Category Archive

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

A lot of us want to know and walk out the ultimate plan and purpose God has for our lives. Instead of sitting around and waiting on that purpose to be revealed, let’s make it easier on ourselves and fulfill our daily purposes.

There are a few things that take place as we seek God to walk out our daily purposes.
1. We show God we’re serious and sincere about fulfilling HIS plan and HIS agenda while we’re here on the earth.
2. It gives us a sense of meaning and accomplishment on a daily level.
3. Our daily purposes will eventually lead us to our ultimate purposes.

Let’s continue to seek God regarding our ultimate purposes. Until that purpose is revealed, let’s seek God regarding our daily purposes.

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

There are some who think they don’t need anyone else while in this world. All they need is God. This kind of thinking is actually contrary to the Word of God. As we can see, from the beginning, God Himself made it clear that it’s not good for mankind to be alone. If God, our Creator, said it’s not good for man to be alone, surely He knows what we need. God knows it’s in our best interest to be sociable.

Some may say, all I need in this life is God and my spouse. This kind of thinking is also contrary to the Word of God. For instance, in James 5:14 it says, Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. We may be sick physically or emotionally. By not being sociable, we limit our avenues to maintain this healing Jesus provided.

Finally, in Hebrews 10:25 it says, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. We may not need encouragement that day, but God may use us to encourage someone else.

Socializing has been a component of God’s plan from the beginning. Receive a blessing or be a blessing by socializing with others.

In relationships, value seems to be placed on being right. Arguments may start and some relationships have ended because people want to be right. Jesus was right about a lot of things, but notice His behavior in the midst of the conflict:

In the case of raising Lazarus up from the dead, Jesus had a conflict with the sister of Lazarus (John 11). Lazarus’ sister was upset with Jesus because He didn’t heal Lazarus before he died. When Jesus said He would raise him up, she didn’t think immediately.

Jesus could have gotten into an argument about how He was going to raise Lazarus up and after He raised Lazarus up, He could have had an “I told you so” moment with Lazarus’ sister. Instead, Jesus remained calm, allowed his actions to do the talking, and He didn’t boast about being right.

This also occurred with Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8). When Jesus informed Jairus his daughter was not dead but asleep, everyone laughed. Jesus kicked everyone out and healed his daughter. Jesus could have walked out and said, “I told you so,” but He didn’t. He continued to do the work of God.

What can we learn from this? If we believe we are led by God to do a certain thing or if we believe we’re correct about a certain topic, there’s no need to argue about it. We should allow our actions to do the talking. If we’re correct, the other person will see. We don’t need to yell “I told you so” or hold it over the person’s head for the next week. Let’s grow in maturity and take the importance off of being right.

Luke 8:52 Everyone there was crying and mourning for the child. Jesus said, “Don’t cry; the child is not dead—she is only sleeping!” 53 They all made fun of him, because they knew that she was dead. 54 But Jesus took her by the hand and called out, “Get up, child!” 55 Her life returned, and she got up at once, and Jesus ordered them to give her something to eat

Numbers 11:21 But Moses said, “The people, among whom I am, are 600,000 on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, so that they may eat for a whole month.’ 22 “Should flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Or should all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?” 23 The LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’S power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.” 

 In Maximize Our Belief part 1, we mentioned how it’s important to place our belief on a supernatural level when serving an unlimited God. We also mentioned how it’s important to stand in agreement and encourage other believers in the body of Christ to believe God for the impossible.

With this in mind, as we continue to be led by the Spirit of God, the Spirit of God may have us do something that goes beyond all human logic, reasoning, and understanding. In order to experience the impossible, we have to believe and do what the Spirit of God is leading us to do. 

Miracles in the Bible were a result of the prophets obeying God.

God has instructed some of us to step out on faith and do things that are totally contrary to our human reasoning. He may have instructed some of us to quit our jobs and start a business, sell our cars and give the money to the Kingdom of God, or start our own church in the community. Unfortunately, some of us have not obeyed God because of fear or unbelief. I’ll ask you the same question God asked Moses, “Is the Lord’s power limited?” 

 Whatever God has instructed us to do, He’s already made provision for us on the other side of our obedience. Trust God and let’s do what He instructs us to do to maximize our belief in Him.

Mark 11:22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 

 Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

 Christians are so quick to quote these scriptures, but very few of them actually believe what they’re quoting. It seems as if some believers are choosing to believe what they’ve seen or experienced over believing God. Unbelief is expected in the world, but not for born-again believers. 

 For instance, if someone would say they are standing in faith for an easy pain-free pregnancy and delivery, some “believers” would laugh in unbelief and/or try to talk them out of what they’re standing in faith for. Why? Why would some “believers” attempt to persuade that person or couple to think logically and naturally instead of supernaturally? They’re only standing on a collection of promises found in Exodus 23:26, Isaiah 53:4-5, and 1 Timothy 2:15. 

 If someone would say they will be debt free next year. Some may say they should be “realistic.” Why minimize the belief of another?

The scriptures say have faith in God and with God all things are possible. It doesn’t say faith in logic or realistic expectations.

Let’s encourage and stand in agreement for the members in the body of Christ to believe big. We shouldn’t reduce our beliefs, dreams, and desires to the finite thinking of man. We serve a big God who can and is willing to do the impossible for us. 

 Believe Big!

Psalms 67: ⁵ Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. ⁶ Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. ⁷ God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

This was an old covenant conditional blessing the people would receive as a result of their praise and worship to God. When people praised and worshiped our God, the earth would yield its increase and God would bless them.

Through Christ, we are under a better covenant. Through the blood of Christ, we have access to the earth’s increase and God’s blessings through faith alone. Although our praise and worship does not cause God to bless us, our praise and worship displays where our faith lies. Our faith or belief in God, through Christ, allows us to obtain the promises of God (Romans 4:16). Our praise and worship prior to receiving the manifestation of our desires shows God and everyone else we’ve received, by faith, the manifestation of our blessings. Our praise and worship after receiving the manifestation of our desires shows God and everyone else we acknowledge Who was responsible for the manifestation of our blessings.

Let’s praise and worship our God to solidify our faith.

Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

When a minister or someone well-known in the body of Christ gets caught in the act(s) of sin, people often say they “fell from grace.”

As we can see, the term “fell from grace” has no correlation with sin. Falling from grace means a person who chooses to be justified or made righteous by the law. When a person chooses to be justified by the law, they choose to live by religious rules and regulations of the old covenant. They think by following these rules and regulations of the old covenant, they are righteous, holy, and positioning themselves to receive blessings from God. Meanwhile, these same people reduce the works of Jesus to only dying for their sins. They forget that through the grace of God, Jesus has made them righteous, Jesus has made them holy, and there is nothing they could ever do (righteous works or good behavior) that can outdo what Jesus has done (1 Cor. 1:30).

These are the people who “fell from grace.” They pushed grace aside and believe their acts of righteousness and good behavior alone will make them right with God and get them the desires of their hearts.

With all this in mind, let’s examine our lives to see if we’ve fallen from grace. Let’s determine if we’ve magnified our self-efforts to be righteous above what Jesus has done. If so, we need to make a change and receive everything that grace has provided.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.

This is such a simple verse but, it’s impactful and beneficial.

Regardless of what we do, we must make sure we’re doing it in love. It doesn’t matter if we’re helping out a friend, serving at our church, working at our jobs, or disciplining our children. It all must be done with love.

God is Love (1 John 4:8). When we do things in love, we share a piece of our God with those who are experiencing our help or assistance. We may not be able to preach the gospel to those we’re assisting, but if our actions are done in love, they may experience a touch of God that will leave them wanting more of Him.

Imagine if an unsaved person wakes up and calls customer service and experiences someone helping with the genuine love of God. That person then goes to the grocery store and someone greets them with Love. Then later on at the gym people are socializing with that person in the love of God. Eventually, that person’s heart will be softened and someone will have the opportunity to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to that person. Now, that person is no longer unsaved but saved, and spreading the love of God to others.

Let’s examine the love in our lives to determine if we’re spreading love in everything we do.

Everyone is called to a specific purpose or purposes. So many people believe that the purposes He has for us are going to be automatically handed to us or they will come with time. As we can see, this scripture alone proves that there is a corresponding action we must have to receive ALL God has for us. 

Psalms 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises.

Grace is unmerited or unearned favor of God through Jesus Christ. There was nothing we did to earn our salvation. Our salvation is a gift from God. Likewise, there is no sinful behavior that will remove our salvation because through grace, all of our sins have been forgiven and where sin is present, grace is even more abundant (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:20). 

Psalms 63:5 My whole being shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. 

Hebrews 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. 

 There is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. The word remissions means, the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty. Jesus shed His blood on the cross and placed His blood on the mercy seat of God. Because of the blood of Jesus, all of our sin debt has been paid and we are totally forgiven.  In the old covenant, the blood of animals only covered our sins for a year (Hebrew 9:7). For the believer, in this new and better covenant, the blood of Jesus totally removed sin from our account forever. 

That sin we committed last week has been paid for. That sin we may commit next week has been paid for. All sin has been removed from our account and charged to the blood of Christ.

All God asked us to do is to believe what Jesus has done. We don’t have to work for this forgiveness or earn this forgiveness. All we have to do is to believe. Receive what Jesus has done and be spiritually, mentally, and emotionally forgiven.

I Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭45‬ Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

When people die at an early age, IT IS NOT THE WILL OF GOD. God didn’t pluck them up like a flower, God didn’t call them home, and God didn’t take them out. 

Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

God’s Word encourages us to believe big. Unfortunately, there are a few reasons why some people choose not to believe big.

One of the reasons is disappointment. Disappointment works through doubt. Anytime we put our faith in God on the line, thoughts of doubt will enter our minds. Not only will thoughts of doubt enter our minds, but doubt will come from the people closest to us. What we must realize is all doubt comes by way of the enemy. If the enemy can place limitations on our faith, he can withhold great things that God has promised us. Doubt may enter the mind, but don’t allow it to enter the heart (Mark 11:23).

The second reason one chooses not to believe big is a false sense of humility. There are some people who feel like if they ask God for “too much” they become worldly or carnal. God placed these promises in His Word for us to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). If we don’t obtain these promises, who else will? We’re not more spiritual because we ask God for the bare minimum. In fact, we’re rejecting some of the things Jesus died for.

The final reason why some choose not to believe big is they think they’re doing God a favor. Some think if they don’t stand in faith for big desires, God won’t have to work as hard. First of all, they’re putting human limitations on our infinite God. Secondly, every desire (big or small) is already prepared for us. It’s not a work in progress. Finally, God is the One Who said He can do the impossible and He desires to do the impossible for us.

Remove the limitations and choose to believe big.

Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 

 God’s Word encourages us to believe big. Throughout the scriptures, His Word tells us to move mountains, ask for anything, and have limitless expectations (Mark 11:23; Matthew 21:22; Matthew 19:26).

With this in mind, we should believe big. We should believe for things that are in scripture, but are totally illogical to the world. We should believe that we will never be sick another day in our life. We won’t be affected by a cold, the flu, or cancer. This is based on Isaiah 53:5 which declares by His stripes, we are (not going to be) healed. We should believe all of our debts (mortgage, car note, and student loans) are paid off in a year based on the belief that with God, all things are possible. We should believe that every year of our marriage is easy, raising children is easy, and our newborn babies will sleep through the night. Anything is possible to those who believe, but it’s according to our (individual) faith (Matthew 9:29).

Believing for big may seem impossible for people in the world and it may seem farfetched to believers, but don’t allow anyone to stop you from receiving the desires of YOUR heart.

Stand on His Word and on His Word alone.

Mark 11:14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 

 John 11:43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 

 In Mark 11:23, Jesus teaches us how to take a hands-off approach over our problems, situations, and circumstances. He provided examples on how to take a hands-off approach in the case of the fig tree and with Lazarus.

In the case of the fig tree, Jesus by faith, cursed the fig tree and the fig tree dried up from the roots. Jesus didn’t take an ax and physically cut the tree down. In Lazarus’ death, Jesus by faith, called him back to life. Jesus didn’t walk up to Lazarus and shake him or perform CPR on him.

What can we learn from this? By faith, we can speak to our situation, circumstance, or problems and expect them to move. We can declare peace in our work environments. We can declare joy in our marriages. We can declare employment opportunities for all.

Don’t attempt to accomplish things using self effort. By faith, take a hands-off approach and declare what you desire to see. 

Mark 11:23 Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. 23 “Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. 

 At the beginning of the week, the meteorologist stated there will be snow in the middle of the week. Without seeing any evidence of snow, people heard the meteorologist, believed the meteorologist, agreed with the meteorologist, declared there will be snow, and prepared for snow. Does this seem familiar? Isn’t this what God is asking us to do with His Word?

The same faith we used to believe the meteorologist is the same faith we should use to believe the Word of God. There may not be any evidence of what we’re standing in faith for but, just like the meteorologist, we should believe God’s Word just the same.

Any time thoughts of doubt enter our minds, reject those thoughts, and only believe.

Colossians 2:9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Satan is defeated. He’s been stripped of all power and authority. For those in Christ, Satan can’t make us do anything and he can’t force his will on our lives. Satan can only place thoughts, ideas, and suggestions that are contrary to the Word of God in our minds. If we choose to resist him, there is nothing he can do. No longer can we say, “the devil made me do it.”

However, there are some ways we give Satan access into our lives. One of the main ways we give Satan access in our lives is by carrying out the thought that was contrary to the word of God. Before every unrighteous action, there was first a thought. Another way we give Satan access is with our words. Because we are speaking spirits and we have power in our speech, what we say will manifest itself (Prov. 18:21). If we say something contrary to the Word of God, that’s what we’ll have. Finally, we give Satan access through unregulated emotions (Eph. 4:26-27). When our emotions are uncontrolled, we’re more likely to be influenced or tempted by the suggestions of Satan.

Don’t give Satan access into your life. Rebuke contrary thoughts, monitor your speech, and be in control of your emotions. Satan is defeated and He is under our feet.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The scripture says we should rightly divide the word of truth. This means, there is a wrong way to divide the word of truth. One of the main ways people seem to wrongly divide the word of truth is to take word of truth out of context.

For instance, believers often quote Philippians 4:19 which says, And my God will supply all my needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. If we take Philippians 4:19 by itself, it sounds great and encouraging but, as we can see, there are many believers who are struggling and all of their needs are not met. Is God not standing by His Word? Of course He is, but some have been taking this scripture out of context.

If we look closer at the context of Philippians 4:19, we can see this scripture is about giving. After the people gave to Paul and met his needs, Paul declared that all of their needs would be met by God (Phil 4:14-19). So, if we’re not giving and meeting the needs of the Kingdom, we can’t expect all of our needs to be met by God.

When studying the Word of God, remember to rightly divide the word of truth and keep the Word in its proper context.

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

A lot of people seem to be focused on what pleases them. Unfortunately, those same people are pleased with obtaining materialistic things on the earth (designer clothes, purses, shoes, expensive cars, etc.). There is nothing wrong with having materialistic things, but those materialistic things shouldn’t be our primary focus.

God desires for us to seek those things which are above because the things that are above are the most important things to God and the most beneficial for us. We see throughout the scriptures what is most important to God.
1. Salvation- God desires to see mankind saved through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:4-5). The salvation of mankind will come through our witnessing about Jesus Christ.
2. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and visiting those in prison (Matthew 25:35-40). Once again, this is our responsibility.
3. Being a blessing (Genesis 12:2).

If we’re so focused on gaining our desires, how will we be able to seek those things above? How will we be able to do the things that are most important to God?

Let’s make God’s priority our priority. Seek those things above.

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Since the beginning of time, Satan has been using the same tricks to deceive mankind. The trick he has used is thoughts, ideas, and suggestions contrary to the Word of God. Satan told Eve that if she ate of the fruit, she will not die but, be like God (Genesis 3:4-5). What Eve failed to understand was mankind was already like God because we are made in His image.

In 2015, Satan is still doing the same thing. He has no new tricks. He is still forming thoughts and ideas that are contrary to the Word of God. Unfortunately, some people have believed and received these ideas and labeled them as relevant or modern. Meanwhile, God’s commands are considered outdated and archaic. Although times have changed, God’s Word has not. God desires for us to still live a life that pleases Him. Fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and other sins will not send genuine believers to hell, but those lifestyles do not honor God and will certainly affect the quality of their lives.

Magnify the Word of God over everything else. Whatever the Word of God says, within its proper context, do it.

James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

God opposes the proud. The proud take pride in the things they’ve accomplished. They are proud to say they read their Bible twice a day, fast once a week, and pray three times a day. Praying, fasting, and reading are beneficial to a believer but, the proud are satisfied with their self-effort alone. (See Luke 18:9-12 as an example of the proud.)

The humble recognize their need for God. The humble understand that they can’t make it without God and everything they have is because of Jesus. The humble realize that all their righteous self-effort fails to compare with what Jesus has accomplished. With this humility, God provides more grace to the humble. (See Luke 18:13-14 as an example of the humble.)

What the proud fail to realize is no matter how many acts of righteousness they do, they still need a Savior in Jesus. The trap the proud walk into is they magnify their acts of righteousness over what Jesus has accomplished. Any acts of our own righteousness that attempt to outdo what Jesus has accomplished are as filthy rags in the sight of God (Isaiah 64:6).

Take a look over your life and determine if you’re magnifying the accomplishments of Jesus or your own acts of righteousness.

Humility Over Pride

Psalms 56: ³ Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. ⁴ In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

In life, there will be situations we face that will provoke fear. How will I pay the mortgage when I recently lost my job? Will I ever find my husband/wife? Will my child ever receive salvation? These are situations that will cause fear to arise, however, on the other side of fear is faith. In this pivotal point in our lives, we have a decision to make. Will we choose to go down the road of fear or will we stand in faith?

Faith requires a certain level of trust in God. Of course, God wants our total trust, but for some, a small amount will do (Luke 17:6). When we trust God, we turn our backs on fear. We let fear know our faith in God is greater than any situation.

When we choose to trust God, we walk in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Others may see our situation and can’t understand why we’re not freaking out, having a nervous breakdown, or living in depression. It’s because of our trust in God.

Focus on building your faith, removing your fears, and placing your trust in God.

Mark 3:24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

The Kingdom of God is divided more than ever before. We have numerous denominations that believe they are somewhat better than another denomination based on their interpretation of the Word of God (Catholics against Methodists or Church of God in Christ against Baptists, etc.). We have people who choose to live under the law upset with people who choose to live under grace. These are distractions created by the enemy and a lot of us seem to be falling into his trap.

When are we going to get over ourselves? It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Daily, people are being deceived by Satan and his empire while we, the children of God, continue to focus inward. Then, we’re upset and want to protest because the government is allowing homosexuals to be married or a child is being suspended because he prayed over his friend in school. If we aren’t so focused on debating over doctrine, theology, and interpretations and instead focus on being ambassadors for Christ, we can prevent a great deal of unjust issues.

Let go of these trivial issues and look at the big picture. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you to see what He has you to do in the Kingdom of God.

I declare today that the Kingdom of God is divided no more. In Jesus’ Name.

Exodus 19:12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death.

In Exodus 19, God instructed Moses to put limits around the mountain because, at that time, the mountain was considered holy. The Israelites, who were unholy, were not worthy enough to stand in the presence of God.

This way of life applied in the old covenant. We are under a new and a better covenant and this concept DOES NOT apply to us. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have been made holy, therefore, we are worthy enough to be in the presence of God (Hebrews 10:10). We no longer need a priest or a “Moses” to speak to God on our behalf. We have the luxury of being in the presence of God anytime and anywhere.

As holy people in the new covenant, we should learn from the ways of God. God limited His contact with the unholy. At times, we should limit our contact with unholy people and unholy things. THIS DOESN’T MEAN WE ONLY ASSOCIATE OURSELVES WITH CHRISTIAN PEOPLE & ACTIVITIES. But, it does mean we need to place limits on what’s around our holy temple. Unlike God, because we’re still wrapped in sinful flesh, if we spend too much time around unholy things, we may be persuaded to do unholy things.

Let’s examine our lives to determine what unholy thing(s) we need to limit in order to stay focused on God and His will for our lives.

Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

What’s troubling you? What’s going through your mind day and night? What has you worried, afraid, or confused? Whatever it is, give it to the Lord. Worrying and staying up all night won’t fix the problem. It’s not even in our DNA to find a solution to these issues. We know this because God asks us to give Him our cares and concerns and God won’t ask for something we can handle ourselves.

When we give our problems and issues to the Lord, we humble ourselves and let God know we can’t do it without Him. We also display our trust in God because we trust Him enough to handle these issues and have them work for our good. Finally, we don’t allow the enemy to steal this abundant life Jesus provided. When we place our issues in God’s hands, in the midst of the issue, we can still be thankful and have joy, and, peace.

Those issues may attempt to creep back into our thinking but, every time the anxious thought occurs, continue to cast your cares, worries, and anxieties on the Lord.

Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭9-10 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Salvation is received by faith, through grace. It’s not because of our works of giving, praying, or even behaving correctly. Salvation is received by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and God raised Him from the dead, we are saved.

Now, those works of praying, giving, edifying behavior, etc. should accompany our salvation. Because we received this free gift of eternal life, our lives should reflect our gratefulness to God. When people see us, they should not have to question if we’re saved or not. By our actions of love, respect, and encouragement, people should know that we are saved.

Accompany your salvation with Christ-like actions.

Ephesians 4:20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

When it comes down to the things of God, there may be something within us that doesn’t feel like participating. That something is known as our flesh. Our flesh is our old sinful nature and in our flesh dwells no good thing (Romans 7:18).

Whenever we get that feeling of not wanting to participate in the things of God, we need to remind ourselves that our participation is beneficial for our lives. It’s not a waste of time and it’s not too difficult to accomplish. We need to realize that those thoughts are from the devil through our flesh.

How we overcome the enemy’s trap of not participating is to do the exact opposite of how we feel. So, whenever we don’t feel like reading the Word of God, that’s when we need to move past our feelings read the Word of God. Whenever we don’t feel like going to church, that’s when we need to move past our feelings and attend church. Whenever we don’t feel like praying, that’s when we need to move past our feelings and pray. As time progresses and the more we move past our feelings, we will experience the benefits of participating in the things of God.

Start participating in the things of God and watch all parts of your life change for the better.

Psalms 53:2 God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

What are we doing with our time? Are we spending the majority of our time watching TV or on Facebook? Or, are we seeking God and His plan and purpose for our lives? There is nothing wrong with watching TV and being on Facebook, but there should be balance in our lives.

God specifically created each of us with a unique purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Some of us should be feeding the homeless, others having their own construction companies to build churches, and others ministering to teenagers. If we don’t fulfill our designated purposes, no one else will. Others may have similar purposes or callings on their lives but, no one will be able to fulfill our callings like we can.

So, while there is breath in our bodies, let’s wholeheartedly seek God regarding His plan and His purpose for our lives. Be the one God observes continuously seeking Him. That way, we can make a greater impact in the Kingdom of God.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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

Obviously, God is concerned about how we think. God knows that how we think will affect how we believe, and how we believe will determine our behavior, and our behavior will determine our quality of life.

For instance, if a person thinks they won’t ever get a good job, then that thought will invade their belief system. Once that thought is in their belief system, then their behavior will reflect a person who won’t ever get a good job. They may obtain a nonchalant attitude about life, start smoking/drinking to ease the pain of perceived failure, or turn to a life of crime. This downward spiral started off with a thought.

However, when we change our thoughts, we change our lives. Regardless of how the situation may appear, if we think correctly, we will believe correctly. And if we believe correctly, we can have every promise found in the Word of God.

Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.

God no longer desires the sacrifices of burnt animals as an allegiance towards Him. The sacrifice God desires now are broken spirits and contrite hearts. Essentially, this scripture is saying, God desires total submission to His will and His way.

When we stop trying to do it our way and submit ourselves to God, then God is pleased and we will have sustained success. But as long as we continue to do things our way, on our terms, in our own timing, we will continue to have surface level successes that ultimately fail in the end.

A lot of people are waiting on God but honestly, God is waiting on us. Let’s submit and humble ourselves to God’s will and His way.