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Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , I AM hath sent me unto you.
Imagine God speaking to all of us facing any type of difficult situation saying I AM.
I AM your healer
I AM your refuge
I AM your deliverer
I AM your provider
I AM your Shepherd
I AM your strength
I AM your Savior
I AM your redeemer
I AM your peace
I AM your joy
I AM your wisdom
I AM your friend
Whatever we need God to be in our moment in time, He is that and more.
Allow God to be your everything in each and every situation in life.
Be Blessed!
With the onset of New Year’s Eve, many like to celebrate with alcohol. Most of us know that the Bible says to not get drunk, but we still wonder how much we can drink.
Ephesians 5: 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Luke 11: 13…how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Ephesians begins by telling us to walk cautiously (not fearfully) as wise people, not fools. Instead of being drunk, we are instructed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:13 tells us to ask God for the Holy Spirit and we have It.
Have you ever wondered why they refer to alcohol as spirits? Your drinking limit is the point right before you begin to be influenced by the spirits you consume. Please note the term, ‘begin.’ Once the alcohol starts making you feel ‘loose’, the sip before that was your limit.
So, as you prepare to expect God to do great things for you in 2011, remember to make Him part of your celebration by honoring His Word. Also note that to avoid technicalities, you have the option to not consume alcohol at all. Live blessed!!
John 4:14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
There is a void or empty space in all of us that’s only designated for God. Nothing can replace that space and nothing else will fit.
Some people attempt to use spouses in relationships to fill that empty space but, they soon find themselves thirsty for more after the infatuation phase wears off.
Some people have a baby to fill that empty space, but they find themselves thirsty for more after the cuteness and innocence of that child wears off.
Some people try jobs, sex, moving, etc all to fill that empty space but, that space is ONLY designated for God.
So for those who are still lost or confused and searching for completion, search no longer because our completion is found in the arms of a loving God.
Be Blessed!
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
First of all, God should be Lord of our lives – not only Savior. When we are submitted to Him, we are not in want. That doesn’t mean there are not some desires we have, but our desire to honor Him comes before any other.
Example: I found the phone I wanted for an incredible deal and my husband said that the Spirit told him not now. I submitted because I am called to submit to my husband and I trust God.
Psalm 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
God has seen the future and has already prepared positions, means, opportunities and more for us just as a shepherd goes ahead of his sheep and prepares a place for his sheep to graze and rest.
~~Inspired by Pastor Derrick Golden
Mark 9: 23 And Jesus said, [You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!
When picking up a pen to write, people usually pick up the pen and start writing. We usually don’t think about if it works or not. Some say we assume the pen works but, in actuality we believe the pen will work. We don’t hesitate, question, or see if the pen works we automatically believe the pen will work when we write.
When sitting in a chair, we don’t check the engineering on the chair to make sure it supports our weight. Most people usually sit down without hesitation or doubt and believe the chair will support their weight.
If we can automatically believe a pen will write and a chair supports weight, how is it we can’t believe God can answer prayers? We spend some much time wondering if He heard us, doubting His ability due to time delay, and not enough time believing.
If God said we should believe it.
So whatever you’re believing God for from Him granting you the desires of your heart to Him healing your body, believe His word and your prayers will manifest.
Be Blessed!
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.
If someone would ask you, how do you know blood flows through your veins? Most people would answer, because I’m alive. Just because you’re alive doesn’t mean blood flows through your veins. Even though our sensory mechanisms (sight, smell, feel, etc) don’t detect blood flowing in our veins, we choose to believe.
God wants us to get to that place where even though our sensory mechanisms don’t detect whatever we’re standing in faith for (deliverance, healing, or materialistic possessions) we choose to believe.
When you have nothing else to stand on, stand on God’s word.
Isaiah 9: 1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
No more gloom – we have Joy. Thank You and Praise You, God, for the gift of Your Son and the blessings that flow through Him!!
Ephesians 1:6 T o the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
At times we (including myself) get so focused on obtaining the promises of God until we forget how we have the right to obtain those promises. As flawed humans who have sinned against God multiple times, our actions deserve death.
But, thank God for grace.
Grace is simply defined as the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
We don’t deserve not one promise in the Bible but, thank God for grace.
Instead of getting upset, frustrated, or confused when our blessings don’t meet our schedules remember, if it wasn’t for God’s grace we wouldn’t receive God’s best.
Ecclesiastes 7: 12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. 19 Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
When God is first, then we seek Him in everything. God has this all-knowing wisdom that can help us choose the best in every situation. He can tell you what school to go to, which way will be the safest route home, how to grow your hair, what to eat, wear or say. Godly wisdom protects you from danger, pushes you into excellence, flourishes your health and your relationships.
But, we also have to recognize that godly wisdom does not always make human-sense. (Example: God may tell you not to take that high paying job because He knows that in the near future that company would decide they no longer need your services.) So, we pursue and heed godly wisdom on faith. We listen to God and allow Him to prosper our health, relationships, finances, and every part of our lives.
Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Before we start focusing on our next big dream or desire let’s look around us and see where we are. Some of us are in ideal places and some of us envision better for our lives.
This doesn’t mean we don’t strive for more or do better for ourselves but, this means we have a mindset of appreciation to God for where we are.
To those who are in “ideal places,” we show our contentment through our gratefulness, thanksgiving, and admiration to God for where He has brought us.
To those who envision better, we show our contentment not only through gratefulness and thanksgiving but, through our faith and patience in God waiting on our desires to manifest in our lives as well.
That house/apartment you are living in…. Be grateful!
That car you’re driving or bus you’re riding…. Be grateful!
That job or not job you have…. Be grateful!
Wherever we are, we must be content and grateful.
Have a blessed day!
John 3: 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
John 8: 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth only sets you free if you choose to live by it. Being saved doesn’t make you automatically always have happiness, joy, peace, discipline, prosperity, etc. Salvation is like enrollment, but to get a degree we actually have to complete the designated courses.
Spiritual growth teaches us how to have happiness, joy, peace, discipline, prosperity, and more even when circumstances do not dictate the same. So we study the Word, we listen to teaching aligned with the Word, and we learn how to have joy in a treacherous situation. We learn how to be prosperous without serving money. We learn how to be disciplined enough to overcome those sins that tempt us. We learn how to honor God in every circumstance.
~~inspired by Creflo Dollar
Mark 3:24 And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
John 7:43 So there arose a division and dissension among the people concerning Him (Jesus).
Division through denomination is one of the worst things that happened in the Body of Christ. There are people disassociating themselves, long time friends walking away from each other, and confusion amongst believers all because of division.
The Body of Christ is simply a group of people who believe Jesus (the Son of God) came down from heaven to earth to save mankind from their sins. No matter if you’re Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc we are all one in the Body of Christ. In order to defeat Satan and his army we must join together in unity to resist the devil attempting to take over our minds, our families, and the world.
Brothers and sisters help me rejoin the Body of Christ as one.
Ecclesiastes 5: 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
While the pursuit of wealth is meaningless, the pursuit of God leads to internal gladness. Please note that God gives wealth and possessions (Matthew 25), as well as the ability to enjoy them, but our only pursuit is chasing after God!!
Matthew 3:1 IN THOSE days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) of Judea
2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
John the Baptist was a man preaching to people from the wilderness and verse 4 informs us of his unusual clothing and diet. Even though John had an unusual appearance there is no denying he was full of the Holy Spirit because people repented, committed their lives to God, and were being baptized daily.
God has individually placed us in different settings for a reason. If John can minister to people from the wilderness, we should be able to minister to people in our surroundings. God has given us unique personalities which allow us to relate and minister to those within our surroundings. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you to minister to others where you are.
Be Blessed!
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them [new disciples] to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
God loved us enough, to position Himself to experience everything we go through. He sent Jesus who can relate to us on every level because He went through all of the human emotions that we experience. We have a friend who is with us always and who is closer than any other. We have a friend who can always relate to what plagues us and comfort us. Praise our most High God that He loves us that much and more!!
~~inspired by Streamingfaith.com
Philippians 2:8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
The Bible says that Jesus carried His obedience to the extreme of death. Jesus was instructed by God to separate Himself from God, take on the sins of the world, and die for something He did not do. And He did it, thank God Jesus was obedient.
God has not asked us to do half of the things Jesus has done.
God instructed us to give 10% of our income to Him, and some of us we don’t.
God instructed us to read and meditate on His word, and some of us don’t.
God instructed us not to fornicate, and some of us do.
None of us are perfect, but some of us don’t even try. That’s why everyday is an effort to do God’s will. Take one of many lessons from Jesus and practice obedience to the extreme.
1Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
God does not call us to be poor. He calls us to not put the pursuit of riches before Him. In addition to that,
1. God has made us heirs to not only sacrifice for Him, but to receive glory (Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.);
2. He justified us (as righteous Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous),
3. and He entitled us to the promises of the convenant (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
While the scripture of the day was more directed to enjoying life in the midst of your current circumstances, please recognize that our Father in heaven loves us. And, as long as we pursue Him first, then He will add those other earthly desires to us (v. 31).
Luke 12:22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Ecclesiastes 2:3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom… 17 So I hated life … 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 … even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.
24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26a To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.
God makes life better. We find enjoyment in everyday life, when we choose to live for Him. Make God part of your normality and experience extraordinary joy, pleasure, wisdom, knowledge, and wealth!!
Imagine billions of people suffering all at the same time. Look at their faces. Look at how they wince with pain with each punch. They’re being tortured day and night without rest. Listen to their tortured screams. Women, children, and the elderly all being tortured the same. These people are crying out for help but, all they hear is demonic laughter. These people don’t understand. They don’t understand what they did so wrong. These people become so battered and bruised until they die from being tortured. What does this have to do with anything? This is what Jesus saw, before dying on the cross. He saw us being tortured day and night. He saw us dying in our own sins. Jesus replaced Himself for our sakes. Jesus took the sins of the world so that we wont face the punishment for our sins.
2 Corinthains 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Thank you Jesus for dying for us! AND Thank you God for raising Him up so that we may receive eternal life with You!
Luke 10:27 He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
In the Bible Jesus instructs us to love God and love one another. These are the only two commandments He tells us to follow. The rest of the commandments fall in line with these two commandments.
If we have any grudges against God or our fellow man; make peace with them. Remember God is not our enemy, Satan is. When we truly forgive our brother or sister we can maximize the blessing God wants to bestow on our lives.
Isaiah: 61:1 THE SPIRIT of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound
We are free, healed, anointed, blessed, prosperous, and we have new opportunities everyday to let go of our faults, past errors, and guilt and start over. There is hope and praise God for that!!
John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.
The root to a prosperous life is love. From my observation, many people say they love the Lord but are not prosperous.
Q: So what really makes someone prosperous?
A: Obedience
When we are obedient to God’s commandments we can truly say we love God.
When we are obedient to God, God guarantees a prosperous life.
It’s as simple as that.
A prosperous life comes from loving God not only in word but in our actions of obedience.
Be Blessed!
Proverbs 29: 1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
When given constructive criticism we want to be open minded in receiving it. If we choose not to accept those pieces of wisdom that help us be better, help us to be more like Him (Jesus), we risk self-destruction.
In being open-minded, we also want to ensure that the constructive criticism that we accept aligns with God’s Word. We are heirs of the most high God; He gives us keys to success, prosperity, health, and life. Start becoming a better you now!!
Hebrews 5:8-9
8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered
9 And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him,
The Bible DOES NOT say Jesus was perfect. The Bible says Jesus was MADE perfect through His obedience to God. Jesus was and will be the only person to ever walk this earth and resist the temptations of Satan and remain obedient to God.
What does this mean for us?
We can use Jesus as a measuring stick or a point of reference for our lives. The more we’re obedient to God, the more we can be like Jesus. Even when we miss the mark, God gives us grace and mercy by forgiving us of our sins and remembering them no more. It’s because of Jesus we receive grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Therefore we can start from a clean (guilt free) slate and practice perfection through our obedience to God.
Proverbs 27: 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Ephesians 4:25 What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
A true friend tells you the truth about yourself and about your actions. A true friend doesn’t shy away from saving your soul and improving your relationship with God. But, as a true friend, the truth is delivered in love – not judgment. Be a true friend, give loving rebuke and accept it, and grow together in Love (God is Love).
Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.
If we find ourselves in a hard or difficult situation, we need to check our status with God. We should ask ourselves the questions, are we truly giving God our all? Do we totally trust God? Have our lifestyles been pleasing to God?
God gave us the key to success in life through His Son Jesus. With Him we can have success in our life, our finances, our families, carriers, etc. God wants us to prosper and we were never meant to suffer or lack anything. If your life seems to be in a rut check your status with God, repent, and live a life that is truly pleasing to God.
Q: What separates Christianity from other religions? With all the other religions in place, what makes Christianity the right religion? How do we explain that Christianity is right?
Here are only 3 answers out of many
A: We can speak about our God’s love. He loved us so much until He sent His Son to earth to be a sacrifice for the sins of mankind (John 3:16). What other religion can say the sins of man were paid by the Son of God?
A2: We can speak about our God’s mercy. The god’s of other religions hold each person accountable for every sin in their life. Our God grants us mercy by forgiving us of our sins and remembering them no more (Hebrews 8:12).
*A3: Finally, we can speak about the consequences of unbelief. Although God loves everyone, our God still requires a confession that His Son Jesus is Lord and a belief that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Without that confession and belief we are destined for hell. We must also live a loving life by loving God and loving others. Other religions require good deeds to outweigh the sins they commit. Through our love, we create good deeds automatically and remember with God’s mercy we are not required to repay our sins with good deeds.
Send these facts WITH LOVE to all the non-Christians in hopes they will make Jesus their Lord and Savior.
(AMP) John 15: 4Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.
We are fruitless without God. We find our nourishment in God and within God’s word. If we fail to feed ourselves, we don’t grow.
Diligently (even when we don’t feel like it; even when our sins seem to separate us) read God’s Word and communicate with Him. He has promised us that as we live in Him, He will continue to live in us, and then we will continue to thrive. Praise God for the opportunity to live and grow in Him!!
Revelations 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Anonymous Quote: “I know that Satan doesn’t exist except in people’s heads. He’s the excuse for bad behavior.”
This quote is becoming more popular with people of the world everyday. This is another deception that the devil has placed in the minds of many.
If the devil can make people believe he doesn’t exist, he can wreak havoc in the lives of others.
When peoples experience trials and tribulations in their lives, they have no one else to blame but, God.
When people believe God is the cause of their trials, they take on the mindset that God is not real.
When people die in the belief that God isn’t real, they unfortunately go to hell for eternity.
Eternity in hell came from the small deception that Satan is not real.
People of God don’t be deceived. Keep your mind and trust in God forever.
Revelations 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Most people are ignorant to the idea that they are being used by the devil. People in general are not aware the real spirit behind people’s devilish actions is Satan. Yes, we all make our own choices but, Satan is great at convincing others to follow his ways. From racism to people committing adultery, all sinful actions are planned by Satan.
When we don’t realize that Satan is behind the sinful actions of others, we blame or attack people.
When we blame or attack people, we no longer are walking in love (Ephesians 5:2).
When we no longer walk in love, we now become disobedient to God’s commandment to love.
When we are disobedient to God’s commandments, we are now in sin (1 Samuel 15:23).
When we are in sin, our lives will be negatively affected and the manifestation of our blessings will not come to pass.
Do you see how the devil’s plan can even hurt the faithful Christian without them even knowing about it?
People are not the problem, Satan is. God instructed us to love and have compassion for everyone. Blame and attack the devil to be removed from the minds of people through prayer and declaration.
Walk in Love
Inspired by Pastor Bill Winston
Revelations 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Just as God uses people to be vessels for the Kingdom of God on earth, Satan deceives people and uses them as vessels to promote his sinful affairs as well.
Most people are ignorant to the idea that they are being used by the devil. The truth is anyone who blatantly goes against God’s word is a vessel for the devil. From rationalizing sin to consciously sinning people are being used by the devil.
Through our sinful actions we promote the characteristics of Satan and we subconsciously inform everyone its okay to sin.
Walk in the ways of righteousness and be a vessel for God to be blessed and be a blessing to others.
Graced To Do God's Will 