Category Archive

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

Seeing or experiencing hatred, bitterness, poverty, sickness, and death continuously can have some of us become anxious for the Lord’s return. Because we’re saved and those closest to us are saved, we’re ready for the return of Jesus to deliver us from all this madness. That’s selfish.

God has more than current Christians on His mind. He sent His Son to save the world (John 3:16). God desires that everyone repent and be saved. While we wait on Jesus’ return, we can do our part to fulfill God’s desire.

As Christians, our responsibility is to lead others to Christ. We can talk to random people about Christ, write bible-based blogs, or share the Gospel of Jesus Christ on all social media platforms.

Don’t selfishly wait in your comfortable Christian status for Jesus’ return. Let others know about establishing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

When negative events occur, ordinarily they get our attention. We tend to focus on it, tell people about it, and possibly lose sleep over it. What this verse is telling us to do is to ignore the negative events. We’re not in fantasy land pretending problems don’t exist. We’re consciously choosing to ignore the problems and focus on our desired solution.

Who do we depend on for our desired solution?
God, through the finished works of Jesus Christ.

This can be difficult because the problems are constantly trying to get our attention, but if we focus on God’s Word, see ourselves free from those problems, and thank God in advance for the solution, we’ll experience deliverance.

2 Peter 2:21 For never to have obtained a full, personal knowledge of the way of righteousness would have been better for them than, having obtained such knowledge, to turn back from the holy commandment which was verbally delivered to them. 22 There has befallen them the thing spoken of in the true proverb, The dog turns back to his own vomit, and, The sow is washed only to wallow again in the mire.

Once we’ve obtained knowledge of what’s right, we’re now held accountable to do what’s right.

For instance, in Ephesians 4:32 it tells us to forgive one another. Now that we know to forgive, it’s our responsibility to forgive everyone who wronged us. If we don’t forgive, we’ll reap the consequences of unforgiveness.

In Ephesians 5:25, it tells husbands to love their wives the way Christ loves the church. We are now held accountable to unconditionally love our wives. This goes for anything we learn in God’s Word and for anything that is taught to us by the Holy Spirit.

These instructions are not meant to condemn us, but to make us better people, make us better representations of Christianity, and improve the quality of our lives. Let’s make it easy on ourselves by doing what’s right.

2 Peter 2:9 Now if all these things are true, then be sure the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom,

For those who are facing temptations and trials, God knows how to rescue us out of those temptations and trials, if we want to be rescued.

The most common way He’ll rescue us is by providing instructions. He’ll tell us turn off the computer/phone and go to bed if we have a pornography temptation. He’ll instruct us to touch and pray over our spouse’s clothes if we’re experiencing marital trials. He’ll give us a plan on how to eat and exercise if we have a temptation to overeat. Our flesh will resist His instructions the entire time, but if we override our flesh, God will lead us to our deliverance.

Once again, this is for those who want to be rescued. If we’re too prideful or stubborn to follow His instructions, we’ll remain in the same place. Live a life of liberty and be free of all trials and temptations.

1 Peter 5:12 (AMP) By Silvanus, a true (loyal, consistent, incorruptible) brother, as I consider him, I have written briefly to you, to counsel and urge and stimulate [you] and to declare [to you] that this is the true [account of the] grace (the undeserved favor) of God. Be steadfast and persevere in it.

Life can be difficult. There are situations that make a person want to quit, give up on God, or kill themselves. One of the greatest things we can do as believers is encourage someone else.

The entire book of First Peter was to stimulate or encourage someone else. We don’t have to send a letter like Peter (unless God instructs us to), but we can stimulate others through text messages, instant messages, or a post. When we’ve heard or read something that encourages us, it’s only right to encourage someone else.

As God prompts us, we can call someone we haven’t spoken to in a while and speak an encouraging word to them. When a person is at their lowest, and we call or text an encouraging word to them out the blue, these are the type of things that show them God’s listening and He cares. We truly become vessels for God.

Let God lead you on who you should encourage. It will glorify God, be a blessing to others, and fulfill purpose.

John 7:30 At this they tried to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

44 Some wanted to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him.

On two separate occasions, the Jews tried and wanted to seize Jesus but for whatever reason, they couldn’t. I submit to you the anointing on Jesus’ life wouldn’t allow them to touch Him.

When we’re fulfilling the will of God, being led by the Spirit of God, and have faith in God, nothing can stop us. Not a person, not a closed door, or a policy can stop us from fulfilling our purpose. We’ll experience favor, protection, and miracles to accomplish His plan for our lives.

If we know without a shadow of a doubt that God called us to do something, trust that He won’t let us fail. There may be some delays that seem like setbacks, but His purpose will be accomplished.

There are people who consider themselves Christians who seem to make it their goal to discredit other believers. They’re deceived into thinking they’re doing God a favor by “exposing” individuals in the body of Christ. Usually, they attack people with a large following such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, etc.

They think they’re doing God a service, but in actuality, they’re puppets for Satan. They think they’re “enlightening” believers based on rumors they’ve heard about these people.  They think they’re “exposing hypocrites” based on their interpretation of the bible. They’re not doing God nor us a favor. They’re destroying the body of Christ from the inside.

What glory is God receiving by discrediting another believer? How is God getting the praise by causing division? How is this behavior making Christianity attractive to the lost? What benefit is gained?

If there is something fishy with a leader, God’s Word is powerful enough to expose them without our help. Mark 4:22 says, there’s nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. If we disagree with their preaching/teaching, don’t listen to them. Can we disagree without dragging their name in the mud?

Don’t be Satan’s deceived puppets by posting videos or sharing articles portraying other believers in a negative light. This causes division. We’re at our strongest when we’re unified.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

In our minds, there’s a constant struggle between what our flesh wants to do and what God wants us to do. It doesn’t matter if it’s a major or minor decision, it’s a struggle.

Our flesh is highly influenced by Satan. It has no desire to please God. It wants to do what feels right in the moment. Satan can even make a decision seem wise, logical, and beneficial, but is it what God wants us to do?

The best thing we can do is surrender every decision to God. We throw our hands up and say, “God, tell me what You want me to do” and wait on His response.

It’s always going to be a fight with our flesh to surrender to God. The more times we surrender, the easier it becomes. It’s like working out. The first few times, we’re sore and exhausted, but the more we work out, the easier it becomes.

Don’t be lazy or mentally weak by yielding to temptation. Command your flesh to obey God’s will every single time.

1 Peter 3:10 For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). 11 Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]

Psalm 34:12 What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

On two separate occasions, hundreds of years apart, the bible teaches us basic principles to have a good life.

The principles include:
1. Not speaking evil and lies.
2. Not doing evil.
3. Doing good and striving for peace.

Since out of the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses every word is established, according to 2 Corinthians 13:1, we can conclude these principles must be God’s truth.

It seems simple, but a lot of us have a difficult time with this. We’ll go to church, but gossip about others. We’ll read our bibles but call a professional athlete “trash.” We’ll say we forgive them but think about or act on ways to hurt them the same way they hurt us. This is not positioning us to see good days.

Activate these principles daily and enjoy the good life God desires to give you.

1 Peter 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

There are certain things God may instruct us to do. Before, while, or after the task, we may wonder what’s in it for us. The answer to that question may be nothing.

God may have us do something that solely benefits someone else. He may have us give to a ministry, move to a different city, change jobs, or be a blessing to a complete stranger. We may not see or know about the impact it made, but we must have faith knowing it made a difference. Our presence or gift can potentially impact a person’s life for years.

Although we may not reap a reward from that organization or person, we’ll reap a reward from God because Ephesians 6:8 says, whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord. Be mature enough to know whatever God calls you to do may not benefit you, but it can be a blessing to someone else.

When we drive a car, we’re constantly making little adjustments and corrections. We turn a little to the left or right to ensure we stay in our lane. The same small adjustments and corrections we make when we’re driving is the same type of adjustments and corrections we should make in life.

For believers, these adjustments and corrections will be pointed out by the Holy Spirit. He’ll tell us what we’re doing wrong and give us the tools we need to make the corrections. He’ll show us when we’re being irritable or impatient and He’ll show us how we got to that point. The Holy Spirit will confront us for being critical. We need to make the adjustments to eliminate criticism. He’ll tell us all sorts of things, but are we listening and are we willing to act on what He says?

Our flesh will always attempt to run our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you on the necessary adjustments and corrections.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 7:15 The Jews were astonished. They said, How is it that this Man has learning [is so versed in the sacred Scriptures and in theology] when He has never studied? 16 Jesus answered them by saying, My teaching is not My own, but His Who sent Me.

The Jews were astonished because Jesus never took the traditional route to gain knowledge of the scriptures. Jesus didn’t need to learn the traditional way. He allowed Father God to reveal things to Him.

This is wonderful for the body of believers. This means whatever we’re doing, we can allow God to reveal things to us. We may have never gone to college for a certain position at our jobs, but God can reveal some things to us that will make us stand out and be offered a position. We may not have all the ideas and plans for a business, however, He’ll reveal some things we’ve never thought of before.
If we mix God’s revelation with His favor in our lives, there’s no telling how far we can go in life.

This revelation will astonish those who are privileged to witness this miracle. It’s not for our applause, but to glorify God. Seek God on your next endeavor and allow His revelation to astonish those around you.

John 7:1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him.

Jesus, the Son of God, chose not to go to Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him. Was He afraid? Of course not. He could have called angels down to take them all out (Matthew 26:53). He simply chose to exercise wisdom.

Some Christians have allowed their faith to turn into foolishness. People have driven cars without their prescribed glasses, in faith, attempting to rebel against poor vision. Someone was killed after believing God would protect him as he walked through a pride of lions. Now, believers are intentionally gathering during a virus, without any protective gear, claiming God is their protection. This is foolish. If God has not specifically given us instructions to do certain things that appear to be foolish, we should exercise wisdom. It’s all about letting the Spirit lead us. And, it’s not always fear. We can wash our hands, wear a mask, and maintain separation without being in fear.

If Jesus chose to exercise wisdom to preserve His life, we should do the same. Let’s be wise and in faith and not foolish.

Deuteronomy 6:10 And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, 11 with houses full of every good thing with which you did not fill them, with wells that you did not dig, and with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied,

Some of us want our first house and some of us want a better house. It’s one of the great feelings we experience as adults. The good news is there’s a promise from God for those who desire a house.

Poverty-minded or religious people may have a problem with asking God for a house based on His Word. They may feel like we should be satisfied with the bare necessities, but that’s not God’s desire for us. In Mark 11:24 Jesus says, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. That whatever He’s referring to includes a house.

We don’t have to have the money, the credit, or a hookup to get a house. The house has been made available in and through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). All we need is our belief in what Christ has done to obtain God’s promise of a house.

Psalm 4:5 (AMP) Offer righteous sacrifices; Trust [confidently] in the Lord.

Giving is a financial plan for God to bless our lives. When we give our tithes and offering, it’s an opportunity for God to positively impact our lives.

Sacrifices made in the old covenant were associated with the killing of animals unto the Lord. Under grace, we no longer need to offer a blood sacrifice, but a financial sacrifice is advantageous to the quality of our lives.

There will be times where God prompts us to give a sacrificial offering. It’s usually over and above our normal tithes and offering. In some of our minds, every time we give it’s a sacrificial offering. God is not trying to take money from us. He’s giving us the opportunity to strengthen our trust in Him.

If we can show that we trust Him with our money, He’ll blow our minds with blessings we can’t imagine. Trust God more than money. If He tells you to give more, just do it and God will give you something money can’t buy (favor).

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague.

Due to the coronavirus, people across the world are experiencing a shelter-in-place. The government and doctors tell us the safest place to be during this time is in our homes. Shelter-in-place is not a new concept. The original shelter-in-place is the shelter of God.

The great news about being in God’s shelter is He delivers us from traps and deadly plagues. Another benefit about the shelter of God is it’s not limited to one place. We can be in God’s shelter while we’re on the go. We can be at stores, at work, and enjoying life while in the shelter of God. We can be care-free because we’re in the shelter of God.

That same comfortable peaceful feeling we have by being in our natural homes during this time is the same feeling (if not more) we should have by being in the shelter of God. From this day forward, declare you’re in the shelter of God.

There are some people who get multiple degrees, prestigious careers, and fancy cars or houses because they want to feel important. A lot of times, people use these accolades to get approval and praise from others. They want people to look at their life and applaud how well they’ve done for themselves. There’s nothing wrong with having accomplishments but using accomplishments to make you feel important is hollow. We’re not important because of things. We’re important because God said we’re important.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

As we can see, we’re special and wonderfully made. We don’t need external things or accomplishments to feel important. If no one else tells us we’re special or important, God calls us important and that settles it. Accolades are just extensions to our God-called importance.

God desires and deserves more from us than an hour on Sundays. He wants to be a part of every aspect of life.

He wants to be part of our mornings as we thank Him for another day and seek Him for our daily assignments. He wants us to be sensitive to hear His voice on the best route to work. He wants us to obtain His wisdom while working. He wants us to seek Him on parenting advice. He wants to provide martial counseling.

Overall, God simply desires an ever-increasing relationship with us. The time and energy we give to building earthly relationships is the same time and energy we should give to building a heavenly relationship with God.

We may not seek or acknowledge Him on every little decision we make, but our goal is to get better with time.

Leviticus 26:11 And I will make My dwelling place among you, and My soul will not despise you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

These verses are telling us to give credit where credit is due. This is often overlooked in close relationships because certain things are an expectation.

A husband may be expected to take out the trash or mow the yard, but there’s nothing wrong with sincerely appreciating him for fulfilling his role. A wife may be responsible for cooking dinner or grocery shopping, but it’s beneficial to appreciate her for cooking and even more beneficial to tell her how good the meal tastes. Even with our children, it’s good to tell them how well they’re doing in school and how well they maintained a positive attitude while doing their homework.

People like to be appreciated. Let’s do our best to consistently appreciate them and not take their goodness for granted.

Psalm 4:3 (AMP) But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness]. The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him.

One of the great benefits of being God’s children with preferential treatment is God hearing us when we call. How awesome is it to know that the God of everything hears AND answers us when we call to Him?

Nothing is off limits. We can ask Him anything from wisdom in a situation to understanding why a situation went the way it did, to asking for a parking space.

Don’t be confused about life and don’t live in lack. Call to your Father and He’ll answer you.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

For born-again believers, we have preferential treatment because we’re in the family of God. Like any good father, God wants His children to have more than enough. Our more than enough is through Christ. By placing our faith in what Christ has done for us, we’ll always have all our needs met, we’ll have protection, we’ll have favor, and wisdom. It doesn’t mean we’re exempt from problems, but our problems won’t take us out. God will always give us a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

Every person is not a child of God. We all were created by God, but God is not everyone’s Father. In John 8:44, it tells us the unbeliever’s father is the devil. They can’t expect to receive anything from God. They’ll just experience God’s goodness every now and again in the hopes that one of those moments will lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

Know who you are in Christ. Believers are sons and daughters of the Most High God. Expect to receive preferential treatment.

Proverbs 17:9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.

Forgiveness is something believers are required to do. It’s best for ourselves, for the other person, and for the situation. Unfortunately, some people have a bad habit of reliving the incident and bringing it back up to the person who wronged them.

True forgiveness requires us to let it go. Yes, they betrayed our trust or said some harsh things to us, but we must forgive them and let it go.

If we want to cause division between our spouse, our friends, or family member, keep bring up what they’ve done wrong. Things will never get better. From husbands and wives to parents and children, it’s in our best interest to forgive them, let it go, and never bring it up again.

Proverbs 17:15 (AMP) He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both an abomination [exceedingly disgusting and hateful] to the Lord.

There are a lot of “high and mighty” Christians out here who make it their life’s goal to condemn people. They want to tell others how shameful they should be for dressing a certain way, acting a certain way, or being around certain people. Some may think they’re being helpful by being honest, but they’re condemning people. Condemnation is making other people feel bad about what they’re doing. And according to this scripture, condemning the righteous (2 Cor. 5:21) is an abomination to God. They want to tell others about this sin or that sin being an abomination to God, but their own actions of condemnation are an abomination.

If we see someone doing something outside the will of God, with all sincerity, let’s pray for their deliverance. If, and only if, the Holy Spirit tells us to say something to that person, He’ll lead us to say something in a non-condemning way. He’ll have us speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

Don’t be an abomination to God by condemning others. There is no condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1). Be a disciple of Christ by displaying the love of God.

Proverbs 24:14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

If we want to get revelation about our next steps, financial wisdom, parenting tips, ways to be more efficient at work, or beneficial tools, we must seek God. This information is available to us, but we must actively seek Him.

We can’t expect to get all this wisdom if we’re only giving Him 10 minutes of our day. We can get some, but not as much as we may desire. Let’s seek God by reading His Word, spending time with Him through prayer, and consulting Him in all our decisions. Obtaining God’s wisdom is like getting answers to a test.

Go get that wisdom in every area of life. He’s not hiding it from us. We just have to prioritize Him.

Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

When we see people on social media or people in our circle appearing to live an enjoyable prosperous life, that’s when Satan attempts to plant seeds of jealousy. He’ll show us people who have nicer houses than we do, have the family we desire to have, or show us people who appear to be having so much fun.

When that spirit of jealousy enters our thoughts, that’s when we must recognize Satan’s attack and reject it. Reject that thought of jealousy and turn it around on him. Genuinely praise God for that person’s blessing he’s showing us and tell him if God can prosper them, He can prosper us too.

From major to minor things, don’t allow jealousy to enter our hearts. Reject it and praise God for your blessing.

One places the devil likes to apply his attack is in our emotions. Anger, sadness, and just moodiness in general are things we must recognize as demonic influences. The devil does a good job highlighting situations in our lives to make us feel justified in our emotions. He’ll have us recall what someone said to make us feel disrespected which will lead to anger. He’ll magnify what we don’t have to make us feel sad.

It’s during these times where we must recognize Satan’s presence. Instead of wallowing in these emotions and allowing them to control our attitudes, let’s counter these emotions with the Word of God.

The Word tells us we have the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). As we see, we have self-control, therefore, we can’t use the excuse of “I can’t help how I feel.” We can help how we feel by replacing a negative emotion with a positive emotion. It may take some time and some positive confessions, but we have that ability.

Don’t be depressed and live in self-pity any longer. Fight back by controlling those emotions.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Praising God is what we do. We open our mouths, lift our hands, and express how awesome God is to us. It can be as short or as long as we want it to be. It can be loud or a whisper. There are no rules on how we’re to praise God. The important thing is to consistently praise Him.

Don’t get tunnel vision looking at negative circumstances. Those negative circumstances will have us ungrateful and holding God’s praise hostage. Choose to look on the brighter side. We may not have all the money we want, but God supplies our needs. We may not have the employment we desire, but we’re employed. We may not have a house yet, but we have shelter.

Just think for a second. There are a million reasons to praise God. Choose a handful of reasons a day and keep the praise going.

Revelation 19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!”

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

If we took this verse seriously, we’d have nothing to fear. We can go out at night, go to the grocery store during a pandemic, or get on an airplane without worrying about getting sick or dying.

We can have this freedom if we build a solid relationship with our Father. We can spend time in His Word, commune with Him in prayer, and get to know His nature. Based on this foundation, we would have an assurance that He’s with us and He’s not going to allow anything to happen to us.

It takes courage to stare in the face of fear and still choose to trust God. This is a great time to reconnect and reestablish your relationship with God. We’ll either live freely by trusting Him or live fearful by avoiding Him.

When we first got saved, we were all in. Every day and every night were all about God. As time went on, our zeal may have left, and we started engaging in behavior we haven’t done in years. Some of us haven’t gone to church in years and our bible is just for decoration. We may have backslid to the point where it seems like we can’t hear God and we don’t know if God is listening to us.

Here’s good news. No matter how far we’ve strayed from God and righteousness, God is still available. If we turn to Him, He’ll hear our prayers and act on our behalf. He’s not hearing and answering our prayers based on how good we’ve behaved. He’s acting on our behalf because of His love towards us through Jesus. Jesus sacrificed Himself for mankind and because of His sacrifice, we’ve been reconciled with God.

Never think you’ve gone too far, and God is not listening. At any point in our lives, we can turn to Him and God will hear and answer our call.

Isaiah 44:21 Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you; you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you. 22 I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

With this coronavirus, the government has instructed us to wash our hands, use hand sanitizer, and stay in our homes. A lot of us heeded this advice without a second thought. Most of us haven’t experienced or seen the effects of the virus, but we’ve taken the necessary preventative measures. When we believe and act on something we hadn’t experienced yet, we’re acting in faith.

If we follow God’s advice as easily as we did the government’s advice, think of where we could be. We could have been delivered from pornography, received that promotion, or been married by now.

The difference between obeying man’s instruction about this virus and obeying God is consequences. People quickly obeyed the government because they’re afraid of getting sick. God’s not using fear and consequences so, there’s no sense of urgency. There’s also a trust issue. Some of us trust the government more than God.

Take this opportunity to evaluate your life. Are you trusting man more than God? There’s nothing wrong with heeding wise counsel from our leaders, but let’s heed God’s instructions about our lives and watch our lives elevate to another level.

When events like the coronavirus take place, one of the first things people want to do is attribute it to God. Some call it an act of God and others say it’s the wrath of God. Neither are correct. God’s not involved.

Long ago Adam, who represented mankind, gave his authority in the earth to Satan after obeying him in the Garden of Eden. Since the fall of mankind, Satan has ruled the earth. The bible calls him the prince of this world (John 12:31). Looking at the characteristics of Satan, we see he wants to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Based on this, God’s not involved with anything associated with death, disease, or destruction in the earth. People want to blame God, but, it’s Satan.

Jesus’ sacrifice took the power out of Satan’s hands and gave it to us. As believers, we have the privilege to get God involved in our affairs and the affairs of the world. If we see something that’s not lining up with God’s Word, we can use our God-given authority to change that situation. We have power over Satan, power in our words, and victory through Jesus in any situation.

Instead of allowing God to take the blame, let people know God’s not involved, but it’s Satanic forces that need to be removed by born-again believers.

Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.”

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

If we truly believe these verses, the next thing we can do is get things ready. Whatever you’re believing God for, prepare yourself to receive it.

If you’re believing God for a new car, clean out and make space for the car in the garage. If you’re believing God for a new house, start packing non-essential items. If you’re believing God for a spouse, start preparing yourself to share your time, space, and resources. If you’re believing God for a child, start shopping for baby things. We don’t need to wait until we’re in the process to get things ready. If God said we’ll have our request, it’s time to get things ready.

It may be another year or so before the manifestation of our request, but we’re responding to what we’re in faith for. Allow the Spirit of God to lead you on how to get things ready. We want to be in faith, not acting foolishly.

Mark 4:35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

Jesus instructs His disciples to go to the other side. One would think since Jesus proclaims to be the Son of God, that things would be smooth. That’s not the case. As they obeyed, they experienced hurricane-like conditions and thought they were about to die.

There may be times where God leads us to uncertain situations. For instance, we hear God telling us to move to a different city. As we obey, we may think we’ll experience instantaneous breakthrough in some part of our lives however, we go into a situation worse off than where we left. Or, God told us to start a business. We hope to get profits within a year, but we go into serious debt.

Initially, everything may not work as smoothly as we thought. But as we put our pride, logic, and ego aside and remain consistent with obeying God, He can turn any situation around for our good. Just remain in faith that something good will come because of your obedience. Looking back at the disciples, although they were hit by the storm hard, it didn’t kill them. They went to Jesus, He stopped the storm, and they gained a better appreciation for Him (Mark 4:38-41). As we go to God with our concerns about what He’s called us to do, He’ll eventually turn our situation around, and we too will have a better appreciation for Him.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Certain stressors don’t just happen by chance. They were created and designed by our mouths.

Everything from drama in our marriage, to sickness in our bodies, to trials at work, to financial issues can all be created with our words.  We can’t keep saying, “I’m broke” and expect to have wealth and we can’t keep saying, “work is stressing me out” and expect to have a peaceful work place. God forbid we double up on our issues by saying, “my husband/wife is making me sick.” That’s marital and health problems being confessed in one sentence.

If you like stress in your life, then keep talking foolishly. But, if you want to have a more peaceful life, then be slow to speak and control what you say.

2 Kings 5:10 Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.”

Joshua 6:14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 15 Then on the seventh day, they got up at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. That was the only day they circled the city seven times. 16 After the seventh time around, the priests blew the horns, and Joshua commanded the people, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!

Throughout scripture, God tells His people to do some strange things. In one case, God tells a leper, through Elisha, to get clean by washing himself in dirty water. In another case, God gave Joshua the war plan of walking around a city once a day for seven days.

Some of the things God instructs us to do go against our logic, our education, and understanding. But, to experience the best results in our lives, we must be obedient to God’s requests.

After obeying God’s instructions, we may not see immediate results from our obedience. Just know, the success is not in the outcome, but in the obedience. Whether it be the next day or the next month, believe God will reward us for our obedience.

Let’s not go on thinking our logic is smarter than God’s plan. Even if God’s instructions are strange, let’s push past our logic and believe His way is more beneficial than anything we could ever come up with.

When we first get saved and/or receive the filling of the Holy Spirit, we may have an inexplicable feeling. We get goose bumps, we’re super excited, and we can hardly contain ourselves. That feeling makes us cry when we worship and experience God in an intense way.

Over time, that feeling may go away. Some say, “they don’t feel God like they used to.” With that feeling gone, some question if God left us or if we did something wrong. The answer to both questions is no.

Just because we don’t “feel” God doesn’t change the truth in God’s Word that He’s ever-present and listening. Just because we don’t cry when we worship doesn’t mean our worship is not sincere.

The bible says, we are to live by faith (Rom. 1:17). Appropriate applied faith is believing God despite our senses and how we feel. (Heb. 11:1). It’s the devil’s job to make us feel like God left us. If he makes us feel like God’s not there, we’ll eventually stop praying, worshiping, and seeking Him.

Feelings are fickle, but God’s Word is unchanging. If it’s in His Word, it’s true no matter how we feel.

And God’s Word says…
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.”

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.

Exodus 4:10 But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

I don’t have enough money.
I’m too shy.
I don’t have a degree.
I’m too old.
I have too much going on in my life right now.

Like Moses, some of us have excuses as to why we can’t do what God called us to do. At the end of the day, any excuse is a form of fear by way of pride. Pride comes based on the thought of being embarrassed or looking foolish.

God knows our physical limitations and He knows our previous experiences. But, God is not asking us to do anything independently from Him. He plans to be with us every step of the way.

Knowing God is with us and will help us should ignite confidence and courage. With God by our sides, we can’t fail. Even the appearance of failure is not failure with God. We have all that we need and if there are any concerns along the way, we know He’ll perfect them (Ps. 138:8).

It’s God doing the work in us (Phil. 2:13). He simply needs a vessel to work through. Be bold as a lion, eliminate all excuses, and do what God called you to do.

Proverbs 28:1(b) …but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Matthew 18:18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

Mark 11:24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.

Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The common theme in these verses is our control. Whatever happens in our lives is not left up to someone else, the devil, or even God. It’s left up to us.

Whatever we forbid or permit on earth, will be forbidden or permitted in heaven. Whatever we pray for, in faith, will come to pass. If we don’t pray, we can’t expect to receive anything from God. Whatever we say (positive or negative), will manifest itself in our lives. This puts us in total control of our own destiny.

God created this world and put mankind in control (Gen. 1:26-28). Of course, God wants to be involved in our lives, but He’s not going to force us to do or receive anything. It’s on us if we let Him get involved in our lives or not.

So, evaluate your life. Are you satisfied with where you currently are in life? If not, don’t just accept it. Take control by getting God involved and using your God-given authority to declare what you want and don’t want in your life.

Exodus 32:11 Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians speak, and say, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and relent from this harm to Your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven; and all this land that I have spoken of I give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.’ ” 14 So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.

Knowing that God was angry with the Israelites and was about to destroy them, Moses reminded God of His covenant He had with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Moses’ reminder of God’s promise caused God to stop His plan of destroying the Israelites. It wasn’t like God forgot His covenant. The covenant just needed someone to activate it.

It’s the same way with God’s promises. If no one activates God’s promises in His Word, those promises will never manifest in the earth. It’s like an ATM card. We can have $1,000,000 in the bank, but if we never activate the card, we can never access the money.

Remind God of what He said. When lack shows up say, “You said, You’re my Shepherd and I shall not want.” When sickness attempts to creep in say, “You said, by His stripes I’m healed.” When chaos is all around us say, “You said, You’re my Protector.” We’re putting pressure on that Word. After reminding God and ourselves of what He said, we can immediately thank Him. We thank Him because we know it’s already done.

John 6:8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?”

Jesus tells His disciples to feed over 5000 people. Naturally, they looked at the situation and saw they didn’t have enough food. Now, here’s Andrew bringing a boy’s lunch knowing it wasn’t going to feed 5000 people. Logically, one would question why Andrew would bring something so insignificant to Jesus.

Q: What can we learn from this?
A: Even though things seem insignificant, when God’s involved, He can make them magnificent.

God may instruct us to do things that appear insignificant. As we obey His instructions, He can turn those seemingly insignificant things into something beneficial.

Reading a daily verse seems insignificant, but those daily verses can provide us with the faith we need to overcome an upcoming temptation or trial. God may have us research how to better do our jobs. It seems insignificant since our jobs are not in jeopardy, but our research may have us stand out to the point where we’re first on our supervisor’s list for a promotion. Giving an additional $1.00 in church seems insignificant, but that $1.00 we consistently give can turn into an unexpected $500 bonus at the end of the year.

Don’t miss out on the magnificent by not doing something that seems insignificant.