Drinking From The Fountain of Wisdom - Proverbs 18:4 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day
Proverbs 18:4 (NKJV)
"Drinking From The Fountain of Wisdom"

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

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Proverbs is full of wisdom!  It gives warnings and encouragement!  It instructs the wicked and the righteous!  Wisdom can be defined as a realistic approach to the problems of life!  GODLY wisdom should be defined as a spiritual approach to the trials and tribulations of life, as well as, the conduct of a Christian in every aspect of life.  The words of a man's mouth can be deep enough to make you want a sip!  You know . . . something that makes you say "Hmm!  But the wellspring of wisdom is where you should drink each day!  Wellspring is defined as a spring of abundant source!  Wellspring of wisdom will give us an abundance of knowledge to live as GOD wants us to live!  Have you drank from the fountain today!

A Renewed Heart Everyday - 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day
2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
"A Renewed Heart Everyday"

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

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I love to see elderly people who still have a spirit of joy in their life!  They know that they are getting older . . . we all know that we are getting older!  But we are not to lose heart!  We can see the world around us going crazy!  We see that the end of time is drawing near, but we are not to lose heart!  In fact, we are to have a renewed heart everyday!  Day by Day believe that, "This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

The AssasSIN; Born To Kill - James 1:14-15 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

James 1:14-15 (NIV)

The AssasSIN; Born To Kill

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

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A man (human) is born into sin, but by the grace of GOD, everyone can be delivered out of a sinful nature when he/she repent and accept CHRIST JESUS!  This "AssasSIN” is only born for the purpose to kill!  You see . . . evil desire will whisper sweet “nothings” in the ear to entice you!  Then enticement and desire will give birth to the sin . . . and when sin is full-grown it gives birth to death!  The AssasSIN can kill dreams, hopes, and anything else it can get in its cross-hairs!  Sin will assassinate Christian families, ministries, church leadership, etc.  This “AssasSIN” seeks to kill the rich and the poor . . . the young and the old!  Your gender, race or nationality means absolutely nothing to this “AssasSIN!”  You can stand toe-to-toe with this “AssasSIN” with weapons of mass destruction, and it will still bring death!  Be careful of this “AssasSIN!”  It will deceive you into thinking it’s in love with you . . . then it will get into your heart . . . then kill you from the inside-out!  There is no way to avoid the "AssasSIN," but it can be defeated every single time by the Word of GOD! Pick up your Sword and stand firm against the “AssasSIN!”

Reaping What You Sow - Galatians 6:8 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day
Galatians 6:8 (NIV)
"Reaping What You Sow

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

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     I don't know who karma is, but I always hear folks saying, "Karma will always come back to get you for what you did!"  So I did a little research to find out who is this karma! I quickly ran across tons of information in reference to this Indian religion concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect . . . and its name is . . . karma! 
     Didn't GOD's Word speak on this!  It's called reaping what you sow!  We should be careful how we treat others.  For example, those parents who never spend any quality time with their kids while they are young.  Can't make it to their sport games, recitals, performances, etc.  The parent who isn't there to help them overcome the heartbreak, or give them a word of encouragement in a time of need.
     The Word of GOD says that they will reap what they sow!  And I got news for them . . . karma won't be there to replace that loneliness!  But in Proverbs 22:6, it says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Sow the seed of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness into the child's life, and trust me, you will reap the benefits of GODLY fruit!

Wrong Fruit - Genesis 2:15-17 (NIV)

The LORD GOD took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  And the LORD GOD commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

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Family,

     We could spend a whole week on these three verses!  However, today let’s focus on the “Wrong Fruit!” Here is where we can use the assistance of our word scholars! The Latin word “malum” shares two meanings.  The first meaning is “evil” and the second is “ an apple.”  Usually, we can identify a word’s specific meaning by the contextually association.  However, in the case of a tree, we may think its meaning is an apple!  

    

     If I walk up to an orange tree, I can only pull an orange off of it!  If I walk up to a banana tree, I can only pull a banana off of it!  I won’t pull an orange from a banana tree, nor will I get a banana off of an orange tree.  GOD told man (Adam) not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, not the tree of the apple or banana.  So . . .  what forbidden fruit did they pull from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?

     It can be debated for centuries about what type of fruit was pulled and regardless of the deliberation, here is the main point . . . it was the “Wrong Fruit” to eat!  Even if the Bible said “shinny red apple” or “bright yellow banana” . . . GOD said, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”  And as always, GOD was right!

The best fruit is the “Fruit of the Spirit” because it is produced by the greatest Seed of GOD!

Stay In Touch - 1 Timothy 5:1-2

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.  Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

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     It is sad to see how generational differences have kept people from truly fellowshipping with one another! We see younger people get frustrated with the older folks, and older folks impatient with the younger folks.  Then there are those (middle age folks) who are caught between the two, finding themselves torn between honoring the elderly and nurturing the young!  Listen, just because grandpa and grandma don’t know how to operate a Bluetooth does not make them out of touch!  Just because a young person can’t balance a checkbook does not mean they are out of touch!  It does not mean a person (middle age) has lost touch just because they are struggling to stay connected and balance their time between the parents (elderly) and the children (young)!

Regardless of the generational differences, we can always fellowship in spirit and truth!  All we have to do is  . . . “Stay In Touch” with JESUS!  GOD is the same GOD throughout all generations . . . “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the FATHER seeks.” (John 4:23)

Stand Shoulder-to-Shoulder with the generations!  In fact, this perspective will make the next family reunion awesome! “It so nice, to come together!”

Facing The Thunder - Exodus 20:18-19

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen.  But do not have GOD speak to us or we will die.”

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Family,

I’m sure a few of us can relate to what the Israelites felt.  I know I have had to face the thunder of GOD’s commands!  Exodus 20:1 says, “And GOD spoke all these words:” Then HE proceeded to give the people the commandments.  When GOD finished speaking, the people responded in verses 18-19 (above verses).  There is a chance that when GOD speaks in the gentle breeze or through the beauty of a nice little butterfly, we might ask, “Is that YOU LORD?”  But when HIS voice is like Thunder . . . Face it . . .  You know it’s GOD speaking!

A Simple Prayer - Matthew 14:29-30 (NKJV)

So HE said, “Come.”  And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to JESUS.  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “LORD, save me!”

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Whenever we, as sinners, find ourselves beginning to sink . . . for whatever reason . . . we can pray this simple prayer . . . “LORD, save me!”  Verse 31 goes on to say that JESUS immediately stretched out HIS hand and caught him!  Glory be to GOD that HE answers the simple prayers of a sinner who calls HIM LORD and accept HIM as Savior!

I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. (Psalm 118:5)

Live The Gospel - 1 Cornthians 9:14

Even so the LORD has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

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Family,

     If we live by the gospel we preach, we are less likely to abuse or misuse the gospel!  So many hearts are discouraged and broken . . . people are lead astray because someone decides to use the pulpit or the gospel to serve a purpose for what it was never intended for!  I don’t expect a lot of “Amen”  on this one, but if you preach the gospel . . . live from the gospel! 

     NOTE: We all are called to minister The Word . . . but not all are called to preach The Word!  Be sure to receive the call from GOD . . . don’t make the call on your own!

Come As You Are - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!

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Family,

     I have not been able to find any scripture or verse that says or translate into “come as you are”.  I do understand that we can’t afford to wait until we are perfect before we come to the LORD, so with a sense of urgency we are to come as soon as possible.  For tomorrow is not promised.  GOD wants us to come back into relationship with HIM and HE does not expect us to have a perfect life.  Somehow this phrase (not scripture) has translated to “keep dressing anyway you want, just keep coming to church” or “keep practicing your sinful nature, just come to church”  In other words, we have been convinced that GOD is o.k. with us coming to church Sunday after Sunday, without any change!  Just come as you are!  Now you may be asking, “What does the scripture of the day have to do with this?”  Well . . . if we come to church broken hearted, damaged, discouraged . . . just as we are, and we receive CHRIST . . . we become new creations! We won’t be the same anymore because old things will pass away!  We still won’t be perfect . . . but CHRIST has made us new!  Behold!  All things have become new! Which means all of our ways become new.  The way we talk, walk, dress . . . the way we live our life is new!

     To sum it up!  There is no verse that says “come as you are,” however, we must understand that GOD wants us to come just as we are . . . and it has nothing to do with what you are wearing!  In fact . . . it has nothing to do with your appearance at all!  It’s all about the condition of your heart!  In CHRIST you are new!  So . . . you may come to the LORD as you are, but you are not suppose to stay that way!  My mentor has always said, “Let them come as they are, but by the Word of GOD, let them leave as the person HE has called them to be!”

     Come to the place of repentance just as you are, and let CHRIST make you new!  I pray that you were able to read this whole SOD!  I know I “SAP” (Sneak-A-Preach)

Actions Speak Louder - Matthew 21:28-31b

“What do you think?  There was a man who had two sons.  He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard.” “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.  “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing.  He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go.  “Which of the two did what the father wanted?”  “The first,” they answered.

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     In the case of these two sons, we can see that actions of obedience speak louder than the words of the disobedient!  Don’t say “Yes LORD” if you don’t do!  Although the first son said no, his actions were “Yes Father!”  Sometimes it takes a minute to realize the FATHER is right!  Initially we say no . . . we want to be left alone . . . but then, the Holy Spirit works on our heart.  And even though we said no at first, our actions say “Yes LORD!”.  Then there are those times when we are all excited about something, and we give our word to do what we said we will do, but somehow we end up not acting on that excitement!  We shouted “Yes LORD” and HE is still waiting on our action!

Words without actions are just sentences!

Have A Heart For GOD!

Apology Accepted - Matthew 6:12 (KJV)

And forgive us or debts, as we forgive our debtors.

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     A few months back, someone came to me and said they wanted to apologize to me.  I had no idea why they felt the need to apologize, but they explained that they had a slight feeling of hatred against me, yet they didn’t know why.  Now at this point, I could have allowed the flesh to take over, but that is not what the LORD require of us!  When the person asked, “Can you forgive me?” I responded with, “Can you forgive me?”  Of course this was a shock to the person, but I went on to explain that, even though I did not know you felt that way, I should have been aware of the feelings of those around me!  So, as the person was apologizing to me, verse 12 came to mind.  We want GOD to forgive us, therefore we must forgive one another!  Verse 15 goes on to say this, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your FATHER forgive your trespasses.”  That day, we both accepted each other’s apology!

Don’t hold your forgiveness as a bondage over someone!  Accept their apology and offer them yours!

GPS For Life - Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV)

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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     With the two pillars of cloud and fire, GOD lead HIS people out of the land of slavery.  By cloud and fire, GOD protected HIS people from battle.  By these pillars, GOD’s people witness a clear path between two walls of water and traveled the journey on dry land!  GOD made a way for HIS people then,  and HE makes away for HIS people today!  They traveled by GPS and we should travel by GPS!  GPS keeps us on the right path.  It keeps us safe and sheltered during the day and keeps us safe and warm during the night! GOD’s Powerful Sovereignty (GPS) accurate and safe for life  . . . all we have to do is follow it!

GODLY Growth - 1 Corinthians 3:7

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only GOD, who makes things grow.

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     This verse is powerful, yet very humbling!  No man can grow a church!  No man can grow a ministry!  When you think about it . . . we can’t even grow a child or a rose!  I suppose that’s why GOD’s Word tells us to train a child . . .  not grow a child!  We can plant and we can water, but only GOD can make things grow.  Therefore, if no growth is taking place . . . it is not in GOD’s Will!  Even when I look back on the times when I was at my worst, I can see where there was GODLY growth taken place.  I remember those who came along and worked the soil (my heart), then planted the Word (JESUS) in my life.  Then there were those who watered (Sunday School, Real Sermons, and Bible Study) to help me understand!  But it is GOD who gives us growth! It is GOD who grows everything from the mustard seed to the Holy Spirit that dwells within us! 

Can you recognize the GODLY growth in your life today!!

Shelf Your Self - Romans 12:11-13

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fevor, serving the LORD.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with GOD’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

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     JESUS said that the greatest commandment is to “Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” then HE said, “And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matthew 22:37, 39).  In order to keep the zeal and serve the LORD and HIS people, we must deny selfish gratification and seek to serve with spiritual fevor!  We must shelf our “self!”  In other words . . . when you see someone’s needs . . . shelf what you are doing and serve!  When GOD tells you to serve . . . shelf your “self” and obey HIS Word!  You may be on the roof-top and building a mansion with your own two hands, but if you look down and see someone who needs help below . . . shelf your “self” and serve!  Oh!  Be sure to put your “self” on the bottom shelf . . .  so everyone can reach you!  A key ingredient in serving is availability, and of course the greatest ingredient is to Love the LORD our GOD!

Whisper Of The Heart - Psalm 25:16-18

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.  Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.

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(A Prayer)

LORD,

We send YOU a whisper from our hearts!  The voice of our heart is low and weary, but we know that YOU can hear our every thought loud and clear!  We bring all of our burdens to YOU, because we know that YOUR yoke is easy!  That which we cannot understand we lay before YOU and all that we cannot control we turn over to YOU!  Please strengthen us this day.  Let us feel YOUR Love embrace us.  Pull us close to YOU and let us feel YOUR liberty!  And we ask for our Great GOD to please hear our small whisper of the heart. . . In the power of YOUR Son's name . . . Amen!

Shhhhhhh . . . GOD is ready to answer your whisper! Be still, and know that HE is GOD! (Psalm 46:10)

Shepherding HIS Flock - John 21:16

Again JESUS said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, LORD, you know that I love you.” JESUS said, “Take care of my sheep.”

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Family,

     This verse is part of JESUS reinstating Peter (John 21:15-25).  JESUS asked Peter three times, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”  each time Peter responded with the same answer “Yes!” Please note that the key word in each command is “MY!”  JESUS has not given up claim to HIS flock, HE is telling Peter to feed and take care of the flock!  As shepherds we do not have our own flock . . . we are entrusted to take care of HIS flock!  In other words . . . no one has their own congregation and no one can own a church (body of believers)!  We all belong to the LORD, and HE has asked HIS shepherds, “Child of GOD, do you truly love me?”  If the answer is “Yes LORD!”, then feed and take care of HIS flock! 

     Now to the flock . . . we are still suppose to be orderly and respect those GOD has put in the position to lead HIS body of believers!  We should not be like sheep who have gone astray . . . simply because we choose not to obey!  Everything has a balance and GOD is of order! Amen.

Feeding Your Mind - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

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     It is safe to say that all of our minds wonder off from time to time!  We think about stuff that makes no sense, or really doesn’t have any beneficial merit!  Our minds can go places our bodies can’t!  I will say that again . . . Our minds can go places our bodies can’t . . . therefore we must be very careful what we allow to entertain our minds.  Where we allow our minds to feast is where our hearts will be filled!  So let your mind feast on the Word of GOD so that your heart will be filled with the Word of GOD!  Verse 8 is telling us to think of the GODLY things!  When your mind is on the good things of the LORD, you will receive a peace of GOD that transcends all understanding!

Living With A Sound Mind!

What Flows From Your Mouth - James 3:10-11

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

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     What flows from your mouth?  Is it praise or cursing!  Is it blessings or gossip!  Is it life or death!  Are you speaking words of encouragement or discouragement!  Is it fresh water or salt water!  Do you find yourself cursing on the way to church, then after entering the doors began to “Get your praise on!  James is saying, this should not be!  We must try harder to keep what flows from our mouths righteous and edifying!

Question: What flows from your mouth? Answer: Whatever is swimming in your heart!

Sticking With The Blueprint - Matthew 28:18-20

And JESUS came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to ME in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

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     JESUS left us with a Blueprint.  By HIS authority, HE gave us a clear blueprint to follow!  And I love how HIS blueprint is laid out.  1) GO!, we can’t just sit in the pews!  HE commanded us to GO! 2) Make disciples!  We are to pray for workers, but JESUS told us to make disciples. 3) Baptize in the name of the FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT! It is the Trinity that we must baptize in! 4)Teach the observance of all things JESUS commanded!

     The basics of the Blueprint is to “GO, Make, Baptize, and Teach!”  So how does our focus transfer to bigger buildings, elaborate sanctuaries, huge podiums made of glass, 200 inch TV screens, etc?  All these things should only be by-products of sticking with the Blueprint.  Of course you need a larger space for people to come in and worship, but JESUS said GO make disciples.  And we will need more people to work the programs and ministries, but JESUS said GO make disciples.  Yes, I know it takes more money to take care of bigger churches (worship centers), but again, JESUS said to GO make disciples!  Instead of spending years trying to make good worshipers, great workers, and dedicated givers . . . pray that GOD lead us in making disciples.  Because GODLY disciples love to worship!  They look forward to the opportunity to work for the Kingdom!  And believe it or not . . . GODLY disciples are dedicated givers, not only of tithes, but also with their time and talent(s)!  Let’s stick with the Blueprint!

More Than Promises - Psalm 73:25-26 (KJV)

Whom have I in heaven but THEE?  And there is none upon earth that I desire beside THEE.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but GOD is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

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Family,

Are we Christians because the LORD has prepared a place for us? Are we Christians because we are promised to become heirs in HIS Kingdom?  Maybe some of us are Christians because GOD promised we will be more than conquerors!  Here is the bigger questions!  Are we Christians because of the promises?  Or are we Christians because of the Promise Keeper?  See, in the flesh my heart will lose site of HIS promises, but in GOD I will find strength and my portion forever.  Just being a child of GOD is all we need, yet HE is so much more!  We know that we can rely on HIS promises, and the best promise to remember is when HE said, “I AM That I AM” (Exodus 3:14).  GOD is more than promises . . . HE is our everything . . . our strength and our portion forever!  Amen!