PORNOGRAPHY...is it harmless?

PORN...or...PORNOGRAPHY...Interestingly comes from the Greek Word "Pornoi" which refers to "sexual immorality" of all kinds, idolators, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers. Pornography is not harmless, it's immoral, and harms the very soul of a person. The very name tells us it is wicked and harmful. Let's help people out of this evil stronghold.

 Last year pornography grossed more than professional football, baseball, and basketball combined! Lord, we need you. Show yourself strong and set the captives free. If your involved in pornography email us at milwaukeeremnantforce@gmail.com for confidential prayer. 

Stop Making Excuse!

Luke 14:18a
"But they all began making excuses."

"EXCUSES ARE LIKE AN ADDICTION!"
"ONCE YOU BEGIN, YOU CAN'T STOP USING THEM!"
"YOU EVEN BEGIN TO FIND EXCUSES TO USE AN EXCUSE!"

"EXCUSES WILL KEEP YOU FAR FROM GOD'S PROMISES!"
"EXCUSES WILL DRAW YOU FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!"
"EXCUSES WILL BLURR YOUR VISION!"
"EXCUSES WILL CHOKE YOUR ASPIRATIONS!"

"EXCUSES WILL ALWAYS DRAW YOU BACK TO THE STARTING LINE!"
"EXCUSES WILL NEVER ALLOW YOU TO FINISH ANYTHING!"
"NOR WILL EXCUSES SATISFY THE NEED FOR COMPLETION!"

"EXCUSES WILL TEAR A HOLE IN YOUR LIFE!"

Enough said, I believe that you got the idea!
"EXCUSES ARE VERY HARMFUL & IN NO WAY PRODUCTIVE!"

God, I pray that we would lay our excuses down today & boldly begin to grab hold of YOUR PROMISES! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Hosea 6: 6

"For I desire obedience and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." ~ (Hosea 6: 6)

May it be our heart's desire and pleasure to obey You, Father. Amen.

1 Kings 20: 42

"The prophet said to him, 'This is what the Lord says: 'Because you released from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, it will be your life and your people in place of his and his people." ~ (1 Kings 20: 42)

Jesus, this verse isn't referring specifically to You, but it sure reminds me of what You and Your martyrs did to set us free. Thank You! Amen.

Let God Take Control!

It's all for You, JESUS!

Our Privilege in Life is Living for Christ!

Galatians 2:19-21
“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Living for Christ is not a choice that we make!
"IT IS A PRIVILEGE THAT WE RECEIVE!"
"IT IS A PLEASURE TO HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELLING WITHIN US!"
"IT GOES BEYOND THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SATISFACTION!"
"IT IS THE ESSENCE OF ETERNITY!"

"LIVING FOR CHRIST!"
"HOW WONDERFUL!"
"HOW GREAT!"
"HOW POWERFUL!"
"HOW AWESOME IT IS!"

"HOW PRIVILEGED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO WALK THE NARROW ROAD!"

Ezekiel 13: 20

"Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: I am against your magic bands that you ensnare people with like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. I will free the people you have ensnared like birds." ~ (Ezekiel 13: 20)

At times, sin may seem like carefree fun, but praise Jesus for showing us REAL freedom! Amen.

Exodus 14: 12

"Isn't this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to live and serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." ~ (Exodus 14: 12)

.........

"None are more hopelessly enslaved that those who falsely believe they are free." ~ Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

Evangelism!

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."

"TELL THE WORLD!"

Acts 13: 39

"Everyone who believes in Him is free from everything, which you could not be freed from through the law of Moses." ~ (Acts 13: 39)

Praise God for the law which teaches us right from wrong in the world. Praise Jesus, who teaches us how to be free in Spirit! Amen.

CALLING!

Mark 16:15-20
“He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”

"WE HAVE A CALLING!"
"LET US LEARN IT & THEN, LET US FULFILL IT!"

Psalm 142: 7 FREE

"Free me from prison so that I can praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because You deal generously with me." ~ (Psalm 142: 7)

FREE - 1. having liberty. 2. enjoying political or personal independence; not subject to or allowing slavery. 3. made or done voluntary. 4. not subject to a duty, tax, or charge.

Luke 14:7-11

"When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: "When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.""

With all the cars, trucks & sport utilities on the road;

"HUMILITY IS STILL THE BEST VEHICLE EVER INVENTED!"
"IT WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER THAN ANY OTHER CAN!"

"A CAR CAN TAKE YOU FROM POINT A TO POINT B!"
"A TRUCK CAN DO THE HEAVY LIFTING!"
"AN SUV CAN STEER YOU THROUGH AN ADVENTURE!"

"BUT ONLY HUMILITY CAN REACH THE PARADISE OF ETERNITY!"

John 8:36

"Therefore if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." ~ (John 8:36)

Praise, glory, and thanks to King Jesus who sets captives to sin free with His free gift of grace. Amen.

Psalm 51:16-17

"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise."

Saying a prayer, does not make you a Christian.
Reading the Bible, does not make you a Christian.
Going to Church, does not make you a Christian.
Being involved in 500 different ministries gets you no closer to heaven!

"GOD REQUIRES SOMETHING OF US!"
"IT IS NOT A RECITAL!"
"NEITHER IS IT A BIBLE STUDY!"
"PERFECT ATTENDANCE WON'T DO US ANY GOOD!"
"ACTIVITIES WILL ONLY WEARY US!"

"NO!"
"GOD REQUIRES SOMETHING MORE OF US!"

Salvation entails:
"REPENTANCE!"
"CONFESSION!"
"ACCEPTANCE!"

Recognize our ways are not in line with God's standard's & in a broken attitude, lay out & surrender our lifestyle before Almighty God, then allow Jesus to become Lord over our life to reign & rule in every situation from that moment forward, as He pleases, whether we agree with His choices or not!

"THAT'S WHAT MAKES JESUS 'LORD' OVER OUR LIVE'S!"
"THAT'S WHAT MAKES US 'CHRISTIANS'!"

"CHRISTIANITY ENTAILS US SUBMITTING TO JESUS AS SUPREME!"
"GOD DOES NOT HOPE WE OBEY!"
"HE DEMANDS IT!"

Duty!

1 Peter 4:10-11
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Corinthians 10: 11

"Now, these things happened to them as examples, and they were written as a warning to us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." ~ (1 Corinthians 10: 11)

Thank You, Lord, that the Bible shows us so many examples of people overcoming their failures. Thank You for allowing us to fail, in hopes of learning and being strengthened from it. Amen.

Don't stifle the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹⁹ Don’t stifle the Spirit.
²⁰ Don’t despise prophecies,
²¹ but test all things.
Hold on to what is good.
²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

 

                            Praise, Honor, and Glory be to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit! Amen.

 

Everything is a learning experience! Praise God for discouragement! Many a man breaks down and gives up when discouraged, or held back, but a man who walks with God reflects upon it and hopefully, prays.

 

God can speak to you in ways you never thought possible, using the most unlikely of sources. Don't be quick to cast something aside because you think it is not from God.

Integrity!

Matthew 12:36
"I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."

"LET US LIVE AS THOUGH GOD WERE WATCHING!"
"BECAUSE HE IS!"

"INTEGRITY WILL GUARD A PERSON'S LIFE!"

Acts 8:3 & Acts 9:15

"Saul, however, was ravaging the church, and he would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison." ~ (Acts 8:3)

..................

"....For this man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel." ~ (Acts 9:15)

Praise be to God! Amen.

Proverbs 24: 16

"Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin." ~ (Proverbs 24: 16)

Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

"GIVE IT YOUR ALL EVERY TIME!"
"BECAUSE YOU MAY BE TELLING YOUR STORY FOR THE LAST TIME!"

Imagine you knew that today was your final day of life on Earth.
What would you do differently?
I'm pretty sure that you would lay some things aside, since you would consider them of little value.
At the same time, I'm also pretty sure that you would set out to accomplish things you have always been meaning to do, but never got around to doing.

I propose to you:
"LIVE AS IF TELLING YOUR LAST STORY!"
"LIVE AS IF YOUR STORY CONTAINS NO REGRETS!"
"LIVE AS IF OTHERS WILL TELL IT!"
"LIVE AS IF YOUR STORY WILL BRIGHTEN THEIR DAY!"

"JESUS WALKED THIS EARTH IN A MANNER THAT POINTED TO HIS FATHER!"
"THEREFORE, LET US WALK IN A MANNER TO POINTS TO JESUS!"
"A LIFE WITH NO REGRETS!"
(Notice that I didn't say no mistakes.)(I said "NO REGRETS!")
"We point to Jesus, Jesus points to the Father, People get saved!"

"GIVE IT YOUR ALL EVERY TIME!"
"BECAUSE YOU MAY BE TELLING YOUR STORY FOR THE LAST TIME!"

Live Freely!

Galatians 5:13
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be FREE. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

"THE BEST WAY TO DECLARE GOD'S LIMITLESS POWER, IS TO LIVE A LIFE FREE FROM LIMITATIONS!"

This doesn't mean that it is wise to put God to the test in order for others to see what He can do.
What this is referring to is for us to remove, or lay aside all restrictions that our carnal mind places on our spiritual abilities!

"GOD HAS GIFTED US WITH SPIRITUAL TALENTS!"
"WHEN THESE TALENTS ARE USED WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEY BECOME BENEFICIAL FOR ALL!"
"THUS, DECLARING GOD'S SOVEREIGN POWER!"

"THE ONLY WAY TO TO MAKE JESUS ATTRACTIVE TO OTHERS, IS TO DEMONSTRATE THE FREEDOMS ONLY FOUND IN HIM!"

"LIVE FREELY IN JESUS & OTHERS WILL GET THE MESSAGE!"

THIS SATURDAY!!!!

Preparing for End Times with George M'Lay

Where: Evangel Assembly of God - Good Hope and 99th

When: Saturday March 22nd

Time: 6-9pm

Cost: Free - Bring an appetizer to share

Luke 14:28-30

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, 'This person began to build and wasn't able to finish.' "

"SUCCESS HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH HOW MUCH YOU ARE DOING!"

"INSTEAD, IT HAS A BIT MORE TO DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE ACTUALLY COMPLETED!

Word of advice:
"DON'T SPREAD YOURSELF THIN!"
"FOCUS ON ONE PROJECT & FINISH WHAT YOU START!"
"EVENTUALLY, YOU WILL DO MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED!"
"THEN, YOU WILL FEEL A TRUE SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT!"

"LEAVING A GREAT MANY TASKS UNFINISHED BRINGS ABOUT A SENSE OF BURDEN, WHICH USUALLY TAKES A TOLL ON YOU PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY & SPIRITUALLY!"

"COUNT THE COST!"

In my lifetime, I've learned that there is no such thing as a FAILURE. Instead, I've noticed that a person usually falls short of their GOALS due to the fact that they never truly understood the cost for reaching said GOALS.

When we know what it takes, then we can honestly ask ourselves:
"AM I WILLING TO GO THROUGH WITH THIS?"

"COUNT THE COST, BEFORE YOU POUR EVERYTHING YOU GOT INTO SOMETHING, ONLY TO REALIZE YOU ARE STILL COMING UP SHORT!"

2 Samuel 12:9 & 2 Samuel 12:13

"You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife - you murdered him." ~ (2 Samuel 12: 9)

..........................

"David responded to Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' Then Nathan replied to David, 'The Lord has taken away your sin; you will not die." ~ (2 Samuel 12: 13)

Praise be to God! Amen.

Romans 8:28-30 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.


God is calling His people to love Him and when we do, then He will work out all the circumstances in our lives for our good. What a wonderful promise by God! Surely, God has a wonderful and glorious plan for your life, as you are a child of the most High God. Please never discount that and know that you are justified in the eyes of God by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour!

VERY INTERSTING...

The Greek word for witness, martus, is the same word in which we get Martyr. This word came to mean a testimony so true that the witness will die to uphold it rather than deny it. 

In order to witness...we must die to ourself! 

Mark 1:1-3

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:
“Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

"SALVATION!"
"IT ALL BEGINS WITH EVANGELISM!"

"SOMEONE HAS TO GO & PROCLAIM GOD'S MESSAGE OF LOVE BEFORE IT WILL EVER REACH THE HEARTS OF THE UNBELIEVING & BACKSLIDERS!"

"FAITH IS PUTTING ONE'S TRUST IN SOMETHING THEY BELIEVE TO BE ABSOLUTELY TRUE!"

"BUT ONE CAN NOT BELIEVE IN SOMETHING THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW EXISTS!"

"THEREFORE, IT IS OUR JOB TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO A HURTING & LOST WORLD!"

"SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?"

"GO!!!!!!!!!!"

Psalm 73: 26 (FAIL)

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever." ~ (Psalm 73: 26)

FAIL - 1. to prove deficient or lacking; perform ineffectively or inadequately. 2. to be unsuccessful.

Philemon 25

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

"WE NEED JESUS!"

We need to be filled "WITH JESUS" in order to "SHARE JESUS" with a "JESUSLESS WORLD".

I could never go around spreading wealth that I don't have!
Neither could you!

The same holds true with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

"IT MUST FIRST ILLUMINATE OUR HEART'S & FREE OUR SOUL'S BEFORE WE WILL EVER HAVE THE CONVICTION OR DESIRE TO SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!"

"IF THERE IS NO OVERFLOW, WE WILL NEVER GO!"

"ONLY THE FULNESS OF CHRIST CAN FILL YOUR LIFE!"

"THEREFORE, STOP SETTLING FOR THAT WHICH NEVER SATISFIES & LET THE LORD JESUS INTO YOUR HEART TO DO AS HE PLEASES!"

"SOON ENOUGH, YOU WILL REALIZE THAT SHARING THE GOSPEL IS NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO DO, BUT A JOY & PRIVILEGE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY GOD!"

I pray that everyone of you would experience Jesus in a deeper way!
"LET'S DIG DEEPER!"

Matthew 26: 31

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Tonight all of you will stumble because of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." ~ (Matthew 26: 31)

Lord, those who walked with You daily failed You at times, yet many of us beat ourselves up for our failures. Instead, in Your name, help us learn from them. Amen.

BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...

Starting Wednesday March 19th we are going back to Mayfair Mall. For those of you that don't know the story behind Remnant Force let me share God's amazing plan.

5 years ago I was a fairly new Christian and had never attended a Bible study in my life. I was looking for a men's group in which I could sit quietly in the back and just listen. Well, I was walking through the food court at Mayfair Mall one day talking to God about this when He said to me, "Sit, and I will build it" I am embarrassed to say my response was "Uhmmmm, apparently you didn't hear me, I just want to join a group and sit in the back" again God said to me, "Sit, and I will build it" this time I was obedient.The Lord told me to name it, "Remnant Force" as it was for the remnant that would be drawn to Him. He then said, "don't play games, let there be seriousness in your teaching"  

This was on a Wednesday morning, so every Wednesday I went to Mayfair Mall and I sat where God told me to sit and I waited. A few weeks went by and nothing happened, I would read my Bible and plan lessons, a few more weeks goes by and nothing. Now I am starting to doubt. Well, four months go by and nothing, nata, zip, zilch. I am about to give up, thinking it was not God's voice I heard after all when the following week...five different men from all around Milwaukee came and sat down. None of them planning on being there with the other and some I knew and some I did not. In fact George M'Lay from Tanzania was one of them (he just "happened" to be walking by and saw our Bibles) we started to meet and over the next 4 years guys came and went as The Lord enabled, many men straight out of prison came to get fed, some came for years and others for a short time. 

We grew and today through Evangel Assembly of God we are a Ministry to the city of Milwaukee with a committee of 12 men, a working budget, a blog that's has reached over 15,000 men worldwide, hosted our first city wide Men's Conference, and are helping men in their walk with Christ daily. All praise and Glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

 Last year we took a break from the Mall to work on building the Ministry but this Wednesday (March 19th) we will be once again meeting on Wednesday Mornings from 8:15am-9:45am. Back to where it all began, that we might be a public presence to the outside world. We meet in the Food Court Upstairs (look for the Bibles) I encourage you if you are able, to come out and join us. Even if you can't come every week, come when you are able. 

Let me motivate you with this.  The apostles were supported by all the believers gathering together. Gathering together is important. The church loses some of its power when its members fail to express solidarity by gathering together publicly. Some people regard involvement in the body of Christ as an elective. They decide whether to participate based on what else they have to do. But in any dynamic advance of the church, every individual believer senses a responsibility to be present in community. In the early church, there was a commitment to be present when the community met in large public meetings and in smaller home group cells. Each of the thousands of believers added to the church in Acts had this commitment.

They gathered as a whole group in spite of threats and warnings in They were committed to meeting together in spite of danger or inconvenience. The believers did not hide away in private meetings but continued to meet in public, visible places. They met outside and their faithful presence and solidarity were a witness to the world.

WHAT: Men's Bible Study and Fellowship
WHEN: Every Wednesday Morning
WHERE: Mayfair Mall Food Court
TIME: 8:15-9:45

Philemon 1:6

"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."

"PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES OCCASION FOR EXPERIENCE!"

The great Apostle Paul was never alone!
He always had companions!
He learned about unity through laboring side by side with fellow believers in Christ!

"WE ARE NO DIFFERENT!"

"KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES & LIVING THEM OUT REQUIRES INTERACTION WITH OTHER BELIEVERS!"

"ONE CAN NOT QUOTE SCRIPTURE WITH POTENCY, UNLESS APPLIED PRACTICALLY!"
Application produces Confidence!
Confidence develops into Strength! (POTENCY)

W.W.J.D.
"Jesus would have you live out your faith openly, not in secret!"
"DON'T LET THE ENEMY LIE TO YOU!"
"THE CHRISTIAN WALK IS MEANT TO BE LIVED IN UNITY, NOT OBSCURITY!"

"The Christian Walk is an adventure that provides occasion for us to grow in all facets of life!'
"But it is only when we seek to involve ourselves in something more than just THE COMFORTABLE, that we attain the experience needed to achieve THE GODLY!"

"DARE TO WALK IN UNITY!"

NEW AUTHOR TO THE BLOG...

The Lord has blessed us with a new author on the Blog. Please help me in welcoming Lee Galien as the newest author to Remnant Force. Lee is a single father, a prison guard, got saved about 12 years ago in a Home Depot parking lot, and in his words "just a humble young man in search of wisdom to further the kingdom" 

We feel very honored to have Lee as a part of the Ministry. 

Exodus 9: 16

"However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you My power and to make My name known in all the earth." ~ (Exodus 9: 16)

Lord, You could have taken us while we were deep in sin, but You spared us for a purpose. May whatever plan or agenda we have take a backseat to living out Your purpose for us. Amen.

2 Timothy 1: 8-9

"So don't be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." ~ (2 Timothy 1: 8-9)

AMEN!

Colossians 3:12-14

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

"LOVE!"
"THE PERFECT ADHESIVE!"

"PERFECT UNITY COMES NO OTHER WAY!"

John 15: 16 (Purpose)

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain..." ~ (John 15: 16)

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." ~ William Shedd

Colossians 3:1-4

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

"LET YOUR HOPE BE YOUR FOCUS!"

YES!
We will have many struggles throughout this life!
But if we keep our focus on "THE LIFE TO COME!"
Our struggles will soon become so much easier to deal with!

Perspective always lends a hand to the outcome of a situation!
If we deal with our struggles in view of Eternity,
Then our struggles will not seem as heavy as if:
"All Was Riding on this One Decision!"

"GOD DESIRES US TO ENJOY THE PEACE THAT HE HAS PROVIDED!"

But we can only do so by understanding that:
"HIS PEACE EXISTS FOR THOSE WHO SET THEIR HEARTS UPON IT!"

THEREFORE;
"LAY HOLD OF HIS PEACE!"
"LAY HOLD OF HIS PROMISES!"
"LAY HOLD OF ETERNITY IN YOUR THINKING!"

"LET YOUR HOPE BE YOUR FOCUS!"
"SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE!"

Colossians 1:6b

"In the same way, the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace."

ARE YOU BEARING FRUIT?
ARE YOU GROWING?

HAVE YOU TRULY UNDERSTOOD GOD'S GRACE?

Notice, that I didn't ask if you heard the story about Jesus!
My question was:
HAVE YOU TRULY UNDERSTOOD GOD'S GRACE?

HAS THE GOSPEL PENETRATED YOUR HEARTED?

HAS CONVICTION OF SIN CAUSED YOU TO FALL BEFORE ALMIGHTY GOD IN HUMBLE REPENTANCE OF YOUR SINS?

HAVE YOU TRULY ASKED JESUS TO SAVE YOU FROM YOUR SINFUL WAYS?

"JESUS IS MORE THAN WILL TO DO SO!"
"HE IS MORE THAN WILLING  TO FILL YOU WITH HIS SPIRIT!"
"HE IS MORE THAN WILLING TO EMPOWER YOUR LIFE!"

Once again:
ARE YOU BEARING FRUIT?
ARE YOU GROWING?

HAVE YOU TRULY UNDERSTOOD GOD'S GRACE FOR YOUR LIFE?

"DO UT DES"

Luke 6:33
"And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!"

"DO UT DES"

Does anyone know what this means?
It means;
"I GIVE SO THAT YOU GIVE..."

"I give to you so that you give back to me."
In other words;
"I HAVE NO REWARD!"
"YOU HAVE NO REWARD!"

"IT IS A SUPERFICIAL WAY OF GIVING THAT CARRIES NO ETERNAL BENEFITS!"

"BUT GOD DEMANDS MORE FROM US AS CHRISTIANS!"
"GOD DEMANDS SACRIFICIAL GIVING!"
This kind of giving benefits the person receiving the gift at the present moment & stores up treasures in heavenly places for the giver to be enjoyed in the future.

"THEREFORE, LET US GIVE WITH GODLY INTENTIONS!"
(To benefit the one who will receive!)

Jesus said'
"IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!"

"JESUS GAVE HIMSELF, SO THAT WE COULD BECOME GIVERS!"
I know this may be a touchy subject for some,
But try it, you'll like it!

Philippians 2:5

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus..."

"JESUS CAME TO TAKE UP THE CROSS, NOT A CROWN!"
"HUMILITY!"

"HE CAME TO SERVE OTHERS, NOT SELF!"
"SELFLESSNESS!"

"HE DID ALL THESE THINGS IN HUMBLE SUBMISSION TO HIS FATHER!"
"OBEDIENCE!"

"HUMILITY, SELFLESSNESS & OBEDIENCE ARE ALL PARTOF THE ATTITUDE THAT JESUS HAD!"
If you are lacking in any of these areas, FEAR NOT!
Call upon Jesus, who will gladly see to it that you get your fair share of  HUMILITY, SELFLESSNESS & OBEDIENCE!"

"THE ONLY TRUE WAY OF REPRESENTING JESUS IS BY RESEMBLING HIS CHARACTER!"

Today, I challenge you to abandon "SELF" for the "SAVIOR".
Personally, I will live for Jesus Christ, not for Abner Rolon!

The True Faith Walk!

2 Corinthians 5:7
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

WALK; means to move at a regular pace.

"BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO CONSTANTLY MOVE!"
"NOT BE FROZEN IN FEAR!"

"IT IS WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF ANY TRIAL THAT OUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST IS VALIDATED!"

"WHEN WE PRESS ON, WE DEMONSTRATE FAITH IN THE UNSEEN!"
"WHEN WE ARE FROZEN IN FEAR, WE ALLOW A WEAKNESS TO SURFACE THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH!"

"FEAR RECEIVES NO COMMENDATION FROM GOD!"
"THERE IS NO REWARD FOR EXPRESSING SUCH AN ATTITUDE!"
"FEAR HAS NO PART IN CHRIST!"

"THEREFORE, LET US RID OURSELVES OF SUCH OPPOSITION TO OUR PRECIOUS FAITH!"

Now, you may be asking yourself;
"How exactly do I get rid of fear?"
I'm glad you asked!
First,
"YOU MUST DARE TO DO THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF WHAT FEAR IS HOLDING YOU BACK FROM DOING!"
Then,
"YOU MUST CONTINUE TO IGNORE ALL THE ADVICE THAT FEAR WILL SEND YOUR WAY!"
Lastly & most importantly,
"YOU MUST BEGIN TO TRUST GOD AT HIS WORD & FOLLOW HIS DIRECTIONS WITHOUT HESITATION!"

If you do these things, soon enough, you will realize that:
"YOU ARE NO LONGER STUCK IN THE SAME SITUATION!"
"BUT HAVE MOVED ON TO BIGGER & BETTER THINGS!"

"JOY"

John 15:11
"I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"

A bit of wisdom for those who chase after things that will eventually come their way if they just have a bit more patience.
This advice might save them from a few heartaches & maybe even some needless headaches.

"JOY USUALLY ELUDES, (evades or escapes from), THOSE WHO SEEK IT OUT!"
"BUT IT COMES TO THOSE WHO WISH TO IMPART, (give freely or bestow), IT TO OTHERS!"

"JOY HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH SELF DESIRES, PLEASURES OR AGENDAS!"

"JOY IS MEANT TO BE SPREAD!"
"IT IS A FORM OF CONTAGION!"
"ONCE YOU GET, YOU CAN'T HELP BUT TO SPREAD IT!"

I pray that you would "ENJOY" your day!
God Bless!

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

What do witnesses do? Faithful witnesses tell what they know about something. They are not required to be experts. They simply describe what they saw, heard, or experienced. As Christians we are witnesses that Jesus has risen from the dead. We are witnesses that He has saved us from sin. Our main business is to tell others. Our holy lives and good deeds are two ways we witness.   

Imagine a man who is a silent witness in court. The witness is called to the front of the room. The lawyer asks the witness if he has seen something. The witness nods his head and smiles. Then the lawyer asks the witness to tell what he knows. The witness just smiles and remains silent. Each time the lawyer asks a question, the witness only smiles. This would be foolish. A witness who does not tell what he or she knows is no witness at all. To witness for Jesus, we must speak the right words for Him at the right times. Believers should never be afraid to witness for Jesus.

Unity!

Ephesians 6:11
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

"GOD IS BUILDING AN ARMY!"
"ENLIST TODAY!"

Why would God desire unity among believers?

So that together, as the Church, they have the capacity to stand in the face of the devil’s schemes. Avoiding division and the harmful effects thereof.

"DON'T BE A LONE RANGER!"
"INSTEAD, BE COUNTED AMONG GOD'S PEOPLE!"

TRUE SUBMISSION!

Ephesians 5:21
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Excerpt from EBC R.V.
"CHRISTIANS ARE SEATED IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST!"
"SO THEY MUST ACT IN VIEW OF ETERNITY!"
They must "BECOME WHAT THEY ARE" in the closet relationships in which they find themselves.
Now they are "IN THE LORD", and as such, they ought to submit and obey "AS TO THE LORD", and love "JUST A CHRIST LOVED!"

"TODAY, LET US NOT USE WORDS TO EXPRESS OUR HOPE IN CHRIST!"
"INSTEAD, LET US EXPRESS OUR HOPE IN CHRIST THROUGH OBEDIENCE!"

Ephesians 4:12

"To equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

"EQUIPPING ALWAYS OCCURS FOR A PURPOSE!"

Here, we learn that the purpose behind our preparation is ultimately for the body of Christ to be built up. We can not pick & choose the methods God deems necessary for such a process. We are simply required to submit to His will & His way. He assures us that it will all conclude with growth and blessings that are unattainable any other way!

"THEREFORE TODAY, JUST TRUST HIM!"
"NO MATTER HOW THE EQUIPPING PROCESS MAY COME YOUR WAY!"
"REMEMBER THAT IT SERVES A GREATER PURPOSE!"

"EQUIPPING HIS PEOPLE FOR WORKS OF SERVICE!"
"THANK YOU JESUS!"

Matthew 5:44

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."

"UNITY & PEACE!"

"IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOU!"

"NOT THE PERSON SET AGAINST YOU!"

"AS CHRISTIANS, IT IS OUR DUTY TO DEMONSTRATE THE LOVE OF CHRIST!"

"ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO OPPOSE US!"

"WISDOM IS JUSTIFIED BY HER ACTIONS!"

"THEREFORE, DON'T TRY TO PROVE YOURSELF TO THEM!"

"INSTEAD, FULFILL YOUR GOD-GIVEN DUTY!"

"DEMONSTRATE THE LOVE OF CHRIST TODAY!"

"WHO KNOWS!"

"IN THE PROCESS, YOU MAY BE WINNING THAT PERSON OVER TO CHRIST!"

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

HOW DO I DEFEND MYSELF?

A BROTHER IN CHRIST ASKED A GREAT QUESTION:  

How do you deal with people who dont believe you? Do you ignore them? People who want to accuse you of things but don't believe you when you defend yourself. 

Answer: The short answer...You don't. 

So what do you do? 

Let's go to the text, but first, stop and pray, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you read the Word that you may receive it with power, deep conviction, and the Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 69 

1Save me, O God,

for the waters have come up to my neck.

2I sink in the miry depths,

where there is no foothold.

I have come into the deep waters;

the floods engulf me.

3I am worn out calling for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes fail,

looking for my God.

4Those who hate me without reason

outnumber the hairs of my head;

many are my enemies without cause,

those who seek to destroy me.

I am forced to restore

what I did not steal.

5You, God, know my folly;

my guilt is not hidden from you.

6Lord, the Lord Almighty,

may those who hope in you

not be disgraced because of me;

God of Israel,

may those who seek you

not be put to shame because of me.

7For I endure scorn for your sake,

and shame covers my face.

8I am a foreigner to my own family,

a stranger to my own mother’s children;

9for zeal for your house consumes me,

and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

10When I weep and fast,

I must endure scorn;

11when I put on sackcloth,

people make sport of me.

12Those who sit at the gate mock me,

and I am the song of the drunkards.

13But I pray to you, Lord,

in the time of your favor;

in your great love, O God,

answer me with your sure salvation.

14Rescue me from the mire,

do not let me sink;

deliver me from those who hate me,

from the deep waters.

15Do not let the floodwaters engulf me

or the depths swallow me up

or the pit close its mouth over me.

16Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;

in your great mercy turn to me.

17Do not hide your face from your servant;

answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

18Come near and rescue me;

deliver me because of my foes.

19You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;

all my enemies are before you.

20Scorn has broken my heart

and has left me helpless;

I looked for sympathy, but there was none,

for comforters, but I found none.

21They put gall in my food

and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

22May the table set before them become a snare;

may it become retribution and^b a trap.

23May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,

and their backs be bent forever.

24Pour out your wrath on them;

let your fierce anger overtake them.

25May their place be deserted;

let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

26For they persecute those you wound

and talk about the pain of those you hurt.

27Charge them with crime upon crime;

do not let them share in your salvation.

28May they be blotted out of the book of life

and not be listed with the righteous.

29But as for me, afflicted and in pain—

may your salvation, God, protect me.

30I will praise God’s name in song

and glorify him with thanksgiving.

31This will please the Lord more than an ox,

more than a bull with its horns and hooves.

32The poor will see and be glad—

you who seek God, may your hearts live!

33The Lord hears the needy

and does not despise his captive people.

34Let heaven and earth praise him,

the seas and all that move in them,

35for God will save Zion

and rebuild the cities of Judah.

Then people will settle there and possess it;

36the children of his servants will inherit it,

and those who love his name will dwell there.

Ours is not to be concerned with the affairs of this world. Our inheritance is in Zion. There we will inherit all things. Here and now we are to endure suffering and persecution for righteousness sake, the sake of the cross, and the Gospel message. For how will we be raised with Christ and share in the resurrection if we do not die with Him and share in His sufferings? 

Romans 15:1-13 1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^a 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, SO THAT... through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

(Through endurance we have hope)

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews^b on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;

I will sing the praises of your name.”^c

10Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”^d

11And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;

let all the peoples extol him.”^e

12And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

in him the Gentiles will hope.”^f

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer is that you may be filled with joy and peace as you "trust" God. (Meaning walk in obedience) and by the power of the Holy Spirit (not by your own efforts) you will overflow with Hope. 

THIS HAPPENED TO JESUS; LET US ALLOW JESUS TO BE OUR EXAMPLE AND TEACHER. LET'S SEE WHT JESUS DID...1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 

THE COMMAND: Be patient and endure suffering in the strength of Christ while singing praises to God so that by your actions unbelievers may come to salvation. 

THE PROMISE: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. and the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, steadfast, and firm. 1 Peter 5:6-10 

Wooooooo, God Himself! He won't send an Angel or a servant to do it...God Himself will restore you.  

 May God give you knowledge with wisdom and understanding that you may live a life worthy of the calling you have received in Christ Jesus and may all your deeds bear good fruit as you grow in knowledge. May The Lord give you power from on high that He would be glorified by your life. Amen. 

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1 Peter 5:6-11

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."