Graced To Do God's Will

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. ² I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; ³ for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

God has so much for the body of Christ, but as long as there’s division between us, we limit what God can do through and for us. In the body of Christ alone, we’re divided in our views towards sin and forgiveness, the law and grace, and our biggest division is denominations. It’s not just a difference of opinion. These are divisions where friendships are ruined, people choose to not visit another person’s church, and videos are posted slandering individuals with different views than their own.

What would the world look like if we, as the body of Christ, would be on one accord? How many more people would be saved if we simply preach Jesus?

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus lets us know the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church or the body of Christ. With that understanding, the body of Christ should be dominating the entertainment industry, education, the legal system, and more. What’s stopping the church from dominating even one industry? The division within ourselves. Mark 3:25 says, if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. The limited impact we make is because of our division.

Let’s go back to basics of the gospel and preach Jesus loves, Jesus healed, and Jesus saves. Yes there’s more, but if the world can know that, this world could be a better place.

Basketball analyst will tell you that great players make other players better around them. If the star on the team is playing at a high level, diving for the ball, and hustling down the court, it motivates the team to do the same.

If a basketball star can make other players better around them, shouldn’t we, being children of God, be able to make other people great around us? We all have a circle of people around us. We have our friends, family, and co-workers. If our circle sees us operating in the ways of God, it should motivate the people around us to do the same.

If our circle sees us believing God for a desire and sees that desire manifest, it should motivate some in our circle to believe God for their desires. If the people within our circle see us giving glory to God when something good happens, our circle should do the same. If people see us maintain our confidence and trust in God during difficult situations, it could encourage others around us to do the same.

Be the star on your team and allow the ways of God to be on public display for others to imitate. Our response to life will make our team better.

1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

It’s been said, if an animal is in a cage too long, after a while, a person can open the door to the cage, but the animal won’t come out. The technical name for this is cage-bound. Someone could be attempting to free the animal, but the animal won’t go. Psychologically, the cage is the animal’s entire world and there’s no need for anything else.

Some believers have been cage-bound in their souls (mind, will, imagination, emotions, and intellect). Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Jesus freed us from sin, sickness, the curse, death, guilt, shame, condemnation, and all the works of the devil.

A cage-bound Christian is a person willing to accept or go back to anything Jesus freed us from. For instance, if a person receives guilt after they’ve missed the mark, they’re still cage-bound. The appropriate response after missing the mark is acknowledging that we’ve missed the mark and receive the forgiveness of God. Or, if a person receives sickness thinking it’s the Lord’s will to be sick, they’re a cage-bound Christian.

People of God, we’ve been freed. Now it’s up to us to walk out our freedom. Don’t allow sin, sickness, condemnation, or the rest of the devil’s devices to reside in your world. We’ve been freed from these things now, remain free indeed!

Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,

11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

Before we took our first breath and before we committed our first sinful act, God already appointed and predestined us for greatness. We were preprogrammed for a God-ordained assignment in the earth. Some of us were preprogrammed to be Pastors and others were preprogrammed to be entertainers. We all have an assignment.

What we’ve done in our past doesn’t disqualify us from fulfilling the plan and purpose God has for us. People may have disqualified us and we may have disqualified ourselves, but God has not. Our assignment is still waiting on us. God already knew what we would or wouldn’t do and He knew how far we would stray from the path of righteousness. But, picture this: what we’ve done (right or wrong) better prepared us for fulfilling our God-ordained assignment because He worked out everything for our good.

Remove the guilt and shame from your past. Seek God for your purpose in the earth and start fulfilling your God-ordained assignment today.

Matthew 7:7 Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

If someone has a deep cut, doctors may instruct that person to bandage the wound and continue to apply pressure to the wound. Although the bandage controls the blood flow, the applied pressure stops the bleeding.

Applied pressure works spiritually as well. For believers, if we have a need or desire, we apply pressure for that promise. We properly ask God in faith and continue to believe that we’ve received our need or desire until it comes to pass. We may find a scripture related to our need or desire and confess it daily. We may even go on a fast to receive clarity on how to receive that need or desire.

As soon as that desire manifests itself, some of us pull back on our applied pressure. We may thank God for what we’ve prayed for, but some stop praying as much and some stop making their confessions. No! Continue to apply pressure on that promise. We may stop applying pressure, but the devil, who steals, kills, and destroys, continues to apply pressure on his end.

Yes, we may be married now, but the devil is attempting to destroy that marriage. Continue to apply pressure. Yes, we have our career, but the devil is attempting to steal that career. Continue to apply pressure. Yes, we’ve been healed of that disease, but the devil is attempting to resurrect that disease in our bodies. Continue to apply pressure. Whatever we did to get our need or desire, the same should be done to keep it.

1 Peter 1:16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

For most of us, we understand if we want to lose weight, get toned, or gain muscle we have to workout and have a good diet. People don’t workout and eat correctly because it’s fun. They discipline their bodies because they want to see the results.

The same concept applies with the blessed life. Everyone wants the blessings, prosperity, and the goodness of God, but not everyone is willing to discipline their flesh to reap the reward. Living an unholy life is like a person eating whatever they want and not working out and expecting a healthy toned body. 

To maximize our abundant life, we must honor God by living holy. This means we say no to that one night stand, no to that shot of alcohol, or no to that piece of cake when we’re full. We say no to whatever doesn’t honor God. Let’s honor God, discipline ourselves, and live holy. 

Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

It’s easy to love people outside of ourselves. We’ll love God and Jesus and all they’ve done for us. When a relationship is established or if our child is born, we’ll love them too. But, do we take the time to love ourselves? How can we love God and love another if we don’t properly love ourselves?

What does it mean to love ourselves? Loving ourselves means: receiving God’s forgiveness for ourselves after we’ve done something foolish, instead of having a time period of guilt, shame, and condemnation. Loving ourselves means: maintaining our confidence even though we may not have the career the world says is successful or the appearance the world says is attractive. Loving ourselves means: treating ourselves to something enjoyable from time to time instead of waiting on the perfect setting to enjoy life. Loving ourselves means: applying the things that Jesus shed His blood for to our lives (forgiveness, abundant living, prosperity in all things, etc.).

If people would love themselves, they wouldn’t be so quick to quarrel with someone because they feel disrespected. The love that they have for themselves would eliminate the need to be respected by someone else. If people would love themselves, they wouldn’t be so quick to attach themselves to the first person who says they like them. They would love themselves enough to wait on a healthy relationship.

Let’s learn to love ourselves. It’s not egotistical. It’s biblical.

III John‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
Regardless of the circumstances around us, we prosper in all things as our souls prosper. The story of Joseph demonstrates this truth (Read Genesis 37, 39-41).  

1. Joseph’s father favored him and his jealous brothers left him in a pit to die. 

2. He was then rescued from the pit into slavery. 

3. While enslaved he was promoted to the head of Potiphar’s house where Potiphar’s wife got so mad that Joseph wouldn’t sleep with her that she accused him of attempted rape and he was imprisoned. 

4. While in prison he was promoted to being in charge of all of the prisoners. 

5. After being locked up for ten years, he was given an opportunity to use his spiritual gifts, and ended up becoming the wealthiest and most powerful man in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh 

In all of his trials, what remained consistent for Joseph was that he continued to commune with God and keep him first. The bible doesn’t say that he cursed God and spent his days worrying. Rather, he kept his relationship with God constant, remained in perfect peace, and allowed God to cause all things to work together for his good. So, keep drawing closer to God, keeping that relationship at the forefront. Then, even as circumstances arise, you will prosper as your soul prospers. And, there will be that day where you look back in awe at the bad times and realize how He not only prospered you then, but used those times to elevate you into even greater prosperity.

Start feeding your soul: pray, worship, listen to God, read the Word, listen to Word-based sermons…

Genesis‬ ‭41:39-40‬ “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.”‭‭

God has given everyone an assignment. Our assignment may be simple like, feed the hungry or our assignment may be more complex like, restructuring the legal system. No assignment is greater than another. In man’s eyes one may think of an assignment to be more important than another but in God’s eyes, we’re all fulfilling His will on the earth.

Regardless of our assignment, it’s important to write our assignment down somewhere. Whatever God has for us to do and whatever vision He’s given to us, write it down. Don’t just write the end result, but write down the steps He’s given you to get to your destination. We may not know how or when we’ll fulfill our assignment, but write it down anyway.

Writing the vision keeps purpose on our minds. It reminds us of what God told us to do. So when distractions in the form of notoriety, prestige, or higher pay come, we can keep ourselves level-headed and do what God has called us to do.
Write down the vision and keep it in your minds, your speech, and in your hearts.

When some people tell their friends about their problems or the problems of another, the advice that’s often given is prayer. However, the advice is given in a way that makes prayer seem minor or non-effective. They may say, “All you can do is pray about it.”

The reason why prayer is presented as minor is because some of us don’t have a real grasp on our authority, dominion, and power. Our words have authority in heaven and in earth (Matthew 18:18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.) We’ve been given authority over EVERYTHING in the earth (Gen. 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth).  Also, what we properly ask for will, not possibly, come to pass. (Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.)

Prayer is not all we can do, but the best thing we can do. Let’s use our authority, dominion, and power to change our world for the better, undue the works of the devil, and bring heaven to earth.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Isaiah 31:1 “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD!”‭‭

We have the tendency to trust in things we can measure with our senses. We’ll trust our employment because we can see the amount of money we make on a monthly basis. We’ll trust in the economy in our country based on the pattern that’s projected by so-called experts. We’ll trust in our education based on statistical success we see in society.

As faithful as some of these things have been, they still may be unreliable one day. The only source of consistency we can fully rely on is God. Everything else may change, but God will never change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Evaluate your life. Are you placing more faith or trust in the things of this world or are you totally relying in God?

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Suicide is a real problem in our society. People are taking their lives for next to nothing. One main reason people are taking their lives is because of the stresses caused by the trials in life. If people had a different perspective of trials, we can reduce, if not, eliminate suicide altogether. 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us that different perspective.

1 Corinthians 10:13 Breakdown Part 1: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. The devil loves to isolate people, making them think they’re the only ones going through trials. If he can isolate people, he’ll deceive them into thinking no one understands or no one can relate to what they’re facing. God’s Word lets us know the problems we face are not uncommon to mankind. The trials of life are simply recycled.

Part 2: And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. This is key. Because God is faithful, He will not allow us to go through anything we can’t handle. The very fact that we’re going through trials is proof we can handle the trials. It doesn’t matter if it’s a divorce, a layoff or, if our actions caused us to be in the trial; we have the God-given ability to handle it.

Part 3: But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. God’s Word says, not only can we handle the trial, but He will provide a way of escape. The stress comes in when WE think WE have to find a solution to the problem. God said He will provide a way out. It’s not up to us, but He will provide a way out for us. We just have to trust Him.

When we have an understanding that whatever problem or difficulty we’re facing, God has given us the ability to endure and overcome it, we’ll never consider suicide again.

*Send this message to those who need it.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.

The hunger for wealth is more apparent now than ever before. People are working multiple jobs, numerous lottery tickets are being purchased, and people are being scammed on “get rich quick schemes” just to get ahead financially. 

As we can see, through the blessing, we are not to pursue wealth, but wealth is to pursue us. What is the blessing? In short, the blessing is an empowerment to prosper. We first see the promise of the blessing in Genesis 12:2-3 when God promised the blessing on Abraham. As a result of the blessing, Abraham was extremely wealthy (Gen. 13:2). The promise of the blessing was not just to Abraham, but to his seed. The seed God was referring to was Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:16). If we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise (Gal.3:29).

Through Christ, the blessing is on our lives. With the blessing, we don’t have to stress or strain to get wealth. Without toil, wealth is promised to come to us. Does that mean we sit at home and expect a check in the mail? No. As we’re doing what God called us to do, the blessing causes us to receive unexpected promotions, ideas for inventions, and ways to save money. Receive the blessing and stop chasing money and let money chase you. 

Ephesians 3:19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

God loves us with an unconditional love with no strings attached. We don’t have to work for it or earn it. God loves us because we’re His creation. Even when we’ve missed the mark and people say we don’t deserve His love, He still loves us. God’s love is better than a good parent’s love towards a newborn child.

Knowing He loves us this much, we can boldly proclaim His Word over our lives. We can say, He loves us, therefore, all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). He loves us, therefore, all of our needs are met (Philippians 4:19). He loves us, therefore, He gives us victory in every situation (2 Corinthians 2:14).

God’s love is far from the love mankind developed. His love is unconditional with no limitations or requirements. Stop trying to earn His love and freely receive it. Wherever you are, whatever you’ve done, God’s love is available to you. Receive it.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”‭‭

When we keep our focus on God, instead of the distractions of the world, God promised to keep us in perfect peace. We see this acted out in Matthew 14:28-30 when Peter walked on water. As long as Peter was focused on Jesus, he was at peace, doing the impossible, in the midst of a troubling situation. As soon as Peter took his mind and focus off of Jesus, he began to look at the trouble surrounding him, forfeiting his peace, and slowly started sinking.

If we keep our mind focused on the dangers of the world, the financial crises, and provision instead of Him, we too will forfeit our peace and sink. As tempting as it is to focus on the things outside of God, let’s maintain our peace and focus on the finished works of Jesus.

Matthew 14:28 Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 He said, “Come!” So Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw [the effects of] the wind, he was frightened, and he began to sink, and he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Isaiah 22:12-14 “And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. But instead, joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating meat and drinking wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts, “Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, Even to your death,” says the Lord GOD of hosts.”‭‭

A couple of years ago, people were using the saying, “YOLO” which was an acronym meaning, You Only Live Once. With this saying, people had the thought process to do whatever they felt whenever they wanted because we only live once. Unfortunately, most of the behavior was contrary to the Word of God.

As we can see from the scripture, YOLO is nothing new. In this case, God called for weeping and mourning but instead, they were going to party and die.

Living the “YOLO” life displays a lack of discipline. When we live an undisciplined life, we limit what God can do in our lives. How can God bless the undisciplined? How can He trust us with blessings if we’re not willing to yield ourselves to Him? Although it seems like we have one life to live, what we do in this life will determine the quality of living and maybe determine if we’ll have everlasting life. Live a life that honors God.

Exodus 7:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.

In this case, Pharaoh represents opposition. We are gods and have dominion over anything attempting to hold us back, keep us hostage, or stop us from fulfilling the will of God in the earth.

Many times, people have a tendency to dread opposition and worry how they’re going to come out on the other side of opposition. What they don’t realize is, through the sacrifice of Jesus and the validity in God’s Word, we have authority over everything that tries to stop us or stand in our way. We are gods (Psalm 82:6). 

Jesus gave us a prime example of owning opposition as He stopped the storm that attempted to stop Him and the disciples from going to the other side (Luke 8:22-25). He also verbally informed us of our authority in Luke 10:19. 

No matter if it’s satanic delay, unruly relatives, or sickness and disease, we are gods over opposition. It won’t work unless we SEE ourselves lording over opposition. Solidify this in your minds to walk on top of your problems instead of allowing your problems to walk on top of you. Be blessed gods. 

1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying.

There’s a lot of great entertainment in the world today. We have Netflix, great musical artist, sports, and more gaming systems than a person can handle. These things are permissible, but every type of entertainment is not edifying. We must have balance.

There’s nothing wrong with being entertained, but when, not if, life’s challenges arise, we must be able combat life’s challenges with the Word of God. It seems like a challenge is intensified if the only thing that comes to mind during the challenge are the lyrics to a song or a sport’s stat. How is it that a person can know the lyrics to a song or a sports stat from the 1970’s, but they can’t completely quote a Bible verse? It’s because they don’t have balance.

From the point of view of our flesh, edifying ourselves in the things of God doesn’t seem entertaining. In fact, it seems boring. However during trying times, it’s the most beneficial thing we can have in our souls.

At minimum, let’s equally divide our time in the things of God such as, praise and worship, studying the Word of God, and prayer. Let’s have balance.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

We all face challenges in life, but just so you know, you’re not the only one going through challenges. The devil loves to make us feel isolated, as if we’re the only ones going through a difficult time. He also makes us feel like we’re the only ones facing that particular challenge, but we’re not. The Bible says, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). 

If allowed, challenges have a funny way of messing with our memory. The challenge itself may have the tendency to make us forget about all of the other challenges that we’ve overcome. It’s like we forget the same God who gave us victory over our last challenge has the ability to give us victory in our current challenge. 

The devil has no creative power. All of life’s challenges are recycled. The same tactic used in each challenge is an attack on our faith in God. From the beginning with Adam and Eve, Satan tries to make us think God won’t fulfill His Word. Regardless if it’s provisional, relational, or a delayed desire, God’s Word will come to pass in your life. 

Don’t allow the devil to make you feel isolated and don’t forget about the victories of your past. Rely on the faithfulness of God to see you through every difficulty that you face. 

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The scripture says to let our light shine so that people can see our good works. Our light can’t shine if we’re isolated from the rest of the world.

Believers have a tendency to stick with each other. When we’re not with each other, we tend to be in the comfort of our own home engaging in wholesome activities. That’s fine for a little while. Eventually, we’re going to have to go out into the darkness, better known as the world, and let our light shine. Like an insect drawn to the light, people in darkness will be attracted to the light inside of us.

In the age of social media, what better way to let our light shine than to share a post, magnify a scripture, or record ourselves sharing a testimony and giving glory to God. Believers, it’s time to get out of isolation and allow our light to shine.

Philippians 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Some of us have done some things we don’t want anyone to know about. We may have hurt people, cheated, or were engaged in criminal activities. Others may be living in regret regarding something we didn’t do or should have done. Instead of rehearsing the negative events in our past, it’s time to forget, and move on to fulfill the purpose God has for our lives. 

Notice the scripture says, “one thing I do.” Paul was a murderer who killed followers of Jesus Christ, but after his conversion, he chose to forget his past. We must forget the negative things of our past. No one, including God, is going to do this for us. This is something we must do. 

We are humans and God gave us a memory for a reason. Some of us may easily forget the negative ways of our past, but for others of us, the goal is to not allow the guilt, shame, or condemnation of our past to control our present or future. We can’t be fully focused on what God wants us to do if we’re so busy looking at our past. It’s time to forget the past. 

Philippians 4:9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”‭‭

Paul was so confident in his relationship with God until he instructed the church to follow his example. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says to follow him as he follows Christ.
Looking at Paul’s life, after accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I never read where he got “high” on marijuana or on any other type of drugs. I never read where he got into petty arguments over things that really don’t matter. I never read where Paul was a swindler, fulfilled the lust in his flesh, or was critical or judgmental of others.

How many of us can confidently say Philippians 4:9 to another person? We’re not talking about being perfect. Paul even mentioned his flaws. We’re talking about living a life, in Christ, where every day’s goal is to please God. The things we were convicted of yesterday are areas we are willing to work on today. We’re talking about being free from the bondage of sin and free from condemnation.

A good way to advance the Kingdom of God is to sow a seed into another person’s life. Let’s be followers of Jesus Christ so that we can say to another, the things you learned and saw in me, do them.

Matthew 14:29-31 “He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?””

What Peter consistently did was trust God. He trusted God that through the power of Jesus he could walk on the water. And, when Peter got fearful from the storm raging around him, he trusted God to save him.  Peter called out to God to help him attain the impossible, and he called out to God to save him in the midst of turbulent circumstances. So, although his faith in accomplishing the impossible task wavered, his faith and trust in God persisted. Keep trusting and believing our faithful, loving God.

1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

We’re living in a time where social media is a giant in our society. People post pictures of themselves and their families. It’s great to see the growth and development of our friends and acquaintances. There should be a lot of “likes,” but unfortunately, there are people who choose to view others critically.

What we sometimes forget is God created that individual. They didn’t have a say in their appearance. Regardless if we think they’re attractive or not, everything God created is good. When we choose to criticize a person’s appearance, we’re essentially criticizing God’s creation. Who made us critics of God?

Criticism of others also displays insecurity within us. Some of us may not like our own selves, therefore, it makes us feel good to criticize someone else. With so much hate in the world, let’s not add to hate by criticizing others. Lift up people’s spirits and confidence by being positive and if we don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Imagine, you walk into your child’s room and find cocaine in a drawer. Immediately, you’re shocked because your child never showed signs of drug use. You question your child about the drugs and your child says the drugs were received from a friend and they like how it makes them feel.

Most parents wouldn’t be okay with this behavior. Everything in us would tell our children NO and we would want to get them some help. We would have this reaction because we love our child, want the best for our child, and we know drugs won’t benefit our child.

God has the same reaction when it comes to homosexuality. God’s dissatisfaction towards homosexuality is not based on hate, but love. Although some people may enjoy the lifestyle and it makes them feel good, God knows it won’t positively impact our lives.

Like the parent who wouldn’t hate their child who is on drugs, God doesn’t hate the person who engages in homosexuality. Just like all sin, including gluttony or fornication, God detests the sin of homosexuality and not the person committing the act. Also, like all sin, homosexuality has been paid for by the blood of Jesus.

God is our Father and He loves us and knows what’s best for us. If He, the Creator of our lives, tells us not to engage in certain behaviors, it’s safe to say those behaviors will not benefit our lives. God’s instructions come from a place of love and not hate.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

Prayer is communication between us and God. A good communicator has the ability to articulate what he or she is saying as well as the ability to listen. A lot of the times, we’ll tell God about what we need or desire, but some of us are poor listeners. If we will listen to God, the very thing we asked for yesterday could be answered today.

Some of us pray for clarity. If we will spend about five minutes listening, God will lead us in what we should do in chronological order. Some of us ask for a new career. If we will listen, God will tell us when and where we should apply. Some of us asked to be used by God. By listening, God will guide us to the person we need to help.

When praying, take a moment to listen. The answer could be on the other side of our silence.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

As we mature in Christ, we may get motivated to be used by God in certain areas. We’ll hear songs saying, “Use me Lord” and we’ll read about the great leaders in the Bible such as Moses, Joshua, or David and want to be used ourselves.

We’ll ask to be used by God, but no one said it was going to be convenient. God may want to use us on our day off or immediately after working a long day. As soon as it’s inconvenient with our schedule or lifestyle, some of our motivation begins to diminish.

As the inconvenience factor arises, that’s our defining moment. If we can go beyond our comfort zone and do what God has called us to do, then we can make a big impact in the Kingdom of God and in the world. Jesus didn’t come to earth and sacrifice Himself because it was convenient, but because He was obedient in spite of the inconvenience; His name is above all names. If we want to be used by God, effort from us must be given.

It’s been said that the greatest bondage a person could ever have is the bondage of people. People are in bondage because they’re worried about what people think if they do a certain thing or act a certain way. People won’t even purchase an outfit they actually like because they’re too concerned about what someone else may say. People miss out on potential relationships because they’re afraid of how people will view them if they get turned down. This is bondage.

Jesus not only freed us from all bondage (Gal. 5:1), but He specifically taught us how to be free from the bondage of people. Jesus made no reputation of Himself. Think about it… He ate with sinners, He went against the customs and norms of society, and although He was the Son of God, He took the attitude and the behavior of a servant. The only thing that keeps us in the bondage of people is trying to uphold a reputation. If Jesus, the Son of God, didn’t make a reputation of Himself, what makes some of us think we need to uphold ours?

Let’s free ourselves from the bondage of people. Have your hair however you want to have it, drive whatever car you desire, and wear what you like without being concerned about the opinions of people. We only need to please God. Be Free!

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The scripture tells us to boldly or confidently approach the throne of grace. It’s not the throne of the Law or the throne of good behavior, but the throne of grace. Grace is the free unearned unmerited favor of God. We don’t have to work for or earn this grace. This grace was made available by Jesus. All we have to do is receive it.

Now that we understand that grace is a free gift given by God, we can confidently come to God’s throne requesting whatever we desire that aligns with His will. We’re confident in approaching God’s throne of grace because we know it’s not because of what we did or didn’t do. Our access to the Father is totally based on what Jesus has accomplished.

So, even though you may not have been to church in a while or your behavior has not been holy all the time, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to go before the throne of God with your request. Your access has been made available by Jesus Christ Who is the embodiment of grace.

Praise Jesus for His sacrifice which made God’s throne available to us.

This is Jesus’ declaration to the Father.

John 17:26 (AMP) and I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them [overwhelming their heart], and I [may be] in them.”

Unfortunately, the world still doesn’t acknowledge God. They still make God out to be a myth. His wonders are replaced with science, and His love is reduced to an emotion.

As believers, living Christ-like, we should imitate the ways of Jesus. We should not only make the name God known to the world, but make known the only name that can save: Jesus. Using our mouths and our social media posts, we can spread the name of Jesus to everyone across the world. We may have a circle of like-minded believers surrounding us, but we should continue to make His name known to all those who have not received Him.

We’re not introducing the world to the God of wrath, guilt, judgement, or punishment. The wrath of God, guilt, or punishment has already been paid for by Jesus. We’re introducing the world to a Savior who loved us so much until He took our place on the cross. We’re introducing them to a God who has forgiven us of our past, present, and future sins. We’re introducing the world to a God who loves us regardless of ANYTHING we’ve ever done.

People of God, it’s time to boldly introduce the world to God, through Jesus.

The thing that causes someone to contribute to society, be productive, and walk in their purpose is a solid foundation. A solid foundation begins and ends with God. If a person is built on something else, they’ll crumble whenever pressure arises. But, if they’re solidified in God, they’ll last forever.

We build contributing people by parenting according to the Word of God. As parents, it’s important to train the youth in the ways of God according to the Word of God. Even if they stray, we have a promise of their return. We can’t pick and choose parenting methods in the Word of God that make us feel the most comfortable. In order to have the promise of their return if they should stray, we must comply with the Word of God completely. That means, we may have to tell them no, physical discipline may be necessary, and restraint on our part may be needed.

The Holy Spirit will guide us in all things, including parenting, and the Holy Spirit will not deviate from the Word of God. However, the Holy Spirit instructs us to parent our children based on what is best for our children and us.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

On Part 1 of Belief & Faith, we discovered a difference between belief and faith. Belief is in our head, but faith is the action that accompanies our belief.

We discovered one way to activate our faith is through speaking (2 Cor. 4:13). After believing God has made a promise available to us, we speak it into existence. We literally say what God says about the promise in the midst of negative circumstances.

In addition to speaking, we can activate our faith through God-appointed actions. If we desire a house, we audibly declare,  “I believe that I have received the house of my desire according to Mark 11:24.” Afterwards, God may lead us to begin packing before we get approved for the loan on the house. Another example is with a car. We believe that we’ve received the car and although we don’t have the money for the car, God may lead us to sit in and test drive the car on a weekly basis.

We must be sure an action is God-appointed because if it’s our own actions, it can appear as faith, but it’s really foolishness. A foolish action is if a person believes God for their eyesight to be healed, therefore, they take their glasses off to drive. If God didn’t tell us to do an action, He’s not obligated to manifest the miracle.

Believe AND have faith to manifest the desires of your heart.

2 Corinthians 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

There’s a difference between belief and faith. We can believe God has made a certain promise available to us but until we activate our faith to receive that promise, that promise will remain a belief.

A simple way we can understand the difference between belief and faith is with a chair. We can look at a chair and believe without a doubt that the chair will hold our weight. Our faith is not activated until we take a step and actually sit down in the chair.

Likewise with healing, provision, or whatever we desire from God. We can believe God has healed us or provided for us but until we activate our faith, healing or provision will remain a belief and not come to pass in our lives. Belief is in our head, but faith is the action.

2 Corinthians 4:13 says, we believe; therefore we speak. The faith or the action accompanied with belief is speaking. When we’re sick, we say “By His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).” When our provision don’t appear available, we say, “All our needs are met (Phil. 4:19).”

Regardless of what we need or desire, let’s accompany our belief with faith.

2 Corinthians 4:13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,

Exodus 34:14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Imagine you have a child. You work hard to ensure that child has a roof over their head, food, clothes, and shoes. You even pay for and allow your child to participate in extracurricular activities. You spend your time, money, and effort to ensure your child has a bright future. All of a sudden, at the age of 13, your child internally disowns you. They’re unappreciative, they don’t want to spend time with you, and they call someone else mother or father. Wouldn’t you be a little upset? All of the sacrifices you made for that child would seem to be irrelevant.

That’s the same way some of us treat God when we put someone or something before Him. God paid an awesome price for us. God used the currency of Jesus to redeem us back to Himself. He took us back with our flaws and He literally gave us everything. We are healed, blessed, forgiven, and forever loved because of His sacrifice. We belong to God and no one else.

There should be no relationship, no amount of money, or no desire that should come before God. He is a jealous God and He is the only One Who is justified in being jealous.

Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

God tasked Gideon to save Israel, however, when Gideon was requested, Gideon began to make excuses as to why he couldn’t save Israel. The solution to Gideon’s excuses was the comfort in knowing God will be with him. Eventually, Gideon obeyed God and defeated the Midianites. 

This magnifies Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5 which ultimately says, God will never leave us nor forsake us. Knowing that God is with us helps us to summon the courage to do whatever God has called us to do. 

At times, it may seem a little scary to step out on faith and do what God has called us to do. We may not think we have enough money to complete the task, we may think we don’t have the education, or the task itself may appear too daunting, but when we have the assurance of God being with us, the outcome is guaranteed victory.
Praise God for His presence!

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

The President and CEO of Wal-Mart is Douglas McMillon. Let’s say John Brown desires to build and be a General Manager of a Wal-Mart franchise in South Florida. The Wal-Mart is opened, however, the Wal-Mart has damaged merchandise, a lack of security, and poor customer service. If a customer wanted to complain about everything that’s going on at John Brown’s Wal-Mart, who would be at fault? The answer would be John Brown. Although, Douglas McMillon is the CEO of Wal-Mart, it’s the responsibility of John Brown to make sure his store has good merchandise, great security, and great customer service.

The same way Douglas McMillon is not responsible for the events that occur at the South Florida Wal-Mart is the same way God is not responsible for the events that occur in the world. God gave us dominion over the world. We are the franchise owners of this world. Every event (good or bad) that occurs in this world is a result of what we allowed. All the wars, diseases, and violence we see are a result of our lack of action. It’s not God’s fault.

God gave us spiritual authority to decree whatever we desire, to speak life, and authority over all the power of the enemy (Job 22:28; Prov. 18:21; Luke 10:19). If we want to see a better world, we need to take spiritual action. God is the CEO of this world, but we have to manage this world to reflect heaven’s desires.

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Based on the Word of God, there are the benefits of trust.

When we place our trust in the Lord, we’re established or grounded in the Lord. We shouldn’t be moved or shaken by the issues of life. Our spirit and soul are locked into God.

Since we’re grounded in the Lord, when the trials of life come, we shouldn’t fear. We’ll continue to remain confident, healthy, and strong. When the world is in a panic about the economy, wars, or diseases, we continue to prosper financially, prosper in our health, and prosper in our well-being.

This promise if for anyone who places their trust in God. The hard part is letting go of our plans, fears, worries, and “what ifs.” Let go of everything and place your trust in God.

Hebrews 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

We are forgiven. God is not counting up our sins against us and He’s not waiting until judgement day to reveal all that we’ve done. We are totally and completely forgiven of all past, present, and future sins.

In the Old Covenant, God held people accountable for everything they’ve done and everything their parents had done. In this New Covenant, the sacrifice of Jesus paid for all of our sins and there is nothing left to owe.

No, God doesn’t want us to continue to engage in sinful behavior. God hates sin. But, if we should sin, God still loves us and views us as righteous. God’s righteous love is not based on our actions or behavior. His love is based on the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Because Jesus paid for our sins, we are righteous.

Get rid of guilt and shame and know because of Jesus, we are the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Most believers desire to be on the receiving end of God’s hand, but how many of us are eager to be on the”Use Me List” of God?

Everyone of us can look at situations and circumstances in the world around us and desire to see a change for the better. Some of us know they’re selling drugs at the end of the block and we want better for our communities, but we won’t go to God and ask for a plan to spearhead change. Some of us know that friend needs to stop gossiping about others, but we tend to avoid confrontation and keep silent.

The common thread for the lack of initiation in Spirit-led change is fear. Some of us are afraid to get involved, afraid of getting too deep into the situation, or afraid of persecution. Remove that fear and do what God has called you to do.

As the Spirit leads, initiate the change you wish to see. If we, the believers, won’t do it, who will?

Let’s take the time to think back to when we were around 16 years old. We had the whole world in front of us. We had big dreams of becoming professional athletes, singers, or simply famous in something. We wanted wealth, maybe living in a mansion, and driving a nice car. What we dreamt came to pass for some of us but for everyone else, as we’ve gotten older, some of our dreams have either collapsed or the window to obtain that dream has narrowed.

For those who have a flicker of light left in that dream, cheer up! There’s hope! The Word of God says our youth is renewed like the eagle (Psalm 103:5).

When most people read this verse, they limit this verse to the physical body, but with God all things are possible. If we choose to believe God’s Word and have faith, the dreams and big ideas we had in our youth can also be renewed.

The only limits God has are the ones we place on Him. We’re never too old to fulfill a dream; we’re never too settled to pursue a desire, and we’re never too financially unstable to fulfill the calling God has on our lives.

Be like the eagle and allow God to renew the ideas, dreams, and visions from your youth.

Psalm 103:5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!