Category Archive

Proverbs 24:29 “Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”

When someone does us wrong, our flesh wants to get them back. We don’t care how, but we want vengeance for the hurt they caused us. If we’re a Christian, our flesh desires God to get them back quickly so that we say, “You shouldn’t have messed with God’s child.”

The Bible clearly tells us not to seek our own vengeance against that person. In fact, it’s not their fault. Ephesians 6:12 says, for we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. This means, our enemy is not the person, but the unseen demonic influences within the person. Even if the act appears deliberate and intentional, it’s still not their fault.

Let’s use our God-given authority found in Luke 10:19 to cast out the demonic influences within that person and know what the devil meant for evil, God will turn it around for our good (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28). 

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

After a couple gets married, a next big step is children. When the couple makes the decision to get pregnant, after marital relations, the woman may get a pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test is positive, she’ll get excited, tell her husband, and look forward to telling everyone else.

In the natural, nothing has changed. The wife doesn’t have a big belly and she’s not giving birth that night. The only thing that let her know a baby was on the way was her seeing a positive pregnancy test.

Faith is the same way. The only indication we know a promise from God will come to pass in our lives is reading the Word of God. When we see promises such as, healing, deliverance, wealth, or wholeness are for us, right then, we should get excited. We shouldn’t wait until we physically see the promise to be excited. Be excited now. Although we don’t see anything changing in the natural, we should be excited because we know our God is faithful to fulfill His Word.

Get excited because your faith due date is approaching.

Proverbs 22:13 “The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”

The following is another way to view this verse: The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I guess I’ll die soon!”

The concept of this verse is action. The person is considered to be lazy because they don’t take action when trouble arises. As believers, we need to take action when trouble arises or we’re no different than the lazy man. 
Let’s modernize the trouble. 

The lazy man says, “The poor are starving outside! I guess they will have to suffer.” The lazy man says, “Women and children are being verbally and physically abused! I guess they will have to be tortured.” The lazy man says, “Marriages are crumbling. I guess they will have to get over their emotional pain.”

When negative news comes to our attention, the first thing we must do is pray. We need to pray the demonic influences from those situations be removed and we need to release the blessing of The Lord into those situations. While we’re praying, we need to ask God if there’s anything He wants us to do. He may have us donate to a homeless shelter, mentor a single mother, or volunteer with the youth. 

In these last days, we can’t be lazy. If believers don’t act, who will? 

It’s time to take action.

Proverbs 19:11 “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.”‭‭

It would be wise for us to pick and choose our battles. There are certain things we should stand up against and there are things we should let go. Everything doesn’t have to be a fight. The discretion we have, if used wisely, will save us a lot of figurative headaches. 

If we challenged everyone who we felt disrespected or wronged us, the results would be numerous failed relationships, failed friendships, and unsteady employment. The scripture says it’s glory to overlook transgressions. The root of these battles is fear. Some of us are afraid of being taken advantage of. But, can we really be taken advantage of when we’re doing it God’s way and allowing God to fight our battles? Of course not. 

So, let’s drop our rocks and let’s stop looking for a fight. In every situation, use discretion and consult the Spirit of God to see if something is worth fighting over.

After 20 years of living her life in the streets and going in and out of jail, Amanda submitted her life to the Lord. Amanda made Jesus the Lord over her life and she received the forgiveness of her sins. Amanda submitted her life to Christ, but how many of us know submission is a continuous act?

We are multifaceted beings. Regarding submission, we may have submitted ourselves to God in one area, but we haven’t submitted ourselves to God in another area. For instance, we can submit our lives to God, through Christ, but we may not have submitted our finances to God. We may still think the preacher is trying to take our money. Or, we may have chosen to live a celibate lifestyle for God while we’re single, but we may not have chosen to submit our attitudes to God.

Submission to God is simply saying, ‘God’s way is right.’ Whatever area God is instructing you submit to, do it to honor God, position yourselves to reap the promises of God, and keep Satan off your back.

Acts 9:6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

Proverbs 18:16 “A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.”‭‭

God has placed gifts and talents in all of us. Some of us are good with computers and some of us are good relationally with people. It doesn’t matter if our gifts are popular or not, God has given us these gifts to make room for us in the earth.

These gifts inside us are so anointed until we can literally occupy a certain area. We can be the best barber on the north side of this city. We can be the best marriage counselor, saving marriages, in this state. We can be the best comedian in the Kingdom of God. Our gifts being used at their maximum potential is the blossom of the abundant life Jesus provided.

The only person stopping us from using our gifts is us. It may not seem like the right time or it may not seem like we have enough money, but if we can push these demonic excuses aside and by faith use our gifts and talents for the glory of God, we can maximize on this abundant life.

Use the Gift

Colossians 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

When Adam sinned, he gave all of mankind’s power and authority to Satan. Jesus restored everything that was lost back to mankind. Jesus stripped Satan of all his power. Satan can’t harm us, take anything from us, or destroy our lives, but did you know power can be returned to Satan through our actions? 

There are a couple of ways we can provide Satan with power. The easiest way we give Satan power is through our words. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). When we say things contrary to the Word of God, even jokingly, we give Satan power to activate what we say into our lives. That’s why it’s important not to make statements like, “I’m broke” or “You’re killing me.” 

Another way we give Satan power is through disobedience. God may tell us to do a certain thing that seems scary on the surface. If Satan can influence us, through fear, worry, or anxiety, not to do that thing, we gave Satan the power to govern and direct our lives. This allows Satan’s will to be done on earth instead of God’s will. Also, that fear, worry, or anxiety that we received from Satan, negatively impacts our minds and bodies leaving us with high blood pressure, panic attacks, or mental breakdowns. 

Jesus suffered too much for us to return our power back to Satan. Walk and talk in the ways of righteousness to keep the devil powerless. 

Revelations 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

God, through Jesus Christ, is the beginning of everything. He’s the beginning of our new life in Christ, He’s the beginning of our faith, and He’s the beginning of everything we desire. God, through Jesus Christ, is not only the beginning of everything, but He is the Omega, the End, the Last and He has the final say. 

New found discoveries in science will tell us there’s no cure, but God has the final say. Our lack of advanced education may have some people think we’ve limited our chances to be promoted, but God has the final say. The amount of money we make may have some people believe we can’t live in a certain neighborhood, but God has the final say. Whatever we need or desire, God has the final say. 

Don’t allow deceptions of the enemy, working through people, to make you feel inferior. Trust, lean, and rely on God and His Word to stay encouraged. 

Revelations 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

In general, God is the Alpha, the First, and the Beginning, however, when we submit ourselves to God, God shows Himself to be our personal Alpha, First, and Beginning.

God shows Himself to be our beginning in multiple ways. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Through Jesus, our past is gone away. God gives us a new beginning. God allows everything in our lives, including us, to be made new.

Secondly, with the acceptance of Christ, Jesus becomes the Author or beginning of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The beginning of where our faith lies is found in Jesus. In order to have the faith to be saved, healed, or have the desires of our hearts, our faith must begin and end with Jesus.

Finally, we can have confidence in God, through Christ, to be the beginning of everything we desire. We don’t have to know how certain things in our lives are going to develop because we’re relying on Him to start our business, start our families, and give us ideas to begin anything He’s placed in our hearts.

Let’s stop relying on ourselves and seek God first and allow Him to be the beginning of everything in our lives.

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Everything the believer desires from God is already done. It doesn’t matter if it’s healing, provision, or deliverance from a bad habit, it’s already done. God’s not cooking up an order as soon as we ask Him in prayer. Whatever we desire, is already done.

It was done, by Jesus, on the cross at Calvary. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He meant that literally. Jesus went through pain, suffering, and torture to get us back in right relationship with God and to allow us to reap the benefits of that right relationship with God. A great benefit of our relationship with God is that anything we need or desire has already been made available to us through the sacrifice of Jesus.

With this knowledge, it would be incorrect to say, God I thank you that you will (future tense) bless me with a job. Our job is already available for the taking. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. The correct thing is to believe that you’ve received whatever promise you desire. Our faith, in the finished works of Jesus, obtains the promises of God. Receive it and know it’s already done.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for–believe that you have received them, and you will have them.

Imagine a four-year old, without a weapon, demanding everything we have. He wants our house, our cars, our money, our health, and he wants to take over our families. He wants everything. We would look at people who surrendered to a four-year old as if they were idiots, because a four-year old is no threat to us and has no authority over us.

In a way, this is what Adam did to mankind. He gave all of his/our possessions to someone beneath him. That someone was Satan. God made us (mankind) a little lower than Himself and He’s created angels to be our servants.

Psalm 8:4 says What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!   

Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Lucifer was a fallen angel and he was to serve us. After Adam submitted to Satan and sinned, Adam gave everything over to Satan. This submission came as a result of deception created by Satan. Satan told Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit so they would be like God not knowing they were already like God.

Praise God He implemented a plan, through Jesus, to bring us back to our rightful place and restore everything that was taken, however, some of us are still being deceived regarding who we are in Christ.

Through Christ, we have authority and dominion over everything that crosses our paths. It doesn’t matter if it’s sickness, poverty, fear, or lack we have authority over everything. Operate in your God-given authority and don’t allow the deceptions of the enemy to make you feel less than who you are.

Jonah 1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish… 

Jonah was given specific instructions, by God, to preach to the wicked people of Nineveh. It’s been said that Jonah preaching to these individuals would be like a Jewish person preaching to devout Nazis. Due to fear and this task being out of Jonah’s comfort zone, Jonah decided to disobey God and go the other way. The instructions Jonah was given were clear. Jonah over analyzed these instructions and made things cloudy.

Some of us have used fear, logic, and reasoning to cloud the instructions of God. God may have instructed some of us to move to a different city, but we cloud His instructions by wondering how we’re going to sell our house or wondering about the school system for our children. If God told us to do something, the provision has already been made available. It doesn’t have to be something big. God may have clearly told some of us to apologize to a person. Instead of worrying about how it makes us look, apologize, and know the good we do will be rewarded by God (Ephesians 6:8).

There are clear instructions in God’s Word regarding how we should live our lives and there are clear instructions pertaining to our purpose. Don’t cloud up these instructions to make it fit your preferences.

Inspired by Bishop Rosie O’neal

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

The motivation for everything God has done in our lives is love. God sent His only Son because He loves us. Jesus sacrificed His life because He loves us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, the blessing is on our lives because God loves us. However, if we feel like we’re too messed up for love, we can never fully embrace the benefits of God’s love.

The enemy has done a great job making people think they’re not holy enough or too messed up to receive God’s love. One thing we have to remember is God is all-knowing. He knows every intentional decision we’ll make that goes against His Word, the amount of times we’ll walk away from His plan, and how long we’ve been away from doing His will. In spite of knowing these things, God still chose to love us and He vowed to not allow ANYTHING to separate us from His love.

If we have a tiny hint of feeling or thought that God doesn’t love us, that’s condemnation and a LIE from the enemy. Regardless of what we’ve done or what we’ll do, God vows to love us. Without questioning or even having a full understanding, receive His love today and for the rest of your life.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The promise of sowing and reaping can be applied to many areas in life. Most churches use this promise to encourage giving, however, this promise can be applied to marriages as well.

The world’s system tells us to love and serve our spouse as long as they’re loving and serving us. This is totally contrary to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God promotes serving in love and loving unconditionally (Galatians 5:13).

When we make an intentional decision to love and serve our spouse in spite of how they treat us, how we feel, and in spite of what we’re going through, we have a promise from God, to reap what we sow. This idea should encourage the believer knowing that our efforts within our marriage are not in vain.

What gets in the way is our flesh. Our flesh doesn’t want to serve and unconditionally love our spouse especially when the marriage is going through a difficult time. Another thing that agitates our flesh is delay. If we do decide to make the effort to love and serve unconditionally, we want to see a turnaround within our marriage in a month. The longer it takes, the more we want to give up and allow fate to control our marriage.

If we’re willing to do things God’s way, we have a promise to reap what we sow.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Marriages have ended, relationships have failed, and individuals have been terminated from their employment because of pride. Some of us act like we don’t care, but a lot of destruction could have been avoided if pride was out of the picture.

What are we holding on to? What benefit do we obtain by not giving in? There is none. In fact, we’ve been deceived into thinking there is some gain by feeding our pride (Obadiah 1:3). The father of deception is Satan (Revelation 12:9). By displaying and holding onto pride, in a sense, we glorify the father of deception.

The opposite of pride is humility. If pride brings destruction, humility should bring construction. A promise of humility is exaltation (Luke 14:11). If we could humble ourselves, apologize to those we’ve offended or even think we’ve offended, and accept constructive criticism, the literal and our personal world would be a better place.

Let go of pride and experience exaltation in every area of life.

Obadiah 1:3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Life’s complexities force us to answer difficult questions and make difficult decisions. With the amount of education we have and the amount of answers we have access to, God, being the Answer to life’s problems, is slowly being pushed towards the back. Not only that, but some of us have highly valued the opinions of celebrities, politicians, and so-called “experts.” Meanwhile, God waits in line to answer our problems.

It’s not until the education, experts, and our own logic and reasoning have failed that we go to God. God doesn’t want to be our last source; He wants to be our first and only Source. The Word of God clearly states that He is the answer.

Whether the question or decision is easy or difficult, our answer is found in God.

Psalms 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Trust is such a small word, but it covers a multitude of areas dealing with God. We can say we trust God, but it’s important to evaluate our lives to see if we truly trust God. 

For instance, some may say they trust God to protect them, meanwhile, they’re living in fear and looking over their shoulders every chance they get. Is this really trust? Someone else may say they trust that the blood of Jesus has made everything available, meanwhile, they’re reading their bibles and fasting in the efforts to get God to do something. Are we trusting in the finished works of Jesus or our own performance and abilities? 

We should take inventory to see if we’re trusting God in EVERY area of our lives. 

Are we trusting God in the areas of protection, provision, health, finances, relationships, etc.? If we’re not, let’s not condemn ourselves or give up. Let’s be led by the Holy Spirit into trusting God in that particular area. 

Trust God 

An innocent person, we know as Jesus, sacrificed Himself on our behalf. Everything He went through was for us. Jesus was mocked, beat, and spat on. The flesh on His body was literally ripped away. A crown of thorns was pressed down on His head and spikes were hammered into his hands and feet. He was hung on a cross for hours until His death. 

It’s one thing to read someone else’s account of what happened, but Psalms 22 gives us a glimpse of what Jesus was actually going through.

Psalms 22:14-18 “My strength is gone, like water poured out on the ground. My bones have separated. My courage is gone. My mouth is as dry as a piece of baked pottery. My tongue is sticking to the roof of my mouth. You have left me dying in the dust. The “dogs” are all around me— a pack of evil people has trapped me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can see each one of my bones. My enemies are looking at me; they just keep staring. They divide my clothes among themselves, and they throw lots for what I am wearing.”

‭There was nothing He did to deserve such punishment. He suffered so that we can be saved. He suffered so that we won’t have to experience the wrath of God. He suffered so that we can reconnect with the Father. 

Praise God for Jesus and all He’s done for us. 

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We read this scripture, but what does it actually mean? The context of this scripture is worry. Prior to verse 33, Jesus lets us know not to worry about what we shall eat, drink, or wear. Based on the context, we can extend this list to add worrying about how we’re going to pay the mortgage/rent, when we’re going to get married, or when we’re going to have children.

Jesus is telling us to get our minds off of worry and focus on the Kingdom of God. How is this done? As the Spirit leads us, we get involved at our local church to do our part to advance the Kingdom of God. We participate in giving our finances to further spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We submit ourselves to God. We focus our attention on Jesus and what He’s done for our lives instead of worry.

Don’t allow the pressure of worry to suck the enjoyment out of life. We have been promised that our needs will be given to us, therefore, rest in that promise; but, in the meantime, focus on the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.

1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

We all have dreams, desires, and goals we want to see accomplished in this lifetime. As believers, we’ve been taught to exercise our faith to obtain these dreams and goals. We’ve been taught to ask the Father in the name of Jesus, believe that we’ve received it when we prayed, and it will be ours (John 16:23; Mark 11:24). However, as we can see, if we don’t have love, our faith is short-circuited.

This is not only love for the Father or love for our closest friends and family members. This is love for everyone. This is love for our enemies, love for people we don’t know, and love for our “so-called” friends.

That means we should have genuine love, with no ill-will, towards our ex-spouse who was extremely hurtful to us. We are to love that boss who belittles us in public. We should love our parents who may not have shown love to us.

If we want our dreams, desires, and goals to come to pass, we must have love. Faith cannot work without love.

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

As we submit ourselves to God, we are to be led by the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit may not always lead us down the shortest easiest path. Look at Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, was led by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Someone may ask, why would a loving God lead us down a seemingly rough pathway? Answer: For Spiritual Exercise.

How would we know how strong our faith is if it’s never tested? How would we know if we’re patient if we’ve never experienced delay? James 1:3 says, the testing of our faith produces patience and 1 Peter 1:7 mentions how our faith needs to be proven. It’s not being tested or proven to God because He already knows where our faith is. Our faith is tested so that we can know how strong or not so strong our faith is.

That’s why the Holy Spirit may lead us to certain banks for a loan, only to be denied by the bank. Or, that’s why the Holy Spirit may lead us to apply for a certain job, only to be turned down for the position. This seemingly negative leading is for the spiritual development of our faith and patience and our faith and patience will reveal what God has promised to us.

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

Most of the time, we thank God for protecting us from things that are known to us. We thank God for protecting us from that car accident or the layoffs at our job, but have you ever thought about the unknown? Have you ever thought about and thanked God for protecting us from things that are unknown to us?

It literally is an endless list we can go through regarding the things God keeps us from.  First of all, we can look through all the diseases known to man and thank God He protects us from 99% of those diseases (Ebola, Alzheimer’s disease, Polio, etc.). Secondly, we can look at all the crimes that can be committed and thank God we don’t experience them on a daily basis (robbery, assault, murder, etc.). We can also thank God for protecting us from the many hazards we could experience in our daily commute (accidents, tornadoes, flat tires, etc.).

For those who are looking for a reason to praise and thank God, start thinking about the unknown. It should magnify our appreciation for our Savior (Jesus) and all He has done.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

After a tragic event such as, a car collision, a negative report from the doctor, or even a layoff at our job occurs, the first thing we must do is be mindful of our speech. Death and life are in the power of our tongues and what we say (good or bad) will come to pass in our lives (Proverbs 18:21).

Along with our speech, the second thing we need to be mindful of is our belief. Who do we believe? Doctors, “experts”, or family members will have something to say after we experienced a tragic event. Some things we hear are facts, some things are true, and some things are lies. 

We have to align the things that people say with the Word of God and what God promised us. If what others say doesn’t line up with the Word of God, we must replace their words and believe the truth. 

If a doctor says, you or your wife are prone to miscarriages, we have to replace what they said and believe the truth that you or your wife will not miscarry based on God’s promise found in Exodus 23:26 – and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. 

If someone says, without employment they are going to foreclose on our house. We, in return, must replace what they said with God perfects everything concerning us including a mortgage payment (Psalms 138:8).

Whatever we hear during a tragic event, it’s our choice to believe and receive that word. If it doesn’t align with the Word of God, throw it out and believe the truth. 

Mark 11:23 (NLT) I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.

A person is involved in a head-on car collision with a drunk driver. The person suffers from a broken leg, broken ribs, and concussion like symptoms. One of the broken ribs has punctured a vital organ. The doctors have them sedated to limit their movement and to prevent further injury.

When a tragic event occurs in our lives or in another person’s life, the first thing we must do is be mindful of our confession. Proverbs 18:21 says, death and life are in the power of the tongue. A lot of people may ask questions about the incident. We don’t want to go around speaking death into the situation or talking about what could happen. As long as we’re speaking death into the situation, that’s what it’s going to be.

Prior to the accident, the Word of God says, we are healed, we are in good health, and we shall live and shall not die (Isaiah 53:5; 3 John 1:2; Psalms 118:17). Although the situation changed, the Word of God doesn’t change. We or that person are still healed and we will remain alive. Mark 11:23 also says, we shall have what we say. If we want to see the manifestation of divine health, we need to speak it into existence.

This is not an opportunity to argue with the doctors. The doctors are simply stating facts. What we must remember is the truth, in the Word of God, can override facts. Hear the facts, but override them with the Truth.

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

Genesis 3:7 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life.

Adam sinned therefore, the ground was cursed and mankind has to painfully toil for everything he consumes.

In today’s time, due to the cursed nature of the ground, mankind has invented some of the craziest ways to mass produce our food. We have toxic pesticides to kill the bugs and weeds from the crops, hormones injected into some of our meats, and now we’re cloning animals to eat.

With all that’s going on with our food, it gives us a good reason to pray. In Luke 9:16, Jesus gave us an example of blessing our food when he blessed the bread at the Lord’s Supper. Jesus also told us whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:18).

With the authority we have granted to us by Jesus, let’s be sure to bless our food that was created by this cursed ground.

Proverbs 3:4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.

Prior to the resurrection of Jesus, under the law, people had to earn the favor of God and mankind by keeping all the commandments and with good behavior. Since the resurrection of Jesus, under grace, the favor of God is freely available to everyone who believes. The favor of God and grace can be used interchangeably. They both are unearned, unmerited, and freely given.

The favor of God is great, but God also promises favor with mankind. People have free wills. They can do whatever they desire to do. Favor with man is God inspiring somebody, somewhere, to use their power, ability, and influence to help us. Favor with man allows us to receive employment when we’re not 100% qualified for the job simply because there’s “something” about us. Favor with man allows us to receive the employee discount on an item, even though we don’t work there, simply because the cashier “likes” us. Favor with man inspires someone to let us know they’re leaving so we can have a front row parking spot in a crowded parking lot.

The favor of God and man are available to everyone who believes. Receive this favor, expect this favor, and enjoy the benefits from this favor.

Love, God

Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

Twelve people went to spy on the occupied land that the Lord promised the Israelites. Ten of the twelve spies returned with an evil or negative report by explaining the land was filled with giants and they were too small to overtake them. Based on their negative report, those ten individuals caused millions of Israelites to grumble and complain.

We see that in certain settings today. If a group of individuals dislike a certain supervisor at work, that negativity can cause other people, who haven’t even dealt with that supervisor, to dislike that supervisor. Another example is if a person didn’t like how the Pastor did a certain thing at church, that person may have the tendency to tell the story of what the Pastor did with a negative twist.

What we can learn from the Israelites is spreading negativity is considered evil in the eyes of God. Their negativity caused the majority of the Israelites not to enter the promised land. We can’t expect to receive the promises of God and be negative or spread negativity at the same time.

Let’s speak life, find the positive, and if we don’t have anything good to say, keep silent.

VICTIM’S MENTALITY: Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” 

We’ve all gone through difficult times in our lives. Some of us have faced some unimaginable situations such as, neglect, molestation, sexual assault, verbal/physical abuse, and torment. Our response to these difficult times determines if we’ll develop a victim’s mentality. 

A victim’s mentality has two reactions. One reaction, has the person to put up figurative walls around themselves to avoid being hurt again. That person doesn’t get close to anyone, they avoid intimacy, and it’s difficult for them to receive love. The other reaction leaves a person to have negative expectations. A person expects to be hurt, expects to be cheated on in a relationship, and expects things to go wrong. 

Let’s look at the life of Joseph. He had every right to have a victim’s mentality. His biological brothers sold him into slavery; he was lied on and imprisoned, and passed up on a promotion (Genesis 37, 39, 40). However, having a victim’s mentality didn’t get him to the top. What got Joseph to the top was trusting God and keeping his God-given vision in front of him. 

God gave a vision to all of us. Some see themselves to be doctors, CEO’s, or inventors. Regardless of what we’ve faced, trusting in God and believing in the vision He gave to us will eventually bring us to our destiny. “Protecting” one’s self based on fear and having a negative outlook on life will only hinder all that God has for us. Let’s be mindful not to develop a victim’s mentality by trusting in God and focusing on the vision He gave to us. 

VICTOR’S MENTALITY: Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

Wherever we are in life or wherever we want to be is a product of our free will. We could choose to live however we want to live or we can choose to walk in the plan and purpose God has for us. The choice is up to us.

Whether some of us realize it or not, God has been very good to us. He loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sin so that we can have an abundant everlasting life, he healed our bodies, and he blessed us with more materialistic possessions than we can handle.

Based on all that God has done for us, what better way to express our gratitude than to choose to walk in the plan and purpose God has for us?

As we walk in the plan and purpose of God we…
1. Glorify God in our actions.
2. We become vessels for His will to be fulfilled in the earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
3. We experience fulfillment in our lives.
4. We position ourselves to receive every promise God has for us.

Once again, it’s our decision and God is not going to force His will on our lives. I encourage everyone to walk in the plan and purpose God has for us.

1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.

Joel 2:21-22 “Land, don’t be afraid. Be happy and full of joy. The Lord will do great things. Animals of the field, don’t be afraid. The desert pastures will grow grass. The trees will grow fruit. The fig trees and the vines will grow plenty of fruit.”‭‭

These were some desperate times, seeing that the Prophet Joel had to encourage the land and animals.

Joel encouraged the land and animals by faith, letting them know good times shall come again. We know he spoke to them by faith because they were in the middle of a drought and there were no signs of an end.

We too have drought-like conditions in our lives. There are times where nothing seems to be working, the delay seems to be adding pressure in our lives, and seeing others being blessed builds anxiety. It’s during these drought-like conditions we have to, by faith, encourage ourselves, encourage those around us, and speak life into the drought-like conditions.

For instance, if we’re constantly having trouble with our car, we should tell ourselves, things won’t always be this way, I drive a well-functioning vehicle that gets great gas mileage.

If we’re having difficulty in our marriage, let’s encourage ourselves by saying, things will get better and our spouse loves and respects us. Also, in the middle of that difficult situation, we should let our spouse know the marriage is prosperous.

We have to believe things will get better and everything works out for our good. We must also believe our faith-filled words are changing our surroundings. Although, it may not seem like it at the time, our belief in the Word of God, is the only evidence we have of better in our future.
Believe.

Proverbs 9:6 “Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.”

The Word of God instructs us to forsake foolishness. The definition of foolishness is lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgement; insignificant or trivial. Using this definition, we’re to forsake anything or anyone that causes us to a have a lack of good sense or anything that’s trivial. 

Foolishness comes in many forms. It’s our responsibility to recognize the foolishness in a situation and react appropriately. 

When someone doesn’t speak to us in passing, we have two options. We can either put them on our “do not like list” or we can forsake foolishness, continue to show the love of God, and not allow a trivial thing, such as not speaking, to bother us. 

If we’re in a dating relationship where we’re putting our best foot forward and not receiving anything in return, we have two options. We can continue to devalue ourselves and our self-worth by forcing the relationship, or we can forsake foolishness, make a wise decision to end the relationship, and find someone who can treat us well. 

If we’re disrespected in some way, we have two options. We can either get into a verbal/physical altercation with that person and possibly receive consequences, or forsake foolishness, use sound judgment, lovingly respect them in return, and allow God to deal with their disrespect. 

Let’s stop acting like fools and be the kings and queens God called us to be. 

1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

God could have made Himself be anything He wanted to be. God could have made Himself power. God could have made Himself wrath. But before we knew Him, God made Himself love.

God is the embodiment of love. This love is not only to those who accept His Son Jesus. This love is for everyone. This love does not need to be earned. This love is freely given. This love cannot be taken away. This love lasts forever.

When we have a true understanding of God’s love for us, it makes us look at life differently. It eliminates condemnation, because regardless of what we do, God loves us. It allows us to maintain our faith, because we know God loves us enough to fulfill His promises. It eliminates fear from danger because God loves us enough to protect us.

Everything we have and every promise we have to look forward to is birthed out of God’s love for us. Embrace this love and don’t entertain the lies that will compel questions about His love for us.

People have a tendency to generalize a lot of things in society. We’ll make generalizations about certain topics and include the words “all” or “no one” as if it’s the gospel. We’ll assume because we experienced a thing and we know other people who experienced that same thing, it’s an automatic that someone else will go through the same thing.

There is one factor that people forget about when making generalizations. That’s the God factor. Luke 1:37 says, for with God nothing shall be impossible. We read this, but some of us dismiss Him when facing difficult situations or situations we’ve never seen before.

Generalization: You have to have good credit to get a house.
The God Factor: With God, we can get a house without good credit.

Generalization: You have to be employed here for 3 years before you can get a promotion.
The God Factor: With God, we can be promoted within 2 years.

Generalization: You’re too old to be hired by that company.
The God Factor: With God, we can be hired at any age.

Just remember, with God nothing shall be impossible, and with God, all things are possible if we believe.

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Psalms 96:1 Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! 2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. 3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

At times, there’s a false sense of humility in the body of Christ. Some individuals believe it’s boasting or being braggadocious to share the goodness of God with someone else. This is a deception from the enemy and it’s not even biblical. The enemy knows if we close the door on what God has done in our lives, it can prevent an unbeliever from being interested in our God.

God blessed a lot of us with a spouse and children. Would it be braggadocious to introduce our spouse or our children to someone else? Of course not. So, why should we feel compelled to hide the other things God has done in our lives?

Never be ashamed of the goodness of God. Let that co-worker know how God blessed you with that raise. Inform your cousin about God blessing you with that new car. Update your status on being a new homeowner.

There is nothing wrong with giving credit, glory, and honor to God about His promises coming to pass in our lives.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

You kindly speak to customers at work about work-related issues and they respond back rudely for no apparent reason. It takes everything in your power not to tell them about themselves. You happily go home to speak to your spouse, however, your spouse’s mood is quiet, distant, and it seems like he/she has an attitude for no apparent reason. That attitude may compel you to start an argument or have an attitude yourself.

When these situations arise, we have to remember it’s not those actual people who are being unkind or rude. It’s an ungodly spirit within those individuals influencing their minds. That ungodly spirit makes them feel justified to have an attitude or to treat someone else poorly. In the middle of the situation, our responsibility is to check our emotions so that we won’t be influenced by the same spirit, be slow to anger, and continue to show the love of God. After the situation, we should rebuke the demonic influences from that person’s mind.

It can be difficult to separate the person from the spirit, but when we’re slow to anger, it gives us enough time to softly pray for that person, and not go off (James 1:19). Showing the love of God, in spite of their behavior, plants seeds of kindness that may heal their wounds from previous pain.

Be disciples of Jesus Christ by displaying the love of God.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Ezekiel 3:10 Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and hear with your ears (listen closely).

People are quick to quote “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God,” but as we can see, hearing is not enough. We have to receive the Word of God into our hearts.

How do we receive the Word of God? We continuously meditate on the Word until it becomes as real as the facts we know today (Joshua 1:8). It’s a fact that if we stand on a standard ladder it will hold our weight and allow us to reach higher levels. It’s a fact that if we jump into a pool, we’ll get wet.

The same way we believe and receive natural facts, is the same way we should believe and receive spiritual truths. Eventually, we’ll confidently confess we’re healed regardless of the symptoms displayed (Isaiah 53:5). We’ll boldly state that all of our needs are met in spite of the lack we currently see (Philippians 4:19). We are quickly comforted and at peace after being recently hurt by someone because God comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:4).

We can be confident in God’s Word because we’ve heard His Word and received it into our hearts. Receive the truth in God’s Word.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.‭‭

We all have dreams and goals we want to see accomplished in our lives. The average person desires a family, a debt free home, a couple of cars, and an enjoyable high salary career with great benefits.

These are great goals, but there is one problem. Where is God? How is God being glorified? At the end of the day, our ultimate goal is to glorify God. If we’re not glorifying God, everything we strive to obtain is vanity. 

As believers, we need to make sure we’re not so focused on obtaining tangible desires, meanwhile, neglecting God. If our pursuit of “things” outweighs our pursuit of God, we’ve magnified those things above God. In everything we do, we need to ask ourselves, is God glorified? 

There is nothing wrong with having desires and goals, but our priority should be God and accomplishing His will in the earth. 

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—”

In the world, delays are hindrances to realized dreams. For believers, God given delays are blessings beyond what we can ask, think, or imagine.

Joseph received a dream as a teenager of his older brothers kneeling before him. After being betrayed by them and living as a Hebrew slave for years, when he was about 30 years old that dream manifested. In addition, Joseph became one of the richest and most powerful men during that time of delay, and saved an entire nation and bordering peoples from starvation during a famine (Genesis 37-50).

Genesis‬ ‭41:39-40‬ ‭“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.””

Genesis‬ ‭50:18-20‬ ‭“His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Trust God, His plans and purposes for you, and His timing. God has only the best for His people who will trust Him, and allow Him to direct their paths.

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.”

James 4: 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

When a student submits a paper to a teacher or an employee submits a proposal to management, they are giving their work product to them. In those situations, it’s almost certain corrections will need to be made. It could be spelling errors, additional research may be needed, or the entire idea may need to be changed.

If we expect changes after submitting a paper or a proposal, how much more should we expect changes after submitting our lives to God? God may have some changes for our negative attitude by constantly reminding us to be a little nicer. God may correct our definition of forgiveness by showing us how to forgive and genuinely love people at the same time. God may exercise our patience by delaying a desire.

Regardless of the situation, we can expect some changes when we submit our lives to God. Don’t get intimidated or frustrated by these changes. As long as we live, little corrections will always be suggested. These changes are only making us better people in this dark world.

Since the resurrection of Jesus, there has been a decline in the reverence, respect, and honor of God. One noticeable reason as to why the reverence of God declined is the abuse of grace. Grace is the unmerited or undeserving favor of God through Christ Jesus. We deserve a cursed life destined for eternal death, but grace intervened.

In the Old Testament, where grace was not available, those who lacked reverence and respect received public punishments. Cities were destroyed, people lost their sanity, and the curse was apparent in a person’s life. Now we’re under grace and the punishment for our sins was placed on Jesus. We no longer see the plagues and curses we read about in the Old Testament.

Due to the lack of punishment, people become bolder and feel justified to publicly question the existence of God and engage or promote behavior that opposes the Word of God.

Instead of abusing the grace of God because there’s no punishment, let’s live a life of gratitude for the sacrifice made by Jesus. Instead of agreeing with the contrary ideas of the world, let’s keep our stance and promote the Word of God. Let’s enlighten the minds of people in this darkened world to return to reverence, respect, and honor by explaining the correct picture of grace.

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.