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!"

Ezekiel 2:7-8

"You must speak My words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth..."

"WE WERE CALLED TO PROCLAIM GOD'S TRUTH TO THIS DYING WORLD!"
"WHETHER THEY LISTEN OR NOT, SHOULD NOT BE OUR FOCUS!"
"OUR FOCUS & MAIN GOAL SHOULD BE TO FULFILL OUR CALLING!"

"ANYTHING ELSE WOULD PLACE US IN A STATE OF REBELLION, INSTEAD OF SUBMISSION!"

"OUR JOB AS MINISTERS, IS NOT TO CONVINCE PEOPLE OF THE TRUTH!"
"BUT SIMPLY TO MAKE IT KNOWN TO THEM!"
"THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES THE REST!"

"DO NOT LET THE ENEMY DECEIVE YOU INTO FEELING GUILTY WHEN SOMEONE DOES NOT RESPOND TO YOUR WARNING!"
"EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN CHOICES!"
"WHETHER THEY ACCEPT THE TRUTH OR NOT, IS THEIR CHOICE TO MAKE!"

"EVERYONE WILL BEAR THE CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR OWN DECISIONS!"
"INCLUDING THOSE WHOM HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAKING THOSE CONSEQUENCES KNOWN TO THAT INDIVIDUAL!"

"THEREFORE, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE!"
"WHETHER THEY ACCUSE YOU OR MISTREAT YOU!"
"NEVER FORGET THAT YOUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO PROCLAIM TRUTH WITH THE INTENT OF LIBERTY FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL!"

"OPEN YOUR MOUTH!"

Did God say go?

I was at a popular Church in Milwaukee recently where missions and getting involved in helping other countries was being preached and these words were spoken, "Some things you just don't need to pray about" now I understand what they were trying to say, "that doing good is just a given" but with that in mind what was preached was not sound doctrine. Now I am not condemning the church or the preacher but rather saying they were off in their doctrine and need help in this area. (We all need help from time to time)

Here is the point...How and when can preaching the Gospel not be of God? Acts 16:6 - Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.

Paul was planning on going to Asia to preach the Gospel (Sounds Great) but was prevented by the Holy Spirit. We don't know if The Holy Spirit spoke audibly to Paul or if Paul was prevented from going to Asia by more physical means such as a road being under construction, or maybe his car broke down (use your imagination) but we do know he was prevented and instead was invited to Philippi where a demon posed girl was saved and converted which led to Paul being beaten and thrown in jail, which led to a divine delivernce from jail, which led to a jailer and his family coming to Christ. 

You see we are not just to go, help, and preach, we are to go, help, and preach, where God sends us! And this by PRAYER. 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer..."1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray unceasingly

 1Corinthians 10:31 "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Is it sin to disobey this Biblical commandment?" Yes. So, it is sin to eat or drink or do anything NOT for the glory of God. In other words, sin is not just a list of harmful things (killing, stealing, etc.). Sin is leaving God out of account in the ordinary affairs of your life. Sin is anything you do that you don't do for the glory of God. Unless we have prayed and been given direction from God we do things in our own strength, leaving God out of it, and in our own strength all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)  If Paul had found a way to Asia as planned (to do good and preach the gospel) you can be assured it would have had no affect, because God had not directed it. Sometimes we try so hard and wonder why we see no fruit. Hmmm. But Paul followed the Holy Spirit and much was accomplished for the glory of God. Note that Paul did not do nothing, he still got involved, but he went where The Lord sent him, not man. 

 Maybe God has thwarted your plans recently. Sometimes we immediately want to blame the devil but there is another consideration, maybe the Holy Spirit prevented you so you may go the way of God's will instead. Before you make any decision in life no matter how big or small, PRAY, and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, then, for the Glory of God...the captives may be set free. 

Isaiah 51:14-16a

"Soon all you captives will be released!
Imprisonment, starvation, and death will not be your fate!
For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar.
My name is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
And I have put My words in your mouth and hidden you safely in My hand."

"WHEN WE ARE IN GOD'S HANDS, WE LACK NOTHING!"

Today, I just felt led to post this for those in need of hope!
Here, God is referring to the extremities of life for mankind.
But then, He goes on to the reassurances of His divine care!

"GOD HAS PUT HIS WORD WITHIN US & ALL WE MUST DO IS SPEAK IT!"
"SPEAK WITH AUTHORITY TO YOUR SITUATION!"
"SPEAK AS THOUGH YOU HAVE AN ARMY BACKING YOU!"
"LET YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE KNOW THAT YOUR GOD IS GREATER!"

"I have put My words in your mouth and hidden you safely in My hand."

"SOON ALL YOU CAPTIVES WILL BE RELEASED!!!!"
Hold on to that promise!
Enjoy your day & your week!

A good reason to live a godly life.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight ~ Philippians 1:9 ~

A good reason to live a godly life...

The things that bring honor to God are the same things that benefit us the most. 

John 17:13-21

"I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them.
I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.
As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me."

"TRUE LOVE BRINGS UNITY AMONG THE BODY, NOT DISCORD!"
"TRUE LOVE AMONGST CHRISTIANS IS THE ONLY EVIDENCE OF CHRIST' EXISTENCE TO AN UNBELIEVING WORLD!"

Jesus said:
"For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
In other words;
"HE WAS WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR THE ADMISSION OF OTHERS!"

How about you?
What is the extent of your love for the Church?
If it is anything less than "SELF-LESS", then the world will never truly distinguish "GOD'S LOVE" through your lifestyle!
(Notice that I did not say; "How many verses you can recite!" or "How good a sermon you can preach!")
I said: "THROUGH YOUR LIFESTYLE!

"IN ORDER SHARE GOD'S LOVE WITH OTHERS, WE MUST FIRST POSSESS GOD'S LOVE!"
Example:
"You can have the desire to give a hungry soul a piece of bread to eat, but if you do not have any bread to offer them, your intention may be good, but it does not feed them!"
"But if you have a bakery a your disposal, you could definitely satisfy their soul!"

"LORD, SANCTIFY US BY THE TRUTH!" "YOUR WORD IS TRUTH!"

Lamentations 3:25-26

Lamentations 3:25-26
"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him,
To the one who seeks Him;
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

"DO NOT CONFUSE LOVE & HONOR!"

"GOD LOVES EVERYONE!"
Therefore, He allowed His only son (Jesus Christ) to die in place of our sin!
But having this knowledge does not profit anyone unless they apply it to their personal life!
"ONE MUST ACCEPT GOD'S LOVE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE IT'S BENEFITS!"

"GOD HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM!"
Therefore, He has given us His word (Jesus Christ) to instruct us in life!
But having the Bible in our homes, on our desks, on our phones does not benefit anyone unless they hold it with such high esteem that they do what it says because they believe that it is the ultimate instruction manual for their personal life!
"ONE MUST ESTEEM GOD'S AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO SUBMIT TO IT!"

"GOD LOVES EVERYONE!"
"BUT HE ONLY HONORS THOSE WHO HONOR HIM!"
Therefore, if we want God to move on our behalf, we must move on His!

"LOVE HIM & HE WILL EMBRACE YOU!"
"HONOR HIM & HE WILL SET YOU ABOVE ALL YOU COULD EVER CONCEIVE!"

"I AM A WITNESS OF THESE THINGS!"
"I CAN ONLY TESTIFY OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR ME!"
"I HAVE SEEN MIRACLES & ALSO HEARTACHES!"
"BUT GOD HAS SEEN ME THROUGH IT ALL!"
"HOW ABOUT YOU?"
"HERE'S YOUR CHANCE! BEGIN TODAY!"

Christ's Love!

IF YOU CLAIM TO LOVE GOD WHILE YOUR ACTIONS HATE MAN!

ALL THIS PROVES IS THAT YOU HAVE THE WRONG CONCEPT OF GOD'S CHARACTER & AN ELEVATED VIEW OF YOURSELF!

You can not love God yet hate man, who comes from God!

Most of all:

"WE ALL ARE DESCENDANTS OF ONE MAN, ADAM, WHOM GOD CREATED!"

Therefore, hating man truly means hating God & not just Him, but self!

"JESUS LOVED MANKIND SO DEEPLY THAT HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO SAVE THEIRS!"

"TO LOVE GOD IS TO LOVE HUMANITY, BECAUSE THEY WERE CREATED TO GLORIFY THEIR MAKER!"

"GOD LOVES RECEIVING PRAISE FROM HIS PEOPLE & THOSE WHO LOVE HIM WILL DESIRE TO SEE OTHERS PRAISING HIM, NOT JUST THEMSELVES!"

"WE ARE COMMANDED TO LOVE WITH THE LOVE OF CHRIST, NOT WITH A HEART OF STONE!"

Jeremiah 49:1-2

Jeremiah 49:1-2
"Concerning the Ammonites:
This is what the Lord says:
“Has Israel no sons? Has Israel no heir?
Why then has Molek taken possession of Gad?
Why do his people live in its towns?
But the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a mound of ruins, and its surrounding villages will be set on fire.
Then Israel will drive out those who drove her out,” says the Lord."

"THE DAYS ARE COMING!" declares the Lord.
Jeremiah pronounced this promise over God's people around 600 B.C.

Today, I want to declare it over your life!
Today, I want you to know that:
"YOUR DAY IS COMING!"

Now you may be asking yourself;
"WHAT DOES THIS ACTUALLY MEAN?
Well, it means that:
Although you may be facing the harshest circumstances at this present moment!
Although struggles may be invading your most intimate thoughts!
Although your loved ones may not be so loving or lovable!

"THE DAYS ARE COMING WHEN THE LORD WILL RISE UP & FIGHT OFF THE OPPRESSOR OF YOUR SOUL!"
"IT MAY SEEM AS IF THERE IS NO END TO YOUR PROBLEMS!"
"BUT GOD WILL ONLY LET IT GO SO FAR!"

"THEN ISRAEL WILL DRIVE OUT THOSE WHO DROVE HER OUT!" says the Lord!
Israel represents the people of God.
If you desire to become one of God's children & be heir of these promises, then you must:
"REPENT" (Turn from sin.)
"CONFESS" (Ask for forgiveness.)
"RECEIVE" (Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior!)

Are you a true Apostle?

The Sign of a True Apostle (It’s Not What You Think)

6:00AM EDT 10/31/2013 J. LEE GRADY

 

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What are the characteristics of a true apostle? (Vitaly Vitorsky)

A few years ago I heard a preacher tell a room full of ministers that they couldn’t work miracles or exerciseapostolic authority unless they used the wordapostle as a title. So some of them ran out and printed new business cards—as if putting the word in front of their names was the magic ticket to reclaiming New Testament power.

That was a bad idea. For the past 15 years or more, thousands of people have been wounded and countless churches have nosedived because immature leaders thought they could gain apostolic status the easy way. We are so eager to qualify ourselves that we forget God alone calls, prepares and sends true apostles.

The late Arthur Katz, who was a prophetic voice to our movement for many years, wrote in his 1999 book Apostolic Foundations that nobody should be eager to step into an apostolic assignment or to treat such a task flippantly. “God is jealous over the word apostolic,” Katz wrote. “It is a word that has fallen into disuse and needs to be restored, and that restoration is not going to be cheap.”

We are so carnal, so power hungry and so enamored with status and position that we don’t have a clue what apostolic ministry really is. Most charismatics think it is about authority, and many men who claim to be apostles build top-down pyramid structures that abuse people. Others think apostolic leaders are marked primarily by sensational miracles. Yet I see something we have entirely missed when I look at the life of the apostle Paul. 

Paul told the Thessalonians that love is the true hallmark of any person who is sent on an apostolic mission. Therefore, if we want apostolic power or authority (which we should), it must flow through apostolic love or it is a counterfeit. This apostolic love can be described in four ways:

1. It is incarnational. Paul brought the gospel to the Thessalonians and lived among them. He did not just drop in, preach a good sermon and leave. He said, “We were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives” (1 Thess. 2:8, NASB, emphasis added). Just as Jesus came to this earth, lived among us and died for us, true apostles give it all. If all an “apostle” does is preach a good message, he is a poor substitute for the real thing. (And if he also spends more time taking up offerings for himself, he is a hireling or a con artist.)

2. It is sacrificial. Paul risked his neck in Thessalonica, and then he told his followers that he would “suffer affliction” from his persecutors (1 Thess. 3:4). But he loved them so much that he prayed for them continually, and he longed to visit them again even though he knew it would be risky. He never mentions money. In fact, when he was with the Thessalonian church, he worked night and day “so as not to be a burden to any of [them]” (1 Thess. 2:9). That flies in the face of modern apostles who charge $1,000 an hour for their consulting fees. 

3. It is relational. The word brethren appears in 1 Thessalonians 17 times. That’s because Paul viewed the church as the family of God. He saw himself in the role of a gentle, nursing mother (1 Thess. 2:7) as well as a strong father (v. 11). Paul’s affection is so thick and so slobbery that it drips off the page of his letter. He says the members of the church “have become very dear” to them (v. 8) and that they “also long to see [them]” (3:6). It’s no surprise that he ends the epistle by exhorting the people to greet one another with "a holy kiss” (5:26).

What has happened to this kind of holy affection in today’s church? Why are we so disconnected? We have replaced deep relationships with cold professionalism. Many pastors have not been properly fathered, so they don’t know how to love—nor do they have close friends. So we cover our dysfunction with busyness. We work, work, work—while sterile, loveless congregations struggle to grow. We use gimmicks and programs to get people in seats because our love is not warm enough to attract people to Jesus.

4. It is confrontational. Paul was not seeker-sensitive. He did not hesitate to confront sin. He gave the Thessalonians one of the most frank, forthright sermons on sexual sin ever written (1 Thess. 4:1-8). But he confronted them as a loving father by emploring them to stay within their God-given boundaries. He didn’t use anger, manipulation, domination or threats. He led with strong, apostolic love.

I believe God wants to pour out a new wave of apostolic power on our generation. But we can’t be trusted with this anointing if we refuse to grow up. We will have the maturity to use the word apostolicwhen we learn to walk in the love that was modeled by the first apostles.

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma and the director of the Mordecai Project(themordecaiproject.org). You can follow him on Twitter at @leegrady. He is the author of The Holy Spirit Is Not for Sale and other books.