HE Is Omniscient - Acts 15:18 (KJV)

Scripture of the Day

Acts 15:18 (KJV)

“HE Is Omniscient”

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

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The word “Om-nis-cient” means having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding of all things.  Going back to the automobile . . . if I design an automobile to have all the things I want in it, I will have a general knowledge of what I want.  I may have to bring in different experts, but I would have a general knowledge.  But the expert who developed the fuel injection knows everything about it.  The expert that developed the suspension knows everything about it.  There may be an expert on each of the parts, but they may only have limited knowledge on everything else!  But GOD, who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them knows everything about everything!  HE is aware of all things with full understanding of the capability!  HE knows just how much you can bear!

I know a few folks who think they know it all, but I serve the GOD who truly knows it all!  I always say, there is nothing in the world that can happen and GOD will say, “Didn’t see that coming!”  Check this out  . . . GOD can’t even hide knowledge from HIMSELF!  HE is the only One who knows the end!  If you want to know what GOD thinks about something . . . you should ask HIM!  HE has all the answers!

Have A Blessed 3-Day Weekend! Remember, “Yesterday,” “Today,” and “Tomorrow”

HE Is Omnipresent - Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

“HE Is Omnipresent”

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

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The word “Om-ni-pres-ent” means present everywhere at the same time.  GOD is not at the beginning, and then race to the end before you get there . . . HE is the beginning and the end at the same time.  HE is the beginning, the middle and the end at the same time.  GOD is the bookends to everything!  When HE promised that HE would never leave us nor forsake us . . . we can believe HIM because of HIS omnipresent attribute!  No man or angel can claim this attribute!  Not even the wind can be everywhere at the same time!  Think about it . . . not even the air can claim this attribute throughout the universe!  Only our Omnipresent GOD can claim to be everywhere at the exact same time!  From the highest mountain to the deepest sea, HE is there!  No matter where you are right now . . . GOD is there with you just as HE is here with me . . . at the same time!  I don’t know about you, but this is very comforting to know!  Because HE is everywhere, HE knows where we are, and where we are going!

Who can be greater than the GOD we serve?  No one!

HE Is Omnipotent - Jeremiah 32:17-18 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Jeremiah 32:17-18 (NIV)

“Omnipotent”

                                 

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. ¹⁸ You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers’ sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty,

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This word “Om-nip-o-tent” means almighty or infinite in power.  In Genesis 1:1, GOD is identifying HIMSELF as Omnipotent with, “In the beginning . . . “  This should help us understand GOD was there before we began!  Therefore HE is our beginning!  The passage above describes just how powerful HE is!  HE is the creator of everything and in full control of everything.  Man can develop something or build something and then lose control of it . . . But GOD, who created everything, is always in control!  Think about the automobile.  Man built the automobile, yet he cannot control what another man does behind the wheel!  We can put laws in place, restrict the lawbreakers, yet we cannot control what a man will do behind the wheel!  Nothing happens without GOD’s permission and HIS knowing!  GOD is always in control of what happens behind the “Will”  HE can make a rock cry out!  HE can make a donkey speak!  HE can make a mountain move! 

I know I will never be able to understand all the reasons why GOD does what HE does, but I have full faith that HE is always in control.  Don’t limit HIS power to your reality, but understand that HIS power is unlimited in HIS Truth!  GOD doesn’t rely on man for anything . . . but man should rely on GOD for everything!  What A Mighty GOD We Serve!

3-Day Week - Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Scripture of The Day

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

“Three Day Week”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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Although there are 7 days in a week, Christians should acknowledge these 3 days!  The first is “Yesterday”!  I take what I learned from it, but never try to live in it.  What was yesterday is now a part of my testimony.  Don’t let yesterday hold you back!  Always move on to “Today”!  This is the day that the LORD has made for us to live in.  What does “Today” mean to you?  GOD wakes us up “Today” so that we can continue to do HIS will!  That is why I love “Today!” and I hope for “Tomorrow” We can hope for tomorrow and the joy it brings, but it is only by the Will of GOD that they turn into another “Today”

Thank GOD for “Yesterday”, Rejoice In HIS Blessings “Today”, and keep hope for “Tomorrow”

Be Blessed In Your 3-Day Week!

Pray For Me - 1 Kings 13:6 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Kings 13:6 (NIV)

“Pray For Me”

Then the king said to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored and became as it was before.

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In verses 4-5, the man of GOD was crying our against the altar at Bethel and when the king stretched out his hand against this righteous man of GOD, the king’s hand shriveled.  Stand on righteousness, and those who come against you will have to shrivel in their unrighteous ways.  Not even the king could stand against the righteous man of GOD.

When the king saw his hand, he asked the man of GOD to pray for him!  How many feel that they can’t pray for their enemy?  When someone is trying to come against you, pray for them and ask others to pray for you!  Trust me . . . sometimes it will take the prayers of others to keep you faithful in your prayers for others.

This SOD is to encourage all of us, that no matter what our position is . . . we must never hesitate to ask the righteous man or woman of GOD to “Pray For Me”  And on the other side, don’t think that because someone is the president, pastor, minister, choir director, etc . . . they don’t need your prayers!  The enemy wants to take off the head to see a nation die, a church die, a ministry die, and a song in your heart die!  I am not ashamed to ask the righteous to “Pray For Me”

Finally, there is healing in the prayer of the righteous that is lift up HIS name. “The prayers of a righteous man avails much”  Just as the king’s hand was restored, so can your relationships, finances, health and faith!  You “Pray For Me!” and I will continue to pray for you!

Love Sincerely

Stamp of Approval - 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

“Stamp Of Approval”

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

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This is for those who feel underappreciated!  Honestly, you can truly feel unappreciated in the eyes of man when doing what GOD has for you.  If someone meets you today for the first time, they will not know who you were in the past . . . therefore they cannot appreciate how far you have come!  I love to hear the stories of how some churches got started.  In fact, that is one of the first things I will ask a pastor of a church!  Many times I get the response of “If you only knew!”  Many pastors started out with no paycheck or facility . . . just the hope and faith in GOD.  It’s amazing because I’ve never heard a pastor say anything about the church starting in a huge million dollar facility, with a 100-member choir and brand new bibles for everyone!  No, it started with a call from GOD (that most pastors try to avoid at first), then it moved into vision.  It was a worship service in the basement, garage, breakroom, local school, etc.  The pastor had to sing in the choir, while directing! The pastor would have to share the resources.  But by faith in GOD, they have been blessed! You can see the excitement in their face as they come to the end of the story of how GOD has brought the church so far! Now after 15-20 years, new members walk in the doors of the church and expect more, not realizing where the church had come from!  And it is the same in our everyday lives.  People expect more of who they see of us, instead of appreciating who we have become in CHRIST!

We must do our best for GOD’s approval!  HE alone knows just how far you have come . . . and HE alone knows just how far you will go!  Your church may be small, your bank account may be low, your family may be struggling . . . but do the best you can for GOD's Stamp of Approval!  At the end of the day, it doesn’t even matter what you feel!  It is all about GOD’s Stamp of Approval!  Has HE seen your best for today!  I repeat . . . has HE seen your best for today! I don’t know about “The best is yet to come”, because I want to give my best today . . . and pray that tomorrow is even better!  You will never be ashamed for giving GOD your best!

Rejoice In HIS Blessing Today!

Note to pastors:  Tell the story of what GOD has done!  It’s great to have it posted on your church website!  But let them hear it from your mouth every once in awhile!

In Place - Genesis 44:32-34 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Genesis 44:32-34 (NIV)

“In Place”

Your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father. I said, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!’  “Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father.”

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Judah had guaranteed his father that he would bring back the youngest son of Israel, and if he didn’t stay true to his word, he would carry the blame for the rest of his life (see Genesis 43:9).  When the time came to keep his word, Judah was ready to take the position of slave In Place of his youngest brother.  He could not face his father if it came down to loosing the young brother!

That is a powerful testimony of Judah!  He was willing to take the place of suffering on behalf of his brother.  It didn’t matter if his youngest brother was accurately accused or not!  Judah gave his word and he was going to keep it!  Who are you willing to suffer In Place of?  Will you suffer In Place of your spouse?  Will you suffer In Place of your children?  Will you suffer In Place of your church?  Will you suffer In Place of your community?

We find it hard enough to suffer In Place of ourselves, but let me share with you how JESUS suffered In Place of us!  HE guaranteed HIS FATHER that HE would not just die for the older saints, but for the youngest ones too!  When sin and death was asking for us, JESUS claimed us as HIS own and HE guaranteed HIS FATHER that none would have to perish!  It didn’t matter to JESUS is we were accurately accused of sin (which we are!).  Hallelujah! JESUS was able to return to the FATHER with joy, for HE died In Place of all, so that we could return to the FATHER!

I Love JESUS!

Do You Have Change - Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV)

“Do You Have Change”

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

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The other day a man asked me did I have change for a dollar.  I was thinking to myself, “Who needs change for a dollar?  Vending machines all take dollars now!”  And of course GOD used that as a teaching moment!  The man asked if I had change and my response (in my mind) was “who needs change”  See what we think in our minds is already on our heart! 

When GOD says it’s time for a new season . . . Do You Have Change!  When someone comes to you in accountability and encourage you to stop doing what you already know is wrong . . . Do You Have Change!  When your spouse share their concerns with the direction of your marriage . . . Do You Have Change!  When the streets call you every night to live in sin and GOD wants you to stop . . . Do You Have Change!

One thing I have learned in many years of teaching GOD’s Word is, you must have change!  Understand, GOD’s Word will never change, but it should cause us to change!  If you claim to be a Christian, yet there is no change in your life . . . repent.  I have met several people who profess that they have been walking with the LORD for a long time and they don’t see the need for change.  This phrase has fallen off the lips of many, “I am not changing for nobody!”  Well saint, will you change for the LORD?  Has HE done enough already to cause a change or do you need HIM to do more than die for your sins!  Do You Have Change!  Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  If something has gone from old to new . . . there should be evidence of change! Your talk must change.  Your walk must change.  Do You Have Change!

P.S.  It is not your responsibility to change folks!  It is your responsibility to give the Gospel that changes folks!  You can't change your spouse.  You can't change your kids.  You can't change your pastor.  You can't change your friends.  But you can change your mind and heart to give HIS Word in love, so that it may change the world!

You Are Important - Matthew 6:25-26 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 6:25-26 (NIV)

“You Are Important”

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

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I always preach and teach to be obedient to GOD . . . even when it seems strange!  For GOD knows exactly what HE wants you to do and why HE wants you to do it.  So although this one may not be for everyone today, I pray in the name of JESUS it reaches exactly who needs it!

Whatever you are going through . . . DON’T DO IT!  You have let worrying bring you to the point of devaluing life itself!  The very life you have is because JESUS did the dying already!  JESUS didn’t die for your sin because you asked, HE died for your sins because HE loves!  You Are Important!  Whatever you are going through . . . please know that You Are Important to GOD!  I pray that GOD leads you to the arms of guidance and understanding!  It is not the color of your eyes, the shape of your waist, the length of your hair . . . it is you!  GOD says you are important to HIM.  It is not your job, the house, the cars or the status that you should be concerned with loosing . . . know that these things will pass away, but the love of GOD is forever.  What you have lost can be returned ten-fold if you have faith the size of a mustard seed!  Please pray . . . just talk to GOD!  Find a place to shout and cry out to HIM!  Cast it all at HIS feet! Let GOD lead you to the right person!  In the name of JESUS, live for HIM and don’t die for self!  You Are Important To GOD!

If GOD loves people, we as Christians must love people!  Again, GOD put this heavy on my heart this morning!  I spend almost an hour in traffic every morning and HE would not let me come out of prayer for whoever it may be.  I don’t know your name, but GOD is looking at you right now!  HE directed me to write . . . and HE has directed you to read!  Now believe that HE is real, and You Are Important!

You Are Important!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)

You belong to GOD, and HE doesn't make mistakes.  HE has a great purpose for us.  HE knows the plans HE has for us!  If you don't understand any of this, just hold on and wait with hope!  Don't wait in sorrow!  Be encouraged by GOD's grace.  Confess with your mouth, "JESUS is LORD," and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead and you will be saved!  You must believe you are saved!  You were bought with a price and kept for a purpose!  Please seek Godly counseling at a healthy church. 

LORD, we petition on behalf of the lonely, the hungry, the hurting, the abused, and the lost!  Let them know that YOU have deemed them to be important.  Let them know that they are loved by YOU!  Give them a healthy spiritual outlet!  A place where they can rest in your arms.  Give them loved-ones and friends who will be there to listen without judgment.  Let the ministry of empathy be the agenda of those who serve YOUR sheep!  Clothe us in comfort and peace.  Protect us from the seen and unseen dangers of this world and ourselves!  If there is one who has not accepted salvation, please lead them to Romans 10:9-10, so that they may be justified and saved!  It is in the matchless name of JESUS we pray, Amen!

Ministry of Empathy - 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)

“Ministry of Empathy”

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

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Many of you have heard me say that the Ministry of Listening is very powerful!  When we listen, we can process the needs of those who are hurting, sick, and lost!  This will help you identify what prayers and petitions to bring before the FATHER!  If someone is sick in their body physically, you would not fervently pray for their car to be paid off! By listening, you would know that they are concerned with their family’s strength to carry on without them! You would pray for their peace that surpasses all understanding!  You would pray for every doctor and nurse!  You would pray in the Holy Spirit, because you were listening in the Holy Spirit!

The same is true with the Ministry of Empathy.  The official definition of empathy is, the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another. Plan and simple, empathy is to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.  You may not be able to completely understand what someone is going through, but with an empathetic heart . . . you will still be able to listen with spiritual ears.  Of course, I have never gone through giving birth to a child . . . but with an empathetic heart . . . I can listen with spiritual ears and lift prayers on behalf of my sisters in pain!  There are many trials and tribulations that I have not experienced yet . . . but that doesn’t mean I can’t be empathetic towards my brothers and sisters.  Too often, we will blame folks for their mistakes without realizing it could have been us!  It could be us going through a financial burden, or a marital separation, or the sick child, or locked behind bars!  I could be me or you in the same situation!  Wouldn’t you want someone to listen with empathy?

Every last one of us have the potential of Ministering through empathy!  Here is a key, when someone is in need of you listening, let them be able to look into the face of empathy!  Be true to the commandment of “Love thy neighbor as thyself”  How hard would you be on yourself in a time of need?  If JESUS could have empathy for us (read definition again), then we can have empathy for one another!

Let’s Pray For One Another

World Class Wrestler - Psalm 13:2 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 13:2 (NIV)

“World Class Wrestler”

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

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Sometimes I am a world-class wrestler!  I find myself spending too much time wrestling with the things of this world!  I wrestle with my finances.  I wrestle with time management!  I wrestle with fleshly desires!  Sometimes . . . I even wrestle with my walk in the LORD!  And I don’t think that I am the only world-class wrestler!  Because, when I look around . . . is see others being pinned to the mat as well!  Wrestling with some of the same things!  It’s as if satan throws the scared cat in the shower with us and watch us wrestle and scratch our way out!

When I get caught up in wrestling with this world, my heart grows full of sorrow!  Believe it or not . . . sorrow can be a Christians enemy!  We are suppose to rejoice . . . yet after a few rounds, we are exhausted and full of sorrow!  How long will the enemy triumph over us!  We must give up our title as the World Class Wrestler and become a Spirit Filled Warrior!  When the world grabs hold of you and tries to wrestle you to the ground . . . get as close as you can to the edge of the ring, because GOD will have HIS hand out for you!  And when HE steps into the ring . . . it’s over!

If you don’t watch wrestling . . . you probably won’t get this one!  But if you have been wrestling with the things of this world . . . you know exactly what I am saying!

Don't Look At Me - 1 Timothy 16:7 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)

“Don’t Look At Me”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

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No matter how beautiful a woman is or how handsome a man is . . . if you look at them long enough, you will start seeing their flaws!  Many times we assume someone is a wonderful person because of their good looks, and other times we don’t give people a chance, because we are looking at their physical appearance as being too tall, too round, too short or too thin!  We see a short person (like me), and we automatically think that they can’t reach the top shelf!  When we see a really tall youth, we automatically think they are clumsy!  Because of what our eyes see, we automatically consider someone to be great or decide in our own eyes that they are worthless!

Don’t Look At Me, because you will see a sinner who is not worthy of tying the laces of our Savior’s sandals!  Don’t Look At Me, because you will see a filthy rag praying for GOD to clean the mess!  Don’t Look At Me, because you will assume I have no reason to give GOD all the glory and praise HE is due!  Don’t Look At Me and see my physical appearance, but ask GOD to let you see my heart!

If you look at my heart, you will see that I am a sinner saved by GOD because HE says I’m worth it!  If you look at my heart, you will see a filthy rag that has been cleaned white as snow!  If you look at my heart, you will see that I can’t help but praise GOD for all the wonderful things HE has done in my life!  If you look at my heart, you will see exactly what GOD sees!  And that’s all that should matter!

The next time you see someone, Don’t look at them, but look at their heart

Raise Your Hand First - 1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV)

“Raise Your Hand First”

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

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I often here the question of, “If I question GOD, am I a true Christian?”  I would say that it is the true Christian that ask questions.  If a Christian can live in this world and never ask the question “Why LORD?”  I would question their walk with HIM!  Even if I walk down a long road with a stranger . . . eventually one of us will ask a question!  I tell my sons all the time, “The best way to get an answer, is to ask a question”  Teachers always say, “The only dumb question is the question not asked!”  When we go to GOD in prayer . . . we thank HIM and we petition to HIM . . . and we ask HIM questions!  HE already knows the questions you have . . . but HE wants you to Raise Your Hand First!

In school, before you could ask a question, the teacher would say, “Raise your hand first, before asking a question”  Before we ask GOD a question, we should raise our hand first!  Raise your hand and praise HIM!  Worship HIM in the Spirit and in truth!  Raise your hand and glorify HIS name, for HE will answer all your questions and satisfy the desires of a righteous heart!

No, you are not less of a Christian if you go to the FATHER with a question!  Moses asked questions, Gideon asked questions, and true Christians ask questions!  Just remember to Raise Your Hand First . . . then ask your question!

Keeping It Real - Romans 3:7 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Romans 3:7 (NIV)

“Keeping It Real”

Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?”

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True story!  Several years ago during a class I was taking, me and this woman were talking.  Of course, the conversation about GOD came up and when she said that she was a Christian it took me by surprise!  Not because she had dreads, and always wore hip-hop T-shirts.  Nor was it the fact that her pants were always sagging!  But it took me by surprise because of the way she was always acting and her choice of words that she used in class.  She would always tell us that she was just keeping it real!  I immediately started to pray!  I have learned that if we pray over a situation, we are less likely to judge the situation!  I really wanted the conversation to end, but she asked me how old did I think she was, and I said mid-forties!  She was surprised, because most people give her a much younger age but I was correct.  I am still hoping that the conversation would end, but she kept talking.  Then she said, “You know I keep it real!” and my response was, “How are you keeping it real”  She said, I know all the latest music that the kids listen too, I dress like them, I talk like them, and this helps me connect with them and keep it real!”  I am still praying for GOD to give me the words to say.  So I asked her this question, “From Christian to Christian . . . is it better for us to keep it true or keep it real?”  At this point, she was no longer talking loud.  I went on to say that GOD calls us to be true and not to live in our own reality.  HE wants us to be true to HIM, be true to others, and be true to ourselves!  At this point, she was no speaking at all.  I explained that her reality of keeping it real was to bring herself (an adult) down to the level of a teenager, instead of bringing teenagers up to the level of adulthood.  As I was still praying and speaking I told her, “The truth is you are a forty year old wife and mother, not the guru of hip-hop”

The break was over and we had to go back into class.  Everyone was asking her why she was so quiet.  I was still praying for the situation, because I had no idea how it was going to turn out and we still had several weeks of class!  The next week, she told me that she shared our conversation with her husband, and to her surprise . . . he agreed with me and they had a conversation about it.  She still have dreads and loves her music, but she no longer tries to keep it real!  Now she is being true!  She could no longer be false in her ways and claim to be a Christian to glorify GOD!  I praised GOD for such a wonderful testimony . . . because her husband is pretty big!

Keeping it Real, has allowed satan to creep into leadership positions in the church!  And as long as the membership is growing, and the tithing is plenty, they don’t see anything be wrong with bending a little and keeping it real!  We want to keep it real for the youth, so now we allow hip-hop sounds and dances to come from the pulpit!  Don’t get me wrong, I love praise dance ministry, but there should be no “crazy-leg” or “dropping it like it hot”.  I appreciate gospel rap, but that does not mean we should be getting “Crunk” in the pulpit or the choir!  We cannot replace bible study with a domino tournaments and try to sneak a little Word in on them!  We are starting to use the term “Becoming Non-Traditional” to cover up replacing the things that GOD said is True.  Yes, most traditions are man-made, but the commandments of GOD are true!  Let’s be true to GOD, to each other, and to ourselves!

No Earthly Good - Luke 10:30-31 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Luke 10:30-31 (NKJV)

“No Earthly Good”

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

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We cannot be so heavenly bound (focused), that we become no earthly good!  We cannot be so full of holy-self that we don’t live spirit-filled lives!  Sometimes we don’t want to be seen talking to the broken hearted prostitute because of what someone may say, or we feel we are above that! Some will think to themselves, “They are too lost anyway!”  Some of us won’t even smile at a homeless person because we think it’s their fault they have to live like that or it is their misfortune! Note:  Be careful . . . we are all just one situation away from being there ourselves!  We all are living under the grace of GOD!  Some of us will not speak to a drunk because they smell awful, but our sins carry the same stench to the nose of our FATHER!  We need HIS forgiveness, there for we should be able to forgive the smell of the drunk and give of ourselves!

Please note that I said “Some of us” not “All of us”  However, we all have been charged by the authority of JESUS to reach and teach the lost!  For we were once lost!  I didn’t get to where I am by myself.  Someone invested their time to show me, not just tell me . . . but showed me how much GOD loves us!  Don’t let the pulpit or any other platform/position get you so heavenly bound that you are no earthly good!

Let’s Live with Godly Kingdom Thinking!

Tuff Love - Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

“Tuff Love”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

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O.K. Yesterday I was mentioning “I’m not there yet” when it comes to turning the other cheek and passing the hard test!  But this one is super tuff for a lot of us!  Back in the old testament you could love your neighbor and hate your enemy! And again, JESUS gives us another tuff challenge in the new testament!  Still, HE did not ask us to do anything that HE had not already done or was willing to do HIMSELF!  JESUS was fully aware of HIS enemies and HE knew exactly what they wanted to do to HIM, yet HE loved!  HE loved HIS enemies, HE blessed those who cursed HIM, HE did good to those who hated HIM, and HE prayed for those who persecuted HIM!

It takes “Tuff Love” to do what JESUS did! It has to be a love that is as solid as a rock! Tuff enough to weather all storms!  Tuff enough to endure the enemies hatred!  Listen, it has to be a love tuff enough to withstand the hurt of those you love . . . even the ones in the “Church!”  As I always say, “I’m not telling you what I heard . . . I am telling you what I know!”  It takes “Tuff Love” to do what JESUS is asking us to do, and it is only by the grace of GOD that we can do it! I thank GOD that my wife and children have a "Tuff Love" for me.

Give Someone a little “Tuff Love”  This weekend.

Is This A Test - Matthew 5:38-41 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

Matthew 5:38-41 (NKJV)

“Is This A Test”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

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Yeah!  Another one of those, “I know what the bible says . . . but I’m not there yet!”  Have you been in any situation where you had to fall on the double-edge sword?  You know that you are right, and you know that they are wrong, but for the sake of being the “Good Christian” you turn the other cheek! 

This is definitely one of those that I use to say, “I’m not there yet!”  But then I think of all the things JESUS did!  Remember what I always say, “It’s not what would JESUS do (WWJD), but what DID JESUS do (WDJD), because HE did it all!  Before JESUS asked us to do something, HE was willing to do it HIMSELF!  HE took the slander, and the wicked stares, and the torn flesh, and the spilt blood!  HE literally took the slap and turned the other cheek!  I'm so glad that HE didn’t look towards the FATHER when HE was on the cross and said, “I’m not there yet!” and got down!

So the next time you find yourself wanting to retaliate towards the things someone has done, don’t respond with “I’m not there yet!” But ask the question, “LORD, is this a test?” 

Rejoice In The Testimony Today

Like a Warm Blanket - 1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

Scripture of the Day

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV)

“Like A Warm Blanket”

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

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As the sun begins to go down over the ocean, a mom sits on a little wall that divides the cabin area and the shores.  She has had a frustrating day!  This vacation has been full of headaches for her.  The children were on their worst behavior today, and the husband single focus was to get to the golf course before daybreak.  But now she finds herself sitting on the “Dock of the Bay”, watching the tides roll away!  As she starts to find that peaceful place . . . the children seem to be stampeding from behind, the husband is yelling for them to wait for him, and she finds herself dropping her head and clinching to anticipate the impact of it all.  She prays to herself, “LORD, I have had it with them . . . “ and before she could get the rest out, the children throw a blanket over her shoulders and the husband presents flowers and a “Thank You” card.  She is overwhelmed by the love and she finishes her prayer with, “LORD thank you for the love the covers me like a warm blanket”. 

It doesn’t matter if you sin or someone else sins against you!  Love will cover a multitude of sins . . . even the ones from those bad kids!

Be Blessed In Your Day!

What A Life - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

“What A Life”

I have been crucified with CHRIST and I no longer live, but CHRIST lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the SON of GOD, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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How many of us can truly say “I have been crucified with CHRIST and I no longer live for myself, but CHRIST now lives in me”  When we no longer live in the flesh (do our best), we begin to act different!  We begin to talk and think different!  I for one can say that it is a better way of living!  In fact, it is the only Way of living!

Now we don’t have the choice to just dump the body we have and give ourselves a human make-over, but the life we live in this body, can be lived by the faith of the SON of GOD who is in us by the Holy Spirit!  The world expects you to achieve a certain physical look to be called wonderful! But living in the faith of JESUS, we are fearfully and wonderfully made!  Live a life for GOD!  Live a life for CHRIST who loved us more than enough to give HIS very life for you!

Rejoice In The Life HE Gives!