Archives for September 2013

UNCHARTERED TERRITORY

Devotion For Sep. 20, 2013

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses?………………. Jeremmiah 12:5

The 2012 summer Olympics, track and field events  started August 3rd in London. The anticipation was great; the field never seemed as talented as it did this year. We witnessed Usain Bolt’s “double-treble,” which the term implies three sporting victories or championships in the same season– Mo Farah’s double, Allyson Felix’s treble, and David Rudisha’s historic 800-meter win.

But today I will deal with only the latter, David Rudisha’s historic 800 meter win on the 9^th of August 2012. Rudisha led this amazing race from start to finish, winning the gold, in what was acclaimed, “The Greatest 800 Meter Race Ever”.

Many were astonished by what Rudisha accomplished, as he led the race from start, to the finish, while running a series of split times that defied everyone’s expectation; 23.30sec for 200m, 49.28sec for 400m, 1min 14.30sec for 600m. And on he went, as His long muscular stride carried him effortlessly along the track.

Finally, as he moved around the final bend, it became clear this was history in the making, As the 80,000 audience erupted, he continued to pull away until the final straight, where second place Nigel Amos was unable to gain any ground for the gap was much too great to close, as Rudisha crossed the line in a world-record time, 1:40.91. They say David Rudisha is “the greatest runner you’ve never heard of”.

That is the line that has been stated by the writers at the BBC, Vanity Fair and others in weeks leading up to the Olympics. But now, Rudisha is a household name; the greatest 800m runner in history. And he did not need a close competitor pushing him to reach 600m in 1:14.30. To put that in perspective, the split from 400-to-600 is surely one of the fastest of all time for that juncture of any race.

Rudisha stunningly pulled that off after blazing through the first 400 meters. Finally, no rest was necessary to finish  the race. His legs remained just as fresh during the last 200 meters, as they were at the first 200m. At the same time, his form remained absolutely flawless.

In an event that is absolutely grueling. And yes without a doubt we can say, that David Rudisha took the 800-meter running to an entirely new level. Rudisha also pulled the entire field around behind him. Great Britain’s Andrew Osagie finished eighth, in 1min 43.77sec.

We can say, no one has ever run faster to finish last in an 800m final. His was one of seven personal bests set in the race, along with two national records. Then the odd man out, Rudisha’s great rival, Abubaker Kaki,  had to settle for a season’s best  seventh place.

The fact is there is no one that we know in the world of track and field who can catch Rudisha. As I witnessed this race myself, I was listening to one of the broadcasters on the NBC affiliate station as they were describing history in the making. His words went something like this,

“We have certainly entered into unchartered territory, in that David Rudisha ended his race just as fast as he started it and that is unheard of in the 800m run. Usually a runner at that distance loses a stride or two into that final stretch, but not Rudisha; his final stride was just as strong as his first.” So today I put this in a Christian’s perspective.

For each of us who are looking for Christ soon return, as we come into that final stretch to the finish line, we must ask ourselves; Are we in “unchartered territory?” Are we moving just as strong  in finishing up Christ work here on earth as we did when we first started this race? With the help of the Spirit of God, are we spreading the good news of Christ saving grace to our friends, family, love one’s, co-workers, and a world that has lost sight of the saving grace of our savior?

Are we constantly asking the question; what must I do to be saved and enter into Gods pure and holy society? Unchartered territory! Yes, that is where we must be in our final stretch today. Our desire, our goals, our passion, our focus, our faith, our endurance, our prayers, and the never ending study of God’s word, must never waver from when we started, as we come into the final bend of earth’s history.

To finish this race will be very grueling, but we must  never forget that this race has already been won on Calvary. We just have to believe and trust God that he is in control of our destiny if we will only give it all to Master.

And like David Rudisha, we must pull the field around behind us, by keeping everyone encouraged, by always reminding the rest of the field, that once we cross that finish line no matter what place you come in at, if you have faith, and believe, and stay focused, and study the course which is the word of God, we all will receive the same, that ultimate prize, which is eternal life. For we must never forget Phil. 3:14; “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. So my friends today, Remain faithful as we enter into “unchartered territory.”

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Sep. 19, 2013

FINITE MIND, DEFINING INFINITE LOVE!!!

How do we as created beings characterize the true meaning of the word LOVE when you speak in terms of God. For John tells us in 1 John 4:9-11 “In this the LOVE of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have LOVED God but that he LOVED us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we also ought to LOVE one another.” In our finite minds, this is called agape LOVE, which tells us that LOVE is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. As A human, this is probably as far as our restricted minds can comprehend.

And if Christ is not the focal point of our life then we will probably confuse LOVE with infatuation or lust, with A never ending story and A open book of struggles, and trials in our lives where our memories are but A state of uncertainty, lingering in the mind from past experiences when God was not the single most important Person in our lives.

Going to the WORD OF GOD Paul tells us in 1Cor. 13:1-13 “LOVE  is patient, LOVE  is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE  does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE  never fails……..and now these three remain: faith, hope and LOVE . But the greatest of these is LOVE .” Paul get’s as close to explaining to each of us the true meaning of LOVE  but still with A finite meaning, because men wrote the Bible, inspired of course by the Holy Spirit.

But my friends today as Christians and children of the living God. let’s personalize such A complicated word and I hope once we Do, that we can all agree that the true meaning of LOVE  is simply GOD. Who has allowed the miracle of transformation to take place in each of our lives.

For the true meaning of LOVE  goes far beyond any explanation or meaning that our finite minds could ever conceived without Christ in our lives. To me personally it is A feeling that you could never put on paper or describe. It becomes A feeling you can only demonstrate in how you deal with the world as A Christian,  each day, as you allow Christ total control.  

So how do our finite minds define A felling that transcends from A God of grace and mercy who gave His life for us two thousands years ago so that in 2013 we might be saved “…… But God demonstrates his own LOVE  for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8 My friends how can A finite mind ever define that in words.

I can see why Abraham was ask to sacrifice His only son. because to truly understand the meaning of LOVE  you must feel in our finite minds what God feels. So He tells Abraham to “Take now your son, YOUR ONLY SON, WHOM YOU LOVE, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.'”(Gen. 22:1-2)

So to really understand the true meaning of LOVE  it can only be A feeling, A feeling that tells me from deep within that if we have faith and believe, that God has made our life to be as that of a “man or woman after His own heart;” And if we have established such A relationship, then we do understand LOVE . What John defines in 1 John 4:8

“Whoever does not LOVE , does not know God, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.” And then when we receive the mind of Christ we are now measured by the life of Christ, as you become A candidate to God’s law of LOVE , and this pure and genuine LOVE  can only be given to us through faith that God’s presence controls our lives each day,

as it refines, restores and replaces what the world deems as LOVE  with genuine LOVE from God who is LOVE . And if I go one day without this LOVE  that God instills into me without allowing self to Die then I begin to revert back to how the world defines LOVE .

So with the mind of Christ we begin to realize through His word and spirit how far sin has taken us from understanding God’s genuine LOVE , and what we must do to be Like Christ, whose KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM OF GODS LOVE comes to ALL who are SOLID LEARNERS of His WAYS and WORKS.

And as we begin to obtain a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with GOD through His WORD, the SPIRIT begins to IMPLANT a SANCTIFICATION PROCESS that CONVERTS GODS nature and love into ours. For It is not POSSIBLE for the HEART where GOD ABIDES, not to LOVE as GOD LOVES, A GOD WHO GAVE HIS ONLY SON SO That ALL HUMANITY MAY have eternal life.

And Now my friends through Christ and His LOVE, we become Justified to live with Him in His pure and holy kingdom. For once we are justified through His LOVE  we are then “Set in A perfect vertical alignment with Christ and His will for us. And as we begin to understand the LOVE of God through Jesus Christ on Calvary.Then this,

“Enables Him to take your life & put it up against Christ perfect life which is His standard of righteousness & declare you to be as perfect as He is. No matter what your personal circumstances may be. And despite awareness of my own sinfulness and humanity today, as I look at the cross i’m just in awe of the fact that you see me just as perfectly righteous as Jesus, because though He knew no sin, He permitted Himself to be made sin on my behalf and to suffer the death that I deserve “(Bill Liversidge)  

So my friends I now walk like Christ, I talk like Christ, I treat others, using Christ as my example. And Each Day of my life is now spent with The one who now lives in me, and I no longer conform to the world’s definition of LOVE . But Christ LOVE  lives in this finite mind and body, because He and His LOVE  is infinite. So friends today my definition of the word LOVE , out of the many definitions each of you or the world can define, is simply Jesus Christ and Him crucified who lives in me today, tomorrow, and soon to be, throughout the ceaseless ages of Eternity.

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY 

Sep. 18, 2013

SPIRITUAL HOSPITALITY
HOSPITALITY-the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

In the West today HOSPITALITY is rarely a matter of protection and survival, and is more associated with etiquette and entertainment. However, it still involves showing respect for one’s guests, providing for their needs, and treating them as equals. Cultures and subcultures vary in the extent to which one is expected to show HOSPITALITY to strangers, as opposed to personal friends or members of one’s in-group.

Now as A Christian, HOSPITALITY must be defined as A mater of PROTECTION and SURVIVAL But the key words in the statements above is TREATING THEM AS EQUALS even though our Cultures and subcultures, rich, poor, Heterosexual, or homosexual, thin, or overweight, African American, Spanish, or Caucasian, Educated, or not so Educated.

Vary in the extent to which one is expected to show HOSPITALITY to strangers, as opposed to personal friends or members of one’s in-group. Luke 19:1-9  tells us Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.

He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I MUST STAY AT YOUR HOUSE TODAY.” SO HE CAME DOWN AT ONCE AND WELCOMED HIM GLADLY.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “HE HAS GONE TO BE A GUEST OF A SINNER.”…….Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  In  this account of the life of Christ Luke is letting us know that as Christians,

we must always recognize as Paul states in romans 10:9-13 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. A poor Carpenter/Traveling Preacher, is about to be entertained by A man of Wealth.

Every Saturday or Sunday we Leave our Churches. We think nothing of inviting the Pastor or Dr.got it going on to our houses for Dinner. But what about the Member who does not quite fit into who we may want sitting on our Lexington Upholstery Salon Sofa. When do we as Children of A God, A God who gave His blood for all,

begin to recognize as Paul tells us in Col. 1:16 “For in him all things were created: Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him”. Each of us need to ask ourselves today, WHAT MUST I DO TO BE LIKE CHRIST.

“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisee saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:16 Why would The Creator of the universe, the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” stoop so low as to eat with sinners.

John 8:6-7…….. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Paul tells us in ”Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

We as Christians in the last days of this life’s history must begin to possess SPIRITUAL HOSPITALITY as A mandate from Christ of how He lived His life.Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 that “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” So the gift of SPIRITUAL HOSPITALITY is our commission for the purpose of building up God’s church and serving the body of Christ. So we who seek Eternity must ask God each day to increase our territory to include everyone.

Our gifts, and homes are given not just for the benefit of family and friends. But for the enhancement of all, in the body of believers no mater what race, creed, color, or economic group they may be A part of. Romans 12:13, tells us “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice HOSPITALITY”

Peter also tells us in 1 Peter 4:8-10 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

My friends, what A powerful statement above. What this tells us is this has to be, A way of life for each child of God in reaching Salvation through Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Christianity is the faith of openness, as we open our hearts, and open our churches, and open our homes to everyone. So my friends today “whatever you do”or whoever you entertain, “do it all for the glory of God.” this is Christian hospitality, the example Christ left for each and everyone of us who seek His pure and holy Kingdom.

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Sep. 17, 2013

HAVE NO OTHER god’s BEFORE ME!!!

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Thou shalt not have strange gods before me. Ex. 20:2-3

From the beginning God points us to calvary and than the first law of His Decalogue is to have no other gods before you

Romans 6: 15-18 15 tells us, What then? “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” So First let’s determine what we as Christians consider as A God, or god  in the 21st century

GOD – In Christianity and other monotheistic religions simply means the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being.
god- one of several deities, especially a male deity, presiding over some portion of worldly affairs. or anything that takes our love, affections away from our CREATOR WHO IS OUR TRUE GOD

Paul tells us in” Philippians 2:12-13  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

When we are laborers together with God, we cannot set our affections upon things below; for where our affections are, our thoughts will be; and where our thoughts are, there will be our treasure. When we dwell upon things seen and temporal, we fail to obtain divine knowledge (White)

So to have no other Gods before me, would mean to Renounce  Anything that hinders A true worship of God. At the time God is giving His commandments, Moses is on top of a mountain. He’s about to be given the 10 Decalogue from God. And the Bible says, then God spoke these words:

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” It is amazing that the 10 Commandments don’t start with a command, but a statement.”I am the Lord your God who brought you out of slavery.” And this statement seems to imply A relationship. So God only gave these precepts to people who He had A relationship with.

And then their influence were to relay Gods message to the world. But instead The world were the one’s who did the influencing that resulted in Israel’s downfall. As Christians we also have the good news of the Gospel along with Gods commandments. What has our influence been on the world.

Or have we allowed the gods of this world to determine our relationship with God and our responsibility to tell other about Him. But A commitment to serve can only happen when you give it all to the Master and follow him to Calvary. Once again going back to God giving this commandment to Israel who already had A relationship with God.

In making the command to His people who should have had no other god;s before him, Also recognizes what influence other gods would have on Israel. And each of us in the 21st century, and how these gods would hinder our relationship with Him. in this busy and complex world we live in.

I often find myself these days having to sacrifice something I love to do, for the sake of what is more important at that particular time. Well God wants us to know in giving us this commandment, that He wants nothing before Him

“for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

In other words, every decision you make in life should first be centered and focused on our LOVE, HONOR, RESPECT, WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. God started His precepts off by saying “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were in the house of bondage.

In other words you were slaves. And like each of us, we were all slaves to sin. But God reminded Israel And each of us today. That He not only is our Creator , but he also redeemed us on Calvary for Paul tells us in1 Corinthians 6:20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

So First We are his because he created us. And second we are His because he bought us out of Our Bondage to Satan and the forces of evil and freed us at the cross. So my God lead Israel and He is also leading us today to make Him your only God. God sees our relationship with Him much like a marriage relationship.

1Corinthians 6:15-17 tells us Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

Like The words of the marriage vows say “FORSAKING ALL OTHERS” There can be only one God the God who is revealed to us in His Word. And he is calling us into A relationship with him today through His Word and Spirit. My friends today where does your LOVE AND AFFECTIONS LIE Where is your focus when your mind takes a break from the complexities of your life.

Where is your focus? Like a compass needle,will always point north, will your focus and love always point to Christ. in the world of technology, and facebook, What is your passion, What is important to you? Where do you spend your time? What are you living for each day?

“Colossians 3:1-4 tells us “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Temporal things are not to engage our whole attention, or engross our minds until our thoughts are entirely of the earth and the earthly. We are to train, discipline, and educate the mind so that we may think in a heavenly channel, that we may dwell on things unseen and eternal, which will be discerned by spiritual vision. It is by seeing Him who is invisible that we may obtain strength of mind and vigor of spirit. E. G. White So my friends today I ask you the question who is your God or god

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY 

Sep. 16, 2013

YOUR REALITY SHOW /  SALVATION!!!

Our over saturation of television programming has turned the United States into a nation of zombies who are easily manipulated by government and corporate advertisers. Each day as we squander away God’s precious time in front of the TV, Satan’s desire that we all lose sight of Christ saving grace, gradually becomes our personal REALITY SHOW that ends in destruction.

The only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains, Psalms 90:12 teaches us “to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Satin is at his best when he can utilize our lives for his agenda, USELESS TIME in front of the TV. But we must all be custodians of GOD’S TIME.

Refusing to waste, squander, or misuse what God has given us for His glory and honor.  Any wasted time in front of the TV is selfishness on our part, and a transgression of God’s precepts, which is His first commandment, that states “Thou shalt have no other god’s before Me.” Furthermore watching an excessive  amount of TV, immediately shifts our brain activity, to

an unfocused state of mind which lacks the act of knowing, perceiving, or remembering the things God deems beneficial, and precious for our salvation. And most important it takes away time that should be spent studying the word of God and doing His will. One day God will question us about our time and say to each and everyone.

EITHER “Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you’ve been trustworthy with a small amount, of time I’ll put you in charge of a large amount (Eternal life). COME AND SHARE YOUR MASTER’S JOY!!”

OR, He will ask you, one final question, why was, house wives of Atlanta, Scandal, DWTS, The Voice, and Grays Anatomy more important then studying MY WORD, and doing MY WILL? And the saddest words we will ever here repeated, He will say, I KNOW YOU NOT.

In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul states “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”,

Moses had seen an entire generation wander aimlessly in the desert because they refused to believe God’s word. Instead, choose to believe the ten spies who said the land God had promised them was too difficult to conquer. Therefore 40 years, the Israelites roamed the wilderness, with no specific destination in sight.

An entire generation was sentenced to an inactive and slothful wandering in the wilderness. Then only Moses, Joshua and Caleb remained to represent the generation that left Egypt. Many of us experience this same dilemma, wandering in the wilderness of TV! TV! And More TV as the years flies by.

By allowing the foolishness of what we watch on TV to consume our precious time that should be spent focusing on the transforming power of Christ as he changes our lives each day through the study His word. only allows us to loose sight of our journey here on earth, as it begins to influence our lives instead of Christ.

As Fenelon tells us, “Time is given to us to prepare for eternity.” And we may also reverse that statement and say  eternity is given to prepare us for time. But if we fail to live out our time wisely here on earth by watching those things on TV, that takes our focus away from Christ. Then, our character becomes what we watch on TV and not what the Spirit of God prepares us for.

So my friends, today decide to turn off that TV and spend each precious moment you have left on this earth searching to capture the mind and character of Christ. In 2 Peter 3:8-11 Peter tells us

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and our works, and time, that are done on this earth will be exposed. So my friends let’s decide today, to give it all to the Master. Of course the first step is to turn off your TV and open the word of God as you stay focused on His promises, and continue to tell yourself “This world is not my home.

I’m just passing through my treasures are not here but laid up somewhere way beyond the blue. I can fill the presence of God’s Spirit each day as the celestial Angels beckons me from heaven’s open door.

And that is why I can never feel at home on this earth anymore. Oh, Lord, I know there is no friend like you, so please continue to lead, guide and show me, to live throughout eternity with you, what must I do?”

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Sep. 15, 2013

TO SOAR AS EAGLE’S!!!

As Christians who are seeking to be in God’s pure and holy kingdom. We can learn a lot from the eagle. An eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks. The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.

While defining A storm, as a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. As the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

And like the eagle when the storms of life comes to us, we too can rise above it, by setting our faith and mind toward our heavenly Father. because only our faith will enable us to ride out the winds that bring about sickness, tragedy, and the disappointments of life in A world where Satan’s only goal is to stretched our faith to A limit.

A limit, where we give up, and no longer recognize the grace and mercy of A God who gave it all for us on Calvary. But it is at this time in our life when we have to weather the storm, while understanding that true peace, and hope, does not come when the raging storm becomes calm, and the temperous waves subsides enough for us to say.

“If it was not for the Lord on my side where would I be.” But real peace, and hope, comes when in the middle of the storm, and when the raging waves seems to be taking control, you can find rest in the loving arms of Jesus, as you face the storm head on, and rise above it, knowing that your God is always there.

The Bible says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31 Also in Joshua 1:9 it also tells us “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

But we must be willing to say, God, I can’t figure out what is happening in my life, in fact I will not even try to, I’m just going to trust You to give me a vision that will allow me to rest in your arms as I ride out this storm, and no matter what happens in my life on this earth, if I remained focused on the saving grace of A loving Savior.

If I remain focused on knowing that God is allowing this storm in my life, only to prepare me for another storm, that I am not quite ready for. Then victory and Eternal life is mine. So today my friends, MY FAITH AND GOD’S WORD TELLS ME TO HOLD ON. As I rest in the loving arms of Jesus and each day, as my faith is strengthened.

My God will complete what he has started in each of us. For in Phil 1:6 Paul tells us being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. So my friends Today, just accept God’s plan for your life as you rest in his presence.

While allowing the storms of life to prepare your Character for eternity. And then and only then can we experience total peace and happiness as the storm rages on. As you repeat these words today.

Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high! The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness, No shelter or help is nigh; Carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep, When each moment so madly is threat’ning A grave in the angry deep? The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace, be still! Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, Or demons or men, or whatever it be, No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies; They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace, be still! Peace, be still! They all shall sweetly obey Thy will, Peace, peace, be still. Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today; The depths of my sad heart are troubled Oh, waken and save, I pray. Torrents of sin and of anguish Sweep o’er my sinking soul; And I perish! I perish! dear Master Oh, hasten, and take control. Master, the terror is over, The elements sweetly rest; Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored, And heaven’s within my breast; Linger, O blessed Redeemer! Leave me alone no more; And with joy I shall make the blest harbor, And rest on the blissful shore.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

Sep. 14, 2013

EATING TO THE GLORY OF GOD!!!

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Appetite: Wikipedia “describes the term as the desire to eat food, felt as hunger. Appetite exists in All higher life-forms, and serves to regulate adequate energy intake to maintain metabolic needs. It is Regulated by a close interplay between the digestive tract, adipose tissue and the brain. Appetite has A relationship with every individual’s behavior. Appetitive and consummatory behaviors are the only Processes that involve energy intake, whereas all other behaviors affect the release of energy When Stressed, appetite levels may increase and result in an increase of food intake.”  

We are often made sick by the overindulgence of our appetites. We usually eat what suits our taste, not what’s good for us. Thus we weaken the digestive organs, and injure the power of the digestive system to assimilate the food that is fundamental in sustaining a healthy mind and body.

Thus our delicate bodies become deteriorated by improper eating habits. But let’s never fool ourselves. Sin and Satan’s desire that we all lose sight of Christ saving grace, lies at the door. Thus allowing the door to become our mouth and what we consume in it each and every day.

So if we allow appetite to Rule our mind and body then the final result will be the disintegration of the spiritual part of what God intended for us from the beginning. One of the strongest temptations that we will ever have to face is probably upon the point of appetite.

As our first parents lost Eden by the gratification and indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining what was lost by our first parents in the beginning, is through the firm denial of one’s inappropriate eating habits, If only we as Christians could conquer on this point, then we would have the moral power through Christ to gain the victory over every other temptation that Satan tries to attack us on.

But those who remain slaves to appetite will forever fail, in perfecting Christian character. My friends, as we near the close of this life’s history, Satan’s temptation of the flesh, and the passion of improper eating habits, will be more powerful and more difficult to overcome. But Satan can only attack our weakness and infirmities when we allow the affairs of this world to outweigh our relationship with God and the amount of time we spend each day in studying His word and doing His will.

Remember Christ was also tempted in appetite, But His words to Satan are one’s we as Christians should all use as Christ prepares our character for His pure and holy kingdom “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (and not just the words we deem appropriate for our lifestyle) but every word of God” While allowing the power of His word to dictate our appetite through His Holy Spirit.

So learn for yourselves what you should eat, and what kinds of food best nourish the entire mind and body, and then follow the dictates of reason and conscience through the renewal of Gods Spirit each and every day.

Remember “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against, the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…

Above all, taking the shield of faith…And  the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit… Eph.6:12-18 So My friends Remember “those who will not eat and drink from principle, will never regulate there mind and body by principle, in other areas of their lives.” (White)

Our eating habits should always and forever, be regulated from a moral and religious standpoint, that is based on Christ example. So we are to be temperate in all things, because an incorruptible crown, and eternal life, is before us. So just eat that which is best to sustain a proper physical, mental, and spiritual fortitude in all you do in the sight of God, as we race for that eternal crown remember, Paul states in 1 Cor. 10:31 “Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

And in the end as John states in 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when he is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” And l will tell you today, that we must be like our Savior in all things that pertain to our Mind and Body, as we allow the Spirit of Christ, to transform our character to be like Christ.

So remember Christ began His work of redemption by reforming the physical habits of man. He says, “Beware; restrain, deny, unnatural appetite. If we create a perverted appetite, we violate the laws of our being, and assume the responsibility of abusing our bodies, and bringing disease upon ourselves.”(White) God knows that we need not more of what this world has to offer in the flesh, but more of Him, and His word. 

By attempting to fill that inner emptiness with improper eating habits, we will never bring a lasting satisfaction in our lives. For we can only become conquerors in all areas of our life through Him that loved us enough to go to Calvary on our behalf.

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

21st CENTURY MARRIAGE

Sep. 12, 2013

Nearly Two million divorces will probably be granted this year in the United States. This is three times the number recorded just twenty years ago. The 21st century has witnessed a striking increase in the Divorce rate. Most nations of the world seem to be following a similar trend.

Today, more than one out of every three marriages ends in divorce; unfortunately, families within the church are following this world pattern to an alarming rate. More and more spouses choose divorce as a way to escape from Obstacles in their family life, instead of facing the problem, while allowing God to be the center of their marriage. Usually the reasons for this rising divorce rate, falls into three main categories:

1. Changes in the women’s roles in the home.

2. Adultery in the marriage.

3. financial instability.

As we leap into the 21st century, we face a whole new world of marital problems, especially as we focus on the breakdown of the modern day marriage and family, and the epidemic statistics as such, in our society as a whole. While there is hardly a Christian family that, directly or indirectly, does not know the pain of divorce.

An important factor that contributes to this alarming escalation of divorce among Christians is the growing acceptance of the societal view or compromise of the standard of marriage as a social contract, governed by civil laws, rather than as a sacred covenant, witnessed and guaranteed by God Himself.

Instead of promising each other faithfulness “till death do us part,” many couples are adopting the modern day version of the marriage vow, by pledging to remain together “as long as we both shall love. The recent, no fault divorce law, makes the dissolution of marriage so easy that some lawyers advertise divorce services for less than $100.00. All legal fees and services are included in one low price. What a sad commentary on the cheapness of marriage today.

What God has united, many will put asunder for less than what Judas sold our Lord and Savior for, a measly thirty pieces of silver. Satan therefore is gaining much more success as he plants his banner in the marriage institution, that same institution God implemented and blessed at creation, between man and woman, in the Garden of Eden. But it has always been Satan’s plan to debase, demoralize, and pervert the marriage institution while weakening its sacredness, and commitment to the words that couples should make in the presence of God which states.

To be true to each other in good and bad times, to love and honor each other all the days of your lives, committing to have and to hold for better or worse for richer or poorer in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.

And once repeated before God these vows should be with God’s grace, who is and should always be the foundation of the marriage and home. On this happy occasion Satan observes carefully each day, as he studies one’s heart, and mind, as he has with fiendish intensity for six thousand years, while pointing out most easily one’s character flaws that would cause each and everyone who takes their marriage vows to lose sight of Christ, while never willing to yield or compromise with one another thus bringing on unhappiness and most cases divorce.

But each, man and woman must have the Spirit of God and if the Spirit of God dwells in one’s heart there will be a type of heaven on earth in the home, and by God’s grace each will succeed in making the other happy till death do you part. So as your marriage vows unites you as one, the wife is to respect her husband, the husband is to love and cherish his wife so their belief in Christ should make them as one in Him, while they seek to become more and more ingrained with the Spirit of Christ.

Thus, allowing for a perfect harmony between the husband and wife who enter into a covenant with God. So today, let man and woman in the presence of God pledge themselves to love each other as God has ordained they should, and in your life together your affections are to complement each other’s happiness and individuality in other words, God should always be the focus of your individuality.

Of Him you are to ask: What is right? What is wrong? How may I best fulfill your purpose in our union together? For if we don’t place God at the center, Satan will be ever ready to take advantage when any matter of variance arises. Because it is at that point he moves upon the objectionable and different traits of character in husband or wife, while causing alienation between both parties who have united a solemn convenient before God.

So always remember, in your marriage if the law of God is obeyed, and cherished, Satan will be kept out of the home and family, and compromise of interest for one another, will always take place, and no alienation of affection will be permitted.

And as we move closer to Christ soon coming, Satan will work with all the powers he tempted ancient Israel, just before they entered the PromiseLand. He will lay snares for those who claim to keep Gods commandments and as we are right at the heavenly borders he will use all powers, to destroy God’s children at their weakest point in their marriage.

But if you will stay focused on Christ abiding love, and endure through His word and Spirit while upholding those vows sacred you both made in His presence. what grace has begun, the glory of God will present with A victory crown one day, very soon, in His pure and holy kingdom.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY