Monthly Archive

There are some of us who buy new things, get new jobs, and go towards a different path without consulting God, but we want God to bless our decisions. That’s not the operation of God. This is floundering.

Floundering is when we essentially try new things, without the leading of the Holy Spirit, using our own reason and logic. If everything works out smoothly in our new endeavor, we continue on and appear wise, however, if we face difficulties and setbacks, we claim it wasn’t God’s will for our lives.

We can skip the guessing and floundering by acknowledging God before every decision we make. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26). He will tell us when, where, and how to start something new or He’ll tell us to be patient and wait on what He has for us.

Stop attempting do life on your own. Let God lead you to the prosperous place He has for you.

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Everything our flesh desires to do, everything that seems logical to our minds, and everything the world teaches us, the Word of God instructs us to do the opposite. 

Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! 

Love and pray for our enemies, give to get, and forgive continuously are just some of the opposite ways God desires of us. 

God requires opposite ways from us to set ourselves apart from and provide light to a darkened world. Following God’s opposite ways is also an outward expression of our trust in God. We can say we trust God with our mouths, but can we trust God when it doesn’t make sense in our heads. 

No matter how weird they seem, when we follow God’s ways God guarantees that success follows, and there are numerous testimonies in the body of Christ supporting that promise. Get with the law of opposites so that God’s opposite ways can lead you in the right direction.

Psalms 56:3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

The world has taught us that trust is earned. According to the word of God, that’s not true. Trust is simply given. It’s a matter of our will to trust God or someone else.

Look at it from another perspective. We’ll trust someone to prescribe us medication or operate on our bodies simply because they have the initials “M.D.” at the end of their names. That trust wasn’t earned. We don’t know if they’re educated enough to prescribe the correct medication and we haven’t seen them be successful in the surgeries of others, but we’ll put our trust in them.

As blindly as we’ll trust a doctor we just met to operate on our bodies is the same way we should trust God and trust others. God hasn’t done anything to corrupt our trust in Him and most people haven’t done anything themselves. It’s fear that causes us not to trust God or others.

Let go of fear so that you can trust God wholeheartedly, love others completely, and live freely.

Inspired by Pastor D @ amazingchurch.com

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

We often read this scripture and associate it with blessings to come. We think about of the house, car, or job God will manifest in our lives. In this scripture, “do” is an action word and it can be replaced with any promise from God (forgiveness, protection, etc.). For today’s message, we’re going to emphasize His love towards us.

If we would replace “do” with “love,” the scripture would read; Now unto Him that is able to love exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. 

God’s love goes exceedingly beyond all that we ask, think, or imagine. Think of the most evil thing a person can do. God’s love goes beyond that. What if they committed that evil act multiple times? God’s love trumps it all. God’s love is immeasurable.

When we understand God’s love towards us, we can look at life differently. We’re not ashamed when we’ve missed the mark because we know God still loves us. We’re not here by accident because God loves us. We’re not too far gone because God loves us.

God loves us and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Romans 8:39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Philippians 1:28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.

The Word of God tells us not to be intimidated or afraid of our enemies. These enemies can be physical enemies such as actual people or they can be spiritual such as sickness, poverty, failure, or death.

Although the Word tells us not to be afraid of our enemies, it’s definitely a temptation to allow fear to dictate our lives. The most common type of enemy that attempts to dictate our lives is spiritual.

Some of us are afraid of the enemy known as failure, therefore, we don’t start the business God called us to start. Some of us are afraid of the enemy known as rejection, therefore, we miss out on meeting the spouse of our dreams. Some of us are afraid of the enemy known as death, therefore, we don’t get on a plane and we limit ourselves to only seeing what is drivable.

Regardless of the enemy, we must not fear. For the believer, there is too much God in us, around us, and working through us to allow fear to dictate our lives. Rest and be assured that if we trust God, God’s got us and He won’t allow our enemies to win.

Think of all the seemingly negative events in your life. Some of us have faced things such as layoffs, a passing of a loved one, or eviction. If these negative events were handled correctly, meaning, continuing to trust, rely, and praise God during the circumstance, that negative event can be a tool for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

It’s called a testimony for a reason. We can’t have testimony without going through a test. If we pass that test, we become a voice of hope when reaching others going through the same thing. No one wants to hear from a person who’s never lost a child when grief of losing a child is staring them right in the face. It’s difficult for us to relate to someone who hasn’t experience what we’ve experienced or are experiencing.

Facing and overcoming negative events allows us to have a testimony on how we made it through. We’ll be an encourager to those in difficult places and we’ll be a light to those facing darkness. It’s all perspective.

Use the negative events we’ve faced or are facing to advance the Kingdom of God and to be a blessing to others.

Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evidence to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Psalms 105:13-15 “When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people, He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.””‭‭

Romans 2:11 says, God does not show favoritism meaning, if He did it for one, in principle, He will do it for another. 

As believers, these are scriptures we can stand on regarding not being wronged, not being physically or emotionally harmed, and not even being touched by anyone.

While everyone else in the world is on high alert or has a bit of uneasiness when contacting unfamiliar faces, we can maintain our joy and peace because we serve a covenant-keeping God Who promised to protect us if we would put our faith in His Word.

Know that you are safe and nothing can harm you.

Proverbs 4:20My son, attend to my words; incline your ear unto my sayings. 21Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Our belief is tied to our meditation and confession. What we continuously allow ourselves to think about and what we say are what we ultimately believe.

For example, if we continuously say that we just cannot get through the winter without getting sick, then we are, in a sense, willing our bodies to receive illness, when the Word says that by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).  And, if we instead would confess that truth and allow the Spirit to lead us, He can show us how to avoid sickness in practical ways (taking vitamin C, or wearing socks around the house, etc.).

It’s time to change our confession, not just on the ‘big’ things like confessing for financial breakthrough, but also in the day to day things like being disciplined and self-controlled, or being patient and kind rather than irritable. Confess and meditate on what the Word says about you, and you will eventually see that reflected in your actions.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Philippians 1:27 “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,”

In elementary school, many of us had a conduct grade. The conduct grade was measured on how well we followed classroom rules such as, no talking, staying on task, etc. If we did well we received an “A” or “E” for excellent. If our conduct was poor, we received an “F” or “U” for unsatisfactory. 

As believers, our conduct is still being graded. This time, our conduct is being measured with the gospel of Christ. Having conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ means living in a manner that honors God, unifying ourselves with other believers, and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

We all have areas of growth, but the more we make an intentional effort to honor God with our lives, the more Christ can be magnified. One person praying with the homeless is good, but think of how more impactful we could be if we would do the work of Christ in unity. The lost are out there and the logic of God not existing is increasing. Knowing the little or a lot that we know, if we can preach Christ, spirits can be saved. 

Do what God has called you to do and align your conduct with the gospel of Christ.

Psalms 105:5 “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,”

We all face difficult times in our lives. What helps us get through those difficult times is remembering what the Lord has done for us.

When we can recall how the Lord delivered us from that terrible situation, or when we can recall how God provided exactly what we needed, it strengthens our faith to know God will do it again. It gives us something to hope for. It gives us peace of mind.

So whenever you’re going through a difficult circumstance, do yourselves a favor, and remember everything the Lord has done for you.

In part 1, we revealed there are some skeptics of God’s existence due to the negative things they see. They see “incurable” diseases, premature death, and other negative things and are skeptical of the existence of God.

We discovered the introduction of sin and Satan’s reign in the earth because of Adam’s disobedience caused every negative thing we see (the curse). We also revealed that mankind has free will and our decisions are influenced by God or Satan. So, the heinous acts people commit are a direct result of Satan’s influence.

For those in Christ, there’s hope. Jesus was sent to take mankind’s authority back from Satan. Jesus disarmed Satan, therefore, He could say all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me (Matt. 28:18; Col. 2:15). For those in Christ, we have God-given authority over heinous acts, diseases, and premature death, but if we don’t use this authority, we’re no different from an unbeliever.

We activate our authority by faith. We must have faith in the authority we have in the name of Jesus, have faith that our words have power, and have faith in the blessing of God. When we have faith in all that God says we have in His Word, nothing can stop us.

No disease can overtake our bodies because we’re healed (Psalms 91:10; Isaiah 53:5). No premature death can overtake us because we’re promised long life (Gen. 6:3; Psalms 91:16). No heinous act can be done against us because we’re protected (Psalms 91:11).

This is the authority and covering we have in Christ. Believe God’s Word and never be a skeptic of God nor His Word again.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Based on the conditions of the world, there’s been some skepticism on the existence of God. People say, if God is real, why does He allow terrorist attacks, “incurable” diseases to kill good people, and premature death of babies.

Well, there’s a little thing called sin. When sin entered the earth, through the disobedience of Adam, who represented mankind, it destroyed the life God intended for us to have. Also, when Adam disobeyed God, Adam relinquished his earthly authority to Satan. We see this in Luke 4:6-7 where Satan was trying to tempt Jesus and told him “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” So the diseases and premature deaths are a direct result of sin and Satan’s reign in the earth.

For those who question why God doesn’t intervene when a person commits a heinous act against other, let’s look at it from another perspective. We haven’t been sweet perfect little angels all our lives. If we’re going to question God’s intervention of the heinous act of another, we should also question why God didn’t intervene when we were rude to this person, said hurtful things to that person, or fought that person. It’s because God has given mankind free will and authority in this earth (Gen. 1:26) and the decision mankind makes will be influenced by God or Satan.

So instead of questioning the existence of God based on the negative things we see, look at Satan and the influence mankind allows him to have in their lives.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

After receiving a high school diploma, some of us will go to college and get our bachelors, masters, and/or doctorate degrees. We work at a career we desired. We receive promotions, pay increases, and notoriety. We get a nice house, nice car, and have a beautiful family.

Regardless of all the good we have in our lives, it was grace that provided those good things. We can get caught up thinking it’s our skill, talent, or luck that got us to the place we are today.

It’s grace that allowed us to have the funding to go to school. It was grace that allowed us to receive our desired career. It was grace that allowed us to have a beautiful family. Every good thing in life has been provided by grace. Even if we don’t like where we are in life, it is grace that keeps us alive and provides the opportunity for change.

This grace was provided through the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ and it was freely given to all of us.

Don’t dismiss or diminish grace thinking it was your skill, talent, or connections that got you to the place where you are today. It was grace and grace alone.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Went to church this week, CHECK. Read a verse for the day, CHECK. Prayed for the day, CHECK. Helped someone this week, CHECK.

What makes us feel good about our day or week is filth to God (Isaiah 64:6).

God doesn’t want our relationship with Him based on religious check marks. God desires an intimate relationship with us. He wants to be a part of our day, evening, and night. He wants to be a part of minor and major decisions. He wants to be in constant communication with us throughout the day.

We can have that continuous connection to God through the Holy Spirit. By recognizing the Holy Spirit and asking Him to lead and guide us at the beginning of each day, the Holy Spirit will direct us in ways that please God.

The Holy Spirit will tell us which move to make, who to give to, and where to go. The Holy Spirit will also tell us who to pray for, what scripture to read that will be most beneficial to our lives, and how to help someone.

Stop living life by the check mark. Develop an intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

God made a decision to love us. It wasn’t because of anything we did or didn’t’ do. He made the choice to love us and offer a sacrifice for our salvation.

The same way God chose to love us is the same way we should love others. We shouldn’t wait on someone to do something for us before we love them. Love is not a feeling, but a decision.

Some may say, I’m not loving someone who hasn’t proven themselves to me. What we’re really saying is we’re afraid of loving someone because it makes us vulnerable to be hurt. That’s fear. 1 John 4:18 says, There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Not loving also highlights pride. With pride, we’re saying, we’re not going to look like a fool for loving a person who hasn’t done anything deserving of our love. If God would have taken that same stance, we all would be headed for hell.

God wouldn’t command us to love EVERYONE if we were incapable of doing so. It’s a decision. As we unconditionally love others, this world will be a better place.

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

We can all identify areas of fear in our lives. Some of us are afraid of change, some are afraid of failure, and some are afraid of making ourselves vulnerable to someone else.

Regardless of the fear, we can see that fear is not natural because it’s not of God.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

The only appropriate way to face fear is with faith. We need to have faith that God’s Word will do what it says it will do. However, faith requires trust. So, if fear is present in our lives, that’s an area where we don’t trust God. If we’re afraid of flying, we don’t trust that God will be our Protector. If we’re afraid of failure, we don’t trust that God will cause everything to work out for our good. If we’re afraid of opening up to someone else, we don’t trust that God will protect our hearts.

To overcome our fears, the first thing we must do is become mentally prepared to face our fears. If we don’t have the correct mindset, we’ll always avoid the challenge to overcome our fears.

Secondly, we need to hear biblical teaching on overcoming our fears. Faith comes by hearing. When we hear the Word of God regarding overcoming our fears, the Word of God motivates us to face our fears.

Finally, we face our fears.

It may be a little challenging, but the more we face our fears, the easier it becomes. Eventually, we’ll look back and wonder why we allowed that fear to cripple us in the first place.

Deuteronomy 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

When we’re driving to an unfamiliar location, most of us use a navigation system. Prior to driving to our destination, we type in the address in our phones or GPS units and expect the navigation system to take us to our destination. There’s usually no thought, no anxiety, or no fear if the navigation system will get us to our destination. It’s because we trust the navigation system. It’s guided us to our destinations before and without any hesitation, we expect it to guide us again.

The same way we have the ability to trust in a man-made device like a navigation system, is the same way we should trust the Almighty God. God has proven to us time and time again that He’s faithful. Our initial trust in Him may have been a little scary, but after a few years of relying on Him, without hesitation, we should rely on Him again.

The devil is crafty. Every time we place our trust in God, no matter how long we’ve trusted God, Satan will throw thoughts of doubt into our minds making us wonder if God will come through. If we can just ride it out and rely on God, like we would do with a navigation system, God will take us to greater places than we could imagine.

Trust God. He is faithful. If He did it before, He can do it again.

Inspired by Enock Ddamulira

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 3:27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

As we can see, we have a double portion of Jesus Christ. We live in Christ and Christ lives in us.

With this double portion, we have certain benefits.

In Christ
In Christ, we’re now alive to God (Rom. 6:11).
In Christ, we are perfect (Col. 1:28).
In Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us every day of our lives (Eph. 1:13).
In Christ, we’re not only going to be in heaven. At this very moment, we are in heaven, seated with Christ (Eph. 2:6).

Christ In Us
Christ in us allows to be overcomers in any situation (1 John 4:4).
Christ in us keeps us rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17).
Christ in us allows us to have understanding of the Word of God (Col. 1:24-27).

Jesus paid an awesome price so that we can be in Him and He can be in us. All of these benefits are for everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Maximize on these benefits.

As followers of Jesus Christ, everyone should be resisting the urge to do things contrary to the Word of God. We should resist the urge to drink alcohol in excess, resist the urge to become angry, or resist the urge to hate our neighbors because they’ve treated us poorly.

Interestingly enough, society seems to accept some of the things believers encourage others to resist that align with the Word of God. For instance, society doesn’t seem to have a problem with believers telling others to resist the urge to commit adultery against their spouses and society may not have a problem with believers telling single people to resist the urge to fornicate. However, if a believer tells a person to resist the urge to be involved in a same-sex relationship, society calls the believer a spreader of hate, homophobic, or an unbeliever in love/happiness.

Yes, people can be physically attracted to the same-sex, but just like a married person should resist the urge to cheat and a single person should resist the urge to fornicate, a person who’s attracted to the same-sex should resist the urge to follow-through with that attraction.

God, our Creator, knows and wants what’s best for us. God’s Word even declares no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11). If He’s withholding the permissiveness of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and more from us, it’s probably because it’s not a good thing.

At the end of the day, with every temptation, a decision needs to be made. Are we going to honor God with our lives, or satisfy the cravings of our flesh? You decide.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.