Archives for March 2014

SOMETIMES I JUST NEED TO FOCUS ON WHY I AM ON THIS JOURNEY!!!

March 31, 2013

SOMETIMES I JUST NEED TO FOCUS ON WHY I AM ON THIS JOURNEY!!!

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21

normal_Jesus_Heaven“As I entered the gates of that city, My loved ones all knew me well. They took me down the streets of Heaven; such scenes were too many to tell; I saw Abraham, Jacob and Isaac Talked with Mark, and Timothy But I said, “I want to see Jesus, ‘Cause He’s the One who died for me.”

Every once and a while I need to reach back and focus on why I am on this journey. It is so easy to lose sight and forget your purpose and your destination. Sometimes you have to look at the map, and get a clear vision as you assure yourself that you haven’t lost your way, and that you are still going in the right direction.

Satan at times has us believing God’s Mandate is unattainable. But that’s when we tell ourselves. My Faith and God’s word lets me know God has my back at all times. Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) tells us.” This is what the Lord says your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

But struggles sometimes takes its toll on a child of God that’s why you can never lose sight of the vision of  walking with friends and love ones down the streets of Heaven, as the brightness of the Son, our Savior illuminates the eternal sky as the redeemed sings in unison Worthy is the Lamb who gave it all for our Salvation.

As I envision that scene, now the struggles of this old world become only a challenge, or a mountain worth conquering. The Journey now doesn’t seem so overwhelming thereligion2 setbacks and trials are but a moment in time. God knew we would all have times when we felt like given up, but he provided His Word a road-map that would never get us lost or discourage about the route we have to take too finish the course.

Each time I read a promise in God’s Word, a promise of love and Hope I understand failure can never be an option, only endurance until we cross into the Promise Land. My friends it want be long when we will received our true reward life eternal when Christ says “it is finished” until then, this journey will demand commitments from all of God’s children.

So we must remain focused, we must also stimulate ourselves, and set higher goals, in the work of bringing more souls under the umbrella of the faith of Jesus Christ. We must forever find ways to evangelize as we take the good news of Christ return to a world that is disintegrating before our eyes each day.

“This life at best is but the Christian’s winter; and the bleak winds of winter disappointments, losses, pain, and anguish–are our lot here; but our hopes are reaching forward to the Christian’s summer, when we shall change climate, leave all the wintry blasts and fierce tempests behind, and be taken to those mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those that love Him.(”Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, pp. 239, 240.)

urlSuccess comes from finishing the course Christ sets for us. It must be all about Him and his will. We must die in Christ daily as we continue to stay focused on the prize, life eternal through Jesus Christ who gave it all for us. Friends remember the controversy and battle has been fought and won on Calvary, and it will also be won once our death to self and resurrection of a new life in Jesus Christ takes place as we now begin to carry the  cross for Christ.

But we must also endure while allowing the Holy Spirit and God’s Word too  keep us focused and moving forward. For it can only be our faith and the power of the Cross that gives us the strength to finish this course. As we become “more than conquerors through him who loves us.”

 

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

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My Friends Where is Your Focus Today?

March 30, 2014

My Friends Where is Your Focus Today?

images FOCUS: Wikipedia, describes the word as selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things, the Free Dictionary describe FOCUS: As a point at which rays of light or other radiation converge or from which they appear to diverge, also called focal point. “As we begin to focus on our Salvation, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will begin to take shape before our eyes.”

As a Christian our Focal Point should always be Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Nothing else should define This Race or journey that each of us are on. It doesn’t matter about our politics, Religious Denominations, Ethnicity, social status, or your sexual orientation. The only thing that matters, when each of us stand’s before God is what was our Relationships with Christ, while we were here on this earth.

And did we allow Our Lord and Savior and His Spirit to transform our character to be like Christ. So as a Child of God we can never lose our focus, or direction where Christ is leading, as we Study his Word, and seek His Spirit. My friends if our focus, and our Faith Holds as we Endure to the end of this journey, eternity, and Gods pure and holy kingdom will soon be ours.

Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, a pigeon walks the way it does so it can see where it’s going. Because it can’t adjust its focus as it moves, the pigeon actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus. This is the way it walks: head forward, stop; head back, stop!

In our spiritual walk with the Lord we have the same problem as the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we’re moving. We also need to stop between steps to refocus onimages where we are in relation to the World and the will of God. Our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of “stops,” which enable us to see more clearly before moving on.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. He also tells us in Colossians 2:6 -8 (NKJV) “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

When we as Christians remain Focused we then surrender our all to the Master. And once that happens it all becomes about trusting and having faith in a God, that has done it all for our Salvation. “Totally Surrendering and given it all to the Master is not the most outstanding way to live, it is the only way to live,” If we want to make heaven our home.

Nothing else should mattes as a Christians. Because all other pathways will only lead to resentment, defeat, and in the end destruction. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) says “fixing our imageseyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…..” So if our Goal is the kingdom of God, then we must forever keep our focus on Christ and what it will take to be like Him. “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”1 John 2:6 (NIV)

Paul also tells us. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20 (NIV) So By Surrendering to God, it takes the focus off of self, and what we may want, and places it upon the blood of Jesus Christ.

God is asking a lot, that cross can get quite heavy at times. The Spirit has been designated to give us all of our needs and more to finish God’s work, but you must decide is it worth it?  yes my friends Salvation and eternal life is worth it. but that must be your decision God will not make it for you.

 

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

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“THE BEST OF THE BEST, THE THREE AND THE THIRTY”

 THE BEST OF THE BEST, THE THREE AND THE THIRTY 

“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” Heb. 13:7

imgresMy friends if you are a child of God, you must have a vision, a vision to make extraordinary things happen for Christ which can only happen if you have allowed the same spirit that was a part of creation before man was created, to transforms an ordinary man and woman that has been “born in sin and shaped in iniquity” to be an extraordinary  leader for Christ in the war against sin.

Satan has devised many weapons that communicates to the masses of what his world has to offer. But as a leader in God’s army we must present a vision of a contrasting message to the masses as well of God’s world, a world “what no eye has seen, or ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived.”  therefore God’s passion to save souls, must be our passion as well.

David exemplifies this type of leader, a leader with such passion, a leader “after God’s on heart” “David’s Special Forces: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite was head of the Three; he was nicknamed Adino the Eznite because he killed 800 men in a single battle engagement.”2 Samuel 23:8 (NIV) That text says it all because that text tells us “If you abide in God, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (NIV)

This is where I need you to focus today my friends. David understood that promise that is how he could inspired a vision in Adino the Eznite, which led him to seek  the same about-you1power from above as David possessed as he killed 800 men in a single battle. As God’s Children we can also seek such power from God’s Spirit.

But first we must have a cause, and we must also have the passion of Adino the Eznite,  and once we have this power we  must use it, not in the killing of 800 men for Christ. But in the saving of souls for God’s pure and holy kingdom as we take the good news of the “gospel to all the world and then the end will come” David’s “Elite Special Forces.”

THE BEST OF THE BEST, THE THREE AND THE THIRTY who did miraculous wonders on the battle field for Christ. Like their leader who had exemplified this same passion from His youth with only a stone and a sling shot. “a man after God’s on heart  lead by Example as He made Extraordinary things happen for God. His vision inspired others to serve Christ because of his commitment to serve.

My friends we must also set the example, we can’t serve Christ sitting on our couches in front of the TV. David  practiced what he preach he always lead by example, who imgreswould get personally involved.  When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint.

Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” 2 samuel 21:15 -17 (NIV)

David ways a man no different from the rest of us, but he spent time with God even as a boy keeping his fathers sheep, as he seeked the presence of God. A leader, a warrior, a man after Gods own heart, and a humble servant for God “The humble He guides in justice And the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Ps. 25:9-10 (NIV) and seeks His presence with passion.

 

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

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LET’S GIVE IT ALL TO THE ONE WHO GAVE, AND STILL GIVES IT ALL FOR US!!!

March 28, 2014

LET’S GIVE IT ALL TO THE ONE WHO GAVE, AND STILL GIVES IT ALL FOR US!!!

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…” (Psalm 91:4)

Habakkuk 3:17-18 states “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock tumblr_lf6btymqnG1qfg3voo1_400may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

What a disastrous situation being described by Habakkuk but like Habakkuk sometimes God appears to be silent amid all the trials tribulations and heartaches that goes on in our life from day to day and year to year. Like Habakkuk, we must wait in faith and trust in an unseen God until the time when the world will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of our Lord, and His presence that will forever shine throughout eternity in His pure and holy kingdom.

But before that time comes while we are In the midst of all the evil, and injustice in the world we live in, only our complete faithfulness, and dependability In God and His word will take us to the promise land.

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided a penetrating picture of God’s wings. “After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno’s damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.

Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained imagessteadfast. Because she had been willing to die, so that those under the cover of her wings would live. (Author Unknown)

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 (NKJV)

And like the mother bird who gave her life so her children might live, our Savior could have flown to safety also, but He refused to abandon His children. On Calvary Christ remained steadfast through it all, simply because He remained focused and through His faith, love and His endurance to stay the course He was willing to die for those under the cover of his wings so that those who have faith and believe would live with Him throughout eternity.

god-of-the-livingOh what love our Savior has shown for us. Through His death we have been justified by His blood, and through our faith we shall be saved from the wrath of sin.” All for His children “There is no greater love.” So now how do we repay the one who gave it all for our Salvation? God’s word tells us “He has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Tim. 1:9 (NIV)

What can I say “while the one who lives by faith is not saved by his works, his works show that he lives by faith. His faith is revealed in his works, and thus he is promised life eternal.” So as a Child of God we have a lot of work to do to finish up Gods work here on earth and as we look at our world today, we don’t have any time to squander it away on the foolishness of this world. So friends LET’S GIVE IT ALL TO THE ONE WHO GAVE, AND STILL GIVES IT ALL FOR US!!!

 

 

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

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My Heating Unit Stops Working March 25, 2014 Hmmm!!!

March 27, 2014

My Heating Unit Stops Working March 25, 2014 Hmmm!!!

“And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” Matt. 24:20-22 (NKJV)

Doesn’t sound much like a devotional title, but the point is, my unit did go out, and it should not have mattered, we are a few weeks into springtime when the birds begin to 8456sing and the grass starts to turn green so who needs heat. But at the end of March in Nashville the temp. was in the twenties and cold. But I survived, and God is a mighty good God.

But where I need you to focus today is the volatile times we live in nothing is predictable the seasons, the weather, mud slides, Saber Rattling from country to country. The Koch Brothers, spending millions through their super PAC to pay Americans to think unamerican as they buy elections. To the suppression of voters right to vote, that a few have died for.

Lawlessness continues on a level, not quite seen in our lifetime, as “the love of many grows cold” and the god of this world continues to reign in this world for another day. But my friends his time is running out. But have you as a child of God decided what your agenda is as you wait for Christ second coming. Or are you content in just waiting.

Well that will never work if you are sincere about your salvation. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 cor. 14:33 (KJV) So there must be a plan. One that includes God’s Spirit and a mission statement that says I will serve Christ till the day he appears, to take me home.

Now the next question is how will you serve, because one thing I have learned if you are sincere about given it all to the master His Spirit will guide you “But when he, the techSpirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13 (NIV)

While much of the fruit of our labor will not be apparent in this life, God’s workers have His sure promise of ultimate success. But there must be a sincere commitment to Christ for “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matt 10:37 (NIV)

Friends the text does not tell us not to love but it puts everything in this world we hold dear to us, car, home, Job, Church, Family in perspective to where we place the one who gave it all for our Salvation. So therefore our responsibility and duty as Christians as we enter into the last phase of this life’s history before Christ soon return is to make Christ and His will for us our number one priority.

imgresThe challenge must become personal, as we become passionate about our desire to serve. In the 21st century we must create new and inventive ways to witnessing. It cannot be business as usual, the message of the saving power of Jesus Christ will never change, but the technique, the way we go about communicating the message must be the challenge to God’s Chosen.

Through modern technology extraordinary things must happen but it is up to us to make it happen. So “Every impulse, every imagination, every ambition, and every desire must be submitted to Christ. Every possession, physical or invisible, every talent and ability, and everything of value must be under Christ’s command. What we don’t surrender to Him can, and inevitably will, become an idol, with the potential to lead us astray.” (Dan Solis)

So my friends stay faithful to your values stay focused, and keep your eyes on the prize which is Life eternal, and endure even if your Heating Unit Stops Working in the cold, in spring, when the birds should be singing, and the grass turning green.

 

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

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“When Jesus Perceived in His Spirit”

March 26, 2014

“When Jesus Perceived in His Spirit” 

But immediately, When Jesus Perceived in His Spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Mark 2:8-11 (NKJV)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. imgresJohn 16:7 (KJV) My friends this same Power that Jesus Perceived in His Spirit is the same Power we should be seeking to guide us daily in every situation and circumstances of our life.

We must get to the point where we hear that still small voice telling us to sit down and focus on God’s word, for “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 1 Cor. 2:24(NIV)

Or He might just ask you to close your eyes and speak from the heart to your loving Savior for “I will help your weaknesses; for you do not know how to pray as you should, but I the Spirit will intercede for you with groanings too deep for words; Romans 8:26 (NASB) (paraphrased) So today my friends our FOCUS must remain to seek the Spirit of God because it is only through His power can we endure to the finish line.

We each must have our own Mount of Olives experience where our faith will be tested before we take up the Cross of our Savior, and claim victory. The question we must ask ruler_04ourselves today. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to receive the power of Gods Spirit. Remember my friends the rich young ruler had all the attributes of a good church member.

But when Jesus ask Him to give it all to the Master “he was saddened, and he went away grieving.” What that tells each of us is, the demand of our time, money and talents will certainly be a Part of this Journey Christ places us on.  But are you willing to give whatever it takes for the Master. The Spirit will be leading, and there can be no doubt, that  He will lead us to life eternal.

But have you decided in your mind that the journey is worth it. The Spirit has been designated to give us all of our needs and more to finish God’s work, but you must be willing to stop long enough to here His voice and to seek His Presence “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13 (NKJV)

My friends There can be no deviation from the Master’s mandate if it is to be completed in our lifetime. The outpouring of God’s Spirit should be going on in our lives right now. And once we are transformed by His power, the Spirit then “CONVICTS, INSTRUCTS, GUIDES and EMPOWERS each believer” to “be a leading vessel for Christ.

come away76A vessel that overflows with the outpouring of God’s Spirit. Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 4:5-7  (NKJV)“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light too shine in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

And this light can only come When We HavePerceived in His Spirit” a personal commitment to serve Christ in whatever capacity He ask us too. And than one day we will “receive that crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award (to each of us) on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Tim 4:8 (NIV)

 

 

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

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“In Hope of Eternal Life, Which God Who Never Lies, Promise“

March 25, 2014

In Hope of Eternal Life, Which God, Who Never Lies, Promise

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” Phil 3:20-21 (NIV)

fear_the_lord1“In Hope of Eternal Life, Which God Who Never Lies, Promise Before the Ages Begin.” Titus 1:2 (NIV) My friends our God Promises, and He never Lies. Oh what hope for our future? As God’s chosen our goal today is to Have faith in the promises of God and then Move Out in Faith in the “only name by which we can be saved”

And with Passion and a vision of hope, motivate and inspire others to also give it all to the Master. These are volatile times we live in “lawlessness abounds, and the love of many grows cold” So as God’s chosen there must be a passion to serve, to make a difference as we bring Christ into the lives of our family, friends love ones, co-workers, neighbors, and the world.

Remember this is the Journey Christ has placed us on, as leaders this must become our message, a message of God’s promises to everyone we come in contact with, but there must first be a Passion from within us that we have something special to give to the world. A unique message, with a unique visions which is all based on the promises of God.

Which brings all who believe in alignment with God and His Spirit and promises of Eternal life. We are diplomats for Christ who must lead by example. The world waits on us to fall by default because that is the world we live in, where the god of this world tries and tell us that the precepts in God’s Word are not a benchmark for getting what you desire, he is.

If you follow the forces of evil “Socially Acceptable Sins.” are accepted, and you can still have everything your hearts desire. But as Christ ambassadors we have a ok6fdkdifferent message “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. And that includes “Socially Acceptable Sins.”

Remember friends we are building a community for God’s kingdom. This community will become part of one body with one message and many promises that leads to salvation in God’s Word. But where I need you to focus today as God’s chosen is that we will be working hand in hand with God as we spread the good news of God’s promises.

Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:6-10 (NIV) “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

sunJust another great promise out of God’s Word. Now with a Passion like we have never felt before. We must present a vision of a Future in God’s Pure and Holy Kingdom. A vision that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and  no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 (NIV)

My friends “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10 (NIV) We are called by Christ to tell the world of all of His promises. We must Share The Vision that God has given to us in His Word.

We must take all who will listen and believe “across The Horizon” on this same Journey. As we allow Christ to” Refine, restore, replace, change, sculp, and mold us, He will even permit trials and tribulation to befall us on this Journey just to get us to the point where He can fully reveal Himself.” as He gives us “Hope of Eternal Life, Which God Who Never Lies, Promises”

 

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

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“THIS SON OF MINE, HE WAS LOST, BUT NOW HE IS FOUND”

March 24, 2014

“THIS SON OF MINE, HE WAS LOST, BUT NOW HE IS FOUND”

A Shepherd will search for a lamb even in inclement weather that has strayed from the flock. He will search, until He has found him. He will then carry the lamb over his shoulder and carry it to safety. If he was hurt in any way while away from the flock, He will nurture it back to health as He continues to love and protect it from outside evil elements that wants to harm him.

In our own lives, we sometimes go astray. We become fearful to go back home when our lives are a mess. Satan tells us we Del_Parson_The_Good_Shepherd_525can’t change directions now, it is too late. But like the Prodigal Son who “When he came to his senses, said, I will go back to my father and say to him:

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. So he got up and went back home to his father. Luke 15:17-20 (NKJV) The common element we have with sheep is the propensity to get lost and stray away from the path.

The Devil then by circumstances that he created begins to steal away our joy and happiness thus, causing you to lose your balance and focus, which then causes you to wonder aimlessly into self-destruction until Satan has us believing we can’t go back. He tells us, Christ will not accept you, you have gone too far to go back home.

Then your hope fades with each day you stay away. But remember my friends The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.LS00033lg Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deu. 31:8 (NIV) Christ tells us himself “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? Luke 15:4 (NASB)

It will be a difficult journey finding our way back to Christ. But set your mark on the prize which is eternal life in God’s pure and holy kingdom. And then on that day you find our way back, Christ will repeat His words of love to us as He says “We must celebrate…,for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. HE WAS LOST, BUT NOW HE IS FOUND” Luke 15:23 (NLT)

Oh My friends, to be back into the arms of the Master. On Jacob’s return home, one night he had an encounter with God. The Bible says they wrestled all night. in Jacob’s fight with God, It says that God was not able to prevail against Jacob (Genesis 32:25). You mean someone is more powerful then God. Heaven forbid. Than how was it possible?

imagesNo it was not possible. But God has his limitation that He set’s. If you are fighting God, he will not overpower you. He will not take away your will or force you to come to Him. This must be your choice, and what is important for your Salvation. Either Life through Christ, or destruction by allowing the things of this world and the forces of evil to control your life.

And at daybreak, God asks Jacob to let him go, and Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me. This was Jacob’s choice asking for salvation, and it must also be ours. But we must, like Jacob have faith, hold on, focus, and endure. God did bless Jacob “….And You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Is. 62:2-3 (ESV)

And Jacob says, “I saw God face to face and my life was spared.” That my friends is the way to struggle with God. Oh what a wonderful God we serve. And God will bless all of his faithful who have lost their way, and seek His presence once again “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matt 7:7 (NKJV)

 

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

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“THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN YOU, IS GREATER THAN THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN THE WORLD”

March 23, 2014

“THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN YOU, IS GREATER THAN THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN THE WORLD”

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Luke 11:24-26 (ESV)

Luke 11:21-22 (NKJV) Says, even a strong man cannot protect his house if someone stronger comes along. So we must never fool ourselves into thinking we can out think the forces of evil “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, imagesand against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12 (ESV)

God has promised us in 1 john 4:4 (KJV) that………”THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN YOU, IS GREATER THAN THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN THE WORLD.” In other words the Spirit of God who guides us on this journey that my Savior has placed us on. Is greater than any opposition from the forces of evil that tries to discourage us from finishing our journey to the promise land.

But first, Christ must not be a PART-TIME God. So just to get rid of our sins without allowing Christ to take full control, will only allow Satan to re-enter our lives with those same sins we thought we had gotten rid of, only now, “it is worse than the first”. So friends remember our victory today will not be sufficient for a victory tomorrow, if Christ is not the Master of our mind and body.

So you must replace the sins that you have allowed Christ to eliminate out of your life as you allowed self to die daily with “….things above, not on earthly things. Col. 3:2 images(ESV) also “The Word must be hid in your heart, that you might not sin against God.” Ps. 119:10 (ESV) and you also must always “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess 5:17 (KJV)

And then you must always remember “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor. 10:31 (ESV) and now “Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) as you allow your FOCUS to forever be on the grace, and mercy of Christ righteousness to forgive you of all your sins, and to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.

For “the new man, is now renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” But if you don’t fill your life, with the things that will continue to transform your life completely into the image of God. You then allowed your life to be re-occupied by the evil that you allowed God’s Spirit to drive out at one time.

imagesAnd now “the last state of that person is worse than the first.” So don’t sweep a house and leave it empty. Don’t think you can just stop sinning, and then heaven is mine for the asking. The key to true repentance, and salvation is to also replace whatever is in this world that is keeping you from the righteousness of Christ, with the anointing power of His love, grace and righteousness.

The more time we spend intimately with God and His Word, the easier it is to fill our lives with things from above, as you begin to distinguish God’s voice and His leading in our lives, from the forces of evil. As Christians, and children of God forever seek His PRESENCE with a PASSION. For “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Deu.31:8 for “THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN YOU, IS GREATER THAN THE SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN THE WORLD”

 

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

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WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY, AND CAN THEY BE CHANGED?

March 22, 2014

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY, AND CAN THEY BE CHANGED?

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 (ESV)

imagesAs a Child of God, what do you care about the most? Do you know who you are? And what are the principles by which you live by each day? “are you willing to stand up for what’s right though the heavens fall.” Does God set the standard you live by, or does Scandal, Greys Anatomy, and NCIS set it for us?

Christ example to us, while on this earth was that of a Leader, Servant, Physician, Creator of the Universe and King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He was also our Savior. He multitask-ed. But He also had a mission. Today let’s focus on His role as a Servant and a Leader. Somehow if you think about it those two just don’t go together.

“they run counter to common sense. Our everyday images of leadership do not coincide with leaders being servants. Leaders influence and servants follow” so why would Christ play the role of both. Well my friends this is where I need you to focus today. As I started my devotional, I ask you the question DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

AND WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES, by which you LIVE BY? And what are you willing to do, or not do as a Child of God? You see Christ knew who He was, He knew the god-over-everythingprinciples he stood by, and He also knew He would never waver from those principles, He also knew the mission His Father had sent Him to do, and He would not stop until that mission was complete.

So What is your mission statement or standard that you live by? and is Christ at the center of it? Christ, “In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation.

“Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:8 As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a SERVANT, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” Isa. 53:5.” (E.G. White)

Once again my friends what are the Principles of your life that you have set for yourself? And Is your PASSION, and commitment to Christ at the center of those principle? We imageshave friends, and family members who are dying each day whose destiny is set either for Salvation, or for Perdition.

But today each of us who are still under the umbrella of grace and mercy, should be asking ourselves the question, what are the principles we stand by? Christ was a Humble Servant, and a Leader that transformed lives. What are our Standards each day, a wonderful Mother, and father, great employee, superb church member, loyal friend and family member, and a charter member of the YMCA.

But my friends it’s the next standard we have set for ourselves that should mean the most to us because it is the standard and foundation by which the first set of standards rest on, and that is our relationship we have with Christ and what He expects from each of us daily. And my friends being a Servant as Christ was a Servant can never be separated from this Journey God has placed us on. and as a Child of God we are all Leaders. So today lets all set our Standard on the principles that God has set for us and if we do that, with commitment, and passion Eternal Life will be ours .  

 

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

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