JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Whose Children Are We?

There are those of us who are really good at lying! Not only are we well adapted to stubbornly denying the truth, but we have lied so much and so good that we have made our lies seem as if they were truth! This reveals who our real father is. Untruths cause division, spreads disorder, puts brother against brother, and finally lies can kill both by word and by deed. Folks, the lies that we so easily live in, live with and thrive in truly reveals who our true father is...the devil. Yes, it is the devil who is the father of all lies.

Is not the work of the deceiver and murderer all around us? We see his work in our communities and neighborhoods where homes are torn apart by lies. We see it in our streets where violence has become so rampant that it has become the norm...to the point that when we turn on the television, it is not surprising at all to hear of drug crimes, murder, arson and other violent acts against our own communities. Even more disturbing is that the division that is caused by lying is not only in the community, neighborhoods and in the streets, but you can find the same in the church! Let's be truthful, YES, the church knows where the bad areas of town are, we know who the dealers are, the prostitutes, the swindlers and the thieves because they are oftentimes in our very own community; yes even the community in which our churches are located. The lie here is our ignoring and even denying the true underlying issue with these issues...the devil is busy and unchallenged! We pray for ourselves but seldom for the liberation of the prostitute while they are living in that profession...no, we sit back and wait for them to come to the church. It is seen when we avoid areas of town that we know are "shady", yet we get into the church house and pray for mission funds and mission opportunities...avoiding the mission that needs to take place in our own neighborhoods. Again, lies are not only spoken untruths, but they are also revealed by our deeds and our ignoring the problem aides the deterioration of our very own society.

Who is really in charge here and whose children are we? 

In the Gospel of John, chapter 8 (listed below), Jesus is confronting the Jews who say that they are Abraham's children. In essence, Jesus is telling them that by their claim, they are living an illusion. Jesus begins to clear up the misconceptions the Jews had about their ancestry. The Jews were clinging to the illusion that they are the spiritual children of Abraham because he is their physical father. Do we say similar things to try to establish our own spiritual credentials? We are either Methodist, Baptist or Catholic or it was our family who constructed the church or that we were here when the church was founded. Jesus simply asks in verse 39 why are they not doing the works of Abraham if they are his children.

Jesus says that they are so far left of being Abraham's children that they will not even listen to Jesus' words. Jesus tells them the truth, but His word has no place in them. It goes even deeper...because of the darkness in them (and in us), not only will they not hear the truth, they will not even believe it!

We have to be on task and do the work of our Father, The Lord God who is in heaven. If we are not about our Heavenly Father's business, then whose children are we? 

Jesus said  to them, “You do the deeds of your father." Then they said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father--God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." (John 8:41-47 NKJV)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - God SO LOVES the World

Because of this fact there are some things we need to know.

God's grace will take you from the streets to the Altar. God's love will take you from running and hiding to your knees where you will find rest for your soul. God's mercy will deliver you from the dungeons of life to the Kingdom of God. God's Word will guide you through the wilderness and will be a light for your journey in this dark world.

I felt this morning that I needed to get this to someone going through times of doubt and confusion. Don't be fooled or duped by this life by thinking that God doesn't love you.

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. (John 3:16 AMP)

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD AND GOD SO LOVES YOU!!!

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - He's Coming Back. Have you NOT YET Believed?

Lots and lots of interest last night surrounding the Blood Moon. I received text messages and Facebook private messages from those who were concerned over the prophecies of the Blood Moon.

My response, I'm already in bed, I'll hit you back on tomorrow. Cold? No. Conceded? I am not. Not Worried, not concerned and not freaking out...EXACTLY!

You see, I have already received The Promise of eternal life. I already have The Gift of The Blessed Holy Spirit. My name has already been written in The Lamb's Book of Life. I am, have been and shall ever be cleansed by The Blood of Jesus Christ. I have become a part of The Kingdom, I am a son of The Most High God, I am a heir, I am blessed, I am highly favored, I am safe and I AM SAVED.

Yes, I slept well last night and had The Lord came back and cracked the sky, I would bow down in worship and praise Him for His return...yes, a return that those who are in Christ are waiting for with great expectation. This place is not my home, I'm only here temporarily.

Today would be a great day for you to put away your fears and for you to quit gambling with your eternal resting place. Contrary to popular opinions, you don't have time "later" to make your decision. Today is the time to decide because tomorrow may very well be to late.

For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked? (1 Peter 4:17-18 AMP)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Walking with Jesus!

I take Tucker (my puppy), for a walk around the neighborhood each morning. I bought my wife and I Fitbits so that we can begin to improve and manage our health while walking. We find satisfaction with the results on some days, but on others we feel disappointed with our walk because we didn't put forth the desired effort.

This is common to so many of us in life. There are times when we are doing really well and we relish in our daily walk. But there are also times when we get tired and we give up and become distraught and disappointed. We tend to become overly concerned with the distance, the terrain and life's obstacles. We get put off by the weather, weariness and lack of motivation (life's conditions).

Yes we can be put off sometimes by the calculations displayed on our Fitbit, but I've learned by reading, trusting and believing in God's Word that no matter how far and no matter how much walking that I can log in this world, that it truly doesn't compare to the walk that I have with Christ Jesus.

You see, there was a time in my life when the storms in my life were raging out of control and the boat that I thought would carry me through began to breakaway and capsize, that I had to step out on faith and walk to the only One who could both control me and the storm! I never truly walked until I heard The Lord say, "Come" and I took Him at His Word and I walked!

Now about my walk with Jesus:

• I'm never disappointed
• I'm never unmotivated
• I'm never dissatisfied
• I'm never deterred
• I'm ALWAYS encouraged
• I'm ALWAYS at peace
• I'm ALWAYS on the path
• I never walk alone
• I never grow weary
• I never give in, give up or turn back

Like Peter who got out of the boat and to this very day remains the only man to have walked on water; I too have been taken to greater Greats and I too have walked and shall continue to walk in places, in lives and in situations that I could have never even imagined that I would walk!

Today, step out of that thing that can't and won't hold you any longer and walk to Jesus. He wants not only to Save you, but He wants to give you a new walk!

I can't wait to join you on The Journey of Faith. Let's walk together!


And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. (Matthew 14:28-29 NKJV)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Today is a good day to be GREAT!

Greatness is displayed when we forsake our own motives and ambitions for the good that we can do for another. I truly believe that each one of us can achieve greatness during our day by helping another with the abundance of what we have. I'm not necessarily talking about material things, but our time and attention given to another in their time of need goes a long way. However, for those of us who have been blessed with material things, perhaps we would even share with one who is not as fortunate at the moment.  A warm blanket and a warm coat goes a long way for the upcoming drop in temperatures.

God has blessed each of us in a special way so that we may in-turn bless another. I try my best to share my blessing of encouragement each day with all who will accept it.  I may not be passing out financial blessings, coats or blankets, but I do share out of the abundance of encouragement that I have. If we each shared what we have been blessed with then we can be certain that we have made a great difference in the live of someone else.

The reward for being great is to see the great in someone else!  Since you are great, help someone else achieve greatness and if not greatness, help them achieve better and if not better, help them be content.  Whatever may be your level of activity in the life of another today, know that whatever little bit you have to put into it that God will take your little and make it GREAT!!


Today is a good day to be GREAT

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Hey, What's "that" in your hand?

Why do we underestimate ourselves? Do you know that your entire life has been a time of preparation for what God has Called you to be? That very thing that you have used and counted on to get you through some stuff, that very thing that you do without having to put much thought into it...it just comes to you naturally, and that thing that you use and rely on to help you overcome obstacles and tough situations just about every time a situation happens. Yeah, it's "that" thing; "that" gift; "that" significant, special, talented, reliable, undeniable thing that is your signature/go to thing that you already possess that makes you uniquely you!  It is "that" thing...yeah, that's it, right there already in your hand!! 

God wants to use what you already have to do great things for the Kingdom of God. He wants you to use that computer to not only collect and reflect data, but to reach people in every nation, every state, every city, every community and in every home with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He wants for you to sing out loud, in public places, in church houses, in neighborhoods and at events to glorify His name. He wants you to reach, preach and teach His loving kindness and forgiveness on the airwaves, on streaming video, CDs, using a microphone, a megaphone and even a cell phone.  He wants us to stop minimizing what we already possess.  He wants us to understand that what we already have is made powerful and can do miraculous things when we use what we have for His purpose.

So again, What's "that" in your hand? Now take that same thing and lay it before the Lord and watch Him bless it to do marvelous things for those around you...things that will bless others, free others and lead others to God. Yes, you are exactly who God needs to send to those who are being held captive by the schemes and the trickery of this world.


Then Moses said, "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'" The LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" And he said, "A staff." Then He said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. But the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail"—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand — "that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." (Exodus 4:1-5 NASB)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Sin is Forbidden

Remember that sin is not bad because it's forbidden, but that it's forbidden because it's bad.

So wise is the person who understands this principle, stays as far away from that which you know will hurt not only yourself, but those who are around you...especially, your family.

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Hold on for a little while longer!

Everybody is going through tough times these days. Every community is suffering from today's economic conditions, social matters; sickness and disease seem to be more prevalent than ever before. Selfishness is running rampant and pride is at an all time high. There is no sense of sharing, caring or unity as everyone is trying to do "their thing" while others are left behind and forgotten. Family units hardly exist, prisons are full and charity is a figment of our imaginations these days. Homelessness is still overwhelming and even now on the television each day we are seeing country-less brothers and sisters who are seeking something-anything better than what they have.


People are oppressed, depressed and obsessed today...everywhere. So, I know that it seems daunting for us and it is, but there is nothing too hard for God. God has his eyes on all of this. God has a plan for you and for me. God wants us to trust Him in our situations and circumstances...He's come to our rescue before and you better believe that He'll do it again! 

Hold on for a little while longer...God will and God does have last word; yes, He does!


Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. (1 Peter 5:8-11 The Message)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - I'm on God's Time!

Myself along with many of my friends back home are grieving the unexpected death of a friend that we all knew from kindergarten until a week ago. This untimely death makes us look at ourselves more deeply.  However, I want to not think negatively about whatever amount of time that I may have left on this earth; No, I want to give thanks for the time that I've already had and the time that is still in front of me.  You see, the time of my departure out of the world, depends upon God. My enemies cannot quicken it nor can my family and friends delay it any longer than the time appointed by God.



As true believers we can look up and say with pleasure, my times are in the hand of God and being that my time is in His hand, I must also know that it is better than in my own hands. I am so glad that God is in control of my time here on this earth and being that I am up and writing this now simply means that He still has a purpose for me to fulfill and that no matter what anyone or anything has to say about that...there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it!  I'm on God's Time!


Now, I must get on with my purpose and not forfeit any time to my enemies; God will handle my enemies. I'm just to keep on moving.



Ready, set and GO!!!

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - How Many Times Must We be Reminded?

Those first 3 words I've must have heard my entire adolescent life from both of my parents, especially my Mom who was the disciplinarian in our house. Yes we had rules and I would say that we had a lot of rules, but to be honest, I don't think that we had more rules to live by than anyone else. You see, the rules that my Mom had were simple, although at the time they seemed difficult and over the top.  The rules were to keep us safe so that we would not get hurt.

"How many times do I have to tell you to lock the doors when you go out to play?"
"How many times do I have to tell you to wash your hands before you eat?"
"How many times do I have to tell you to go to bed, get your homework done and to put your clothes away?"
"How many times do I have to tell you to respect your elders, say "Yes Ma'am, Yes Sir, No Ma'am and No Sir?"

How many times did we sigh each time we heard things repeated to us as children? How many times did we think that our parents were broken records that just "skipped"? How many times did we brush them off as if they just didn't realize who we were or that they were in essence disrespecting us in some way? 

Now, how many of us who are all grown up are thankful for the rules and the upbringing that we had as children? I think back over my life and begin to wonder "How many times" I was not caught up in the crowd doing things that would destroy my future and ultimately my life. I wonder on "How many times" I have said no to some of the craziness that enslaves our children today (drugs, drugs and more drugs). I'm thankful for the many times that I had to be in the house when the street lights came on, but when the sirens started to blare in the middle of the night, guess what, my parents weren't awake fearing that it was me or one of my brothers...we were in and most likely already in bed.  What ever happened to a bed time? (LOL)

Well, Jesus has been speaking to the Pharisees and the Jewish people since He came on the scene and He has been saying the same thing over and over.  In John 1:4 Jesus says, "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men." In John 8:12 Jesus says, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." In John 9:5 Jesus says, "While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world".

So, "How many times" must we hear that Jesus is the Savior, Jesus loves us, Jesus forgives, Jesus gives us victory, Jesus gives us liberty, Jesus gives us life abundantly?  How much longer are we willing to bump around in the dark, hurting not only ourselves but those in our lives that love us? How many times are we trying to maneuver our way around this cold and dark world, yet we keep falling into the same traps and snares? How man times do I have to ask you How much longer?

Listen to Jesus once more..."For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes."

One day the lights are really going to go out and you who are not in the light will be in utter darkness...darkness like you have never known ever before; darkness that can and will be felt.  Please my brother and my sister, walk in the Light of Jesus Christ and never be caught in the darkness ever again.

Be blessed as you walk in the Light today!

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Will it be you?

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”(Isaiah 6:8 NKJV)

Although this was Isaiah receiving his Call to ministry, this same Call is for you and I. How will you respond to the Call of God?

Know this, there are those in your life who are in need of hearing the gospel from your lips.

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - I'm IMPERFECT and Proud of It!!

Bringing my perfection to the world does absolutely nothing for anyone, but bringing and showing my imperfections and then telling the world of God's redemptive work in me is what will change the hearts of other imperfect people who can and shall be used mightily by our Perfect God. He wants to redeem you, especially with all of your faults, imperfections, missteps and mistakes!


And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV) 

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - NO, I Can't SHUT UP!!

Every day I wake up with great excitement as to what God will say to me and what He would have me to know about His love; His compassion; His faithfulness; His majesty; His greatness; His awesomeness, limitless, boundless, ageless and unmeasurable forgiveness for His creation!


When I open up His Word I lose track of time but I find my purpose. When I open up His Word I forget about my problems because I've grabbed ahold of His promises. When I open up His Word I no longer feel tired and sleepy but I receive energy and enthusiasm. When I open up His Word I leave the grips of pain and fear and I fall into the ever loving arms of Christ Jesus. When I open up His Word I see who I am in God's eye not what the world has condemned me to be. When I open up His Word I know that I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens me!!


Every day when I open up God's Word I see all of these things and more. Even more overwhelming is the fact that His Word is not just speaking about me and what I can do and about who I am....NO, God's Word also includes all of these things about YOU ALSO!! So, NO, I CAN'T AND WON'T SHUT UP...I have something that I am compelled to tell you and I need to reminded of who I am at the same time. What I have is for both you and for me!


What God has is a blessing with our names on it!!  Come and get it!!



Oh, I'll guard with my life what you've revealed to me, guard it now, guard it ever; And I'll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I'll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. (Psalm 119-44-46 The Message).

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - YOU'VE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE ACT, BUT One by One...!

This portion of scripture is awesome. Jesus was in the temple courts and all through the feast Jesus is being judged by the religious leaders or His naysayers. They say that He has never studied as he was too young in age - Jewish culture has it that the age of wisdom is 50 years of age, yet there Jesus was teaching anyway, these leaders/naysayers claim that Jesus has a demon, and even that He has come from or was born from the wrong place to be the Messiah. They have already claimed and will later claim that His witness is not true, that He is a Samaritan, and they have repeatedly sought to kill Him since he healed the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath.

Yet among all of this, what a lovely witness we have here in Jesus as He shows His caring love for one lonely, frightened sinner! You see, there were those who caught a woman in the act of adultery. They brought her before Jesus, there was nothing that she could say, she was guilty! Have you ever done something that you are not proud of? Have you ever done something wrong and have been caught "red-handed"? Have you ever lied, cheated, stole, wanted something that someone else had...wanted someone that somebody else had or lusted after something that was not yours? I know that a couple of those sounded the same but they are quite different. Anyway, have you ever just been plain CAUGHT IN THE ACT?

Well, this woman was CAUGHT IN THE ACT, yet Jesus' only response to her accusers was, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." Now her accusers who were seeking to cast judgment on her had to look inwardly to judge themselves. Question: Who among any of us is without sin? Who has never made a mistake? Who has never lied, cheated, stole, lusted, struggled with jealousy, drank too much, partied too hard, smoked too much...who among you has never done anything contrary to the will of God?

This is exactly why I like this scripture...those who were judging were now being judged by the true Judge. They couldn't bear to cast judgement after reviewing deep within themselves their own faults. So, ONE BY ONE they dropped their stones...from the oldest - those who have heaped up more sins/wrongs to the youngest...each of them dropped their stones and walked away.

Today, you may be feeling accused. Today, you may be struggling with acceptance. Today, Jesus is wanting and waiting for you to come to Him. When you come to Jesus, it really doesn't matter who accuses you of anything. Jesus will accept you and those that are His are His...no one can stand to accuse you any longer!  Watch your naysayers and your accusers go away...ONE BY ONE!

For those of us who are "in" the church but are not "BEING" the church...drop your stones, each one of you...from the oldest to the youngest...let the stones drop!!!

"Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (John 8:2-11 NKJV)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Just Look UP!

Just stepped outside to take Tucker out. I looked up into the sky and saw so many Stars. What a clear sky and what a day before us that has so many opportunities and so much promise.

Yes, all of that just by looking up. Now, I'll bend down on my knees to "Seal the Deal". God promised and now we must receive it!

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord ; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. (Psalms 5:3 NKJV)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Three Basic Elements of Prayer

This morning's Sunday School Lesson in case we don't have it because of our Consecration Service:

When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:23-31 NASB)

1.) WHO HE IS:  "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM

When you're feeling pressured, when you're being threatened, it's always a good idea to start prayer by remembering to whom you're talking. Sometimes my problems seem so big and insurmountable until I start to worship and remember WHO HE IS - the Creator of all things.

2.) WHAT IS HAPPENING: "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur."

In Psalm 2, Father, the believers prayed, "You told us that the heathen would try to come against You and Your people - We acknowledge that this is all in accordance with Your will. David wrote in Psalm 73 that the heathen seem to prosper while the Godly suffer.  Peter said, "Think it not strange when fiery trials come upon you" (1 Peter 4:12)

When persecution comes, it is in accordance with the Word and the will of the Father

3.) WHY WE COME:  "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."

The early church didn't pray that they might have a break from persecution, but that they might have boldness in persecution.

THE RESULT: And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

We often pray when we are shaken up. These guys prayed so they could BE SHAKEN UP!!!

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - A Triple Threat!!!

Rich...Young...Fool - Hmmm...

And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?'  Then he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."'  But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?'  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:16-21 NASB)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - YOU ARE IN THE PLAN OF GOD!

No group, however violent and strong; no gang, however organized and sophisticated; and no movement, however popular and situated can change God's plan, neither His time, His method nor His message and messenger! It is the Sovereign God who is making the moves, not God's enemies. HALLELUJAH!!

As I rise up again this morning as I have on all of the mornings preceding this one: safe, secure, joyful, on purpose, with a purpose, in my right mind, good health, peace, love and fellowship I have to realize that if I was NOT in the plan of God, then I would not be able to sleep in peace in this mad and confused world.

Let's give God praise for just being able to rise yet again today. Let's give God praise for each and every obstacle that He has already gone ahead of you on this day and removed. Let's give God praise for the obstacles that He has given you authority over so that you may simply speak and they shall be moved. Let's praise God for the experiences that await us today and for the people we will encounter and for those that will come our way so that we can encourage them.

Give God Praise because AGAIN TODAY, YOU ARE IN THE PLAN OF GOD!!!

Know this, when we are in God's plan, then we are unstoppable!

Go forth, be a blessing as you are blessed and do your part in God's plan...right where you are!

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”(Acts 5:38-39 NKJV)

JUST ENOUGH for The Journey - Don't use "Your" doctrine to trump The Bible!

What I mean is that the Bible trumps man’s authority, church tradition, and our own opinions. What I mean is that we must not allow anything that opposes God’s Word to dictate our actions or control our thinking.

There are many translations but the same Word of God. There are many versions, colors, print sizes and covers but it is the same Word of God. However, it is truly our own interpretation that gets us in trouble. We are quick to internalize scriptures without first understanding the foundational truths of scripture. We look for the "Get out of jail free card" that seems to fit our situations. We miss or simply skip over the parts of Scripture where God let's us suffer the consequences of sin. We don't talk much about the correction and admonition of The Lord. We stay away from teaching holiness yet some of us stress "only mess"...Praise your way out...Tell 3 people next to you...Give a handclap of praise...Get ready, get ready, get ready...

We must understand that when we study, comprehend and live by God's Word, then we praise because we come to realize who God is; how God loves us; what God has done and is doing; and we learn that God can do anything but fail. We shout, we praise and we worship because of what we have come to learn is the truth of God’s Word by faith...meaning, we may not know what our blessing will look like and we may not know what favor has in store for us. Faith means that we don't quite know when deliverance is coming but we do know that we have hope in God and His goodness, mercy and faithfulness.

I know that I can be lengthy and very simple-minded when I post my thoughts, but I do search the scriptures so that I can have confidence in who I am, for the scriptures truly speak of who God created me to be. I minister these truths to all who take the time to read them, even if it is only one person.  My prayer is that by something that I've shared, someone would come to love The Lord and begin to search His Word for their life for themselves...just one!

I minister in every way that God allows me to share His Word and I do it to edify, equip and to make known to God's people both inside and outside of the church walls, His Truth for anyone who believes.

Hense, the task of various ministers, which I am but one, to the body is not only to equip others for ministry, but also to help the body come to unity on doctrine and experience and knowledge of Christ with the goal of spiritual growth and maturity.

I do want for you "to tell 3 people...to give a handclap of praise...to praise your way out...Praise your way in...to worship in spirit and in truth"! What I don't want is for you to have zeal without knowledge. I don't want for you to just follow the crowd and do what they do. Don't become a spectacle with no foundation. Don't be a professional praiser but be authentic in your praise.

Get to know God through His Word, prayer and Holy Spirit.

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15 NASB)