Caught Up In the Moment!

On Sunday, April 13, 2014, we who are Christians will celebrate and commemorate the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem of Jesus, The Son of God, riding on a donkey. We know this celebration to be Palm Sunday and what a celebration it will be as our church homes will sing "Hosanna" and pass out Palm branches to the congregation. Some palms will adorn the Sanctuary and it has even become customary to display our palms in our vehicles or places of work.

However, we must know that there may be those in our celebration that perhaps have been "CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT", caught up in all of the festivities of our celebration; that there may be those among us that are looking for something to celebrate; that there may even be those among us that have always been active and participatory in such celebrations but were just going along in order to get along.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told that such an event was taking place; that there was a huge crowd; and that they were singing and throwing their garments on the road and then some cut down and spread before Jesus Palm branches. What a Parade! Lots of celebration was going on, BUT we are also told in Matthew 21:10 that there were those in The Holy City of Jerusalem, not in the multitude, but those in the city (who was celebrating, going along to get along) who asked, "WHO IS THIS?"

"And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord !’ Hosanna in the highest!” And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “WHO IS THIS?” So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matthew 21:8-11 NKJV)

Church, we need to be prepared to respond to the question of "WHO IS THIS?". We cannot be like those in The Holy City of Jerusalem who were CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT (caught up in church or caught up in having church, being seen in church) and didn't know what was happening, but indeed we need to answer as the multitudes outside the city answered, "This is Jesus..."

Meditate on your relationship with Jesus and not just how "churchy" you are. Remember, it was those who were in close proximity to the Temple (the church) who asked, "WHO IS THIS?" Jesus says in the Gospel of John, "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:22-24 NKJV)

May your worship be true and personal on today. No longer are we to be CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT not knowing, know Jesus for yourself and I personally will care for the introduction! Deal?

Be blessed.

Walk in the Light and You Will Not Stumble!

Knowledge is light, but the knowledge of the glory of God which is radiant on the face of Jesus Christ, "who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person..." (Hebrews 1:3), is the brightest and most effectual light that ever pierced the darkness of the human heart...I'm a recipient as well as a witness, Hallelujah!!!

Jesus is the light that transforms the whole person; that transforms the entire outcome; that brings order from chaos; the light of hope; the light of peace; the light of joy, love, forgiveness... in everything and everywhere we let His Light Shine, a transformation will occur!

When we receive this light, we have to know that the light is eternal and will never again be followed by the darkness of eternal night (Hell), but will grow brighter with each hour, each day and each year that goes by, until that perfect day, when Perfect returns and we get to see the Perfect Light, face to face...and when that day comes, we too will be transformed to be just like Him!

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Finish Strong and may you stumble no more!

Put Them on Notice!

"Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!" (Psalm 119:115)

LET'S FACE IT, during our lifetime we are going to come across, face, or be engaged in one way or another with those who are determined to undo, undermine, thwart, derail and antagonize you for no other reason except that they have made it their life's mission to drain you by any means necessary!!

Religious, personal and relational  manipulators come in many different forms...be it family, friends or associates. Please know that not everyone believes what you believe or celebrates who you are or what you are doing.

Manipulation is the purposeful act or endeavor to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner..  Skillfully they plot against you, skillfully they attempt to  negatively influence opportunities and interactions and skillfully they attempt to continually put you down and try to keep you down.

I am here to tell you to speak to the situation where you see this in your life right now. Just as the Psalmist spoke, we must speak, "Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!" (Psalm 119:115)

We are here for a purpose and I pray against anything in the earth, beneath the earth or above that would want to keep you from living the life that God has purposed for you! Speak to it and remain strong.

Integrity and Honesty!

Integrity is essential in life; in relationships; in leadership; in follower-ship; in the home, with our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Anyone seeking to be SOMEONE should always tell the truth, if for no other reason than it is simpler. Come on, think about it, "IF" you always tell the truth, you won’t have to defend what you said :)

Conversely, liars are forever consumed with the burden of keeping up with or with keeping alive the lie that has been told! From the very instance and formation of a lie, one must begin to remember, build upon, be clever enough to be convincing and facilitate the lie...and to what end?

The devil and all that is in Hell are busy telling you lies! The Bible is clear to tell us that the devil himself is roaming around like a roaring Lion searching for those whom he may devour, which simply means those whom he may deceive. Do you know who you are representing when you lie?

Scripture says, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

TODAY, speak truth and walk in integrity! Amen.

You are more Powerful than You Think!

You're More Powerful Than You Think!

We all know that Peter, a Disciple of Jesus was a fisherman. However, when Christ ascended and The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and the church was born, those who received were powerful.

Think about it, before Christ, Peter was a nobody, but now he has the full attention of Herod and when Herod has him arrested for proclaiming The Gospel of Jesus, he places Peter in jail under heavy guard:

"Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him." (Acts 12:4-5)

Again, Peter a fisherman, has a total of 16 guards assigned to keep him bound and confined. What was Herod so afraid of? Herod, the same as Satan, knows that if Peter (and you and I), ever gets free that we will destroy the works of the enemy preaching, teaching, reaching, snatching, pulling, clawing, rescuing and praying people from the grips of the evil one!

When we operate in the Will and Power of The Lord, there is absolutely nothing that can stop us! So when you are feeling outnumbered, overwhelmed and are wondering why so much is opposing you...know that it is because the enemy knows what will happen when you get free.

The last part of that verse 5 says that The Church prayed earnestly and when you continue reading the story, you'll discover that indeed Peter was freed and walked out of Prison to continue his work!!! So today know that The Church is praying for you....BE RELEASED!!!

Thankful

God has never failed me and He never will.

He is my Heavenly Father and will not withhold any good thing from me. As a matter of fact, He has told me that if I seek, that I will find; if I ask, it shall be given; that He will lead me through the valley; He will deliver me from all evil; He will hear my prayers, heal my land, bless my seed, Save my Soul, bless my laying down and my rising up, bless the works of my hands, direct my path; He has told me that everywhere I place my foot is Holy ground; He has given me authority to speak to situations and that whatever I bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and what ever I set free (loose) in earth shall be set free (loosed) in Heaven; He has blessed me to be a blessing and just like Joseph, because I'm employed in your workplace your business will prosper, the business will thrive and the work will be done to the glory of The Lord; He gives wisdom in abundance and with wisdom, understanding; He has given me the tongue of the learned; He has given me eyes to see and ears to hear not only in the natural but also of spiritual things; He has given me a compassionate heart, the ability and passion to forgive; He sends others to me for encouragement and provides those who encourages me; He has blessed me with the life and love of my parents, a faithful and loving wife, children, two awesomely-unique-supporting and Mighty Men that just happens to be my brothers!

I can go on and on, but right here, I will say THANK YOU because I really need to get dressed and go to my job that I am blessed with and anointed, equipped and positioned to accomplish!

Today, give Thanks and walk in ALL that God is doing in your life!

Why I Wakeup Early?

I Get Up Early, So that I May GET UP EARLY!

When my brothers and I were little boys, we were taught the bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray The Lord my Soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray The Lord my Soul to take. Amen." I'm sure many of us learned that exact same prayer! :)

I still say that prayer today! I still pray to God to KEEP my Soul protected and if I don't live through the night, I pray for Him to take my Soul into Paradise where I shall be with Jesus.

Yes, I get up early to read, to pray and to share my time with The Lord, and afterwards, I share with all of you. I write this because I was asked last night why do I get up so early? The response came to me this morning as I was getting ready to leave the house...as one day, I will leave this life and this place. I get up early so that I MAY GET UP EARLY!!!

Yes, one day, there's going to be a Great Gettin Up Morning and I pray to be included with all the Saints when we will be called into the Sky to meet Jesus...

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ WILL RISE FIRST. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV)

You see, whether I'm raised up or Called up...it really doesn't matter... I'm believing and trusting in Jesus, so that I may GO UP!!

Good Morning everyone!

JUST DO IT!

Tuesday's Truth: It is one thing to read The Word of God and feel good about it, find comfort or receive confirmation about our life. However, The Word of God requires a response to how we live our lives DAILY in accordance to God's Word.

The Word of God is Divine, Sacred and Holy; given unto us to change our hearts and minds from the snares and entrapments of this world and to deliver us from the ruler of this world. 

What The Word of God is NOT...The Word of God is NOT a Hallmark moment, an occasional writing to make us feel good or a collection of words that are encased and only accessed in times of emergency.

The Word of God gives life; gives hope; frees the captives; heals; restores; delivers; builds up; tears down; it plants; and it uproots; it creates and destroys; it multiplies and divides; it Saves and Condemns; it forgives and convicts; it resurrects; sustains; renews; refreshes; removes fear, doubt, guilt, shame, remorse...The Word of God is living and active in the lives of the people of God.

"For it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified." (Romans 2:13)

Today, JUST DO IT...let's not just feel good about His Word, but let us be made good by His Word!! Amen?

God Got You!

That's right, The Lord + Nothing Else!!

"I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God , who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep. God ’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sun-stroke, sheltering you from moon-stroke. God guards you from every evil, He guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, He guards you now, He guards you always." (Psalms 121:1-8 MSG)

Be Confident!

LIVE THROUGH IT

Earlier this morning I was listening to a song by James Fortune called "Live Through It". The song says, that you may have problems, but your problems don't have you!

Today, we must know that we can and we shall "Live Through It", not only live through it, but thrive; grow; be strengthened; have victory; and when we come out of it, we are better equipped to help others through it!

The Word of God tells us that "He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world", "For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Amplified Bible

You see, the fight that you're in is lopsided in your favor...you're going to win! Again, The Spirit of God that is in you is greater than anything and everything in this world, in this universe and greater than each and every thought or idea that comes to distract, detract, divide or disable your life and commitment to God!

Be thankful in knowing that no matter what others may be saying; no matter how it appears right now; and no matter how many times you've been rejected, neglected; or subjected to negativity... I'm here to tell you that you will "Live Through It"!! Amen.

Happiness

Happiness can be found in the simple things!

- Today, I woke up indoors and not on the streets.

- Today, I'm breathing freely without the assistance of medical devices.

- Today, I have a choice in wardrobe to start my day.

- Today, I have bread in my pantry and milk in my refrigerator.

- Today, my children are healthy and I have the love of a beautiful and wonderful woman.

Today, I don't have to look no further than my home to see a multitude of blessings that compels me to say THANK YOU JESUS!

TODAY, I LOOKED AT MY LIFE AND FOUND THAT I'M HAPPY!

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. (Ecclesiastes 6:9)

Happy 46th Birthday Kimberly

Today is my wife's birthday!!

Happy Birthday Baby: love, love, love you!!!

LIVE RIGHT, Right Now!

Being Led by The Holy Spirit of God is to LIVE RIGHT, right now!

Life in Christ Jesus is not mysterious, cryptic or unfathomable...instead it is enlightening, crystal clear, miraculous, exceptional and impressive as those who indeed have the gift of The Spirit no longer lives in opposition to God.

You see, The Word of God is clear to let everyone know that "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10b).

In another passage, God's Word confirms that the gift of His Holy Spirit is given to lead us in this life and we must know that God doesn't repent and withdraw His Spirit from you, but His Spirit remains to lead you through this life: "As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him." (1 John 2:27)

So, don't get down when you mess up, The Holy Spirit is working it out in you.

Don't think that you are not Saved because you made a mistake, The Holy Spirit still remains and continues to teach you.

Don't be fooled by the enemy to think that this life in Christ isn't real, The Holy Spirit indeed is real and not counterfeit and He lives in the believer.

Today receive the Gift of The Holy Spirit and LIVE RIGHT, right now! Having The Holy Spirit is your only guarantee that you will FINISH STRONG!

LOVE NEVER FAILS

LOVE NEVER FAILS!! Jesus is Love and no one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friends!

Yes, that's right, He calls us friend... NOT just those who are of a certain age, but also the young, the teens, the in betweens and the young at heart; NOT just the white skinned, but the brown, black, light and every skin; NOT just the wealthy, but the medium income, the poor and the destitute; NOT just the church member, but the club member, the gang member, the parolee and the LGBT member; NOT just sober, but the drunk, the strung out, the weed smoker and pill popper...He went to The Cross for us ALL and He has proven His Love for us ALL...even in "this" mess and "that" mess and even in the "more" mess that we find ourselves in!

It is this same love that mends broken hearts, broken homes, broken relationships, and broken promises; It is this same love that we speak over our children, over our hopes and dreams and over our situations; It is this same love that late in the midnight hour, when we call upon THAT GREAT NAME that the devil will lose his grip, hold and influence on our children...when the impossible and improbable manifests into victory and triumph... when pain is changed to joy, when despair is changed into hope and when brokenness is made whole.

God's Word tells us of this PERFECT LOVE that He has for us and because of this love, I know that those that I love, He also loves and what He has done for me (even while I was still in my mess), he will do for you! His Word says that not only me, but my entire household will be Saved. So, no matter what it looks like right now, I'm trusting and believing on the love that is Christ Jesus!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   LOVE NEVER FAILS. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Impossible? I Think NOT!!

GOD THRIVES IN THE IMPOSSIBLE!

David and Goliath

Oftentimes we are consumed with what appears to be the impossibilities of this life. However, I am here to tell you today, that our God operates and thrives in the impossible!

- The Red Sea blocked the way of escape for Moses and the Israelite's, but God parted the sea and His people walked across on dry ground!

- Young David, not trained in battle, took on the Giant Goliath, with no armor or shield, but just a Slingshot and 5 smooth stones. It only took one stone to defeat Goliath!

- Daniel was thrown into a Lion's Den to be brutally mulled and murdered for his faith and trust in God, but instead, Daniel was untouched and unharmed in what appeared to be an impossible situation!

Truth is, whatever; whomever; anything; and everything that you are facing and the task seems impossible, give it to God and watch Him work it out. 

Be blessed!