Monthly Archive

John 1:12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.

As good as it sounds to say everyone is a child of God, that’s just not true. As we can see, there’s a prerequisite to be a child of God. That prerequisite is to receive Jesus. When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior then, we become children of God.

As children of God, we have a blood covenant right to the things of God. Just like we receive an inheritance of our earthly parents, we have an inheritance with our Heavenly Father. Our inheritance includes, divine health, prosperity, wholeness, and more. Everything God promises us in His Word, we have access to because of the sacrifice of Jesus. But, we first must receive Jesus.

Receive Jesus today and officially become a child of God.

***Spread this message to everyone.***

1 Corinthians 12: For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

Have you ever noticed how one church or group of believers seem to focus on one area more than another? There may be a church that focuses on missionary work in foreign countries while another church focuses on feeding the homeless in their city. That’s because God placed different desires within each of us in the body of Christ as it pleased Him.

There’s no need to criticize someone or a church because you feel like they should be doing more in a certain area. We all have different functions. Just because you feel like the church should be doing more evangelizing rather than hosting gospel concerts doesn’t mean your thoughts for the church is the correct way for the church as a whole. That’s just your function.

If we can learn to respect our functions in the body of Christ and applaud the impact each function makes in this world, we can be a positive light in so many areas.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

The only way to see real profit from the bible is mixing what’s written in it with our faith.

Temptations of unbelief enter our minds when reality contradict the scriptures. We may read and believe by His stripes we’re healed in Isaiah 53 but, we still have fever. Temptations of unbelief also enter our minds when the scriptures go against our intellect. Reading about Lazarus being raised from the dead after 4 days or reading about Jesus flying on a cloud to heaven goes against our logic. It makes us seem like we’re believing in fairy tales. Finally, temptations of unbelief enter our minds when it contradicts our feelings. We may read where it says we’re forgiven of our sins, unconditionally loved, and protected but, we don’t feel forgiven, loved, and protected. For some, if they don’t feel forgiven, they can’t believe they’re forgiven.

To truly benefit from the Word of God, we have to nonsensically throw away our logic, our feelings, and what our senses tell us and believe God’s Word. It may seem foolish to put all our eggs in one basket but, that’s how we benefit. God doesn’t want partial belief and partial skepticism. He wants 100% belief in His Word.

Believe in God and believe in His Word.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

People may have the bible on their nightstand or in their cars, but having it in our possession is not enough. We can read the bible and know all the stories and characters, but having head knowledge of the bible won’t do it. Scholars claim the bible has some good moral points and ideas, but that’s all. People have this great book, but they’re not seeing real benefit from this book.

The only way to see real benefit from the bible is mixing what is written in it with our faith. We can read by His stripes we’re healed in Isaiah 53:5 or my God shall supply all my needs in Philippians 4:19, but if we don’t believe that, we’ll never experience the supernatural in our lives. Also, context matters. If we’re reading the scriptures out of context, it makes it difficult to believe.

So, read the bible and let these scriptures profit you by mixing it with faith. Believe it to be the Word of God. Believe what these scriptures say about you and apply these scriptures mixed with faith to your life.

Psalm 51:14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
*David is speaking to God after he had the husband of Bathsheba killed in battle to take her for himself.

If we have a heart for God, the sin we knowingly commit will leave us feeling guilty and ashamed. If we’re not mindful, this guilt can weigh us down and leave us in depression. If this guilt is not checked, it can ultimately have us running from God instead of running to God.

We deal with the guilt by acknowledging God’s righteousness. God’s righteousness is only through Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him and Him alone that we are righteous. Jesus’ sacrifice has made us righteous from our past, present, and future sin. Our acknowledgement of our righteousness will cleanse our conscious from guilt and shame. If we sin, immediately, we can operate in God’s righteousness. We declare, “Father, I thank You for my righteousness through the blood of Jesus. I am forgiven. It’s because of His blood that I am cleansed from the guilt of my past, present, and future sins.” From that point on, we continue to live our life as if we’ve never done anything wrong. There’s no time of penance. There’s only receiving our righteousness through Christ.

David didn’t have the chance to experience the righteousness we have today. He only had temporary moments of righteousness through burnt sacrifices. We, on the other hand, have everlasting righteousness through Jesus Christ. Praise God for Jesus.

Psalm 105:5 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

It’s important to remember the things God has done for us. Why? Because the devil will attempt to magnify everything we don’t have and minimize everything God has done. He’ll use our limited memory to make us forget all that God has done.

Based on his attack, it can be beneficial to keep a record of all the significant things God has done in our lives. Write down that job God blessed us with, that money we didn’t expect, or that house we didn’t think we would get. Write the date it happened and a summary surrounding the blessing.

This record will help us appreciate God even more and help us never forget all that He has done.

Matthew 6:13 And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The word amen is not just something we say at the end of a prayer just to say it. It has significance. The word amen means, “so let that be” or “let that be done.”

Imagine a king giving commands to his staff. They may say, let there be a statue of me in the courtyard or plant trees around the castle. After the request, they expect their staff to get that done.

Well, we are kings in this earth and faith is our servant (Rev. 1:6; Luke 17:5-10). When we make a request to God (prayer) and finish it with amen, we’re telling faith to go to the heavenly realm and get what we requested. We may request a house, a spouse, or better employment and we should expect that to be done by our servant (faith).

It’s important to understand why we say amen. We’re using our God-given authority combined with the power of our speech to declare our requests be done in this earth.

A good mechanic will tell us how to get the best out of our vehicles. They’ll tell us to change our oil every 3000 miles, rotate our tires every so often, change our fluids, and get a vehicle inspection after so many miles. We have no problem following the instructions of the mechanic because we believe they know what’s best for our vehicles based on their expertise and experience.

But, when God gives us instructions/commands on how to best live our lives, some of us will question God’s every command. Some of us will do the opposite, thinking that we know what is best for us. Like the mechanic, God is not giving us instructions for the sake of giving instructions. He’s giving us instructions so that we can maximize this life. He’s not trying to be mean or stop our fun, but the Creator knows what’s best for His creation.

Let’s change our perspective on God’s commands. He’s only trying to help us. Let’s obey His written and audible Word.

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Love your enemies (Matt. 5:44). No sex before marriage (1 Cor. 6:18). Forgive others (Matt 6:14-15). Don’t use foul language (Eph. 4:29). Do good to those who persecute you (Luke 6:27-36).

These commands from God seem foreign, outdated, and seemingly impossible to achieve in the times we’re living in today. Times may have changed, but God and His commands have not.

So, how do we accomplish God’s commands when temptation seems stronger now, than ever before? One thing we must remember is, God is not asking us to follow these commands in our own strength. He’s asking us to rely on His strength. God knows in our own ability, we’ll fall short every time. When we have a willing heart to follow God’s commands, His Word says, He’ll give us the power to do what pleases Him. This is a win-win situation. We can please God by using His power.

Honor God enough to rely on His strength to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Luke 10:38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus, God in the flesh, was inside the house of Martha. Despite having this great presence in her home, Martha was busy working and making preparations. Meanwhile, Mary realizes she’s in the presence of greatness and she’s soaking up Jesus’ every word. Martha valued preparations more than His presence, but Mary valued being in the presence of God.

Do you find yourself so busy with life until it seems too difficult to be in the presence of God? We may have work, chores, athletics for our children and we can’t seem to make time to go to church, have quiet time with God, or even read a devotional. If all our time is spent outside the presence of God, we’ve become like Martha. We’re missing out on great opportunities to spend with God. This time can provide us with plans for our future, ways to balance our lives, or investment ideas. However, if we’re always busy, we’re like a person in a rocking chair. We’re moving, but we’re not going anywhere.

Let’s start valuing our time with God. Those other things will get done. If they don’t get done this week, it’s okay. It’s not the end of the world. But, God’s presence can positively impact our world.

Inspired by Brie Davis

If we say we trust in a big God Who has an infinite supply for all of our needs, then why do some of us having a hoarding mentality towards money? Why do some of us hold onto money as if it’s running out?

If we trust in God, like we say we do, our views on money should change. We should view money like a continuously flowing river instead of a pie that’s eventually going to run out each time we use it. When we realize God gives us the power to get wealth, gives back whatever we give out in abundance, and always gives seed to the sower, we’ll never look at money the same. We’ll give to those in need knowing that God is going to give back to us. We’ll give our tithes and offering not worried about what the church is doing with the money. We can be a blessing to others.

I’m not saying we should be reckless with money, but knowing Who our God is and His promises towards us, we won’t ever fear it running out.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

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.”

2 Corinthians 9:10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Deuteronomy 11:18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

As we can see, it’s important to teach our children the Word of God, but we can’t teach something we don’t know or learn ourselves. This means, we have to study God’s Word and get a revelation from the scriptures for ourselves in order to teach it to our children.

We see the importance of our children reading, doing math, or learning a second language at an early age, but what about the Word of God?

Instead of allowing our children to watch their favorite TV show every night, why don’t we spend family time teaching them the Word of God. It’s THE most important foundation we could ever provide for them.

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

How do we think God’s going to materialize a blessing in our lives? It’s not going to drop out the sky. It’s not going to grow on a tree. It’s going to come through a person.

Whatever need or desire is going to come through a person. God’s going to raise up somebody, somewhere, to use their power and their ability to help us. However, if we’re full of pride, we’ll miss God’s blessing every time.

Someone may want to pay for our groceries. A prideful person may say, “that’s okay, I’ll pay for it myself.” The money we could have saved by allowing someone to pay for our groceries could be a missed opportunity to build our savings account. Someone may offer us a ride to work. A prideful person may deny the offer. That conversation we could have had with the person offering us a ride to work could be the wisdom (blessing) we need to open our desired business.

Don’t miss out on God’s blessing by being prideful towards another person. Let pride go and experience God’s best.

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shallprosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

We hear this verse all the time, but if we truly internalized it, we’d be free from worry, fear, and anxiety.

We would realize that whatever we’re facing is only temporary and it won’t end up as the worse case scenario. We may be facing sickness, but that sickness won’t kill us or permanently cause damage. We would understand that our financial shortages won’t be the story of our lives. We would realize the crazy behavior of our child today won’t be the end product.

When God says no weapon will prosper, that means no weapon whatsoever. So, don’t freak out about what comes in our lives today, it’s only temporary.

Psalm 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

Surprise! Surprise! We’re getting older. Although we’re getting older, we don’t have to accept everything that comes along with getting older according to the world. The world will say, “I’m getting older so, my back is tight, my legs are sore, and I can’t move like I used to.” You can believe that if you want, but I choose to believe the Word of God.

God brought over 3 million people out of Egypt and not one of them was lacking physical strength. When Moses was 120 years old, he still was strong and had great vision (Deut. 34:7). If God can do it for them, He can do it for us (Acts 10:34). Psalm 91:16 says, with long life He will satisfy us. How satisfied would any of us be if we’re senile, sickly, and weak in our old age? What kind of quality of life would that be?

Age is just a number. As we get older the quality of our lives doesn’t have to change. With our faith in God’s Word, we can enjoy a healthy pain-free quality of life with all of our mental faculties.

Proverbs 4:20-23 (AMP) My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Consistency in the Word of God is the key to a long-lasting healthy productive life. The Word of God is alive and not void of power. It has the power to change any situation for the better. The Word is also a seed for our desires. That seed must grow (not optional). If we consistently hear the Word on healing, divine health must enter and remain in our lives. If we hear the Word of God on forgiveness, we’ll develop a heart to forgive. The more Word we hear, the more beneficial it will be to our lives.

On the other hand, if we hear the Word only once a week or read it as if we’re doing God a favor, the impact it has on our lives is limited. Faith comes by hearing, therefore, limited exposure to the Word limits the strength of our faith (Rom 10:17).

Throughout the day, let’s get a healthy dose of the Word to experience God’s best in our lives.

Mark 4:30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

When we read or hear the Word of God, it may not seem like it’s doing much. It may seem counterproductive because our situation hasn’t changed yet. It may even seem repetitive due to the fact we’ve been taught to continuously confess the Word over every situation. It may not seem beneficial.

But just like a natural seed, give the Word some time to work. Give it some time to develop. It may seem like nothing’s happening at the moment, but that Word is producing a harvest in our lives bigger than we can imagine. That Word is doing exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Eph. 3:10). That Word is changing our situation for our good (Rom. 8:28).

Time spent in the Word may seem insignificant or even boring, but it’s the most important and impactful thing we can ever do. Let’s increase our time reading and hearing the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

We should get to a place where we have a desire to do good, change our ways, and to please God. However, the company we keep can impact our spiritual development. If we keep friends around who oppose the idea of change or have no desire to change themselves, we’re the ones who will become corrupted. It’s not a possibility, it’s a guarantee.

We may want to be a loyal friend or not appear high and mighty as we go deeper with God, but at some point we may have to make a decision. We may have to love our friends from afar until we get ourselves together. We may have to distance ourselves from naysayers or friends behaving in dishonorable ways. Sure, they may call us fake or “self-righteous” and we may even lose a few, but having God on our side is better than any person who won’t support our spiritual development.

Let’s keep a circle of friends who will support, uplift, and motivate us to better ourselves.

Judges 7:7 The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”

Gideon is about to go to war with a great number of men. God instructs him to reduce his number of men from 32,000 to 300.

Human logic says, the more people you have, the more chance there is to secure the victory. As usual, God went against human logic to do the supernatural. God wanted the credit for the victory. At the end of the chapter, without losing a soul, God gave them the victory.

The things God requires of us may seem strange and illogical, but by complying with His requests, we’re guaranteed the victory. He may have us look at houses, knowing we don’t have the money or good credit yet, but when we obey, the miraculous could happen. He may have us buy our boss a gift, knowing they recently gave us a bad evaluation, but when we obey, that same boss could be a good reference to promote us within the company. God may have us apply for a position where we don’t qualify, but when we obey, His favor could get us the job.

It may not always be as smooth of a victory like we see in Gideon’s story, but at the end of the day, God gets the glory and God’s promises are ours.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Every single day, some part of our flesh wants to rise up and take over our lives. The flesh includes lust, greed, fear, or anxiety. Daily, if not hourly, we need to destroy the desires of the flesh. Why? In our flesh dwells no good thing and from our flesh we cannot please God (Rom. 7:18; 8:8).

If we tolerate those fleshly desires, it may take over and potentially ruin our lives. The next thing we know, some of us may have a 10-year addiction to pornography or we’ve become a mean bitter person because we refused to keep negative comments to ourselves. Or, we’ll become a nervous wreck because we allowed fear to take over our lives.

If we die to those cravings of the flesh and resist the temptation to sin, we’ll experience a better quality of life.