I’ll Take You There

In some museums there are guides to escort you through the building to show the many pieces of art on display. In order to see the more important exhibits, one would have to place their trust in the guide and assume the premiere exhibits will be shown that day.

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalms 119:133

Those of us who place our trust in God also have a guide. We actually have a few guides. We are instructed to be led by the Spirit of God as well as be led by the Word of God. The Word of God is our map and it will take us to the places God has predestined us to travel: if we follow it. If you’re like me, there are times when I think I know where I’m going (without consulting my Creator) and I end up not only wasting precious time, but also in situations and places I should not be. You see, it’s in those places that sin awaits us. But the Psalmist states, our steps should be directed according to Truth (the Word) so sin won’t have dominion (rule) over us.

If you plan on going somewhere in life, let God take you there!

Your thoughts!

Fulfilled

Oftentimes people look for fulfillment in things that give them a temporary thrill. Although their minds aren’t fixed on the length of fulfillment, they persist in being happy for the moment!

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV

This Scripture was penned when David was in the desert (a dry place). David was longing for companionship and fulfillment. Fulfillment is directly related to our character and our character should be directly related to Christ. When we, the people of God, are happy, we are happy not as a result of what we have, but as a result of who we are. The things related to this earth are dry and indeed of a parched land, but the things related to Christ are eternal and flow with living water.

Are you seeking fulfillment in things or are you longing to be fulfilled by your God?

Your thoughts!

Show and Tell

Remember the days of show and tell? It was during those early childhood learning days where the teacher would ask us to bring in an item to show to the rest of the class and then we were asked to tell something about it.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, (if you love one another). John 13:35 NIV

Today's Scripture is somewhat along the lines of show and tell. It is by our actions (show) and it is how we respond to what comes our way, that ALL men (mankind) will know (recognize) the Father (in us). If we possess His characteristics, and love being the ultimate characteristic He showed us in allowing His Son to die for us, we too should be showing that love to those who are hurting and yes, even to those who have hurt us. I know it's a big pill to swallow, but the last time I checked, love covers a multitude of sin. God looked beyond OUR faults and met our spiritual and natural need. Can't we extend that same grace to others?

What does your life SAY/SHOW/TELL?

Your thoughts!

I Will Say!

Scripture supports that we should speak life out of our mouths, but so many times we find ourselves doing just the opposite.

Shelter – Something that covers or provide protection

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways Psalm 91:9-11

At the opening verse of Psalm 91, the writer states, whoever dwells in the shelter/dwelling of the Most High will rest in His shadow. But all we have to do is SAY the Lord is MY refuge and we can partake of His protection. Envision your shadow and the space it takes up. Now envision the shadow of the One who is everywhere at the same time. In other words, wherever you go, you’re protected if you would only say and believe you have what you say. If God be for you, who can be against you!!!

As for me and my house, we will say the Lord is my refuge (at all times)!

Your thoughts?

God’s Handiwork in You

Ever question why you look the way you do or how you do things differently from others? Have you ever wanted to be like someone other than yourself?

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Each of us is God’s handiwork! He fashioned us to His liking and in His likeness. Two things are at work here. First, if we are unwelcoming to the texture of our hair, the complexion of our skin, the positioning of our eyes or the height in which we’ve grown, we are saying God made a mistake and doesn’t know what HE likes. Secondly, if we are busy trying to be like someone else we are missing out on the impact and footprints God has called us to make in our family, community and the world!

There will never be another you and guess what, God made it that way! How wise is our God? There is no other wiser than He, for our thoughts and ways are not His.

 Embrace what God has created in you and bask in the truth that you are His handiwork!

Your thoughts?

God Is For You!

There have been times in my life where I felt out numbered, under qualified and out witted. But God…

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Who is my all in all reminded me of the scripture above. When you meditate on this verse and realize there’s no one more powerful than He, there’s no thing that can not de-throne Him nor is there anyone above Him, you can’t help but feel secure in being His child. If God is for you, this means He will go to the ends of the earth to protect, defend and keep you. If God is for you, whoever is against you are against Him and He’s not having that and will vindicate you!

Rest in knowing that the most powerful being is on your side! With this fact, there is no room for fear, defeat or retreating! God is for you!

Your thoughts?

Set It Up

Every child of God has been given the gift of creative ability, simply because we were made in His image and in their likeness.

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:11

In the beginning, every time God spoke, He created. We too have that same creative ability to speak and setup our destiny. The bible teaches us that we have what we say (if we believe), when we say it. This statement applies to both positive as well as negative comments. If you speak negatively, then that is exactly what you will have. The question of the day is, “what are you saying?” Are you being moved by what you see or are you speaking what you know to be true according to God’s plan for your life?

Open your mouth and set up your path to righteous living and to living the abundant life God promised you.

Your thoughts? 

Did I Do That?

Some of you may be familiar with the television show Family Matters, which showcased a brainy young man by the name of Steve Urkle. Well this young man had a catch phrase that he would say whenever he would destroy of disrupt something. He would say, “did I do that?”

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 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. Psalm 51:3-4

Just as small children, we too know when we have erred or sinned. We learn right from wrong at a very early age; actually it is almost instinctive when you think about it. And it is even more so when we are born again. Part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to warn us before we step outside of God’s will and into sin. It is at that moment we have a choice to make: the choice of good or evil; God or Satan. But we, who have been justified by faith, have the redemptive blood of Christ to cover our sins if and when we repent of them. But if we do not acknowledge our sin, just as David did here in Psalm 51, we cannot be forgiven and placed back in right standings with God.

Let’s not get into a habit of not confessing some of our faults when we know we should be confessing them all. But rather, let us get into the habit of pleasing our heavenly Father and walk upright before Him that His judging will be justified!

Your thoughts?

Do You See What I See?

When it comes to looking at ourselves we sometimes do not see what others may see regarding the things that go on in our lives or the things we habitually do. And sometimes we can be in our mess so long that we begin to believe the lie and not see what others see.

In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. Psalm 36:2

From a perspective of self-examination, something we as Christians should be doing daily, we must take a serious look at our progress or lack thereof in our aspirations to attain the characteristics of Christ. Flattery can be a dangerous thing if left unchecked. It’s defined as an unrealistic favorable impression of. In other words, it can be looked upon as excessive and insincere compliments. So when we listen to excessive and insincere impressions of ourselves we fall prey to being unable to determine or dislike sin; we grow insensitive to the move and nudging of the Holy Spirit. Fearing God will get us back on the right track!

Do you see what I see?

Your thoughts?

Get Er’ Done!

Procrastination –to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness; to postpone or delay needlessly

Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4

This Scripture is helping me this morning! It is reminding us, if we wait for perfect conditions, we will never get anything done. Often times I neglect things because I feel it’s not as important as others or I feel overwhelmed. But needless to say, it still needs to get done. Don’t get me wrong, I do prioritize but I know when I move past that and straight into procrastination. The truth is, if we wait for everything to be aligned, we will eventually miss out on things and ultimately cause others to miss out as well, since what we do can and does affect others.

Prior to giving my life to Christ, I believed I wasn’t ready to do so (get saved) because I had not stopped doing things that displeased Him. I later found out, I didn’t have the strength to do it without the working of the Holy Spirit (sanctifying me) anyway. We must not put things off for whatever reason, but rather get er’ done! There are books to be written, businesses to be opened, ministries to be birthed and lives to be saved!

Purpose in your spirit to get er’ done today!

Your thoughts?

Can I Trust You?

What an awesome privilege it is to have someone you can trust and confide in. But the real question remains, can someone else confide in YOU?

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

There are a lot of secrets hidden in the Bible. These secrets are revealed to those who fear God. When we revere/fear God and keep His commandments, more of His secrets are revealed to us. This literally means God has confidence in us trusting His Word as well as keeping His Word. Are you creating an atmosphere for Him to speak/confide in you? Are you listening and being obedient?

Your thoughts?

Temporary Fix

Picture a coffee table missing one of its legs. But in place of its original leg, it has been replaced with a book or two to prevent the articles on the table from falling to the floor. This can be referred to as a “temporary fix.” It does the job, but only for a moment.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

This is what the world’s peace is like. It produces false hope. It masquerades as the real deal, but all the while it will let you down the moment anything heavy rests upon it. I am grateful today that I have accepted the peace of God! This peace will keep you in the midst of a raging storm. It will surpass the thought pattern and understanding of man. This peace does not come from the world but from God and it is necessary to have at all times while we are here on this earth.

Do you have the peace of God or are you working with a temporary fix?

Your thoughts? 

When We Love What He Loves

Have you ever gotten caught in a dare? A dare is when someone challenges you to do something you probably would not normally do. Often times the other person is daring you because they don’t have the courage to do so themselves.

For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Psalm 11:7 (NIV)

But then there are dares so daring that the person says, “I will if you will.” In the case of our Scripture, God has already revealed to us what He loves. Even though He does not dare us to do things (He gives us a free will), we are still to love the things He loves and hate the things He hates. Because He is righteous, He loves things that are just and right. When we begin to immolate Him and become more like Him, He promises we will see His face. What an awesome place to be, in the face of the Father. It is in that place secrets are revealed, miracles are manifested and we ourselves are made whole.

 Let’s love what He loves so we can do right and see His face!

Your thoughts?

I'm Just Saying

Fa-vor-it-ism (noun) the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:9 NIV

In light of the Trayvon Martin trial, the cracks in our judicial system are evident of the bold practice of unfair preferential treatment at the expense of another. In the eyes of God, this is a sin. This is not a time for us to become as they do, but to be doers of God’s word, and pray against the spirit of injustice in our land. We ourselves have to examine our motives towards others to ensure we too aren’t partaking in the same sin as our judicial system.

The verdict in this trial and all the circumstances surrounding it really hit home for me. I’ve learned I have to see a prayer through as well as know that vengeance is the Lord’s, even though I may not know when that may take place. I also learned that I must believe God at His word and that ALL things will work for the good for those who love Him and keep His commandments. I quest is not to try to figure out when and how, but to simply pray! I’m just saying!

Your thoughts?

Can You Hear Me Now

Before there was voice mail, 3-way calls and call waiting, people had to simply call back when the person they were trying to reach was on their phone. There was just no way to get them until they got off of the phone.

Lord, I called on you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2

What a blessed assurance for those who have accepted Christ in their hearts as Lord and Savior. We have the assurance that when we call upon Him, He will answer, meet and supersede all of our needs according to His riches. We don’t have to worry about dropped calls nor asking Him, Lord can you hear me. When our hearts are right towards Him, He is obligated to hear and answer us.

So, can you hear Him NOW?

Your thoughts?

My Cup to Bare

It amazes me how interchangeable the English vocabulary is. We have two words that sound alike and their spelling are comprised of the exact same letters but, they have different meanings. We’ve read in Scripture where we are to bear the infirmities of the weak which means to support or help uphold those that are going through.

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5 (NIV)

Since Psalm 16:5 reminds us that it is God who gives us our portion in life (the good as well as what he allows that is bad), and we can have confidence in knowing that we are destined to win in this war we’ve become a part of since saying YES to Jesus. Because we win and know beforehand God will deliver us, we can bare our cup to others so that they too may know our God is indeed a deliver.

Will you bare your cup with others? The definition of bare means to expose or to uncover. Will you share with others the things God has delivered you from? Remember, we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the words of our testimony!

Your thoughts?

The Thing That Remains

During times of adversity and turmoil,  we as a nation tend to turn to so many different things to give us hope and refuge. Some turn to substances where others turn to other people and they see this as their reality! But the TRUTH of the matter is Jesus is our source and total resource in times of trouble and at ALL times.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35

When all else fails, and it will, the only thing that will remain are the words God breathed on the writers of the Bible. Jesus is the word manifested in flesh and He and it will remain even after the world is no more. So if you want your spirit to flourish and to remain, feed it the unadulterated word of God. When you need to turn to Truth, turn to God's word and obey! I guarantee you it will encourage, uplift and challenge you to do and be better!

Your thoughts?

Breaking Ground

My word is bond! Has anyone ever said those words to you before? Its a slang that means, you can trust what I say to be true.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29

Some of us are guilty of the opposite. We say things and make promises we can't fulfill. We also say negative things to people that they allow to pile up within. God said His word is like fire and a hammer. The fire consumes the lies we've heard that is contrary to His word and the hammer breaks up the fallow ground left behind by the negative comments we've accepted over the  years.

Please know that "positive change" is always the result of the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit who carries out God's word. Allow the word of God to change and transform your life today. Read, study and prove His word! The world is waiting!!!

Let's break some ground!

Your thoughts?

Can God Brag on You?

I know all of us, including myself, have sinned against God. But through the blood of Jesus and a repentant heart, we can begin again.

6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, "where have you come from?" Satan answered the Lord, "from roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it." 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." Job 1:6-8

Do you remember as a child how we would try to get the attention of our parents by doing our best at what we were doing in front of them? What we were attempting to do was find favor in their sight. Today, we should be trying to find favor in the eyes of our heavenly Father. In our text God has found favor in Job because Job was seeking the favor of God. Through this attempt to please God, Job was considered, with great confidence by God, to be tried by Satan.

Can God find you worthy of His confidence today because you're seeking to please Him. Are you desperately trying to please Him by being obedient to His will and His word? Well, if you're falling short or if you're straddling the fence, get off and repent; it's never too late!

God wants to have confidence in ALL of His children. Will you be one?

Your thoughts?

Who’s Leading Whom? Part II

Some people are enticed by the idea of being a leader. Many things such as fame, being noticed and affirmation from others encourage this type of thinking.

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25, NLT

But those of us who chose, daily, to be lead by the Spirit of God must become servants before we can lead anyone. Christ was our greatest example in this area. He came to earth and forsook His priestly garments, to become like us, just so He could show us humility and love in serving. Before taking that step, check your motives. If you’re not ready to give up your will for God’s will, you may not be ready to lead.

Let’s stop overriding the Spirit of God with what we want to do and start allowing God’s Spirit to lead us in a pathway of righteousness.

Seriously, who’s leading YOU?

Your thoughts?

Who’s Leading Whom?

We live in a society that is made up of different ethnicities, religions and people who model different moral standings. It’s not uncommon to be in the company of someone who haven’t been taught the things your parents taught you. So when someone around you pushes your buttons consider the source and don’t allow your emotions to take the lead.

Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

We must get to a place where we learn to manage our emotions. Our Scripture reference encourages us to do just that; do not allow negative emotions to lead you. Anytime we’re faced with an altercation or a situation looks unfavorable, take a moment and PAUSE.

Pray to your heavenly Father

Ask Him for guidance

Use the wisdom imparted

Seek the opportunity to use that wisdom

Expect an amicable outcome

Remember, it takes two elements to start a fire! Don’t be one of them!

Your thoughts?

Leaving a Mark

Let us consider the birth mark. It comes in many shapes, sizes and colorations. No two people have the same birth mark. This mark distinguishes us from others. It’s a mark that we carry for life.

But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Psalm 4:3

God has set us apart for Himself, as mentioned in today’s Scripture reference. But what exactly has He set us apart from? I’m glad you asked. He has marked us distinctively apart from those who have rejected Him and His Son Jesus. But know that we’ve been marked and set apart for a purpose. That purpose is to show forth His glory here in this earth realm and continue leaving His mark wherever we go.

The good news is those who are set apart, the Lord hears us when we call upon Him for help, in praise and when we acknowledge His mighty greatness in worship. If you are set apart and striving to live a lifestyle of holiness, God is taking heed to your call!

Your thoughts!

Looking In, Living Out

There comes a time when even we get tired of our own mess. It warrants a time of inward reflection and self inventory: anyone there today? But sometimes we need help seeing what we can’t see (or choose not to see).

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Our God is omniscient which means He see’s ALL and knows ALL! He is able to see what is not seen to the natural eye or discerned by mere man. David knew about secret faults and so do we; those things about us that no one knows. No more should we settle for, “oh that’s just the way she is,” or “he can’t help himself, he’s been doing it since he was young.” When we seek the wisdom of God not only will we have the opportunity to be healed and delivered, but He will lead and direct us in the way that is right in His sight.

We must first look in to get things right, before we can live out what God has planned for us!

Your thoughts!

Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something!

Have you ever had a problem that you were aware of but hoped it would just go away, just work itself out? But no matter how long you looked at it, it just remained.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

News flash!!! Our problems aren’t going anywhere until we do what we’ve been instructed to do; fight the good fight of faith. No more are we to sit dormant and allow the enemy to pounce on us. On the contrary, we have eternal life living within us and dunamis power comes along with that! Exercise your God-given power against the enemy that rises against you in your circumstances and don’t just sit there, FIGHT!

Your thoughts!

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

How many times have you slipped up and said “I did this,” or ‘I did that?” Sometimes it can be an innocent slip of the tongue and other times it can be exactly what the heart meant to verbalize.

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”1 Corinthians 1:31

Everyone who has confessed Christ as Lord and Savior has been changed in some way or another. I’m sure we can all attest to the difference in our conversation, attitudes and our relationships. This change or transformation can only be attributed to the grace afforded us through Christ from our Father. The verses prior to this one tell us to compare where we were to where we are now. There are things we can do now that years ago we would have been afraid to do. This isn’t of our own doing, but ALL credit belongs to God.

God uses our shortcomings and turn them into strengths, not so we can be puffed up, but so it can show forth His grace and His mighty power.

Have you given God credit today for the great work He is doing in your life and in the lives of those around you?

Your thoughts!

The Company We Keep

Throughout our lifetime we will befriend, associate and be in relationships with many people. But the wisdom in all of it is to know to whom you’re keeping company with. Is it someone who makes you a better person or is it someone who is leading you in a path of unrighteousness?

My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. Proverbs 1:10

Here Solomon is rendering great wisdom! I believe what trips us up is we’re not aware of whom we are and this causes us to follow anything that sounds and looks good. When our faith in God’s Word is stable and secure, our spiritual antennas are able to discern the good, the bad and the intended (what lies beneath and not spoken). As I often say, God has given each of us purpose and because we have purpose, the enemy will send people to cause us to loose hope, change our course and to disrupt our focus.

Know them that labor among you. Discern and evaluate the relationships you currently have. Time is of the essence and we do not want to waste anymore time getting done what God has called us to do.

Your thoughts!

And Praise Shall Lead

We serve a God of purpose! There’s purpose in everything He does and says. Every test we encounter, they too have been given a purpose and are designed specifically for us.

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.” Judges 1:1-2

When you’re in a battle (and if you’re a child of God, the war wages on) and you don’t quite know what to do, praise. Praise goes before any battle we are to partake in. In our text God has instructed the Israelites to lead the battle with praise. Why? I’m so glad you asked…those who KNOW they already have the victory can shout NOW!!!

There’s purpose in praise! Are you allowing praise to lead you to victory today?

Your thoughts?

Giving It All You Got

There are times when we do things simply out of obligation. It’s during those times that our best just doesn’t show up; partly because our heart is not in it.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people Ephesians 6:7

Paul is admonishing us in all we do, do it with a sincere heart and do it as if we’re doing it for the Lord. When we think of it that way, we should be doing things in total excellence because our God is excellent. What if God gave us half the blessing when we knew we needed the entire thing? I’m so grateful He doesn’t do anything halfway, but in abundance with excellence.

I believe we get caught up when we say yes to something we know we should be answering no to. Be honest with people because ultimately we’re representing God and if we’re not giving it all we have, then it shouldn’t be done at all.

Are you serving with your heart and doing it as unto the Lord?

Your thoughts?

Bring It Back

To recollect is to recall something from memory. This is exceptional in times of despair or when we have allowed ourselves to worry and be fearful.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Jeremiah is encouraging himself by bringing back to memory those times when God’s mercies overshadowed him and delivered him from the hand of the enemy (the enemy of the mind). He realizes that though times may be rough, they could be worse. He understands that our God moves in compassion toward His children each and every day. Jeremiah took the initiative to go beyond his feelings and what he saw physically to bring back to mind his God IS faithful and His mercies are new EVERY morning. Great IS thy faithfulness!

Let’s go beyond, beyond and recollect what He’s already done in order to expect what He’s going to do!

Your thoughts?

One Track Mind

We must be careful of misguided and misdirected energy as it pertains to our thought patterns. We fall into this when our thoughts are on things that take our focus off of what God is calling us to do. It normally doesn’t take much at times to turn us away from the spiritual things we should be pursuing.

Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. Proverbs 11:21

We concern ourselves with things that really don’t concern us. Who are we to judge who should be punished or who should be set free? I’m so grateful God has already set in motion who will be punished and who will be set free. Wicked or righteous; which are you? Either you’re for God or you’re against Him.

Your thoughts?

The Pursuit

There was a commercial sometime ago that said “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.” What we spend our time thinking about and pursuing can play a major role with our eternal destiny.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5

We find in today’s verse the Apostle Paul explaining the difference between fleshly desires and spiritual desires; what each of them will reap. People who live to satisfy the flesh, their minds are consumed with worldly desires. I’m not saying you can’t pursue dreams and aspirations but I am asking did God give you those desires.

But then there are spiritual desires, and these are birthed when we live according to and are led by the Spirit of God. These desires produce fruit that remain.

What things have you been earnestly pursuing? What things are flooding your mind? Does your desires line up with God’s plan for your life?  If all of your desires are materialistic then you need to examine them again. If your desires only help you then you need to examine them again. If your desires don’t give God glory then you need to examine them again!

We are to seek (pursue) FIRST the kingdom of God and all other things will be added.

Your thoughts?

Getting In: The Gift of Worship

During the Christmas holiday we are bombarded with things to do and the race to meet expectations begins. We continue in our daily routines but we add to that a race to get gifts for people in time for Christmas. We have plenty of time to prepare for it, but for some reason we do not; or at least I don’t. The problem for me is getting the time in!

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

In the above verse the wise men beheld Jesus and once they GOT IN His presence the only thing they could do was WORSHIP Him! They didn’t need someone to tell them to worship, they just felt compelled to do so.  We must learn to get in the presence of God. For some this may takes a minute or two and for some it may take longer than that. But we need the mindset; no matter how long it takes I must get in His presence. Why?

It said that after they worshipped, their gifts were opened and they presented their gifts to Jesus. My God; when we spend time in God’s presence worshipping Him, our gifts will manifest and we can give unto Him what belongs to Him; us and our gifts!

In God’s presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand pleasures for evermore. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.Get into worship!

Your thoughts?

All or Nothing

There are many facets of our lives we give of ourselves to. We do for family and friends. We work long hours and weekends for our places of employment. We make great sacrifices for people and things and sometimes they're not on OUR list to do. Every good thing may not be right to do especially if God did not give His stamp of approval.

So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:28

So why is it so hard for us to give of ourselves wholeheartedly to God? Do you not know to do so is worship? Samuel's mother decided she would not only continue worshipping God but she gave her son to the Lord that he may spend the rest of his days worshipping God and doing His work as well. When we give all we have over to the Lord, it's showing Him that we are resting in Him and His will for our lives; it shows that we trust Him.

We have to get to the place where it's ALL or nothing with God. No more in between or straddling the fence. No more being ashamed of what others might think. Give yourselves to God today and worship Him with your whole being and existence.

Your thoughts?

At All Times

There are many things we do repetitively throughout our day and even our lives. Some edify others and some edify ourselves.

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3

Here in our text David chooses to edify God. In spite of his circumstance, in spite of his need and even in spite of him being brought before King Abimelech (an enemy); he chooses to bless the Lord. This is a form of worship and throughout Scripture we will find David turning to worship. Not once are we encouraged through the Word of God to worship Him only when times are good (that's easy). But it's in those difficult moments we need to remember how great our God truly is and in that time, and at all times, we must worship Him?

Your thoughts?

Worship Your Way Out

Today, many of us are facing challenges we’ve probably thought would never come our way. I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill problems, but problems that appear to be larger than life.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water, Psalm 63:1

David has received and taken ownership of his relationship with his heavenly Father. He realizes, though in the wilderness, he has to take the initiative to encourage himself and call out the name that represents strength; God! You see, it’s in those times of feeling lonely, afflicted and unsettled, that we worship our way out of the way we’re feeling as well as our circumstances.

Remind God how much you love Him and how much you need Him and know that His peace will rule your heart and mind. God is waiting on our worship!

Your thoughts?

Worship Your Way Out

Today, many of us are facing challenges we’ve probably thought would never come our way. I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill problems, but problems that appear to be larger than life.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water, Psalm 63:1

David has received and taken ownership of his relationship with his heavenly Father. He realizes, though in the wilderness, he has to take the initiative to encourage himself and call out the name that represents strength; God! You see, it’s in those times of feeling lonely, afflicted and unsettled, that we worship our way out of the way we’re feeling as well as our circumstances.

Remind God how much you love Him and how much you need Him and know that His peace will rule your heart and mind. God is waiting on our worship!

Your thoughts?

Lose Your Mind

Have you ever heard someone say, “you must have lost your mind?” In some arenas that could be a negative or condescending statement.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

In today’s text we are encouraged to allow the mind of Christ to dwell in us. Question? Is it possible to have two minds? Answer. Yes! The Bible speaks of a double-minded person being unstable in all their ways and they should not expect to receive anything from God.

This is why we should lose our minds and take on the mind of Christ. With Christ’s mindset, we are stable-minded and full of faith, willing to believe God for the impossible. With the mind of Christ we are able to think on things that are pure, lovely, just and of a good report; things with virtue and praise.

So the next time someone says you’ve lost your mind, tell them yes, but now you have the mind of Christ!

Your thoughts?

Time to Go!

It’s easy falling into a place of complacency. Our nature (fleshly nature) desires to stay where it’s comfortable and less challenging. You know, where it’s safe!

The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Deuteronomy 1:6

Some of us fear the unknown so we stay right where we are. This morning God is encouraging us to go forth in the promises He has laid before us and not stay in a place where we’re not producing. There’s purpose in each level but once a level has been completed, it’s TIME TO GO to the next.

Just as God shared with the children of Israel to move out from where they were; we too must move from where we’ve been and into what God already knows will cause us to produce. Please know that God is sending you to a place of provision!

Do you hear God beckoning you to GO?

Your thoughts?

Can You Help Me?

Lots of people have good intentions when they try to help someone in need. Many will go out of their way to lend a helping hand. But are they really helping?

But I have prayed for you, Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:32

In the prior verses leading to this Scripture, Jesus explained to Peter Satan desired to test (sift as wheat) him. But Jesus said He has prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail. Today, we need to understand why it is important that we remain faithful. The latter part of the Scripture says, when Peter is fully converted (strong in the faith, delivered, healed & set free) go help or strengthen others (KJV paraphrased).

Are you prepared to REALLY help someone else? Will you be extending the part of you that hasn’t been healed yet, so you make a replica of yourself in brokenness or unforgiveness?

Can you help me?

Your thoughts!

Invite

Have you ever had people show up to your house uninvited, and when they do show up, it’s at the worst possible time? It’s not so much them coming over, as it is to want to be prepared for when they do show up, that matters more.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

In Revelation 3:20 God is extending an invitation to us to join His family. But many think you have to change all of the bad habits before accepting God’s invitation. Wrong! If we had the strength to change ourselves we would have done it a long time ago. We need what comes with the acceptance of this gracious invitation. We need the Holy Spirit!

When we open the doors of our heart, after hearing the voice of the Lord calling on us, we allow Him to come in and begin a work in us that only He can complete.

The invitation has been extended. Will you ACCEPT the fact that you are in need of a Savior? Will you ACCEPT the fact that you sin? Will you ACCEPT the Lord into your heart and be saved from eternal damnation and the condemnation of sin?

If you answers are YES, then it’s time to eat/sup with the King!

Your thoughts?

Is This Your Seat

Back in grade school, class could not get started until you were firmly placed in your seat. The purpose of this was so the teacher could account for your attendance in class that particular day. Depending on your behavior would determine whether you were assigned to a seat or not.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2:6

Once again we’ve been assigned a certain seat, but this time it was not based on behavior but rather belief; belief in Christ Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. This confession of faith, in our hearts, has caused us to soar with eagles, to stomp with the big dogs, and to sail with the mighty! God has assigned us to sit in places where the trivial concerns of this world cannot touch us. Find your seat and sit where no man can put you!

When God the Father looks out, will He find you in YOUR seat?

Your thoughts?

Do Over

While in school there were times when I needed to re-take a test simply because I didn’t get it right the first time. As an adult and a child of God, I see it’s very much the same now as it was in my younger years.

For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Proverbs 24:16

Proverbs 24:16 (a) explains when a righteous person makes a mistake, through Christ; he has an opportunity to begin again. But notice it says a righteous person, someone in right standings with God, can have a “do over.” We all have challenges and things that come up against us that cause us to sometimes want to get into a funk. I like to say, it’s okay to have a moment, but don’t allow it to last all day. Wallowing in it can lead to depression. When the enemy taunts you, remind him of who you are and then remind him of his end!

When life causes you to fall short know that you serve a God of “another chance.” One who knows your heart and will allow you a “do over!”

Your thoughts?

Being Sensitive

Children of God, there are two powers at war within our members (body). There’s the Spirit of Almighty God and there’s the enemy vying for our time and energy. We must be aware of which one is at work and prayerfully we are being used by the Spirit of God more than any other spirit. We must learn to be sensitive to God’s Spirit and His alone so He can lead us in righteousness.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:8-9

But we see a truth in today’s Scriptures that some of us tend to not believe. It is Satan’s main objective to have us believe a lie. And the worst lie he can get us to believe is that we do not sin. If we don’t believe we’ve sinned then we won’t repent. If we don’t repent there is no forgiveness. If there’s no forgiveness we cannot be in the presence of God; not now nor eternally. Unconfessed sin! The Bible speaks of it in relations to communion (I Corinthians 11:27).

Don’t allow the enemy to cheat you out of your inheritance. Examine your life and go to God about your shortcomings and know in your heart that you will be forgiven when you’re truly sorry for what you’ve done. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Turn to God so that the blood of Jesus can wash away your sin.

Are you being sensitive to the Spirit of God today?

Your thoughts?

What He Hears!?!

Back in the day, crying was looked upon as a sign of weakness, especially when it came from the male gender. Boys were taught never to cry or show any emotions that would emulate a characteristic of a girl.

He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. Isaiah 30:19

But being a parent, I realize that there’s urgency when I hear my children cry. I immediately stand at attention to inquire what type of cry I’m hearing, so that when I go to their aide, I will be prepared to handle whatever the situation may be at hand.

In our text, God wants us to know when He hears our cry He will respond graciously. I know sometimes we feel God doesn’t hear us, but He does. Not only does He hear the cry of the brokenhearted, the cry of those in need of healing, but He also hears the cry of those who have been wronged and those that have done wrong and He extends grace! The good news is, when He hear our cry, He comes with the answer that will solve the issues of our hearts.

When was the last time you cried out to God and told Him all about it? Know that yes, He does hear us when we cry out to Him and is more than able to fix it!

Your thoughts?

When Your Back Is Against the Wall; Turn

Many of us from time to time have had our backs against the wall; well, at least that is what it felt like. I used to hate feeling that way. You know, like when you can’t see any possible way out of what has entangled you in the first place. Things like allowing debt to overwhelm us or being frustrated with our marriages or other relationships. Or other times when the atmosphere at work is all but hostile.  

Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord. Isaiah 38:2

King Hezekiah was facing the end of life as he knew it. That’s right, his number had come up. But he learned from being brought up in the word of God and trusting the word of God as an adult, that when there was no way out and with your back against the wall, there was room: room to turn! He turned around, faced the wall and prayed to God, having full confidence that the Lord would hear him. The Lord heard him and added 15 more years to his life.

We too must have that same confidence in our heavenly Father. When we call on him, better yet, when we cry out to Him in prayer, He will hear us and answer us. There is nothing impossible for God to handle, there is always a way of escape!!! During those times you feel there’s no way out; TURN!!!

Your thoughts?

The Hand That Saves

No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in today, the Lord is not slack concerning His promises; He will deliver us.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. Psalms 138:7

Today's Scripture reminds us that God has our best interest at heart. Notice that David said, though I walk in the midst of trouble. he didn't start the trouble, but trouble managed to find him. Friends, because we carry the name of Christ (Christian), trouble looks for us! But thanks be to God, He has our enemies at bay and in His divine timing is prepared and equipped to save us from any and all calamity or ill will.

Aren't you grateful for the hand of God that's on your life? I am!

Your thoughts?

Seeing Faith

Have you ever taken a step back to look at or measure your faith? Seeing faith with natural sight is impossible. Yet this very thing, faith that is, without it is impossible to please God. We’re not expected to see faith, but we are expected to have and exercise our faith. What is this thing that we cannot see but is expected to have? Sure, Hebrews 11:1 gives a good biblical description of faith, but to someone who just wanna keep it plain, faith is believing in something or someone without proof, knowing the manifestation will come.

We have faith the pilot will get us to our destination safely. We have faith our pay will be in the bank on the day our direct deposit is supposed to hit. But when it comes to believing (remember belief is another word for faith) God at his word we have trouble. What I’ve learned along the way is we have to not put too much thought or intellect against the word. Plainly put, sometimes it doesn’t make sense to mere man, but that doesn’t make it false. We get caught up in symptoms instead of truth. Symptoms are designed to distract us from the truth. The fact is, when I had Lupus my body was engulfed with incredible pain. The pain was a symptom of Lupus. When I overlooked the symptoms and believed the word of God, truth says, “by His stripes I am healed.” Now I can walk in freedom and faith! It was my faith that made me whole. Trust me, I didn’t get there overnight, but I saw other situations He’s delivered me from and that allowed me to see my faith grow and do more.

Are there areas in your life where faith can grow? God will always present an opportunity to exercise our faith.

Your thoughts?

How Deep Is Your Love?

We’re tasked by God to know the enemy’s devices. With that said, do you know what the enemy is after when he comes your way? Knowing is ALL the battle!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? Romans 8:35

The enemy wants to SEPARATE us from the LOVE of Christ! When hard trials come, know that your love for Christ is being tested. When people on your job persecute you and falsely accuse you, know that your love for Christ is being tested. When you’ve paid your tithes, but in this particular season, ends don’t seem to meet, know that your love for Christ is being tested.

Everything God allows has a purpose, and oftentimes it’s to show us where WE are. The enemy doesn’t want nor does he need our love, but he knows when we love God with all we have, there is an allegiance that cannot be broken by anyone or any circumstance. As my sister4life preached on yesterday, How Deep is Your Love?

 Your thoughts?