Graced To Do God's Will

Psalms 8:4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 6You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,

As awesome and worthy as our God is, He loves us so much that He bestowed authority and power on us. He elevated us to be His heirs. Let’s bask in the love of God and use the authority God has given us!

Hebrews 10:38 And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

On college campuses fraternities and sororities represent themselves with their hand gestures, colors, and symbols. In sports events most people cheer for their team with so much passion and emotion. If fraternities and sororities can wear their colors and Greek symbols and sports fanatics can cheer, why does it seem like so many Christians shrink or back down?

We say we love and worship God but, some of us fail to bless our food in public. We fail to correct people’s ignorant statements such as “I guess God wanted them to die.” We fail to raise our hands in praise when the Holy Spirit prompts us to.

Q: Why do we do it?
A: Everyone has their own personal reasons.

In the end, the reason doesn’t matter. God requires and deserves our attention. He desires us to be people of God representing the Kingdom of God. Go get a Christian T-shirt and tell people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and walk it out!

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

For those who have small expectations from God, usually, it takes a little faith and minimal effort to receive that promise from God. But, for those who have big dreams or big desires, it’s going to take unmovable faith and wise, Spirit-led effort to receive those promises.

The bigger the desire, the bigger the opposition. In order to combat that opposition we must seek God when things look uncertain, fast when things seem confusing, confess God’s word when thoughts of doubt enter our minds, and hear God’s word to be full of faith. This is has to be a consistent effort.

The promises are not in our efforts alone. The promises are received by faith. We have to have faith to know whatever it is we desire, we have that desire through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed!

Jeremiah 2:7 I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.

If our child has a birthday coming up and we know our child wants a certain new toy, most parents would buy that toy for their child. After purchasing that toy, we would expect our child to take care of it. As a parent, we would be more than upset if our child intentionally destroyed that toy without remorse or thought.

God gave this earth to man to work it, cultivate it, and have dominion over it. God didn’t give us this land to defile it. There are people who trash their residence, their car, and the world around them. All of these things God generously provided for us. These same people don’t use the resources that man has invented to preserve our planet. This is a sign of immaturity.

People of God, let’s be mindful of what we’re doing. Let’s take care of this planet and all of the wonderful things God has blessed us with.

Hebrews 10:32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.

Once we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and make a conscious decision to be sold out for Him, there are going to be insults and persecution. Everyone may not understand the quest we take to be more like Jesus. They may think we’re “selling out” or too good for the hood. That’s okay. That’s to be expected.
As we continue our quest to walk in the light, our blessed lives will appeal to those who are still in the dark. They will eventually want to see, understand, and have a relationship with this God Who gives us peace, joy, and abundantly more.
That will be the time to share the detailed Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Persecution is to be expected. Keep focused on pleasing God and choose not to be distracted by persecutors.

God does not hold us accountable for our ignorance. Praise God for that! We may have assumed or been taught things that contradict the Word of God or were taught out of context.
Things such as…
We need to feel ashamed after we sin. When in reality, for the believer, God is not holding our sins against us. Because of the blood of Jesus, He has forgotten our sins before we committed them (Ephesians 1:7).
or
The reason why we’re going through difficult times is because we are cursed. In reality, Jesus has taken every curse for us so that we can live the blessed life (Galatians 3:13).

Once we get true revelation of God’s Word, we should renew our minds with this new information. We should be flexible enough to change our thought process and conform our old thinking to the true revelation of God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

As believers, we should be like a lantern.

Transparent so that the light of God can shine through us.

Strong enough to protect the flame by continuously renewing our minds and communing with the Word of God so that the flame continues to burn brightly.

Willing to be on display so that the light can be shared with others.

Matthew 5: 14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

For every believer in the world, God has provided or made provision for us. We know this because it says in Philippians 4:19 God shall supply all our needs. Some may have more provision than others but, we all still have provision.

With this provision, God expects us to excel in everything we do. Don’t wait until you have better to live in excellence. Live in excellence now. We may only have an older used car, but treat and maintain that car like it was a brand new Bentley. We may only have an apartment, but manage that apartment like it was a 5 bedroom house. We may only have a minimum wage paying job, but excel in that job until we have our own business. Do everything in excellence.

No need to be upset about what you don’t have. Live in excellence with the things that God has provided.

Inspired by Bishop T.D. Jakes

Under the old covenant, tithing was mandatory (Malachi 3). Under the new covenant, tithing is not mandatory but, tithing is an avenue where God enhances the quality of our lives. This is stated in Hebrews.

Hebrews 7:4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.

Abraham, who was not under the law, gave his tithes to the priest. The priest accepted it and blessed him. This passage is encouraging believers to give their tithes so that God can bless their lives.

Tithing also supports the Kingdom of God. In order for ministries to have nice facilities, outreach ministries, and the ability to broadcast the Word of God to the world, it takes money.

Everyone, let’s open up our hearts to God and give our tithes, offering, and gifts of love.

You feel like you finally got it right, and then thoughts of what if I mess this up again creep in. Know that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of might, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). While our souls alone are not enough to conquer our flesh, the Spirit and our souls have dominance over our flesh. And the same power that brought us out, keeps us out. We are free!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

If a random stranger approached us and gave us a million dollars, a new car, and a house to match with no strings attached, any reasonable person would be excited. We would never look at that stranger the same. We would be extra kind, courteous, and loving to the stranger. We may look for opportunities to pay them back. And that stranger may eventually become a friend.

God has called for His people to treat every person with love, kindness, and respect. We are to treat every person as if they have done something nice for us. We are to love others in spite of how they treat us and do good to those who hate us.

People of God, let’s love our fellow man.

Exodus 14:31 And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 15:22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”

When the Israelites came upon the Red Sea, God parted the waters. Three days later the Israelites were thirsty, and the water they encountered was bitter. Instead of trusting and relying on God and Moses like they said they would do, they began to grumble and complain. It only took them three days to forget the awesome wonder God performed and start complaining.

Unfortunately, some of us do the same thing. We forget how God has blessed us, healed us, or prospered us and start complaining about what we don’t have now. The same God Who enhanced the quality of our life before can and will do it again. We simply have to trust, lean on, and rely on God and the Man He sent.

Think back on what God has done. Now, receive the victory for whatever you’re facing now. Finally, Praise God for the victory!

Inspired by Pastor Tony Evans.

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

As we learn to hear, obey, and live by the Spirit, we build our faith in His Word (the voice of the Spirit and the Bible).

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.

We hear the Spirit the more we commune with God (through prayer). The Spirit then reveals the things that God has for us. Then, we exercise our faith by believing we have received those things before we see the manifestation of them. It is time to go deeper with God, and live by the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.

Inspired by T.D. Jakes

God has gifted us with His Spirit. It is our choice the extent we choose to communicate with Him and the level of influence we allow Him in our lives.

1 Corinthians 2: 9But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. 10But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Without His direction, we limit ourselves. The Spirit has special information just for us to help us to fulfill our purpose and improve the quality of our lives. As we learn to hear, obey, and live by the Spirit, we build our faith in His Word (the Spirit and the Bible).

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

Inspired by T.D. Jakes

When we sin, for the believer, we have access to forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. Just because we have access to forgiveness through the blood doesn’t mean it’s automatically applied to our soul. It’s our responsibility to receive this forgiveness. This will prevent us from feeling bad or guilty about what we did. Forgiveness is available to all but, we must receive it in the time of sin.

For those who think they can abuse the system by living a life of sin then apply the blood of Jesus for their forgiveness, their salvation is up for debate. 1 John 1:6-7 says it this way: If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Remove the guilt, shame, and condemnation from your soul and receive God’s forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

As soon as we pray, we are heard by God. We don’t have to wait on flashing lights or a sound coming from heaven to know we are heard. We must have faith to know we are heard. And if we know that He hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of Him (1 John 5:15).

We should never be intimidated over the delay of our prayers. The delay should not cause us to be dismayed, fret, or go into panic. Our responsibility is to believe without a shadow of a doubt that what we’ve prayed for shall come to pass.

There are many things that Jesus took in our place so that we don’t have to endure it today. Let’s take a look at three different things.

1. Abandonment.
For at least 3 days, Jesus was abandoned by God so that He (God) can legally say to us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus was abandoned so that we can always have and be in the presence of God.

2. Cursed.
Every sin has consequences. All of God’s wrath was poured out on Jesus (Who became sin for us) so that we won’t have to endure a cursed life. We experience the blessed life and not a cursed life.

3. Death.
The Bible says the wages of sin are death (Rom 6:23). Since Jesus became sin for us, He had to endure the ultimate consequence which is death. Jesus had to die in order for us to have everlasting life.

Praise God for our true Savior Jesus Who allowed us to live a blessed, care free, Spirit led, abundant life with God.

The role of a shepherd is to guide, provide, and protect its sheep. In life, God is our Shepherd. Most all know the famous Psalm 23 scripture “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” We seem to like the provision and protection part of God but, not too many people care for the guiding part. It seems as if we want to be cared for and protected and at the same time do what we want to do.

When God guides us, it’s not to bind us with rules and regulations to make our lives miserable. It’s to keep us from hurting ourselves with the pleasures of sin. The Bible clearly says the wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23). In every way the Lord guides us, He is trying to manifest the best in our lives and keep us from death.

Allow the Spirit of the Lord to guide you in each and every way.

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

Luke 8:52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

When God gives us instructions, it may not seem wise or logical to others to act on those instructions. Those instructions may cause us to be ridiculed or talked about. However, if we put all those things aside and obey the instructions of the Lord, the ridicule from others will turn into recognition and recommendation.

People will recognize the power of God working in our lives through our ‘foolish obedience.’ This aligns with God’s Word that states, He will choose the foolish things to shame the wise (1 Cor 1:27). Also, when people realize how blessed we are because of our obedience, the recommendation to be obedient to God even in ‘foolish things’ will rapidly spread to others.

Praise God that through our faith and obedience to God, the promises of God are limitless.

People who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior have a legal right to receive whatever life gives them. They have a legal right to get laid off from their job, have their house burglarized, or be involved accidents.
Why?… Because they are not protected by the blood of Jesus and do not live in the victory that was given to us by Jesus Christ.

People who are saved but are living in a constant state of sin will receive the consequences for their actions. They are subjected to diseases, incarceration, or premature death.
Why?… Although they are forgiven through the blood of Jesus, their sin presents them with natural consequences.

People who are saved and are walking uprightly before God, have a blood bought right to be protected, forgiven, and walk in victory. They will receive an abundance of joy, prosperity, peace and so much more. Anything appearing to be negative in the life of a believer is just that, an appearance. Our responsibility is not to be moved, shaken, or dismayed by appearances.
Why?… Because we should know and believe the following:

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Be saved and walk uprightly.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. 10But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

How do we know the things that God has prepared for us? The Holy Spirit, Who knows the mind of God, reveals them to us.

How do we identify when it is the Spirit speaking and not our own thoughts? We develop our sensitivity to His promptings.
1. When we feel we should go left instead of right, even though right seems more logical, go left. Our obedience to the Spirit develops our ear to discern His guidance.
2. The Holy Spirit will not tell us to do something contrary to the Word of God.
3. God is the author of peace. So, while the task presented may not be easy, peace will be present as we rely on supernatural power to move forward.
4. Finally, we hear by seeking out the person and listening. We should prioritize God and listen to Him.

Inspired by T.D. Jakes

Romans 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

When we move beyond salvation to making God Lord of our lives, we want to submit to God. As humans, the flesh wars against the Spirit for control of our souls. So, we choose to continuously renew our minds and allow the Spirit to have dominion (Romans 12:2).

But, when the flesh wins its occasional battles, do not fall into guilt or frustration. We have to understand that we are still righteous, even when we fall short, because we were made righteous by accepting Christ, not by attaining perfection in the flesh (Romans 5:19). Next, we have to accept that there is a process attached to Spirit and soul. So, we choose to continue in the process of growth and transformation, allowing the Spirit to win more frequently over the flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

1 Peter 2:21 For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:

We are to follow the example that Christ set in every way. We should be healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and encouraging others. Everything we do should reflect our example; Jesus the Christ.

How do we know we can do what Jesus did? Because Jesus said so.

John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Jesus informed us that while we can do what He did, we can also perform even greater works. If one man (Jesus) can impact and change the world by Himself, how much more of an impact can millions of people make? If every believer operated like Jesus did in the earth, this world would be controlled by believers. Schools, businesses, and entertainment venues should all be operating under the authority of the Kingdom of God. No demonic force should be controlling anything.

As we develop our relationship with God, let’s operate our lives the way that Jesus did so that we can make the necessary changes in the earth.

We are the change.

Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 8:35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As we develop our relationship with God, we should get to a place where we are witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. Before we start witnessing, we should verify that the Holy Spirit is leading us and not our flesh. Even though we may have good intentions about sharing the good news with others, if it’s not Holy Spirit led, we’re operating from our flesh. And according to Romans 7:18 in our flesh dwells no good thing.

In everything we do, we should double-check to confirm if we’re being led by the Spirit of God.

Most of the time when people gossip, it’s usually about something negative. There is no such thing as positive gossip. Think about it.
The juiciest gossip involves relationships. It’s usually about someone breaking up with someone else, someone cheating on someone else, or someone got someone else pregnant. Have you ever wondered why gossip is considered wrong in so many cultures?

In Ephesians 4:29 it says the following: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
God’s word tells us to speak about positive things. Things that will build each other up. Also, death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). If everyone is speaking about the same negative event, we are reinforcing death into the atmosphere or into that person’s situation, rather than life.

Let’s remove ourselves from gossip and speak life to strengthen our brothers, sisters, and the Kingdom of God.

Many times we’ll read or hear a preacher say pray for your enemies. But, what are we praying for?

Our enemies may have hurt us but, have we considered why they even attacked us in the first place? Could it be they are hurting themselves? The same people we call our enemies could have been neglected or molested as children. They could have been abused physically or verbally by someone else. They could have been treated unfairly. With all of this negativity in their lives, they may not know how to love or forgive. All they may know is how to is ‘protect’ themselves and attack anyone who may be a threat to their happiness, peace, or satisfaction. Those type of people need prayer and forgiveness.

We are to pray that the blood of Jesus removes the pain of their pasts so that our enemies can soon become our bothers and sisters in Christ. Be the man or woman God has called you to be and pray for your enemies.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

We are created in the image of God and we are to follow the examples of Jesus Christ. If God does not lie, then… why should we?

One of the greatest things we can share with someone besides Jesus Christ is our integrity. Our integrity goes a long way. It gives people a sense of security when they’re around us. By establishing our integrity, we allow people to feel comfortable enough to share their stories or problems with us. By opening that line of communication, we can give them the antidote for every situation in life: Jesus Christ.

Establish integrity to make a difference in the lives of others.

It is overwhelming and humbling when we, shortcomings and all, finally realize the reality that as believers, God sees us through Jesus’s sacrifice.  We are made righteous the moment we accept that Jesus died for our sins to forever be our connection to the Father so that He, in all His holiness, can convene with us.  Bask in God’s amazing plan and enjoy the liberty of speaking directly to our Father, unashamed.

Romans 5:  17For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Jesus Christ every promise was made available to the believer.

Before we made Jesus Christ our Lord, we had to work hard for everything we desired. We had to live by chance or luck and hope we get in good with someone above us. After making Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, everything was made ready for us to receive. It’s as if Jesus made life one big buffet. We can put total health on our plate, deliverance from addictions on our plate, prosperity in all things on our plate, and a great marriage on our plate. Any promise we desire that’s found in God’s Word is available to us. The only thing we have to do is receive the promises available to us.

Receive the promises of God by simply saying, “I receive it.”

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Racially, people often socialize with their “own kind.” Very seldom do you have people go outside of the box and socialize with other races. It’s a level of comfort people have with each other. If we only socialize with people of our own race and never go beyond our comfort zone, we miss an opportunity to learn about and love others.

People of God, we need to break the racial walls of division. It’s not enough to be cordial with other races but, we need to truly love them as if they were your bother or sister. God knew there would be a tendency toward racial division therefore, He put it in His book to love, greet, and fellowship with everyone.

Stand up and break the wall.

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

God is the most purposeful being that ever existed. It wouldn’t make sense for Him to create something without a purpose. God created everyone with a God given purpose. In order to discover His purpose for our lives, we must continually and consistently seek Him daily.

Have you ever wondered why some celebrities seem like they have everything they desire (money, fortune, fame) but, somehow they blow it all or get addicted to drugs? That’s because they’re attempting to find another outlet to satisfy them instead of walking in their purpose. We can have everything we desire but, if we’re not walking in our purpose we will still feel like we’re missing something.

Seek God faithfully and discover your purpose today.

Galatians 2:19 (GOD’s WORD Translation) When I tried to obey the law’s standards, those laws killed me. As a result, I live in a relationship with God. I have been crucified with Christ.

The word “religion” comes from the Latin word “religio” which has a meaning influenced by the verb “religare” to bind, in the sense of “place an obligation on” (World Book Dictionary).
No wonder so many people are hesitant in becoming a Christian. Who wants to be in bondage?

What Jesus Christ offered us was not religion but, relationship. He desired for us to know the Father the way He does. We shouldn’t live our lives bound to rules and regulations. We should live our lives desiring to please our Father. Just like a young child loves his earthly father and desires to make his father proud, we should love and desire to make our Heavenly Father pleased. By establishing a relationship with our Heavenly Father, by default, we end up following His commandments. And just like an earthly father, even when we don’t do everything right, God still loves us.

Remove religion and establish a relationship.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Everyday we look in the mirror to check our appearance. If something doesn’t look right, we make the adjustments so that our appearance is satisfactory to us. We’ll fix our hair, women will apply more makeup, and we make sure our clothes fit correctly.

The Bible is our mirror. It’s a reflection on the way we should be. Everyday we should look in the mirror of life (the Bible) to make sure we reflect God’s Word. If there is any area in our life where we don’t reflect the Word of God, everyday, we should make some adjustments. We may need to fix our attitude, renew our mind, or change our behavior. Our reflection is not limited to our behavior but also our finances should reflect God’s Word, our marriage should reflect God’s Word, and our families should reflect God’s Word.

Reflecting the Word of God is a lifetime process. We should always be improving or bettering ourselves to reflect God’s Word.

People don’t go to hell because they sin; they go to hell because they did not accept Christ. – Creflo Dollar

John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.

It is time to let go of guilt and condemnation. When we accepted Christ we were made righteous (Rom 5:19). Just as we did nothing to earn it, there is no sin large enough to separate us from the love of Christ.

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

Colossians 1:28 (New Living Translation) So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

In casual conversations with our co-workers, friends, and family we seem to speak about a lot of topics. We have conversations for hours about the news, gossip, relationships, sports, and so much more. The minute someone mentions anything about Jesus Christ people seem to get uncomfortable or quiet. They feel like Jesus should only be talked about on Christmas, Easter, or Sundays. The world is increasing in sex, drugs, and partying while Jesus is being stuffed into a box. Why do we limit our conversations about Christ?

People are dying every day and are missing their opportunities to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are being deceived, distracted, and bombarded with everything that “seems” fun and liberating and only a few are mentioning a life with Christ. As we mature in our walk with God, I encourage everyone to be a spokesman for Jesus Christ. Some of us may not have it all together (spiritually) but, at least inform someone else about the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Be a spokesman.

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.

When we read the Bible, we can see all the marvelous miracles and wonders that our God performed for His people. Well, the same God who performed all those marvelous works in the past is the same God who exists today. God has not changed. He is waiting on believers to trust, lean, and rely on Him to do the impossible in their lives. Let’s elevate our thinking and expect the impossible from God. If He did it before, He can do it again.

Inspired by Tye Tribbett’s new song: Same God
If he did it before
He’d do it again
Same God right now
Same God back then

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,

Take a look at the confidence in Jesus’ faith. Jesus states, He will ask the Father and He will give you or us another Helper. It doesn’t say He hopes the Father will give us another Helper or if it be God’s will, He will give us another Helper. It says He will give us another Helper. Awesome!!! Even when Jesus informs us about our Helper, He’s also teaching us how to apply our faith.

Because we belong to Christ, we are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29). This means we’re entitled to the promises of God. By looking at the example in John 14:16, this should change our prayer life.

Instead of hoping, begging, and pleading with God for our desires, we should ask the Father and expect.
We should ask the Father for peace and expect peace.
We should ask the Father for finances and expect finances.

Whatever we desire, we should ask God (one time) and expect to receive it.

Be Blessed!

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.”

Matthew 1:23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

God makes it a point to always have someone with us. From the beginning of time, to when Jesus walked the earth, until Jesus returns, God planned on having a part of Him guiding our life. It’s wonderful to know we serve a God who cares so much about us.

As a child of God, we should never consider ourselves lonely. God is ever-present and always with us. We may desire a spouse but, we’re never alone. We may have wanted our mother and/or father around but, we’re never alone. We may desire children to fill our world but, we’re never alone. When we recognize the presence of God constantly being a part of our lives, then we can truly see that we are not alone.

Many times when we attempt at something and fail we say, “I’m never doing that again.” We make that statement because we don’t want to put that much time, effort, and emotion into a project just to see it fail. We often make that statement too quickly without considering the positive outcome of that failure. The positive outcome is that we gained knowledge of what not to do.

For example, a person is in a relationship with someone whom they know is not right for them but, they continue trying to make it work. That person most likely will get emotionally hurt or drained. After the relationship has ended they say, “I’m not doing that again.” That person doesn’t want to put time, energy, or emotions into something and possibly get hurt again.

One thing that person can do instead of removing all emotion from future relationships is listen to the voice that’s telling them he/she is not the right person.

It may seem right to detach ourselves from our failures but, ultimately we are causing death to our ourselves and our future.

Inspired by Pastor Derrick Golden (thencfc.com)

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.