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Luke 8:52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

When God gives us instructions, it may not seem wise or logical to others to act on those instructions. Those instructions may cause us to be ridiculed or talked about. However, if we put all those things aside and obey the instructions of the Lord, the ridicule from others will turn into recognition and recommendation.

People will recognize the power of God working in our lives through our ‘foolish obedience.’ This aligns with God’s Word that states, He will choose the foolish things to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27). Also, when people realize how blessed we are because of our obedience, the recommendation to be obedient to God even in ‘foolish things’ will rapidly spread to others.

Praise God that through our faith and obedience to God, the promises of God are limitless.

People who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have a legal right to receive whatever life gives them. They have a legal right to get laid off from their job, have their house burglarized, or be involved accidents.
Why?… Because they are not protected by the blood of Jesus and do not live in the victory that was given to us by Jesus Christ.

People who are saved but are living in a constant state of sin will receive the consequences for their actions. They are subjected to diseases, incarceration, or premature death.
Why?… Although they are forgiven through the blood of Jesus, their sin presents them with natural consequences.

People who are saved and are walking uprightly before God, have a blood bought right to be protected, forgiven, and walk in victory. They will receive an abundance of joy, prosperity, peace and so much more. Anything appearing to be negative in the life of a believer is just that, an appearance. Our responsibility is not to be moved, shaken, or dismayed by appearances.
Why?… Because we should know and believe the following:

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

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.

Be saved and walk uprightly.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. 10But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

How do we know the things that God has prepared for us? The Holy Spirit, Who knows the mind of God, reveals them to us.

How do we identify when it is the Spirit speaking and not our own thoughts? We develop our sensitivity to His promptings.
1. When we feel we should go left instead of right, even though right seems more logical, go left. Our obedience to the Spirit develops our ear to discern His guidance.
2. The Holy Spirit will not tell us to do something contrary to the Word of God.
3. God is the author of peace. So, while the task presented may not be easy, peace will be present as we rely on supernatural power to move forward.
4. Finally, we hear by seeking out the person and listening. We should prioritize God and listen to Him.

Inspired by T.D. Jakes

Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

When we move beyond salvation to making God Lord of our lives, we want to submit to God. As humans, the flesh wars against the Spirit for control of our souls. So, we choose to continuously renew our minds and allow the Spirit to have dominion (Romans 12:2).

But, when the flesh wins its occasional battles, do not fall into guilt or frustration. We have to understand that we are still righteous, even when we fall short, because we were made righteous by accepting Christ, not by attaining perfection in the flesh (Romans 5:19). Next, we have to accept that there is a process attached to Spirit and soul. So, we choose to continue in the process of growth and transformation, allowing the Spirit to win more frequently over the flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Peter 2:21 For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

We are to follow the example that Christ set in every way. We should be healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and encouraging others. Everything we do should reflect our example; Jesus the Christ.

How do we know we can do what Jesus did? Because Jesus said so.

John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Jesus informed us that while we can do what He did, we can also perform even greater works. If one man (Jesus) can impact and change the world by Himself, how much more of an impact can millions of people make? If every believer operated like Jesus did in the earth, this world would be controlled by believers. Schools, businesses, and entertainment venues should all be operating under the authority of the Kingdom of God. No demonic force should be controlling anything.

As we develop our relationship with God, let’s operate our lives the way that Jesus did so that we can make the necessary changes in the earth.

We are the change.

Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As we develop our relationship with God, we should get to a place where we are witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. Before we start witnessing, we should verify that the Holy Spirit is leading us and not our flesh. Even though we may have good intentions about sharing the good news with others, if it’s not Holy Spirit led, we’re operating from our flesh. And according to Romans 7:18 in our flesh dwells no good thing.

In everything we do, we should double-check to confirm if we’re being led by the Spirit of God.

Most of the time when people gossip, it’s usually about something negative. There is no such thing as positive gossip. Think about it.
The juiciest gossip involves relationships. It’s usually about someone breaking up with someone else, someone cheating on someone else, or someone got someone else pregnant. Have you ever wondered why gossip is considered wrong in so many cultures?

In Ephesians 4:29 it says the following: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
God’s word tells us to speak about positive things. Things that will build each other up. Also, death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). If everyone is speaking about the same negative event, we are reinforcing death into the atmosphere or into that person’s situation, rather than life.

Let’s remove ourselves from gossip and speak life to strengthen our brothers, sisters, and the Kingdom of God.

Many times we’ll read or hear a preacher say pray for your enemies. But, what are we praying for?

Our enemies may have hurt us but, have we considered why they even attacked us in the first place? Could it be they are hurting themselves? The same people we call our enemies could have been neglected or molested as children. They could have been abused physically or verbally by someone else. They could have been treated unfairly. With all of this negativity in their lives, they may not know how to love or forgive. All they may know is how to is ‘protect’ themselves and attack anyone who may be a threat to their happiness, peace, or satisfaction. Those type of people need prayer and forgiveness.

We are to pray that the blood of Jesus removes the pain of their pasts so that our enemies can soon become our bothers and sisters in Christ. Be the man or woman God has called you to be and pray for your enemies.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

We are created in the image of God and we are to follow the examples of Jesus Christ. If God does not lie, then… why should we?

One of the greatest things we can share with someone besides Jesus Christ is our integrity. Our integrity goes a long way. It gives people a sense of security when they’re around us. By establishing our integrity, we allow people to feel comfortable enough to share their stories or problems with us. By opening that line of communication, we can give them the antidote for every situation in life: Jesus Christ.

Establish integrity to make a difference in the lives of others.

It is overwhelming and humbling when we, shortcomings and all, finally realize the reality that as believers, God sees us through Jesus’s sacrifice.  We are made righteous the moment we accept that Jesus died for our sins to forever be our connection to the Father so that He, in all His holiness, can convene with us.  Bask in God’s amazing plan and enjoy the liberty of speaking directly to our Father, unashamed.

Romans 5:  17For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Jesus Christ every promise was made available to the believer.

Before we made Jesus Christ our Lord, we had to work hard for everything we desired. We had to live by chance or luck and hope we get in good with someone above us. After making Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, everything was made ready for us to receive. It’s as if Jesus made life one big buffet. We can put total health on our plate, deliverance from addictions on our plate, prosperity in all things on our plate, and a great marriage on our plate. Any promise we desire that’s found in God’s Word is available to us. The only thing we have to do is receive the promises available to us.

Receive the promises of God by simply saying, “I receive it.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Racially, people often socialize with their “own kind.” Very seldom do you have people go outside of the box and socialize with other races. It’s a level of comfort people have with each other. If we only socialize with people of our own race and never go beyond our comfort zone, we miss an opportunity to learn about and love others.

People of God, we need to break the racial walls of division. It’s not enough to be cordial with other races but, we need to truly love them as if they were your bother or sister. God knew there would be a tendency toward racial division therefore, He put it in His book to love, greet, and fellowship with everyone.

Stand up and break the wall.

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.

God is the most purposeful being that ever existed. It wouldn’t make sense for Him to create something without a purpose. God created everyone with a God given purpose. In order to discover His purpose for our lives, we must continually and consistently seek Him daily.

Have you ever wondered why some celebrities seem like they have everything they desire (money, fortune, fame) but, somehow they blow it all or get addicted to drugs? That’s because they’re attempting to find another outlet to satisfy them instead of walking in their purpose. We can have everything we desire but, if we’re not walking in our purpose we will still feel like we’re missing something.

Seek God faithfully and discover your purpose today.

Galatians 2:19 (GOD’s WORD Translation) When I tried to obey the law’s standards, those laws killed me. As a result, I live in a relationship with God. I have been crucified with Christ.

The word “religion” comes from the Latin word “religio” which has a meaning influenced by the verb “religare” to bind, in the sense of “place an obligation on” (World Book Dictionary).
No wonder so many people are hesitant in becoming a Christian. Who wants to be in bondage?

What Jesus Christ offered us was not religion but, relationship. He desired for us to know the Father the way He does. We shouldn’t live our lives bound to rules and regulations. We should live our lives desiring to please our Father. Just like a young child loves his earthly father and desires to make his father proud, we should love and desire to make our Heavenly Father pleased. By establishing a relationship with our Heavenly Father, by default, we end up following His commandments. And just like an earthly father, even when we don’t do everything right, God still loves us.

Remove religion and establish a relationship.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Everyday we look in the mirror to check our appearance. If something doesn’t look right, we make the adjustments so that our appearance is satisfactory to us. We’ll fix our hair, women will apply more makeup, and we make sure our clothes fit correctly.

The Bible is our mirror. It’s a reflection on the way we should be. Everyday we should look in the mirror of life (the Bible) to make sure we reflect God’s Word. If there is any area in our life where we don’t reflect the Word of God, everyday, we should make some adjustments. We may need to fix our attitude, renew our mind, or change our behavior. Our reflection is not limited to our behavior but also our finances should reflect God’s Word, our marriage should reflect God’s Word, and our families should reflect God’s Word.

Reflecting the Word of God is a lifetime process. We should always be improving or bettering ourselves to reflect God’s Word.

People don’t go to hell because they sin; they go to hell because they did not accept Christ. – Creflo Dollar

John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.

It is time to let go of guilt and condemnation. When we accepted Christ we were made righteous (Rom 5:19). Just as we did nothing to earn it, there is no sin large enough to separate us from the love of Christ.

Romans 8: 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Colossians 1:28 (New Living Translation) So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

In casual conversations with our co-workers, friends, and family we seem to speak about a lot of topics. We have conversations for hours about the news, gossip, relationships, sports, and so much more. The minute someone mentions anything about Jesus Christ people seem to get uncomfortable or quiet. They feel like Jesus should only be talked about on Christmas, Easter, or Sundays. The world is increasing in sex, drugs, and partying while Jesus is being stuffed into a box. Why do we limit our conversations about Christ?

People are dying every day and are missing their opportunities to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are being deceived, distracted, and bombarded with everything that “seems” fun and liberating and only a few are mentioning a life with Christ. As we mature in our walk with God, I encourage everyone to be a spokesman for Jesus Christ. Some of us may not have it all together (spiritually) but, at least inform someone else about the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Be a spokesman.

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.

When we read the Bible, we can see all the marvelous miracles and wonders that our God performed for His people. Well, the same God who performed all those marvelous works in the past is the same God who exists today. God has not changed. He is waiting on believers to trust, lean, and rely on Him to do the impossible in their lives. Let’s elevate our thinking and expect the impossible from God. If He did it before, He can do it again.

Inspired by Tye Tribbett’s new song: Same God
If he did it before
He’d do it again
Same God right now
Same God back then

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

Take a look at the confidence in Jesus’ faith. Jesus states, He will ask the Father and He will give you or us another Helper. It doesn’t say He hopes the Father will give us another Helper or if it be God’s will, He will give us another Helper. It says He will give us another Helper. Awesome!!! Even when Jesus informs us about our Helper, He’s also teaching us how to apply our faith.

Because we belong to Christ, we are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). This means we’re entitled to the promises of God. By looking at the example in John 14:16, this should change our prayer life.

Instead of hoping, begging, and pleading with God for our desires, we should ask the Father and expect.
We should ask the Father for peace and expect peace.
We should ask the Father for finances and expect finances.

Whatever we desire, we should ask God (one time) and expect to receive it.

Be Blessed!

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matthew 1:23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

God makes it a point to always have someone with us. From the beginning of time, to when Jesus walked the earth, until Jesus returns, God planned on having a part of Him guiding our life. It’s wonderful to know we serve a God who cares so much about us.

As a child of God, we should never consider ourselves lonely. God is ever-present and always with us. We may desire a spouse but, we’re never alone. We may have wanted our mother and/or father around but, we’re never alone. We may desire children to fill our world but, we’re never alone. When we recognize the presence of God constantly being a part of our lives, then we can truly see that we are not alone.

Many times when we attempt at something and fail we say, “I’m never doing that again.” We make that statement because we don’t want to put that much time, effort, and emotion into a project just to see it fail. We often make that statement too quickly without considering the positive outcome of that failure. The positive outcome is that we gained knowledge of what not to do.

For example, a person is in a relationship with someone whom they know is not right for them but, they continue trying to make it work. That person most likely will get emotionally hurt or drained. After the relationship has ended they say, “I’m not doing that again.” That person doesn’t want to put time, energy, or emotions into something and possibly get hurt again.

One thing that person can do instead of removing all emotion from future relationships is listen to the voice that’s telling them he/she is not the right person.

It may seem right to detach ourselves from our failures but, ultimately we are causing death to our ourselves and our future.

Inspired by Pastor Derrick Golden (thencfc.com)

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

As our faith grows, it is necessary to continually confess out loud the Word of God. We confess for ourselves to grow our faith. We develop our faith by what we hear and hear and hear again. Keep listening to the Word of God; keep declaring the promises God revealed to you.

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world– our faith.

And, remember to praise, because the victory has been solidified.

James 1: 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Finally, do not allow time to breed discouragement and doubt. Keep growing your faith by replacing thoughts of doubt with confessions and shouts of praise.

Faith Fight Plan
1. Confess and hear the Word
2. Praise for the completed victory
3. Be patient and grow

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Once we conquer one faith level it is time to move on to the next. And as monumental as that previous victory was, our faith will never be the same again because we have escalated to another faith level.

As the enemy attempts to grow thoughts of doubt, and the stakes seem to be higher, we have to escalate the past victory without idealizing the past faith fight. We have arrived at a new thing; it’s time to grow our faith. If it was as “easy” as the last thing seems to now look, then it wouldn’t be faith.

Psalm 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
(David is the writer of this Psalm)

In David’s time (before Christ), they were living by the law. This means people had to dot every “i” and cross every “t,” and attempt to do everything right to experience the goodness of the Lord. No matter how much effort David put into living right, he still had flaws. Even though David had flaws, he still had an expectation to see the goodness of the Lord in the earth.
If David had an expectation to experience God’s goodness, shouldn’t we have an expectation to see God’s goodness since we are perfected and made righteous through Christ?

We are no longer under the law but, grace. This means for the believer, Jesus Christ has dotted every “i” and crossed every “t” for us. He made us righteous to receive the goodness of the Lord. We have a blood bought right to receive the goodness of the Lord. We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to receive it. We should expect and experience God’s goodness now.

Expect the goodness of the Lord.

In the body of Christ, things are always changing and evolving. It’s not because of new information but, new revelation. The things we heard from our parents and grandparents may not be sound biblical teaching. It’s not their fault because they taught us all they knew. That’s the great thing about the Word of God; it consistently gives birth to new revelation.

Examples
Old Thought: People believed we should pray to Jesus and Jesus will answer our prayers.
New Revelation: John 16:23 says, in that day you will no longer ask me (Jesus) anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
(Summary: We are to pray to God in Jesus’ name.)

Old Thought: Every time we sin, we have to ask to be forgiven by God.
New Revelation: Colossians 2:13-14 says when you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
(Summary: For the believer, ALL our sins are forgiven. Every past, present and future sins are forgiven and nailed to the cross. We live in a state of total forgiveness.)

It’s important to renew our mind with this new revelation. Instead of holding on to the past, we should open our minds and apply this new revelation in our lives.

Praise God for joy. When we praise and magnify our God above, we experience a joy like no other. Even if we don’t feel like praising God, if we “on purpose” praise God, an inexplicable amount of joy will enter our souls. All it takes is a thought of what God has or is doing in our lives and a praise on our lips to experience this joy. Never let situations and circumstances take that joy.

Be Blessed!

Luke 24:52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Psalm 23:4 Even 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.

There is no need to fear because death or anything associated with it has been reduced to shadows. Jesus has taken the sting away from death and death has no power over us (1 Corinthians 15:55). A shadow never harmed anyone and it never will. Don’t be afraid.

Death is not only limited to our physical bodies but, in every area of our lives. Jesus has removed the sting of death from our families, our marriages, our finances and so much more. Death has no reign over our lives. Therefore, if anyone is experiencing any death-like symptoms in any area of your life, speak life, and remind yourself that because of Jesus, death has no power over us. Don’t be afraid.

Be Blessed!

When we know the following:
God is our provider…Genesis 22:14
God is our protector…Psalm 91:14
God is our healer…1 Peter 2:24
God is our help…Psalm 54:4
God is our source…Psalm 18:2
God loves us…John 13:34

then…Why do we fear?

We become afraid because we magnify what we see over God’s Word. There is a daily battle in our minds. Satan is attempting to make us believe what we see or experience is greater than God’s Word. On the other end, God has churches, ministers, and the Bible in place in the hopes that we exalt His Word over our circumstances. In order to overcome the attacks of the enemy and experience God’s best, we have to make a daily decision to spend time reading or listening to God’s Word. A scripture a day is better than nothing.

Receive and internalize the Word of God and magnify His Word over every situation in life.