Calling All Intercessors

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 

            1 Timothy 2:8

This Scripture encompasses a wealth of information about prayer. It begins by saying we should pray everywhere; at home, in the car, on the job, at school, in the store: there’s no place where we cannot or should not pray. It then tells us when we pray we should lift up holy hands. In this particular text “holy hands” is interpreted clean hands, pure heart, or repentant heart. It goes on to say we should not pray with anger in our heart nor unbelief.

If there’s a time our country needed prayer, it’s NOW. It’s time out for those “and now I lay me down to sleep” prayers and time for the true prayer warriors to awaken and pray with holy hands to petition the Father so that our country can be forgiven of its sins and healed. Let’s get into the Word of God and pray the Word back to Him so He can hasten to perform it!

Calling all intercessors. Are you ready to intercede?

Your thoughts!

Say It!

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ     Ephesians 4:15

Confrontation as defined by Websters’ Dictionary is the act of opposing a situation or idea in an angry way. We’ve been taught that confrontation should be done in an angry or hostile manner. This is not always the case, nor should it be the premise of how confronting should begin. We even at times have used this reasoning as a way to not deal with an issue we feel may be unpleasant to address for fear of the outcome.

If we purpose in our heart in the onset of our conversation that whatever we speak, be done in love and in truth! By doing things this way, the Scripture says we grow up (mature) in Christ. When something needs to be said, say it, but with respect and in all honesty, that way even if it’s not received in the manner in which it was intended, you know you’ve done what was expected from you by God.

Your thoughts!

Power to Endure

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us             Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Have you ever noticed that most people who compete in marathons or races on a professional level are not overweight? In fact, the majority of them are fairly on the slimmer side and the lighter they are helps their performance. The less weight they have to carry gives them what they need to win; it gives them endurance.

Our spiritual walk is much like that of a race and the runner. Today's text reminds us that we've had a host of witnesses who ran the race we're running (referencing Hebrews 11) and were successful. But if we want to be successful we must die to those fleshly desires that keep us out of the will and presence of God. The writer speaks of endurance. This is something we need to examine each time we're faced with a trial. Do we have what it takes to get through what we're going through?

What we need is Holy Ghost power! The Holy Spirit gives us the power to endure tough times, but we tie His hands if we're operating in sin and being manipulated by Satan. Let's stop dancing around with the devil and shake off every weight and sin that we've been holding on to.

It's time we look and act like the winners we've been ordained to be! We have the power!

Your thoughts!

Man UP

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
             1 Peter 4:16

If you're soul'd out to the Lord you are more than likely experiencing some type of persecution right now or in a spiritual waiting room awaiting your turn. Please know that Jesus suffered persecution in the worst possible way. A key to suffering persecution is to KNOW we are not to be ashamed. Why? Because there's purpose in persecution, especially when we're being persecuted for Christ's sake. Another key is to not stop or stand there in it, but to GO THROUGH it, clothed in the full armour of God and singing praises because we already know the outcome.

When God gets the glory for the things we suffer, the blessings we receive are insurmountable! The outcome every time will be, WE WIN! If He promises that ALL things will work together for our good, know that even the bad stuff will eventually turn into a BLESSING! Now that's good news.

We've been given the power we need to go through persecution, but we make a choice not to do so for one reason or another. Go through your persecution today for Jesus' sake and receive the many blessings He has in store for you.

It's time the Saints of God Man UP!

Your thoughts!

Got Questions?

"Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"   Job 40:8

Is it ever okay to question God?

Some may say it's never okay to question our Creator, but I beg to differ. The response in our text is from God and He is replying to Job from several earlier chapters, where Job questioned Him. Job's questioning stemmed from anger, hurt and resentment. I believe in those cases, we may want to tread lightly if questioning God under those circumstances. As we can see, God's response was, "would you discredit my justice (decisions) or condemn Me to justify yourself (or make yourself look good)?"

I think if we're going to question Elohim (God), it should be in the way of wanting to learn from a situation. In every unpleasant or negative situation we face we should always ask, "God, what do You want me to learn from this?" This shows that we trust His plan for our lives and it also draws us into a more intimate relationship with Him. Besides, what can the creation tell the Creator?

Got Questions?

Your thoughts!

Death Has No Sting

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.   Psalm 23:4

The 23rd Psalm speaks of the good Shepherd and all the many benefits we receive from Him. One of the benefits is the blessing we have in not having to fear death. Those who have accepted in their hearts, Christ and His work at Calvary, have been sealed until the day of redemption and are heaven bound.

With all of this assurance, why do we still fear leaving this earth? David, while facing death wrote that even though death is near, there's no need to fear it or any other evil, because God was with him. Not only was God's presence with him, but His Spirit was with him and gave David comfort. We can have peace in knowing that not only is God with us here in this life, but He will be with us as we transition to the next life as well.

 I hear people say, "everyone wants to go to heaven, no one wants to die." If we continue to look at death, we who are saved, in a negative manner then the quote will remain true. But with understanding, if we know that to be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord, how can we not rejoice at being physically in the presence of Almighty God where there is no more pain, sorrow, tears or heartache? Lets just make sure we make heaven our home!

Remember, death to a Christian has no sting!

Your thoughts!

Which Way?

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.   Proverbs 3:6

Throughout life we are faced with decisions where we don't know what to choose. Sometimes we are lead by our emotions and other times we are led by other people's opinions of what we should do. I know sometimes we need to bounce things off of people, but that should not be our first stop.

Today's passage invites us to acknowledge Him (God) so that He will direct our paths. This makes all the sense in the world, especially since He is the One who has predestined our lives. This means God already has a plan in mind for us, but the enemy throws in little things here and there to get us off focus or off track. When Satan does that, it causes us to lean to our own understanding and to not trust God, because we think our way is better. Acknowledging God simply means consulting Him throughout our day and recognizing He is God Almighty!

The next time you're faced with a difficult decision, seek godly counsel from the Father first and see what His plan is for you.

Know that His plan is what's best for you and He will show you which way to go!

Your thoughts!

Leading With Peace

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Peace is something every believer of Christ should strive for. You know you're sho' nuff saved when you allow the peace of Christ to rule your heart. This means when we're faced with a disagreement, we choose peace over being right, especially when things start to get heated. I'm sure we've all been there more times than we want to admit; indulged in an argument and trying to get our point across and that becomes more important to us than keeping the peace.

It's important that our negative emotions do not dictate our decisions. So we must allow the Holy Spirit to take control and lead us in truth and peace in every situation. We are a part of one Body and if one part of the Body hurts, then we all hurt. When another part of the Body rejoices, then we all should rejoice!

Let us make a conscience decision to walk in a spirit of unity and invite peace to lead the way!

Your thoughts!

Going Back Is Not An Option

But now that you know God-or rather are known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:9

Our walk with God is all about forward motion. We are not to turn back to the very things we've been delivered from. The Bible talks about being enslaved to those things (weak and miserable forces) that were contrary to the word of God. In other words, we were enslaved to Satan and his plan. But thank God for Jesus! It's His blood that freed us from that bondage and enslavement to sin.

Why do we turn back when we are making great progress going forward in the things that concern the kingdom of God? I believe sometimes we become impatient and we want things to happen when we want them. Other times we are so used to things, the "familiar," that we are fearful to move out of where we are. Going back is not an option, but neither is standing still.

Embrace God's plan for your life and meet it with a spirit of expectation. Lets get moving, you won't be disappointed!

Your thoughts!

Standing Appointment

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

I'm sure many of us communicate with God, but are we aware of the role Jesus plays in our communication? The Bible teaches us that Jesus is an advocate and intercedes on our behalf. This means He makes our way clear and ready for "take-off" when we want to commune with the Father. Our belief in Christ should create a certain level of confidence so we can enter into our "space" with God in complete freedom. God patiently awaits the time when we set aside time to spend in His presence. Are we taking advantage of the opportunities we have or do we allow Him to sit there waiting for us, alone, day in and day out?

God created time for us, He's not governed by it at all. But the least we can do is take the gift of time and spend a good portion of it with Him.

Why don't you make yourself a standing appointment with the Father today? I'm certain you will not be disappointed!

Your thoughts!

Don't Be A Castaway

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.   Psalm 51:11

Our God is an awesome planner! He devised a plan to win our sin-sick souls back to Himself through an awesome plan of salvation. This salvation comes only through His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, that whomever will believe on Him (Jesus) shall be saved! That alone is great news!!!

The work at Calvary did not end with Christ's resurrection, but began with God staying true to His Word in sending us a Comforter: He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within His believers. David was aware of God's presence in that he prophesied, "cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." The third part of the Trinity has the ability to resurrect, remind and to give us revelation concerning the things of God. This helps usher us into and causes us to want to stay in His presence. Trust me, there's nothing like it!!!

He is an intricate part of the Godhead and is necessary to complete the work God began in each of us in the beginning. The question is, are we allowing Him to do the work?

Let's not overlook nor override the workings of God's Holy Spirit and be a castaway, but let us embrace Him and watch Him do the miraculous in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

Your thoughts!

Crossroads

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:13-14 

As we work out our own soul salvation, we are faced daily with two components in the spirit realm: good and evil. There is no way around that, so the sooner we grab hold of that truth, the better off we will be.

These two components lead us to crossroads where we must make a decision whether we will take the road less traveled (not so glamorous) or the most traveled road (glamorous). It's imperative when making these decisions that we have all the TRUTH (not facts). Today's text explains that the road most traveled leads to destruction, eternal damnation, but the road less traveled leads to life. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." As we meditate on God's word and seek wisdom from Him, He will help us make better decisions and more importantly, lead us to the Rock, Christ Jesus who is higher than all!

Have you decided today at the crossroad of life which road you will take?

Your thoughts!

Everlasting Strength

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:   Isaiah 26:4

There's a Scripture that says, the race (the outcome, winning) is not given to the swift (fastest) nor the strong, but he who endures until the end, Ecclesiastes 9:11. This Scripture adequately compliments today's verse, in that it explains that we are not to concentrate on our human capabilities in our spiritual journey, but to continue to trust the Lord with and for everything.

The latter part of the verse emphasizes in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. If any man be in Christ...we need not look at our own strength, because in God we have supernatural strength to endure every test and trial that come our way. You may be facing something extremely difficult and are wondering how you're going to get through it. Well I'm saying, wonder no more. TRUST IN THE LORD JEHOVAH for His strength is EVERLASTING.

Trust His inability to fail you!

Be strong in the Lord today and in the power of His might!

Your thoughts!

Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.   Daniel 11:32(b)

Our text for today has a lot of juicyness to it and the background story behind it even more interesting. But I would like to concentrate on the latter portion of the Scripture.

KNOWING GOD MAKES US STRONG!

Getting to know God as Father, Redeemer, Lord, Friend, Confidant, Protector, Need Supplier, Giver of Life, or I Am (anything we could ever need or want), is the greatest thing we could ever do. This only requires us talk with Him  and read His Word (instructions for us) on a regular basis.

KNOWING GOD ALLOWS US TO DO EXPLOITS!

Exploits are striking, notable, bold deeds. When we have the power, knowledge and wisdom of God, we are able to do great things for Him and His kingdom. Jesus told His disciples, "greater works than these" shall he do, those who believe in Him (paraphrased, John 14:12). Since the only way to God is through His Son Jesus, then belief in Him makes us strong and able to do great exploits. I'm sure there are a few miracles you need to manifest in your life or in the lives of those around you. KNOW GOD and watch what happens!

Are you getting to know Him?

Your thoughts!

Please Sir, Might I Have Some More?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.   Matthew 5:6

Being hungry gives you a strong desire for that thing you're missing or going without. It causes you to think on nothing else other than getting whatever that thing is. We can be hungry for a certain type of food, but not be in a place where we can get our hands on it right away. Righteousness is so very different!

Jesus gave the disciples two promises in this text: 1) you are blessed; and 2) you shall be filled, when you hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Being hungry and thirsty for righteousness is different from being hungry and thirsty for natural food. Natural food can satisfy us, but it might not fill us with every nutrient we may need or require. When we seek after righteousness (right standings with God), we're seeking His will for our lives and the heart or willpower to obey Him at His Word. This in itself should fill us with the joy of the Lord; knowing that we're pleasing Him.

What a blessing it is to know when we seek righteousness, He blesses us with MORE and MORE!

Are you seeking more of Him today???

Your thoughts!

What's Your Position

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.   Luke 17:19

Position.

Faith has a lot to do with positioning. We have to put our belief in a place that is unforeseen, improbable, impossible and possibly uncomfortable to our natural intellect. But this particular positioning affects everything that has to do with us. This positioning WILL change EVERYTHING!

In our text, Jesus is speaking to one of ten lepers whom He healed. Catch this: the healing had already taken place and they were sent on their way to show the priests about their healing, fulfilling Jesus' instructions to them. But this one leper positioned himself in a posture of thanksgiving and in doing so, coupled with his faith, made himself whole in every area of his life! Faith is not necessarily waiting on the promise, but rather thanking Him in advance for the promise before it arrives/manifests.

Are you positioned for a miracle?

Your thoughts!