and deciding you are going to get it, no matter what.

We read in Colossians 3:5, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." 

It is not a sin to admire something. It is not a sin to want to be successful in business or to make a good living. But if you become obsessed with it and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it, when that is the most important thing in life to you, that can become coveting and idolatry.

Jeremiah 20:9

"But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His Name, His Word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!"
I CAN'T DO IT!
JESUS HAS BEEN TOO GOOD TO ME!
I LIVE TO TELL OF HIS GOODNESS!
I LIVE TO PROCLAIM HIS LIFE-CHANGING POWER!
THE WORLD NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT JESUS!
"EVANGELISM BURNS WITHIN ME!"
"BECAUSE EVANGELISM IS WHAT I WAS CREATED FOR!"
I've said all this in order to ask you something!
"Why were you Created?"
"What is your Purpose?"
"When will you Act upon it?"
"Where will you Begin?"
"Who will you Tell?"
"GOD CREATED YOU FOR A PURPOSE!"
"YOUR JOB IS TO SEEK HIM & FIGURE OUT WHO YOU ARE!"
"If you don't know who you are, you will never know where you are going!"
"If you don't know where you are going, you will never reach your destination!"
Jeremiah 29:11-14
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”"
"YOU GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE IS YOUR BEST CAREER!"
You need a job to pay your bills!
But you need contentment to sleep at night!
"GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE PROVIDES BOTH!"
You won't find this anywhere else!!!

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
HE CARES FOR YOU!
YOU CAN TRUST HIM!
BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!
HE CARES FOR YOU!
YOU CAN TRUST HIM!
BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!
HE CARES FOR YOU!
YOU CAN TRUST HIM!
BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!
HE CARES FOR YOU!
YOU CAN TRUST HIM!
BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!
HE CARES FOR YOU!
YOU CAN TRUST HIM!
BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU!
GET THE POINT!!!
HE CARES FOR YOU!!!

Psalm 37:1-40

(A MUST READ!)
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke. The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Hope in the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him."

Psalm 34:1-9

"I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Oh, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing."
"YESTERDAY WILL NOT MATTER, IF TODAY, IT IS NOT CARRIED OUT!"
"In order to receive the benefits that were birthed yesterday, we must be willing to carry out the necessary nurturing today, or tomorrow will remain the same!"
Having a GOAL is good!
But achieving our GOAL is even better!
"A FRESH COMMITTMENT TODAY OF YESTERDAY'S VISION WILL ENSURE OUR FOCUS FOR TOMORROW'S SUCCESS!"
We have The God of All Creation on Our Side!
He wants to nothing more than to bless us!
Yesterday, He put a vision in our hearts!
Today, He expects us to follow through!
So that tomorrow everyone can reap the benefits!
"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."
"Oh, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing."

Mark 16:15-18

And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Do you desire to make a difference?
FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION!
Do you desire to see life's changed?
FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION!
Do you desire adventure?
FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION!
Do you desire excitement?
FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION!
"PEOPLE KEEP HEARING ABOUT THE SECOND COMING!"
"BUT THEY ARE YET TOLD BE TOLD ABOUT THE FIRST!"
Proclaiming the Gospel has very little to do with our Words & a whole lot to do with our Actions!
Jesus performed more Acts of Love than He spoke Words of Wisdom!
"His words were contained in a book, but His actions weren't!"
People may not always be able to relate to theology!
But they will certainly respond to the message of love performed through our actions!
John 21:25
"And there are also many other things that Jesus DID, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen."
"SIGNS CAN NOT FOLLOW BELIEVERS UNLESS BELIEVERS ARE ACTUALLY IN MOTION!"
FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION!

Mark 15:15

"So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified."
Pilate wanted the crowd to view him as "THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE!"
Therefore, he did what the people wanted!
Whether it was right or wrong!
Have you ever did what was wrong & sacrificed what was right for the sake of pleasing someone or a group of people?
I know I have!
I'm not proud of it & neither should you be!
Doing wrong & sacrificing what is right always involves turning our backs on Jesus!
This is not something to be proud of!
Remember Christ was crucified because of our sins,
Therefore, lets not be so much concerned about the person or persons who are demanding so much from us,
Instead, lets focus on pleasing THE ONE who:
"CHOSE TO GIVE HIMSELF & NOT REQUIRE SO MUCH FROM US!"
Here's a secret about friendships & relationships:
"FRIENDSHIPS ARE BUILT ON GOOD RELATIONSHIPS!"
"IF RELATIONS ARE STRENUOUS, A FRIENDSHIP WILL DIE!"
Therefore, if someone in your life is demanding so much from you that you feel pressured to do wrong,
"THINK TWICE ABOUT THAT RELATIONSHIP!"
"IT MAY NOT BE GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!"
If you keep holding on as Pilate did, you will certainly give in to the demands of those around you & will eventually turn your back on Christ Jesus, who wants nothing more but to Love you & be your Friend for Eternity!

John 10:9

"I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."
Self-Examination Day!
Have you entered in through THE GATE?
Can you freely COME IN & GO OUT?
Have you found PASTURE?
Jesus is THE GATE!
Making Him Lord of your life gives you access to COME & GO!
The Holy Spirit is the One who leads you to those PASTURES!
Pasture is not prosperity!
It is more than that!
Pasture is ground on which something grows for means of feeding!
In the Christian sense,
Jesus is our access into those growing grounds!
WHEN WE ENTER THROUGH CHRIST, WE CAN BE FED SPIRTIUALLY!
NO WHERE ELSE!
What are we fed in this pasture you may ask?
"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT!"
"LOVE, JOY, PEACE, FORBEARANCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL!"
Are you lacking any of these?
Ask yourself:
Have I entered through THE GATE?
Can I freely COME IN & GO OUT?
HAVE I FOUND PASTURE?
Jesus said:
"I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."

Psalm 56:12-13

"I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to You. For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."
GOD FREELY OFFERS SALVATION!
BUT SALVATION MUST BE FREELY ACCEPTED!
I willingly accept the Free Gift of Eternal Life through Jesus Christ!
I willingly offer my life to the Service of His Kingdom!
Why, you may ask?
BECAUSE HE HAS DELIVERED ME FROM DEATH & MY FEET FROM STUMBLING, THAT I MAY WALK BEFORE GOD IN THE LIGHT OF LIFE!
GRATITUDE fills my life today!
But everything began with REPENTANCE!
I turned from the path that lead to death,
In order to walk the path that leads to life!
The truth is:
"I HAVE NEVER REGRETTED MY DECISION TO FOLLOW CHRIST!"
Have you accepted Christ as your Lord & Savior?
I invite you to welcome Christ into your heart!
Have you made vows to the Lord, but not fulfilled them?
I invite you to turn from whatever is keeping you from serving God!
Have you been struggling with Gratitude toward God?
I invite you to think about the good things God has done for you throughout your lifetime!
"I PREACH THE GOSPEL OUT OF JOY, NOT OBLIGATION!"
"I'VE EXPERIENCED THE BENEFITS, THEREFORE, I WANT TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH EVERYONE!"
"SALVTION AWAITS YOU!"
"JESUS AWAITS YOU!"
All you must do is:
"REPENT & ACCEPT JESUS AS YOUR LORD & SAVIOR!"

Psalm 63:1-8

"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. On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the watches of the night. Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. I cling to You; Your right hand upholds me."
I CLING TO YOU!
I want everyone to know that:
I CLING TO YOU, OH LORD!
And I pray that someday everyone would get to experience the same deep sense of intimacy with their Creator as I do!
To those reading this:
"YOU ARE HIS SON!"
"YOU ARE HIS DAUGHTER!"
Are you tired of running?
Have your past experiences caused you to become callous toward intimacy?
GOD'S LOVE IS PURE!
GOD'S LOVE IS HARMLESS!
Best of all:
GOD'S LOVE IS MEANT FOR YOU!
"JESUS DIED TO REMOVE THE STAIN OF SIN!"
"JESUS ROSE TO ESCORT US INTO THE FATHER'S PRESENCE!"
"GOD'S LOVE IS YOURS!"
"GOD'S LOVE IS MINE!"
Best of all:
"GOD'S LOVE BELONGS TO EVERYONE!"
"RECEIVE IT!" "ACCEPT IT!" "ENJOY IT!" "ENJOY HIM!"

Do the Demons know your name?

I have to tell you about a dream God gave me a while back...It was so real that when I woke up I remembered every detail! 

 I was walking down a long hallway in a public place and at the end of the hall it turned to the left into a more open, but still enclosed space. As I turned there were two security guards there but only one was standing, and one was crawling on the floor as if he was disabled or drunk, he could not get up on his own.

  I turned to the guard standing and asked him why he wasn't helping the other man. He simply laughed as if he had something to do with it, he seemed evil. I then turned and helped the disabled man up onto a bench and as I touched him he was immediately healed and left the building. The standing security guard (the evil one) was now at a distance but said to me in a disapproving voice "Who are you?" As if to say "where does your authority come from?" I replied confidently, "You know my name!"

 Then another man in dark clothing suddenly appeared and the two of them starting talking as if they were plotting something. I approached these men and as I did the man in dark clothing stuck out his hand as if to introduce himself and for me to join them, I did take his hand but not in a friendly way, I pulled him in closer to me and told him firmly "You are not welcome here" this man in dark clothing said to me a second time "Who are you?" I replied sternly "You know my name! " I then said "Leave!" he immediately 'entered' the standing security guard as a spirit and immediately they (in one body) walked away, following behind them was what looked like four demon spirits, as they got to the end of the hall they turned and looked back as if to try to return and I again said very boldly "You know my name, leave!" and they disappeared. ~end of my dream~

 

 The amazing part was there was never any fear in me, not even a speck or a trace.I was bold knowing who I was in Christ Jesus, I took the devil by his hand pulled him close and was saying with confidence to his face "You know who I am because I belong to Jesus" I didn't actually say the part about being in Christ Jesus, but both the dark demon and myself knew it to be true, the words did not have to be spoken.  

Acts 19:13-16 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (This is quite the opposite as the evil Spirit knew they did not belong to Christ - and quite a picture, seven sons of a Jewish priest running down the street naked and bleeding)

 Do the evil spirits know you by name? Until last night's dream I don't know how I would have answered that question. God empowered me last night by allowing me to see the authority He has placed within me through His Son Jesus Christ. I will no longer be afraid of what man can do to me (Hebrew 13:6) And I will cast out demons in the name of Jesus Christ.

 First make sure Christ Jesus resides in us, (Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5) 

 Then, walk and speak boldly in the name of Jesus as one with Authority! Do this in the presence of demons but also in the presence of men. Acts 14:3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders.

Hebrews 11:11

"And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she CONSIDERED HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD MADE THE PROMISE."
Have you been listening to the reasoning that this world has to offer concerning your circumstances?
Well Sarah didn't!
She chose to believe the Promises of God, rather than listen to worldly knowledge!
It can not be denied that she was past childbearing age, but God had a plan to fulfill through her!
Therefore He promised her something that seemed ridiculous considering her circumstance!
In fact, at first, she laughed when she considered her circumstance through a worldly point of view! (Genesis 18:12)
But she was wise enough to consider THE ONE WHO HAD MADE THE PROMISE & EVENTUALLY RECEIVED THE PROMISE!
With this in mind, I would like to encourage you to:
"CONSIDER THE SOURCE BEFORE YOU COMMIT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE!"
"GIVE IT TO GOD, NOT MAN!"
"GOD CAN MAKE A MIRACLE OUT OF A MESS!"

John 3:30

And again I say, Amen. 

Hebrews 11:7a

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family."
TRUE FAITH MOVES YOU!
TRUE FAITH STIRS YOU INTO ACTION!
TRUE FAITH DRIVES YOU FURTHER THAN YOU WOULD NORMALLY GO!
IN ALL THINGS,
WITHOUT FAITH,
YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO DO GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!
FAITH is the deciding factor that will help us leave the comfort & peace of our homes and enter an atmosphere of unknown circumstances in order to minister to the Lost.
Most of all,
"FAITH WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE A DUTY & RESPONSIBILITY TO SEEK & SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!"
"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family."
HELP SAVE GOD'S FAMILY!