Beyond Closed Doors

Closed doors! Is there anything harder to deal with than a closed door? Well, for the believer, there are many test and many trials; however, nothing seems to overwhelm us like a "closed door." I mean after all, closed doors yields no answers to our questions; they reveal no hints of what lies beyond them; they are just there, blocking and standing between our request and our desired answer.

Have you ever asked God for something or desired something that seemed to never reveal itself, in any shape, form, or fashion? Ever feel like someone has closed the door on your dreams and threw away the key? Well, you are not alone! Many of us have cried ourselves to sleep, exercised our faith until we had no more strength, held on to hope until hope seemed to let go! and did exactly what Donnie McClurkin told us to do when there was nothing left to do, and that is to "stand", ...yet, the doors remained closed!

What is God trying to tell you, while in this season of "closed doors?" ....Is it the closed door that is the problem or is it your inability to do anything about the closed door that annoys you so? (The fact that you are so limited and powerless as you stand before that closed door). What if I told you that you can begin to live beyond those closed doors? or should I at least say, gain a new way to look at those closed doors!

Every single door that has been shut, has been shut, intentionally and strategically, by God. I hear someone asking, "why would  God purposely close doors that I cannot open? (I asked that exact same question!), well, it is because he wants to increase your vision. Give you a new level of seeing! I believe that God is even ministering to me right now, as he says, "You have come too far to still see a closed door, as a closed door!" God wants to increase not only our vision, but our perception, so that we can begin to see "beyond" those closed doors, and to see him, who is able to move freely amidst our greatest obstacles (and yes! that includes doors). He wants us to realize that a door represents restraints and boundries and that he is not bound by neither. God works best when doors are closed (and I mean closed!) ...some of you know exactly what I am talking about!  He gets to reveal himself, when doors are closed! Just ask the disciples, about the day when they sat in a room, behind a "closed/locked door", afraid of what the Jews were going to do to them. As they sat there afraid, Jesus suddenly appeared in the room, having come through that same closed/locked door! Jesus never even touched the door! Why? Because it was swallowed up by his power! What was he revealing to them by doing that? Jesus wanted them to know, and He wants us to know that he is able to become all that we need, in the midst of shut doors. He does not need an open door in order for him to prove himself. 

Listen, He walked through a closed door and called for "peace" in the midst of their fear (John 20:19). That closed door represented a barrier for them, but Jesus wanted them to "see" that he controls barriers...he moves through barriers. He wanted them to know that even though you may see a door separating you from what's on the other side of it, there is nothing that can separate you from what it is that I have for you.  In John 20:26, Jesus walked through that same locked door on a second occasion, commanding peace in the midst of a doubter named Thomas, who although seeing Jesus walk right through that same locked door, still needed proof that he had victory over the impossible!! God wants you to see Him, beyond the door, beyond the impossible!....the door that you see is a necessary distraction, to test your spiritual vision! 

God is asking, "do you see a door or do you see me! He wants to bless you, beyond the closed doors in your life.  Every closed door that you experience is God teaching you to increase your vision! Praise God! He wants you to know, that you will never look at a closed door the same way again! When the Closed doors represent impossibilities, Jesus is saying, Do you see a door or do you see me?" When they represent failure, dead ends, and defeat, Jesus is saying, "Do you see a closed door or do you see me?" 

 It's time to increase your vision! It's time to begin to see God beyond that closed door; keep praying and fasting, beyond that closed door; keep dancing and singing, beyond that closed door; keep pressing your way to church, beyond that closed door, give God praise, beyond that closed door, and worship him with your life, beyond that closed door! And, the next time a closed door threatens to dismantle your hope, you call on the name of Jesus, and ask him to increase your vision, so that you can look beyond that closed door, and experience HE, who knows no impossibilities!! HE, who has started a good work in you; HE who will finish it;  and HE, who is still  revealing himself, beyond closed doors!

Prerequisites Come Before Promises!

           If you were to look inside of Webster's Dictionary, you would find that the word Prerequisite is listed before, the word Promise! I know what you are thinking! "of course it is, due to the spelling" ..right? Well, for the benefit of today's message, I choose to believe that God arranged them this way, for a reason! So, just go along with my theory, for just a moment! A prerequisite is something that is required, prior to obtaining something else. It's something that prepares you to receive something of a greater significance. And it is something that can cause a delay or failure if ignored!

Have you ever had to take a prerequisite before a class? What was the purpose of the prerequisite?....The purpose of it, was to prepare you for something that was ahead! A class that would ultimately be a necessary tool for your receiving your desired degree! ....If you have ever had to complete payment on something prior to receiving it, it was so that you could "lock in" your expectation of receiving whatever you wanted to call your own! Or how about that bank account of yours? What would be the prerequisite for you being able to withdraw money? Well, the prerequisite would have been that you, first! put money in! right? Now, for the flip side! If I never take that prerequisite in school, I cannot expect to advance to gaining the knowledge needed for me to secure that degree....And if, I never send that payment in, I can forget claiming that item as my own...And as for my bank account? Well, no money in!...means, no money out! 

Did you know that some of God's greatest blessings and promises come with a prerequisite? The promises of God are sure, and we can count on them, if He has declared them! Some of God's blessings and promises are "free", meaning, there is nothing that you or I are required to do to obtain them. An example is, God's mercy...or his grace! There is nothing that you or I can do that would keep God from exercising these acts of love....nothing! Nor is there anything that you or I could do that would qualify us for these benefits! They come along with WHO HE IS! ......Now! what about the blessings and promises of God that require something of us? Meaning that, there is something that He wants from us,  prior to his releasing! A prerequisite that has been established by God! Take a moment and think of a scripture or passage, where God has added a prerequisite to his blessings or promises! I can think of a couple, right off;  and one of them pertains to us receiving God's forgiveness for our transgressions! What is the prerequisite for obtaining this act of love from God? ......if you're thinking, "forgiving others", you are right! God has made it clear that unless we forgive others, we can not expect our sins to be forgiven! (A requirement, that should not be overlooked!)....And what about Philippians 4? where we are given the prerequisite for having peace in our lives! How do we obtain peace? By not being anxious AND surrounding our request with thanksgivings, when making them know to God! Prerequisite comes before Promise! Or Deuteronomy 28, where God lists one specific requirement for obtaining an entire wealth of blessings! That requirement? Obedience!We can go on and on with the many things that God has attached prerequisites to, in order for us to experience his POWER! Our God wants to bless us according to his will for our lives, however, we tend to merely "glance" over the prerequisite, while anxiously "seeking" the promise! This is where we "miss" God! Because as you will find out; it is in the prerequisite, where we find our stability; it is in the prerequisite where we gain our required knowledge on how to gain access to His promises, where we can both walk in and live out His promises, so that unbelievers will want to know how they too, can share in his promises!

Prerequisites aren't created to "delay" your promises; they are created to "ensure" your promises! So, whether you ask God or Webster's Dictionary about prerequisites, one thing will always hold true! Prerequisite will always come before Promise!!

A Prayer for today:

 Dear Lord, thank you for reminding us that, there are promises that you have made, that require nothing of us, but are of your grace and mercy; however, let us be mindful of the fact that there are times when you require a prerequisite prior to our  receiving your blessings. Lord, we acknowledge and understand that prerequisites are for our own growth, and will lead us to deeper relationship with you, and we thank you for your wisdom and for your everlasting love, as you have shared with us, the key to obtaining your promises!



HOW'S YOUR HEALTH?

As I spent some time meditating this morning, I did a quick review of my life, and I realized that I had been very lax, in the type of lifestyle that I had led. It didn't really matter, what I ate; really didn't matter if I studied; didn't really matter, whether or not, I exercised; whether or not, I prayed; whether or not my relationship with the Lord was growing or decreasing! I realized that I had slid my way through life, not really being "matter of fact" about anything!! It just, "was, what it was!" (ever heard that saying?!). Well, let me tell you, what happens, when things don't really matter! And when you just allow things to be, ....just what they are!!!! It is the perfect formula for an unhealthy lifestyle! You made it to this point with no major goals, no positive mind set, and no real necessity, to include God into your "comfortable" lifestyle! Oh yes! It was cozzy comfy!! I didn't really do anything that I didn't feel like doing, and I pretty much did, what I wanted to do, regardless of spiritual back lash or the "time-to-time" guilt that would stop by momentarily!
But, let's go back to my conversation with the Lord! Something came out of my mouth that surprised me! I told God, that, I appreciated Him for where He has brought me! I told him, that because of the consequences of my actions, bad decisions, wrong choices, & failures; It brought me to a place of readiness!  It brought me to a place of "healthiness"....."healthiness, in Him!"..... and in my life! 
As we all know, problems have a way of bringing you to your knees; However, allowing God to have His way in your life, isn't always what we opt for, when we get up off of our knees! Just like, with a fad diet, you can find yourself right back, on the wrong side of His will for you! Well, I came to my senses, one day, and I realized that, I was making life, much harder than God had planned for it to be! And that I was the creator of more storms, than the Lord, had EVER, planned to send my way! And that I held on to pain, far longer, than He hoped, that I would! ....Sometimes I wonder! how many tears, were the result of my unhealthy lifestyle? How much pain could have been avoided? .....Had I not, been starving spiritually, would my choices have been different? (when you are hungry, you always select, for the moment, and not for the future!) ...Well,what I have found out was; that God has always been good, and that a healthy lifestyle had been laid out before me the entire time, but I had chosen the unhealthy things in life to sustain me!.....And as the saying goes!.."you are, what you eat"!!!! ......It is absolutely the truth! What you have chosen for your life's nutrition, shows, physically, mentally, and spiritually!!! One day, I made up in my mind that I was going to switch nutrition plans!!!! This was major! Because, this meant, that I was about to work towards transforming my body, transforming my mind, transforming my attitude, and most of all! transforming the most important part of all; and that meant! .............a transformed relationship with the Savior! Once upon a time, I was malnourished! not receiving the nutrients that I needed to be strong and healthy! Nutrients, such as healthier foods, prayer, fasting, and reading the Word of God, which, by the way, gives you, spiritual, Omega-3's (The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), all working to create a healthier you!!! How's your health? ...Are you feeling down? depressed? depleted of all of your energy?....Go to the Father, and ask him for an assessment! He's been waiting for you to make this appointment! And He's ready to give you a full consultation, on how you can be on your way, to a much healthier YOU!!

Go Ahead and Praise Him!! .....After The Storm!!

Wow!! Sitting here thinking, after one of the most powerful and inspiring prayer line calls, that we have ever had!!!! 
One thing that God seems to reveal to me, more and more, is the absolute necessity for my storms! Looking back over my life; and I'm only talking about the last 10 years or so! I have had some heavy storms! I even have some "storm damage" as a result of some of those storms! ...Still, cleaning up debris! from some of those storms! But, when I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all that He has done for me!!! .....I tell you! I could be dead! I could be out of my mind! stuck in a habit, that I can't break! sitting in a jail cell, walking the streets, both helpless! and hopeless! ...But God!!!
As I sat in my car; having listened to (2) powerful, yet, painful testimonies, I realized that Praises were going up!! ........What?!? Praises going up? Where could it be coming from? .......I'll tell you, where it was coming from? It was coming as a result of pain!! ...Pain that didn't kill them, but made them stronger!! It was coming from pain! ....Pain that didn't "take" their minds, but "kept" their minds! ...The praise was coming from the pain! Pain, that the enemy thought would be the end of their story, but it was the beginning of their story!! .....I thought to myself! "the enemy is confused right now!" because like them; he thought he had me too!! He didn't know that when you know Jesus as "daddy!" definitions start to change! When you're a child of the Most High King! Pain means praise! and storms means strength!!! and tears bring triumph!
Check your status after the storm! Are you better? are you stronger? is your faith preserved? Is your joy in tact? ......I didn't ask you, was it tough?....I didn't ask you, did you cry? I didn't ask you, if it shook your faith? ...or if you laid in bed at night, confused!...Because I know that all of this may have taken place, during your storm, but check your status!!!! Go ahead, check for storm damage!...and tell me; now that the skies have cleared! ...where are you at now? ...now that the storm is over? Can you still see Jesus? ...after the storm? Can you still lift your hands in worship? ....after the storm? Can you shout Glory Hallelujah! ...after your storm? Can you say thank you Jesus!... after your storm? If you are still here! and you made it through, and you feel like you can go a little higher, and walk a little further! then go ahead and give God some praise!! You gave him praise before your storm!....and as long as he is YOUR daddy!!!!...He will give you a praise......after your storm!

Don't You Dare, Close That Book!!

Whatever you do, hold on to hope! the tiniest thread will twist into an unbreakable cord. Let hope anchor you in the possibility that THIS IS NOT THE END OF YOUR STORY!!!!!

All of us have lived lives that tell an interesting story! Some of us have had stories of triumph! and some of us, stories of failure, and heartbreak! Some have stories of much change, and unsettled  longings! Others seem to live lives that are just a blurr!! My book of life, has had many chapters, and they all seemed, for years, to be chapter after chapter of mistakes, bad decisions, "dropped" ambitions, wrong turns, and question after question of, "how did I get here!" ....each chapter, looking to the next, for answers; for hope; for daylight! There were many times throughout the book of my life, when I wanted to just close the book! And never look back!

That is where so many people are today! Book after Book of purposes, dreams, and visions are being closed because they can't seem to find the perfect scenarios and outcomes in their stories. My advice to those people is to never give up on your dreams! You never know where your road of adversity is going to lead you.  I never thought that all of my trials and tribulations would have brought me to this place, as a devotional writer and author! But it did! It's a good thing that I was not the Author of my own story!

Sometimes we think that life would be better if we could just write our own stories. I mean; If I would have written my own story I would have had chapter after chapter of nothing but "Unspeakable Joy!" ....verse after verse of nothing but Triumph! page after page of already fulfilled Promises! .....Oh, the book that I would write? it would be something to behold! a real page turner! If I were to write my own story! I mean, who would write their own story, as a story of hurt? a story of pain, and of being misunderstood? Who would write their own story of betrayal and death? I mean would you?? that's not how I would end MY story, if I was the writer! My story would be Joy, Joy, Joy! never pain!!! My story would have me always winning and never losing; Always well, and never sick; Filthy rich, and never broke; Having all of the pieces together, and never being broken; That's how MY story would be written, if I were the Author!

Well, over  two thousand years ago, a man named Jesus wrote His own story! And from the time His chapters began, He was on a mission of filling each verse and chapter with the realities of life. He didn't write a story of pure joy and never pain!! He didn't write a story of being loved by everyone, and wronged by no one! As a matter of fact! What he wrote about was teaching others how to love their brother; He wrote about the time when he had nowhere to lay his head; He wrote about being tempted by the Enemy; and how one day he would lose his earthly life for the sake of mankind. What author does that! He wrote his own suffering into his own text? He wrote pain, into His own story!  Who do you know, who would write himself in as the Main Character, and then kill himself off in the same story? .... There would seem to be no point in continuing with such a story! Ohhhh, but don't close the book just yet!!! Because after penning the details of his own death, he wrote P.S.!

You see, when a writer adds a P.S. at the end of a story, it stands for Post Scriptum! In other words; although the "Main Work" has been completed, there is an addition to the story! Jesus wanted us to know that this was not the end of His story! That there was more to come!  And what He is saying to you and to me, is this: 

 "I have added a P.S. to your story!"

"I know that you don't feel that I have written your story the way you wanted it; but if you trust me, I will show you! that, every word of your story has been to "build you!"....every paragraph,  to "strengthen you!"....every page; to give you, what would some day be your testimony! and every chapter, to allow me to shape my purpose for your life!" 

......I didn't allow you write your own story, because you would have left out everything that would have lead you to me! You would have left out pain and suffering! and you would have left out those important trials and the necessary storms that help to build your character! 

No, I couldn't have allowed you to write your own story, because the only person that you would have cared about, would have been yourself! 

...Experiencing pain sometimes, gives you compassion for the next person! and I cannot risk you, not having these important qualities that I need for you to possess!!

 ...I am the author of your story! and my writing skills are perfect; even with suffering on your pages!  I wrote your story for you to walk out, but for others to read. I painted the pictures on your pages for others to see! 

The pages of your life are filled with the very things that I died and rose for.  I died for your sins, and rose again, so that you would not be charged for them! I died for your sorrows! and rose again for your right to have joy! I died for your burdens, and rose again to teach you how to overcome them!!...I died for your storms and rose again to give you peace!!!!

 ....Don't you dare close the book on your story! You see, your victory has already been written onto your pages!Your breakthrough begins with chapter 5!! and your testimony is right in the middle of chapter 8...so don't you dare close that book! 

You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I've already written it in...there will be light!  You may not see how I'm going to fix that wayward child, but I've already written out his plan! You may not know how you are going to pay your bills, but I've already written in your provision!  You've got to trust the story that I have written for you! It's perfect and without flaw! No author's revisions to be made, because I never make a mistake! So don't you dare, close the book on your story! 

You thought it was the end for you....but I added a P.S. to your story!!! 

You let the enemy know that your story is not over until I say it's over! He will try to put a period where I have placed a comma, but let him know that he's too late...

 "I know the plans that I have for you, and I've already written them on the pages of your life!"

.....P.S.! I Love You,

                                          ~Jesus, The Author and Finisher of Your Faith  

You Just Got Served!

                          YOU JUST GOT SERVED!
 
Though the storms of life, sometimes overwhelm; pay no heed! ....the sunshine will surely follow!"

At 47 years of age, there is one thing that I have to say, that I am fortunate to have escaped, and that is the call of "Jury Duty!" I don't know how I have managed to avoid being selected for this civil task, but I have! Every now and then, I think about getting served! What happens when my name comes up and being served is inevitable? Do I have to go through this? Don't I have some kind of say so? I read in a recent article that there are ways of escaping, wiggling, and talking your way out of this time consuming task, but you have to know how the system works, in order to have your request approved! I'm guessing that the problem I have with the whole thing, is that they don't even ask you "IF" you want to take part in this process? nor do they attempt to fit it in  with your "daily life" schedules! When your name comes up! it's time to be served!! No consideration of the timing or circumstance! No matter, if you are black or white, rich or poor, Saint or Sinner! When it's time to be served! You Will Be Served!
I'm sure that some of you, know exactly what I am talking about and you know, all to well, about that day, when YOU GOT SERVED!!!
I may not know what it is like to be served Jury Duty papers, but let me talk about the Sovereign Storms of God! for just a minute, because, they work very similar to this! See if this sounds familiar to you! 
You are minding your own business, going about your day, and before your day could even close out, you find yourself in a storm! The beginning of some of the roughest weather, you have ever encountered! Maybe a pink slip from your job! (you just got "served!"), or maybe you lost a love one, someone dear and close to you heart, and you don't know how you are going to make it! YOU just got served!.....you come home to find that your spouse wants a divorce! or that the bank has foreclosed on your home! the doctor called with a "bad" report! You're out of money and don't know where your next dime is coming from! This isn't a coincidence! YOU just got served!    There was a storm with your name on it and it was designed especially for you! (not to be confused with self-inflicted storms! those are another lesson!!), but THIS STORM, is one that is Sovereign! ordered by God, with 2 things in mind: "YOUR growth and HIS Glory!!!", and unlike Jury Duty, there is no way out! you can't wiggle your way out! you can't talk your way out! and you can't sign one paper that will excuse you from the storm that you have been assigned! You say, why me? God says, "why not you?" ....why, can't I use you for my glory? why can't I use you for my purpose? "If I wasn't going to invest in your growth, I could have left you for dead, in your sins! Why not you? Maybe I didn't "serve you" at a convenient time! and maybe I did "serve you" when you already had a lot going on! But have you read my manual, on what happens AFTER you've been served! and AFTER you've endured! AFTER the storm! and AFTER the rain! Let me explain to you, the difference between self inflicted storms (that you serve to yourself!) and the storms that I serve to you!!! When YOU GET SERVED BY ME! there is peace! WHEN YOU GET SERVED BY ME! there can still be joy! WHEN YOU GET SERVED BY ME! there's no need to run for cover! because I will be your shelter! No need to run for shade, because I will shield you! IF YOU ONLY WOULD SEE!  That in serving you a storm, I am serving you your blessing! By serving you THIS storm, you will see your miracle! This just may be the storm, that brings your Jubilee!!!! or the storm that breaks that bondage or pulls down that stronghold!!  For you see, your storm? it wasn't to harm you or spite you! it was to strengthen and anoint you! It was because I knew the power that I had invested in you; and what I had waiting on the other side of it! Oh, the joy of knowing that we will be closer after the storm! ....I can hear the words of a familiar song, that says, "you can't get to better days, baby; unless you make it through the night!" .....and if the Apostle Paul was here, he would offer to tell you about what happens after the storm! If he had to put an ending on today's devotional, he would tell you to "Count it ALL joy (even in storms!)! and to trust God's timing when he "serves" you your next level in him!.....YES, COUNT IT ALL JOY, THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU GET SERVED! BECAUSE HE JUST WANTS YOU TO SIT IN THE SEAT OF "JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING!" ....THE SEAT OF, "CAN'T NOBODY DO ME LIKE JESUS!"....YES, COUNT IT ALL JOY, WHEN YOU GET SERVED!

Psalms 27:5, says, that in the days of my storms; he will hide me in his pavilion

James 1:2, tells us to count it all joy, when we fall into hard times 




   

GOOD Intentions vs. GOD Intentions!!!

Luke 17:28-32

This is actually, more of a lesson than a devotional, and although a bit lengthy, I believe that God is wanting us to gain something from it! So, if you give me a little bit of your time, I believe that this lesson will cause us to walk into some of our dreams, goals, and visions, instead of in a life, settled by "good intentions."

How many of you have had "good intentions", only to find out that, "good intentions" can lead to bad results? Well, today, we are going to dive into some deep territory, that will surely clear up for some of us, why we have found ourselves gasping for air, when it comes to, where we have landed in life! We're going to get to the bottom of, just how the enemy can take over our so-called "good intentions" and turn them into bad results! And how little by little, our good intentions can result in emptiness, complacency, and even down right disobedience! I will prove to you, that "right intentions" don't always lead to "right-eous" living! Don't believe me? Let's re-visit the story of Lot and his infamous wife; more affectionately known as, the "piller of salt." ....In this famous story, Lot finds himself following his uncle, Abraham, to reside around the entrance of the Promised Land. However, once arrived, it is realized that, there was not enough room for both families and all of their belongings in this one spot; so Lot is given a choice between residing in the vicinity of the Promised Land or residing in the vicinity of Sodom; a city, bustling with financial opportunity, greed, and sin! In steps, "good intention"!!! I mean, afterall, everybody needs money right? and surely, God wants him to be in a position to give his family the finer things in life, right? So, low and behold, Lot decides to settle his family right in the vicinity (which is in the shadow) of Sodom (which is sin)! for his very own gain! I'm sure that he meant well, but here is where his good intention turned to a God-less result! Lot is probably thinking, "why live on the outskirts of where I make my money, when I can just move closer to my money! I still love the Lord; I can still pray; I just won't allow my family to be a part of Sodom's lifestyle!" ....Well, for those of you who know the story, Lot's good intentions resulted in him losing his family to the lifestyles of Sodom anyway! God decides to destroy Sodom and everyone in it; however, His Grace turns Lot's near ruin, into a rescue of Mercy! Notice here, how good intention gets worse! God's Angels, lead Lot and his family out of Sodom so that they can be saved from destruction (Oh, the goodness of Jesus)! But, he gives clear warning and commandment, that they are not to look back on the destruction! This is where good intentions can become not only costly, but deadly! Lot's wife looks back towards all of the things that she regretted leaving;  and although her "intentions" were to leave with her husband and be saved! Disobedience was far more powerful than her greatest intention!! The disobedience wasn't in her turning her head, but that "turning her head towards Sodom" was in outright disobedience of God's instruction!! and she turned into a "piller of salt!"  Mrs. Lot's good intention, was not good enough! Lot had gone from a place of security and thanksgiving, to a place of residing outside of the Will of God! "Good intentions" can be "void" of God's will for your life; especially when there's something or someone, who is the driving source of your good intentions, other than God Himself!
RIGHT INTENTIONS,  MUST BE POWERED BY A RIGHT-EOUS GOD!! Good intentions have a way of stepping outside of wise and Godly counsel or commands, which is why Mrs. Lot lost her soul! In Lot's case good intentions, lead to wrong doing; but in many cases, good intentions can also lead to doing...NOTHING AT ALL! which is another kind of danger all in itself! Lot found out the hard way, that good intentions, outside of God-intentions, can lead to disaster!!

P.S. Beware of  the other side of good intentions that lead to a lack of motivation!
So many times we allow good intentions to rob us of our blessings! It's because we use this phrase as a way of minimizing our wrong outcomes! Kind of a much needed excuse for our laziness and lack of drive!!  If we can blame something on "good intentions", we somehow feel a sense of exoneration (free from the responsibility or guilt of our actions OR THE LACK OF!), and soon we find ourselves doing absolutely NOTHING as a result of our greatest intention!

NOW THE GOOD NEWS:
GOD'S GRACE AND MERCY, STILL HAS "RESCUING" POWER!!! Which means that my "bad" result, can turn into a God-result!!! and it means, that God, can take my "good" intention, and turn it into a God-intention!!! so that, HE gets the glory!!! HALLELUJAH!!!! TO THE GOD OF OUR RESCUE!! THE GOD OF RIGHTEOUS INTENT! AND THE GOD OF OUR EXPECTED END!!

From Strength To Strength With Every Step!

Have you ever went to a movie and there was a certain scene that just stuck with you forever? If I asked you right now about your favorite scene in this movie or that movie, would you be able to tell me? Of course, you would! Because there are things that we can experience that will leave a powerful residue in our minds, and movies are famous for this! I love a movie with a powerful undertone; whether or not the producers meant for it to do so! Sometimes, the spirit causes you to see something that others may not pick up, just so HE can use it later, and today is the perfect example:
Bare with me while I set this up! and for you movie lovers, this will be painless!! The Movie: Hancock! A movie where Will Smith plays a super hero who has serious issues plaguing him! In this particular movie, he has been drawn "back" towards a woman of his past, but the results of him being in the presence of this woman proves to be disastrous! Throughout his trying to understand his connection to this woman, he learns that, the closer he is to her, the more human they both become, enabling them to both become vulnerable to pain and the effects of trauma. As the movie comes close to its end, and they both are close to death, Will knows that he must find the strength to remove himself from her presence, in order for her to survive! (He came to himself!) and realized that this situation isn't good for either of us and if I can just make that first step away from her, she will survive! and I will get my strength back!... He forces himself to take that first step, and with that first step, her eyes opened up! (while giving him more strength!); He took another step away, and breath returned to her body! (while giving him even more strength!); He leaps out of the window, distancing himself even more, and they both began to heal! until finally, he had created enough distance for all of his strength to return to him, and he takes off into the sky! renewed! empowered!and healed! Whew!!!!! what a scene! and what a revelation! I'll bet the producers had no idea of how powerful that scene would be for believers! Praise God!
I know that for every step that I take away from sin, I can breath a little better! For every step I take away from what seems to have me bound, my eyes are opened! When I begin to step away from that stronghold! my healing begins to take place! Thank you God for your power and thank you that there is power in every step that I make towards you!!! How can I say that I can't, when your Word, says that I can??!!!
Saints of God! There are super natural powers that you and I possess, and we must tap into those powers that God has given us through the Holy Spirit (Our Super Hero!)....Get up! Pick yourselves up! and walk away from those things that are causing confusion and discord! Your wounds are not there to stay! with every step towards the Master, He takes your wounds for his own, and begins to enable you to STEP FURTHER! TAKE THAT FIRST STEP! AND KEEP ON STEPPING! BECAUSE THERE IS POWER IN EVERY STEP!!!!!  BLESS YOUR NAME JESUS!!!!  HALLELUJAH!


Psalms 84:7, says, that they shall go from strength to strength!!!!! 
What does this mean for you? It means, that for every step you take toward Jesus and away from those things that hinder you; you will step into increasing strength with every single step! God bless you!

How BIG Is YOUR GOD??? (song included!)

"Don't tell God how BIG your storm is; Tell your storm, how BIG, your God is!!"  

I don't have much to say this morning, because God has shown himself "Sovereign" to me! So, I'm sitting at my computer reading some scripture and spending some time with Jesus, and a song came to my mind.  God began to reveal to me, just how sovereign HE is, and that he is bigger than any of the things that I had just poured my heart out to him about!! WOW!! To really get the big picture!! Some of you are fighting battles that just, ARE NOT YOURS TO FIGHT!!! It's time to stop jumping in the ring to fight an opponent that you ARE NOT able to battle! You and I are not even in the right weight category to battle most of the things that we are up against!! It is time for us to start telling our problems, our fears, and our doubts, that they better get ready to do battle with OUR GOD!! Because "heavy weight" problems, need a "heavy weight" GOD!! and the last time, I read the end of of the story, OUR GOD WINS!!!!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!!

I want you to listen to the words of this song; and when you are done, I want you to begin to thank God for his "sovereignty" .....because OUR God, is Sovereign!!

Sovereign God By Maurette Brown-Clark

Be Blessed!!

"Let Me See Your Hands!"

There are certain phrases that I believe that all parents have said or will say while raising their children. I don't care who you are or where you are from, some things are just universal! Let me give you some examples: 
"did you make your bed?"
"did you finish your homework?
"take a bath and be sure to use the soap!"
"did you wash your hands?" .........See what I mean? Some things are just common to parenting! Or how about this one? You send your child to go wash their hands for dinner and they come back too soon! What is the first thing that we ask them to do? "Let me see your hands!!" ....Kind of funny but true! Have you ever wondered why the hand towel ends up so dirty? I mean if our hands are clean when we dry them, shouldn't the hand towel reveal this? The problem is, we wash away most of the dirt; the dirt that is on the surface, that comes off just with the rubbing together of your hands! But, what about between your fingers and under your nails? We tend to leave behind the dirt that gets into the hidden places! and over time, the hand towel begins to reveal the truth about our so called,  "clean hands".
When life gets dirty, due to our sins, short comings, wrong decisions, and disobedient life styles, we get to a point when we realize that something is wrong and we begin to raise questions! Why is my life broken? How did I end up here? How can I make this right? Is it too late for me to start over again? Will God forgive me?
Can I really give up, what is hindering me? How can I fix this?.....Ever asked yourself any of those questions? Have you ever tried to get cleaned up, only to find that you were still on the outside of God's Promises for your life? What could be wrong? I mean, you prayed about it and you repented of most of your sins! Well, the one's you were tired of doing! But, what happened when there was no change in your situation?  Let me tell you what happens! We try to clean up our own lives, by getting rid of this or that; mostly because we don't like it anymore; and we kick that thing or the other to the side, because it's just not our thing anymore, and then we try to give it to God as our best! But, what if He turns around  and says, "come here!", "let me see your hands! Are you giving me your all? You are trying to clean yourself up, and leaving behind too  much filth! I cannot help you if you aren't willing to allow me to cleanse those dark areas, those hidden areas, those areas around your wounds and scars; areas that MAY SEEM too painful to clean, but is necessary for proper healing! Let me see your hands!! I still see un-forgiveness and pride! Show me your hands! I still see that relationship that has left you broken! Let me see your hands! because I still can see the dirt from doubt and frustration! hopelessness and fear! I want you to "go back!" and try it again! But this time, go wash with prayer! go back! and this time, wash with fasting!  go back and wash with the Word of God! and allow it to cleanse those places that you cannot cleanse on your own; Allow it to help you to let go of things that you cannot let go of, on your own! Jesus died so that YOUR HANDS would be clean! Only HE can cleanse hands that hide unseen dirt, only HE can cleanse hands and make them suitable for eternal life! With Jesus as our covering! We have nothing to worry about! Go ahead and give them to Him! Because HE will present them as faultless! He will present them as blameless, He will present them as spotless, on that great getting up morning, when you and I will stand at the entrance of the Kingdom, before Our Father, as He says:  "LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS!

Jude 24 Says, "Now unto Him, who is able to keep you from falling; and present you faultless in the presence of his glory, with exceeding great joy!"

Thank you Lord for saving me from the sins and filth of this World! I tried to clean up on my own, but I failed, because I did not have the power or capability to cover my own sins. I thank you that when your father looks at my hands, he sees your hands instead, as a stamp of approval! I'll sing praises to you forever, for what you have done for me!

You Are Just The Right Size!!

YOU ARE JUST THE RIGHT SIZE

Scripture: Isaiah 61:3 says, to "put on the garment of praise, in exchange for the spirit of heaviness."

One of my favorite things to do is to go shopping! However, there is one thing that I have never understood and that is "One Size Fits All" clothing! I mean, who came up with that! Talk about a misunderstanding! Does one size fit all tall people? all short people? all thin people? all "fluffy" people (like me)  :) ? .....Who exactly, are they referring to? Well, after trying on a couple of things that sported this label, I soon found out, that One Size! definitely does not fit all!!! And in this life! I am convinced that most things are not made to fit everyone! These types of labels, lead you believe that as long as you  fit OUR mold for what the right size is...then you are PERFECT for our garment!!!
Well, I came across a garment that really does fit ALL and it does not matter what size you are!! Nor does it matter what color you are, how old you are, where you came from, or what gender you are!!! Sound too good to be true?? Well, in this world!...it is too good to be true! However, in the life of a believer, this is a "must have" clothing item, and is a garment that you can wear anytime you want to and it does not matter whether it is night or day; sunshine or raining; Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall...this garment will fit you perfectly! Throw away that measuring tape because you don't need it here!!! Why? Because God says, that you are just the right size for THIS garment!! No need to diet, or gain weight! no need to let the hem out or put one in!!!! There is no need for adjustments here; not now, not EVER!!! FOR THIS IS THE GARMENT OF PRAISE!!! And it's sure to look good on you!!!! .....So, go ahead! put it on! Put in on when you wake up in the morning and realize that God has breathed breath into your lungs, one more time; Put it on before you go to work, and when people say, "you look nice today!", tell them, "It's my garment of Praise!!!".....Go ahead, try it on! when the enemy tries to put doubt in your head about something that God has given you a promise about! Put on the Garment of Praise, when you feel tears of disappointment running down your face! Try it on...it looks good on YOU! Wear it well, because God made it just for YOU! He wants you wear it at all times, so that praises will always remain in your mouth!!!! We are going to take back those things that didn't fit us! We are taking back that garment of depression and exchanging it for a garment of praise!! We're taking back that garment of fear! and getting a refund, so that we can obtain a garment of confidence, for free! We're returning that garment of doubt, because the garment of Faith, fits so much better! Clean out those closets, and clear out those attics, because now that you have a new "garment maker", there is no room for them anymore!
 Now! go and tell everybody that you know, that, "I know about a garment that you can put on that will change your life; and all it cost is a willingness to wear it!! You don't have to worry about this garment fitting too tight, being too loose, or revealing...it's perfect for all occasions! It's the true One Size Fits All, so go ahead!
God is saying, "go ahead, put it on!" You're JUST THE RIGHT SIZE!!!!

Why Abide?

During some recent study time, the Lord brought my attention to the word ABIDE! At first glance of the word, I thought it was just something that I needed to learn a little more about; you know, at least look up the definition of the word! (the quick and easy way out!), However, after looking up the definition, it didn't seem to be enough! I thought to myself, "I feel a spiritual classroom moment coming!" ... Have you ever had things on your agenda and you just want to get your study time in so you can move on to the next part of your day, and just when you start to wrap it up, The Lord says, "not so fast!" ...."I need you to hang out with me for a little while; abide in my presence, for a moment longer!! hmmm..I guess "abiding" is something that I need to learn a lot more about!!



Today, I will use some excerpts from a wonderful book of devotions, called, My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)


I want to start off looking at the word Abide in its different forms:



Abide: To accept or act in accordance with; to (stay, stand, endure, reside, remain, wait)
So, those who abide in the Lord, are those who are "waiting" in the Lord, enduring, yet residing in Him. And it is them, who he said, will be able to ask what they will; so to abide is actually God giving you the key to how to obtain his favor.



Abiders: Those who abide in Christ, while making Him the "central point" of power in their lives. We have a way of making all sorts of things a "central point" in our lives. Sometimes it can be our jobs, our finances, our education, and even our busyness in our church; but in order to be a true abider in Christ Jesus, it must be Him and Him alone who is your central point of power! As abiders, we must become those who are one with God in spirit!



Abiding: Living in accordance to HIS will! Standing, enduring, residing, and remaining under his authority. Are we abiding? Are we taking the time to abide?

"What is the greatest factor of power in my life? Is it work, service, sacrifice for others, or trying to work for God? The thing that ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the Atonement of the Lord. It is not the thing we spend the most time on that molds us most; the greatest element is the thing that exerts the most power!" ~Oswald Chambers


Do we have a willingness to abide? Are we truly abiders in Christ? and can we describe our service as abiding service?  Is Jesus Christ dominating every interest in my life, more and more? If the one central point, the great exerting influence in my life is the abiding in Christ, then every phase of my life will bear fruit for Him.



*EVERY GREAT TRIUMPH OR EQUALLY GREAT DEFEAT WILL BE QUANTIFIED BY THE QUESTION OF ABIDING COMMUNION ~commenter, K. McGuire



John 14:13 says, "Whatever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do."


For further scriptures on the benefits of Abiding, see JOHN 15 in its entirety!!  Praise the Lord!!!!

Whatever You Do! Don't Lose Your Praise!! (w/video attacement)

I had a song on my heart this morning and it is called...I Never Lost My Praise!! For many of us, it is because of the goodness of Jesus, that we can make this boast in the Lord! When you think of all of the issues of life, and all of the heartaches, mixed with the varieties of storms that come, you can't help but wonder, "how in the world, am I still here?" "I thought that thing would cause me to lose my mind!" ....I'm telling you, if it was not for the goodness of Jesus and All that He has done for me! I would have lost my mind a long long time ago and I know for a fact that I have a witness out there!!! Hallelujah!! This isn't a long post, but just one to let you know that if you allow Jesus to be  the keeper of your mind...He will be the keeper of your praise!!!  I don't care what you're going through! DON'T LET GO OF YOUR PRAISE!!


A song for today: I Never Lost My Praise by Lady Tramaine Hawkins


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOkwUKn_gfc

I'm Living the Good Life w/Jesus!

                                                                                                WITH JESUS!!!!!


From the first day that our children enter this world, we begin to think about their needs. Almost immediately, we must see to their immediate needs, such as feeding, diaper changes, and a place for them to lay their sweet little heads. Next, we begin to teach them how to walk and how to talk; followed by designating a formal place for them to begin their education. For the next decade and beyond we fill them up with wisdom, knowledge, and skills so that  they will have the necessary skills to make it in this World. Everything that we do for our children is geared towards enabling them to have a good life! Now, as parents, we know that, no matter what we do to prepare them or give instruction as to how to stay on the right path that leads to their future, it is ultimately up to them to secure a good life for themselves, which can be accomplished if they use what was given to them.
If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, have made Him Lord of your life, and have grabbed ahold of his promises, you should be living the good life. I mean, yeah, we have problems; some that we create, and some, that the enemy creates, and some that the Lord uses to mature us, but if we follow his instructions and trust in Him, the "good life" will be ours! He has had His hand on us from the time we entered this world and has given us complete instruction and wisdom on how to live a good life in Him! He started us on milk, and as time went on and we began to mature, his instruction became more detailed and clear as to how we could secure this "good life" in Him! 
I don't know about you, but I'm living the "good life".  I call it the "good life" when you don't have to fight your own battles, or when you have your own after hours physician that you can call on day or night; and having a lawyer who doesn't charge a dime, yet can win every case?! Or you have someone who promises to supply every need that you have! O' yeah, I'm living the good life! What about you? Always guaranteed food on my table from a God, who is able? And when I need an ear, having a God who is always there to hear my concerns! I am walking around with a smile, when the world is frowning; and filled with joy, both in and out of season! I have someone who walks with me and talks with me, and tells me that I am his own! What do I call this kind of life? It's the "good life"....and I'm living it! and lovin' it!!!!! What about you? Are you living the "good life?" ....If you are, tell the Lord, thank you!!

Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant!!

How sweet the sound, when you hear your name mentioned in any type of recognition, whether at school, at work, or for any other type of activity or accomplishment! The feeling that you have done something well, and someone noticed! But, what about in our daily spiritual lives? Who takes notice of our day-to-day struggles with living the life that Christ has called us to? I mean, after all, that takes more than receiving employee of the month, or for selling the most cars this year, or even for placing 1st in the Olympics! I mean, those things are great and deserve recognition, but what about my daily walk with the Lord! I wonder if He really notices my efforts to please Him?! Ever felt this way? Well, I am here to set the record straight for you!

God knew you before you were even formed and He knew that He would call you to be one of his followers before your mother ever even realized what your name would be! He knows all about your childhood, and the struggles that made you feel below average or unloved; and He saw you grow into your teenage years with all of the doubts about whether or not you fit in, knowing, that you would fit in just fine for what He was calling you to! and now that you are older, and still pressing; still holding on, you're wondering if He has missed all of your hard work! (you know, the fruit of your labor!) Well, your Father in Heaven, has not missed one moment of your life! He was there for those heartaches and those heartbreaks; He was there for all of the mistakes and wrong choices that you made in life and STILL continue to beat yourself up over! (ouch!)

 Well, today God is saying, "are you still thinking on those things of the past? after I have given you the things that I want you to think on? (Philippians 4:8), I have given you those things to think on, so that you can enjoy your life and not have to carry around your past and other painful circumstances! I haven't missed one moment of your life; I was there during the abuse, when you cried out to me, because you didn't know whether to stay or leave; I was there for that failed pregnancy and how empty you felt as a result; My heart ached for you during that painful divorce, following years of what you hoped would be marital bliss; And I know how bad it felt when you lost that loved one, and didn't know how you would make it! I was there when the child that you gave birth to, hurt you more than life itself;  Oh! and that job that I gave you because I knew that you would make a difference in someone's life? I knew that using you for my Glory would be uncomfortable, but I don't make mistakes and I knew who I created you to be and that you would be perfect for it! I just needed someone who I could trust to shine my light in a place of darkness; I know about the self-esteem issues that you have regarding what you feel is "imperfect"! Well, what you call imperfect and flawed, I call pure perfection! because I don't create anything that is flawed! And those financial hardships? I even know about those! How you have trusted me, when your money was gone; and paid your tithes, when you didn't have the light bill covered, and how you have lost jobs and homes, and dreams and visions!....
Well, I HAVE noticed! I have noticed that no matter what has come your way! you have pressed your way through! and I have noticed all of your tears over the years, and how you allowed me to wipe them away every time! and how you bounced back, when you said that you weren't going to make it, because you held on to my promises! and how day after day, you continue to thank me for waking you up, even when you don't want to face your day; and how you press your way to worship service in the rain, sleet, or snow! just to hear a Word from Me!.....I have noticed how you pray for others more than you pray for yourself! even though it is YOU standing in the need of prayer! and how you are so giving to those who have less! and all the time praying that I would send a blessing your way; and I will never forget how there were times when you gave me your last dime, not knowing where your next one would come from! ...and how you still love and trust me through it all! Well, today I want to say, WELL DONE, for your faithfulness! WELL DONE! for being steadfast! WELL DONE! for getting up, every time you fell down!...For standing up for your belief in My Word, even when it seemed at times that I wasn't standing up for you! And how you continued to listen for my voice, even when you didn't hear anything, during my seasons of silence! Just know that I have noticed! I do see you! I haven't missed a thing! I do hear you! I've heard every word! and I am STILL your greatest supporter in life! And I Just want you to know, my faithful Servant, that your continued support and love for me and my Word, is EXACTLY, WHY I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME! Thank you, for being my mouth, when someone needed encouragement! and thank you for being my hands, when someone needed help; thank you for being my arms, when someone needed to be held tight....I HAVE NOTICED! Thank you for reading MY WORD, because it is the greatest letter that I've ever written and I had YOU in mind.as I breathed life onto every page...All of My promises are yours! Because I HAVE NOTICED, that you have been, a good and faithful Servant! So faithful over a few things; Therefore, I will put you in charge of many things, all because! I HAVE noticed!! (Matthew 25:21) 

I present to you, the faithful women of the S.I.S Prayer Line, this certificate of spiritual accomplishment! For being steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the things of the Lord! God bless each one of you for your loving faithfulness to the Master!

"G" is for Confidence!

For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught."
Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV)


For today's post, I want you to throw everything you know about spelling out of the window! We are going to talk about the letter "G"....and though a little odd, "G" will stand for the words, God and "Confidence"
Now, I know that you are wondering why I would represent the word confidence with a letter G, and there is a reason that I will share with you in just a little bit! Let's first look at the definition of the word:
Confidence means to trust or rely on someone or something.  
As we go through life we have a number of things and people who we have come to rely on or trust. The problem is, that we also have found that the confidence that we have had in people or things can be destroyed and shattered. Now, this is not a deep devotional, but more of a friendly reminder that confidence that is misplaced can land you in a hard place. A place of detriment, a place of hopelessness, a place of anger, depression, or even loneliness! The reason is because, when we place our confidence in something and it fails, we no longer want anything to do with it!! It can leave us feeling kind of silly that we ever trusted in it in the first place! Or how about when we put our confidence in a person? and they fail us? What feelings do you remember having, if that person failed you? It's not a good feeling at all, and as a matter of fact, it is bound to bring bitterness or forgiveness, if not dealt with.  How often do we put our trust in something or someone, only to be let down? disappointed? and left bewildered? Well, I can tell you that I have put my trust in things and people and have learned the hard way, that things and people have "failure" capabilities! And I don't care what you have placed your faith and confidence in today, if it is not G-O-D, you can expect to be disappointed on many occasions.
This brings me to why "G" stands for Confidence!  "G" stands for GOD! and He is my Confidence! He has no failure rate and I can rely on Him to do just what He says that He will do! As a matter of fact, God, replaces my definition of Many things: Let me explain!

My definition of Confidence is ...God!
My definition of Reliability is ....God!
My definition of Dependability is ...God!
My definition of Favor is ....God!
My definition of Hope ...God! ....... getting the picture? God is everything that you need and the ONLY one who is truly "Confidence" Approved! He won't let you down! and will never change His location on you! You can confide in Him both day and night and you don't have to worry about what people are going to say, because He is not a gossiper!  Isn't that wonderful? So, I just wanted to simply remind most of you, and let the rest of you know that when you put your confidence in God, God is obligated to take care of you!  This year homes will depreciate, cars will break down, jobs will come and go, finances will fail, and  people will still lack the ability to meet all of your needs; So, the next time you get ready to put your confidence in something or someone, if it's not "God-Approved Confidence" don't trust it to last! Instead....look to God! and let him be your confidence in 2013!

I really just wanted to encourage you to trust God this year in all that you do. If you trusted something last year and it wasn't the answer; it won't be the answer this year either. Seek God for your what, your where, and your when this year and experience God on a different level! Stop getting mad at people when things don't go your way! Why is a person your "way maker?"  ....stop being so mean because the World doesn't dance to your drum beat! Dance to God's drum beat and others will dance with you! Smile more this year because of the God that you serve! Share more, give more, laugh more, live more, and love more! Because of the confidence that you have in Jesus!

Distracted, But Determined!

DISTRACTED BUT DETERMINED
Note: "Distractions can seem important at the time, although later, you realize that it was what was around it, that  was important!"

This title came to me as a result of being on a recent prayer line call. Every now and then, there is a distracting static sound due to the sensitivity of the line, and we are forced to continue our conference call, regardless of the irritation that it is causing. The first thing that comes to mind would be to end the call and try again right? Well, most of the time, we press through the call no matter what! The reason? Well, it is due to our determination to accomplish what we have been called to do.
Isn't it just like that in life? All of the many distractions that arise when we are trying to get something of importance done? or just when we want to focus on something? It reminds me of a movie scene, I believe it was Rush Hour,where a young woman on the force was in training to disarm bombs. With sweat pouring down her face, she nervously tried to figure out which wire to cut and was very focused upon the task before her; However, when her silly co-star saw her determination, he took his fist and pounded on the observation window, causing her to jump and ultimately cut the wrong wire, causing the mock bomb to explode in her face! When the trainer, reprimanded her for losing focus, she told him that her failure was due to the fact that she had been distracted! Can you imagine, the consequence, if she had been in a real life situation?

God wants us to know, that sometimes there will be distractions; some small, and some great; but whatever the distraction, He wants you and I to remain focused on HIM!  Sometimes distractions are aimed directly at us, and at other times, they are just ordinary distractions, but we must be sure not to allow them to deter us from being focused and alert on what God has called us to do! Some distractions are sent to check your determination level, and some are sent to measure your strength or sensitivity towards something! The one thing that is for certain, is that distractions can bring us either to a place of defeat or to a place  of determination, depending on our response to them. And by the way, in real life, a bomb expert must have a very high tolerance level for distractions! Much like us as believers. They must learn to "master" the task of  "determination over distraction" ....it could be a matter of life or death!  So, be determined today! that come what may, distractions will NOT overpower your focus! Focus on God's promises to you and what He has called you to and stare distractions in the face, with eyes of DETERMINATION!!!

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because, when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, that God has promised to those who love him."

The Definition of Me!

THE DEFINITION OF ME:

We go through life defining everything! All through school we would have vocabulary test and it never failed that, just when we learned how to spell something, the teacher would then, ask of the definition! Although remembering definitions was a bit challenging for some, it proved to be very key in knowing how a word is to be used. Have you ever used a word in the wrong context or situation and people tried to figure out what you were talking about? knowing that if they stopped to ask you, what does that word mean or represent, you would be totally embarrassed!  Why is "defining" so key in our lives? Let's find out: The word "definition" actually, has a definition and it is this:


1. To state the precise meaning of;  
2. To describe the nature or basic qualities of; 
3. To give form or meaning to.....


 I had  to think about these things for a moment, because, as I was trying to think of the definition of something, I thought to myself: "If I had a definition, what would be the definition of me?" ....I mean, really! How would I define myself or better yet; How would God define me? Would I even want Him to define me, right now, the way that I am? Would His definition be one that I would be proud of? Would my definition find me obedient to God? Would it define me as full of love? self-less? forgiving? and patient? What is the definition of Me? Let's look at #1: Do I have a "precise" meaning? meaning, do I have a definite way about me? Am I "precise" in the things that God has called me to do; or do I go through life, in a fog; not sure or not ready to be exactly what God has called me to be? ....And what about #2: When it comes to the nature or basic qualities that I possess; will my nature and my qualities check out to be, similar to my Savior? or closer to the nature and qualities that I have picked up from the World? ummmm...what is the definition of me?  Now, to #3; My definition will give form or meaning to who I am! Well, what if I am not stable? I mean, what if there is meaning to my life one minute, but no real outlook on life the next? Can I be unstable in my thinking, yet defined?


I am pretty confident that God has definitions for us all, but what definitions would He give for who we are right now! Would he be able to define me as steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in His works? Would His definition of me include descriptions such as, mighty, faithful, and forgiving?  I believe that as we go through life, we add to or take away from the definition that
God has given us. As children of God, we need to be sure that we are ever so mindful of what we are adding or taking away from the definition that God has given us. If God has called you a child of His..then walk as a son/daughter of the Most High King; If God says that He is the Vine and defined you as a branch....yield as much fruit as you can! If God has defined you as redeemed; stop living like you have nothing to live for! If the Holy Spirit has defined you as a temple; then clear out the clutter and make Him feel at home; If God has defined you as a new creature; stop looking at your past and embrace your future!!  
God has a definition of you! and He has a definition of Me! All we have to do is walk into our true definitions, by making sure that we live a life of Christian consistency, and watch God add true meaning to our lives through Him!

STAND FIRM!!! (Includes video)

THIS SONG CAME TO MIND AS I SAT AT MY COMPUTER AND IT ALWAYS BLESSES ME WHEN THINGS GET HARD IN LIFE!! JUST THOUGHT THAT I WOULD SHARE! ALWAYS KNOW THAT GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANY PROBLEM THAT YOU COULD EVER FACE, BUT IF WE DON'T CONTINUE TO STAND, WE WILL NEVER KNOW JUST HOW FAITHFUL HE REALLY IS!!


I Corinthians 16:13, says: 
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

What do you do? when you've done all you can, and, it seems like it's never enough?And what do you say? when your friends turn away, And you're all alone, ALL alone? Tell me, what do you give? when you've given your all? And it seems like you can't make it through?
Well, you just stand!  when there's nothing left to do, You just stand, watch the Lord see you through; Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand!
Tell me, how do you handle the guilt of your past? Tell me, how do you deal with the shame? And how can you smile, while your heart has been broken And filled with pain?, so filled with pain! Tell me what do you give?  when you've given your all and, Seems like you can't make it through?
my Child, you just stand, when there's nothing left to do, You just stand, watch the Lord see you through; Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand.


Allow God to minister your heart through this song:

Read more: DONNIE MCCLURKIN - STAND LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/stand-lyrics-donnie-mcclurkin.html#ixzz1uUM3d34J
Copied from MetroLyrics.com

Does Jesus Have Your All??

                                       
(singing....) ALL to Jesus, I surrender; ALL to Him, I freely give. I will ever, love and trust Him, in His presence, daily live;
I surrender ALL! I surrender ALL! ....ALL to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender ALL!


I can't tell you how many times I have both heard and sung this song! But, it's only when you have reached a certain level of maturity in Christ, that you will begin to ask yourself, "have I really given Him my ALL?" ....Many of us would say yes without even thinking about it, because, after all, we do go to church every single Sunday, we pay our tithes most of the time, and even throw an extra dollar or two in the plate as our offering; we teach, we sing, we go to bible study, we usher, we play instruments, and we do our best to "tolerate" people (we'll discuss that later!)....Well, that pretty much sums it up! We have definitely given Him our all right?....RIGHT?


I really had to be honest with myself one day, and I came to the conclusion that I had only given God a portion of what I didn't mind parting with! I mean, there were some things that; well, they were just my own personal downfalls and it was understood (by me!) that God knew my heart, and knew my reasons for doing whatever I was doing that wasn't exactly HIS will for my life! (just a cute way of saying that I was "outside" of His will and backslidden!!).... I mean have I really given him my "mind" if my mind is always full of foolishness? Have I really given Him my Heart, if I will betray my God, in order to please the heart of another? Have I given Him my mouth, if my mouth utters praises on Sunday, but filth on Monday? Have I given him my feet, if I am constantly running to places that I have no business running to? Have I surrendered ALL? Have I surrendered my body, if I allow it to show intimate affections outside of God's plan of marriage? Have I surrendered my tongue, if I constantly use it to gossip and put others down? Ask yourself this question!! I did! .....and it changed my walk! I did! and it changed my talk! I did! and I realized that there were a lot of things that needed to be brought under the authority of Christ Jesus! 
We may go to church, but is it really to praise and worship the God of our Strength? and we may pay our tithes, but is it with gladness of heart in obedience to Christ or did we hear the preacher say that, if you give God $50, he will give you $100?(kind of like a glorified slot machine on a "lucky" day?)...and how about how we "tolerate" one another? Do we really think we are giving Him our ALL by "tolerating" one another? We must "Forgive" one another....completely forgive! with a sincere heart in order to please the Lord! Ask yourself! Have I surrendered ALL? and after that! Ask the Lord; Lord, have I surrendered my ALL to you? I can assure you, that you will never sing that song, the same way again! We will never be perfect, as long as we are on this side of Heaven, but if we truly trust the God of our Salvation with our Souls! Can't we trust Him, with our ALL?

Am I Facing Defeat or Destiny??

                               


One of my favorite games as a child was Hide-N-Go-Seek! I remember playing this game every single day, whether there were 2 kids or 10! Unfortunately, though, due to my inability to find good hiding spots, I was usually the "seeker" because the others always knew where my hiding place was. Every now and then, I would become frustrated because I couldn't find anyone and I would yell out, "I don't want to play anymore!!" Suddenly, the other kids would one by one emerge from their hiding spots!
Wouldn't it be cool, if God would do that? When we get tired of life, not giving in to us, we can just yell, " I don't want to play anymore" and all of a sudden, all of our blessings would just start emerging in answer to our frustration and lack of patience! I hear you saying, "keep dreaming!"


Sometimes, I feel like my life is in "hide-n-seek mode, where I am always the "seeker" and never the "finder".  I'm seeking blessings, seeking answers, seeking prayer, seeking peace, seeking joy, seeking understanding, and still seeking employment!! :) and the list goes on! Have you ever asked yourself, "am I going to ever find all that I seek after?" Will this game called "life" end up defeating me? should I just throw up my hands and yell, "I don't want to play anymore?" .....What do you think? Do you ever feel like your life is one big game and you're not sure if you're winning? Feel a little "defeated" at times?  Well, we are going to break free from the "life is just a game" mode and grab a hold of God's promises and assurances! God has assured us that, He "knows the thoughts that He has for us, thoughts to prosper us and not do us harm" .....God never promised us an easy life and we can pretty much count on life being hard and seemingly unbearable at times; always having to "seek" after that which is profitable to us. But, God has let us know that if we FIRST, "seek after His Kingdom, and His Righteousness, those things that we seek will begin to "emerge" or be "added unto us!" (Matt 6:33).  Today, we are going to be confident in knowing that we are NOT defeated and that God is absolutely moving us towards our destiny! We must remember that we are not the only ones who spend a lot of time "seeking", because, the Word tells us that Satan also spends his days "roaming to and fro, seeking whom he can devour" and hoping that he finds us seeking everything, but God!! so that he might turn our destiny's into defeat!......Oh, but God! He hides us in the shadows of his mercy!! and he has surrounded our destiny's with his glory!! and as long as we keep our eyes on him....we win!!!! Choose ye this day, who you will seek after! Seeking after the World, will lead us to defeat, but let us continue to seek after the goodness of Jesus and watch our destiny's come out of hiding!!