Graced To Do God's Will

Matthew 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

In football, the difference between a basic quarterback and a great quarterback is their ability to handle themselves under pressure. A basic quarterback may get flustered and start to panic when they see defensive players coming to tackle them. However, a great quarterback will stay poised, trust their protection, and continue to look down field for an open receiver.

Staying poised or panicking is the difference between a basic believer and great believer. When trials and circumstances come into our lives, will we panic and worry how we’re going to make it or will we stay poised by trusting God, and continuing to look at the promise?

Don’t panic because of trials. Be poised under pressure, confidently knowing God has us covered.

Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

When Jesus was fasting, Satan showed Him things that appealed to the flesh. Out of reverence and honor to God, Jesus resisted the temptation to sin.

Satan has an inventory list of what appeals to our flesh as well. Some of us are tempted by sexual immorality, greed, escaping reality by using drugs and alcohol, and a lack of contentment. Like Jesus, Satan will do his best to show us these appealing things and using our imagination, he’ll tell us how we can still honor God while allowing our flesh to indulge in its desires.

That’s the time we need to stop our minds from wandering and make the decision to stay in God’s will. We do this by confessing God’s Word. When the sinful thought comes, confess God’s Word that contradicts the sinful thought.

Don’t get so wrapped up in what Satan shows you. Put your feelings aside and choose to honor God.

Ephesians 1:13 And in Him you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, having heard and believed the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

The Holy Spirit gives us direct access to the Spirit of God. It’s our guide to all truth and provides us power to do the will of God (John 16:3; Acts 1:8).

The traditions of man have created interesting ways to receive the Holy Spirit. There are some who say anointed oil filled hands need to be laid on the individual to receive the Holy Spirit. There are some who believe we need to wait or tarry until we receive the Holy Spirit. Others say people need to speak in tongues to receive the Holy Spirit.

All these things seem spiritual, but they’re unnecessary. As we can see, the day we make Jesus our Lord and Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 further confirms this by saying, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit the day we were redeemed. Like any other promise of God, it’s just something we have to receive.

Receive and be led by the Holy Spirit to walk the pathway God set for you.

John 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus broke customary protocol to minister to a promiscuous Samaritan woman.

What are you willing to do to minister the gospel? Are you willing to speak to people who you wouldn’t normally speak to? Are you willing to go to crack houses or areas where prostitution is running rampant to tell them Jesus loves them? Are you willing to preach to people who may be considered racist? Are we willing to drop political differences to share the goodness of God?

In some way shape or form, every believer’s assignment is to go and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15). The location and the method we preach the gospel may vary, but the ultimate goal is still the same.

Our goal is to put aside our differences and preconceived notions about others and let people know God loves them, let them know their sins are forgiven, and let them know about salvation through Jesus Christ.

John 4:13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

Is God with you? If so, there should be signs and wonders in our lives.

There should be notable miracles we can testify about. Our quality of life should increase to the point where we have excess to give to others. Our knowledge and understanding of the scriptures should continue to abound to teach others. Our relationship with God should continue to grow.

What person is drawn to another person who’s struggling financially, spiritually, and in health just like they are? Not many. They want to be around someone who can help them get free. I’m not saying we won’t face trials, but our positive attitude, faith confessions, and public declarations on how this trial will end will be the drawing factor.

Let God’s signs and wonders shine through you.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

God is our supplier. Everything we’ll ever need in our lives, He’s able to supply. We don’t have to worry or be anxious about if the need will be supplied. God guarantees the need will be supplied.

In Matthew, Jesus says it this way…Matthew 26:26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Trust God and keep your peace and allow God to meet every one of your needs.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Our desires may clash from time to time.
We want updated designer clothes, but we also want to be debt free.
We want to walk in divine health, but we also want to eat cookies and cakes often.
We want a fit body, but we also want to go home without working out.

It’s during these clashes where we need to consult God the most. We don’t want to live a mediocre life with the bare minimum, but we also don’t want to live foolishly. By acknowledging God, Who knows all, He’ll tell us what’s best for us at this time. He may tell us to wait on buying those shoes or He may tell us have two cookies instead of four.

Living a life acknowledging God, takes the pressure off of us regarding if we made the right decision or not. And the great thing about God is, if we miss acknowledging Him on a desire, His grace is sufficient to cover our mishaps.

1 Corinthians 10:23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

Let’s be honest. Would we rather see a great movie or read the Bible? In most cases, a lot of us would choose the movie. Would we rather go to our favorite restaurant or fast for a week? Most would choose the restaurant.

Our flesh craves everything but Godly activities. There’s nothing wrong with watching movies or going out to eat, but we must have balance. Knowing lines to a movie won’t help when the enemy is attacking our health or our families. There needs to be balance with Godly activities.

We need to consistently read the Word to declare the truth during times of trouble. We need to occasionally fast to be sensitive to the voice of God for guidance and direction. We need to associate ourselves with like-minded believers to be encouraged from time to time.

Let’s not spend all our time watching Netflix or playing video games. Let’s add value to our lives by incorporating Godly activities into our daily lives.

Genesis 28:15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Everyone has an assignment from God. It may be in corporate, vehicle repairs, or education. Whatever God has told us to do, do it. In the face of fear and uncertainty, do it. When we begin our assignment, God will be with us every step of the way. We don’t have to figure it out, we just have to listen and obey.

As we journey through our assignment, God will reveal some things to us. It may be things that will expedite the process, things about ourselves, or clarification about the assignment.

Every assignment has a promise attached. It’s a destination or goal that’s been revealed to us by God. He may want us to become an upper level manager to have more influence, own several vehicle repair shops, or be a superintendent. It may seem too big for our minds to comprehend, but it’s where God wants to take us. If we follow His plan regarding our assignment, He will fulfill His promise to us.

Be a willing participant and complete the assignment of God.

God has obligated Himself to take care of us. Every day and through everything, God will take care of us. There’s no need to worry, be fearful, or be anxious because God has got us covered.

In a financial shortage? Don’t worry. God takes care of us and meets every need.
Have a reoccurring sickness, disease, or pain in your body? God will manifest healing in our bodies.
Fearful about being in a particular neighborhood? Don’t be. God is our Protector.
Don’t know how something is going to work out? That’s okay. God does, and it will work out for our good.

We may not know what to do or how to do it, but God does, and He will handle the situation. Let God take care of you.

Isaiah 46:4 (Good News Translation) 4 I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Those who’ve committed suicide or have contemplated committing suicide have one thing in common. They all were deceived into thinking there’s no hope. This is the biggest lie from the enemy. With God on our side, there is always hope. The problem comes when we feel unloved by God, condemned about something we’ve done wrong, and/or feel like God has turned His back on us. By entertaining those lies too often, we’ll contemplate suicide.

God is love and He will ALWAYS love us. Nothing can stop that (Rom. 8:38-39).
God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ, therefore, He’s not angry with us (Col. 2:13).
God is and will always be willing to bless us. So regardless of where we are now, it will get better (Psalm 35:27).

By believing these three things, we can look in the face of adversity, shortage, and a seemingly unwinnable situation and still believe God is able.

Romans 4:18 For Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So numberless shall your descendants be.

Job 22:28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established for you: and the light shall shine upon your ways.

We’ve been given authority to decree or declare whatever we desire that aligns itself with life and godliness. We can decree a nice house, a better job, or peace in our marriage and it shall come to pass. If we don’t say something, we won’t see something. So, whatever desire that’s in you, confidently declare it.

Now, before some get disappointed because they don’t see what they declare. Our declaration has boundaries. If we’re declaring to have $1 million so that we can shop, buy jewelry, and live extravagantly, we won’t get it. There’s nothing wrong with these things, but if that’s our only reason for an increase in wealth, we have the wrong motives (James 4:3).

Whatever you decide to decree, be sure it’s a God-given desire to ensure that you receive it.

John 9:1 Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, 2 and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.

When we experience difficulties, one of the first things we seem to do is question whether we’ve done something wrong. The difficulties we face can be a consequence of sin but other times, it’s so that the works of God can be displayed.

We live in a fallen world and believers are not exempt from problems, however, our problems won’t be the end of us. If we handle life’s problems properly, the works of God can be displayed.

People will see our situation, see our good attitude despite the situation, and inquire how we can remain so calm. People will see the sickness attempting to invade our bodies, but they will also see expedited healing in our bodies.

These are the times where we can share our faith in God. Our experiences can compel others to deepen their relationship with God.

Everything is not about what we did wrong. Certain things happen so that the glory of God can be revealed in and through us.

Proverbs 4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

When people have ailments, doctors prescribe certain medications. A lot of those medications include side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, ulcers, and more. It’s handling the ailment, but it’s detrimental to other areas of the body.

There’s only one medication that has no side effects. That’s the Word of God. Unlike other medications that are limited to helping a few areas, the Word of God provides health to our entire bodies. It helps prevent things from happening and it heals ailments that we may be experiencing.

Consistently study the Word of God and enjoy God’s medication with no side effects.

Inspired by Joseph Prince

Mark 6:34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

37 But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?”

Giving:
Jesus’ compassion not only compelled Him to teach people many things, but it compelled him to give. Jesus understood that we can teach these people all day but at some point, they’ll stop listening because they’re hungry.

Many believers desire to go and preach the Gospel on the streets, but they fail to recognize these same people need something to eat as well. We can help their spiritual needs, but what are we giving that can help their physical needs?

It’s the same way with natural concepts. We can teach others about finances, budgeting, and investments, but it’s hard to listen when they’re worried about how they’re going to pay their rent in a few days. As the Spirit leads, we can give them some money that can help them pay the rent.

As a compassionate person, along with teaching, let’s be generous givers so that others literally experience our compassion.

Mark 6:34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

More than ever in this world, people need to experience compassion. When compassion is present, there are two things that follow: teaching and giving.

Teaching:
People are trying to figure it out. They think they’re making progress in their lives, but they’re really going nowhere. They think they’re making wise choices, but they’re digging a deeper hole for themselves. These people need to be taught natural and spiritual things from a compassionate person. We can teach them about Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, but they also need to know about budgeting their finances and staying out of debt. Likewise, we can teach them about practical principles, but they also need to know Who to rely on and trust.

Instead of seeing our brother or sister drowning in their troubles, lend a compassionate hand and teach them some things.

When it comes to God, nothing negative that happened in our lives is permanent. From damaged relationships, to financial loss, to disfigurements in our bodies, nothing is permanent. Not even death is permanent.

Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth (John 9:1-12).
Faith in Jesus healed a woman with an incurable blood disease (Luke 8:43-48).
Job gained double in finances after losing everything he had (Job 42:10).
Joseph became the second in command after going to prison (Genesis 41:41-46).
Jesus restored value into a promiscuous woman (John 4:1-29).
Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave (John 11:38-44).

As we can see, nothing negative is permanent. By thinking something is permanent, we limit God’s ability. In a way, we’re telling God, we don’t believe He can change the situation(s).

Cancel any thought that says this situation can’t change for the better and believe God is able.

Isaiah 43:18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Daniel 10:7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.

When an angel came to Daniel, Daniel alone was the only person who saw the vision.

When God gives us a vision, everyone may not be able to see it at first. They can’t see how you’re going to start a church. They can’t comprehend how you’re going to get out of debt in two years. They can’t see how you’re going to totally submit to God in all areas of life. They can’t understand how you’re going to have children after 50.

Others might not be able to see it but, that’s okay. It wasn’t meant for them. It was meant for our eyes only. Realize this, when God gives us a vision, everyone may not be able to see where God is taking us, but if we believe and have the vision anchored in our hearts, we’ll fulfill our assignment.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

There’s a reason why we don’t viciously respond to someone who’s being rude or inconsiderate. There’s a reason why we’ll spontaneously pay for a stranger’s meal. There’s a reason why we won’t gossip about someone else’s misfortune when everyone else is doing so. The love of Christ is that reason.

The love of Christ should constrain, control, and compel us.

Every now and then, we need to reflect on what Jesus’ love for us. We need to think about how He freely sacrificed His life to deliver us from sin, make us right with God, and give us access to all the promises us God. When we think about His love for us, despite our behavior, this love will give us the constraints we need to live a positive holy life spreading love to others.

Be controlled by love.

Some people have a big misconception between freedom and bondage. People think freedom means they can do whatever their heart desires. It’s their life, they can go and do whatever they please, and they don’t have to follow any rules in a book. In contrast, they see submitting to God as a form of bondage. We can’t do this, and we can’t do that, and we must do this to please God.

It’s just the opposite. When we engage in sinful behavior with no constraints, we’re in bondage. We may think we’re living freely, but we’re slaves to sin. Think about it. It can be very difficult to stop a certain lifestyle such as drugs, premarital sex, or even breaking up with someone in a relationship, because of the thrill that it brings to our flesh keeps us bound.

Jesus came to deliver us from the bondage of sin and to offer us freedom. We’re free from sin, death, and poverty. Through Him, we can overcome anything that tries to hold us down. These rules that people try to see as bondage are actually limits of love. God, our Creator, loves us and knows what’s best for us to live our best lives.

John 8:34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?

John 11: 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

Let’s see if we can see ourselves in Martha’s response.

GOD: Lay your hands on yourself to be healed.
US: What’s that going to do? They already said I have cancer.

GOD: Start looking for a house.
US: I’m not ready. My credit is too bad.

GOD: Share an inspirational message with others.
US: I don’t want people thinking I’m a hypocrite.

GOD: Submit your life to Me.
US: What about my boyfriend/girlfriend and all the fun things I’m going to miss out on?

Like Martha, some of us find every excuse or reason not to obey God. We’ll think of this and that, but all He wants us to do is obey Him. There’s a blessing in our obedience. It may not instantly happen, but our obedience is seed for our harvest.

Stop giving so many excuses and asking so many questions trying to figure out every single detail of the process and DO WHAT GOD SAID.

John 11:40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Today, the world and life’s situations may not give us a lot of reasons to rejoice. There are wildfires destroying people’s houses, people are divided, and so much more. Watching the news can be depressing.

If we’re in a funk and looking for reason to rejoice, think about our salvation through Jesus Christ. Think about our righteousness we have through faith. Think about the fact that Jesus sacrificed Himself on our behalf. Think about the fact that regardless of our behavior, God loves us and desires to bless us.

Don’t allow life to mentally beat you down. Rejoice in the Lord for all that He’s done in our lives.

Matthew 24:10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

People being offended is one of the signs of the Last Days. It’s right up there with rumors of wars and earthquakes in various places.

If we look at what’s going on in the world, we can easily see the offense that people are taking on. People are getting into physical altercations based on another person’s protest. Friendships are being destroyed based on government policies. Marriages are ending because of one difference of opinion.

The culprit behind offense is Satan. Anytime we hear that voice telling us to be offended about something another person said or did, we need to stop and recognize the devil’s presence in our lives. Next, lets reevaluate the situation, communicate with that person to confirm what they’re actually trying to say, hear them out fully, and look at the situation from another perspective.

If we still disagree with their opinion or beliefs, it’s okay. We can agree to disagree and still be friends. There’s no need to lose our minds or friendships over the opinion of another. Let’s all learn to control offense.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
*Another version says, God is not a God of disorder (NIV).

When we think of confusion or disorder, some of the things that come to mind are strife, layoffs, inclement weather, premature death, etc. Some of us tend to ignorantly or angrily blame God for these things but as we can see, God is not responsible for confusion or disorder. We think because God created the world, He’s in control over everything that happens in the world. That’s not true.

In Genesis 1:28, God gave mankind dominion and authority over the earth. Mankind sinned and through that sin, we gave our dominion and authority over to Satan (Luke 4:6). Jesus came and sacrificed Himself for our sin and got our authority back from Satan (Col. 2:15; Luke 10:18-19).

Unfortunately, people tend to forget Satan is still the prince of this world and his goals are to steal, kill, and destroy (John 12:31; John 10:10). Our authority, through Jesus Christ, gives us the ability to overrule Satan’s power, but a lot of us don’t use that authority; therefore, confusion and disorder invade our lives.

Let’s not blame or give God the credit for the negative things we experience. Let’s use our authority to destroy Satan’s grip over any part of our lives and over everything negative thing we see in the world.

Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

When Paul got a revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul was given the assignment to preach among the Gentiles. After he was given his assignment, he didn’t consult with others to determine if this was the right thing to do. He just acted.

When God gives us revelation of our assignment, our responsibility is to act. Asking others their opinion regarding a known God-given assignment is unwise. People may feel like they’re trying to “protect” us by giving us all the reasons why we shouldn’t fulfill our assignment, they may give us advice that deviates from God’s instructions, or they may mock our assignment because it seems impossible.

Whatever God has revealed to you regarding your assignment (preaching, opening a business, promotion at your job, etc.), the wisest option may be to not consider the opinion of others.

Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

When we’re operating in the will of God, no one can stop us. If God tells us to put in for that promotion, no matter how much experience we have, no one can stop us. If God told us to get a loan for a house, no matter what our credit situation looks like, no one can stop us. If God told us to go back to school, no matter what our schedule or financial situation looks like, no one can stop us.

You know who can stop us? Us. We can stop ourselves. When we’re outside the will of God or we doubt God’s ability to fulfill His Word in our lives, we can stop ourselves. We may look at the facts and not even put in for that promotion or delay going to school waiting for a “better time.”

God is with us and if He told us to do something, He will confirm His Word with signs following (Mark 16:20).

Matthew 9:29… “According to your faith let it be to you.”

When we come to God in prayer, we may have a basic list of needs and a couple of doable desires. We have to give God a chance to do big miraculous things in our lives. God is only limited to the degree of our belief. If we believe for small, God can only do small; however, if we believe for great and mighty things, He’ll manifest that and then some.

Most of us limited God because we can’t logically comprehend how those big desires will come to pass. To overcome logic, we have to hear and receive the Word of God. If all we hear is the news and stories of how it’s medically, historically, or financially impossible to do a thing, we’ll tend to believe that. However, if we meditate on the truth of, all things are possible with God and believe and you will receive, our belief will override logic.

So, yes we can still get a career in our desired field even though we’re a convicted felon. Yes, we can walk again if the doctor told us we’ll be in a wheelchair for the rest of our lives. Yes, we can get out of debt within a year. Our future is not governed by anyone else. It’s according to our faith and our faith alone on how much we’ll prosper.

In basketball, there’s a play called an alley-oop. It’s where one player throws the ball in the vicinity of the basket. The player who throws the ball is relying on the skill and athleticism of their teammate to jump, catch the ball, and dunk the ball before touching the ground. In the NBA, some of those players can throw an alley-oop almost anywhere on the court because they trust their teammate to score.

Prayer is similar to an alley-oop. Prayer is throwing our petitions to our Teammate, also known as, God. We’re relying on God’s strength, skill, and ability to rise above our circumstances and score. Like the professionals in the NBA, we can throw a petition to God that may seem too difficult for some but, if we have faith in our Teammate, He’ll score every time.

So, no matter how big or small your request may be, throw it to God because with Him, all things are possible.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Genesis 3:8 Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

When we sin or miss the mark, the first thing our flesh wants to do is hide from God. We stop attending church, we stop praying, and we stop talking about the goodness of God. We do this because the enemy makes us feel guilty or ashamed about what we’ve done. He condemns and lies to us making us feel like God is mad at and wants nothing to do with us.

If we sin, we need to recognize this attack on our souls. We need to remember Jesus died for our past, present, and future sins (Romans 6:10). We need to remind ourselves that if we confess our sin to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:19). We need to understand that there’s no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1).

When we know about the love, grace, and mercy of God towards us, we can receive our forgiveness and continue on with our lives. Don’t run and hide from God. He’s a loving and forgiving God waiting to receive us back into His arms.

To receive salvation, you must believe Jesus is the Son of God and He died for your sins along with, be baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues, in church, a part of a life group, and serving in a ministry. This is fake news.

The Gospel is good news about grace. Jesus, sacrificed Himself, took on our sin, gave us His righteousness, so that we can be in right relationship with God. Unfortunately, people have added all sorts of things making it difficult to receive salvation. From how we dress to what we listen to. Don’t allow anyone to lead you down a path of works to receive the free gift of salvation.

To receive salvation, we only have to believe Jesus is the Son of God and He died for our sins. Any other additional thing is fake news.

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Husband and Wife. Parent and Child. Supervisors and Subordinates. Friendships.

We spend so much time cultivating earthly relationships until sometimes, we neglect the most important relationship we could ever have. That relationship is with God.

Some tend to think God is there and He’ll always be there so, we’ll always have time down the road to develop a relationship with Him. In some cases, we focus on developing earthly relationships more so because we know we’re here temporarily.

God shouldn’t be on our back burner because His nature is to be ever-present. The fact that He’s ever-present, always loving us, protecting us, providing for us, and keeping us should be the reason we put Him first.

It can be a challenge to develop a relationship with God over people due to the fact we see each other everyday, but if we can reflect on what He’s done, read about Who He is, and receive the promises He has for us, it won’t be a problem to put Him first.

While working on developing earthly relationships with people, don’t forget to develop and maintain a great relationship with our heavenly Father.

Matthew 10:26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

One of the biggest fears the devil tempts us with is the fear of the unknown. We don’t know what will happen if we open ourselves to the other person in a relationship making ourselves vulnerable. What will happen if we quit our jobs and go into business for ourselves? How will we make it if we go into full-time ministry?

By taking that bold initial step into the unknown and staying the course with God’s guidance will leave us in a better predicament. Taking that step may not make sense, it may seem illogical at first, and it may be a little scary.

Whatever area that’s unknown to us God will reveal it to us in due time. We’ll see the true colors of that person in that relationship, we’ll experience God excelling our business, we’ll testify to the fact that God provides.

Whatever God told you to do, do it. Whatever God said to you, believe Him and break free from the fear of the unknown.

Galatians 3:9 (NLT) So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

Yesterday, we discovered everyone who’s made Jesus Christ as Lord, shares the same blessing as Abraham. Some of the blessing includes a great name, offspring, and wealth (Gen 12:2-3; Gen 13:2).

The next thought some may have says, “I’ve believed in Jesus as Lord, but I haven’t experienced half of the blessing. Where is it?”

There are a few reasons why some of us aren’t experiencing the blessing. The first reason is doubt. Genesis 15:6 says, Abraham believed God. If we doubt God’s Word, we can’t expect to receive anything from Him (James 1:6-7).
Another is condemnation. If we feel unworthy to receive God’s blessing because of our recent behavior, we’ll lack confidence to approach God (1 John 3:20-22). We must know God has forgiven us and boldly approach Him with our petitions.
The last reason we’ll mention is identity. Through Christ, we are children of God, we are righteous, loved, forgiven and have all authority on this earth. If we don’t know our identity, we’ll look at ourselves as insignificant and be willing to receive anything life throws our way.

Know who you in are in Christ and believe God’s Word and receive the promises of the blessing.

Galatians 3:9 (NLT) So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

Everyone who has made Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives, share the same blessing as Abraham. Now, let’s see what type of blessing Abraham received.

Genesis 12:2 says, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” It doesn’t stop there. Abraham desires offspring. God granted him offspring. And according to Proverbs 10:22, the blessing of the Lord makes one rich, therefore, Abraham became very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold (Gen. 13:2).

As we can see, through our belief in Jesus Christ, everything we could ever need or want and more can be found in this blessing. Praise God for Jesus Christ. It’s because of Him we can have a blessed life.

Isaiah 65:16 (AMP) So [it shall be] that he who invokes a blessing on himself in the land shall do so by saying, May the God of truth and fidelity [the Amen] bless me; and he who takes an oath in the land shall swear by the God of truth and faithfulness to His promises [the Amen], because the former troubles are forgotten and because they are hidden from My eyes.

I am blessed. I am protected by all mighty God. The favor of God is on my life. All my needs are met. My children are mighty in the land. I am debt free. I am forgiven, and my past will not hinder my future.

All of these are confessions we can use to bless ourselves, bless our situations, and bless those attached to us. Confession can’t only be thought in our minds and confession can’t only be written down. Confession must align itself with the Word of God and it must be spoken. Confessions can be yelled, or whispered. Regardless of how it comes out, we just need to have faith that what we’re saying will come to pass.

Whatever you’re doing, stop, and take a moment to bless yourself.

Inspired by Bill Winston

It’s not common to fast unless it’s for weight-loss reasons. Why? Because it’s not fun and a lot of people don’t see the point, but there are real benefits in fasting.

First, for the believer, it’s not optional. In Matthew 6:16 Jesus begins a statement by saying “When you fast” which means it’s not optional. Will you make it to heaven if you don’t fast? Yes but, there’s a deeper relationship with God if we fast.

One of the key benefits of fasting is clarity. Look at it this way, when we turn off the TV, put down the phone, and eliminate all other distractions, we can be more in tune with our spouses. Fasting does the same thing with God. Fasting limits and could possibly eliminate all flesh-like distractions which allows our spirit to hear and be more in tune with God. Clarity allows God to guide us, give us instruction, and makes room for His Word to encourage our soul.

Other benefits include: bonds of wickedness removed from our lives, removing burdens from our lives, and driving out demons (Isaiah 58; Mark 9:14-29).

So, make up in your mind and discipline your flesh to fast. Fasting positions us to better hear from God.

Isaiah 58:6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?

Psalm 106:7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known.

We’ve all rebelled against God at one point in time and we know people who continue to rebel against God. We did whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, and however we wanted.

Regardless of how far we’ve strayed and how far others have strayed, God purposed in His heart to save us. God’s salvation is two-fold. He desires to save us because of His love for us, but He also saves us to display His power.

After we’ve rededicated our lives to God, others will take note of our change. They’ll see us genuinely worshipping God, they’ll experience our new positive disposition, and they’ll see the prosperity in our lives and have no other choice but to conclude the power of God has been working in our lives. They’ll remember all the rebellious things we used to do and realize God’s hand is now on our lives which may compel them to have a closer relationship with God.

If you’re tired of going down the wrong path, give your life to God and if you know some who are living the rebellious life, pray for their salvation so that God’s power can be displayed.

Matthew 9:38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

There are people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are people who heard the Gospel but don’t quite understand what it means. There are people who heard and understand the Gospel, but they got off track and don’t know how to get back on track.

All of these people require laborers. The enemy is working tirelessly to blind, distract, and discredit the Gospel to these people. As believers, we should desire to see others saved, set free, and come into the knowledge of God. With that desire, we need to pray for loving compassionate people to come across these lost individuals’ paths to preach, teach, and advertise the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There was someone there to help guide us to Jesus and we should want the same for someone else. So, as you’re praying for your needs and desires to be met, pray that people from all across the world come out and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

God had Noah and Abraham act on the unknown. For Noah, God made him build an ark, to withstand a flood, prior to the existence of rain. For Abraham, God had him leave all that he knew and establish his home in a “to be determined” location.

Both individuals were dealing with the unknown, but they trusted God with their lives and their family’s lives. What is God saying to you? Where is He telling you to go? What is He telling you to do? How is He telling you to do it? If it’s unfamiliar territory or something that’s never been done, that’s okay. Like He led Noah and Abraham to prosper after they acted on His Word, He can do the same for you.

Trust Him. Don’t doubt. He will never allow the righteous to be forsaken (Psalm 37:25).

Mark 2:2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

The faith of these men is the focus; however, let’s focus on something that’s not often mentioned. Let’s look at their compassion.

First, it’s unknown how far these men had to carry this paralytic man to be in the presence of Jesus, but no matter how far it was, their compassion got him there. Secondly, their compassion compelled them to risk injury to themselves or injury to the paralytic man by carrying him on the roof of the house. Finally, their compassion could have cost them time and money after destroying another person’s roof to let him down.

How many of us have the compassion of these men to see another person saved, healed, and delivered until we’re willing to inconvenience ourselves or spend more time and money than we anticipated to get them in the presence of Jesus? Are we willing to take time out of our day away from our families to visit, encourage, and pray with them? Are we willing to get up earlier and go out of our way to take them to the house of God? Are we willing to simply buy them a meal? We should be.

God has been so good to us and we should desire for everyone to experience this blessed abundant life.