Money & Power - 1 Timothy 6:9-11 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Timothy 6:9-11 (NIV)

“Money & Power”

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

-------------------------------------

Isn’t there a song that says, “For the love of money . . . !”  Isn’t is said, “Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy the things that make you happy!” Is there anyone out there chasing the “All Mighty Dollar!” It seems that “Money makes the world go round”  I could go on and on about the love of money!  We all have seen someone who is focused on “Stacking That Paper” (I couldn’t resist)!  

A few days ago someone reference the bible as saying money is evil.  And of course . . . we can see that the bible did not say money is evil!  The bible tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  The love of money will make the heart fall into temptation and foolish desires! Someone may think that more money gives more power, and this is somewhat true!  The love of money will give satan the power of influence over your life!  He will influence you to do all kinds of foolish things!  Some people, eager for money will lower their standards, morales and values for a bigger bank account!

Some people start out with the love of money, and others fall in love with money!  Either way, the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil!  My dad would always tell me, “Son . . . all money ain’t good money!”   Now that’s sound advice to keep you from falling into the trap of foolish schemes to make that “Fast Money!”  Mo Money . . . Mo Problems is because the love is for money and not the LORD!

JESUS said, Seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”  The love of GOD is a root of all joy and happiness!  Which means, GOD’s children can have money . . . we must be sure not to fall in love with the money!

Days Like This - Job 2:7-10 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Job 2:7-10 (NIV)

“Days Like This”

So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.  Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

--------------------------

We don’t have to think very far back on “Days Like This”  The bible is full of these kinds of days for all kinds of people (just and unjust)!  I can remember one of those first of many “Days Like This!”  I was a teenager and it seemed like everything was against me and my back was up against a brick wall.  I went home and plopped down on the sofa next to my grandmother and begin to tell her about all the issues, backstabbing, let downs and upsets that was happening in my day.  And after I got finished with all of it, she looked at me and said, “Baby, there will always be Days Like This”  Then she asked me a question, “How long are you going to listen to the enemy?”  Of course I did not understand what she was saying then, but I fully understand it now!

Satan wanted Job to lash out at GOD!  I don’t know if it was out of love, or frustration, but Job’s wife wanted him to lash out at GOD.  I’m sure she felt that death would be better than the pain he was going through!  I’m sure some of us have had those days when we thought death would be better than the pain we were going through!  But Job held on to his integrity and would not listen to the enemy!  See the enemy was not his wife, it is the doubt that sets in our mind that makes us feel like dying!  Satan doesn’t care how or why we give up . . . he just wants us to give up!  Keep your integrity and accept the “Days Like This” 

Just as there are some bad days in your life, there is always good days in the LORD!  Job continued to believe in GOD through it all!  So just keep on believing! When my grandmother asked that question . . . I got up off the sofa and continued on with my day!  Days Like This, will come again . . . but how long are you going to listen to the enemy? 

You Are Beautiful - Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

“You Are Beautiful”

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

----------------------------------------------

Someone needs to know this today!  Regardless of your gender, race or the size of your faith!  Know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!  Look past the tattoos, the piercings and the clothes . . . you are fearfully and wonderfully made!  Someone may have looked at themselves this morning and made the determination that GOD made a mistake . . . but you should look past the skin-deep results and see the inmost being of what GOD has created in you.  Someone may have looked in the mirror this morning and only saw the signs of aging, but GOD created a beauty in you that is eternal!  Don’t compare yourself with the cover of a magazine . . . because you are covered by the blood of CHRIST!  Don’t compare yourself to the latest commercial that is trying to sale a pair of jeans, cologne, or beverage!  And don’t let the word “beauty” be a barrier for gender!  When GOD looks down on HIS children . . . HE sees beautiful men and women that HE knitted together in the mother’s wombs!

To be fearfully and wonderfully made by GOD is not an entitlement to brag, but it is a very humbling and amazing feeling to know that GOD did not rush when HE was creating you!  We were not an afterthought to GOD!  You may not have the looks or height that you want!  But you must know that GOD has given you everything that is needed to fulfill HIS purpose in your life!

So smile for the camera . . . GOD is always taking a picture of you!  Look towards the heaven and say “Grace & Mercy!” with a beautiful smile!

You Can't Hide - Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

“You Can’t Hide”

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

------------------------------------------

O.K.!  Don’t let this scare you . . . but GOD is everywhere!  HE is omnipresent.  “Omni” is a combining form meaning “all,” used in the formation of compound words!  Therefore GOD is all-ways around!  Our FATHER is omniscient, meaning HE is all knowing!  Our FATHER is omnipotent, meaning HIS power is all-mighty!  Who wouldn’t want to serve a GOD like HIM . . . unless they are trying to hide something!  When we try to run from GOD or keep the evil desires of our heart from GOD, we try to hide behind the small gods . . . the dead gods! 

GOD’s presence is everywhere!  HIS knowledge is infinite, and HIS power is almighty!  We can’t even hide our thoughts from HIM!  We can try and hide in the darkest place . . . and HE can still see!  Listen!  Trying to hide anything from GOD will only cause you grief and stress, because HE already knows!  HE tells us that we can lay everything before HIM!  So . . . when you take all your cares and prayers to the altar . . . don’t be surprised when HE ask . . . “What are you hiding?”  Trust me, GOD doesn’t ask because HE doesn’t know!  HE ask to let you know that you can’t hide!

Show all of yourself to an All-time GOD!

Seeing The Unseen - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Seeing The Unseen

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

---------------------------------------------

Has anyone ever seen the wind?  Not things that fly around in the wind, but actually seeing the wind before you.  Even though we can see what direction it is coming from . . . based on the direction the debris or trash is blowing, but without any notice . . . it can change directions on us!  Has anyone ever seen “trouble”?  Not what trouble can cause . . . but actually seen “trouble” come your way!  Just like the wind . . . trouble will knock you around!  Hit you from all sides without you knowing which direction it is coming from! 

But also like the wind, trouble is only for awhile!  We see the results of the winds and troubles, but we should rely on the promises unseen!  We see what the world has to offer, but we have to rely on what GOD’s Word tells us!  You may see broken relationships, death of a love one, financial burdens . . . But GOD!  Whatever it is you see (not imagine) . . . whatever that problem is!  You can fix your eyes on the hills from which cometh your help and say “But GOD” Make it personal and say, “But My GOD will SEE Me Through!”

Here is some good advice! 

1.       See your problems . . . but don’t stare at them! 

2.       Work through your problems . . . but don’t live in them! 

3.       Trust in the unseen promises of GOD . . . and know that HE will take care of you!

Show & Tell - Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
"Show & Tell"

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.

-------------------------------------------

This request is very transparent!  It's not as if GOD cannot already see your heart, but to make the request for HIM to inspect the heart is powerful!  How many of us are truly willing to show GOD every room of our hearts and their thoughts! 

If we submit ourselves to the LORD and ask HIM to inspect our hearts and minds . . . HE will tell us what is pure and HE will lead us in the way everlasting!

What Do You See - Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day
Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)
"What Do You See"

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
-------------------------------------------------------
 "I'm looking at the man in the mirror . . . I'm asking him to change his ways", is a very powerful lyric that was sung by a very good singer.  But what do you say when you look at your reflection?  Have you ever taken the time to look into your own eyes?  It can be a very truthful and intimate moment.  No matter what you think about yourself or what others say about you . . . it is that moment when you see your own reflection of your own eyes, you truly understand who you are and what kind of heart you have!  To get a very clear reflection, pray this simple prayer before you look into the mirror.  "LORD, show me . . . me and let me see your truth"

Your heart already knows who you are . . . and whose you are!  What do you see!

Tour Guide - John 16:13 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

John 16:13 (NIV)

“Tour Guide”

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

------------------------------------------------

If you move to a new country or maybe just go on a vacation. . . it may be helpful if you have a tour guide!  Not just someone hired to drive you around, but a tour guide who knows the area and the people!  A tour guide who could truthfully answer all your questions, because they have seen it all take place first-hand.  A good tour guide is able to tell you what is around the corner or two streets over.  You should never have to worry about a good tour guide saying, “I think we are lost!” or “Didn’t see that coming!”  Now, a personal tour guide will even take the time to learn and understand you!  They will be able to tailor the places you go. 

JESUS said that when HE departed to go back to the FATHER, that HE would send the Spirit of truth to guide us.  Someone who will not speak on his own, but speak what the FATHER says!  When JESUS is your Savior and Lord, you have the Holy Spirit as your personal tour guide!  Whatever your question is about the FATHER, the Holy Spirit of truth will give you the right answer, because HE was there when the beginning took place!  HE knows what you need and where you should go!  As a Christian, it is not your intuition or your hindsight that told you to do right!  It is the Holy Spirit that guides you out of darkness and into righteousness.

Accept JESUS and let the tour begin! (read John 3:3-6; John 3:16; Romans 10:9-11)

Share a sentence with the name JESUS in it this weekend!

Tap-Out - James 4:7 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

James 4:7 (KJV)

“Tap-Out”

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

----------------------------------

A lot of us, men and women, have been trying to wrestle with temptations, setbacks, disappointments, and everything else that satan has been throwing at us!  Satan is constantly trying to put us in a choke-hold (bondage) to get us to tap-out!  It may be a job choke-hold, financial choke-hold, or a relationship choke-hold!  Not only does satan want to pin us down, but he wants us to tap-out and give up!  In the ultimate fighting match . . . once the opponent lifts their arm and bring it down to tap-out . . . they are giving the victory over.

Well family . . . we cannot give up on GOD and we cannot give in to satan!  Yes, the temptations, setbacks, disappointments and everything else is going to happen!  In fact, many of these situations will put us flat on our backs, with satan chocking and smiling at us!  But while you are down, but not counted out . . . and you feel like giving up, lift your hand off  the situation!  Raise your hand high in the air!  Satan will assume the choke-hold has overcome you and you are ready to tap-out!  But instead of dropping your hands for the tap-out . . . keep them lifted high and say “LORD I love YOU!  LORD I need YOU!”  See . . . as you begin to submit yourself to the LORD, you begin to resist the devil’s choke-hold!  And by the name of JESUS, satan will have to flee! 

I keep telling ya’ll . . . we confuse the enemy when we praise GOD . . . in all situations!  I know someone has a testimony or at least an Amen!!!

In the name of JESUS, please don't tap-out!  The battle may seem long, and there may be very few results in between.  But just know that the battle is not yours soldier . . . keep on fighting for the LORD!  Let HIM see your commitment to righteousness and keep on resisting the devil!  Keep praising HIM in advance . . . for the victory is already won!

Love Sincerely

Rank & Grade - Romans 12:16 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 12:16 (NIV)

“Rank & Grade”

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.

-------------------------------------------------------------

On just about every military/government form there is a block called “Rank/Grade”.  “Rank” is the title that is associated with what you have accomplished and “grade” is associated with your entitlements (same across all military/government agencies).  For example, an O-6 (grade) in the Army is called Colonel (rank) and an O-6 (grade) in the Navy is called Captain (rank).  Different titles, but same grade and entitlements.  In many cases if an Army person sees a Navy Captain . . . they may address that rank as Colonel!  It is not done to disrespect the O-6, nor does it reduces the entitlements, but that is the rank they can identify with. 

In many of our churches there are titles, positions etc.  Sometimes it is hard to keep up with all of them (at least for me).  But the one thing that helps me associate all of GOD’s people with the same grade . . . regardless of their title is “Salvation”  Which gives all of us the title of “Brother & Sister”  We can have accomplished-titles like Dr, deacon, minister, pastor, etc . . . but as Christians . . . we should be easily identified as “Brother & Sister”.  It is by this kind of association that we can live in harmony with one another!

If someone walks up to us on Sunday and says, “Good morning brother/sister!”  We should not pull out all of our accomplishments to correct them on our title . . . simply reply back with, “Good morning to you my brother/sister”.  This is not to say the title, positions, etc. in the church, or anywhere else should not be respected, but as Christians we should be able to associate each other as a Brother or Sister in CHRIST!  Besides . . . we are all soldiers in the Army of the LORD!  Through salvation we are all called a brother or sister of CHRIST!  Trust me . . . I don’t think JESUS is going to address any of us by our titles . . . HE is on first name basis!

I wonder if any of the Pharisees corrected JESUS when HE addressed them as “brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34)

Disclaimer:  This is not directed at any particular church or individual!  It is directed to all my brothers and sisters in CHRIST!  As it has always been said, “If the shoe doesn’t fit . . . it’s not for you!”  or something like that! 

Rejoice in HIS Blessing My Brothers & Sisters in CHRIST!

A Better Peace

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 17:1 (NIV)

“A Better Peace”

Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

----------------------------------------------

This one is simple and plain!  It is better to have a reliable car that will get you from point A to point B, than to have a high-dollar sports car that is well outside of your budget and requires constant maintenance!  It is better to live in a small home full of love, than it is to have a huge house full of strife!  Believe it or not, it is better to have a small peace in the quite arms of GOD, than it is to feast in the lap of luxury full of sin!

There is a better peace in the arms of the LORD!  It is truly a peace that surpasses all understanding!  There may be a lot of things going on in your house, but you can ask GOD to bring peace and quiet in to your home!  Invite HIM in and live in a better peace!

A Better Nobody - Proverbs 12:9 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Proverbs 12:9 (NIV)

“A Better Nobody”

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

---------------------------------

I’d rather be a nobody to the world and be my best for the LORD.  I do not want to be everything to the world, yet be of no good to the kingdom of GOD!  I don’t want to be a good football player that happens to be a Christian . . . I want to be a Christian that happens to be a football player!  I don’t want to be a great chef that happens to be a Christian, but I want to be a Christian that happens to be a chef.  Lots of times we are more of something (person) that is big in the world, but does very little for the kingdom of GOD.  What good is it to be known as wealthy, but have no food in the pantry!  Isn’t it better to be known as a servant of the LORD, and live in the benefits of HIS glory!

To GOD Be The Glory!

Open Heart Surgery - Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)

“Open Heart Surgery”

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

------------------------------------------------------------------

     The heart is pretty important!  It is a pump and a filter that circulates blood to every part of the body! A bad heart leads to bad health and even death.  A heart of stone does not beat, therefore it cannot pump or filter the blood through the body!  GOD is telling the house of Israel that HE will replace their heart of stone, that does not keep HIS decrees and laws, with a heart of flesh and put HIS Spirit in them!

    Will you allow GOD to perform an Open Heart Surgery on your life?  HE can take our cold stone-hearted ways and replace them with a warm spirit-filled heart!  HE takes the heart of “Self” out of us and replaces it with a part of HIMSELF!  GOD’s Open Heart Surgery takes you from a place of doomed death and fills you with the promise of eternal life!  Accept JESUS today and let your next surgery be an open heart filled with the HOLY SPIRIT!

     Don’t be scared . . . GOD has NEVER lost a patient!  All you have to say is, “Create in me a clean heart, O GOD, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).  We can't perform open heart surgery on ourself!  But we can put ourselves in the hands of GOD!  If HE can create man, HE can change a heart! 

Keep Your Word - Ecclesiates 5:4-5 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (NKJV)

“Keep Your Word”

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools.  Pay what you have vowed — Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

------------------------------------------

In a moment of passion, excitement and sometimes confusion, people will make a promise to someone or themselves with full intentions to honor it!  It is safe to say that most of our promises are made with our emotions leading the way!  You see it in the movies all the time!  With bullets flying everywhere, someone will say, “I promise not to let anything happen to you!”  This is usually said during an emotional part of the movie to make someone feel safe or ease their suffering! 

In an emotional state, we will make all kinds of promises to GOD, with full intentions to honor them . . . later! Go head!  Finish this one, “LORD . . . if you get me out of this, I promise to . . .” We promise to stop drinking, smoking, fornicating, lying, stealing, etc.  if GOD would just help us one more time!  In that moment, we have full intention to keep our word, but GOD knows our hearts!  HE doesn’t want us to make emotional promises!  HE wants us to keep our word!  Make the promise to GOD before you pick up the drink . . . before you light the cigarette . . . before you get in the bed with someone who is not your spouse . . . before you open your mouth to lie. . . before you take what is not yours!  Make the promise before, and “Keep Your Word”

Yes it is hard, but in the name of JESUS it is possible!  All things are possible through CHRIST who gives us strength! Because it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay!

Prophe-Lie - 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)

“Prophe-Lie”

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

---------------------------------------------------------

One of the ten commandments tells us that we are not suppose to take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain.  We always look at this in reference to we should not use curse words with the name of the LORD in them!  As if to say all the other curse words are O.K.  All of us are intelligent enough to speak, argue, discuss, etc. without using curse words.  So let’s tame our mouths and control our hearts!  Using GOD’s name in vain goes much deeper than our word choices!  It’s about misusing HIS name for our own gain!

We cannot claim “GOD said” something if HE didn’t!  That’s called Prophe-Lying!  I can’t walk up to someone and say, “GOD told me to punch you in the face!”  No matter what that person has done to me . . . we all know that GOD doesn’t tell us to take revenge . . . because HE said vengeance is HIS!  Therefore I would have used HIS name in vain for my own gain!  Someone may ask the question, “How can I tell if it is a Prophe-Lie?”  I’m glad you asked!  Know HIM by knowing HIS Word!  When you know GOD’s Word . . . you know what GOD is saying to you and through you!  When someone claims to know when JESUS is coming back or when the world will end!  They are Prophe-Lying!  Because GOD’s Word said no man knows the time of HIS return!

We must be careful not to try and put our words in GOD’s name, but let HIM put every word in our hearts before we speak or prophesied!  It is a gift, so don’t abuse it!

Love Sincerely

For Your Own Good - Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)

“For Your Own Good”

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

-------------------------------------------------------

     This verse reminds me of the phrase, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” It seemed really strange when my parents would say this while they were holding the belt or switch (There were no “Time-Outs” for us).  How was it going to hurt them more when I was the one on the other end of the belt!  Or when they put me on restriction, they would say something like, “We are doing this because we love you! It’s for your own good”  Again, I was thinking, “You have a strange way of showing your love!”  I was confined to my room for a week, and I was suppose to believe it is love, and for my own good that I am being rebuked and/or chasten!

     It didn’t make sense until I was a parent myself!  If I didn’t love my children, I would not care what they were doing!  Sometimes as parents, we don’t rebuke or chasten our children for the fear of they will not love us back!  Because the old phrases of “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you!” or “We are doing this because we love you!”  didn’t make sense to us then, we don’t want to do the same thing to our children now.  Most people that I talk to about this will always tell me how grateful they are that their parents were consistent!  They didn’t fully understand it then, but now they appreciate how their parents held them accountable!  I have also heard grown people blame who they are on the fact that their parents didn’t rebuke bad behavior!  Because there was no accountability . . . there were no boundaries.

     How much more does our FATHER in heaven love us?  Therefore HE is consistent in HIS rebuke and chasten with us!  We may not understand why, but we can be sure that it breaks the FATHER’s heart when we decide to sin against HIM.  We can also be sure that HE disciplines us, because HE loves us . . . even when we don’t love HIM back for it.  We must know that HIS consistency will make us better!  In fact, it is for our own good that HE corrects us (In a loving way).

Love Sincerely

In Too Deep - 2 Samuel 22:17-18 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Samuel 22:17-18 (NIV)

“In Too Deep”

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

----------------------------------------------------

      Are you in a situation that has you in too deep?  You’ve treaded water as long as you can, and now you find yourself sinking deeper and deeper!  You are not drowning . . . just sinking!  No matter what direction you turn . . . you find yourself in too deep!  You try to swim up out of it on your own, but you have been down so long that you don’t even realize that you are swimming in the wrong direction . . . away from the light!  Instead of being lifted up, it seems you are only breaking down!  You are trying very hard to save yourself from the deep end, but your struggle is resulting in falling in too deep!

     It can be finances, relationships, school work, reputation, etc. that has you in too deep, and as they say . . . “You can’t find any breathing room”  Take this moment to lift your eyes to the hills from where your help cometh!  Take this moment to turn your head in the direction that the LORD leadth HIS children into righteousness!  Take this moment to lift your hands and your heart to the Savior and say, “LORD, I am in too deep, and I need you to save me!”  HE who sits high will reach down and take hold of you!  HE will draw you out of the deep waters of finances, bad/broken relationships, confusion, and false accusations!  From your worst enemy (sometimes yourself) . . . HE will rescue you!

Take this weekend to reach out to someone and reach up to GOD!  You will be surprised at the connection, and who GOD will pull out from the deep!

Have A Blessed Weekend &  Sing GOD A Song!