1 Chronicles 16: 8

"Give thanks to Yahweh; call on His name; proclaim His deeds among the people." ~ (1 Chronicles 16: 8)

                                                    

Heavenly Father, You live outside the barriers of time, and yet if humanity were to thank You for everything we owe thanks to You for, it couldn't be done. So may the lives You gave us and what we do with them be dedicated as thanksgiving to You. Amen.

Love!

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

"TO LOVE JESUS IS TO EMBRACE THOSE HE DIED FOR!"

Sometimes we mistaken religious activity for Godly Duty.
We fail to realize that it is not about how much we do for others, but how much love we pour into our actions.

"EVERYTHING WE DO MUST BE DONE WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF HELPING OTHERS REACH ETERNITY WITH CLOTHES THAT ARE NOT STAINED WITH SIN!"

"WE MUST HELP THEM DRESS UP IN JESUS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE!"
"FAILING TO REACH THIS GOAL WILL ONLY LAND THEM IN ETERNAL FIRE!"

Therefore, do good, but do it with "Salvation" in mind!
Let "Salvation" be your motivator!

Don't just feel bad because you see a person in need & give them temporary relief.
Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to help you meet them with Eternal Sustenance!

"WE WERE CREATED TO PROMOTE THE GOOD NEWS OF ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED!"

Jesus died for everyone!
But that doesn't make everyone a son & daughter of God!
"ONLY THOSE WHO REPENT & BELIEVE ON JESUS, THE SON OF GOD!"

Everything we do, must revolve around Salvation!
"TO LOVE JESUS IS TO EMBRACE THOSE HE DIED FOR!"

Colossians 3: 17

 

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him." ~ (Colossians 3: 17)

 

Question of the day...... What if you woke up today with only the things that you thanked God for yesterday???

What's at the center of your heart?

John 15:1-8
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. REMAIN IN ME, AS I ALSO IN YOU. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; APART from Me you can do NOTHING. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."

"JESUS HAS TO BE AT THE CENTER OF YOUR HEART OR YOU WILL MISS THE MARK EVERY TIME!"

No matter how many good deeds you do!
If Jesus is not is the midst, it will eventually fail to bare lasting fruit!
The purpose of good deeds is to bring God glory!

Therefore in this new Christmas Season, as you give gifts & go out of your way to do things you normally wouldn't, I would just like to encourage you to:
"KEEP JESUS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR HEART!"

Don't just give a gift or perform a good deed to make someone feel better or appreciated.
Allow God to use that opportunity to genuinely express the "LOVE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!"
Be intentional with sharing the Gospel this Christmas Season!
After all, Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, isn't He?

This season, let the Holy Spirit lead you & be extra sensitive to His stirring!
Because it can be the crucial moment in a person's life when they turn from sin & accept Jesus into their heart's, receiving eternal life!

"KEEP JESUS AT THE CENTER OF YOUR HEART!"

Thank You, Lord!

1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I am grateful for God's Eternal Blessings!
I am grateful for my Wife!
I am grateful for my Children!
I am grateful for Family & Friends!
I am grateful for the Little Things!
I am grateful for the Great Things!
I am grateful for my Struggles!
I am grateful for my Trials!
I am grateful for God's Transforming Power!
I am grateful because Jesus gave me all these things to be grateful for!

"I AM GRATEFUL FOR JESUS!"
"I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE GREAT COMMISSION!"
"I AM GRATEFUL THAT GOD TRANSFORMED MY LIFE & GAVE ME PURPOSE!"
"I AM GRATEFUL!"
"I AM GRATEFUL!"

(Oh yeah, I am also grateful for the abundance of food that we will be sharing tonight!)
(Time well spent with family!)

But there are those who are in the midst of hard times & don't have the luxuries that many of us enjoy!
So today, would you please join me & just take a few moments of your day to say a prayer for those in need.

May God Bless Your Day!
"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

Psalm 100: 4 Happy Thanksgiving Day

"Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name." ~ (Psalm 100: 4)

                              

"When you eat fruit, think of the one who planted the tree." 

~ A Vietnamese Proverb

Happy Thanksgiving Day family. Amen.

Knowing "WHY" makes a difference!

Matthew 24:44-46
"For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. "Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of His household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when He comes."

Word of advice:
"DON'T EVER GET CAUGHT UP WITH WHAT YOU ARE DOING!"
"INSTEAD, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHY YOU ARE DOING IT!"

It is better to do very little with all your heart, than to do a lot with very little passion.
God has called you into His fold for a specific purpose, not your selfish agenda.
When you give yourself wholeheartedly to His service, you become "USEFUL" for His Kingdom.
But when you hold yourself back due to selfish agenda, you become a "DISADVANTAGE" to His Kingdom.

"GOD WANTS YOU TO BE FAITHFUL & SENSIBLE!"
"HE NEEDS YOU TO BE ABLE TO PROPERLY DISCERN TIMES & SEASONS!"

Why?
"TO FEED HIS HOUSEHOLD WITH FOOD THAT IS HEALTHY!"
"BECAUSE SOMEDAY JESUS WILL RETURN & HE WILL BE EXPECTING TO FIND HIS HOUSE IN ORDER!"

Therefore, if something has been distracting you from fulfilling your duties to God's Kingdom.
I encourage you, from personal experience, to lay it aside & "MAKE THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING!"
Understanding why you do what you do creates passion that can not be obtained elsewhere!

"IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!"
"IT'S ALL ABOUT LOST SOULS!"
"IT'S ALL ABOUT POPULATING GOD'S KINGDOM WITH TRUE WORSHIPPERS!"

Luke 17: 15-17

"One of them, when he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked Him. And he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked,"Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" 

~ (Luke 17: 15-17)

Hmmmm.....

Feeling Grateful!

I just have a burning desire to say:
"THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!"

John 6: 11 THANKS

"Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish." ~ (John 6: 11)

                       

THANKS - 1. kind or grateful thoughts. 2. an expression of gratitude. 

Focus!

Matthew 20:29-34
"As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men SITTING BY THE ROAD, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Lord, we want our eyes to be opened." Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they REGAINED THEIR SIGHT AND FOLLOWED HIM."

Question of the day:
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FOCUS?"

Notice that these men were "SITTING BY THE ROAD" near Jericho.
They settled for the "IN BETWEEN!"
These roads were usually empty, dusty & filthy.
More importantly; they never found satisfaction in the place they were in!

But one day Jesus came along & everything changed!
They realized that there was something missing in their live's!
They also realized that Jesus could show them the way!
They realized that their "FOCUS" had been misplaced!

But they did the wise thing!
They began to cry out for help!
Then Jesus stopped & asked them to be specific about their request!
They simply said;
"JESUS, I NEED YOU TO OPEN MY EYES SO THAT I CAN SEE WHERE I AM HEADED!"
"I don't want to SIT BY THE ROAD anymore!"
"I don't want to settle for the IN BETWEEN anymore!"

Jesus, moved with compassion, TOUCHED THEM & they regained their SIGHT!
( Now, what I find interesting is that they "REGAINED" their sight, which infers that at some point they lost it.)
And they wisely began to follow Jesus!"

Now back to the question of the day:
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FOCUS?"
Have you sat down by the road?
Have you settled for the in between?
Are you in need of Jesus coming your way?
Will you be sincere with Him & specific?

More importantly;
"WILL YOU FOLLOW JESUS WHILE HE LEADS THE WAY?"

2 Corinthians 9: 15

"Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift!" 

~ (2 Corinthians 9: 15)

             

Thank You God for who You are and for what You do! Amen.

Words!

Matthew 12:33-37
"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

"YOU WORDS WILL ULTIMATELY REVEAL YOUR CHARACTER!"
At the end, you will either be justified or condemned by the words you speak.

Therefore, I encourage you today:
Speak words that are uplifting.
Speak words that will help mold others into the image of Christ.
Speak words that will bring you into good-standing with God.

But here's the catch;
"DON'T JUST RECITE THEM!"
"LIVE THEM OUT!"
"DON'T JUST GIVE WHOLESOME ADVICE!"
"STRIVE TO APPLY IT TO YOUR OWN LIFE!"

Why, you may ask?
Because eventually your heart will catch up with your words.
There will come a day when your actions will either "REFLECT" that which comes forth from your mouth or it will "REVEAL" the contrary.
Either way, you will be held accountable.

My advice:
"ALLOW GOD TO FILL YOUR HEART WITH GOOD TREASURE!"
"IN THIS WAY, EVERYONE BENEFITS!"

At the end, you will hear those beautiful words:
"WELL DONE, MY GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT!"

2 Thessalonians 3: 15

"Yet don't treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."

~ (2 Thessalonians 3: 15)

               

Thank You Lord, that Your Word clearly warns us about dangerous things to avoid. 

And may our lives, and the mistakes that we have made, serve as a warning sign to another, that they need not make the same mistakes. Amen.

Genesis 2: 16-17

"The Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die."

~ (Genesis 2: 16-17)

 

               

 

Question of the day..... What is it God has warned you to stay away from?

1 Corinthians 4: 14

"I'm not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children." 

~ (1 Corinthians 4: 14)

"It would have been well for the church of Christ, if the warnings of the Gospel had been as much studied as its promises." ~ J.C. Ryle

Go! See! Do!

Matthew 9:35-38
"Jesus was GOING THROUGH all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. SEEING THE PEOPLE, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. THEN HE SAID to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

"YOU WILL SEE THE NEED & FEEL THE DESIRE TO MEET IT RIGHT WHERE ITS AT!"

"GOING THROUGH..."
First, you must leave the comfort of home & the familiar to go into the unknown in order to reach others for Jesus.

"SEEING THE PEOPLE..."
Then, through personal experience, intimate encounters & heart-breaking scenes your heart will be moved with compassion & desire for the lost & hurting.

"THEN HE SAID..."
That is when desire is transformed into motivation that does not settle for anything less that "ACTION ON YOUR PART!"

Maybe, you are the one to take the lead!
Maybe, you are the one that follows!
Maybe, you just feel a burning passion to get involved!
But ultimately, something has to change & you sense that you must be part of it!

Therefore, today, I encourage you:
"GET INVOLVED IN REACHING OTHERS FOR JESUS!"
"LEAVE THE FAMILIAR BEHIND!"
"EMBRACE AN EXCITING ROAD AHEAD!"
"EXPERIENCE THEIR FEARS, HURTS, STRUGGLES & DESIRES!"
"HELP THEM OVERCOME BY SHOWING THEM THE WAY!"

I have found that:
"A SEEKER OF THE LOST WILL EVENTUALLY FIND THEMSELVES IN THEIR MIDST!"
"YOU CAN NOT HELP BUT TO GET INVOLVED WHEN COMPASSION IS YOUR DRIVING FORCE!"

FRUITS OF REPENTANCE!

Psalm 51:4,17
"4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight; so You are right in Your verdict and justified when You judge.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise."

"REPENTANCE NEVER DEMANDS ANYTHING FROM THOSE OFFENDED!"
"TRUE REPENTANCE NEVER CLAIMS ENTITLEMENT!"

"GODLY SORROW ONLY SEEKS TO CHANGE ONE'S ATITUDE ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL ACTIONS!"

When you offend others, (Be it ignorantly or blatantly), your duty as a Christian is to seek God for a change of heart concerning your actions.
Then, if possible, ask forgiveness & allow God to heal that person from the harm you have caused them.
"BUT" you can never demand that the offended treat you according to your standards.

Many times, the harm that is caused by the offense is so severe (WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR NOT!) that it will take time for the healing process to begin.
First, the pain & shock will need to subside.
Then, consideration regarding the offense must naturally occur.
Afterwards, a decision will ultimately be made by the offended to either release or regard the offense as inexcusable.
"BUT" never once, does the offender have the right to demand that the offended treat them without indifference.

It would not be wise for the offender to set a time limit or any other stipulation on the healing process.
The offender must realize that they have committed an action that has broken a sensitive bond.

If you have broken a trust, caused harm to a relationship, disregarded authority or taken someone's affection for granted;
"DON'T EXPECT THAT PERSON TO EASILY BOUNCE BACK FROM SOMETHING LIKE THAT!" (Although they may have forgiven you, they still need to be healed from such devastation.)
"GRANTING THEM TIME TO HEAL IS THE MOST CHRIST-LIKE APPROACH TO THIS KIND OF SITUATION!"

Above all:
"ALLOW GOD TO TEACH YOU ALONG THE WAY!"
"DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME EMBITTERED BECAUSE THEY DON'T RESPOND TO YOU!"
"REALIZE THAT YOUR ACTIONS MAY HAVE CAUSED MORE DAMAGE THAN THAT PERSON MAY BE CAPABLE OF SUSTAINING!"
"GOD MAY HAVE TO PERFORM EXTENSIVE WORK TO REPAIR THEIR HEARTS!"

Ezekiel 33: 9

"But if  you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sins, though you yourself will be saved." ~ (Ezekiel 33: 9)

              

             God bless your day friend. Amen.

It's Your Journey, Therefore, Travel It!

Matthew 9:13
""But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

"VISION CREATES PASSION & ALLOWS FOR MOTIVATION!"
"WE MUST CONSTANTLY BE REMINDED OF WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH OR WE WILL EASILY BECOME DISCOURAGED!"

"DON'T ALLOW SETBACKS TO SET YOU BACK!"

When we constantly keep our destination in clear view, (NO MATTER HOW FAR AWAY!), we will continually move in that direction!
But if our destination is not continually kept in perspective, we will eventually begin to veer off course.
Although, we may still reach our destination, we may lose satisfaction because of the prolonged journey.

Therefore;
"GET ENVISIONED!"
"FOCUS ON THE DESTINATION!"
"ENJOY THE JOURNEY!"
"WELCOME THE CHALLENGES!"

Above all;
"REACH YOUR DESTINATION!"

"GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO DO SOMETHING GREAT THROUGH JESUS!"
"LEARN WHAT YOUR CALLING IS & STRIVE TO ACCOMPLISH IT EVERYDAY!"
"MAY GOD BLESS YOUR JOURNEY & YOUR DAY!"

Titus 3 :10 WARN

"Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them." ~ (Titus 3: 10)

                   

WARN - 1. to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil. 2. to call to one's attention.

Actions affect many!

Proverbs 14:34
"Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people."

"OUR ACTIONS DO NOT ONLY AFFECT US, THEY AFFECT THOSE AROUND US!"

Many times, actions are committed that shake the very core of a person's life.
But unfortunately, that is not where it ends.
It usually has a devastating affect on those closest to that person.
Sadly, family & friends are left trying to make sense of it all, but never truly find satisfaction.
Every decision from that moment forward is crucial & sensitive.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone:
"CONSULT WITH THE LORD BEFORE YOU REACT!"
"USE WISDOM!"
"CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY!"
"LIMIT YOUR ACTIONS TO THOSE OF CHRIST!"
Lastly:
"BE THE PURSUER OF PEACE IN EVERY SITUATION!"

"PRIDE WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE & DEVASTATE THOSE AROUND YOU!"
"IF YOU HAVE WRONGED SOMEONE, SEEK FORGIVENESS THROUGH REPENTANCE OR THE HEALING PROCESS WILL NEVER TAKE PLACE!"

For those facing devastating circumstances:
"AS MUCH AS IS IN YOU, SEEK PEACE & SHOW MERCY FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST!"

At the end, we represent JESUS!"

Luke 12: 5

"But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes I tell you fear Him!" ~ (Luke 12: 5)

                   

Bless the Name of the Lord, who places warning signs all around us, and uses us as warning sign to a lost world. Amen.

WISDOM

WISDOM: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” ~ Proverbs 18:21 ~ What does this really mean? Can I speak things into existence? In a practical application of this text let's look at the Israelites. Joshua was about to take them into the promised land but first they were to consecrate themselves to the Lord, then, when they saw the Ark of the covenant they were to move, but they were to follow at a safe distance behind the Word of God because they had not been that way before. Isaiah tells us "When at a crossroads look for the ancient path, look for the good way, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls" so let's give this an example of how we might use this today: I am invited to someone's house for a celebration event and I find out there is going to be someone there who I always seem to have a conflict with...I should make sure my heart is right before God, humbled and pride removed. Then, I should look to the Word of God concerning the situation, what does the Word say about dealing with conflict? "Where there is no fuel for the fire it burns out, a quiet voice reduces arguments, when slandered speak kindly" etc. Now I speak these words out loud as a sword of the Spirit "it is written" Now, I follow safely behind the Word of God acting in a manner according to what was spoken. It is here I find life and prosperity, for God say's "today I set before you blessings and curses, life and death, choose life and live! 

Revelation 19: 14

"The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses, wearing pure linen." ~ (Revelation 19: 14)

            

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus going on before

Crowns and thorns may perish, kingdoms rise and wane

But the cross of Jesus constant will remain.

                                        Amen.

Psalm 144: 1

"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle."

~ (Psalm 144: 1)

 

             

 

        Happy Friday family. Peace be with you. Amen

Our Heavenly Father Awaits!

Matthew 4:16-17
"The people who were sitting in darkness saw a Great Light,
And those who were sitting in the Shadow of Death,
Upon them a Light dawned."
From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

"IT ALL BEGINS AT THE CROSS & ULTIMATELY ENDS IN HEAVEN!"
"REPENTANCE INITIATES THE JOURNEY & OBEDIENCE ENSURES YOUR ARRIVAL!"

Therefore, enjoy the road that will eventually allow you to stand before the gates of His Kingdom!
More importantly:
"WALK THE PATH THAT WILL GRANT YOU ACCESS THROUGH THOSE GATES!"

Jesus said;
"REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND!"
With this statement, Jesus laid the "ONLY FOUNDATION" necessary for restoration!
Without repentance, anything you say or do is said & done in vain!

"REPENTANCE" changes the attitude of your heart toward God!
If you once thought that it was ok to sin willfully & God would let it slide because He loves you,
Once you have a repentant attitude toward your situation, you would realize that all along you had been breaking God's heart by willingly separating yourself from Him!

"GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSON'S!"
"GOD CAN NOT EMBRACE SIN, MUCH LESS A SINFUL ATTITUDE!"
"HE IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDE THAN HE IS YOUR ACTION!"

"TRUE REPENTANCE LAYS THE GROUND FOR A LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER!"

"DO!" more than you "SAY!"

1 John 4:20
"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."

"DON'T LET LIFE PASS YOU BY!"

I just feel that God wants me to relay this message today;
"MAKE PEACE WITH THOSE YOU HAVE BEEN AT ODDS WITH FOR SO LONG!"
"DON'T WAIT ANOTHER SECOND!"
"YOUR INITIATIVE MAY RESULT IN THEIR SALVATION!"

Word of Wisdom:
"JESUS IS REFLECTED IN OUR ACTIONS, MORE THAN HE IS THROUGH OUR WORDS!"

"DO!" more than you "SAY!"

Judges 7: 7

"The Lord said to Gideon,'I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped  and hand the Midianites over to you. But everyone else is to go home." 

~ (Judges 7: 7)

"Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head." 

~ Euripides

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...

He came to set us Free!!!

John 8:32
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Jesus came to bring freedom, not chains!
The only time a person feels an obligation toward Jesus' commands is when they are not ready or willing to submit to His Lordship!
Because they fail to understand His intentions & His love for them!

When a person truly understands what Jesus is saying & why He is making such specific requests, they will realize that it is in their best interest that the recommendation has been made.

"JESUS DESIRES TO BE LORD OF YOUR LIFE!"
"HE HAS ALREADY INHERITED THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!"
"HE DESIRES TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!"

"BUT IN HIS KINGDOM, WE MUST LIVE BY HIS STANDARDS!"
Yet you may ask yourself;
"How do I know that His standards are beneficial for me?"

"BECAUSE HIS FATHER, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, PASSED ALONG TO HIM A CERTAIN SET OF BASIC RULES THAT WERE MEANT FOR HUMANITY FROM THE CREATION OF THE WORLD!"
"THEREFORE, JESUS IS TEACHING US TO LIVE THE WAY GOD INTENDED WHEN HE CREATED US!" (Before the Fall of man in the Garden.)

But sometimes people misinterpret Jesus' motives & take offense at His instructions!
What He intends for good is perceived as evil!
But mainly what I have found to be true in my own life is that:
"AS SOON AS I WILLINGLY APPLY THE LORD'S COMMAND'S TO MY LIFE, I BEGIN TO REALIZE THEIR VALUE & MY APPRECIATION FOR HIS INSTRUCTION GROWS!"

"ANYTHING DONE OUT OF RELUCTANCE WILL ULTIMATELY SEEM BURDENSOME!"
"ANYTHING DONE OUT OF A JOYFUL HEART WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN FREEDOM & ACCEPTANCE!"

"SERVE THE LORD WHOLE-HEARTEDLY!"
"OR FAIL TO SERVE HIM AT ALL!"

Matthew 27: 54

"Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became frightened and said,'Truly this was the Son of God!" ~ (Matthew 27: 54)

                        

Praise the Lord for this soldier's testimony. Amen.

Thank You Jesus!

Psalm 47:1-9
"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.
He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.
God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise.
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.
The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted."

"LET MY HALLELUJAH BE FRESH!"
"LET MY PRAISE BE INSPIRED!"
"LET MY WORSHIP PLEASE YOU TODAY!"

"MAY MY SERVICE!"
"MAY MY SONG!"
"MAY MY ATTITUDE!"
"MAY MY BEHAVIOR REFLECT MY HEART'S DESIRE FOR YOU, O LORD!"

Philippians 2: 25 SOLDIER

"But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus - my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my needs." ~ (Philippians 2: 25)

SOLDIER - 1. one who serves in military service; army. 2. an enlisted person.

                 

             Praise the Lord for our Veterans! Amen.

                  Don't forget to thank one today. 

What's your grievance?

INCIDENT: Two Christians go to court over a lawsuit against one another.

PERSPECTIVE: Believers looking to a 'worldly' judge for discernment and justice. And this while unbelievers look on. (What does this say) should we as believers not look to the Righteous Judge in Heaven?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 6:1, 7 "If any of you (believers) have a dispute with another, do you dare take it before the ungodly for judgement instead of before the Lord's people? The very fact that you have lawsuits among you shows you are defeated already. Wouldn't you be better off just being wronged.

The Value of Testimony!

1 Peter 2:15-16
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves."

"YOUR WALK MUST LINE UP WITH GOD'S WORD OR NO ONE WILL EVER LINE UP TO HEED YOUR WORDS!"

"THERE ARE MANY LOST & HURTING PEOPLE THAT ARE SEEKING GENUINE COUNSEL FROM GENUINE PEOPLE!"

"IF YOU ARE TRULY SEEKING TO HELP THOSE IN NEED, THEN YOU MUST BE WILLING TO LIVE THE WAY GOD  INTENDED FOR GODLY PEOPLE TO REPRESENT HIM!"

"YOUR EFFECT ON PEOPLE WILL ONLY BE AS POWERFUL AS YOUR TESTIMONY ALLOWS!"

2 Timothy 2: 3-4

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."

~ (2 Timothy 2: 3-4)

                  

Help us to remain diligent, well-trained, and focused Christian soldiers, ready at all times for our Commander and Lord, Jesus. Amen.

Luke 6: 21

"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." ~ (Luke 6: 21)

{Q: Why do you always find things in the last place you look?

....

 A: Duh!}

Being made in Your image Lord, we thank You for a sense of humor. We thank You for light hearted moments of laughter and fun and how these moments benefit our health. Amen.

                                            

                 

      

                             

The Fruit!

Galatians 5:19-26
"THE ACTS OF THE FLESH ARE OBVIOUS: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

"ON A DAILY BASIS, WE FIND OURSELVES STRUGGLING WITH THESE TWO CATEGORIES!"
"THE ONE THAT WILL DOMINATE IS USUALLY THE ONE THAT WE ENTERTAIN THE MOST!"

God has given us the awesome gift of "CHOICE!"
Feel "FREE" to do as you please!
But "KNOW" that we will eventually "REAP" either the consequences or benefits of our choices!

I encourage you to choose "THE FRUIT!"
Enjoy your day!
May God bless & prosper you!

Psalm 126: 2

"Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nation, 'The Lord has done great things for them."

~ (Psalm 126: 2)

{Q: What do you get when you cross Speedy Gonzalez with a country singer?

......

A: Arriba McEntire.}

God bless your day friend. Amen.

For God's Glory!!!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

"MANY OF US FAIL TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS!"
"WE READILY ADMIT DEFEAT OR RATIONALIZE A COMPROMISE!"
"WE SIMPLY BOW IN SUBMISSION TO A DEFEATED ENEMY!"

"WHY?"

"BECAUSE WE FAIL TO REALIZE THAT WE HAVE BEEN USING THE WRONG KIND OF EQUIPMENT!"
"YOU DON'T TAKE A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT!"
"YOU BRING A TANK & END THE BATTLE!"

"WARS ARE WON WITH WEAPONRY!"
"SPIRITUAL WAR REQUIRES SPIRITUAL WEAPONRY!"

"THEREFORE, YOU, WHO HAVE MADE JESUS YOUR LORD & SAVIOR!"
"YOU, WHO HAVE GAINED THE VICTORY OVER SIN & DEATH BY FAITH!"
"YOU, WHO ARE MORE THAN A CONQUERER!"

"UNDERSTAND!"
"THE ENEMY HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED ON YOUR BEHALF BY JESUS!"
"YOU ARE NOW FREE TO WALK IN VICTORY!"
"YOU ARE NOW FREE TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT GOD HAS SET IN YOUR HEART TO DO!"

"STOP SETTLING FOR WHAT THE ENEMY THROWS YOUR WAY!"
"CAST IT DOWN, PICK UP YOUR DIVINE WEAPONS & DEMOLISH THOSE STRONGHOLDS IN YOUR LIFE!"

"TODAY IS A NEW DAY!"
"LET'S MAKE IT A VICTORIOUS ONE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!"

Motives Outweigh Results!

James 4:1-3
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

"TRUE SUBMISSION SURFACES FROM A TRULY OBEDIENT HEART!"

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you were willing to commit an evil act in order to achieve your goal? (Even though your goal was not necessarily bad.)
Have you ever decided that since God said "NO" to your request, you were going to do it anyway?
Have you ever side-stepped authority just to get what you wanted?
Have you been sneaky?
Have you dealt dishonestly?
Have you stepped over others just to fulfill your plans?

"HAS YOUR AGENDA BECOME YOUR GOD?"

Do you believe that things will work out for you in the end?
The truth is that:
"LASTING FRUIT ONLY STEMS FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS!"
"THOUGH YOU MAY GET YOUR MOMENTARY RESULT THROUGH CRAFTINESS & TRICKERY, IT WILL EVENTUALLY FADE AWAY INTO CORRUPTION!"

"GOD CALLS US TO BE HOLY!"
"THIS PROCESS OF SANCTIFICATION IS A DIRECT RESULT OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S AUTHORITY!"

In other words:
"GOD FOCUSSES ON OUR MOTIVES, MORE THAN HE DOES OUR RESULTS!"
"To God, it is more important "HOW" we get there, than "WHAT" we achieved!"
"If our motives do not reflect those of Christ, then everything we do is in vain!"

Genesis 21: 6

"Sarah said,'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." ~ (Genesis 21: 6)

{Q: What kind of man was Boaz before he got married?

 .........

 A: Ruth-less.}

                              

Answer the Question!

2 Corinthians 7:10
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

Question of the Day:
"When you commit a sin, are you sorry that you made a mistake or are you sorry that you have offended God?"

Many of us go around feeling bad for the things we do wrong, but always seem to commit the same error over & over again.
Have you ever asked yourself why?
The truth is that they have what is known as "WORLDLY SORROW," which according to God's Word ultimately leads to death.
Hence, they continue traveling the same road & reaching the same destination.
They continue committing the same mistakes over & over again.

But then, there is what is known as "GODLY SORROW," which according to God's Word ultimately lead to repentance.
Repentance is a change in our attitude toward God.
This is where you begin to notice that, ultimately, you are offending God by your actions, thoughts & motives.
Hence, you begin to cry out to God for forgiveness & also for help so that you will not continue down the path that leads to death & destruction.
Herein, you find the peace of God & live free from guilt & regret.
Herein, you find "CHANGE!"

Therefore, I will repeat the Question;
"When you commit a sin, are you sorry that you made a mistake or are you sorry that you have offended God?"

"YOUR ANSWER WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE YOUR DESTINATION!"

Job 8: 21

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." ~ (Job 8: 21)

             

Jesus!

Psalm 92:12-15
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him."

Lord Jesus, there is a great need for revival!
Our loved ones are suffering!
Our friends are being led astray!
Our youth are being taught erroneously!
Our children are desperately crying out!
Our teachers are being stretched & mistreated!

Parents are being placed under so much pressure!
The world is feeling the effects of mishandling this precious gift of "LIFE!"

Basically Lord, we need You to bring breathe new-life into our nations, our states, our cities, our neighborhoods, our communities, our schools, our family situations & everything else that hinders our walk with You!

Lord, help us also to embrace "CHANGE" as You begin to stir up fresh & new ways to reach to the lost!
Lord, let me not get in Your way, but let me become a vessel that is ready & willing to be used for Your kingdom's sake!

"JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL!"

Ecclesiastes 3: 4 LAUGH

"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh..." 

~ (Ecclesiastes 3: 4)

LAUGH - to show emotion (as joy) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound.

{Child : For $10, I'll be good.

 DAD: lol, When I was your age, I was good for nothing.} 

Holy Spirit, Come!

Acts 1:4-5
"On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

"THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR EVERY BELIEVER!"

More importantly;
"EVERY BELIEVER HAS THE RIGHT TO EARNESTLY SEEK AFTER THIS PROMISE FOR THEIR LIFE!"

"JESUS OFFERED IT!"
"THEREFORE, WE WOULD BE WISE TO GRAB HOLD OF IT!"

I want encourage you today:
"IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROMISE, DO SO NOW!"
"DON'T WAIT!"
"BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY & BE EMPOWERED FOR ETERNITY!"

"Ask & you shall receive!!!"

Proverbs 17: 22

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." 

~ (Proverbs 17: 22)

{Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was asalted.}

LOL... get it...               

Be blessed, smile, laugh, and know God loves you. Amen.

Friendly Reminder!

Micah 7:18-20
"Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as You pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago."

"GOD IS THE SAME TODAY AS HE WAS BACK THEN!"
"MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS!"

Therefore let us know our place & let us continually come before His throne of Grace!

Friendly reminder:
"WE HAVE NOTHING IN US THAT CAN MERIT HIS FAVOR!"
"LET US BE MINDFUL & GRATEFUL OF THIS ETERNAL TRUTH!"

Genesis 1: 2

"Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." ~ (Genesis 1: 2)

                 

Holy Spirit, there was a time You had no where to dwell, but today we welcome You to dwell in us, take rest, and have Your way. Amen.