Graced To Do God's Will

Yesterday we detailed how we have access to supernatural healing, protection, covering, peace, a pain-free life, and more.  But, it is all according to our faith (Matthew 9:29); and our faith is built up based on whether we inundate ourselves with God’s Word or the with words, and reports of others.

It is also important to have a relationship with God so that we can be led by His Spirit.  Our protection from some things may come from His directing us to take a different path home, or call a specific person, or wait rather than make an impulse decision.  Allow God to lead you by His Spirit, and trust His leading and His Word that what negatively impacts others doesn’t have to be your story. You can be the witness of having faith in God and His Word.

John 14: 15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and He will be in you.

This is what the Word offers:

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 

Mark 16: 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

We have access to supernatural healing, protection, covering, peace, a pain-free life, and more.  But, it is all according to our faith (Matthew 9:29), and faith comes by hearing or exposure (Romans 10:17). If our faith is built up in media reports, other people’s experiences, or some other 3rd party informant, then that is what will take root in our hearts, our belief systems, and our lives.  But, if our faith is built up in the Word, then we can live the abundant, stress-free, promise-filled life that God has made available to us.

Too many times we, the believers, have reactionary prayers. We pray after an unfortunate circumstance occurs. When someone gets sick, we pray they be healed. When someone has financial lack, we pray for provision. When someone has backslid, we pray for deliverance. We need to start praying preventative prayers.

Through the blood of Jesus, God has given us dominion and authority over everything (Gen. 1:26; Luke 10:19). We have the power to prohibit and permit things on the earth (Matt. 18:18). We have the authority to use the name of Jesus and at the name of Jesus every knee (physical and spiritual) shall bow (John 16:23; Phil. 2:10).

With the faith that can move mountains and all this power we have at our disposal, there’s no way a virus, strife, and/or disasters should enter our world. On a bright and sunny day, declare no weather related disasters occur in your city. With a clean bill of health, declare you’re healed from all cancers, viruses, or diseases. In the time of peace, cancel all demonic plans for terrorist’s attacks in the world. We have the power.

Let’s get on the other side of the curve and use our authority to prevent all thoughts, plans, and spiritual attacks of the enemy.

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

Because we live in a body contaminated by sin due to the fall of Adam, our flesh desires to do things contrary to the will and Word of God. When God says left, we want to go right. When God says don’t, we want to do. With this understanding, it requires strength to obey.

Jesus was even pressured to go against the will of God and He required strength to obey. Luke 22:42 “Father, if it is your will, take this cup [of suffering] away from me. However, your will must be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.

If Jesus required strength to obey, we too need strength to do the will of the Father. So, how do we gain this strength? We let go of our desires and agenda and allow the Spirit of God to lead us. Philippians 2:13 says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.

Once we let go, the Spirit of God can give us step by step instructions of what we should do. The hardest part is letting go. Our desires seem so exciting or logical to our flesh, but they may not be what’s best overall. As we obey, our obedience positions us to operate at our maximum potential AND positions us to receive God’s best, giving us strength to obey again.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Life would be so much better if people were willing to serve one another, but unfortunately, everyone will not participate as servants. Since everyone is not going to participate as servants, believers or followers of Jesus Christ are the next best option.

Jesus came to serve (Matt. 20:48). If we’re to follow His example, one of our goals should be to serve others. Serving doesn’t have two polarizing ends. It’s not just serving the homeless or needy and it’s not just serving our friends. Serving includes everyone at all times as the Holy Spirit leads us.

So, if the Holy Spirit tells us to buy our boss, who just criticized our work performance a gift card, do so to operate as a servant. If the Holy Spirit directs us to cook our spouse’s favorite meal after an intense disagreement, do so and operate in the role of a servant.

It’s going to require that we relinquish our pride, but think of the love we can show to others who are not expecting a positive return from us. Through our love and servanthood, we may eventually encourage others to be servants. Operate in the role as a servant.

Psalms 91:1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

There are a few lessons we can learn from this scripture.

1. If there’s a shadow available for us, someone or something must be present. In this case, the Someone is God the Father. No matter how intense the heat or pressures of life get around us, we can be assured that God will always be with us and He will provide a shadow for us.
2. As we know, throughout the day, the position of the sun changes. It rises from the east and sets on the west. If we’re hiding under the shadow of God, that means wherever the sun is, God positions Himself to block us from the brunt heat. In other words, although the pressures of life get intense, God’s grace and mercy prevents us from getting the severe impact of life’s challenges.
3. God leaves it up to us. It’s our choice if we want to dwell in the secret place of the most High or choose another option. When we trust, lean, and rely on God, He lets us know that He will be our faithful provider and protector. However, if we rely on other things, those faulty foundations will leave us with a false sense of security.

Receive this lesson and receive the maximum benefit of God.

God wants us to live an enjoyable life. That life is not always going to be handed to us automatically. At times, we’ll have to do things that make some of us uncomfortable. One uncomfortable thing involves confrontation.

Confrontation is not necessarily a bad thing. To maintain our joy in every area of our lives, confrontation can be a useful tool. However, it requires us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

For instance, if our spouse is doing something that irks us, instead of suffering through it, trying not to rock the boat or complaining about it to our friends, behind our spouses’ backs, kindly request they stop that behavior. People can’t read our minds. If we want change in our lives, we have to be bold enough to ask for it. This simple tactic can be applied with our co-workers, friends, or bosses.

That uncomfortable feeling we have with confrontation is fear. We can’t be afraid of their response or how it might make us look. If we want a change for the better in our lives, we have to ask for it. Although the context in James 4:2 involves asking God for our desires, the principle can be applied to people. If God requires us to ask for our desires, why would we not expect to ask people as well?

James 4:2 You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not.

John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

The Word of God is the truth. Everything else is a lie.

Facts, contrary to the Word of God, will show up in our lives. Sickness may be in our bodies, our marriage may be on the rocks, and we may be unemployed, however, when we align our faith with God’s Word, those contrary facts will change into the truth.

Sickness may be in our bodies, but the Word of God says, we’re healed (Isaiah 53:4). Our marriage may seem rocky, but the Word of God says we have peace (John 14:27). We may be unemployed, but God supplies all of our needs and He gives us the employment of our desires (Phil 4:19; Ps. 37:4).

Contrary facts can change due to the limitless power in the Word. The Word is the written form of God (John 1:1). Therefore, anytime we speak the Word of God over contrary facts, the limitless power of God changes those facts into the truth.

Don’t allow what you see or your experiences to discourage your faith. Apply the Word to every contrary fact.

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

The waters and fires in this verse represent difficult times in our lives. The scripture says when we pass through the waters and when we walk through the fire. It doesn’t say if we go through the water and fire; it says when we go through the water and fire.

The Word of God lets us know it’s guaranteed we’ll face difficult times. No matter how many good works we do and no matter how holy we are we, the believer is not exempt from difficult times.

But, there’s hope. Although we face difficult times, God is with us. Although we face trials and tribulations, those tribulations will not overtake us. It may feel like we won’t make it and it may seem like there’s no hope, but with our reliance on God, we will make it through.

In the midst of our difficult time, we have a choice. We can focus on the problems surrounding us or focus on the One Who promised to see us through. If we want to get through, we must look to, lean on, and rely on God.

Isaiah 55:6 (AMP) Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him [for salvation] while He is near.

Seek the Lord while He may be found. The “while He may be found” portion of this scripture implies there will be a time when the Lord cannot be located. Many will call on the Lord for deliverance, protection, or help, but the Lord will not be able to be found.

The signs of the times reveal we’re living in the last days (Matthew 24). Jesus could return tomorrow or Jesus could return 100 years from now. But, do you want to take that risk of calling on the Lord when it’s too late? Do you want to call on the Lord when He’s not able to be found?

For those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, I urge you to call on the name of the Lord, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He died for all of our sins.

*As witnesses of Jesus Christ, I urge you to share this message with everyone you know to ensure people are saved and their name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Romans 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

A man and a woman make a baby. Because of unresolved issues, the man leaves the woman while she’s pregnant. The man doesn’t show up for the child’s birth, he doesn’t send any money, he doesn’t show up for the child’s events, and he doesn’t send the child gifts. Regardless of the man’s poor, selfish behavior, the man is still the child’s biological father. He’s still the father and no one can take that away from him. 

Likewise with our righteousness (right standing with God). When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have been made righteous. Our belief in Him makes us righteous. Our behavior may not reflect our right standing with God, but nevertheless, we are righteous. And like the father in the example above, no one can judge, criticize, or take our righteousness away. 

Don’t be misunderstood, God abhors our behavior contrary to His Word, but in spite of our behavior, He still loves us, desires to bless us, and views us as righteous. Don’t let your heart be condemned. Know that God loves you and know that you are righteous. 

Inspired by Apostle F. Price 

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The abundant life was given by Jesus, but every day we have an enemy who attempts to destroy the abundant life Jesus provided. The enemy attempts to destroy our abundant life by magnifying the negative events around us and putting them on constant display in our minds. We have to be cognizant of his scheme to destroy our abundant life (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Although Jesus provided abundant life, it takes faith to maintain our abundant life. Throughout the day, there are several faith fights we must have to maintain what Jesus provided. When we experience feelings of stress, sadness, fear, discouragement, sickness, envy, or hate, that’s the enemy attempting to take our abundant life. Our counter attack is to recognize the ungodly feeling, boldly declare what the Word says about the situation, and declare it continuously until the negative feeling goes away.

If we’re feeling sad, boldly declare that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). If we’re feeling insecure, declare I’m fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We may have to do this repeatedly for hours, days, or even weeks; but, it allows us to maintain our abundant life instead of spiraling down a path full of negative emotions and expecting someone or something to fill the void.

Operate in faith to maintain everything Jesus provided.

The world is experiencing a lot of drama. Racial tensions are high, accountability is lacking, and violence is apparent. This should be no surprise to the believer. The world is paralleling what’s stated in the Word of God.

–Daniel 12:2 “Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

-Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

-2 Timothy 3:1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

For thousands of years, the Word of God has foretold what we’re seeing today. 

Instead of living in fear, let’s see what the Word of God says about the righteous (believers of Jesus Christ) living in these last days.
–Isaiah 3:10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

-Psalm 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

-Psalm 91:10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

Although the world is experiencing the prophesies of the last days, we can receive the promises of the Lord. Focus on His promises. It shall be well with us and we are protected. 

A terrorist’s tactical advantage is the element of surprise. No one knows when and where a terrorist attack is going to occur, therefore, they’re able to harm multiple people at one time. This leaves a majority of people worried, stressed, and in fear.

But God has an answer to their surprise. The answer to terrorist’s element of surprise is love. Yes, love.

Psalm 91:5 (AMP) You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness – trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

When we love God and have a true understanding of God’s love towards us, this love will keep and protect us. This love applied by faith, guarantees our safety from all surprises around every corner allowing us to rest comfortably and enjoy life without looking over our shoulders in fear. Receive and apply love to free ourselves from all fear.

In the old days, people consistently went to church. Some went to church out of religious obligation, some went because their parents told them to, and some went in a desperate attempt to get something from God. Regardless of the reason, they positioned themselves to consistently hear the Word of God. By consistently hearing the Word of God, they were able to pass their knowledge and understanding of the Word to their children.

Today, the world has given people more opportunity to be “successful” through better education, employment, and more money than our ancestors could ever dream. With this “success,” there seems to be a generation that doesn’t need God. They may be okay with the idea of God, but there’s no desire for relationship and knowledge of God because there’s no need for God to better their already “successful” situation.

As this generation gets older, they want to tell their children about the loving God they heard about as a youth, but because of their lack of knowledge, they have limited information to pass on to their children. Therefore, the next generation becomes even more ignorant of God and more dependent on the world’s system for their “success.”

As some of us know, there are areas in our lives that our external success can’t reach. There are pains and difficulties we face that only the Word of God can handle. So let’s hear the Word of God on a consistent basis in order to edify ourselves and teach the next generation about the grace, goodness, and power of our God.

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
If we can be honest with ourselves, we haven’t been the kindest people at all times in every area of our lives. What if during those times of not being so nice, God gave us what we deserved? What if God caused someone to treat us poorly every time we were short with people, inconsiderate, or simply mean to someone? We would be mindful not to treat a person however we felt. 
But, God doesn’t work that way. Instead, He shows us His love through His grace and mercy. We don’t get everything we deserve and neither should others. I know it feels good to verbally assault someone who is speaking negatively of us, but that’s not God’s plan for the believer. 

God’s idea is for us to love. Love those who not only treat us well, but love our enemies and those who persecute against us. We are to love people in their ignorance. Love people in the midst of their verbal attack against us. Love others even when we’re hurt by their actions.
If we can love others in spite of how they treat us, we can create an environment similar to heaven. Love them. 

Luke 9:23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

One of the hardest things we have to do is deny ourselves. We have so many ideas, plans, and goals we want to see accomplished, it’s hard for some of us to discern which ideas or plans came from God and which ideas and plans came from us. Although it may seem like a good idea, we have to be ready to push our egos aside and fulfill the calling God has on our lives.

Another area of denial is through our flesh. God gave us free will. We can do whatever we desire (good or bad). Although we’re permitted to do anything, everything is not beneficial (1 Cor. 10:23). It takes maturity and discipline to deny the cravings of our flesh. It may give us a rush to give that micromanaging boss a piece of our minds or it may seem exciting to explore the physical side in an unmarried relationship, but according to the Word of God it’s not beneficial (James 1:19; 1 Cor. 6:18-20).

Every idea or goal that comes across our minds should be confirmed with God or God’s Word to ensure we’re fulfilling our purpose in the earth.

What are you really in faith for?

Examples

A) You can be in faith to keep a certain job. But, the heart of the matter is that you want provision for you and your family and a positive work environment.

B) You can be in faith for a scholarship. But, the heart of the matter is that you want provision to complete school debt free.

C) You may be in faith for the manifestation of a specific dream. But, the heart of the matter is that you just want to be happy and you may not yet realize that dream may not produce that happiness.

The Word says no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly and that He does exceedingly beyond what we can ask think or even imagine (Psalm 84:11 and Ephesians 3:20).

God knows our hearts. There are times where the manifestation may not occur in the manner in which we requested it because what we’re really requesting is not what we’ve voiced. But, He will always address the heart of the matter and exceed our expectations as we continue on in our faith. Maybe you didn’t keep that one job, but He had a better one for you. Or maybe that one dream didn’t manifest, but you got the happily ever after that exceeded your expectations and realized that was really what you always wanted. So keep asking, believing, and trusting God to manifest your heart’s true desires.

Hebrews 10:38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

When our children go to their favorite cousin’s house, an amusement park with their friends, or the college of their choice, we’re happy for them because we know they’re enjoying themselves.

Most of us would be happy if we saw our children or someone we love enjoying themselves; there should be no difference between an amusement park and heaven. In fact, heaven is a whole lot better than every amusement park put together.

When a believer passes on, that’s exactly what they’re doing, passing on. The Bible says, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. If they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, our family members and friends have passed on from this physical world to the spiritual world, with Christ. There’s no better place to be.

Yes, we may miss them, but know they’re in a far better place than we could imagine. If the passing on of a loved one can’t be viewed from a different perspective, it will always scare, torment, or depress us.

Be excited for them, they’re with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Have you wondered how one man, Adolf Hitler, influenced an entire country to support his evil, sadistic views? It started with Hitler’s book called Mein Kampf (My Struggle). The book circulated through the streets. People were freely given the book as a wedding present, birthday gift, and it was taught to children in schools. The repetition of Hitler’s views, through that book, ultimately corrupted the minds of millions of people to agree with his views.

The effectiveness of Hitler was the repetition. By constantly feeding the public his views through his book and speeches, he corrupted minds. If the repetition of a sadistic man’s book can influence an entire country, how much more should the Word of God influence the mind of the believer?

If we would make it a point to hear and read the Word of God on a daily basis, doubt, fear, and confusion won’t have a place to sit in our minds. People would actually believe ALL things are possible with God. They would look at sickness in the face and say, “I am healed.” They would laugh at debt and call it canceled using the power of their words. They would believe.

Faith comes by hearing. It’s continuous. The more we hear the Word of God, the more faith we have in the Word of God.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

As a parent, when we tell our children to sit down, listen, or do their homework, we have an expectation for them to obey. It would shock most of us if our 7-year old defied our orders and did the opposite of what we requested.

The same confidence we have in our authority over our children, is the same confidence we should have in authority over everything we see that’s contrary to the Word of God. If we’re experiencing sickness, lack, or drama, we should speak to that issue with our parent-like authority and command it to leave our bodies. And like a parent raising a young child, we should expect that issue to leave our lives.

We’re not operating in an authority we’ve made up ourselves. We’re operating in the authority Jesus gave to us through His death and resurrection. So, regardless of the issues we face, operate in your parent-like authority based the following scriptures found in the Word of God:

Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy;
Matthew 18:18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
Mark 11:24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.

Daniel 3:21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

As we can see, anytime Jesus is involved, we have freedom, protection, and deliverance. His mere presence caused these men to be freed from their bondage, protected from the fire, and delivered from their circumstances. Just to be clear, these three men received freedom, protection, and deliverance prior to Jesus manifesting Himself in the earth.

When Jesus manifested Himself in the earth, 600 years later, His modus operandi (MO) didn’t change. Jesus Himself said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

And today, He’s doing the same thing. If we receive Him, His presence in our lives has the capability to free us from the bondage of sin, save us from the fires of hell, and deliver us from all of our circumstances.

Praise God for Jesus. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Society has accepted the norm of fornication mixed with cohabitation. Before you think I’m about to judge others, keep reading. We all have sinned and probably will sin in the future. The blood of Jesus has cleansed us from ALL sins, including fornication and cohabitation, and made us righteous. However, for those who choose to engage in fornication mixed with cohabitation, you’re missing out on some of God’s promises. 

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

What people are missing out on is additional goodness in their lives and favor from the Lord. Life may seem great and your relationship may seem splendid, but what if it can be better? In fact, God makes everything better. 

People have numerous excuses as to why they choose to live with someone without being married. At the end of the day, it boils down to people being afraid and not trusting the plan God has for their lives. 

It’s time to make a decision. Are we going to honor God, Who has been so good to us, by living in a manner that pleases Him or are we going to satisfy the cravings of our flesh and do what feels “right” to us? If you choose the ladder, just remember, there is a way that seems right to us, but at the end of that way is death (Prov. 14:12). Don’t miss out on the great promises of God. 

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

A lot of us heave heard a version of this scripture. We’ll clap our hands after hearing it, nod our heads in agreement, but do we really believe it concerning every area of our lives?

If someone says they’re believing God to be debt free within two months or they are going to start up a business by the end of this year, would we have the thought of disbelief, tell them to be realistic, or confidently stand in agreement with them? If we truly believe with God, all things are possible, thoughts outside of the norm shouldn’t shake us or give birth to thoughts of doubt. Thoughts outside of the norm should solidify the possibilities with God.

Don’t tear someone else’s dream down just because you haven’t seen it done before; and don’t limit your faith to possibilities you find within your own power. Whether it’s finances, marriage, goals, or due dates, with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Isaiah 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Do you have a dream or a goal that feels too far out of reach or hard to obtain? Does it seem like every time you make strides towards that goal, something keeps pulling you back?

God’s Word declares that He will make those crooked or hard to reach goals attainable for us. What appears to be locked or not accessible, God will give us entry. We don’t have to worry and overwork ourselves to obtain these goals. By believing that God, through Jesus, has made these dreams easily accessible for us, we will see our hearts’ desires come to pass.

Other scriptures confirm Isaiah 45:2.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.
Revelations 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

It doesn’t matter if our dreams seem impossible because no one has ever done it before, or our previous mistakes make our goals appear farfetched. God has made the crooked, hard-to-reach places straight for us.

Isaiah 48:8 Surely you did not hear, Surely you did not know; Surely from long ago your ear was not opened. For I knew that you would deal very treacherously, And were called a transgressor from the womb.

As we can see, the Word of God states we’ve been transgressors or sinners from our mother’s womb. We didn’t have to go against the Law, wrong our brother or sister, or commit any obvious act of sin to be known as a sinner. Simply by being born, we are sinners.

Every sinner needs a Savior. Since Adam sinned, which left the stain of sin on all mankind, God implemented a plan so that all of mankind can be saved. That plan came through Jesus Christ. To be saved, made righteous, and free from sin, we simply have to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for our sins. Nothing else is required.

There was nothing we intentionally did to become sinners and besides believing on Jesus, there is nothing more we have to do to be saved and made righteous. Receive the gift of Jesus because through Him, we have been saved, made righteous, and free from the bondage of sin.

Romans 5:15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many!

Romans 11:29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Some of us know, without a shadow of a doubt, what God called us to do, but some of us don’t. For those who don’t, I encourage you to settle yourselves and seek God regarding the gifts and call God has on your life.

Once we discover the call on our lives, situations and obstacles attempt to make us limit, second guess, or totally go against what God has called us to do. For instance, we may have been in some legal trouble or had a child earlier than we liked, and because of these issues, we think we have to readjust the call God has on our lives. That’s not the case.

Regardless of what we’ve done or what we’ve gone through, God’s call on our lives remained the same. His gifts and call on our lives are unchangeable. People may have written us off or we may have taken ourselves out of the fight based on what we’ve done, but God did not. God still sees us as the qualified person to fulfill a specific call that He’s purposed in the earth.

Don’t disqualify yourself. Fulfill the will of God in the earth with the gifts and talents He’s specifically given to you.

We are living in the last of the last days. Violence seems to be happening everywhere, terrorist attacks, the innocent are being executed, and hate appears to be stronger than love.

During these times, one of the first things our flesh wants to do is go into a state of fear. Some of us may be afraid to travel because of terrorists, people of color may be afraid to be in the presence of law enforcement, and some are afraid of their children growing up during these days.

Now is the time we need God more than ever. Through God, we can have the assurance of peace knowing God is our protector. Through God, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to tell us where to go, what to say, and when to leave. Through God, we have the God-given authority to declare peace, joy, and prosperity in our communities.

When people in the world are afraid, confused, searching for answers, and wondering why we (the believers) are so calm and confident during this time, we can point them to God who gives us peace in the midst of the storm.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

We all face difficulties. Some of those difficulties make us feel like we don’t want to go on. What we’re in is a faith fight. Have you ever felt like giving up or felt so weak until you didn’t want to go on? God’s Word promises that He will give strength to the weary and increase power to the weak.

During our toughest hour of our faith fight, our flesh desires to mope and continuously rehearse the negative events that occurred in our lives. We need to activate our spirits. When we find ourselves in this rut, we need to remind ourselves of what God promised. To not lose the faith fight, we need to receive strength and power from God.  With this strength and power, we have the ability to continue on day-to-day, continue to confess the Word of God, and continue until better is visible.

Like every other promise in the Word of God, this promise must be received by faith. We have to believe for the manifestation of strength and power before we feel the strength and power.

All those who are weak and weary, activate your faith and receive the strength and power from God.

Acts 15:9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

We, the believers, have been purified or cleansed by faith. Our belief in what Jesus accomplished on the cross has cleansed us. We’re not going to be purified, but we already are purified by faith.

There are some who think we have to work to be purified. Some say we have to fast 40 days, remove ourselves from all of our old friends before salvation, and only listen to or watch things involving God to be purified. This doesn’t purify us. The scripture is clear. Our faith, and our faith alone, purifies us.

Quit working to be purified. Receive purification through the finished works of Jesus.

Yes, you too are pure.

It’s been incorrectly stated that if we don’t live a holy life, God is going to put us in hell. God is not putting us anywhere. Where we go after this life is solely based on our beliefs and not our actions.

God putting us in hell is like committing a criminal offense and saying, God put us in jail. We don’t go to hell because we’ve sinned. Jesus paid the price for our past, present, and future sins (Rom. 6:10). People go to hell because they’ve rejected the payment for sins. They go to hell for rejecting Jesus.

Some people still have the image of God to be this angry, wrath giving, city destroying God. That was before Christ, where blood had to be shed for the payment of sins. Now that Christ has paid the price for all, God sees every believer cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

Let’s stop making God out to be the bad guy. He loved us enough to give everyone an opportunity to have eternal life. God’s not putting us in hell, but our rejection of Jesus will.

Daniel 12:2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.

Romans 6:6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 

Today in the United States, we celebrate Independence Day. It’s a day where Americans celebrate their independence from England. Although this is an exciting day, let’s not forget the freedom we can all celebrate at anytime. That’s the freedom we have in Christ.

The freedom we have in Christ was not a fifty day battle where lives were lost. This freedom doesn’t have to be earned through our works of righteousness. It was One Man taking on the sins of the world so that anyone who believes in Him can be free. That One Man is Jesus. With this freedom, we don’t have to be bound by the law, bound by guilt and shame, or be sin conscious. We can be free to experience an abundant life all because Christ died in our place. 

This day and in the days to come, give praise, glory, and honor to God for sending His Son to make us free.

If carnally minded people see us praying, reading our bible, or going to church, they’re quick to call us religious. As believers, knowing what religion is, we should quickly respond by saying “No, I’m developing my relationship with God.”

Praying, reading our bibles, not engaging in this or that activity can be religious, but more importantly it can be relational. It depends on the motivation. If we’re praying, going to church, and fasting to get something from God or to make ourselves acceptable in the sight of God, we’re operating in religion. However, if we’re doing these things to deepen our relationship and understanding of God, we’re being relational.  

Look at it from another perspective. If financial adviser and billionaire, Warren Buffet, moved next door to us and we started to ask him questions about investments and other financial ideas, most would say we’re being wise by befriending him. The same concept applies with God. When we continuously develop our relationship with our Creator and Author of our future, we’re not being religious, we’re being wise to develop our relationship with the only true God.  

Don’t behave righteously out of religious duty. Change your motivation. Think, talk, and behave righteously to honor God and strengthen your relationship with Him. 

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Religion is a set of beliefs, ideas, and values mainly taken out of context based solely around the Law of Moses, norms and customs in the biblical era, and other created obligations used or acted upon in the effort to please and make ourselves acceptable in the sight of God.

A healthy list of religious ideas include the following: No makeup, long dresses, or braided hair for women (1 Tim. 2:9/1 Pet. 3:3); not eating “unclean” animals (Lev. 11); sinning our salvation away, obligation to tithe or a curse will come upon us (Mal. 3:8-10); God teaching/punishing us through sickness; premature death being the will of God; a lack of money to qualify us as holy (1 Tim. 6:10); receiving guilt and condemnation after missing the mark; must come to God through a priest; etc.

These scriptures or ideas were either taken out of context or simply made up by man. Following religious rules in an effort to please God is futile because all our righteousness is like filthy rags in the sight of God (Isa. 64:6). If we can please God by following a set of rules, there would be no need for Jesus. In fact, the Law of Moses was given to increase sin and lead us to Christ (Rom. 5:20; Gal. 3:24).

Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law so that we won’t have to. Through His sacrifice we’ve been freed from the bondage of the law.

Don’t have a mental breakdown trying to keep all the requirements of religion.  Every religious idea has been fulfilled by Jesus and our belief in what He has fulfilled has made us righteous and acceptable to God (2 Cor. 5:21).

Romans 7:6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Boasting in weakness? Who would boast about their weaknesses? A person who understands the magnitude of grace.

We all have weaknesses in our lives. Some of our weaknesses are sexual, drug or alcohol related, a judgmental or critical spirit, or just plain fear. Those who understand the all-encompassing embodiment of grace realize, wherever we’re weak or have missed the mark, grace is there to right our wrongs.

A religious person would tell us to be ashamed of our weakness, however, having an understanding of grace makes a person appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus. It is His sacrifice that allows us to stay in right relationship with God even when we miss the mark.

Some of us missed the mark in our past and some of us will miss the mark in our future. Whenever the mark is missed, instead of feeling like you let God down, know that through the sacrifice of Jesus, His blood keeps you up.

Ephesians 2:4 But because of His great love for us, God,who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

When people see a happy couple, a friend of the couple may say you two deserve each other. If that couple buys their first house, another person may say congratulations, you two deserve to be happy. What people are really trying to say is, I’ve seen what you’ve gone through and I’ve seen your commitment to God and because you’ve been a loving friend, you deserve something special.

The truth is, we don’t deserve anything remotely good. If it hadn’t been for the grace of God that came through Jesus Christ, we would be walking this earth sick, poor, and on our way to hell. We would be condemned in our thoughts, bound by sin, and suffering the wrath of God every single day. That’s what we deserve.

Anytime something good happens in our lives, let’s not reflect on the good we’ve done or our works of righteousness. Let’s praise God for Jesus. Let’s give glory to Jesus for making these great things available to us. Although people have good intentions, the next time someone says you deserve something, it would be a good time to remind them of the grace of God.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. 

1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

There are times we may wonder, what’s the point? Why keep doing good? The story of Ruth demonstrates the benefits of continuing to honor God and doing good. 

Ruth unselfishly chose to give to another, and in doing the good that God led her to do, she allowed God to position her to receive more than what she even asked for. She flourished in her work, in her relationships, and in her life. So, don’t be discouraged. Continue to press on and do good. God has you covered.

Ruth‬ ‭2:12‬ “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!””

Hebrews 4:9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 

On the cross, a great transaction was made. Jesus took condemnation, disease, the curse, and death and gave us righteousness, eternal life, divine health, prosperity, freedom from sin, and dominion. After the exchange took place, Jesus said “It is finished.” There is nothing left to do. Jesus did it all.

So what do we do now? We rest. We remain in a continuous state of rest. Like God rested on the seventh day because He was finished, we rest because Jesus is finished. This may be difficult to our flesh because our flesh always wants to get involved to make something happen. Our flesh may want to pray and read the Bible two hours a day to get God to move on our behalf, or our flesh may want to work three jobs to be financially stable.

Under grace, we don’t have to earn or toil for our blessings from God. Our responsibility is to rest and believe on the finished works of Jesus Christ and know that He’s made everything we need or desire available to us. If we would only rest and believe.

The Assyrian army was strong and they conquered nations. The Assyrian messenger attempted to persuade Hezekiah and his people to bow to the Assyrian king and forsake God. Regardless of how strong the Assyrian army was, Hezekiah decided to place his trust in God.

Isaiah 36:14 “Thus says the king, ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you; 15 nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, “The LORD will surely deliver us, this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 16 ‘Do not listen to Hezekiah,’ for thus says the king of Assyria, ‘Make your peace with me and come out to me, and eat each of his vine and each of his fig tree and drink each of the waters of his own cistern,

When we decide to place our faith and trust in God, the enemy is always waiting around the corner, speaking through someone attempting to limit or totally remove our faith in God. The enemy uses logic or reasoning to deceive the people of God. In the case of Hezekiah, it seemed reasonable to bow to a king who was wealthier and more powerful than he was, but Hezekiah maintained his trust in God.

We may want to step out on faith to buy a house, but our friends/family may tell us to stay in an apartment for 3 more years to save money. We may want to trust God for new employment, but we may have the thought to stay where we are because it’s “safer.” The thoughts and ideas seem logical, but if God created a burning desire to trust Him, then do so.

Don’t get bullied out of your stance. Stand firm and trust in God against all odds.

By the way, since Hezekiah didn’t bow to the enemy, choosing instead to trust in God, God sent an angel to defeat the entire Assyrian army (Isaiah 37:36). If God can do it for Hezekiah, He can do it for you.

Since we were young children, most of our parents or teachers told us the importance of sharing. They told us not to be selfish and it was frowned upon if we didn’t share our toys with our friends or family.

As adults, most of us understand the concept of sharing physical things such as clothes, money, or food, but somewhere along the way, we didn’t make the connection to share spiritual things.

God has been really good to all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith and trusted in God and He’s answered our prayers, healed our bodies, and gave us more than we could ever dream. Meanwhile, we see our brother or sister struggling. They’re literally having mental breakdowns trying to figure it out on their own, they’re bogged down with guilt and shame, and/or they’re on their way to hell.

Let’s help out our neighbor and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let them know the gospel is not only Jesus died for our sins. The gospel combines Jesus dying for our sins with, Jesus healing our bodies, God supplying all our needs, God giving us the desires of our hearts, and more. Let them know if they trust God, everything will work out for their good.
Remember the days of your youth and share the gospel.

Mark 16:15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’”