Life in the key of Hope

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“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It is not hard to believe that everyone in life goes through a lot. People, in general, experience many ups and downs in life but the one thing that we can have a confident hope in is the plans of our Lord. It's reassuring to know that He, the founder of the universe has and is thinking about me and my life. God the sovereign power is thinking and planning on my behalf.

The thoughts of God towards us are thought of our benefit. He that controls all set out at the moment of our conception to prosper us and to position us in the path of success. I know, being someone who struggles with control, that it can be hard to always be led by faith. Not knowing what tomorrow brings can stress someone out! But here's the peaceful part of it, if we ascribe ourselves to the plans and the ordered foot steps that have been laid before us, what is there to be stressed about?! If we do our part to line up with the plans for us, to rest in the blessed assurance that Christ has everything planned out, then the rest of life because a beautiful masterpiece depicted through the eyes of God.

The scripture tells us that we are to have hope in our final outcome. Did you know that God has planned, sacrificed, and willed that in the end we would be called back unto Him? He's set it up that after all the hardships, the failures and the successes, after all we go through if life, if we were to just be in Him as He desires to be in us the hope of our final outcome is eternal life in Christ.

God's word as a whole brings hope to the believer, but this passage of scripture specifically allows us to know the mind of God. In all His infinite wisdom and understanding He took out the time to think about us. If you take a moment and think back on some of the hardest times in your life, you cannot help but to be overjoyed in the fact that it wasn't for nothing. You did not go through so much and experience so much for nothing.

Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for them that love the Lord and that are called according to His purpose. The life span of the believer that of great triumph. WE may not always see how our current situation is blessing us, or how are current situation could possibly mean anything good. Know believer that God has seen our lives play out before Him and that He has orchestrated that in the beginning, during and end of life His children are favored and blessed for His name sake.

I want to pray and pronounce peace over everyone who is taking the time to read this posting. May you experience the peace of His expected end. May you believer find hope in the plans that our Heavenly Father has set out before us. I pray that these words, as King David said, as written on your heart. May these words comfort you, build you up and give you Holy confidence in the rest of your days. May you experience the everlasting joy that is the position you hold in the Master's mind.

Lesson Learned

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“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I've heard it say many times that hindsight is 20/20. Not until this most recent season in life did I grasp my own understanding of this cliche or phrase. Often as we go through life we never take a second thought as to how our decisions in the present will affect us later on in life. What affect will these seemingly meaningless decisions have on the future me? It is this lapse in judgement that usually comes to bite us in the butt so to speak.

"Prior planning prevents poor performance" Thinking ahead or planning has so many benefits but in the rush of our formidable years, who's thinking about planning? Truthfully we'be been apart of a plan from the beginning of time. From the very start God had put plans to our creation, that we would be able to complete. I know that sounds as if our lives have no personal touches but the fact is, while the book on us has already been written, we in the present have the ability to change the chapters. Although the end result never changes, we via our decisions affect the journey. With that type of power comes great responsibility.

Romans 8:28 provides us a little more understanding of this. All things that have happened, that are happening and that will happen will work to our benefit. We go through a lot both positive and negative in life but because God's position on us never changes, His will that we prosper never changes either. God's plan to have mankind personify His intentions has never changed. We are the Windows through which the unbelievers see the benefits of a life of righteousness in Christ.

With this understanding, how then should we view and inevitably handle hardships in life? I've learned from much trial and error that we as His children ought to face adversity, hardships, set backs etc with a confident faith knowing that our Savior has been there this whole time ensuring the journey before us and that the promises of the Father never fail.

Psalm 139, tell us that no matter what the situation, location, circumstance or result that Christ would always be there. This fact is the source of confident hope in He that will never fail. Our relationship with Christ is the one thing that will never fail us.

Jeremiah 17:5 tell us in its essence that we put ourselves in trouble by trusting in something as frail as human beings. There are seasons in which those around us are tremendously helpful in wise counsel but truthfully there's but one source in which we will experience the greatest fulfillment of joy.

The lesson learned here is that God has to be the center of all things in our lives. The will for our lives will come to pass no matter how long we make the process but we cause our own hardships in life by not lining or aligning ourselves with the author of our lives. My grandpa use to say that "a hard head makes a soft behind". Brothers and sister take heed to these words. Know that God wishes to prosper you, that you be in good help even as your soul prospers. But, even God in His sovereignty does not go against our will. We as a generation need to pray, pray that God exposes to us the intention He has had for our lives and how can we better align ourselves in His will.

A Time To Pray

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Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

 

I've heard it said that if you're only praying when you're in trouble, then you're in trouble. Even in my personal walk I catch myself waking up and starting my day and not acknowledging the Father for the gift of life. Earlier in my walk I would notice that it's been a few days before I have spoken to God. The detriment in not staying in a position of prayer is serious for every level of believer. Communication with God aka Prayer is a daily necessity not only to hear His instructions but to also keep the relationship fresh and open between Creator and creation.

 

If we begin to break apart the scripture, for comprehension sake, the first part states that "If my people who are called by my name..." We must keep in mind that we were brought from the powers of sin by a great price. Now in our name creation form we are no longer called by our misdeed or carnality but we are called by the name of our Savior. How much more significant do we then become while under new ownership?

 

The next part says "will humble themselves..." Why is this so important? The humbling of oneself to submit to prayer is key. In the mold that we are created in there is power, much more power than that of god of the world (Satan), we must submit the power that we have (Acts 1:8 power as well as the power of free choice) in order to get in the proper posture of prayer.

 

The next part depicts how we are to pray unto God "pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways..." Simply stated this is how we approach the throne of grace. We have to open the liens of communication seeking His face and turning from our own ways. WE cannot come to God in by our own means of communication. Being all sovereign we must speak to Him in a way that He considers acceptable.

 

Then the sum of the verse shows us the results of taking prayer seriously, from being in the proper position, and then receiving from God what we've been asking for.

 

It's truly perilous times that we have been living in for generations. We have been seeing the downfall of man consistently generation to generation. We've been witnessing a loss of hope and faith, a loss of sight of God. The main staple in the life of a believer is prayer. The only true way to be connected in the fold and to be involved in His works and with the other members of His bride is to be united in prayer. We may not all pray the same thing or on the same subject but we all should pray in a way to get results and not just be talking to ourselves...

 

My Father's children, now is a time to pray, not a time to present a list of wants but to bare down in intercession. Intercession for our nations, our leader both spiritual and natural and for the lives of each and every believer... Will you join me in a commitment of prayer, to be in a position to pray and expect successful results? I believe God for you and the expansion of your prayer lives... God bless you!



Reintroduction

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Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33)

 

The most disheartening thing that I constantly hear from the world is how much they don't like church or organized religion. The reason that this is so disappointing is not because of their dislike but it's the deception that has caused the distain for the church. The believers as well as the society's misconception has turned the kingdom of God into a cliché that has completely missed the King's intentions.

 

We are experiencing the aftermath of a generation that has lost too much and a generation that is next in line to lose everything. We have gotten so far from the original intent of God's blessing us with life that we actually find many people believing that they are the highest power whether in intellect, creation or actuality. We as a people have entered into a dangerous time where we have lost sight of our God and have positioned ourselves to be susceptible to gods of this land.

 

I believe that a reintroduction is needed between God and His kingdom and His people. The generation that is being risen has their work cut out for them. It will solely be our responsibility to recapture the minds and spirit of the King's people and return them back to God. WE as the coming into power leaders must reacquire all the territory (physical, mental, spiritual, natural and supernatural) that has been lost through an unfavorable transfer of power from we the King's men to the lesser powers of satan and his kingdom.

 

The highlighted scripture sets in order exactly what we are supposed to be doing in this life. We are supposed to be seeking the desires and wills of our King before we seek to fulfill our own ambitions. While we seek the will of our Lord the blessing is that we find ourselves walking out our purposes. While in pursuit of what the Father would desire in the Earth we find ourselves separating from temporary endeavors and attaching ourselves to eternal blue prints and plans that have existed far beyond those that are involved.

 

To be a member of a kingdom of this magnitude far surpasses our humanistic understanding, but more so speaks to our spirit man as it finds itself being reattached and realigned with the original source. WE can longer afford to jeopardize our involvement in the Father's plans just to satisfy fleshly desires. How honorable is it to submit under a just and holy King and to be given an opportunity to work for His will?

 

This reintroduction does more than presents an eternal kingdom to a finite mind but it presents a working individual to a purposeful plan... I leave you with this quote from the late Dr. Myles Munroe...

 

" Your work is not your Job. Your job is what they pay you to do. Your work is what you were born to do. Your Job is your skill. Your work is your gift." Dr. Myles Munroe 

 

 





I'm Different

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2 Corinthians 6:17 "¹⁷ So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor... (AMP)"

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to relate to your friends once you've decided to give your life to Christ? Have you experienced the reality check of being in this world and not of this world?

When I decided for myself to give my life to Christ, rather it being the joyous time that people think it is, I experienced one of the loneliest times of my life. I wasn't sad because I had to give up the life I was living. I wasn't sad that I may lose friends and may not be the person I once was. The sadness came from finally seeing that I have been called to be different. Sounds silly doesn't it? When you weigh your options, living life for Christ or staying in the midst of mediocrity it's obvious what most people would choose. But think about how it feels to know that the world around you is separate from the world that you experience on the day to day basis.

As I matured in Christ I began to understand why God required us to be separate or different. Through reading the word and personally taking my relationship serious I found out that in order to positively affect the world of Christ I cannot be as they are... Scripture tells us that He has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. The reason being is that darkness cannot shed any light but light can cast out the darkness.

If you look around in our current environment you see what state the world is in. The world has entered into and has been in a state of self destruction via the indulgence of self will, lust, sinful desires but most of all the lost of hope.

People have a tendency to blame the church for so many things, but more often than not they blame the church for not being the example that they understand it should be. We as the "different" or separated of God are supposed to be the shining example of a different life. The unbeliever looks to us to see the opportunity of a more excellent way of living. Do you see the real job we have as believers?!

It's a blessing to be called to be different, it's an honor to exchange our previous course of action for the path that God has intended. To make it that much better we have a body of 3.1 billion people who are in the same transition. Understand that as the world continues in their ignorance of the existence of Christ, we the different or separated are experiencing a world that they have yet to enjoy. We are blessed to be given the revelation as Peter received. By giving us the free gift of the Holy Spirit and separating us from our former life of sin we've been given the opportunity of eternal life with our king... I'm blessed to be different!



Right on time

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^{1 Peter 5:6 "} Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time"


Take a minute to ask yourself this question, what if I lost sight of God while attempting to achieve and chase my ambitions? How often do we as people get so wrapped up in our endeavors and the path of success that we forget that it is God who has positioned and anointed for these paths (Deut 8:18)?

I believe that we are in a time where God is charging our generation to take on the weight of reformation and revival in the Earth. We have had honorable generals and leaders laboring in the vineyard for decades and generations and God is positioning and inspiring them to teach the coming leaders what it truly means to lead. In this changing of the guard one of the biggest things that we face is our own tenacity, our own super powered drive to achieve.

In this awesome time in God how do we position ourselves to be of the most use in the kingdom? The best, most secure effort we can do produce is humbling ourselves before God. We must remember to take our time in prayer, studying and living the life of a disciple. Yes we are powerful, yes we are charged, yes we have been called out but we cannot afford to allow the pride of life to ruin our opportunity to take a part in what God is doing in the Earth.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to his son in the gospel Timothy in this letter the apostle warns Timothy that the times that we are living has turned completely humanistic (2 Timothy Chapter 3:1-9.) Truthfully there's but a gigantic handful of our generation that is still holding onto faith but with the population we have, we are still outnumbered by unbelievers. No disrespect to anyone who doesn't believe or practices another religion, but understand that we are supposed to be the light and salt of the Earth. We as the new generation of believers are solely responsible for restoring the faith, hope and love back into the world... What is our driving force?

We must position ourselves under the plans and unction of God. Promotion is inevitable, elevation is the plan but we cannot miss this moment in God's plans by following our own paths. (²³ The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.²⁴ Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24)

The most successful people in ministry have all learned one great thing... Real disciples, those who really love God and have given their life to Him, they all move in surrender... Let's stay in our lane, remain in power, remain in the wave or path of God but let it all be in surrender to His will and His way.

Empty Me

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¹⁹ For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20) 

Can you take a moment and try to remember who or how you were when the truth of Christ Jesus first met you? Now can you feel or embrace the desire you have now for the new person that Christ is making you into? 

Most often than not the truth of Christ met us after we have lived in this world and had become a certain person. Truthfully speaking even those including myself who were raised in the church have also been shaped and molded by our surroundings. With this understanding we must see the difference between who we have become over time and who Christ desires us to be and then consequently who He desires to use. 

Is what we have gained through the world useful to the mission of Christ for our lives? Do we have to lose who we are in order to complete what has been inscribed for our lives?

Matthew 4:18-22 depicts Christ meeting the first disciples, and where did He meet them? Christ met some of the most important people in this faith doing exactly what they would normally. Never did He ask for them to immediately convert and change their ways, all Christ said was stop what you're currently doing and follow me. This applies to modern day disciples as well, Christ isn't asking for immediate change (not to say that it isn't possible). God being the creator, He knows everything there is to know about us. He knows every proclivity that we have, every issues, every gift. 

As believers, those who desire righteousness and salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ we must get to a point that not only are we honest with ourselves and with God in regards to who we were, are and will be but we also must be willing to have God remove what is in us that is not fruitful or useful to Him.

In retrospect Isaiah 55:11 tells us that every thing that has been spoken into our lives including our lives must finish the assignment that it has been given. We cannot return to God full! It's so imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to empty us out. We should pray that the Holy Spirit empty us of every issues as well as gift. At that moment that we are called to rest we should be emptied of everything, everything poured out to God whether in use or waste.

As someone who is going through a season of stripping I can profess that there's nothing like the freedom we find in Christ. There is nothing like finally being able to see the cup as half full rather than half empty. Truth of the matter is, all that we entertain in life at some point begins to jade our perspective and understanding. One thing that I have learned during this time is when God is prepared to empty you out or take away from you its purposely so that He can give you what He desires us to have. How much greater is His ability to give than what we hold on to day to day?

Pray this with me... Father in Jesus name I pray that you empty me so that there is more than enough room for you to fill me up with all of you. I pray in Jesus name that you download into me my portion of the Holy Spirit. Give unto me precious Lord that which you desire me to have and I will be blessed. I give you access to my life and endeavors and I pray that you remove and add what you see fit... IJN Amen

As always I pray that you have received something from this blog posting and I also pray that the peace of God would be our portion as we continue to grow in God... Blessings to you, don't forget to share, comment and look forward to the next posting

 

 

We are called!

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1 John 2:14 "....I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one...."

It is my belief that we the young are at such an advantage in God we have a different perspective in God that others that may be battle ridden or a bit weary. The bible says that we are strong. In this dying day strength is exactly what is needed. There are so many influences that we must face both personally and especially in the media. Every where we turn we see what society is painting as our reality, we see what the social stigma is for our generation.

Furthermore, the scripture says that His word lives in our hearts. How special is this piece of our relationship? The living, powerful, active word of God lives within us. Within our spirits and lives the word of God is empowering us to do the work of the ministry, it is empowering us to change what's going on around us and it is empowering us to be the catalyst for change in our current lives. We need to identify ourselves as though that were set apart on purpose, we were set apart for this specific purpose that God could use us for His glory.

The last part of the verse says that we have won our battle with the evil one. This tells us that we have the power to over come, we have the ability to withstand temptation and we are examples of the truth of Jesus Christ. The word has several instances wherein we are told that we would be victorious and that we would overcome. How much different should we look at ourselves? How much more responsible are we for the future of our world with what little time it has left?

If we ever stopped and understood who we are truthfully and what the purpose really was when we were called then we would understand that in the coming days it is we who have the power. Society and life in general defeats because we lack the knowledge of purpose. God has empowered us to carry a charge unprecedented, to usher in a change unseen. We are called to draw Heaven closer to Earth with the truth of the Gospel, the deliverance of His people and the dispelling of darkness in every aspect.

1 Timothy 4:12 "¹² Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity"

The word itself says that we are called to be examples. It is high time that we defeat the stigma of our generations and rely on what promises the creator has made concerning us. We ought to rely on the freedom of the truth of the gospel rather than the negative depiction of a failed system. We aren't degenerates but we individually as well as corporately are catalyst for the change that Christ wants to enact in the Earth. Only when we accept our role will we be able to catch this vision and in turn spread it to other.... Say it with me....

WE ARE CALLED!

 

As always I pray that you have received something from this blog posting and I also pray that the peace of God would be our portion as we continue to grow in God... Blessings to you, don't forget to share, comment and look forward to the next posting. 

 

Please Hear Me

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As believers in Christ we understand a few things that should make our lives a bit easier. We understand that this relationship is far more supernatural than it is natural, meaning we live so much more on faith and believing than we do actually seeing with our own eyes. This is not to say that we will never see what God is doing with our natural sight but it is to say that as believers we must spend the majority of our time in belief and faith than getting trapped into wanting to see every move that our Father is making...

Have you ever been in the midst of a storm or situation in life that seemed completely unfavorable? Have you ever been in a place where you prayed to God but was unsure that He was listening or if He would respond? I'm sure that we have all experienced a place in this walk where we feel that God may not be hearing us or seeing what is going in our lives or in the lives of the people around us. I believe that we all have a Habakkuk experience wherein we question God. We begin to think, how are you not seeing this or are you seeing this and not responding...

This blog posting is rightfully entitled "Please hear me" because I believe that this is something that if not most are going through that most can relate to. In our fleshly weakness it is hard for us to understand that we serve such a powerful God and that we are still going through these rough situations. How is it God that you tell me that you are the highest power but I your child have been in this storm for such a long time.

This posting has been made to encourage you, although we may pray and pray and pray and we may never receive the answer via a medium we are expecting, know that God hears the cries of His people. Know that this Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and they and them that dwell within. Nothing goes on in this world that He does not know but for His reasons He intervenes in ways that He sees fit for the situation.

As I began studying the book of Habakkuk I couldn't help but to relate to what was going on. I couldn't help but to see myself in the pages. Some times the things we go through in life hurt us bad or seem so heavy that we want God to immediately respond with relief. Did we ever take the opportunity to stop and wonder what if this storm is purposeful? What if what we are facing has been used as the Babylonia in our lives, something unfavorable used to humble us and bring us to the point of breaking where only God can do the repairs and receive the glory....

I will leave us with two passages of scripture that can help us...

There's a condition in which we must pray to God if we expect Him to hear us and respond. Although He receives our speech, if we want to open the doors to communication than we must do it in a way that He is accepting of....

2 Chronicles 7:14

"¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

and as I was studying this verse really hit me and I immediately felt encouraged and strengthened

Habakkuk 2:2-3

² Then the Lord said to me,“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. ³ This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

 

As always I pray that you have received something from this blog posting and I also pray that the peace of God would be our portion as we continue to grow in God... Blessings to you, don't forget to share, comment and look forward to the next posting.

 

 

 

Love wins...

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¹⁸ Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love (1 John 4:18)

As we look to media, society and the collected wealth of knowledge we still find ourselves asking the complex question, what is love? Some are able to sum up love to being a feeling that people share between one another, others sum up the definition from a deeper perspective. Love in a nut shell is the very foundation of the world, love is powerful beyond measure, it is the very essence of existence.

When we look at the scripture and take into account that the bible also say that God is love (1 John 4:8) we understand that love must take on the characteristics of that which it is, in this case love must have the characteristics of God. If we viewed love in the proper perspective we wouldn't be so quick to misuse it or so willing to believe a complete misunderstanding.

In my personal experience natural human love is contingent on a reciprocation, it is contingent on conditions that may or may not be expressed. If we were to for just a moment loved how God has loved just imagine how we would be able to change the world for the better. God does not love His family in the Earth based on how we love Him. He does not show affection, blessings or any other attribute based how we as people may respond or act. God's love is pure for more than Him being holy and perfect, His love is pure because it knows no bounds, holds no record of suffering rejection and simply is because it is.

With so much going on in the world, so much calamity mixed in with simple success as well as the failings of human systems the one thing, the one institution that should remain prevalent is love. No matter what happens, who comes, who goes, what you win or what you inevitably will lose love should always survive.

If you can imagine a world where people loved out of truth and necessity rather than with the expectation to gain something in return. What if people loved not because we are commanded to but because it's what we know to do through the teaching of the truth about love? Love cannot be diminished to a simplistic existence because it surpasses our understanding. A lot of what we do in life is about cause and affect, our actions seem to be based off Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion "Every action has an opposite and equal reaction." In most instances this would be correct but as it pertains to love it shouldn't be. Love should have a similar magnified affect when activated amongst people.

It is my prayer this year that we all come to the true understanding of what love really is, that we get away from considering love to be butterflies in our stomachs and physical attractions to other people. Let's allow love to have it proper place in our lives and even more so let's allow love's power to do exactly what the scripture says... LET'S ALLOW LOVE TO WIN!!!!

It's me oh Lord

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In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)

I confidently say that as an intercessor I find myself at a loss for words when it's time to pray for myself at times. We spend so much time doing the work of the ministry, praying for others and bearing the infirmities of the weak (lending strength to our brothers and sisters) that we can easily forget to pray for ourselves. Unfortunately we get to the point to where we forget that we are in need as well, we too need to get to the feet of the Father with the things that trouble our hearts and vexes our spirit. Thankfully when we are unintentionally absent minded we have a spiritual advocate on our side. Right when we have reached the point where we are in need the spirit reminds us that He is there for us in our times of need.

Just think about how many times we have spent our oil cheerfully helping someone else and then we find ourselves in a situation or circumstance wherein we need that anointing, we need to get a prayer through and we need to hear the heart, mind and counsel of God. In this current season of my life I feel the urgency more and more to pray for myself as well as covering my duties in prayer. We cannot allow ourselves to grow weary in well doing, just as the car will stop running if there's no gas, we as believers will stop running if there's no period of refreshing.

 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. (Luke 6:12)

There's nothing more important than being able to hear the voice of God for ourselves. While Christ was doing the work of our Father, He found it necessary to pull away from the then disciples and spend the night praying. Let me ask this question, how does a new child learn the voice of their parents unless they spend time listening and the parents spend time speaking? This is true for our spiritual walks, it is imperative that we spend time listening the Father and the great part about it is that He desires to hear our voices. We must understand that His power is unlimited but its activated in the Earth at the response of His children calling.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

In all honesty when is the last time we have gone to the Father in the manner of how He would like to hear from us? Repenting, praising and worshiping, seeking His face (desires and will) and then really believing that He will answer us? It's amazing that in His word there's multiple formulas of how to get God's attention, we as His children have 24 hour access to the king whenever we want but notice the verse says that we must humble ourselves. God made us strong, but He doesn't always need us to be strong, how can He be our God if we are occupying His place in our lives being self sufficient?

Take a moment today and meditate on the verses that we went over today, think about how we can strengthen ourselves as well as our prayer lives. Know that God loves you, He has planned a life and destiny for you and He is excited to hear from His children. Right where you are humble yourself and say " It's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer"

Watch the throne

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Colossians 3:1-2 "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."

In this day and age most of what you know and come to understand has come from what we have seen whether through news, entertainment or reading. Throughout our days we see a wide variety of things that subconsciously shape our perspective on the world around us and give us a view point through which we are able to interact in our environments. Although this is a natural action for the believer it is imperative that we do more than just see naturally, we must see from the correct view point.  

The scripture in Colossians tells us that we ought to focus on the realities of heaven. Reality is defined as "the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them." Heaven's reality is that God is sovereign and His will is what takes place. Now since we live in this world but we are not a part of this world then we must adhere to our reality. We as children of God must take the reality we understand in which our God is alive and active and His will and power supersede everything else and bring that here to our everyday lives. 

In these days and times where the perspective of man is more humanistic than it has been since periods prior, we the free children of God must redraw the focus of the world's population off of ourselves and directed back to the throne. 

Scripture tells us of times in which the people forgot or lost sight of God. We have the people's election of King Saul, the occurrences of Malachi the 3rd chapter and the period in which Apostle Paul warns Timothy in 1 Timothy 4. In each of these times you will see the turning of the people's attentions, efforts and thought away from God and unto themselves. I ask you, how can a lost people save themselves? 

We cannot afford to lose sight of God in this season, we cannot with the enemy on a rampage, lose sight on our saving grace. In this hour we must "Watch the throne", we must look to God for instruction, correction, revelation, inspiration and most importantly redemption. 

Apostle Paul prays in Ephesians 1:18-19 "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him...." this is the same prayer I speak for those of us that are reading this posting. May our eyes be caused to readjust and help us to understand the hope, power and greatness we find in our Father God and His Christ. 

We need a hero!

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"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17)

How is it that we define what a hero is? Is a hero someone who is selfless, someone who does things for others without thought of repayment, or is it someone who risks their lives for others like a firefighter or police officer? 

One definition says "A hero or heroine refers to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some greater good of all humanity." 

When we think of the world in it's current state, do we think of God first? Or do we think of what the world is missing out on while in their unbelief? As I sit back and just think of the current affairs going on in the world I see a great many things. I see advancement both economically and socially, industries attempting to thrive in business and commerce but most noticeable is the fear and hopelessness that seems to be taking over and reshaping the world. 

The bible tells us in Proverbs 13:12 that a hope deferred makes the heart sick. When we have lost hope in our lives, our business both professional and personal, and in ministry our heart, our epicenter grows sick, cancerous even. Through this heart condition it is my belief that we allow the normal trials and legitimacy of life to consume us to the point of losing faith. Shockingly, most of the time this goes unnoticed, it is not till the very moment that we are need of Him do we notice that we have misplaced our focus on Christ. 

In these last days we are in need of a hero, we are in need of a restoration of our hope in living again.

Ecclesiastes 3:15 says " What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again." 

Bring the two scriptures together and we see that once before God saw a people lost of hope and falling in love with themselves. The Father looked down and saw that people had lost sight of Him and because of this loss were losing their grip on destiny. During this time, being the loving God that He is, He sees the need to reclaim and reestablish what is His. Instead of punishing the world for it's unbelief and its resulting sin God sends Christ into the world to save it.

Brothers and sisters we are all in need of a hero, we are in need of a dose of hope. We need to be revived from the conformity of this world and renewed in the hope that the master's plans shall prevail. In not so many words we are in need of refocusing on what really matters in life and that He who gave it to us. 

Hypothetically speaking, how could batman, superman or spiderman do what they do less they had a people who not only had a need to be saved but who let them serve in this capacity? We have to do what we know is right and submit to God so that He will be able to move on our behalf. Let us not stand in the way of the very thing that we need and truthfully desire. 

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Suvivor

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Webster defines the word survivor as " a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died." For most, life has been a series of obstacles that have required this mentality or character attribute. Many of us have had to endure incredible hardships and adapt to environments and situations that have been entirely unfavorable. Life has dealt us cards that other wouldn't be able to handle but in the midst of this adversity we have missed the detriment in the word "Survivor". In order to survive one must adapt, learn and become innovative in a situation or environment that is not to the favor of its subject. This all sounds good but where does this leave the believer, where does this leave the person who has been born again fearless with unlimited power? 

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

The model that the world follows is that of its forefathers, the mentality of this world is to make lemonade when life has given you lemons. For the one that has been given power to change the world, power to reshape circumstances and occurrences being a survivor is a hindrance, even worse it limits the possibility of becoming better. 

Apostle Paul rights in this letter that we aren't to conform to the pattern of this world, its no coincidence that this letter is going to the center of an empire that is reshaping the world to who's influence is still seen today. It's imperative that we as believers allow the Holy Spirit to rewire our minds to think like the king and not as commoners.

The bible says so many great things about the body of Christ but if you notice, positively speaking, the everything we are and are to do is written in a progressive and increasing context. Being a survivor goes against who we are by supernatural nature, we are not to survive but to overcome, conquer, defeat that which keeps us bound to limited thinking and achievements.

Who you rather just make it, or would you rather be able to find peace in escaping mediocrity of social and economical limitations? I for one am not a survivor, I'm a conqueror, I'm royalty, I have overcome!  

Me, Himself and I AM

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13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13)

Take a minute and think about your relationship with Christ, I'm sure what comes to mind is how He has been working in you, for you and before you. How sweet it is to be loved by Him?! Truthfully the relationship most of us have with Christ is intangible but at the same time so powerful, we can't touch His love but oh do we feel it and see it working on our behalf. Metaphorically it's just like a volcano, a seemingly normal exterior with nothing special to describe but then on the inside molten lava, raw power stewing and moving. 

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

The most encouraging part to this walk is that truth actually comes to pass, what the scriptures tell us we get to watch happen right before our own eyes. In Christ we get to shed our old selves and start over in the lap of His power. Christ uses what we've been through, what we have experienced and what we have learned and then forms that into a new person, isn't that amazing? As time goes on and the relationship continues to grow its like we forget that we were once separate, we forget the osmosis that has now taken place in our lives.  

20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.[a] It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.( Galatians 2:20)

As a child of God it's no longer I am but "Me, Himself and I am" that lives within us, we become the resting place of the God Head. Just imagine in a life that was once victim to the whims of the world there is now power inconceivable, limitless potential, and the blueprint to the master's plans. 

Be encouraged believer, son or daughter, God saw fit to chose you, to instill His belief in you, to call you to be one of His own. Be encouraged beloved that today is just one day in destiny and God is surely working to perfect everything concerning you. Know what power is fueling your drive, what strength in backing your ambition, what author wrote the book on you... 

Wake up child!

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When you turn on the television and listen to the news, it isn't hard to tell what times we are in. It really takes little discernment to understand what is going on both in the spirit as well as in the natural (John 10:10) As people seemingly just in the mess, helplessness is easy to fall into. Thinking, feeling and wondering what role do we play in all of this. 

The bible tells us many things about ourselves such as who we are in God, what we have been made to do for Him and His kingdom, and what power has be afforded us. What we must understand isn't solely these things but we must also understand how to utilize what we have been given. In other words children of God, it's our time to wake up, be attentive and be active. 

Acts 1:8 "8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This scripture has been used over and over to explain what happens after we have received the Holy Spirit but we often miss something. The verse says that we are to be witnesses of Christ, that after we have received the Holy Spirit and His power that we are to show the world Christ. Well what did Christ do in His time, what was His objective in the world, what was He sent here to do?

In the time that Christ spent on Earth His main job was to redeem a lost people unto the Father, He was to sacrifice Himself so that a high price may be paid to equate for the world's sin. What good would it have done for Christ to do all that and not cause any change, it would've been like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. 

Children, believers, followers and disciples we have been given the same power that Christ used in His time to do the exact same thing. We are not only saving the lives of the lost but we are causing change in the world so that the effort perpetuates itself.  This may seem like a daunting task but look who we have backing us up, our power source is unlimited and just waiting for us. We are His agents in the world and He seeks to use each and every one of us for His glory. And as an added benefit we have millions of people to assist us, fellow brothers and sisters in faith, Christ had 12 and we have 3 million!!!

So I say to us all its our time to wake up and get involved in this world, we cannot be a catalyst for change and never make a move. We must pray and intercede for the world we live in, we must live lives that portray the existence of Christ and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, and we must be the change that our Father wishes to see in the world....

U.N.I.T.Y

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Currently the world has a population of approximately 7 billion people and of these people almost 3 billion people are of the Christian religion. This in and of itself is an amazing number, that the ministry of one God-Man (Jesus Christ) has converted this many people in 3000 years. It's amazing that the spreading of the gospel, the revealing of the truth and the increasing of faith over this time span has brought these many people to the truth. 

Have you ever wondered why it was so necessary for our population to grow? Why was it so important to God and His only begotten son Jesus that the world be converted and exposed to the truth. The obvious answer is that He wished that no man would perish (2 Peter 3:9) but think about it what's the game plan?

The word of God describes us as an army but also as brothers and sisters following the first brother of many (Romans 8:29). One of the reasons I believe that God designed us this way is because He knew that we would need each other. He knew that this walk makes us foreigners in our own land, causes us to stand out, and makes, by the world's standards, insane. The importance of the spread of the truth is that many lives would be saved but also from the unity of one another. 

The scriptures speak about the benefits of unity, as well as how He views the relationship and covenant between us (Proverbs 11:14; Matthew 18:20 etc). Together we can accomplish so much, we can do so much more and the effectiveness of this gospel can be strengthened by the unity in our witness (John 13:35)

Imagine how much easier the weight of this walk would be if we had people that we could depend, people that we could lean on when the spiritual and natural war has us battled scarred and bruised. How much more desirable would this walk be if there was strength in numbers (Romans 15:1-6) 

I believe it is the desire of God that all His children would be there to support one another, I believe that He is pleased when we use the power that He has given us to help one another, when selfishness has no room in our hearts, and where selflessness has became our main goal to give to others more than we have for ourselves. God being the creator and embodiment of love would reasonably desire for His children to give like He did, He gave His best not because He wanted to gain but because He loved us enough, subsequently He received His lost children and relationships with people who otherwise would not have believed. 

Now as we are approaching new times in the body of Christ and in the world as a whole it is imperative that we stand up for one another as well as stand in the gap for one another. Prayer goes a long way in regards to being there but so does a literal helping hand, a hug, a phone call and even a word of encouragement. 

Unity is defined as the state of being in full agreement, just imagine if we the people of God embodied this statement, if we were in a continual state of agreement, if we were together in all things for the right reasons. I once read that you'll never see demons fight each other but they come as a unified front, they come together for the task that they have been sent out to do. The demonic forces are effective because they complete a task together for the sake of the whole.  Surprisingly enough we can learn something from these fallen angels... Unity gets the job done, one man cannot change the world, the one who could ascended already and His disciples were charged to come together and complete the work He started....

UNITY IS THE KEY FOR THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND BRING THE LOVING TRUTH TO A DYING WORLD... Question is, will we join together despite any reason we have not and complete what Christ has called us to do?! 

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Will you help me...?

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The weight of the walk seems to be consuming and the sacrifice it takes to continue is trying most of the time. The strength that it takes to continue in the path God has chosen for you seems to be slipping away and there seems to be no reprieve. You're holding on for dear life and just then, God sends a friend, family member, or even a stranger with that bit of encouragement that you need to continue on.

Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling low and stretched out by the call, there's no one around to help? This actually isn't the truth, the old war tactic calls for the enemy to divide and conquer. The enemy tries to separate us by any means he can, whether it be sibling rivalry, discord, lies or sin. But the word tells us that we cannot allow this to continue or even begin.

The strength that we as a family get from one another was the original intention of God, His word tells us that we are many members but one body. Hebrews 10:25 says "25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Although our hearts, churches, ministries and intentions are filled with love, the weight of all this can cause us to be weary in our flesh, in our minds and our walks. For one, if our mind is not in check then we are subject to its tricks, we can easily fall into the traps the enemy sets and be used for his intentions. We wouldn't be a part of this body is it wasn't God's intention but we must do our part to guard our hearts and relationships as well as the hearts and relationships of those around us. 

One of my favorite war stories is that of the Spartans of Greece. These soldiers had many war tactics but one that stuck out is the operation of their defense system. Each soldier protected the man to their left from thigh to neck with their shield and this made it mostly impossible to penetrate their ranks. It's funny how this foreshadows the scripture Romans 15:1-2 "1-2 Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Each soldier in the Lord's army has weaknesses and strengths but it's amazing how God designed us that one's strength can cover their brother and sister's weakness. 

It's imperative that we do our part to look after one another like we would do in our natural family. Often times pride, fear of rejection and shyness will keep siblings in Christ from reaching out for help or out to each other. As young leaders and people who profess the love and ministry of Christ, we must make it our job to tend to the fellow sheep, to call, text or go visit one another. How much more successful would this body be if we all were on one united front?!

Brothers and Sisters I beseech you by the mercies of God to do your best to love one another. No we won't always get along or want to be around each other but it is our commandment from God to LOVE EACH OTHER, which means helping, looking out, and showing concern for each other in and out of the church building...

Together we can achieve what God has destined us to do, together we can reclaim this world for the Kingdom of Heaven. I pray the love of God over you all my Father's children....

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Can you feel me?!

(Luke 22:1-6) 22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, ² and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. ³ Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. ⁴ And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. ⁵ They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ⁶ He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

Do you feel as if the call of God is your passion or do you feel like its just another job or assignment? What I've come to understand in this walk, is that when you take something serious and it becomes a part of you everything you are is attached to it, including your feelings.

How easy is it that we can get our feelings hurt while doing God's business? We work so hard and spend countless hours attempting to complete some aspect of the call on our lives. We go to each service, we attend the meetings, we love our neighbors, we do all we can to live the Christian life... But all of a sudden we get our feelings hurt, we get disappointed, we get overlooked, or something just isn't going the way we think they ought to. What is it that we are supposed to do? Are our feelings justified?

The word tells us that God's intention was to make us in His image, it also tells us that He has feelings. Naturally, we have feelings as a design by God. What do we do as Christians following the example when these feelings get hurt?!

The above scripture depicts a popular time in scripture in where Judas had agreed to betray Christ. Christ being God in the flesh and knowing who His betrayer was put in a situation where He not only had to acknowledge His hurt feelings but He had to carry out the mandate that was on Him. This in itself is a great example of the importance of continuing despite opposition, especially an attack against you spawned by yourself!

In all honesty do people mean to hurt our feelings? Sometimes yes and sometimes its unintentional, but what is more important, our feelings or what we are called to do for God's kingdom? What should we allow to stop us from completing our tasks? The answer saints, friends, future leaders and workers in the kingdom is... NOTHING!!!

Imagine the grace, faith and strength it took Christ to walk out the plan when He was looking His betrayer in the face, attempting to save His murderers, and giving His life for those who don't receive Him even 3500 years after His sacrifice. The world tells us that we are to accomplish what He did and even more, this is telling us to operate in grace and keep moving in strength, acknowledging our feelings but not allowing them to stand in the way of what we know the call is...

Despite what it feels like press on believer, continue to make progress in the kingdom, continue to retrieve your life back from the enemy and then turn and go back for the others still lost.

I pray your encouragement in the things of God, your strength against self and sent opposition and the tenacity, fervor and passion it takes to be success in this walk. In Jesus's name!

Please share, comment, spread and be on the look out for the next post. And as always be blessed...