Stay Positive; Things Could Always Be Worse

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The challenge of every Christian is to live every day and every hour of their life to fulfil God’s will… This doesn’t mean simply inquiring about God’s will, but executing the very steps outlined in today’s devotional scriptures… We are called to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances… The part we tend to lose sight of is the “in all circumstances” as we find ourselves from time to time becoming distracted by situations both positive and negative, and ultimately losing sight of what God’s will is… Understand today that it is very easy and even natural to rejoice when things are pleasant; it can become second nature to pray when things become difficult, and we can bear thanksgiving when we hear things which we have longed for… But how do we handle the opposite; are we able to rejoice when things or situations are unpleasant? Can you continue to pray to the Father when the storm has left your doorstep? Can you give thanks when you don’t receive what you desire…? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves today, knowing that we are to live these points in every area and situation of our lives. As Christians, we are to rejoice in all circumstances, pray without ceasing, and be thankful for everything. God has a plan for you, and it is perfect. You rejoice because your Master is in control, you pray because this is your direct line of communication with the Father, and you remain thankful because things could always be worse. 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

It All Starts With Christ

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:26-28

We live in a world where people are constantly frowned upon based on their religion, upbringing, color, or nationality. The same things that plague our communities today are the same things that existed at the time this letter was written by the Apostle Paul. It is through today’s devotion that we are reminded that Christ justifies every walk of life to be clothed with Him in and through Faith… Neither your economic status nor your popularity has any impact on your heavenly dwelling… It is only through Christ Jesus that we have life and have it more abundantly… This message today is an important one, as we all at some point in time have felt or have been deemed unqualified...  To understand that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, teaches us that your former doesn’t have to restrict your latter in Christ… Yes, we all have done things which we are not proud of; we all have missed the mark and fallen short of the glory of God… Paul once called himself the chief sinner; however, through Christ, His former was wiped clean and His latter included writing a majority of the New Testament… We must understand the message written to the church of Galatia and how it applies to our lives today; we cannot allow our thoughts to be captivated by the enemy and thus begin to disqualify others from knowing Christ based on their past… You yourself do not have a right but have been afforded a privilege and an opportunity to come to know Christ, and it is your duty to share Him with others... We all have our own testimony as to how we came to know Christ as our personal savior; we all have a past; however, the end result of each member of Christ is the same (we are saved through Him)… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Give God Your Best

​Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9-10

The priority that God holds in your life is demonstrated not when you are without but when you have plenty… It is very easy to cry out to God when we need something; however, how many times have we found ourselves forgetting about His saving/delivering power when we seem to be ascending…? In all phases of life, the Lord should be honored “…with thy substance…” This isn’t just a monetary application, but a principle that we as Christians are called to live by… When God receives the firstfruits, you are making a declaration not only to the position He holds in your life, but you are recognizing that it is only by His grace that you have obtained the level of increase in your life… The 6^th chapter of Matthew, verse 33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The key to success is not how much money you make or how many degrees you have; on the contrary, the key to success lies in the priorities that you have in life… Hardships come knocking on everyone’s door; however, when we are aligned with the will of God, we see numerous times throughout the bible and in our everyday life that success follows thereafter... The book of Proverbs tells us that our barns will be filled with plenty and they shall burst out with new wine; in short, you will be prosperous, you will do great things and reach higher heights, but let us notice the first thing that we are to do in this scripture, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase…” Recognize God in all things and give Him your best!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Everybody Will See His Glory

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 40:5

Despite how daunting this Christian journey may appear, there is good news for you and me today to hold on to… Many people in the world appear to be succeeding in various aspects of life, even though they are not walking according to God's will. Isaiah informs us today that we must be careful not to get caught up in the way things appear or seem to be because “…the glory of the Lord shall be revealed…”God will be exalted, He will be recognized as Lord of Lord and King of Kings and you should find courage today in your walk because you know that when His glory is revealed, you will be as well… Those who think they are mighty will become weak, those who think they have plenty will not have enough and it’s good news for all those serving in whatever capacity that God desires of them to know that “…all flesh shall see it together…” Everyone will come to know your path and see how God has kept you and secured you… There are times in life when circumstances aren’t what you desire them to be; situations that seem unfair and unjust; times when the trials and tribulations, the storms and rain, just are too much to even comprehend. Again, this passage that we focus on today informs us that the glory of the Lord will be revealed.  That means that we will behold His majesty, we will see His omnipotence, and feel His favor. Some things take place in your life so that you will understand that only God can deliver you, and some things happen so that you will increase in faith in the Lord. 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Don't Talk About It, Be About It

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

James 1:22

There are two vital elements to the life of a Christian: one is hearing the word of God and the other is applying and/or doing the word of God… We cannot hear and be satisfied, the word of God must not only be heard, but be rooted within so that it can sprout and bring forth fruit from the lives we live and the examples we display to others…  You deceive yourself when you think that you have done enough by being able to say that you faithfully attend church; you deceive yourself when you put on your Sunday’s best and display the worst example of a Christian each and every other day of the week… Applying the word of God is what leads to positive fruits and results in one's life… The word of God being heard without being applied is the same as instruction being received and not carried out… You wonder why you fall short over and over again, you wonder why your life continues to spiral out of control as you attend church faithfully, and the answer may be in the failure of applying what you heard in church to your life.

The proof is in the pudding; the question is “how does your life taste?”

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Listen More And Talk Less

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

James 1:19-20

I was once told you were given one mouth and two ears for a reason… You should listen twice as much as you speak… Growing up with 7 siblings, arguments seemed to be a daily routine within our household; whether someone was wronged, an item was taken, or the channel on the television was switched, it was never a matter of talking through things but rather yelling out of control until our parents stepped in and took whatever we were arguing about away from us… Being rebellious and retaliatory are natural traits by way of the fall of man and have not become part of our human nature… When someone has wronged us, we want to get them back or, at the very least, let them know our thoughts (most of the time these are not kind words)… If we come to the realization that the state we enter this world in produces negative things, then we will understand that as a child of God, we show our maturity and growth in how we resolve issues and communicate with others… 

Personally speaking, my father will tell you that I was beat the most of any of my siblings and that I caused the most chaos, there was no question that if you negatively crossed my path you were susceptible to my wrath; however over the years I can truly say that I have grown as a child of God because I can turn situations over to the Lord in prayer and not allow my emotions to get the best of me… To be able to refrain from what comes naturally is a testament to your faith and advancement in the will of God… Sin is natural; however, when we make attempts to avoid sin and live a life that is pleasing to God, we are displaying the characteristics that a child of God should display, and we are living the life that James speaks of in our focus verses today… Self-control demonstrates how far we have grown in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… James reminds us today that we must be swift to hear, but slow to speak… In other words, it’s best that you shut your mouth and open your ears… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

He Hearkens To Those Who Fear Him

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."

Malachi 3:16

Take some time today to think about this next line of text, which I am about to write; God knows and sees all that we do… Oftentimes, we (for whatever reason) think that we can get over on God, we come to a conclusion that if we do just enough in church, God will be pleased, or if we read just enough throughout the week, that everything will be okay… The Bible constantly reminds us that God looks at the heart of man. The acts that you do on this earth aren’t what God notes, but the thoughts that spur your actions are what God is watching. If you give simply for someone to see your act of kindness, the bible says that you have already received your reward; however, if you sow a seed with a desire not to gain popularity from men, then God will reward your deeds because you are truly doing them from the kindness of your heart… 

This is why we are instructed in the gospel of Matthew to be secretive in our giving, the word says “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” So many of us do things to be seen and praised by men, and Jesus said that those who do that have already received their reward… Understanding this in today’s time means that we must stop doing things to get a rise out of people, we must stop trying to inflate our own egos, and we must stop trying to “trick” God… The steps you take this day are recorded, the avenues and paths you walk have been written down, and if you are walking with the Lord, know that just as Malachi says, even though you may experience ups and downs, highs and lows, God has “…heard it…” God knows what you stand in need of, He knows the battles you have faced and the trials that you have overcome, He has seen the storms that have approached your door, and at the end He will justify you through the blood of Jesus and say “come on in…” 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

A Fool Is Wise Accordingly To Worldly Standards

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a fool so that he may become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18

Socrates once said, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." We are charged today through this verse penned by Paul to remain humble… In the world that we live in, it is very easy to become so entrapped with pride, ego, and self-righteousness; however, the call of all Christians is to rise above the standards of this world by taking the path least traveled… It’s human nature to want to be the best and showcase your talents; the biggest factor in doing that is how you go about it… The bible is clear about boasting and even tells us that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.…” The higher you are on yourself, the further you will fall when you are humbled… I don’t know about you, but my fear of heights and falling keeps me close to the ground… 

This letter written to the church of Corinth by the Apostle Paul, reminds us that we must not think higher of ourselves than we ought. Paul tells the church of Corinth at the very beginning of this verse, “Do not deceive yourselves…” Paul says this because the church had lost sight of God and focused on its material wealth and stature. Remember what happened with Eve in the garden, Satan told her that she wouldn't die, but he also appealed to her mental makeup in declaring that if she ate the fruit, she would “…be like God, knowing good and evil…” This same appeal to the human nature of desiring power and elevation is present in our day and age, which is why Paul says, “If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age…” God is bigger than this world, we don’t have the full picture, and it’s time that we understand that true wisdom is God and ONLY comes from Him… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

He Feels Your Pain, He Has A Plan

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9

God sent His son into this world to deliver us from the penalty of sin. None on this earth was or is perfect, for through Adam’s bloodline all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Seeing that there was none among us to deliver us from wickedness unto righteousness, God sent his ONLY begotten son. Hebrews reminds us that he was touched by our infirmities; Christ had compassion on his Father’s creation, so he laid down his life. People lose sight of the fact that Christ was 100% God and Man. There were many times he was tempted, just as we are. The devil offered Him the world (although it wasn't his to offer). He could have passed from taking the cup in the Garden of Gethsemane, but instead, He was without sin. For that, you should truly be grateful. 

Our second focus verse, taken from Isaiah, declares to us the revelation we should grow to see and understand; in our deepest stage of evil, God had already formed a plan for Salvation, He had already ordained the time and day His son would come. He had already planned a way of escape for His children. Despite what I may think is best, I am glad that God knows best… There have been numerous times when I pondered the question: What is God up to? This passage from the prophet simply tells us today that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than ours. So when you feel despair about your circumstance and can’t seem to understand your situation, know that God is at work and it all will work for the good, for those called according to His purpose! 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Your Work Determines Your Wages

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

There is no way for you to live a double life; Paul’s letter to the Church of Rome emphasizes the point that the only outcome from sin is death… Many people believe that they can do as they please and make up for it before it’s too late. When we live in this manner, we live in falsehood and set ourselves up for failure… Tomorrow is never promised, and death awaits all who anticipate a reward for their sin… The bible tells us that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess; every move that you make is remembered, every decision you make is recorded, and you will suffer the consequences of your actions (whether good or bad)… The bible is clear that we reap what we sow, and it is also clear that a fig tree can not bear any other fruit besides figs… If you are living a life that is according to the standards of this world, today is your wake-up call… If you are walking under the authorities that are here on this earth today is your reality check… We all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We all must give account and will be held accountable for our actions here on Earth. I cannot help but emphasize the fact that this passage tells us the wages of sin is death. This simply means that as you lead a life of sin, your reward is eternal damnation. 

Sure, it may feel right at the time or moment, and you may even take great pleasure in your sin, but stop and think about what kind of reward you will receive. People get high to forget their problems, they drink to become disoriented, and they sleep around to feel loved. All these things do not add up to true rewards. The problems that you left when taking drugs still exist when your high fades, the pain you try to avoid with alcohol will tear you up even more when you are sober again, and love doesn’t live in the arms of multiple partners… The gift that you have been promised if you leave your life of sin is eternal life. The bible tells us that we are to store our treasures in heaven. One of the biggest hurdles we have to overcome on this Christian journey is looking for physical prosperity in everything that we do or take part in… God sees all your deeds, but some of your rewards will not be evident until you reach Eternal Bliss… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

The Avenues Of Life

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25

There are so many paths that we can travel in this life, so many avenues that we can venture down; however, we are reminded today that no matter how many different paths we see or how many other avenues we find, all end in death if they are not paved by the Lord… This verse starts off by saying, “There is a way…”You can lay out the plans for your life, the goals you want to reach, and how you plan to achieve them, but death is guaranteed as the ultimate outcome if your will is not submissive to the will of God… The bible teaches us that God disciplines those He loves. The Bible also tells us that we must go through the “refiner’s fire” so that we can become the children God designed us to be… Understanding that discipline is a part of our growth and trials helps our maturation process, lets us know that things shouldn’t come easy… The path you seek is often based on the appearance of ease in its travel… Oftentimes we are always looking for the quick fix or the easy way out, but this Proverb teaches us today that if it seems easy and enticing to do, you had better stay clear of that path… The way that seems right to man is the way that provides the least resistance, provides a quick answer, and opens doors immediately… We all would love to walk into our workplace, get the respect we deserve, and make a salary that pushes us into a new "classification"; however, we know that the bible tells us that we must ask, seek, and knock… This means that you must work toward the goal, you must sacrifice, you must endure, and you must be patient… So often we base decisions on appearance and not true worth… Even though it seems right, don’t trust it without God’s approval and direction! Ultimately, the choice is yours; the path you choose displays the choice that you have made. Please pick wisely…

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

We Are Saved Because Of His Grace

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus 3:5-6

Your hours of study and minutes of sweat may be beneficial to your success; however, it is imperative to know and realize today that you can’t do anything on this earth through the works of your hands to obtain the righteousness needed to be saved and clothed in the garments of a child of God… Titus reminds us today that no matter how perfect we think we are or how many good deeds we try to do, it is not by our hands that we receive Salvation… Often, we overlook how we are saved and sealed until Christ returns… Ephesians 4:30 says, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed until the day of redemption…” You are saved by the blood of Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit… Did you catch that? Again, we are drawn by the father, set free by the son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit… All three comprise the Salvation that we inherit as a child of the Most High…Today, you need to stop acting as if you are a good person and start recognizing that you are saved “…according to his mercy…” You didn’t deserve it, you didn’t’ warrant it, but while you were in the pit of darkness, God withheld His judgment from you and gave you a clean slate… It is by the mercy of God (withholding the judgment that you and I truly deserved) that we are still in the land of the living…Don’t get it twisted; you have done nothing to deserve the saving power that came through God’s beloved son. Don’t lose sight of the fact that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Simply put, we are saved because of His grace!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Definition Of Godly Wisdom

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17

So many people in this world claim to be wise; however, James reminds us today that there are two kinds of wisdom… There is wisdom which comes from above (Godly) and wisdom which does not come from above (worldly)… Each source of wisdom can be found by the seeds planted and developed from it, as we see that James shares with us today in our focus verse the attributes aligned with the wisdom which comes from above… Wisdom is defined as having insight, intelligence, acumen, or astuteness toward a specific topic and the ability to apply this knowledge in a manner that renders fair judgment and understanding… Wisdom is a deeper level of knowledge within a particular matter and oftentimes allows others a better opportunity to understand any given subject… In understanding the overall spectrum of wisdom, we must understand today that there is power in wisdom and that wisdom can be used in two different ways… When I acquire wisdom about a particular issue, I can use it for a positive or negative impact… Negatively using wisdom is the flipside of Godly wisdom, as it usually is used to better one's standing or to bring down someone else… This passage, taken from the book of James, reminds us to consider the avenues in which we venture in obtaining wisdom… Understand today, to be wise is to accumulate knowledge; however, how we utilize the knowledge we gain is another story… You should be a positive influence on your communities if you are walking in the wisdom of God… If you are doing more harm than good, please, check your sources!!!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

You'll Be Flawless When God Is Done

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting" O grave, where is thy victory"

1 Corinthians 15:54

From your birth to your death, there is a transformation that takes place on the outside that all see as it pertains to your growth as far as height, puberty, and physical features… Seeing someone at the age of 10 is completely different than seeing them at the age of 25; many visible changes will take place throughout one's life… Today, we read about changes that come through the molding and perfecting of God, which was set in place by the Lord Jesus Christ… These changes are internal and are not seen until our physical body returns to the dust from which it came… Understand today that we are clothed in corruptible things, mortal beings, and the scars of sin are visible in our lives… Each step you take as a Christian in advancing your knowledge and submission to the Lord brings you closer to your body of immortality… Being mortal means that we are earthly, worldly, or simply human… We make mistakes, make bad decisions, and are on a path charted on a course leading to hell… This body you are in isn’t adequate for heaven, it won’t suffice, and the growth, no matter how painful it is, is preparing you to step out of your mortal corruption into your heavenly garments… As a child, one of the most trying times in our lives is when someone (a parent or other) tells us to “wait”… 

When that word is uttered to us, oftentimes we become anxious, uneasy, or retaliatory, desiring to have our way or obtain the resolution we want immediately… In waiting, we must be patient and know that other things must take place or time must elapse for us to get where we desire to be or obtain what we want… Paul writes this letter to the church of Corinth to teach about the true victory that we anticipate… Many Christians are expecting miracles and prosperity as soon as they accept Christ as their personal Savior; some begin to lose heart whenever a trial or storm approaches their door; however, we must take notice of what it is that Paul says today and how it relates to us… Victory does await all those that call upon the name of the Lord, but we must go through the refiner’s fire and the purification process… This means you will see some things, you will experience some things, you will go through some things, but you know that your perfect attire awaits… Death will be swallowed up when your victory overcomes it… You will lie down, but in Christ, this is the beginning of your rise… This body that we currently reside in is temporary; this physical establishment that we have will not see the gates of heaven, nor will it even be caught up in the clouds… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

You Have To Sift Your Lift

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

In the same way that Paul is instructing the church of Thessalonica, we have been charged to test and prove everything. No matter the esteem you hold an individual to, Paul reminds us today that we are all human and therefore flawed… You must take the time to examine any and everything you give ear to or allow to occupy your time… Remember that Jesus declared that in the gospel of Matthew that we must beware of false prophets; Jesus also declared in his final hours before His arrest that the disciples must stay awake and pray… Jesus tells the disciples to stay awake and pray because of the coming test as well as the temptation which has arrived through the weakness of their flesh… Jesus would be taken from them, and the test of loving and adhering to the will of God would be accompanied by a sense of doubt and fear to tempt them from abandoning their faith… 

In this challenge, there is a good and bad knitted together; there are positives and negatives on each side, and it is the task of the disciples to choose the right course of action as it relates to the will of God… The same circumstances faced by the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane are the same circumstances that we face in our everyday affairs on this earth today… There is always a temptation that accompanies a test, and it is the challenge of every Christian to prove all things so that they can then hold fast to that which is good… Notice that Paul says we have to prove to know; there are things in your life that will come to light when you put them under the proverbial microscope… You must seek clarity in the posture and position of those around you as well as the doors that are opened unto you… Whether you are clinging to a relationship, holding on to past hurt or scars, focus your attention on God and hold on to the things that have helped mold you into who you are and release the things that are like Parasites and continue to weaken your very being!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

We Serve A Perfect God

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Deuteronomy 32:4

God is indeed the rock; He is the only solid being in this world which we can stand firmly upon and rest in safely… Even though we have a solid platform that is God, we must understand that we are still subject to growing pains and challenges; the things we face in this world are resources utilized by God for our good, which is why today’s focus verse goes on to say that his work is perfect… God’s plan is without flaw and the things which you face now will provide a base of glorification tomorrow; you may not understand why a 3 day journey took 40 years (ask the Israelites at the time of this writing); however; the end result was worth the path traveled at the guidance of the Lord… The judgment which God has handed down for you will lead to your prosperity and peace; He has not sentenced you to death, but has devised a plan to get you back on track… All his ways are judgment because He wants to see you become the unique and blessed individual that He designed you to be… 

There are things which will not be acceptable in Christ, and these are the things which God has ruled out for you… This is why that relationship will not work, this job won’t come through, and this door will not open; there are better things for you in store through Him, but you must come to know and believe that the God you serve is a God of truth… Understand today that this passage taken from Deuteronomy challenges us to think of ways in which you would characterize the very essence of God, even when you may feel that you are going through a tough time or situation; He is a rock, again, something that is solid, sound, and sturdy. His work is perfect, ideal, just right, or without blemish. All his ways are judgments, everything about him shows that He rules and presides over mankind. A God of truth and without iniquity, there are no falsehoods within Him. Just and right is He, God is accurate and on time, and will deliver His saints through thick and thin! What a God we serve. 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

God Allows U-Turns

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.

Daniel 9:9

Despite the mistakes that you have made or the wrong choices that you have applied in your walk of life, Daniel reminds us today that God still loves you and allows u-turns…The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving… It is only because of our God's mercy and forgiving nature that we have not been consumed and still have a chance to right our wrongs… Today’s focus verse comes at a time in Daniel’s life when the children of God have been enslaved to the empire of Babylon; it is through the prophet Jeremiah’s word from God that Daniel knows that the bondage of the Israelites will not last forever…The children of God were enslaved because of their disobedience; however, the love of God is displayed at this particular time as He chooses to chasten them instead of abandoning them… This is a powerful message that we find here in today’s devotion: God will allow things to happen in our lives to get our attention, refocus our steps, and realign our vision with His will… These things are corrective measures and not displays of judgment as many may portray them to be… Daniel finds encouragement in knowing that this bondage would not last forever and sincerely thanks the most wise and everlasting Father… The same hope Daniel held onto in this passage of scripture is the same one we hold on to at this very time in our lives… There is no doubt that God has every right to pass judgment on mankind, and there is no defense which we could offer; this alone is reason enough to rejoice in knowing that God loves us, wants to spend eternity with us, and has devised a way of escape for us… The season of correction will produce a season of maturation in Christ, which will in turn bring you closer to Him and His divine plan for you… 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Christ Isn't A Title

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

Not everyone who speaks the name of Jesus is a true believer of His sacrifice on Calvary… Not everyone you see at church is a member of the body of Christ, and today we are charged to “try the spirits whether they are of God…” We must not be fooled in our walk with the Lord. I once was told that Satan isn’t actually dwelling in the world but in the church; he tries to take up residence in the church because people in the world are already under his control… This verse is such a powerful one, penned by John, because oftentimes it isn’t that we are led astray by the world but by imposters who are “wolves in sheep’s clothing…” If I am walking down a dark alley at 11 o’clock at night, I will be very vigilant and apprehensive; however, if I am walking through a park on a nice Saturday afternoon, then I tend to lower my guard, and my apprehension is non-existent… This same analogy applies to our lives as Christians, when we are in the dark alleys that are this world, we are on guard and our eyes are wide open to see traps and snares; however, when we are in the church we open ourselves up to those who we see and whom we meet expecting them to have our best interest at heart… This is why so many have fallen and have found themselves wondering how they ended up where they are today, and this is the very reason why John says we must try the spirit “…because many false prophets are gone out into the world…” One of the biggest things that plagues the path of a child of God is the deception that lies in wait and redirects our focus… Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, and it was the deception put forth by Satan that caused the original sin of mankind… They were deceived not only by Satan, but also by the comforts that surrounded them… Being in Eden can be likened to a church in that we are in God’s territory; however, we must be on guard every day and every hour of our lives to refute and rebuke the snares the enemy may lay before us… There are many false prophets in the world. Be sure that you don’t follow or become attached to one! Your soul (spirit) is at stake!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Sanctification Is A Process

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

2 Corinthians 3:18

It is good to know that the way we enter this world does not have to be the way we exit… Understand today that there is a transformation that takes place daily in the lives of Christians… Through the disobedience of Adam & Eve we all enter this world as sinners, but through the grace and sacrifice of Christ, we don’t have to leave that way! Paul charges the church of Corinth to understand that they are being formed into the image of God by His Spirit. There is a progressive work called sanctification that begins in the lives of Christians when they accept Jesus as the personal Lord and Savior…The work of redefining your life is a process that begins at acceptance and is continued through the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit, which will dwell inside you and mold you into the disciple that Christ has called you to be… This verse, which we focus on today, reminds me of God's limitless love for His creation... God has looked beyond your faults, established exactly what you needed, and then carried out the measures which had to be completed to bring you to that expected in… God’s love for you was made known before you even knew the errors of your ways or the depth of your sin…  We often hear that God isn’t a God of confusion, and that is true, but let us not take that to think that God cannot work in confusion… Through the trials you face, God will show up if you turn to Him, He will be found if you seek Him, and He will transform your spirit into His image if you let Him…

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

God's Fruit Is Without Restriction

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

A quick and easy way to tell a child of God isn’t through the things that come from people’s mouths; it is not through the praise they offer up in worship service, but the kind of fruit they bear in their lives… The fruit we produce is a direct reflection of the seed which lives within, and this fruit can not be altered or changed from its original state… This is why Paul states the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit… These characteristics cannot be found in fruit not produced within the Spirit of God… For example, the bible teaches us that God is love; therefore, being a child of God, one must have fruit of love in their lives which not only takes root in them but also produces offspring of love to enable them to extend a hand to their adversary or forgive one who has wronged them… You cannot straddle the fence with a mixed bag of fruit and call yourself a child of the Most High… This is one reason why we find a passage in the gospel of Matthew which speaks to recognizing people by the fruit that they bear… “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16)” This message is imperative for us today because as a child of God, we are not known by what we claim but the fruit that we bear… Paul writes to the church of Galatia reminding them of the fruit that the Spirit indeed does bare; today let us read these verses and take an inventory of our lives to see if we are baring these fruits, if we aren’t then it is time that we make sure that we are walking in the right spirit… 

As a child of God, we are to be filled with His spirit, and this is displayed in our daily actions in various forums… How we treat one another displays the spirit we walk in, how much time we devote to God displays the spirit that we walk in and how we deal with trials and tribulations display the spirit that we are walking in… If you treat your fellow man unkind, never spend time with the Lord and throw your hands up whenever a storm comes your way it is time for you to check the true direction that your life is headed in… This fruit doesn’t correlate to Sunday or Sabbath Day worship, this fruit is produced 7 days a week 24 hours a day… We all know the death that Jesus offered on the cross, but we often forget about the spirit He displayed in the moments leading up to the cross and even the time spent upon the cross… The bible says that while being mocked, spit upon, and beaten, Jesus never said a mumbling word; the bible says that on the cross, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for His adversaries and that He extended salvation to a thief… Remember that Jesus told us that we would do greater things than Him, and that is a pretty high benchmark for us to cross… To do greater things, we must first acknowledge what was done and strive to be the best that God has created us to be. This starts by first, walking in the right Spirit; secondly, we must produce fruit that carries these features and third, impart them into every phase of our life and every person we come in contact with… Walk in the spirit…

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

His Yoke Is Easy, His Burden Is Light

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Are you tired of being alive but not living? Do you ever find yourself frustrated by the things of this world and wonder how you are going to make it…? The truth of the matter is the enemy wants you to be so bogged down by the cares of this world that you have no time to really start living (which is to give your life to Christ)… Matthew records the call that Jesus makes to all mankind, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden…” Jesus bids you to come out from the places you currently reside… This beckoning isn't a physical call, but a voice which desires to lead you in and on the path of truth and to give you life and give it to you more abundantly (Jesus declares this as the soul purpose of His arrival to this earth)… We labour daily trying to live up to other people's expectations, we are heavy laden when we allow the thoughts of others and the temptations we face to weigh us down and strip our attention from the things that truly matter… This isn't to suggest or say that the life of a Christian is easy; however, it is to suggest that there are things that are worth laboring for and being burdened by because they will lead to eternal rewards and joy… If you are laboring in the Lord, then this message provides a sense of comfort and stability in the heaviest laden times in your life… Amid trials and tribulations, Jesus reminds us through the gospel of Matthew that we can cast our cares upon Him for He cares for us… A lot of storms will rise and chaos will approach your door, but Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us today that Christ’s yoke is easy, His burden is light; He has enough room to carry the load for you, He is mighty enough to hold you up and lead you to victory no matter what you are facing at this present time… He will give you the peace to keep your mind sane and the resources to overcome and ascend to becoming the being He created you to be…

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

Through Christ All Things Are Possible

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Mark 16:17-18

As a child of God, we are blessed with might and power that we probably don’t even realize we have… These verses teach us the supernatural power we can tap into, which only comes from the Lord… When we do things in the name of the Lord, positive results will follow. Mark tells us that we can cast out devils, we can speak with new tongues, and pick up serpents… All things are possible when we are in the care of our Lord and Savior; however, the key to unlocking these powers is the faith that we must have, which cannot waver or be snuffed out… In times of despair, in times of turmoil, in times of chaos, Mark teaches us today that with an unwavering faith and an unquenchable fire or zeal for the Lord, we will be able to do miraculous things… The words In my name speak to the connection and authority that we must receive through Christ to perform the impossible in our lives… 

Remember all the great things that Jesus did upon this earth, but also remember that He said, “Greater things than I will you do…”The mantle is ready to be passed, the limitless heights you can reach are in view, but you must walk according to the will of God and submit yourself totally to Him… We all have heard the saying, “You can tell a Leopard by its spots”; also true is the fact that you can tell a Christian by their abilities. One who has a vague outlook on life has question marks in their walk with God, one who can’t consider it pure joy when trials come needs to humble themselves a little more and the one who walks aimlessly through life must find the compass that is the Holy Spirit… Mark informs us today that we can distinguish a Christian by their actions on this earth. These instructions are given to the Disciples of Christ: we can cast out devils (resist and he will flee), speak in tongues (Acts 3^rd chapter), and take up serpents (be unafraid of danger). 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!