Yearly Archive

1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.

1 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

Hebrews 11: 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Obey what God has directed you to do.  God may not reveal the whole plan initially, but if we choose to be obedient, God continues to give us more direction.  And, as we continue to obey, walking by faith, we obtain our breakthrough.  And, we never stop the process of walking by faith, and being obedient to God.  For by faith, the greatest miracles happen (Hebrews 11)!

Inspired by Pastor Derrick Butts

There are many instances in the Bible where someone sacrificed burnt offerings to the Lord. After their sacrifice, God blessed them in some way.
Let’s look at how God blessed Solomon after his sacrifice.

1 Kings 3:4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon’s sacrifice to God was so pleasing until God asked him what he desired. When Solomon desired a discerning heart to govern his people, God not only blessed him with wisdom but also, riches and honor.

In 1 Samuel 15:22 the word of God tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. If sacrificial offerings released such a great blessing from God to Solomon, how much more of a blessing will God give through our obedience?
Our obedience entitles us to the blessing and our faith releases the blessing.
We should obey God in every way and know that God will enhance the quality of our life.
Be Blessed.

1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Do you know someone who lies all the time? That person seems to lie about their employment, relationship status, living conditions, etc.
When we know someone who habitually lies, we usually don’t believe them all together because we can’t separate the truth from lies. If we don’t believe those kind of people, why would we believe Satan who is considered to be the father of lies?
Satan constantly tells us lies such as, things will never get better, you always get sick during the winter, you can escape it all by killing yourself. When we believe and receiving these lies from Satan, it affects our marriages, social life, emotions, business, and mental state.

Since we know Satan is the father of lies, we should treat him like we treat the habitual liar; don’t believe. Instead, we should listen to, believe, and receive the truth of God. Believe things such as, we are healed, we are predestined for greatness, we are children of God accepted by the Father, our faith in God is changing our circumstances.

Believe not the lies of Satan but, receive the truth of God.

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Scripture of the Day: Increase Our Faith

Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

In order for a weight lifter to increase in strength, they have to lift heavier weights. In order for our faith to increase, we must do the necessary things to strengthen our faith. We must hear the word of God and pray to God that our faith be strengthened. For most Christians this is not always easy because it takes time, discipline, and a willingness to resist their flesh to increase their spirit man.
Situations and circumstances may enter our life to increase our faith. The more faith fights we go through, the more skilled we become in using our faith. We must obtain all the promises of God by faith (Romans 4:13). As our faith develops, the more promises of God we can obtain.

People of God, increase your faith to lay hold to ALL the promises of God.

The Process of Faith
Mark 4:26-29
Let’s break down The Parable of the Growing Seed for our understanding in the process of faith. Whenever we believe God for something, it’s a process. That’s why the Bible lets us know it takes faith and patience to receive the promises of God (Hebrews 6:12).

v.26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.
*According to Luke 8:11 the seed represents the word of God.
Example: We believe God for debt freedom according to Romans 13:8 which tells us to owe no man. [We just scattered seed on the ground of our hearts.]
v.27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.
Example: Be cool, calm, and relaxed. We may not know how we’re going to get debt free but it’s okay. We should have the assurance that eventually we are debt free.
v.28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.
Example: Little by little. God gives us a plan of action, surrounds us with financial experts, or simply gives us the money to become debt free. All by itself our faith produces debt freedom.
v.29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Example: Eventually, we are debt free. Our faith in God to be debt free  has manifested in the earth.

We can use this faith process with anything we need or desire (house, car, tuition money, etc). We should put our trust in God and know that anything is possible with Him.

Be Blessed

Psalm 145:16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing

When we look for fulfillment in other things, we never get satisfied. That’s why if we turn to a substance, like food, alcohol, or drugs, we keep eating, drinking, or seeking that high. If we turn to people, they can never fill, so we either lash out, or keep looking for another to fill the void.

But, what if everytime we felt lack and our flesh craved that person or substance, what if we started praying, or reading the Word of God, or praising God? How much more would we be satisfied, and how less convicted or even guilty, would we feel afterwards?

Let our choices reflect the words, “only You can satisfy me.”

God Be With You
Genesis 39:1: Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there.
2: The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.

The Bible calls Joseph a prosperous man even through he was a slave to an Egyptian. Joseph was not prosperous because of the things he possessed but, he prospered because the Lord was with Him. When the Lord is with us, we may not have all things we desire or the lifestyle we want YET but, we are still prosperous.

Genesis 41:41 So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”

Between Genesis 39 and Genesis 41, Joseph went through difficult situations but, that did not shake his commitment to God. Joseph could have said “why me Lord” or “I tried this God thing and it doesn’t work” but, he stayed committed to God. By Joseph keeping his commitment to God, God caused him to prosper in everything he did, receive favor with man, and became ruler over Egypt.
Don’t allow your current situation effect your faith in God or His promises in your life. Stay committed to God and through faith and patience we will receive our promises.

Habakkuk 2:4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness — 3:17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

We live from faith to faith. We stand in faith and do not waiver when our eyes do not see what we are believing God for. We praise God always, find our joy in Him, and continue to stand in faith because He is God (Titus 1:2)!

“My God is great, awesome in power
He’s there with me every second, every minute, every hour.
He continued to love me when all hope seem to be lost
He remained faithful to me when my faith was tossed.
That’s why I give you my heart, my mind, and my will
To ensure Your purpose in this earth is fulfilled.”
~ M. Stevenson

The Bible says when we praise and worship God we should sing to Him a “new song.” This is my new song to God. The purpose of a new song to God is to express how we feel without a choir or instruments. It’s one on one worship time with God. It doesn’t matter how our songs sound, just as long as our worship comes from our hearts.

When praising God, let your experiences and your love for God give you a new song. If God has been good to you and has blessed you in any kind of way, give him your new song.

Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Don’t Forget Your Praise
2 Chronicles 20:21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

*For better revelation read all of 2 Chronicles 20.*

Although the people of Judah were outnumbered and they did not know what to do, their praise and faith gave them the victory.
Whenever we get into a situation and we’ve done all we know to do naturally (prayed, fasted, meditated on God’s word) the next thing we should do is praise God. Praise gets God personally involved in our situation. We praise Him because He’s good, kind, for His mercy and everlasting love. Praise God because we know He’s able to deliver us or give us strength to overcome our situations. Praise not only allows us to overcome our situation but, it allows us to receive more than we had before (read 2 Chronicles 20:25).
After we’ve done all we can do; PRAISE THE LORD.

The Mind of A King
Genesis 17:15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

God promised Sarah, Abraham’s wife, that she will give birth to kings. According to Galatians 3:7, those who believe in God are children of Abraham. If we’re children of Abraham, we’re kings in the earth. God has given us dominion over the earth and made us kings in the earth. God is King of kings which means we are still under His authority but, everything else in the world is under our authority.
As kings, we should have an authoritative mindset. As kings, we shouldn’t allow people or situations get us down. As kings, we shouldn’t allow our emotions to dictate our personality for the day.
*Take a second to think about the nature of a king.*
This is the kingly nature and the mindset we should have…
What we say and believe will happen.
People desire to bless our lives.
We control the situation and the situation does not control us.

Walk in the authority God has given you.

The Mouth of A King
Genesis 17:15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.”

Ecclesiastes 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What are you doing?

As kings, we not only rule in this physical world but through Jesus Christ, we have authority over spiritual matters that happen in this world (Matthew 6:19; Revelations 1:18).
With this authority, we should not accept sickness or disease to enter our bodies. We should not accept the enemy destroying our families. We should not accept lack and poverty to be the norm in our household.
We should use our authority to declare, decree, bind, and lose the things we need and desire in our lives and in the lives of others. After using our mouth to decree something, we should have faith to know it shall come to pass. It’s not going to be done by our own efforts but, through the power of our King Who is God.
Accept nothing less but the best.

Colossians 1: 9So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy

We,

1. pray for others,

2. seek God for knowledge of His will, wisdom, understanding, and obey it,

Then,

1. we are able to better discern what God has for us,

2. sow good seeds as we serve and please Him,

3. and reap blessings.

As we grow in this knowledge, He will strengthen us as we can continue to live for Him, and the cycle repeats again.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus told us to seek the Kingdom of God first in order to receive our needs and desires in the earth. A lot of people look at this scripture and believe seeking God and His righteousness is the ONLY thing we need to do in order to receive our needs and desires.
There are more steps we have to take. If seeking God was the only thing we had to do to receive our need and desires, Jesus would have never said “seek first.” By Jesus saying “seek first” signifies there must be a second, third, fourth thing we have to do in order to receive.

Example: If a person needs a career.
The First thing they must do is seek first the Kingdom of God.
Second, after getting direction from God, they must apply to these careers.
Third, they must prepare themselves for interviews.
Fourth, have faith and believe that they receive their career.

God is great and He can do the impossible but, faith without works is dead.

James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Matthew 8:8-10 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

Jesus, applauded the centurion man because of his great faith. Here we have an unsaved centurion man, believing in the power of God flowing through Jesus. The man asked Jesus to heal his servant by, speaking the word only.

In our lives the word of God has been spoken.
The word of God has been spoken over our destiny.
The word of God has been spoken over our deliverance.
The word of God has been spoken over our healing.
Etc.

Everything in the Bible represents the word of God that has been spoken. If it’s already spoken, it’s already done.
So…
Walk in the destiny God has spoken.
Walk in the deliverance God has spoken.
Walk in the healing God has spoken.
Etc.

Believe the Word of God.

Scripture(s) of the Day: Where’s Your Focus

Matthew 14:29 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Notice, when Peter saw his circumstances and surroundings, he began to sink into his situation or problem instead of walking on top of his situation. God has given us authority, victory through Jesus, and guidance by the Holy Spirit to dominate and overcome every one of our problems. When we focus more on our situation or problem and take our focus off of God, we become slaves to our situation or problem.

That’s why the Bible encourages us to walk by faith and not by sight. God wants us to keep our focus on Him and our faith in His word instead of our situation or problem. The more we focus on God, the quicker our situation or problem ends.

2 Corinthians 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight.

“I’m not moved by what I see, only by what I believe”
~Bishop I.V. Hilliard

Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Our blessings should not only impact our lives but, impact the lives of others. God made this clear in the beginning in Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

When Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs to God they became free and they saved the soul of a guard. God is into 2 or more for 1 deals.
Ask yourself this question.
How can the blessing that I’m requesting be a blessing for someone else?

Impact the lives of others.

Philippians 4:6,7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we get into a situation when we need or want a “right now” answer, we have the tendency to get anxious. We want to know when it will happen, where it will happen, and how it will happen. When we go into this mode of anxiety, this anxiety disrupts our peace. When our peace is missing, we can’t sleep, eat, or even have a normal conversation because we’re so anxious.

However, when we rest in the promises of God and know every delay of that “right now” answer is for our good, we can obtain unusual peace.
What makes it so unusual?
It’s unusual because while everyone else is worried, anxious, and fearful about a certain situation, we can smile and enjoy our day. While everyone else is depressed, we can have joy. While everyone else is quickly aging and have grey hair due to stress, we’re energetic and looking youthful.
We can have this peace because we know God has a plan for our lives. As long as we stay in the will of God, all things will work together for our good.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Philippians 1:19 For I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) this will turn out for my preservation (for the spiritual health and welfare of my own soul) and avail toward the saving work of the Gospel.
SUMMARY: This verse was written by Paul to the church while he was in jail for preaching the gospel. Paul informed the church that his trials and tribulations of being in jail was good for his spiritual health and soul.

When we go through trials and tribulations, we should take a moment and consider how trials can help us develop spiritually.
-Small Trial: Someone cuts us off while driving.
Instead of getting road rage, use this time to develop thanksgiving. Thank God an accident did not happen.
-Medium Trial: Our boss disciplines us harshly.
Instead of losing our jobs by returning word for word, we can use this time to develop humility by respecting authority (1 Peter 2:13); develop our discipleship by showing the love of God in spite of their ways (John 13:35); and activating self control which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Hard Trial: We lose our job and the bank is attempting to foreclose on the house.
Instead of going into depression, we can use this time to develop and activate our faith in God’s word. God’s word says He will supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19) and God gives us all the things we need in every situation (2 Corinthians 9:8).

We should use our trials instead of our trials using us.

Inspired by Pastor Creflo Dollar

God called Moses.  The people would not always listen, they accused him and blamed him.  But, he freed a people, established the ten commandments, and led a nation. (Exodus)

God called Joseph.  He was thrown into slavery. He rose up from slavery to Potiphar’s house, where he was falsely accused when he chose to honor God and he was thrown into prison for years.  But, in the end, he saved a nation, and led a prosperous life. (Genesis 37 – 50)

We should not deny God’s calling on our lives just because things do not look ‘right.’  God put that calling on our lives, and we choose to honor him, develop in the midst of trials, and allow God to raise us up to impact a nation, a people, a family, in His perfect timing.  Our purpose is to bring glory to God, and our success is determined by our faithfulness to Him, regardless of the ‘reality’ of the situation.  Walk in your purpose!

Romans 8: 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Scripture of the Day: Keep The Faith

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

What does it mean when people say, keep the faith?
Keeping the faith is a mindset. It has to do with taking control over our attitude, emotions, physical body, speech, etc. when we go through trying times in our lives.

Keeping the faith means…
-Building our faith by listening to the word of God.
-Calling for and receiving joy when our situation is attempting to make us feel sad.
-On purpose, holding our head up and sticking our chest out when we want to put our head down.
-Combat the voice of the enemy telling us “things will never get better” using the word of God “we are more than conquerors.”
– Continue to declare whatever we desire in the midst of turmoil.

Our faith is the only thing of value we have to change our situation. Don’t let anything or anyone remove your faith.
Be Blessed

Inspired by Bishop I.V Hilliard

Previously, we spoke about God supplying everything we need to meet our needs and desires. Today, let’s speak of the prerequisite for God supplying our needs.

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Philippians 4:18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (read more Philippians 4:10-19)

The prerequisite for God supplying our needs is us generously sowing our money into the Kingdom of God or the man of God. We can’t take 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Philippians 4:19 out of context. We have to do our part so that God will supply our every need.
Whatever situation we need God to act in (financial, career opportunity, house, etc), our job is to sow a seed (give money).
It doesn’t make logical sense to sow money in tough times but, as we can see clearly in these scriptures when we sow, God makes provision in our lives.
Do your part and trust God.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

God will supply everything we need in “all things” at “all times.”
We will have everything we need at “all times.” This means God will supply everything we need in any situation (recession, drought, job loss, etc).
We don’t have to wait on the world to get their financial act together before we can enjoy life.

We can apply this scripture to our desires because we will “need” something from God to receive our desires (Psalm 37:4).
Want a promotion?… God will supply the wisdom we need to obtain a promotion.
Want to start a business? God will supply the favor, finances, and resources we need to start a business.
Want to write a book? God will supply the topic and time we need to write a book.
If it’s a good work God will grant us whatever we need or want, to make it happen.

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Jesus made no reputation of Himself. He didn’t care what people thought of Him and He wasn’t trying to fit in. Jesus only did what The Father told Him to do. Before we make a Spirit lead decision, we often consider what other people will think of our decision. We don’t to appear, foolish, too Holy, un-cool, or unpopular.

Some people don’t allow themselves to worship properly because that don’t to lose their coolness or popularity.
Some people don’t claim their relationship with God in public because society told them it was politically incorrect.
Some people don’t even pray over their food because they don’t want to appear too holy.
Some people don’t obey God entirely because it appears foolish.
It appeared foolish when Jesus asked the people to roll the stone away from Lazarus’ tomb after he was dead for 4 days but, Jesus made no reputation of Himself and He simply obeyed God.

If Jesus could make no reputation of Himself on this earth and we are to be followers of Christ, then we should do the same. Don’t concern yourself with what other people think; obey God.

2 Corinthians 10:12 lets us know it’s unwise to compare ourselves.
WHY…?

1. Comparison allows envy to enter our hearts.
1 Samuel 18:6 When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes.
7 As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
8 Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?”
-King Saul compared David’s praises, attention, and popularity with his which allowed envy to enter his heart.

2. Envy is considered devilish in the eyes of God.
James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

3. Comparison, which produces envy, removes God’s presence from us.
1 Samuel 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had left Saul.
-God is Holy and will not be in the presence of evil.

We should not compare our (job, car, house, finances, relationships, etc) with others because comparison will remove God’s presence from our lives.

James 1:22 Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.

I want to encourage all of you to do the entire word of God and not only hearers.
On Sundays, we sit and listen to the word of God being preached at our local church. After hearing the word of God, we leave the same way we came except feeling good about ourselves because we went to church. We don’t attempt to change the wrong in our lives, we don’t better ourselves, and we don’t show the love of God towards others.
Church is null and void if we don’t practice what is preached.
Take a step out on faith and do the word of God. It may seem inconvenient at first and it may disrupt the “fleshly fun” in our lives but, our Creator desires and deserves ALL of our obedience.

Be Blessed.

We have an opportunity to be all in for God.  In our daily routine and efforts to live out loud for God, or when seemingly impossible tasks come up against us, we choose to be all in for God.  The heroes of faith were all in (Hebrews 11).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose not to worship any other god.  When they were threatened with the option of burning in fire or worshiping a false god, they looked to God, and decided they were all in.  While they knew God could, they did not know if God would come and rescue them from the flames, but they were all in.(Daniel 3:17 – 18).  And because of their faithfulness, not only were they rescued from the flames, but they received promotion (v. 30).

So, on this day, and everyday, choose to be all in for God.

~~Inspired by Jeremy Johnson

John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

This scripture is referring to when Mary, the mother of Jesus, tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do.
Jesus had the servants doing strange and illogical things but, you know what?…. they did it.
At the end of the passage Jesus turns water into wine.

Sometimes, the things God tells us to do may seem strange, weird, or even confusing but, if God tells us to do it, He has a greater purpose in mind. We may not be able to see or understand the purpose immediately but, the purpose is for a greater good. As we obey, God’s purpose and plan will be revealed to us.

Walk by faith and not by sight.

Money is the substance we use in order to purchase something (house, boat, car) in this world. Have you ever wonder what substance we use to purchase money? Have you wondered what substance we use to obtain something money can’t buy (health, peace, joy)?
Faith is substance we use to obtain money and something money can’t buy.
Faith is substance we use to get everything we need and want.

We may not have a lot of money at times but, we have faith that can either get us money or supply us with our needs or desires in spite of our money.
We may be going through a difficult situation but, we have faith to know God will bring us out and use these difficult times as a testimony to someone else.
We may not know where God is leading us but, we have faith to know wherever God leads us is for our good.

Build your faith by hearing the word of God, use your faith for everything because the righteous shall live by faith, and know without faith it’s impossible to please God.
(Rom 10:17; Rom 1:17; Heb 11:6)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Psalm 22:3 But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of Israel.
-Israel represents God’s people.

When we go through trials and tribulations, we may wonder and ask where is God?
The location of God is found in our praise.
God dwells in the praises of His people. When we praise God in the midst of our trials and tribulations God can act or respond to the situation at hand. However, if fill our mouth and mind full of doubt and complaints regarding our situation, God is far away.

Praise God in every situation because when praise, God has an obligation to respond.

Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

The Bible tells us we should not owe anyone anything except love. This means, we should not owe our friends $20.00 and we should not owe the bank $20,000. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to borrow but, it becomes wrong when we can’t pay people back in a timely manner.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

For those of us who may be struggling financially, seek Godly wisdom in reference to finances. When we are Spirit led, the Spirit will lead us into when, where, and how much we should purchase or if we should purchase at all.

Seek God and Be Free From Debt, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Luke 10: 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself ? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

There are times when we are so focused on everything that needs to be done, that we put God on a limited schedule, or eliminate His presence from our schedule completely. But, even though it may appear as though everything will fall apart if we don’t do them, we trust God and His Word, and we choose to seek Him first, and all those other things will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).

1 John 3:21, 22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.
Part 1 mentions how we must release the guilt and condemnation for the sins we’ve committed in the past.
Part 2 mentions how condemnation can affect the blessings God attempts to give us.
Part 3 will mention how our condemnation can affect the plan of God.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:10, God has created us to do His works in the earth and in Genesis 12:2 we are blessed to be a blessing.
If we don’t have confidence (because of our condemnation) to ask God for the resources we needs or desire to be a blessing, what good will we be in the earth for God?

Condemnation is designed to make us feel guilty and not worthy enough to even ask God for anything. If we don’t ask God for anything we can’t be blessed. If we can’t be blessed, we can’t be a blessing. By holding on to guilt and condemnation affects God’s plan for our lives in a negative way.
Release the guilt and shame and receive forgiveness and grace.

1 John 3:21, 22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.
Part 1 of condemnation affects confidence, we stated we must release the guilt and condemnation for the sins we’ve committed in the past.
Part 2 will mention how our condemnation can affect the blessings God attempts to give us.

When we feel down and condemned about the sin we’ve committed, we feel unworthy to ask or receive anything from God. We feel our sin was too great to be forgiven by The Almighty, Holy God. Therefore, we miss out on the spouse we desire, the career we desire, the increase we desire, all because of our sense of unworthiness.
Once again, this unworthy feeling is not from God but, from Satan.
Let the past go by confessing the sin(s) to God. After confessing, on purpose, make an effort to live life as if nothing was wrong. If God can forget our sin, we should too.
Don’t let the past hold you hostage. If it can hold you hostage it will hold your blessings hostage.

1 John 3:21, 22 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.

When we sin we should feel convict for what we’ve done against God. When conviction turns to guilt, then there is a problem.
The devil will attempt to make us feel guilty about what we’ve done. Our flesh wants to feel bad and we want to punish ourselves for what we’ve done. Somehow it makes us feel good about ourselves to know we punish ourselves for our sin. The next thing you know we’re still feeling guilty about something we did 10 years ago.
The punishment we give ourselves is not of God.
God promised when we confess our sins He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and not to remember our sins (Hebrews 10:17, 1 John 1:9).
Be free from condemnation and let the past go, no matter how serious the sin seems to be. God will forgive and bless.

Psalm 56:11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

We are to trust God.
Either we trust God, or we don’t. There is no middle when it comes to trusting God. If we trust God in certain situations but don’t in others, we might as well say we don’t trust God completely.
When we say “I will trust God,” this represents some time in the future. We can trust God in the next minute or the next year. It’s simply “I trust God.”
The quicker we completely trust God with our life, health, safety, finances, etc. the quicker God can respond needs, problems, and issues.

TRUST GOD!