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"MATTERS OF THE HEART"
| Posted on 11 July, 2012 at 8:16 |
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 Psalm 43:5, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (KJV)As I awakened early this morning, Psalm 43:5 was speaking loudly in my spirit (Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.) The Holy Spirit was letting me know that I was putting more focus on my situation then placing my hope in Him. In other words, placing more focus on the problem, rather than the solution. We can be so bombarded, weighed down, discouraged and discontent with the issues of life. People are losing homes and jobs due to the decreasing economy, divorces are on the rise, violence has increased and more and more youth are losing their lives tragically. There is so much violence and increased stress going on in the world today, it reminds me of one of Marvin Gaye’s song lyrics “make you wanna holler and throw up both your hands.” Experiencing stress is inevitable. We all will experience some measure of stress in our lives, but I’ve come to understand that it is how we manage the stress in our lives. Do we constantly focus on the problem, that is, to worry and change nothing and do nothing or face our problem, that is, to properly deal with it with the proper tools? The most vital tool for any situation begins with using the “POWER OF PRAYER.” Prayer helps us to shift our thinking from solely on the problem and placing it upon the one who has all the solutions… at the thrown of grace (prayer) is where we obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need: Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Additionally, it behooves us to have someone to talk to, someone whom we can trust to listen, encourage us, who has experience and/or knowledge and wisdom, to be objective when needed, and guidance for resources. The Holy Spirit of God can and will guide us through all situations, but sometimes we can be so in enthralled by our situation that we can not hear the Holy Spirit when He speaks. Moreover, we must understand with discernment that the Holy Spirit of God speaks to us and helps us through the channels of other vessels (people). So today, if you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, talk to God and allow for the Holy Spirit to direct you to someone to talk to and allow Him to lead you to the unlimited resources He has to help you. Place your hope and trust in God, and not in people, that He will give you His Godly wisdom to know what to do and move on your behalf through the channels of people and resources. Proverbs 24:6, For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. (KJV) James 1:15, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (NIV) . |
"From Despair to Hope... Because Jesus Lives"
| Posted on 5 May, 2012 at 14:06 |
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 We are about to embark upon another annual Sunday in the Christian community where by we commemorate the “Resurrection of Jesus Christ”, also known to most as Easter.I began to ponder upon what commemorating the "Resurrection of Jesus Christ" really meant to me. First, I began to ponder upon how our heavenly Father did something as a parent that no human parent could do, and that is John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whom ever believed in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 15:13, Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Yes, those that believe in Him are not only consider sons and daughters of God, but He calls us His friends. I further began to ponder upon how He (Jesus) who knew no sin became sin for us and took upon himself the sins of the whole world; this included the sins of the world in His time here on the earth, the sins of those that died before Him, and the sins that would be committed by us in this present time and all sins of the future world committed by those to come. Jesus himself became the propitiation for ours sins, our mediator between God and man to restore the broken relationship between God and man that sin caused by the first man Adam that permeated through all mankind. He became the blood atonement for our sins. Taking upon himself every sin of the world, paying the wages of sin through His death for all the world so that whosoever believed in Him may live again, that we may receive the free gift of SALVATION of God which is eternal life by grace through faith in Christ Jesus; not by any works on our part that none shall boast, but it is the gift of God. Even for those who hated him, persecuted Him, lied on Him, and moreover, those that crucified Him. There is no greater love for another than this… Agape love. Before Christ, there were no atonement for sin, only an animal blood sacrifice for sin, a death and blood shed of an animal that could only cover the sins of man, adhering to the law that the wages of sin is death; something had to die in place of sin, an animal sacrifice did not and could not atone for men sins only cover. But God, through the "Blood Sacrificial Death" of His only begotten son Jesus the Christ, we are no longer under the curse of the law (commandments) which is eternal death (hell), but rather, under the law of the Spirit of eternal life, the grace of God. But we are not to use this grace as a cloak to sin. For the letter (law) kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corin. 3:16). In knowing this, there is no sin that we can commit that God will not forgive us for; a murderer, robber, lier, idolatrous etc.; yes, without a doubt, we will have consequences for these sins committed in this earthly realm of laws, rightly so, but when we have a contrite and broken spirit, repent with a sincere heart, God will forgive us of our sins and remember them no more. It is only because of the blood sacrifice of Christ that we may be granted repentance and be freed from eternal damnation. While man may never forget or forgive us of our offenses in this life time, when this life is over, what will only matter is having our sins forgiving by God. God is the final judge and rewarder of our deeds here in the earth and He is the gate keeper and creator of life, heaven and earth. It is because Jesus has paid the full cost of our sins through His crucification that we do not have to be bound by sin, guilt and shame of the past and/or the present. You can live again through every heartache, every pain, every disappointment, every sickness, every disease, every test, every trial, every opposition, every persecution, every scandal and slander, every lie and etc. Because He (Jesus) lives, we can be loose from the bondage and shackles of fear and sin, Praise God!!!, we can live again, a life without condemnation because of God’s written word – Romans 8:1-4, Therefore,there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. (NIV) You can be free from from the stronghold of sin, shame, guilt, and fear. Now is the time to repent and come out of your corner sack of despair, come out of the grave clothes of shame, guilt, fear, rejection, unforgiveness, envy, jealousy, hate and whatever else that has you bound hindering you from the true liberty that can only be found in Christ Jesus… loose yourself from whatever that has you bound because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has already set you free from the law of sin and death. You were paid for and bought with a price so that you can be free and live again because… JESUS lives. RISE UP AND SHINE FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME!!! Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Jesus rose from his death, he ha risen, he has resurrected so that we can be resurrected also from whatever has us bound; therefore, we can face today and tomorrow in all it’s challenges and oppositions in knowing that life is worth living because He (Jesus) lives. Our heavenly father will not allow for any grave trouble to overtake those who put their trust in Him, regardless of what struggles you may be facing right now, He (God) has not forgotten about you. He has your name engraved in the palm of His hand. Trust Him and Love Him with all your might, with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your spirit. He will see you through if you faint not. YOU CAN RISE FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE BECAUSE JESUS LIVES… HE HAS TAKEN OUR PLACE OF ETERNAL PUNISHMENT OF DEATH FOR OUR SINS BY DYING A SINNER’S DEATH ON THE CROSS AT CLAVER Y – HE (JESUS) THAT KNEW NO SIN, BUT HE HIMSELF BECAME SIN FOR YOU AND ME. He became every sin that was ever committed by man and that would ever be committed by man (past, present and future; every sin, sickness and diseases of the world, he bore all upon himself that you and I may be set free…. that we may live again.. free indeed in CHRIST JESUS!!! |
Domestic Violence = Abuse
| Posted on 20 April, 2012 at 17:22 |
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 Ladies, it is not O.K. to be subjected to any form of abuse; whether it’s physical and/or verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse; the only difference is there are no visible physical wounds from on-going verbal abuse. The damage from verbal abuse is internal and over a period of time it becomes external affecting every area of your life, even your children can be affected by living in an abusive environment than can possibly cause some physical and psychological conditions in the present as well as in the future. Often times the change in the abused victim is gone undetected by the victim themselves. It doesn’t matter if you’re married or single, any form of abuse is not acceptable nor should it be tolerated. God did not create you to be used and abused, He created you to love and to be loved in accordance with God’s true definition of true love that can be found in His Holy Word 1:Corinthians 13.Some abuse victims give themselves many excuses why they choose to stay in an abusive relationship, such as; I’ve vowed to stay married until death do us part; we have a lot invested in each other, I don’t have a job or any income; I’m staying for the kids so that they won’t grow up in a single parent home like I did; I love him and I know he loves me; he’ll change; I do provoke him at times; he was there for me at the lowest point of my life; he takes care of me and the kids; he won’t make it without me; he’s the only man for me; my mother stayed with my father and they fought all the time; and I don’t have anywhere else to go. These are just some of the reasons I’ve read and heard why some women stay in abusive relationships. Any form of abuse is not only damaging, but often times in the news we hear how many abusive relationships turn deadly. The abuser is seeking control of you, want to destroy your self-esteem, keep you away from family and friends, control what you wear and where you go, all in an attempt to totally control you and make you co-dependent of them. When the abuser feels that he’s not winning in controlling you, the abuse begins. They begin to use abusive words towards you, threatens to do harm to you, approaches you out of you name, degrads you and diminish your self-worth. Often times abuse starts verbally, and overtimes it almost always ends in physically abuse. I’ve never married, but I have been in an abusive relationship early on in my life. I think God for giving me the strength and courage to get out before something devastated happened. Sometimes, we as women, believe that the abuser will change. Although change is possible, the abuser has to first, recognize what he is doing is wrong and STOP; second, he has to want to change; and thirdly, he has to want to seek help to help him change. Please ladies know that it is not your fault if you are being abused, for some may not have had any idea or have ever viewed their relationship as being abusive until now. God wants and calls for all of his children to live in peace not confusion; free and not in bondage and fear. If you are experiencing any of these signs of being in an abusive relationship, try to find a safe place where your abuser is not around and PLEASE, PLEASE LADIES SEEK HELP TODAY!!! DON’T BE ASHAME TO SEEK HELP AND TALK TO SOMEONE. There are many national resources out there to help you. See resources below: Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or 7273 The Alcohol & Drug Addiction Resource Center: 1 800 390 4056 May God perfect all that concerns you…you are beautiful. God Bless you!!! |
"Satisfied in Christ"
| Posted on 18 April, 2012 at 8:56 |
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 We all desire to be satisfied in life. A constant state of mind of being content in all things; in our relationships, with our jobs, and in our successes in life. However, in our daily living, we will at some point and time encounter situations that challenge our state of mind of contentment. The dictionary defines satisfied as: 1. content somebody: to do or offerenough to make somebody feel pleased or content; 2. fulfill need: to fulfill a need or gratify deire; and 3. meet condition: to achieve or be of sufficient standard to meet a requirement or condition. In life, at some point, we all will experience one or more of these emotions: grief, frustration, disappointment, disagreements, betrayal and etc., as we desperately seek and desire to be content… satisfied in all areas of our lives. When we experience life altering situations, our emotions, undoubtedly, will fluctuate. So therefore, is it at all possible to be at a state of contentment in life, seeing as though our experiences of life fuels our emotions? The answer is an astounding yes. I have discovered that if we totally depend upon our senses through our life experiences, that is, what we see, hear and feel for fulfillment in life we will never reach a constant state of satisfaction. In contrast, we cannot look to things on the outside to bring us complete fulfillment in life. These earthly things are subject to change and dissapointment us at any given time. The one and only sure thing that will never change, and will keep you in a state of mind of contentment is the love of Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word – His promises shalll stand forever. As human beings, we tend to look at people, places and things to bring us contentment - complete satisfaction. Most of us, when we get a little blue, we may decide to go shopping, be around friends,and/or get involved in activities, all of these are good and will bring you a minimum level of satisfaction; it’s better than sitting around the house feeling blue in isolation indulging in overnight pity parties; however, these things will not completely satisfy you because your emotions, your level of satisfaction is now co-dependent upon these things. Theses things are a temporary fix - temporary therapy. These people, places and things are subject to change and dissapointment you and will not always be available to reach out to and/or indulge in at your time of need. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Through the Word of God, in all its truths, when we face life altering situations, riding on the roller-coaster of our emotions, we can maintain a state of mind of contentment and maintain fulfillment and satisfaction through believing on the promises of God through faith. It is when we put our complete faith and trust in the Word of God, regardless of what we experience in life, we can have peace, joy fulfillment, contentment and satisfaction in all things through faith and trust in Christ Jesus. I personally have been through some heart wrenching, life altering situations that bought me to my knees in prayer in tears, but only by the grace and mercy of God, believing and trusting in His Word through faith and in His Strength, I became a VICTOR and not a VICTIM!!! The Apostle Paul has given us His secret in maintaining this state of contentment through the struggles and trials of life: Philippians4:12-13, I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things. I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to aboundand to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (KJV) Philippians4:12-13, I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV) The Apostle Paul has given us the secret, the key of being and staying content; it is through not leaning on our own strength, but leaning on the strength of God, which is found in His living Word. For the Word of God is life, it's powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword transfroming the heart, mind and soul of man reflecting the image of Christ Jesus. Believe and trust in Him (God) and you will be able to navigate through life’s ups and downs with a state of mind of contentment and omplete satisfaction with joy strengthen by the power of His glorious might in your inner man. |
"YOU CAN SOAR ABOVE THE STORMS OF LIFE AS AN EAGEL"
| Posted on 14 April, 2012 at 9:58 |
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 Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.It does get pretty hard at times in the waiting process, waiting for the miraculous… the manifestation of God’s glory to show up in our lives. During the wait, we wait not by being idol, but we must persevere with diligence and patience to do what we know and need to do that is right and pleasing in the sight of God in the natural and trusting God to do what we can't do in the supernatural. We must embrace the lessons learned in life in knowing that they are our stepping stones to sustain us through the next test and trial of life and to help someone else, but ultimately to give God glory and praise God in it. When I get weak and weary, the Holy Spirit of God brings back to my remembrance the "Word of God"... "My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corin 12:9)." I look to the "Word of God" to renew and revive me my meditating upon, and actively, by faith, walk out His precepts and principals although it does get pretty hard at times. When I fall down, I remember the “Word of God” that a Just man falls seven times and gets back up again (Proverbs 24:16). REPENT AND BEGIN AGAIN I have discovered this magnificent revelation that the Bald Eagle molts (shed its feathers) in the sea every 10 years and regrow (regenerate) new feathers and begin to soar through the skies as if it were young again. The Bald Eagles repeat this process about 10 times in their life span reaching 100 years. How awesome is our God!!! There is so much for the Saints to learn from Isaiah 40:31 as God gives us this scripture as an illustration to the Saints. We are to renew our strength in Him. The water in the bible often represents the Holy Spirit of God. Therefore, we must always be immersed/filled with the Holy Spirit of God to maintain this race of faith... to be renewed and revived when we become weary. Regardless of the struggles of our past, the oppositions of the present, and the uncertainties of our future, one thing for sure is that we can always begin again because of Christ. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, becoming a curse fro us. As it is written: curse is everyone that is hung on a tree (Galatians 3:13). He that knew no sin became sin for us. He took our place, by laying down His life on the cross taking upon himself the sins of the whole world…once and for all freeing us from the curse of the law which says “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Christ became the propitiation for our sins. Christ Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and man; bridging the gap, which is sin, that had separated us from our heavenly father and condemned us to eternal death (a burning hell). Now that the veil of the Temple has been torn in two from top to bottom (Mathew 27:51), because of Christ sacrifice on the cross, “let us now come boldly to the throne of grace in hopes of obtaining mercy and find grace in our time of need (Hebrew 4:16). We don’t have to depend on a Preacher or Priest to go to the throne of grace on our behalf (pray for us), we who are saved, because of Christ, now have this privilege, “but without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrew 11:16). The Bald Eagle is so magnificent in all its majesty that when he’s soaring through the air and a storm is approaching, he does not quit, turn back or delay his flight from reaching his destination; God has built something special within the bald eagle to allow the turbulent from a storm to carry him high above the storm, where as the storm is not tossing him to and fro, but to actually ride above the storm allowing the currents from the storm to assist in carrying him to his destination without exhausting himself and using up his energy. So is it for the life of the believers; God has placed something special within each of us and that is His Holy Spirit, our divine navigator of life; amid the turbulent of life, God expects us to allow His Holy Spirit, that dwells within us to carry us through the storms of life, in knowing, that the storms of life are our steeping stones teaching and assisting us in fulfilling our purpose in life and reaching our destination, which is our high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) **************************************************************************************** Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. YOU CAN BEGIN AGAIN!!! |
SPRING FORTH
| Posted on 20 March, 2012 at 7:36 |
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 Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. TODAY IS OFFICIALLY THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING... YAHOO!!! Nature is changing.Trees are beginning to clothe itself with leaves; flowers are now blooming, showering their splendor beauty with an array of colors, and the earth is carpeting herself with the plush color of green. Don't be afraid to spring forth with what God has been nurturing and preparing you for in the prior seasons of your life. For such a time as this, you shall spring forth, a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, planted by the waters with roots that are grounded and spread wide, producing much good fruit. Don’t be stuck on past failures and mistakes they were stepping stones for where God is taking you; for even God uses these for His Glory. You may have even lost some materialistic things and/or had changes in people, places and things. Know that even in all this it serves a higher and greater purpose. Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For the life of the believer is sealed by God’s Holy Spirit of promise. Be not afraid for what God is calling you to do; nor be dismayed. What God is calling you to do, He has gifted you to do and what God has gifted you to do, He has called you to do. Our life’s struggles played a pivotal role in our development and maturing in God and our character. They should not hinder us in springing forth in the things of God, our dreams and aspirations. God has a set-time for all things. The waiting period was a time for learning, training and preparation for the things that God has prepared for those who love Him. Now is the time to view briefly over lessons learned and spring forth into your destiny!!! |
"ARE YOU FULLY DRESSED?"
| Posted on 15 March, 2012 at 13:52 |
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 Some of us are feeling defeated in running the race of faith. Many are weary and has just simply given up and has thrown in the towel. Why is this? I have come to this conclusion: we are fighting people, which is the manifestation of the spiritual war that’s taking place in the atmosphere (spiritual realm). Most of us are solely fighting against people whom we can see and those who are in high authority. Yes, in some cases they are being wickedly influenced by demonic spirits to cause friction, confusion and opposition in the lives of the saints, and ultimately to attempt to destroy the kingdom of light. We, as saints, must also check ourselves and make sure that we are not dealing with consequences from our past or present actions and/or decisions, and if so, REPENT, REPENT AND REPENT!!! Ephesians 6:12, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In our life’s struggles, with the business, noise and distractions that comes with it, many of us have forgotten Ephesians 6:12 teachings on whom we are really fighting, the true culprit, which is SATAN. The “Word of God” not only teaches us who we are fighting, but how we ought to fight and the most effective weapons we must use to win this fight of faith: Ephesians 6:13-17, Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD. We go about our daily lives making sure we have all that we need as we head out the door to begin our day of work and/or other activities i.e. apparel (making sure our outfits are well put together), we double check to make sure we have our house and car keys, lunch, cash, credit cards, a novel to read on the bus/train, etc. Moreover, as we hurriedly begin our day, we often forget the most important thing to put on… more important than material clothing... "THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD." For the things which are seen are temporal and the things which are not seen are eternal. What seems to be the most important to us, because we can physically see these things, are the least important; as a result, we forget to examine ourselves daily to make sure that we have properly “PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” which is the Saints Weapons of Mass Destruction to the kingdom of darkness. We must take time for prayer in the morning before we begin our day, not only for ourselves and our immediate family, but for others, even our enemies? We must not rush about our day and say a few thank you Jesus' in our mind and continue on in the day professing God is Good? Ephesians 6:18, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Praying in the Spirit is criticle in the life of the believer. For the bible declares that we don’t always know what to pray for, therefore, God has given us His Holy Spirit with the gift of speaking in tongues to intercede on our behalf… this is the perfect prayer. If you don’t have this gift, and you are a believer and desire it, than ask God for it, He will give it to you. Romans 8:26, Likewise the Spirit also helps our weakness: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Let us remember to always daily examine ourselves to ensure that we have on the “WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” to continue to effectively run this race of faith. The devil is real and his imps are at work daily to assist him to steal, kill and destroy the lives of the saints. The bible declares that the devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But Jesus came that we may have life and life more abundantly!!! |
TIME AND CHANCE
| Posted on 21 January, 2012 at 17:44 |
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 Ecclesiastes 9:11, I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.I am reminded of two years ago when I had a desire to buy a home. I met this Christian real estate agent through a friend. I can recall giving her all the reasons why I could not purchase a home at that time and she gave me all the reasons why, at that time, was a good time to be in the market for purchasing a home. I will forever remember this scripture she shared with me: Ecclesiastes 9:11… "time and chance happen to them all." I began to meditate on that scripture, in it's entirety and received revelation with a clearer understanding of the word chance. One may look at the word chance and think luck or something that just happened. I searched for the meaning of the word chance and discover this: Chance - opportunity or opportune time: an opportunity or a set of circumstances that makes it possible for something to happen. How many times in life have you been presented with "time and chance" (opportunities) to make something happen and through not recognizing the set time and/or believe that it’s possible for you because you felt you lacked something, was not qualified, and/or not fully prepared and that spirit of fear and lack of faith took over and you missed your "time and chance." The scripture says that “the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” In hind sight, I have truly missed many "time and chances" (opportunities) to pursue and achieve my desired goals. The truth of the matter is that the spirit of fear and lack of faith had put on disguises and creped in and took control. For God does not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. All thoughts are not from God and all thoughts are not your own. The father of lies can and will plant thoughts in your mind that are contrary to the "Word of God." It is so important to recognize the spirit of fear when it is in operation and stop it from taking root. Scripture tells us how in 2 Corinthians 10:5, ”Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Every one of our thoughts that are not lined up with the “Word of God” we are to cast it down by immediately replacing it with the “Word of God.” This can only be achieved by reading, studying and meditating on God’s word. Our lack of personal achievements and spiritual growth in life is a direct result of not personally making preparation for the "time and chances" that are presented to us, and not exercising our faith and taking hold of it. Circumstances, struggles and people in life are not to be blamed, although we all have or will be faced with opposition from time-to-time. Some individuals have the tendency to blame others in life for their own lack of accomplishments and/or achievements. It is what we do… the actions and the decisions we make when we are confronted and presented with life’s issues and oppositions. Some issues of life and bad things that happened to us early on in life, we had no control over. But we do not have to remain victims of any unpleasantness of life. We are more than conquers through Him that loves us. There are many resources out there that can help us with our struggles. We must me prayerful, seek it out and we shall find it. Guilt and shame is a tactic that the enemy uses to keep us in bondage to hinder us from being made free of the guilt and shame of our past and keep us from reaching our destiny to fulfill God’s plan for our life. God does not want any of His children to be weight down by the guilt and shame of their past. He desires for us to me made whole... made free. Whom the son sets free is free indeed. He sent His son Jesus to bear it all for us. It is of great value to have a mentor in your life; someone who has achieved what you are pursuing and because of their experiences, knowledge and wealth of information, they are capable of providing you with guidance, knowledge, wisdom and encouragement. Today, they have a more modern name for mentors; they are now called life coaches for spiritual and personal growth. What I truly love about the Lord is that His mercies are new every morning. He gives us a new opportunity every day that He breathes His breath of life into our body. Therefore, by transforming our thinking by the "Word of God" and exercising our faith in His Word and utilizing our resources, we can began to understand the importance of acting on our faith to prepare us for “time and chance” (opportunities) and lay hold of our destiny. Today, God is saying, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It’s never too late to start over again. There is always hope if you believe that all things are possible through Christ which strengthens you. |
Planting Seeds - The Word of God
| Posted on 15 January, 2012 at 23:01 |
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 Mark 4:14, The sower sows the word.(KJV)Mark 4:14, The farmer plants seed by taking God’s Word to others. (NLT) In Mark 4:14-20, Jesus gives his disciples a parable about a farmer sowing seeds to reap a harvest. This parable taught the disciples that just as the farmer sow seeds in the field to reap a harvest; likewise, we, as Christ followers are to labor in the kingdom of God by spreading (sowing) the gospel of Jesus Christ to others that souls may be won to Christ. We, as children of God, have a responsibility of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. To preach is to proclaim (speak forth) the gospel of Jesus Christ. To preach the gospel does not mean that one have to be standing in a pulpit or have a title or position in your place of worship. All are not called to pulpit preaching, put all have a responsibility to sow seeds in others by sharing the word of God to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, even people whom you come in contact with daily on the streets, grocery stores, restaurants etc., whether my mouth and/or other channels of communications. In this 21 century, technology is vastly growing where by increasing ways we communicate with one another. We can send emails and instant messages in a matter of seconds clear across the world. We have many social media networks, we can stream line, use the power of Wi-Fi and web cams to see and talk to people in other countries in a matter of minutes. God has increase the knowledge of man to invent various mediums in which we communicate to one another; moreover, to also be used to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Many Christians have face book pages, twitter pages and/or are members of other social networks. But many are not spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, but rather, mundane things only. The only gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ that many will hear is by the words (seeds) that you share with others. The seeds you sow may lead some to Christ and/or edify, encourage and comfort others. Like a domino effect, they will also sow seeds (the Word of God) to others. One plants, another waters, but it is God that gives the increase. In spite of what challenges ands struggles you may be facing today, God is still good to all. Our challenges and struggles should never stop us from spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The word of God is spirit and it is life. For we walk by faith and not by sight. Have you sown any seeds of the good news today? P.S. The beautiful young lady in the photo is my cousin Shai. She's a professional make-up artist and an anointed young preacher in training. |
New Year's Resolutions/Life Long Resolutions
| Posted on 31 December, 2011 at 12:40 |
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 Philippians 3:10,I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death; (NIV) Romans 12:2, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Every New Year, many of us make vows to change AKA “New Year’s Resolution” to make changes in our lives for the better. Some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions are: lose weight, eat healthier, start a exercise regimen, get organized, get out of debt, save money, spend less, spend more time with family, quit unhealthy habits etc. All of the above are great, and we should desire to enter into a new year carrying less baggage and making positive changes in our lives. It is reported, that after the first month of attempting to fulfill these New Year’s resolution, 50% don’t make it. Although the thoughts were good and positive, most just don’t succeed. Researchers have proved that it takes 21 days to create a habit. So, if we continue in a pattern of doing things, whether good or bad, for 21 consecutive days, it becomes a habit. Some of us, in our attempts to make positive changes in our lives, after the first couple of weeks we start slacking, lack persistence, perseverance and patience and before you know it, there goes the New Year’s Resolution we’ve vowed. Then there are some of us, who make positive affirmations without doing something or even attempting to try. This is called wishful thinking. The bible tells us that faith without works is dead. We have to do something to get results, as well as, speak it. Additionally, why most people fail in sticking to their New Year’s Resolutions is because there’re not really ready to make the change in the first place, also some make unrealistic goals making it impossible to achieve, therefore, setting themselves up for failure. This year I’ve decided to take on a lifelong resolution that supersedes all New Year’s Resolutions I could attempt to make and will be the catalyst in aiding me to fulfill all individual positive changes, and that is to take on the heart’s desire of the Apostle Paul found in Philippians 3:10, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. What a powerful lifelong resolution made by the Apostle Paul. With prayer, perseverance, and persistence with patience, will undoubtedly help us to achieve positive changes in our lives. Most of us are freely willing with the first part of the above scripture, but the ladder… fellowship in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, are not appealing words. But truth be told, this is why most of us don’t succeed in fulfilling our New Year’s Resolutions; we don’t want to suffer… dying daily to our flesh desires is not easily achieved. But with God all things are possible. But first we must want to make a change. Through researching, I have found that some brain scientists and psychotherapists have discovered, through the use of MRIs, that habitual behavior is created by thinking patterns that create neural pathways and memories, which become the default basis for your behavior when you’re faced with a choice or decision. Trying to change that default thinking by “not trying to do it,” in effect just strengthens it. Change requires creating new neural pathways from new thinking. New Year’s Resolutions are not just speaking mere words (positive affirmations), but it is a made up mind, it is changing behavior patterns through our thinking processes. In other words, we must rewire our brain. The Apostle Paul says it better in Romans 12:2, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. THE CHANGE IS… “INSIDE OUT” I am reminded that all things are possible with Christ. Sometimes, we try to attempt to make positive changes in lives in our own strength instead of depending on the strength and power of Christ that dwells within us; it is the power of Chris’s resurrection, the power of His Holy Word and our free will of wanting to change, that is, to conform our lives willingly and obediently to the Word of God. So, if you're going to make New Year's Resolutions/Life Long Resolutions, here are some tips I found to help you make them work:
And finally, if and when you slip, don't let the slip hold you back from working at your goal. Be Prayerful, be Persistent, and Persevere with Patience. HAVE A HAPPY, JOYFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!! P.S. The young lady in the photo on this page is by beautiful daughter. She's a professional model. |
