Monthly Archive

Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

God has a purpose that He desires each of us to fulfill. This purpose will not be fulfilled automatically. It takes our participation and our willingness to fulfill the purpose on our lives. When we don’t submit ourselves to God and fulfill the purpose He has for us, we will continue to go through the motions of life searching for fulfillment. It’s like having an itch that won’t go away.

Some of us have a purpose to teach in schools and others are purposed to be Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of major companies. To the world, the CEOs appear to have a better purpose on their lives but to God, everyone’s purpose is on the same level.

Spend time with God and find out your purpose. Once that purpose is known, overcome your fears and participate in God’s plan for your life.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

A component of living here on earth is that problems, challenges, and difficulties arise. But, as we face those various trials, we can keep our peace and maintain our joy, because as believers we have a guarantee of victory.

“The truth is, we’ll have problems if we’re believers; we’ll have problems if we’re nonbelievers. But as believers, we’ll also have victories.” ~Joyce Meyer

I John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

Whenever we get to a place where we are consistently hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. This means, everything He says will be true because He speaks on the behalf of the Father.

So, when the Holy Spirit reminds us that by His stripes, we are healed, we have to believe this is true. We can’t doubt or second guess the Holy Spirit’s statements based on how we currently feel. When the Holy Spirit gives us a time frame on how long we will be at a particular job, we must trust Him because He speaks the truth.

Let’s not try to logically figure out the statements of the Holy Spirit. We must accept His truth by faith in order to fulfill the will of God.

God loves us with an unconditional love. Contrary to religious belief, we don’t have to behave a certain way or do a certain thing for God to love us. If we mess up, He loves us. If we repeat the same unholy behavior over and over again, He loves us. If we’re upset with Him, He loves us. God has no terms or conditions when it comes to His love. He simply loves us.

Take the time to internalize His love for you and love Him back.

Romans 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

The ultimate sacrifice for anyone is death. Here, we see in God’s Word that He instructs us to lay down our lives for our fellow brothers and sisters. If God encourages us to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our brothers and sisters, wouldn’t it be reasonable to think that we ought to lay down or do away with less severe things such as pride, resentment, or fear?

We may see a person in need but, we turn the other way because we had issues with them in the past. Throw away that pride. Or, we may feel led to pray for a random stranger but, we’re afraid to walk in obedience because we’re concerned about what they may think or do. Cast that fear into the pit of hell.

As children of God, we have something people need however, if we’re not willing to be obedient and walk in love, we are no different than the world. Once again, if God encourages us to make the ultimate sacrifice for our brothers and sisters, surely we ought to make minor sacrifices for them as well.

I John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Matthew 16:¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Simon Peter received revelation from God. Jesus responded by saying “on this rock I shall build My church.” Some people may think Peter is the rock of the church but, that would be incorrect. Some people may think Jesus is referring to the actual building for the church but, that would be incorrect. The rock that Jesus will build His church on is the rock of revelation and the church is the body of believers.

There are some things that we (the believers) will not be able to get from books and schools. There are certain things that will only come from the Father by way of the Holy Ghost. These things are known as the rocks of revelation. These rocks are not only dealing in spiritual matters but, natural matters as well. These rocks can be ideas and concepts that no one has thought of. For instance, God can reveal the cure for cancer or the next Facebook.

But, how can we receive revelation if we don’t spend time in His presence? Simon Peter received revelation by continually being in the presence of the Son of God. Make time for God’s presence and receive rocks of revelation that will change the world and advance the church.

How many people do you know who specifically pray for their boss or for those in authority at their employment? Not too many. There are a lot of people willing to complain, criticize, or speak negatively towards those in authority but, they don’t pray for change.

We can’t go around the workplace complaining about the administration and expect change. Complaints don’t create change. Prayer causes change. We need to get in the habit of praying for those in authority. If we don’t like something, we need to pray that those in authority receive and operate in the wisdom of God and make Spirit-led decisions.

Bless those who are in authority and expect a positive change for your good.

1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Psalms 68:35 O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Have something mighty that needs to be accomplished? Whether it’s breaking an addiction or manifesting a miracle, God provides strength and power to us; apart from Him we can do nothing. So, it’s time to rely on God, seek God, and prioritize God in our lives. Let’s listen to sound biblical teaching more than once a week. Let’s study, rather than just read, the Word. And, most importantly, let’s have conversations with, rather than hurriedly list a set of pleas to, God. It’s time to acknowledge and access the source of our strength, power, and success.

2 Corinthians 10:15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,

As long as we live on this earth, our faith should continue to grow. God’s ability is limitless, therefore, our faith should be limitless.

For every born again believer, our faith starts with believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for our sins. After this first step of faith, it’s up to us how much we want to grow in our faith. God desires for us to go from one level of faith to another level of faith but, He is not going to force His will on our lives (Romans 1:17).

The level of our faith is up to us. We can stay on the first level of faith and leave the remainder of life to chance or, we can continue to grow in faith, take control of life, and experience ALL of the promises God desires for us to have. It’s up to us.

I encourage everyone to grow in faith and experience God’s best.

For you are a holy and set-apart people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6 AMP)

For every born-again child of God, we are different. God never intended us to be ordinary and we were never meant to blend in. This difference may cause us to be mocked and this difference may cause us to lose some “friends” but, that’s okay. We were hand chosen by God and we have a purpose.

Our purpose is to be lights of the world, attracting everyone out of darkness (Matthew 5:16), to be the salt of the earth, making the Word of God more appealing (Matthew 5:13), and to be witnesses unto Jesus Christ to all nations (Acts 1:8).

Recognize who you are and Whose you are and realize it’s okay to be different.

1 Peter 2:15 (AMP) For it is God’s will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

People are going to talk, haters are going to hate, and gossipers will gossip but, keep doing right. Our righteous lifestyle is promised to shut up the critics and naysayers of this world. Every lie that is told about us will dissipate.

We don’t have to say anything, argue with anyone, or get even. All we have to do is, do right. Follow the ways of God and allow His righteousness to be expressed in your daily living.

Keep Calm and Do right.

1 Kings 17:12But she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 13Then Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son.

Note: When we yield ourselves to the little things, God can entrust us with great things.

Some of us want great revelations, ideas, and insight from God but, we won’t yield ourselves to smaller things. For instance, when God tells us to apologize to someone, we want to make excuses for ourselves, blame the other person, or just become stubborn and not do it. How can we receive great things without doing the seemingly minor things?

Every time we overcome our flesh and do the things God asks of us, we become more intimate with God. We kill another portion of our flesh, we increase our sensitivity with God, and we become more available to God.

Start working on the little things and watch God download great and mighty things into your spirits.

1 Kings 17:15 So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah.

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. And God blessed (spoke good of) the seventh day, set it apart as His own, and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all His work which He had created and done. (Genesis 2:2, 3 AMP)

We are made in the image and likeness of God. This means, we can use our faith and call those things that be not as though they were, bind and loose things on earth, and based on this scripture, we can bless our days. A basic definition for blessed means empowered to prosper.

We have the ability to prosper our days before they even start. We don’t have to settle with whatever the day presents. We can take control, release our faith, and call our days blessed.

So, this day, we call you blessed in Jesus name, Amen.

Start speaking to your days.

John 20:17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”

Notice how Jesus makes the distinction that He will be ascending to both His God and His Father. When we become born again, we have to see God as more than the Creator and Ruler of the universe. We have to see God as our Father.

By labeling God as our Father, we establish a more intimate relationship with Him. We let ourselves know how committed He is to us. We solidify His love for us. We are encouraged daily and confident always because we know Who our Father is.

Our Father will never leave us or force us out as we mature. Our Father will always be our Provider, our Protector, and our Advisor for eternity.

Establish a relationship with God and make Him your Father today.

Happy Father’s Day God

And Hobab said to him, I will not go; I will depart to my own land and to my family. And Moses said, Do not leave us, I pray you; for you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. And if you will go with us, it shall be that whatever good the Lord does to us, the same we will do to you. (Numbers 10:30-32 AMP)

It’s always good to be attached to people being led by the Spirit of God. By associating ourselves with Spirit-led people, we reap the benefits from God’s anointing on their lives. For instance, in Genesis 13, Lot reaped the benefit of Abraham’s blessing.

This reaping could happen to us. We may be attached to someone who received a revelation from God on how to cure cancer. By being attached to that person, we may be internally fulfilled and financially rewarded. We may be attached to someone who has revelation knowledge on marriage and relationships. That revelation knowledge has the potential to keep our marriage together. We may be attached to a person with extensive knowledge on operating a business. That knowledge from that person can positively impact our businesses.

Let’s not take it to the point where we befriend people based on what they can do for us. But, let’s be mindful that God raises up somebody, somewhere to use their power, ability, and influence to help us. Don’t miss out on the favor of God through attachment.

Genesis 12:2 states we are blessed to be a blessing. From this scripture, we can see that God had more than us in mind when He blessed us. Unfortunately, this is also true with Satan’s plan for our lives.

When we experience hurt and pain, Satan will attempt to use this hurt and pain to hurt someone else. For instance, if we were rejected by our earthly mother or father, Satan will attempt to use this rejection to hurt someone else in our future. The hurt from the rejection may be carried into our marriages. Now, our spouse experiences a sense of rejection because we’re too afraid to give them our all. If it’s not handled properly, our spouse may end up hurting someone else. Or, we were verbally abused by someone in our past. The hurt from this abuse may linger in our lives. Now, we’re a professional verbal abuser and we’re quick to verbally abuse someone else before they abuse us.

This contamination, inspired by fear, is poisoning everyone we come into contact with. In order to release the hurt, we have to…

1. Trust God with our past, present, and future hurts and pains (Proverbs 3:5)
2. Give our cares, hurts, and concerns to the Lord and leave them there (1 Peter 5:7).
3. Forgive our offenders (2 Corinthians 2:3-11).
4. Allow the blood of Jesus to remove the sting of the previous pain (Hebrews 9:14).
5. Remove the spirit of fear and give others the love that is owed to them (2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 13:8).

The devil will only succeed with using our pain to hurt someone else if we let him. Otherwise, it’s only an attempt.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (ESV) so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Inspired by Pastor D @ thencfc.com & Joyce Meyer

John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Joy is something that can only be given by God. Positive situations can make us momentarily happy, but God is the only source for a lifetime supply of joy. Joy is something we experience in spite of situations, circumstances, and issues. Like everything else we receive from God, joy has to be received by faith.

It takes faith to receive God’s joy after recently experiencing a death in the family. It takes faith to receive joy when we cannot naturally see how God will manifest Himself. It takes faith to have joy when the doctor gives a negative report.

We exercise our faith for so many things. Let’s start exercising our faith to receive the joy of the Lord.

Psalms 1:2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

Our flesh hates studying and meditating on the Word of God. It hates turning off TV shows, getting off Facebook, and hanging up the phone with our friends. Our flesh despises the Word of God but, that is one of the most beneficial things we can do.

We can expect the following after meditating in the Word of God:
Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water…
1. The Word of God keeps us anchored. We’re unshakable when we have true knowledge and confidence in the Word of God. No situation, circumstance, or troubling experience will make us lose hope in the Word of God.

2. …ready to bring forth its fruit in its season;…
The Word of God will position us to be in the right environment to be fruitful and productive. No longer will we have to rely on our worldly education and experience. The Word of God will cause us to be fruitful.

3. …its leaf also shall not fade or wither;…
The Word of God will keep us rejuvenated. When everyone else is drained due to certain circumstances, we will be energized, inspired, and empowered.

4. …and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
The Word of God will cause us to prosper in everything we do. There will be no more try and fail. We have a guaranteed promise of prosperity. And when that prosperity manifests itself, the Word of God will keep us mature to handle it properly.

Let’s spend time in the Word of God and reap the benefits of meditation.

What if I don’t ever get married? What if I can’t have children? What if I don’t have enough money? What if he doesn’t come back? What if she is cheating on me? What if they don’t like me? What if they don’t give me the loan? What if…?

These “what ifs” and more are brought to you by Satan. One of Satan’s goals is to have the believer question the validity of God’s Word. With every goal we try to obtain, these “what ifs” will enter our mind. We succeed when we don’t allow these “what ifs” to enter our hearts. So, instead of meditating on the negative “what ifs,” start meditating on the positive “what ifs.” What if I do get married? What if they do like me? What if they will return?

From there, we can transition to casting down every negative thought and accepting God’s Word as a fact. When we accept God’s Word as a fact, we eliminate “what ifs” altogether. I will get married. I am prosperous. My spouse is faithful.

Accept God’s Word and eliminate the “what ifs.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

So many believers wait until they’re at the end of their strength and then they say, “Well, I guess all I can do is pray.” That’s our greatest weapon! We are called believers because we believe that God loves us and that He is all powerful. With those two truths, and through prayer and faith, we can manifest the impossible. So, let’s choose to surrender our situations to God now, and not wait until we’ve unnecessarily frustrated ourselves trying to do things in our own strength. Trust God, have faith, believe, and with perseverance, patiently await the manifestation of the desired outcome.

Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Galatians 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The Spirit of God was given to govern and direct our lives. The Spirit of God is there to fill in the grey areas of our life. The Bible can be truly clear about certain things but, in other situations, it may seem a little grey. One of the main grey areas in our lives is within marriage. We all are different. We have different likes, dislikes, and personalities. The Spirit of God is there to instruct each of us on how to love our spouse.

Men, the Bible doesn’t say how many times a day we need to hug or compliment our wives but, the Spirit knows. The Spirit knows what is too much and what is not enough.
Women, the Bible doesn’t say how often you should compliment or encourage your husbands but, the Spirit knows. The Spirit knows the exact number of compliments for that specific day.

People of God, listen to the Spirit. Invite Him in your home, in your marriage, and in your family. Let Him guide you to authentic holy matrimony.

Ephesians 5:33 (AMP) However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].

Men may appear super masculine as if they don’t need the emotional sentimental affection from a woman but, that’s not true. God created the man and He knows exactly what they need. In marriage, a husband has his responsibilities and a wife has her responsibilities. Man has been called to love his wife but, women are called to do a lot more.

Notice/Esteem him: Women, tell your husband how attractive he is. Let him know you see the little things he does to make your life easier. Compliment his good works.

Regard/Admire him: Keep your husbands on your mind. Don’t look at someone else’s situation and admire that. Focus on the good thing God gave you.

Honor/Respect him: As the head of the household, the husband is to be respected. Respect is NOT earned. Respect should be given simply because God said so.

Women, these are the things God commanded you to do in a marriage. At times, it may be difficult and you may not feel like it but, what else is new? Obey God, and reap the reward of a blessed marriage.

Genesis 2:15 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it.

Men: God gave man the Garden of Eden. The very first instructions God gave to man were to tend, guard, and keep the Garden of Eden. These instructions are based off a principle which means, it will work with anything we possess, including our wives. Men, with this information, we can conclude that God desires for us to be attentive to our wives, guard our wives, and keep our wives. This is our God-given purpose.

Have you ever asked yourself, where was Adam when Eve was being led astray by the serpent? By not following the instructions from God, our wives can be led astray after hearing untrue information, left unprotected, and unkempt because they were not kept (Genesis 3:1-4).

Husbands, in order for us to make hell mad with successful marriages, we have to do our part and be the obedient Spirit-led man of the house.

Genesis 6:14 “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch.

Luke 17:12 As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13 and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed.

God told Noah to build an ark and prepare for a great flood before a single drop of rain had fallen out of the sky. For some, this would have seemed illogical, far fetched, and tedious but, Noah obeyed. Jesus told the lepers to show themselves to priests before a single sore or infection was healed. For some, this would have seemed like a suicide mission knowing that they could be stoned if they were seen in a public place with leprosy but, they obeyed.

Noah and the lepers experienced the supernatural when they obeyed God. What far fetched idea has God told you to do? When we believe and act on the Word of God, we set ourselves up to experience a supernatural breakthrough in our life.

Logic, rationalization, uncertainty, and worry are all based in fear. If you know with all certainty that you heard from God, it’s time for you to act.

Act now and see God do wonderful things in your life.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

As we face challenges in our life, we have to realize that our posture, attitude, and behavior must reflect victory. If we allow our challenges to negatively affect us, we show a lack of trust in God and we give strength to our challenges.

Acting out our frustrations, by walking around being unkind to people or isolating ourselves, doesn’t bring glory to God. However, if we stand tall and continue to show the love of God to others in spite of our challenges, we let everyone know, including our enemy, that we will not be moved by our challenges.

Walk in victory and know that with every challenge, we win.