Fully Persuaded Concerning My "Today"!

As I prepare for today, I must know that today was prepared for me!

God, He who created everyTHING and is Lord over everyTHING has created today with me in mind. Think about it, why would; what could; and who should dare to tell or even attempt to convince me otherwise? It would be useless as I am fully persuaded that The Lord of my life can do...because He has already done and He promised me that He will keep on doing...Hallelujah!!!

During my life, I've definitely have had some stormy days (quite a few). I have been in the fire on many occasions (oftentimes, self-started and self-inflicted). BUT GOD...

God has Called me, He knows my name, He's written my name in the palm of His hand and in The Lamb's Book of Life! Because He Saved me, I am convinced that I will continually be Saved...from the enemy; from the flood; from the fire and even from myself!!

So in confidence, I begin my day, confident that this day was made ready for me. I WILL FINISH STRONG!

"This is what the Lord says— He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV)

I’ve Got a Good Thing Going and I’m NOT Letting Go!

"Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to you. I say to God , “Be my Lord!” Without you, nothing makes sense. And these God-chosen lives all around— what splendid friends they make! Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names. My choice is you, God , first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God ; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination! Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way." (Psalm 16 The Message)

Beyond Instruction - Spiritual Parenthood

Who has God placed in your life to help you in life?

It is true that there are many people who gives us instruction in life to develop a skill or trade; many who assist with the development of mannerisms and behaviors; and many instructors loaded with many instructions for many things. All of this is useful and necessary throughout our lives.

However, who is it, amongst all of the many instructors that loves and nurtures you through it all; who is it that loves you and is there for you through your setbacks and setups; who is it that prays earnestly for you without provocation; who is it that sees "what" you are but KNOWS that you will be so much more; who is it that you can't run out of your life, can't shut out of your life and can't thoroughly disappoint that they will walk out of your life?

You see, God has appointed those in your life to help you with life!

One thing a father NEVER teaches (I know this all to well as a father), is that "Practice Makes Perfect". You see, I can practice and put into practice each and every parenting skill in the world to raise my 17 year old son. But soon he'll turn 18 and then what? My 2nd grade daughter will soon be a 3rd grade student and my 20 year old son will be 21 in 3 weeks.

As a father, I have learned to not only love what's perfect in my children's lives, but to also love them through their imperfections. Teachers/Instructors can "Fail" you but a father never fails you! A father nurtures, corrects, encourages, supports, defends, protects, endures and forgives.

Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth as a father to those in the faith. I too have a father in the faith that checks on me first and then he checks on my ministry. Who is it that is checking on you?

Thank God for those who has been placed in your life for your life!

"For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you  do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." (I Corinthians 4:15 NKJV)

"Other-Centered" and not "Self-Centered"

As Disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be "Other-Centered" and not "Self-Centered".

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NKJV)

Strive today to do something nice for someone else and don't cause another any harm...by word or deed...by doing this, everyone will know whom you serve!

I Choose To Be Who He Has Called Me To Be!

Just because I Blog daily, study constantly and share with an urgency doesn't indicate some supernatural ability but it does reflect my inherent design, function and purpose!

Because I choose and strive to both live on purpose and to live out my purpose in Christ Jesus..."I Don't Feel No Ways Tired". Actually, each new day that He brings me into, I'm refreshed, renewed and equipped for everything and guaranteed the victory!

So today, I'm off of work yet I'm engaged with my life with Him. My Pastor has taught that when we vacation, we are to vacate stuff and things but we are never to vacate Christ!

Know this...Your career is what you get paid for, you're Calling is what you were made for!

Hold On For 1 Minute!

Today I want to give thanks to God for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that YES, at times life can be difficult, BUT with God, this life is not impossible.

Knowing that weeping may endure for the night but JOY will come in the morning....is also to know that midnight, the darkest moment of the night, is only 60 seconds...just hold on for a minute, the morning is coming!

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be THANKFUL in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Look at the PROMISE and NOT at the Problem

"This is what the Lord says: “Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you." (Isaiah 56:1)

God is able to do exactly what He's said He will do and He will fulfill every promise to you. Keep on living and don't become distracted with life's issues, He is coming to rescue you and all that concerns you.

Don't look at your problem, LOOK AT YOUR PROMISE!!

Our Gentleness Will Take Us Further Than Our Assertiveness!

Gentleness is simply love in action! Gentleness isn't something that takes a lot of effort...you can show gentleness by being considerate, meeting the needs of others and by allowing time for the other person to talk.

In allowing gentleness to replace our assertiveness, we may be pleasantly surprised at what people would willingly do for us verses what we may force them to do.

Today maintain a gentle attitude in your relationships with others and watch what happens.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2)

Don't be thankless - BE THANKFUL!

Thankful Thursday: Don't be thankless, Be THANKFUL Because You're Esteemed as FAITHFUL!

FAITHFUL means: Strict or thorough in the performance of duty; a faithful worker.

FAITHFUL means: True to one's word, promises, vows.

FAITHFUL means: Reliable, trusted and believed.

It's easy at times, to feel dumped on, overloaded, overworked and overburdened. We ask why... Why does everybody rely on me? Why does everybody bring problems to me? We say, I don't have enough time in this day; I don't have enough bandwidth on this job to be assigned yet another task; Why couldn't it be somebody else?

Instead of asking "Why", realize that YOU are esteemed to be accountable... to be FAITHFUL. You have proven to be a good steward over the things in life, in your work and most importantly in your trust and belief that in Christ Jesus you can do ALL THINGS to His glory.

Be THANKFUL for what He allows to come your way because He has gifted and equipped YOU to minister in "that VERY thing"!!

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. (I Corinthians 4:2)

Tell it, Don't Sell It!

It seems at times that we are too consumed at the idea of trying to "Sell" the Favor and Provision of God, rather than "Telling" of all that He has done in our lives. God doesn't require our witness to be sold, He only requires that it be told.

In today's Scripture, Moses is met by his father in-law Jethro and begins to tell Jethro of all that God has done in the freeing and deliverance of the Israelites from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. After Jethro hears of how God showed Himself Strong and Mighty to Pharaoh and all of Egypt's magicians, Jethro responds by saying:

"Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods. Yes, in the [very] thing in which they dealt proudly [He showed Himself infinitely superior to all their gods]." ( Exodus 18:11 AMP)

Today, like Moses, just tell about the goodness of God and don't "you" make any promises in an attempt to sell the story of His glory...the Promise is from God, kept by God and is always "Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus".

I pray with and for you that once you've told the story of what God has done in bringing you out...that whomever you've shared with will respond as Jethro did..."Now I Know that The Lord is Greater than ALL gods"! Amen.

Our Hope, Our Joy, Our Crown...Just Give Me 60 Seconds!!

There is absolutely no greater joy in ministry than the joy in knowing that those whom God has sent you to minister to receives The Word of God for themselves, meaning they “Get it”!  Those who minister spend countless hours, days, weeks, months and yes years in prayer and in the studying of God’s Word in preparation for the encounter with those that God will bring our way or to whom God will send us to.  An encounter in ministry could be just a fleeting moment, but the moment that is afforded to share His Word is the most important 60 seconds for the recipient of God’s Word as well as the deliverer of God’s Word.

Truth is, give me your attention for just one minute, it won’t take any longer than that because God knows what you are in need of and God has always confirmed in me that it doesn't take all day to say “I love you”.  Yes, in 60 seconds, God will reveal to you His love for YOU!  It will take you less than 60 seconds to read this Post, yet when you have completed this read, you will learn that God does love you…and yes, so do I.  In 60 seconds you will learn that what I do and the way that I do it, is all about and all for you. You’re receiving the Word of God, as the Word from God Himself…that is my Hope, it is my Joy and your remaining faithful; your continued trust; and your very Salvation will be my Crown when I go home to see Jesus.

Last night, after Bible Study of 1 Thess. Chapter 2, I walked outside from the church and found two young men standing outside the front doors talking with one another about how the study touched their hearts and how they felt the Word of God at work in their lives. I give praise to God for these young men showing up last night and for the Word of God that was received as the Word from God…not the word from Keith!  These young men have received a Seed and the soil was made rich by God!!

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:13,19, 20)

Hidden Treasure

God doesn't hide "from" you His treasures...He hides "FOR" you His treasures! When you seek God with your whole heart, you will find what He has "FOR" you!

"My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for HIDDEN TREASURES; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord , And find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:1-5)

The Word of God has "FOR" you knowledge, wisdom, understanding...the Word of God has "FOR" you hope, promises, rights, privileges, truth, deliverance...the Word of God has "FOR" you peace that surpasses all understanding, power, endurance, perseverance and an expected end of Salvation!

In our current situations, it could seem as if these treasures are hidden "from" us, but know today that God doesn't hide His treasures "from" us, He hides His treasures "FOR" us so that when we seek Him WE WILL FIND ALL THAT HE HAS FOR US!

Hint: Treasure isn't found in the streets; in a gun; nor is it found in drugs or alcohol...that's trouble! Treasure is found in the wisdom of knowing The Lord.

YOU!

Who Will Get the Gift of YOU Today?

“There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

YOU got up this morning gifted! Please don't take your being at a certain place today for granted; don't take your encounters today as happenstance... please know that you have woke up this morning under the divine plan and agenda of God to bless someone else with the gift of you!

You may not feel gifted, but you are a gift to someone else. Somebody needs to see your smile today; someone needs to hear your encouragement today; someone needs your listening and caring gift today; someone is counting on your business decisions that brings with it the gifts of fairness and equity in corrupt dealings; someone needs your witness, prayers, compassion, cooperation, kindness and understanding today.

Who will get the gift from God which is in YOU today?

Think about it, He woke YOU up so that someone else may Finish Strong!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms who are truly Gifts from God!

Just "BE" Me!

“Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!” Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention? Such things sound impressive if said in a deep enough voice. They even give the illusion of being pious and humble and ascetic. But they’re just another way of showing off, making yourselves look important. (Colossians 2:21-23 MSG)

Really? Let's Get this Straight...there's no such thing as acting Saved, acting like a Christian or modeling the Church...You just have to "BE" SAVED; "BE" CHRISTIAN; and "BE" THE CHURCH!

Please know that relationship is different than religion, the same as marriage is different than dating. Let me try to explain myself here.

When I was dating I was trying my very best to be my very best in appearance, in my actions, in my dress, in my conversation and in my interactions with who I was dating...basically I was "Showing Off". Well, as we all have grown to know that with all of that "trying" and "acting", it becomes difficult to really be who you really are and even more difficult to maintain this fake person that you've pretended to be. Sooner or later you become overwhelmed with trying to maintain the perception and give up from mere frustration or simply from exhaustion.

This is also what happens when we are trying to maintain religion...it becomes too difficult to try to maintain all of the rules and perceptions of others and we actually lose our self rather than finding ourselves in Christ.

However, when you fall in love, there's an intimacy between you and your spouse, there's trust, there's acceptance, there's support, there's understanding, there's truth, loving kindness, peace, joy, assurance, sincerity, there's companionship thru sickness and in health. Relationships withstands good times and bad times, relationships last thru times of plenty and timed of lack. You see in a relationship we actually allow ourselves to "BE" ourselves without fear of disappointing one another.

God knows that you and I will not be our best everyday, He knows that we will mess up, God knows each and everything about us...and He still Loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. Catch what I just said... He wants a marriage not a casual date. He wants the real you and not the fake you!

Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself so that you can "BE" you in Him! So, don't try to look impressive by what you don't do or how you don't act...stop showing off and JUST "BE"!!!

Bare Minimum - I Think NOT!

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21)

I will dare to say that inherently, the knack to do the bare minimum is more prevalent in us than the wherewithal to exceed expectations. Tragically, we tend towards learning to do just enough to get by.

Look at Peter in the above verse. Peter has a willingness to do the right thing but wants to do it to the extent that would be acceptable... or we can simply say that Peter was asking how much of himself did he need to exert to influence forgiveness or again what is the minimum limit.

"Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matthew 18:22)

Jesus instructs Peter and us today that we are to go beyond the bare minimum in our forgiveness, in our love for one another, in our intolerance towards chemical dependency and in our extending care for a brother or sister who is in need.

Today, know that God has forgiven you to the uttermost; know that Christ died a horrific death on a cross for you and that The Holy Spirit hasn't just been given for times of great distress but He lives in you! All of heaven: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit has given each one of us infinite love for all eternity; infinite forgiveness; infinite hope; and infinite possibilities.

The only bare minimum that you need to give is your simple "Yes" to receive Him as your Lord and Savior. After your minimum, His promise to you is ABUNDANCE! Amen.

I'll Finish Strong Because I Started Strong!!!

My Parents prayed for me, had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me!  My Family prayed for me, had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me! My Pastor(s) prayed for me, had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me! Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind and took the time to pray for me!  My Jesus prayed for me, had me on His mind and took the time to pray for me!  

You know it is a blessing to know that while you were sleeping that there is someone who is in prayer for you. Yes, even those who pray are in need of prayer and we who love and trust in God also know that the prayers of the righteous are indeed prayers that avail much! 

Today (this morning), I woke up, I woke up strong, I woke up filled with the love of the Saints and I woke up with the inner presence of our Lord!  

This Friday will FINISH STRONG!!!