Organic

I read a story about a guy who decided to eat all organic meat for 30 days and see if he felt the difference. He ate and ate and noticed nothing on the 30th day he had a BBQ and went out and bought non-organic meat. He took one bite and got sick enough to throw it up.

I say that to say sometimes we don't feel the work God has in us. We go to church then we go to small groups or life teams and we may not always feel like God is transforming us. What is going on on the inside is not always immediately manifested on the outside. It may take you being exposed to what you thought was good for you to realize how sick it really was.


Just a thought....

Wicked blessings

I woke up this morning with an extra pep in my step and I read Psalm 73. How many of us have felt this way?

Psalm 73:1-9 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I [was] envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For [there are] no pangs in their death, But their strength [is] firm. They [are] not in trouble [as other] men, Nor are they plagued like [other] men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them [like] a garment. Their eyes bulge [fn] with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.

I have felt that. Here I am doing all I can when those who don't seek after God seem to have everything. Then Asaph and us snap back to reality verse 21 - 28 says, Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I [was] so foolish and ignorant; I was [like] a beast before You. Nevertheless I [am] continually with You; You hold [me] by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me [to] glory. Whom have I in heaven [but You]? And [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; [But] God [is] the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

I hope this is a blessing God loves us and He blesses us by simply being. I love you be blessed

God and the Necklace

I was just in my sisters bathroom looking on the counter at this 14 ct gold necklace with an anchor chain that I had since I was 15. I mean I wore this necklace everyday! I gave her the chain a month back and here it was lying in makeup and hair ties.

I started to feel hurt until I thought about God, then I smiled. Here God gave is His only son and we put Him amongst out obligations and desires. He is supposed to be close to our heart, where He is easily accessible and seen, yet me take Him off so to speak when we desire putting Him on during special occasions; trials, tribulations,and hard times.

I also smiled because it being where it is, on the counter amongst the things she uses daily. She wears it often and keeps it handy. I think we do that with God too, we keep Him handy among the things we do often. So I challenge you today take God off the counter and wear Him boldly so you can feel Him against your heart and others can see Him upon you. Be blessed

A Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I don't know what the person who is reading this is going through but I just ask you to touch their hearts and lives. Your word says in Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus so we stand on that promise so I ask father that you work out situations so that your glory may be seen. Touch hearts and change lives and allow you presence to be so strong within us so we may be a beacon for your love. Father bring people out of situation, sustain them through difficult times, reiterate your vision for them. "Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20,21. We thank you Father in advance for what you have for prepared, and we will walk in that which you have said not by what we see. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

What are you going to harvest?

I was talking to a friend of mine about farming. You see when farmers plant a seed they go out, check on it, water it, cultivate it, and give it room to grow. They do this because they are expecting a harvest.

So I ask you what are the seeds in your life? Your friends, family, relationships, finances, work, or church. How are you watering these seeds, I sometimes personally water my seeds with the word of God, but also with a little doubt, impatience, stress, worry, anger even jealousy.

A true farmer would only water his seeds with the best. He goes out of his way to make sure the soil is just so even making sure the blend of nutrients in the water in compatible for the seed. Then he cultivates this is hard back breaking work bending over in the hot sun to weed! I will pass, I mean I really do from time to time, pass I mean. Sometimes relationships get hard, work gets boring and I really want that new pair of shoes rather than practicing discipline.

Oh, but the harvest! Farmers look forward to this the part where they see the fruits of their labor, well so do we. Yet we get disappointed with the fruit is small or has few seeds. We need to be more disciplined I need to be more disciplined so that my harvest will be plentiful. So I ask you what are your seeds and based on how you tend to them what do you expect to grow?

Something Funny to start off the Week

The Plop

There was once a Canadian bird who decided he didn’t want to fly south for the winter. He decided it was nonsense to go all the way down south when he could just stay right where he was at. So he stayed behind. Well after awhile, it got kind of cold. Finally, he could take it no more and decided to fly south after all. As he was flying through the air, ice began to form on his wings to the point where he could no longer fly so he glided down and landed in a barnyard.

So here is the bird, he’s half frozen in a barnyard and at the point of death. About that time along comes a cow who walks right over the bird and drops a "plop" on him. Now the bird is really disgusted. He’s half frozen, dying, and now he has this "plop" on him. After a short time though, the ice begins to melt off of the bird. He starts to get warm under that "plop." He begins to think to himself, "It’s getting warm. I’m going to live! I’m going to live!" Then right there underneath that "plop" he starts to sing little bird songs> He’s now happy once again.

About that time a cat comes along and hears this noise coming from underneath this "plop." He moves the stuff off the bird and eats the bird.

There are three morals to the story:

1. Not everyone who drops a "plop" on you is necessarily your enemy
2. Not everyone who moves it off of you is necessarily your friend
3. And if someone does drop a "plop" on you, keep your mouth shut.

Stop Putting God in a Box

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

We look at this and we dream up all the things we would like to do, we even get together and agree in prayer that it will be done. We may however, look back and feel as if God is not holding this scripture to be true in our lives. So here is a thought, maybe, just maybe God do exceedingly above all you can ask, or think means that God will give you what you don't even know you want yet.

Example there may be someone who wants to be a chef, they believe in their heart that that is what they are meant to be. God may close the door to culinary school and open up a teaching opportunity. The teacher changes lives of who he teaches and is very fulfilled. This example could be switched as well. The point of the matter is God is even bigger than our ideas.

Psalms 94:11 states The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. We are such a right now people God knows our thoughts and that they are vain, temporary and based on our senses. So next time you look at what seems to be an unanswered prayer look at the need behind that prayer, I guarantee you it is being met or has been met. If you want comfort, it may not have been the way you wanted it or from the person you wanted it from, but was it received? Will you be received when God asks you to move in someones life.

Lets change the way we see things and lets take God out of the box. God bless.

Word Study: Diligence

Main Entry:1dil·i·gence Listen to the pronunciation of 1diligencePronunciation: \ˈdi-lə-jən(t)s\ Function:noun Etymology:Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin diligentia, from diligent-, diligensDate:14th century 1 a: persevering application : assiduity bobsolete : speed, haste2: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)


Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

2 Cor 8:17 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Tim 4:19 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.


Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all (legally expected or required of a person); for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give (legally expected or required of a person) that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with (legally expected or required of a person); he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

2 Cor 8:17 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all (legally expected or required of a person), and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Tim 4:19 Do thy (legally expected or required of a person) to come shortly unto me:

2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all (legally expected or required of a person), add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all (legally expected or required of a person) to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

What does God legally expect or require of us?

Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment.
Mark 12:31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.


Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself); for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Luke 12:58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself) that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself); he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

2 Cor 8:17 Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself), and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also.

2 Tim 4:19 Do thy (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself) to come shortly unto me:


Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself) to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.


2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself), add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;


Main Entry:vir·tue Listen to the pronunciation of virtue Pronunciation: \ˈvər-(ˌ)chü\ Function:noun Etymology:Middle English vertu, virtu, from Anglo-French, from Latin virtut-, virtus strength, manliness, virtue, from vir man — more at virile Date:13th century
1 a: conformity to a standard of right : morality b: a particular moral excellence2plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy3: a beneficial quality or power of a thing4: manly strength or courage : valor5: a commendable quality or trait : merit6: a capacity to act : potency7: chastity especially in a woman
— vir·tue·less Listen to the pronunciation of virtueless \-(ˌ)chü-ləs\ adjective
— by virtue of or in virtue of
: through the force of : by authority of


2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all (love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself), add to your faith (a capacity to act); and to (a capacity to act) knowledge;

God Provides

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

This is just a reminder that God provides all of our needs according to HIS riches and glory, in HIS fathers house there are many mansions not many rooms but many mansions. He has so much to pour out on us. So lets stand in agreement and say this prayer.

Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy thank you for being a glorious God. I stand on your word today that you will supply all my needs. I thank you in advance because your word doesn't lie. I wont stress or worry instead I will obey your word in Philipians 4:8 which says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." Thank you for everything that you have done, are doing and will do in my life. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen

Something to Lift your Friday =)

I love this song it is so powerful!

Say What?

Gen 1:27 "So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

Romans 4:17 "(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

Gen 1:3 "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

Good Morning, my message today is simple and sweet. The bible says that we were made in Gods likeness and image, it also says that greater works than Jesus did we would do. The bible tells us to speak things that are not as though they were, so we have the power to call things into manifestation in our lives. I used the first verse because God spake things into exsistance. Now people say easier said than done, well saying is the first step. The bible says in you confess with your mouth, than believe in your heart. You need to speak and continue to speak until your heart is moved and when your heart is moved you will be unstoppable because the enemy will not be able to stand you. He wont be able to come against you, when you can speak his demise. Start changing the way you speak and be blessed.

Spiritual Forecasting

Pastor Benny came to the office and this is what he taught on.

How to be able to forecast the movement of the Holy Spirit.
We need to change location 2 Kings 6:1 "And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us." Your current dwelling place may be too small. It may mean to change physical location in your life or something spiritual. Be free from limitations. Are the people around you limiting your faith or vision that God has for you? The time has come for your vision to be free.

Even people who love you can limit you. You have to move when God tells you, don't get so comfortable that you dont recognize the spiritual season change. You will feel limits throughout your life that is proof of growth, create new ways to push the limits.

When God calls you
1.Move out - how long is your season?
God may send you some where and the season may be for the rest of your life.
2. Make sure your under the right leadership - who is your spiritual guider?
Isaiah 38:19 "The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I [do] this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth."
Fathers give children truth
You can still get truth from a dead father (books, cd's)
Jeremiah 7:18 "The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead [their] dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger."
Fathers kindle the fire, fathers always light your heart
You may have multiple spiritual fathers
Every move of God is a stream, find yours
Study in your stream, some are called to teach a certain message, it is not for everyone to teach the same message

Something Funny

Created by GOD or Child of GOD

Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD: And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together."

Growing up we all heard the happy songs and stories that told us we are all GOD's children. The Bible however tells us different, we are all created by God of course but in order to be children of GOD we have to be led by His spirit. Now there are a lot of us who are saved out there who aren't walking in spirit led lives. I don't want to be just another creation I want God to know me as His child.

Being a child of God has perks, you get to be an heir. An heir is a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another. I want to inherit the state of GOD with Christ. Now the not so pretty side is that in order to inherit your blessings you have to suffer with Christ. Now I don't mean the trials you go through for being disobedient I mean when you are being persecuted for who you are. I write this because it is important for me that the people I love become children of GOD. Life is but for a moment but the decisions you make effect you into eternity. If you know people who are creations of GOD talk to them about becoming children of GOD before its to late.

Set me Free

Are you willing to go through for your breakthrough?

We are more than conquers

In order to be a conquer there must be something to overcome. 1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:" We should not be surprised when we face trials in fact we should rejoice because His glory will be reveled.
Some trials however are personal 1 Peter 4:15 "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters." We may not have been a murder, or thief but at one time or another we have been actively involved in someone else's business. Trials are always temporary. Psalms 30:5 "For His anger [is but for] a moment, His favor [is for] life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy [comes] in the morning." Even if God allows us to go through something out of His anger its only for a moment. Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You [are] with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." You do not stop and build a house in a trial it is something that constantly pushes you forward. You are not alone in your trial for God is=2 0with you and His rod and staff is a comfort to you.
Trials have a purpose Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose." and the reason we go through trials is explained in Philippians 3:10 "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death," God uses trials to get closer to us. How much more fervently do we seek God when we are going through. How often does He hear from us when all is well?

Romans 8:37-39 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." We are hypernikaō (More than conquers) through Christ. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God, not even trials.

Keep in mind there are trials in every success story, some are long, some are intense, and some are dark. What are you willing to go through for your breakthrough?

Well its not Really Sin.........

Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried [him] out, and buried [him]. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Reading this people make think the sin was that Ananias and Sapphira didn't give there all. When really it was that they lied about what they gave. Had they come and said here is our offering that we have to give that would have been fine but they instead were trying to make it seem like they gave their all. There are so many of us who walk around like, "I'm OK God knows my heart", or "I do the best that I can." I have to challenge you on that today are you really doing your best? Please remember as I am speaking to you I am speaking to me.

Let me be transparent for a moment. My problem is justifiable sin. Its OK to watch TV for a few hours I have been with God all day. When God has told me to set apart time for Him. Its OK to spend this money on this and that when I know I haven't paid my tithes FIRST. Now I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with watching TV but there is a problem with disobedience.

Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. " -Benjamin Franklin

Do you ever notice that when God is about to do something in you, your issues, sins and addictions start to creep up. The enemy tries to use the same thing he used last time to keep you where you are. So don't leave room for threats. If you are in a situation where there is gray area in your life that leaves an open door for the enemy to attack. It has to be all the way God or all the way the enemy. We in a spiritual battle I see it with my friend he is so close to getting everything God promised him. That's all I got, have a blessed day.

The Way We Speak

This is something that my friend and I have been talking about for a long time. Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all [fn] the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." "So God created man in His [own] image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Four times in these two verses God says He created three of those times He said he created us in His likeness. How does God create? Genesis 1:3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light." God creates by speaking.

Mark 11:22-23 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

God has given us the power and authority to move mountains. There is a fresh anointing that is falling and there are too many people on the sidelines watching. It is time to be apart of, it is time to get in the game. It is time to get things right with God and start speaking into the life of yourself and others. What I have started doing with my co-workers and friends is have them check the way I speak, because I speak things into existence. I need not say, I am so stressed I have to much to do, I replace that with All things work together for good for those who love God. It may seem petty and small but if you take the time out to start that habit not only does it build face but you will see the things you speak manifested in your life.

John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater [works] than these he will do, because I go to My Father." There is freedom in Christ from worry, sickness, and disease. We preach that, we sing it but it is time we start living it in our lives. I hope this provoked thought. Be blessed.

Your Period is for Someone Else

Mark 5:25-34 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

A minister at my church preached this message and it really touched my heart as I hope it will touch yours.

We make a difference, God said let there be light and there was light, He said He dwells in us and we were made in His image, the bible also says to speak things that are not as though they were. When God said let there be light, the light did not come until after God spoke. The woman with the issue of blood went and sought after man to heal her, when none of that worked she went to Jesus. She broke all the rules to get there, and she took control of her situation. She didn't need to talk to Jesus or to shake His hand by his very garment she knew she would be healed. Now after that incident as we see, down the line people began to follow suit, lining the streets just to touch the hem of Jesus garment.

The things we go through in life and overcome are not just for us, they pave the way for others who did not know that possibility. In Mark 5:34 the word says Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague period. She went through and was healed period. Think about the periods in your life and speak life into their transformation. If you got pregnant as a teen or know people who have speak over your children. My children will not be teen parents period. My children will not be victims of abuse period. I will wise period. I am successful period. Make a list and proclaim these things over your life. Think about the things you say, even playfully and began to speak life into yourself and others. Have a wonderful week. Be blessed.

Forbidden by the Holy Spirit

Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

When I read this last night it really stuck out to me, the fact that they (Paul and his men) were forbidden to do that which seemed right. They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit. We can look at two things here. 1. What are things are areas in your life where God has forbade you from working? 2. How does the Holy Spirit communicate with you so you will know wither it is Gods will that you are in one place or another. This hit home for me personally. I am the type of person who wants to save the world. I work for a ministry, I am in grad school, I am a part of real estate investing groups, a youth leader at my church and a part of the Big Brother Big Sister program. I am lucky if I get 8 hours of sleep a night and even though all this is fine and good, God has really been convicting me for doing to much. I find it is easy for me to hear the Holy Spirit when I surround myself with certain things. For me it is music, I love music it speaks to me, so when I am listening to my praise and worship music it is easier to hear what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be going.

Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

I know everyone has felt this way, you get somewhere in life, or an actual place and your like, yes this is perfect let me do this or that and the Spirit says no. This happens in many ways as well you might go out to your car, try to start it up and your battery is dead, you may get frustrated but God may have just used that dead battery to save you from the accident that would have been on the freeway.

I encourage you today and this week to listen for the direction of the Holy Spirit and heed to it. Be blessed.

Just to lift you Friday

God is Married to the Backslider

Growing up I always heard that God is married to the backslider what does that mean?

Jer 3:1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.

Under the law if you divorced and the wife married another man, you as the first husband could not marry her again. God said I will take you back despite what you have done.

Jer 3:2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.


Jer 3:3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.

You were marked and refused to be ashamed.

Jer 3:4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou [art] the guide of my youth?

Jer 3:5 Will he reserve [his anger] for ever? will he keep [it] to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

God wont keep His anger at bay forever.

Jer 3:6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen [that] which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.

The places of worship were established on the high places and in the groves. She went to the places that was supposed to be set aside for praise of God and did horrible acts there.

Jer 3:7 And I said after she had done all these [things], Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw [it].

God still called her back to Him.

Jer 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

Judah didn’t learn from Israel’s actions.

Jer 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.
Stones and stocks = idols

Jer 3:10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD.

Judah didn’t change with her whole heart but just with the service, the deep heart needs to be committed. Have a really made a true commitment to God or do I just love Him on the surface? God wants a full commitment of ourselves to Him. God turn my heart to you alone.

Jer 3:11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.

Israel justified her actions, don’t just go through the motions turn with your whole heart. Judah saw the example if Israel and did not turn.


Jer 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.

God is a forgiving and merciful God.

Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

Just confess your sins, confess and acknowledge that you are wrong.

Jer 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

God is married to the back slider.

Jer 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

God gives us pastors who will feed us with knowledge and understanding of God. God just wants us to come back to Him so He can delight in us.

Jer 3:16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit [it]; neither shall [that] be done any more.

We wont talk about the ark (we don’t talk about the ark) because we have the new covenant, Jesus blood covenant.


Jer 3:17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

We call Jerusalem the holy land and this is the most protected land among the nations.

Jer 3:18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Jer 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.

Jer 3:20 Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.

Jer 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping [and] supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, [and] they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jer 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

God will HEAL our backsliding.

Jer 3:23 Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for] from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.

Jer 3:24 For shame hath devoured the labour of our fathers from our youth; their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters.

Jer 3:25 We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

Endow Me

I believe I have the gift of spiritual wisdom. Do you believe in spiritual gifts? Do we all posses them? What are yours?

Skydiving

This past weekend I went sky diving. It was amazing I was strapped to a professional and we just dipped out of a plane at 15,000 feet. Now only the first 30 to 60 seconds were scary but once that parachute opened it was amazing to see the amazing works of God. The mountains and lakes, the terrain.

Well this is also how it is when you start truly walking in the things of God. At first its scary are people going to understand? Will your friends look at you differently? Once you get in the grove of it though you are truly able to see the beauty God has created.

A friend and I were talking the other day about how powerless we Christians have become. We conform in every aspect of our lives. We have been desensitized when it comes to sex, our idea toward drugs is that's you not me. Homosexuality is normal and everything is everyone else's fault.

You used to be able to tell the Christians by their works. John 14:12 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." I have yet to see Christians in the streets performing miracles and leading people to salvation. Where more than capable I guess the question is do we really want to.

You are supposed to be able to tell Christians by their works even now. I challenge you this week to look, really look at your self and say how can people tell I am a Christian, how can they tell that I am different. We are supposed to lead others to salvation but if you look like them how will they know you know the way?

"Christians"

Webster Dictionary Describes the word Christian as follows.

1Chris·tian Listen to the pronunciation of 1Christian
Pronunciation:
\ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Latin christianus, adjective & noun, from Greek christianos, from Christos
Date:
1526

1 a: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b

So I was thinking.......what makes a Christian a Christian? In the 60's even the 70's Christians were a people that were set apart, who choose to follow the teachings of God and abide by them. What is a Christian now? Someone who believes God? Someone who is baptized? Someone who goes to church? How can you tell if someone is a Christian? By the way they carry themselves? By where they go? By what they talk about? By who they surround themselves with?

Please don't think I'm getting on my soap box I'm talking to me too. I am a "Christian." I put it in parenthesis because to me that represents me being saved but living a life God convicted me of. I would listen to everything but Godly music all day, I would curse, I would be fast all things that I know God convicted me of but that I didn't want to give up. I think everyone has there own journey for some they may be so "Christian" that they gossip, or are judgmental, some are disobedient even in the little things God tells them to do. So lets look back up at the definition. A Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to profess. To profess means to declare in words or appearances only. We do a whole lot of professing not so much appearing.

Whats the difference between a "Christian" and a really nice atheist. Honestly nothing until they tell you. What should be the difference? Power. We are in a spiritual war. I find the closer I get to God and the more He elevates me, the more the enemy attacks, but Christians have power through the blood of Jesus Christ and the wisdom of His word. We don't want to be so lax that when we realize that we are in the heat of the battle not only do we have to find our weapon but when we do we don't know how to use it.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

That's a dangerous place to be with the theif who's purpose you know because our works are luke warm. I want to be piping hot!

For those looking for a fresh anointing read Acts it will get you pumped.
If you seek the voice of God read Joshua.
If you feel you have turned away from God and want to be hot again read Luke 15.
I hope I gave you something to think about. God Bless.

Middle of The Week Pick Me Up

This is hilarious!!

We Shall Overcome

Rev 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"

We are fighting a spiritual battle and God is raising up soldiers. He wants His people to have wealth, power and influence but the devil wants us Christians to be weak, afraid, and poor. Wither things go our way or not we overcame the world say we overcame not we may overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. When you see a movie you can't help but recommend it to someone else lets be that way about the things of God. Man that church service last night was great, I just got this new worship CD, man God has really been moving in my life.

We are quick to give reviews about the latest movie or song on the radio, but shy when it comes to talking about the things of God. We don't want to offend anyone or come off as high and mighty. How come it is okay to be Buddist, Hindu, Muslim, or any other religion, but if you truly start to walk in the things of God that's not acceptable.

Whats your testimony?
God Bless

Law vs. Grace

Is one sin greater than another?

My answer to this question is no.

There is only one sin that God will not forgive and that is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32 Anyone who blasphemes against me, the Son of Man, can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.). With that being said lets look at law vs. grace. In the old testament it was fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever anyone does to hurt another person must be paid back in kind. (Lev. 24:20)

Now under new testament law adultery is easily committed. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Mat 5:28) Through grace we are held to a higher standard because our sin is brought to our realization. We sin even if no one ever catches us. Ok then whats the point in living right? Well there are many benefits to seeking the kingdom. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Mat. 6:33) But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (Luke 6:35)

That's all I have today. =) God Bless

God and Seasons

Do you ever feel like your best ideas come to you while your in the shower? Well that's where I was when I thought about this. We have different seasons in our lives. We have the winter which is cold and wet, it stays dark longer than light and its necessary to ensure that the plant life is well watered. I love winter because it causes you to cover up just so you can stay warm. In winter most people gain weight because they don't want to go outside to work out and they eat warm hearty foods. Now spring is beautiful that's when you see the result of all the rain from the winter. Things start to bloom, things are colorful and exciting because it is almost exactly opposite of the cold, wet season that proceeded it. Fall is pretty amazing itself things gradually turn colors, there is a crispness in the air and things began to fall away literally. Summer is hot, people wear less clothes this time of year and are outside more. Its busy, wonderful, and exciting.

We have these seasons in our spiritual lives we have winters where we need to clothe ourselves more with the word and the things of God because it is cold outside in the world. In the winter we edify our bodies by eating hearty foods that will sustain and warm us.

Spring comes along and we began to see the fruits of our labor, while planting new seeds. This is an exciting time where we see the beauty of what God has given us. Anticipating the harvest for the next year.

Fall is a season where things fall away in our lives that are not like God its a season of pruning where only the strong survive.

Summer is a season where we wear less spiritually but are more active in the things of God.

Right now I am in a winter season. What season are you in?

Something to Lift your Friday =)

Good Morning Daddy

Yesterday I was talking to a friend about the way God looks at us. She felt as if God puts us through test and judges us. That to fear God means to literally fear Him. That was true with God in the old testament before we were able to have a relationship with Him. Now God looks at us and sees Himself in us. When I was talking about this I was reminded of my earthly father. He is so proud of me, when he talks about me he says, "Look at my baby girl she is so smart! 22 and in grad school." He never says, "Look at my baby girl 22 and in grad school! Which is really good considering her grades were never that good." Psalms 103:12 states, "As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us." He no longer sees our flaws.

I think God loves us how parents love their children He watches us get close to the fire sometimes after He has told us not to touch it. He lets us build and play with things and when they fall He offers some direction but He doesn't just do it for us. He chastises us but its like when your a kid and you do something wrong, you fear your parents punishment, you fear that spanking or time out. If you are moved by the love parents have for their children how much more does God love you. Your His favorite. So as you go through your day make sure you take time to say Hi to daddy.
God Bless

Resting In God

I was thinking about the term resting in God. What does that mean exactly well to me it means to be at peace and know that God is taking care of it. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord will all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path. So it is Wednesday the middle of the week rest in God let Him guide you once you get used to doing this life will go a lot smoother. God Bless

To worship you I live

On of my favorite songs.

No Limits

In church lately everyone has been talking about being radical for Jesus. Going out and performing miracles. What does that take? Being saved, having a relationship with God. Then why don't we do it. We have become so comfortable with making everyone comfortable that we become lax on our own beliefs. Do we really want to perform miracles? Do we want to give up our comfort? Peace? Freedom? Do we want to have people knocking on our door asking to be healed, asking how they can be saved, how they can have peace? In reality the answer is no. Once we come to grips with what we are willing to do and what we aren't willing to do once we are honest with ourselves we can lay it all at the feet of God and tell Him to have His way. What a grand gesture to say God even though I don't want to do this if you want me to do this then I will.

I was talking with a friend yesterday and we were talking about Isreal's song "No Limits." It struck me we want God to take the limits but what about the limits we have placed on Him in our lives. Lord I want a husband, but I don't want to give up sex. God I want to be financially free but I don't want to walk in my purpose. Lord I want the ram in the bush but I don't want to make the sacrifice. How are we having true faith in Him when we take no risks?

Be willing! God I am willing to be lonely for a time because you are my comforter, I'm willing to give up my job and walk in my calling because you are my provider, I'm willing to cut off this person/thing/situation because I know you will make a way. So today, this week, this year, this lifetime I want to encourage you to take the limits off.

God Bless.

We Prepare The Way

Good Morning, I dreamed about this post last night. Often times we treat God as a genie, "Dear Lord, bless me with....., guide me in ......, show me....." It is fine to pray this way but then what do we wait idle to hear God's voice? No we prepare. When you pray, when you ask God to bless you with something, or to take you somewhere or to show you something you need to get prepared.

Prayer requires action don't pray for healing agianst diabeties and eat burgers and fries all the time, don't pray that God delivers you from smoking then surround yourself with smokers, don't ask God to reveal new things to you when you have yet to act on the past things He has shown. I was talking to this lady at work yesterday about you walk in Christ when you are saved. This is what I said.

I have never stopped running the race for Christ, there were times in my life when I walked, times when I jogged, times when I ran and times where I had to sprint. When Im walking God is talking He may say for example pick up a bottle of water, OK I do that and continue on. He then says get a hoodie its going to get cold, well the cold is a way off so I will wait on that. He then says get a hoodie, and a pancho it is going to rain. It doesn't look like rain so I continue on my way. I hear the preacher speak a good word so I start to jog, then the anointing falls and I start to run. All the while God is adding to the list hoodie, pancho, boots, gloves.... Well at this point I start to get a little chilly and I start to see the approaching rain and I have to sprint to get all this stuff God has told me from the beginning to get. Because I waited sure I get a little cold, I get a little wet, but I never stop moving for the Lord.

I will leave you with this. I would rather be sprinting for God and have Him tell me I forgot something, then walk for Him and be caught in the rain. God bless have a good day.

Holy Spirit

The power of the Holy Spirit I know we have been talking about that a lot lately but it has just really been on my heart. Last night I was talking to my girls at church about being filled with the Holy Spirit along with spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues. All of my girls have been filled with the Holy Spirit since they were children so they took that level of relationship with God for granted. Not speaking in tongues often and not seeking God on that level.

Acts 2:1-4 states, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

On the day of Pentecost they began to speak with other tongues which is vital. When you speak in other tongues it says a lot to God. The first thing it says is that you are a vessel by which you want God to use. You are opening yourself up to be completely consumed by God. You are giving the Spirit room to do its job. The Spirit intercedes for you! How much more can God bless you if you just step aside from yourself and let the Holy Spirit move.

How can you get this? Well...

Acts 2:38 says, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Be blessed. Your God's favorite.

God Doesn't Forget

I was at work yesterday when the pastor came in and told us how he came to work for Benny Hinn ministries. When Pastor Benny Hinn was first starting out he needed somewhere to hold his meetings and no one would host this man who was doing these great miracles. Pastor Larry who was over a christian school at the time let Pastor Benny use his school. Years passed things changed and they lost touch. One vacation Pastor Larry and his family went to a crusade and Pastor Benny looked out and said to him God told me to hire you.

This just really blessed my soul. It reminded me that even if someone forgets what you do for them, its okay because God never forgets. So be encouraged be blessed that we serve a God who forgives our faults and remembers our good deeds.

The Holy Spirit

This week I have really been learning a lot about the Holy Spirit and His purpose in our lives. Ezekiel 36:26-27 says, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]." When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we are compelled to obey God. Wither or not we do is up to us entirely.

I was talking to a friend of mine who said she knows she need to get back into church but there are things in her life that she just doesn't want to give up right now. It is the Holy Spirit that compels her desire to give up sin but her nature to refuse it. Often the Holy Spirit will ask of us something out of our comfort zone or out of our fleshly desire and we have to choose wither or not to take that stand.

Acts 1:8 states, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

The Holy Spirit give us power it gives us the ability to have authority over the enemy. With this authority comes responsibility, we are to be witnesses. I must admit it has been a while since I've done street outreach, even my daily conversations need to improve. I find it very easy to talk to my friends I met at church and who I see almost everyday about the Holy Spirit but I rarely have conversations about the Holy Spirit when I talk to my friends from college.

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 says, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

What a blessing! The Holy Spirit guides us with direction from Christ. Through Him we know our purpose, through Him we can make wise decisions, through Him we can have what He has promised us it is freely given!

How do you get it? Well Luke 11:9-13 reads, "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Just ask God for it and He will give it to you.

Acts 2:38 says, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Peter instructs the church to repent, turn away from sin, be baptized which is symbolic of giving new birth dying to the world and being reborn in Christ Jesus and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So seek God be readily available to the things He has for you and watch as He transforms your life. Be blessed.

Healing

Today I just ask that you keep my friends Chad and Cinnamon in prayer. Chad has a blood clot that went to his lungs and is in the hospital. Please be radacle with your prayers we know God is able. I love Hillsong's song Healer the lyrics are:


You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

Pre-Chorus:

I trust in You
I trust in You

Chorus:

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

[Repeat Verse]

[Repeat Pre-Chorus}

[Chorus]

Bridge:

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

[Repeat]

[Chorus]

God bless you and have a great day.

Are you on the Jesus Christ Calling Plan?

Relationships

I was thinking about relationships yesterday, first you study the person you notice everything about them, then you began to show them things about yourself. Next thing you know your off to the honeymoon stage where everything is great and lovely. Then reality hits and things start to shift you have to began to work to understand the other person and to be understood.

This is also how it is being with Christ since we are in a relationship with him. As a new Christian we are in love, bubbly truly seeking Christ and showing Him parts of ourselves we think He hasn't seen. Then we get into the honey moon stage where you cant stop talking about Him. Then reality hits and things start to shift you have to began to work to understand God and you stop realizing He already knows you. You have to make your self study, you have to study His word and seek Him for answers.

The great thing is that in doing this you fall in love all over again. You start to notice the little amazing things He does in your life. How He goes out of His way for you. My parents have been married 23 years and my grandparents over 45 years and they have told us often that to reap the benefits of a happy, healthy marriage it takes work. So I encourage you today to go back to truly studying your first love make time for Him. He is amazing and He thinks your pretty amazing too.

Condemnation

Condemnation is one of the devils biggest tools its the one that tells you, your not good enough, you don't try hard enough and it leaves you feeling depressed long after you have been forgiven. It can lead to sadness, depression, even lack of sleep. Yes it is important to be convicted but condemnation is NOT of GOD. Lets look at the difference between condemnation and conviction.

Condemnation comes from Satan and is meant to tear you down. Condemnation continually points out what a failure you are, and how badly you've messed up. Condemnation is showing you the problem, but avoiding the solution.
Jesus did NOT come to condemn the world John 12:47 says, ""As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it." God comes to save not to tell us were failures. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,". Christ coming doesn't mean we wont sin it does mean however that we are delivered from sin. We are free to repent, grow, and move on. Satan on the other hand is KNOWN for accusing us.

Conviction is known in the Bible as Godly sorrow. God's Word tells us that Godly sorrow is what leads us to repentance. Conviction tells you, "Come to me... and I will forgive you!" Not only is God willing to forgive your sins, but He longs to do so! Isaiah 30:18, "Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." (NASB)
1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."
Romans 2:4, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
Conviction shows you the answer to your problem. Conviction shows you the blood of Jesus that wipes away your sins!

So today we have homework (only if you are 16 or older with an adults permission) I want you to get a piece of paper and tear it up so you can write on smaller pieces. Write down the things that have you condemned, or the things the devil tells you about yourself. Things like, "I cant believe you did that again, how are you supposed to minister now?" "You know you don't deserve this (gift, joy, happiness)look at all you have done." Write down the things you hold on to because you think God doesn't care because of your past sins. Write them down put this in a pie pan and lite them on fire. This is symbolic of letting it all go of giving it back to GOD. Sometimes we find it so easy to forgive others but we have a very hard time forgiving ourselves.

Fear

I read this blog http://cyndijustsayin.blogspot.com and it had a very interesting post on fear....

I remember a story someone told me of a missionary who wanted to prove the protecting power of God. This missionary went up to a man who was sick and frothing at the mouth. He wiped the foam off this man’s lips and smeared it on his own.
Sometimes death is imagined as a stalker who is forever following you. When you are a newborn or very old it is always breathing down your neck. And when something violent happens that is when it runs up to you when you are not thinking and you turn around startled at the fact that it came up on you so fast. What if we just stopped looking around our shoulders and face death? Not only face death but surprise the hell out of it and kiss it smack on the lips.
I hate fear. It’s a trap. We think that if we embrace it we will be protected and prepared for any evil that might befall us. But the truth is that fear kills you. It robs you. It hurts you. It makes you do dumb things. It is wisdom, prayer, knowledge and faith that protects, prepares and gives peace. My son sales home security systems. And I think the reason he is so crappy at it is because he is not a scary guy. He can’t tell a good horror story with a straight face if his life depended on it. He stands at the front doors of strangers and tells them, “since the recession crime has increased by twenty percent” and they feel no fear. Instead they invite him and offer him cookies and lemonade. If he let his hair grow out and braid it in cornrows and places his big foot on their doorjamb then look into their souls like a soothsayer and say, “ since the recession crime has increased in your neighborhood by twenty percent…ask me how I know”, well he could retire his mother early.
Fear gets people to do what they don’t want to do. I don’t want to fear death because I am tired of thinking about it all the time. I am not afraid to die. I can look at my stalker death angel straight in the face and have no fear. But when it comes to my children and husband I feel as anxious as Obama Bodyguards. “Put on your seat belts”, “Did you check your sugar?”, “…because if you are having sex I hope you are using a condom”, “You’re warm. Get me the thermometer.” “Honey, should you be eating that?” I am like a ninja standing in the shadows willing to lay down my life if necessary to keep that death from reaching my family. I am afraid all the time. I don’t want to be overbearing, nosey, stressed out and depressed but that is the price I have to pay when I partner with fear.
What if it instead of sharing my fears with my children I share my wisdom. And instead of complaining to my husband I complement him when he makes good choices. Instead of dying to save others I rely on my faith that reminds me that Jesus already did that and He did a damn good job. If I did those things it would be like kissing death on the mouth; saying, “I am not intimidated by you. Death you are just a tool God uses to transport us from one existence to another and you can’t do anything unless He commands it. So tell your little toothless mongrel, Fear, to shut up!”
I think the foam tasting missionary was stupid but at least he wasn’t afraid.

A Graphic but Amazing Christian Poem

Love Dont Cost a Thing?

I was listening to the radio yesterday while on a 13 hour road trip and I was blown away. This world is so desperate for love. People just want to be appreciated they want to have someone who is delighted in them. As I continued listening the to the radio I found the world feeds into this desire of love but has no way to quench that thirst. One song is about love like no other, the next is about drugs, sex, and money. Young woman believe love looks like someone who does drugs, wants to have sex, and/or gives me/has a lot of money. Young men go on to believe, ladies will like me if I do drugs cause that's cool, I will give them affection through sex, and if I have a lot of money they will really like me then.

That's not love. 1 Chronicles 13:4-8 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

What are your thoughts on love?

Submission

Often times people may look at submittion between a man and his wife. However, there are many ways God asks us to submit, single,married, widowed, or divorced. Lets look at what it means to submit. To submit means to give over or yield to the power or authority of another it can also mean, to present for the approval, consideration, or decision of another or others: to submit a plan; to submit an application.

Lets explore the first definition to give over or yield to the power of authority. Proverbs 13:13 states, "He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be destroyed." This scripture deems we submit to the word of God. Genesis 27:8 states, "Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you." We need to submit to the voice of God.

Now the second definition is interesting as well to submit a plan; to submit an application there are scriptures that tell us to do that as well. Romans 12:1 states, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." We not only have to submit to God but we have to submit our selves to God. We can also submit our ideas to God Habakkua 2:2 says, "Then the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision And make [it] plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it."

There are also rewards for submission
Gen 26:24-25 "And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws."

How do you feel about submission? In what areas do you need to submit?

Once Saved Always Saved?

The Bible talks about salvation.

John 10:9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

Acts 2:21 "And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

So my question today is once your saved are you always saved?

Does God need us?

The other night a friend and I were talking and he brought up an interesting topic. Did God create us to fulfill his need of praise? He went on to say that him thinking this way makes him want to praise God more, because he feels he can give back a portion of what God gives us daily. I had an interesting thought that followed his. We are made in Gods image and likeness, and God talks about love often one of the easiest ways to show love is by praise.

1 Cr 13:4:8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. If He gave us that desire does He not posses that same desire.

Lets explore that. As I searched the web I found many different responses. Some suggest that God needs us to praise Him or to spread his word, Others suggest that it is not a need but a desire, some believe He does not need us at all. I am not sure if we were created to fulfill a need for God but lets look at some things the bible says we were created to do.

Rev. 4:11 says, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." We are created for His pleasure, the first thing I would like to point out is back up to the fact that we are made in His image He creates like we do. Some people need to create while others create out of necessity (ex. setting up their house, or clothes a certain way.) I'm sure God is capable of doing both.

Colossians 1:16 states "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him."

The Bible doesn't clearly define wither God had a need or not but it is very interesting to talk about so what do you think?

Im God's Favorite

What does it mean to be God's favorite? I woke up this morning feeling super amped about the things that God is doing in my life it drew me to one conclusion I am his favorite. We say that in a teasing kind of way, but we can see the word itself proves it.

Reading Genesis chapter one we see that God prepared for us. God knowing all things even outside the realm of His present He knew that He would in fact create us therefore He prepared for us.

In Genesis 1:26 it says "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

He made us like Him!!! Clearly we are His favorite not only did He make us like Him in image, but He also saw fit to give us authority.

Genesis 3:21 says, "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them."

Even when we disobey Him He covers us. Have you ever been in the wrong with God yet even though He chastised you, He covered you?


2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

He gives us His word, so we can continue to strive to be more like Him.

He gave us a book on Love through the Song of Solomon, a book of wisdom through Proverbs, examples on faith, integrity, love most amazingly He gives us complete instruction on how to form and maintain a relationship with Him. We truly are Gods favorite.

Are you Glad you didnt get it?

I woke up this morning and was singing in the shower the song that was on my heart goes like this, "I seek your face in the morning when I wake up until I lay down at night...." I started to think of all the things I asked God for and how He responded. I was overwhelmed with gratefulness and so thankful. Glad that He didn't make me a wife to those I wanted, that He gave me amazing opportunities while closing doors to others, that no matter how far I strayed He never took His eyes off me. Have you ever been grateful like this?

Here are some examples where God said, "No." Read them and leave you thoughts

1 Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Im sure Elijah was glad God did not answer that prayer of his.

There are more examples where prayers were not answered due to sin but this is about being thankful that God says no.

And God Said No
I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No".
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. And God said "No".
He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No".
He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No".
He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No".
He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No".
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No".
He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
And God said "Ah, finally you have the idea!"

Copyright © Claudia Minden Weisz (the mother of a Rett Syndrome child)

[Graham Pockett]
Graham Pockett

Word for you.....

Faith

Good Morning,
Last night in bible study we talked about hope, vision, and faith. They all tie in together so I am going to focus on faith. The easiest example of faith for me in Joseph. We are introduced to Joseph in Genesis 30:24 and as you continue to read the chapter you find that he lacked nothing. Now as you moved forward to Genesis 37 that's where Josephs story as we know it begins. Verse 3 says "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he [was] the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of [many] colors." Lets take a look at Luke 12:48 for a second "But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." So we do realize that at this point Israel gave his son much. Keep you eye on the tunic we will come back to that. Verses 5-9 talk about a dream Gods vision for Joseph. Now I believe at one point or another God gives us His dream for us, if He hasn't given you your dream yet start to pray for that. As we look at Genesis 37:23 it reads "And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, [his] coat of [many] colors that [was] on him;" Joseph was stripped of his tunic.

Some of you may ask, "OK, so where does faith come into play?" Well faith starts in the pit. The bible doesn't go into much depth about what happened in the pit, but we do see the aftermath. After being sold into slavery by his own brothers he went to Potiphar's house. Here Joseph was successful and was made overseer of the house. We see this in Genesis 39:4. So we know that Potipher's wife came on to Joseph but I want to focus on verse 12 it reads "And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out." Again we see Joseph's garment taken away. Joseph then gets put into prison for a crime he did not commit. Do we see the pattern here, Joseph is elevated, then stripped of his authority, then persecuted. Well how does he show his faith? Even in the mist of all this turmoil he continues to serve God this is evident because he continues to do his best which therefore continues to place him in a place of authority. Even in prison he goes on to interpret the dreams of the butler and the baker and then went on to interrupt that of Pharaoh. His dream was realized in Genesis 42:8-29. So I pose these questions what is the dream God has given to you? Can your faith endure the pit, and the prison to receive it? Do you realize that you may be elevated then removed from authority for that dream to be achieved? How do you feel about that?

Scriptures to read
Genesis 37, 39, 40 and 41
Hebrews 11

Thought of the day Hebrews 11:39-40 "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Joseph and other hero's of the old testament showed great faith and they did not have the example of Christ only the promise of Him. Now having Him how much more faith should we show.

Allow me to re-introduce the Christ

So what do you think?

How and Why we Pray

Good Evening. I hope the day went well. I have been going through this course called "The Alpha Course" by Nicky Gumbel. It has been very informative. This past week we talked about how and why we pray. Nicky brought up some good points the first being why you pray? Most Christians function in a realm of prayer. It becomes a way of life. They next question is who you talk to when you pray. Are you talking to God the Father, are you looking for God your friend, your counselor who are you praying to? Matthew 6:9 let us know that in Jesus’ example of prayer He prayed to the father. Does God always answer prayers and what can be barriers to prayer? How do you pray? How do you talk to God?

Well I looked at these things in my prayer life I do try to follow a certain model when I pray. I give God thanks or admiration, then I repent, then I tell God what I need if anything. Of course the easiest example would be Christ himself when He prays before His crucifixion. In Matthew 6:9-13 He outlines how to pray. Sometimes I talk to God reverently, sometimes like He is my friend. So I pose this question how do you pray?

Scriptures to Read
Matthew 6:9-13
Ephesians 2:18
Philippians 4:6-7
John 16:24
Matthew 7:7-11