In God's Economy, It's Possible to be Wealthy!

Wealth is not money, IDEAS are! Wealth is the result of right ideas, right thinking, right intentions, right purpose and right motives. You see, you can be wealthy beyond imagination if your thoughts are focused on the good that you can do towards others. Every time I open God's Word, my value goes up. Every time I open God's word my my worth is increased and my status improves...why? Because what I share from what God gives me blesses others with new life, new hope and new perspectives!

I love what God gives me to share and the blessing of doing God's will makes you wealthy and makes me wealthy and when we both feel good about who we are and whose we are, it makes us exponentially wealthy and healthy in God's economy!

Read, pray and live by God's Word and watch God POUR OUT A BLESSING in your life and in the lives of others. This is YOUR Season to prosper...this is YOUR season to truly be wealthy!  #makeithappen

Prayer

Prayer, it is not manipulation; prayer is Unification.

Although we're no longer servants but sons, we need to understand the privilege of prayer.

Prayer is not given to enable us to give God orders, to say, "Bless this, do that or provide the other." This is not prayer at all.

Prayer is The Spirit of Jesus Christ working in and through us in order to bring us into harmony with the perfect purposes of The Father.

Prayer is The Spirit of Jesus in me crying, "Abba" - not for manipulation,  but for unification  - to become one with His perfect purpose and plan.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth The Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore though art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:6-7 KJV)

A Good Morning Start

Good morning.

About to get on the road, but before I leave, my prayer is for all of you:

May God bless you in your laying down and in your rising up. May He bless you in your going and in your returning. May He keep His Hand upon you and may His face shine all over you and I pray that whatever you place in your heart to do, that God will bless it and that others will be Blessed because God woke you up this morning.

Now, #makeithappen!

The Need for Faith

Faith is meant to be living and active...a Faith that knows and follows God, communes and fellowships with God. It doesn't matter what you do, have done or what you are planning on doing; without Faith you cannot please God.

This simply means that without Faith, we will never be acceptable to God nor accepted by God. Those who come to God must have Faith (must believe) in two things:

1. They MUST believe in God - that God is - that God exists

2. They MUST believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him...and are diligently seeking Him in order to follow Him

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. (HEBREWS 11:6 AMP)

*This will be our Bible Study tonight. Come on out and join us at 7pm: 

Journey of Faith Church
2900 Smallwood Drive
Waldorf, MD

For Sure!

LIVING "MY" LIFE

The only reason you are living the life that you are living is because God made you strong enough to live it. SO, START LIVING IT!!!

If God has brought you to it, He'll bring you through it. #makeithappen

SPEAK of God OUT LOUD Today!

There are times when you just need to SPEAK His Word OUT LOUD! Open your Bible right now and when you read a promise, come to a truth or if you need strength, SPEAK His Word OUT LOUD!

In John 17:17 it says, "Sanctify them with thy truth, thy Word is truth."

Today, I speak to my day that because I have God on my mind and in my heart that there shall be peace for my day...not just peace, but PERFECT PEACE! Hallelujah!!

"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

The Answers to The Exam Have Been Provided

Wouldn't it be awesome to sit down and take an exam and discover that laying right next to the exam is all the answers to all of the questions?

Well, I'm here to tell you just how awesome this is. You see, each morning I sit down with my coffee and think about the tests for the day ahead of me.

• My integrity will be tested
• My witness for Christ will be tested
• My children and wife will be tested
• My faith will be tested
• My tongue will be tested
• My health, joy and values will be tested

But as I sip my coffee and say this little prayer, "Speak Dear God: to me, about me and guide me today according to Your Word. In Jesus's name, Amen." I then open THE ANSWERS to the test and I'm provided with ALL THE ANSWERS I will need for the day in THE WORD OF GOD!

Want to pass the Test? Just look to the ANSWER...open The Bible, open your heart and receive directly from The Teacher!

My Hope is Built on Jesus!

It's not the depth of the trial or the darkness of the trial, it's the duration of the trial that gets to us. We want to know "How long?" and oftentimes we never get that answer and we begin to doubt, then we fear and eventually we lose hope. If you've lost hope, then you've lost everything.

The lame man by the pool of Bethesda must've lost hope. He was lame for 38 years, he laid on his mat for 38 years, he was carried to the location of healing but never received that healing for 38 years! But one day Jesus came to him and asked, Do you want to be healed? (John 5:6). Jesus restored hope, healing and heaped blessings on this life.

Today Jesus asks us, "Do you want to be healed?" Do you want to be made whole? Do you want to be restored? Do you need delivered from addiction, abuse or delivered from guilt and shame?

Today hope is available to you in Christ Jesus. He's not put off by how long you've been in your situation. Tell Him what binds you and watch Him set you free!

At the age of 38, not that long ago, Jesus restored my life, my hope and my faith in Him and my hope in Him has grown in every aspect of my life ever since. Try Him for yourself and I pray that one day you'll share your testimony of restored hope and deliverance.

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand."

Worry Chokes Out Choosing

You can't choose to trust God when you're overwhelmed with worry. Know this, fretting about the future doesn't alter it, choosing well today does alter it! Choose today to trust God!! #makeithappen

Saturday's Motivational Moment

Since God wrote your story, God has already decided the outcome...the devil can only read your story; therefore, he has no editorial permissions to change your story! Keep on living in God and #makeithappen!

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2a KJV)

BUT GOD...

Say it with me and let this travel from your head, then into your heart and ultimately in your spirit:

"Satan wants me and is constantly pursuing me and longs to have me...BUT GOD COVERS ME...BUT GOD GOT ME...BUT GOD PROTECTS ME...BECAUSE GOD LOVES ME!!!

Let The Church say "AMEN! GLORY! HALLELUJAH!!!"

Gonna Do IT BIG Today

Lord, you made a decision to wake us this morning. May we make the decision to worship you and to live BIG today because we belong to a BIG God who has given and paid in full: BIG FORGIVENESS
BIG PROMISES
BIG HOPE
BIG LOVE
BIG JOY
#MAKEITHAPPEN

Switch and Ditch

Alright, we've all heard it before or if we haven't heard it, we've read that the definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results! The problem is that we've heard it or read it over and over again but have not done anything about it (are we insane?).

Today is the day; our opportunity; and our "Green Light" to SWITCH how we go about our lives; to SWITCH improper motives and decisions; to SWITCH our liaisons with unhealthy, unfruitful, and unnecessary unions! Today is a great day to DITCH bad intentions, negative influences, chemical dependency... DITCH abusive relationships; DITCH your naysayers and doubters.

Today we have another opportunity to SWITCH to Jesus and DITCH Satan! Our enemy has wreaked havoc in our lives, in our homes and in our families for far too long!! Today let us break the cycle of insanity and do something radical...leave what has been binding you and condemning you and try Christ because in Him, you shall be set free!!

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Tuesday's TRUTH

Preach and THEN Keep On Preaching!

Sin needs to be exposed, it needs to be made known, and it needs to be dealt with. This is the job of the preacher...to point out our sin that goes against The Word of God; not that the preacher is without sin, but as one who has been given the responsibility to share the message of the gospel in order to fulfill your ministry calling. DELIVER THE TRUTH!

Not until sin is exposed can it be dealt with. To often people only want to hear what makes them feel good about themselves,  but when we neglect to point out the wrongs, there will be no correction and without correction,  no matter how good we make people feel, they'll never receive the promised salvation that we are so desperately trying to preach.

THE TRUTH IS: Only Jesus Christ can separate us from sin...TELL OF THIS TRUTH!

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (II Timothy 4:2 NKJV)

This is YOUR Season to be Blessed!

God has more Grace than we have sin. There is just no way that we can out sin His Grace. Glory to God!!!

You've gotten to a place of "Can't Live Like THIS Anymore". Know that God loves you way beyond the sin that is consuming you.

Receive God's Grace and walk into YOUR season of Blessing! #makeithappen

This To Shall Pass!

People of God, calm down! God's got you and if God's got you you're going to make it!

And it shall come to pass That  whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ (Acts 2:21 NKJV)

God will #Makeithappen

The Lord Will STAND UP for YOU!!!

"Help, Lord , because the Godly are all gone; the faithful have completely disappeared from the human race! Everyone tells lies to everyone else; they talk with slick speech and divided hearts. Let the Lord cut off all slick-talking lips and every tongue that brags and brags, that says, "We’re unbeatable with our tongues! Who could get the best of us with lips like ours?" But the Lord says, "Because the poor are oppressed, because of the groans of the needy, I'M NOW STANDING UP. I will provide the help they are gasping for." The Lord ’s promises are pure, like silver that’s been refined in an oven, purified seven times over! You, Lord , will keep us, protecting us from this generation forever. The wicked roam all over the place, while depravity is praised by human beings." (Psalm 12:1-8)

Knowing YOUR Purpose

Seek a PURPOSE instead of and before seeking a platform!

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came  through the revelation of Jesus Christ. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who  were apostles before me. (Galatians 1:11‭-‬12‭, ‬15‭-‬17 NKJV)

Chosen and NEVER Forgotten!

"Remember these things, O Jacob,  And Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you, you are My servant,  O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. (Isaiah 44:21 NASB)

Our God cannot forget His servants, those whom He has called. Although we act up and act out of who and what He has made us (this is when He calls us Jacob, which means deciever) He still loves us!

He chose us not for a time but FOREVER! He blots out our sin and calls us Israel...His elect, His chosen! He says that we will NEVER be forgotten...people forget, people turn against you, people abandon you, BUT GOD will not forget you! Know this, YOU have been loved too long and have been bought at too great a price to be forgotten!

Thank you Lord for your love and thank you for continuing to love us when we are being Jacob...your strong and sustaining love reminds us that we are to be Israel, God's chosen!

How Great is Our God?!

• He is the King of Glory
• He has All power and no weakness in Him
• He is from Everlasting to Everlasting
• He is the Alpha and Omega
• He is our Provider
• He is our Protector
• He is Creator
• He is Sovereign
• He is Almighty
• He is Forgiving
• He is Merciful
• He is Wonderful
• He is Loving
• He is Victorious
• He is Lord
• He is our Healer
• He is our Heavenly Father
• He is our friend
• He is closer than a Brother
• He is concerned with you
• He is concerned about me!!

So THANKFUL for who He is to me and for who He is to you!! We serve a Great God and He can do any and everything BUT FAIL!! #ThankfulThursday

STOP IT - DROP IT & KILL IT!

You've Allowed it to Grow, Now: STOP IT - DROP IT & KILL IT!

For many of us, our current problems was something that we should have taken care of prior to today; prior to it becoming as big as it is now; and prior to our losing control or it becoming out of control.  Oftentimes our problems come camouflaged as a relationship/friend we couldn’t live without or something that we thought was cool every now and again, but now has become a bad habit. However, one day not of our choosing, the gloves came off and the problem grew up and grew out of control and stepped on our throat, suffocating us with all its weight.

This is typically how things happen. We don't deal with things right away, we allow them to grow bigger and bigger and bigger and then we are surprised when it grows out of control. We allow sickness to linger for way too long before seeking help. We allow our children to talk and act however they want before trying to bring it under control and then it's too late. We "dip & dab" with substance abuse and before we know it, we're hooked! And we avoid the church, the teaching and coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ and before we know it, we're lost...some for all eternity!!!

STOP IT - DROP IT & KILL IT before it grows any bigger than what it is.

"It" is a spirit of abuse. "It" is a spirit whose assignment is to destroy relationships and families. "It" is a spirit of extremities tempting us to go beyond the point of return.

Get on your knees and STOP IT - DROP IT & KILL IT!!! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Give In or Go On

You have two choices: "Give In or Go On"

When you are an Encourager, you realize that there are times when we succeed and there will be times when we fail. failure is part of life—and when we fail we have but two choices: we can Give In or Go On.

Some people bounce back rather quickly from failure and are able to keep it moving; whereas, there are those among us that require a little more motivation. One of the ways to motivate others is to tell them about your past troubles and traumas. Sometimes people think that if you’re currently successful, you have always been that way. They don’t realize that you have had your share of flops, failures, and fumbles. Show them that success is a journey, a process, NOT a destination. When they realize that you have failed and yet still managed to succeed, they’ll realize that it’s okay to fail. And their confidence will remain intact.

Be transparent and let people know that you post only the good stuff on social media, but if they knew what you truly had to go through to post those vacation photos, those first day of school pics, college dorm rooms and apartment setups, etc., they would know that we didn't go out to shake the "Money Tree". They'd know that it was by way of a lot of sacrifices that these things were made possible. They'd know that a lot of planning and savings had to occur to post those wonderful pictures and to create memories worth sharing!

Yes, there is so much more behind what you see on social media, but I just want to encourage someone this morning by saying, that if you don't Give In but Go On, you will overcome the failures that come our way...it's just a part of our journey. Going on is what makes us different; Giving In only stops us from overcoming.

What's your choice today: Give In or to GO ON?

Finishing Strong!

The Game ISN'T OVER yet!

Yes, you just scored a Monster Dunk this week on the job, in your relationship or even in your home! Congratulations…but, during the game, a Monster Dunk is but a single goal, the game is still in play. Now is not the time to celebrate but to return to play defense because you can believe that your opponent is already headed in the other direction attempting to score on you!

You see, life is just like that; there are times that you will score or advance with little or no opposition, but there are also times where those who oppose you will rise against you in opposition because they don’t like the idea of you getting ahead, advancing, winning or even to gain the smallest amount of confidence.  The Bible is clear as it says the your enemy the devil has come to Kill, Steal and Destroy…your salvation, your hope, your dreams, your ambition, your faith, your belief, your self-esteem, and your very family!  Yes, there will be times that we score and there are times when you need to defend.

The only defense against such an opponent is to plead the Blood of Jesus Christ over all that concerns you. If you really want to Finish Strong Today, Pray…Trust…Believe!!

King David prayed this prayer when he needed delivered from his enemies:

"Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me." (Psalms 59:1)

May this prayer be on you lips and in your heart as you go about your day.

Have a great holiday weekend. I'm heading back to Beaver Falls and I'm ALL SET TO HAVE A BLAST!!

Genuine Faith!

It doesn't take Faith to say what is. It takes Faith to say what shall be. #makeithappen

GROW Through It!

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work. Sometimes in an effort to grow we encounter setbacks, difficult situations and difficult people. Know today that these situations are there to test your growth and the passing or the failing will be determined by how you react.

If physical strength and stamina are your goals, your success will be your determination to continue to push through the initial muscle aches and pains to reach your goal. If promotion on the job is your goal, you'll work the extra hours and make the extra effort to the product that you are producing. If family unity is the required outcome you'll make that apology regardless if it is yours to make or not, although doing so may seem frivolous, the desired outcome again is unity.

In all that we do, regardless of the struggles, PERSEVERE and learn to GROW THROUGH IT instead of just going through it!!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

Would YOU Know?

If God were to lift His Spirit/His Presence from the earth, would you know? Will there be those who will still be speaking in tongues and church services continuing as normal? Are we so much in our flesh that we wouldn't even realize that the Spirit has departed?

Then she called, "Sampson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he DID NOT KNOW THAT THE LORD HAD LEFT HIM. (Judges 16:20 NIV)

Tell Them!

People are influenced most by those who make them feel the best about themselves.

Everyone needs to feel valued. Take time to express your love and appreciation for the people close to you. Tell them how much they mean to you. Write them notes telling how much you care. Give them a pat on the back and, when appropriate, a hug. Don’t ever assume that people know how you feel about them. Tell them. Nobody can be told too often that he or she is loved.

"How To Influence People: Make A Difference In Your World" - John C. Maxwell, Jim Dornan 

Integrity Is NOT Based On Credentials

Character comes from who we are. But some people would like to be judged not by who they are but by the titles they have earned or the position they hold, regardless of the nature of their character. Their desire is to influence others by the weight of their credentials rather than the strength of their character. But credentials can never accomplish what character can. - "How to Influence People: Making A Difference In Your World" - John C. Maxwell, Jim Doran

Still Praying and Still Waiting

"Actively Trusting in God", a Post I made a day or two ago, remains my posture early this morning:

God will bring about what He wants in our lives. He will unfold His plan in His time and His way. And it will be like nothing we could dream up ourselves!

Trust in Him, the blessing is closer today than it was on yesterday.

Praise Him with me...not for what He can do but for who He is!!! Hallelujah!!! Glory!!! Amen!

Our ONLY Example is JESUS!

It's alright to be different. It's alright if you don't do things like everyone else. There is no set way to do things for God, we are just to believe and trust in Him for His guidance.

Jesus doesn’t cram us into preset molds; He molds us for God-birthed purposes. Are you ready? Let's go!

Actively Trusting in The Lord

I've decided to trust in The Lord when I received Christ as Lord and Savior. I'm not always 100% as there are times that I try to do things on my own and then I'm quickly reminded of my need for Jesus. I guess that I can confess by saying that I'm "Actively Trusting in The Lord", which means that I have to be "Active" daily in my complete trust in Him and Him alone.

Trusting is never passive. When we trust, we don't just sit back and chill. The invitation of God is to keep doing the very best at whatever God has put in front of us. When our view of God expands so we can see Him as He truly is - as a BIG and EXTRAORDINARY GOD - we have less need to have all of the answers.  The fact is, we've seen God act before and we need to trust Him for how He going to act both now and in our future.

So, let us not stress out over what we can and can't do. We know we're loved by Him and called by Him and chosen by Him and created by Him. And if all those things are true, then God is going to lead us into His best purposes and plans.

Have a great weekend Trusting in The Lord!

Amen and Amen Again

BECAUSE of Grace and Mercy

God's Grace and Mercy - Mercy is God NOT giving us what we do deserve; Grace is God giving us something we DO NOT deserve.

You STILL don't understand Grace and Mercy? Let me tell you what it means to me: "Jesus paid the price for my life, all that was wrong, His love has made right!"

You see BECAUSE of His mercy, what should have been my outcome, because of the way I lived my life, didn't happen! But BECAUSE of His Grace, He has placed Himself in me to do and to speak marvelous things to this world!

So please understand that I serve a Mighty God and for this reason alone, I shall boldly, continually and eternally preach, teach and reach IN HIS NAME!

Let the church say Amen!

Keep Trying and Keep Doing Your Best!

In spite of where you are or what it looks like. God is with You!!!

Feeling unappreciated, undervalued, continuously chastised because of a mistake that you made? Have you been made to feel and sometimes even believe that God cannot use you in ministry? Well if you fall into these categories are those similar to these, God has you right where you need to be and He’s right there in the mix with you!

God is with you even when you are overlooked or treated unfairly. So if He is with you, then you want to do your best right where you are. Know that God is right beside you in the process, whatever you’re going through. So you want to keep doing your very best wherever you are. There is still a plan unfolding, and please know that there will always be somebody that has their eyes on you to see how you’ll respond to life’s circumstances. Actually, it’s probably true that more people have eyes on you in the pit, despair and challenges of life than were watching when you when you were on top of your game and doing well.

Let God show Himself to be strong and mighty in your life, you don’t have to say a word to your naysayers, God will prove Himself and therefore, make your enemy out to be a Liar concerning your circumstance, situation or ministry!

Praise God in song even now..."Let God arise and your enemies be scattered...Let God, Let God arise"

Don't Count HIM Out!

No matter what our obstacles are, no matter what mistakes we’ve made, no matter if we’re in a season of wandering or a season of darkness, God’s purpose and plan will still prevail.

Hallelujah and Amen!

Refreshing and Renewing

As I walk the beach each morning and each evening, I noticed that each day the waves were a little different, the sky was a slightly different color, the footprints that were on the beach yesterday were no longer there but the ones that I made just moments before showed me a glimpse of were I had been, but then in a little while they were gone. I thought about this and noticed all of the Sand that had been roughed up by my walking on it and then remembered how by the next day, how smooth it was made by the tide that came in the night.

Lord You have over and over and over again...smoothed out the rough spots in our lives and each new day you have provided for us a fresh start and a new perspective.

Psalm 40:5 says it like this - "You, Lord my God! You’ve done so many things— Your wonderful deeds and your plans for us— no one can compare with You! If I were to proclaim and talk about all of them, they would be too numerous to count!"

Although there's an abundance of Sand, it could no way measure up to the bountiful blessings that you have given unto those who love You...regardless of the rough spots that we've created for ourselves...late in the midnight hour Lord, you have smoothed them all out!!

Today, think on the many new and fresh starts that God has and is providing for you and give Him thanks...THEN MAKE IT COUNT!!! Happy New Day!!

Get YOU Out of the Way!

Always pray, study and worship before you speak God's Word. Always pray, study and worship before you teach God's Word. Always pray, study and worship before trying to reach others for God.

Sometimes we can get overconfident in our own abilities and begin to neglect the One who gifted us with our abilities. We don't study like we use to. We don't pray like we use to. We don't even cut out time to worship God, because we're too busy being busy. Please know, that when we leave God out, we take God out and then it becomes all about US!

People don’t need more people. They need people who get out of the way and show people the one true God!

Identity

Who Was I?

I was a sinner.
I was lost and confused.
I oftentimes did things that brought shame
I drank, smoked, cussed, lied and partied excessively

Who Am I?

I am Saved.
I am a child of The King.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
I am forgiven, blessed and highly favored.
I am called by God to show & tell of His Love, Grace & Mercy

Why is important that I recall "Who I Was" and remind myself of "Who I Am"? Put simply: There’s something to be said about the power of identity!

KNOW WHO YOU ARE - otherwise, the world and those in it will define you!

Be content. Not complacent.

This particular season is not about doing. It’s about being. Being the thing God created, being the thing God intended. It’s a kind of lathering process that’s going to build and develop you. The oil that’s supposed to be poured onto your life will be a reflection of the oil that has been developed in your life. It’s the secret place that develops you. It’s the secret place that prepares you. It’s the unseen preparation that gives you a visible anointing.

If you want to be a leader, if you want to be a person that builds other people’s faith and be used by God, be faithful in the mundane, be faithful in the hidden place. God is preparing to bring you into a place so magnificent that only He can get the credit for it!

- I Am Number 8

Today's a Good Day to Have a Good Day!

TODAY, God got a little somethin' somethin' with MY name on it! Favor ain't fair but it is FABULOUS! 😃😃😃✔

You know, sometimes you just have to encourage yourself!!

Take the FIRST STEP!

In the book of the Prophet Haggai in Chapter 2, we hear Haggai speak the Words that came to him from The Lord. God was asking 2 questions of the priests (1) Is holiness contagious? Can holiness be transferred from one thing to another? The priests answered, "No". (2) Can uncleanness, the opposite of holiness, be contagious? Can someone who is ritually unclean contaminate things that are holy? "Yes", the priests answered.

God told the people that they knew that since the Temple had been destroyed and not rebuilt, that the Temple had become contaminated and so had the people. Therefore, because the people were defiled, then so would their sacrifice be defiled.

However, in verses 15, 18, 19b...three times the Prophet Haggai announced that "from this day forward" things would be different. You see, something changed, the people took the "First Step" and the foundation stone, the cornerstone of the Temple was laid and as part of the ceremony, the Temple was rededicated, cleansing it from defilement, making it a functional holy space again.

The last sentence in verse 19, The Lord says this, "FROM THIS DAY ON I WILL BLESS YOU."

Despite our sin in this life, God still responds favorably to our "First Step" in the right direction. Throughout the Bible we see people that when they looked beyond their own selfish concerns, God jumped at the chance to reestablish a relationship with His chosen people.

Think about this...God is and has always been ready to jump at the chance to reestablish relationship with you...we just need to take the FIRST STEP!

Wedding Anniversary Week - Reflection #6 Final

Marriage Takes More Than Two!

All this week you've heard me say a lot about Kim's and my marriage. However, if you go back and read all of the posts, you will find that my reflections are not only about Kim and I, but they are about a Mighty God that we serve! God has made all the difference in our marriage. He has made all the difference in our family. He has made all the difference in our livelihood. He has been the source of who we are.

Understanding that it will take more than two to make a successful marriage is coming into the knowledge that we need to have Christ Jesus. Where the scripture talks about a "three-fold cord is not easily broken", it is reminding us of our need for the Essence of Love, the Creator of Love and the Author of Love and again, that is Christ Jesus! I, on many occasions have had to remind myself, when I find myself, trying to do things by myself  that without Christ we're  not as strong as we think that we are. Additionally, we also must know that "If Christ stands before us then who can be against us"!

Marriages have sustainable energy; marriages are strong; and marriages are healthy when the marriage is between you, your spouse, and our Heavenly Father. Invite God into your marriage and enjoy the journey. In God's economy, when you Invest in Him, the Return is "Above all that you could ever think or imagine". Trust me in this, when a marriage has been ordained in Heaven, then you + your spouse + Jesus = Blessed and Highly Favored and your marriage has been sanctioned and protected by The Most High God!

Marriage - there's nothing greater that can be shared together on this side of eternity when Jesus is in the marriage!

I love you all and thank each of you for following all week as I reflected on marriage. God bless You!

Tomorrow, we'll be 28 years In the books. Hallelujah!!!

"It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps... Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped." (Ecclesiastes 4:9‭-‬12 MSG)

Wedding Anniversary Week - Reflection #5

Life Markers

There are many things in Kimberly's and my life together that make us who we are today.

I remember like yesterday, the very first time that I saw her walking down a stairwell in Bldg 1650, Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX in January 1987.

I remember the first time that she first noticed me. I was blasting music in my dormitory room, drinking way too much and noticed Kim and a few of her coworkers going to the Bowling Alley. I jumped in front of them and shouted, "Hey you, YOU can come back and hang with me, but not the rest of you" hahaha...yep, not smooth at all, BUT she came back after a night of bowling! 😃

I remember our 1st apartment; our 1st breakup; and our 2nd apartment. I remember my proposal to Kim and her saying "Yes" after two years of dating.

I remember our wedding day, Lisa Boyles Thomas flying in from Florida to be Maid of Honor; Jay Keller giving Kim away; and Kim and I cooking all of the food for the reception, preparing the Clubhouse, helping the DJ get setup, greeting the Justice of The Peace and finally our wedding vows.

Four years later, our firstborn son, Keith Jr was born on June 19th and Father's Day that year was June 20th

Four years after Keith was born, we had our second child, Kyle on May 8th, four days before Mother's Day that year

I retired from the Air Force in January 2005

Our daughter Kaelyn was born in January 2006!

But THE MOST SIGNIFICANT Life Marker was on March 23, 2005. On this day, at a basketball banquet of a league that was affiliated with a Christian organization and the games where played in a local church, Kim and I received Jesus Christ as our LORD and as our SAVIOR!

Prior to this Life Marker, there was nothing truly significant about us, our lives or our lifestyle choices. BUT after this date, our world changed, our hearts were changed, our marriage changed, our love grew stronger, our decisions were made better, our pathways were made clearer and our names were written in The Lamb's Book of Life! On this day, my wife and I truly became one before God and we remain before His Throne as one to this day!

There are many Life Markers in our lives and I'm proud of each of them. However, the most significant event of Kimberly and myself was the day Christ became Lord in us and for us.

Thank You Lord for teaching us what true love is and for teaching us how to truly love each other. My Mom said this to me shortly afterwards..."Keith, you had love for Kim, but now, YOU KNOW LOVE & HOW TO LOVE!

Christ IS love and without Him in your marriage, we will only go through the motions.

Wedding Anniversary Week Reflection #4

Keeping It Real Works for Us!

To Keep it Real...There's nothing out there that can hold my heart, that will hold my hand and that holds me closer than the love of my wife.

To Keep it Real...I use to like to go to "The Club". I use to like hanging out until three o'clock in the morning. I use to like the attention (drama most times) that could be found by making yourself available to everyone and everything. But those things really drained me, drained my enthusiasm and stole my identity and security.

See, to Keep it Real...I had to come to the understanding that a strong and healthy marriage trumps "The Club"; trumps casual acquaintances: and trumps the paranoia and fake/false/phony nightmarish masquerade mask that I once wore to be part of the crowd.

What has worked for us is our realization that Life, Love and Memories are Made at Home and with those you love and who love you; and not the random strangers that we meet in the streets or clubs.

This is Real...Kimberly gives me my identity as being her protector, her best friend, her confidant, her husband, the father of our children and priest of our home.

This is Real...Kimberly is my security in that she keeps me grounded, protects me from negativity by showering me with confidence and affirming my position in our lives and by shielding me from even my own self doubt.

To Be Real...Kimberly and I aren't perfect and we don't profess to have the perfect marriage, but:

Keeping it Real REALLY Works for Us!

Wedding Anniversary Week Reflection #3

TOGETHER!

My wife and I have been together for over half of our lives. We grew up together as young adults, made a family together and established our home together. Everything that we have, we obtained together. Everything that we lost, we endured together. For everything that's come at us, we've prayed together and there were times that we've cried together. Whatever life has dealt us, we survived together and through it all we strived together.

By now, you've got the key to our marriage that is quickly approaching 28 years and the key is: TOGETHER!

• Together, the two have become one
• Together, nothing can divide us
• Together, life is made and love endures

Thank you Kimberly for making me your priority. Together and with God's blessing, we shall continue in life and love, enjoying it all, TOGETHER!

Wedding Anniversary Week Reflection #2

Love doesn't always agree with all of our wants, but stands firmly beside us, pushing us, praying for us and championing for what is needed rather than what we may have wanted. Love knows what the goal is and will not settle for a shortcut or a cheap escape.  Love makes whatever it achieves worth the wait and worth the effort.

Love in marriage is worth everything that we have left, lost and accomplished together.

Kimberly, thanks for loving me the way that only you can!

Wedding Anniversary Week

This is Kimberly's and my Wedding Anniversary Week. On Saturday, July 1st, we will be celebrating 28 years of marriage!  During this week, I'll be reflecting on our marriage.

Every successful marriage has endured life's challenges. The secret to success is simply that TRUE LOVE ALWAYS survives and ALWAYS conquers!

Here's my first share concerning OUR marriage that has and continues to work for us:

"We didn't fall in love, we committed to love!"

Kimberly and I didn't "fall" for each other, but we COMMITED to each other:

• Until death do we part
• Through sickness and in health
• In spite of the opinions of others
• During times of more than enough and during times when there wasn't enough

Commitment works for us and we remain just as committed today as we were in 1989.

To God be the glory!

Help Somebody

Finishing Strong Friday: Wow, wow and wow...what a week this has been! BUT GOD! Yes and I'll say it again...BUT GOD!  

Well we made it again and we must rejoice and be thankful. However, think about those who may be still going through. Instead of dwelling on our own issues, I want to ask each of us to pray for those still going through something! Speak God's Word in their life right now and right where you are! Let them know what Nehemiah says, that "the joy of The Lord is my strength". Speak into someone's life that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and if need be, encourage them with an old hymn of the church that reminds us all that  "My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand." 

You see, finishing strong isn't always about self! You'll really FINISH STRONG once you've helped someone else find the "Solid Rock" that is Christ Jesus. We'll help someone else FINISH STRONG when we tell them to stop believing the words of the world which is their "Sinking Sand"! 

May God bless you all and I pray that you all FINISH STRONG!

Be Encouraged

Don't be Discouraged. No, you have not been forgotten. Your ministry has not been overlooked.  Your prayers are relevant and heard. Every effort has been recognized. The love that you have shown towards others is known. 

Remain encouraged! This world and those in it will leave you feeling as if you don't matter.  Keep doing what you are doing, even though you may not get the worldly recognition or rewards; even though folks talk about you, laugh at you and ridicule your efforts...Keep on going!  Don't be discouraged when it appears that things that you are involved in aren't growing, but remember that there is a season for planting, a season for watering, a season for tending and then comes the season of harvest.  Ministry Colleagues, whatever you do, DON'T QUIT & DON'T GIVE UP!! Let God's love for you and His intimate knowledge of your service for Him encourage you as you face disappointment and rejection here on earth.

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)

Amen!

I'm Up!

I'm Up - for today's Blessings
I'm Up - for today's Favor
I'm Up - for today's Opportunities
I'm Up - for today's Challenges
I'm Up - for today's Victories
I'm Up - for today's Call to witness yet again THIS GREAT LOVE that The Lord has lavished on His creation and to receive this love so that I may love others!

Who's UP with me?

I Hope that HOPE Remains

Many of us are going through some life challenges, some of us are uncertain about tomorrow and some of us has given up our hope of better, restoration and reconciliation. I'm here today to tell you to hold on to faith, hold on to love. Hold on to Hope!! You’re not alone. Don’t lose sight. HOPE remains and our Hope is in Christ Jesus!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (I Peter 1:3‭-‬6 NKJV)

FIRST the APPOINTING and then the ANOINTING

Have we allowed the business of the day and the busyness of church life and ministry to take us away from our initial appointment? The foundation and bare essentials of who we are can only be found in Jesus.

Before He sent you to preach, teach and reach HE CALLED YOU UNTO HIMSELF SO THAT YOU MAY BE WITH HIM! Jesus wants, needs, requires, mandates, instructs and expects us to be with Him before He sends us out to others. Not just upon your initial calling, but everyday: before every bible study, before every hospital visit, before every preached Word, before we lay down at night and before we start our day.

Have you spent time with Jesus before spending time in your ministry calling?

And He (Jesus) went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, THAT THEY MAY BE WITH HIM and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons (Mark 3:13‭-‬15 NKJV)

To Do List

Pray ✔
Trust God ✔
Love one another ✔
Forgive and be forgiven ✔
Live the abundant life Jesus provides ✔

You're Invited

Studying God's Word not only motivates us to do the right thing, but it also demotivates us from doing the wrong thing!

C'mon out tonight and join us in Bible Study @ 7 p.m. 

The Journey of Faith Church
2900 Smallwood Drive W
Waldorf MD

or

Find a church near you and join in their study of God's Word.

You'll be glad that you decided to come!!

Get Out of the Way!

Church folk are Called to be Spiritual Guides, NOT spiritual guards. Get out of the way... blocking God's plans with your rules and ideologies. Hey, you can guard your religion all day if you like, but get out of the way of those seeking a RELATIONSHIP with Christ!

"This people honors Me with  their  lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching  as  doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men" (Read Mark 7:1‭-‬23 NKJV for the full account of this passage)

Successors!

Men of Faith, are we raising up a  modern-day Joshua? Are we speaking into the lives of our sons, equipping them and establishing them for their roles in life to be protector, provider, and prayerful over their households. Are we allowing them to see us pray, to join us in prayer and to see us in service to The Lord; allowing them to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus as they witness the same in us? Who are we making ready to lead when our time has come to step aside? Will there be faithful and mighty men of valor in the church after you've finished?

Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9 NKJV)

Have You Considered?

Have you considered, do you think carefully about or are you giving attention to Jesus in regards to His unique role in your salvation? 

Holy brethren - He makes us holy brothers and sisters by setting us apart unto Him. To be holy means that we have turned away from unclean things of the world and from the religions of the world and have turned to Christ

Partakers of the heavenly Calling - We have been Called by Christ to live with God in heaven. We are not to live for this earth; we are to live for heaven. Therefore, our attention is to be fixed upon heaven, even more so on Christ who is our Savior and who has made it possible for us to live in heaven

Jesus is the Apostle of our confession - Jesus is the One Sent by God with full authority and power. We confess that He is the One whom God sent from heaven to earth for our salvation

Jesus is the High Priest of our confession - Jesse is the great high priest who stands between God and man. He bares the name of God before man, and He carries the names of men before God. This means two things: (1) Christ must know man and He must know God (2) Christ must also be able to represent God before man and man before God

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,” (Hebrews‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Something to consider today...

Hybrid Faith

"Hybrid" may be good for cars, but a Hybrid Faith is no faith at all

Hybrid cars can be powered by gas or electricity and because it's a hybrid, you can toggle between the two. When one source becomes depleted you can simply transfer or toggle to the other. This is indeed useful for cars and the owners of man made or manufactured things. However, please know that even hybrids can and will deplete both gas and electricity and if you are in s situation where you don't have access to refuel, you're stuck!

The issue at hand is that some of us are living with Hybrid Faith, meaning that we are relying on our abilities, our education, influence, position and financial situations to carry us through this life and only when our health becomes depleted, our monies become depleted and our relationships become low, that's when we want to toggle/transfer over to Christ.

Jesus is always accessible, never low on blessings, favors and miracles. Jesus is the only, original and authentic source of power that you'll ever need!

The writer of Hebrews puts it like this, “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses..." (Hebrews‬ ‭3:3‬a NIV‬‬). So today, I contrast Hybrid Faith with FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS:

Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than ___________________.  You name "whatever" your mind can conjure up and I'll say again, Jesus had been found worthy of greater honor than "that"!!!!

He's Able to Help

Transparency - I've made some mistakes in my life. I haven't done a lot of things right. I've said hurtful things and I've had hurtful sayings come my way. I've lied, I've wronged folks and I've had my fair share of misunderstandings. I haven't always been grateful; had my bouts with conceit, jealousy and all kinds of shortcomings. BUT GOD...

God has known me before I was even born and He knew of my shortcomings, miss deeds and mess ups. Yet He still sent Jesus to "Put On" (this flesh) and to "Take On" (my sins) and to "Shut Down" (the power of sin in my life), so that I can stand today and say that I have been forgiven and that I AM A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD!

Today is a good day to know that the same applies to YOU!!

“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews‬ ‭2:14-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

He became like us that He may be a merciful Priest. "I know what you're going through", Jesus says. "I was just like you, I never sinned - but I understand your struggle".

Isn't that something...Jesus understands our struggle. Talk to Him about what you are going through today, He really understands and has made a way out!

What Are We Missing Out On?

We can have everything that God says that we can have. But are we willing trust Him, obey Him, believe Him and seek Him for it?

The True You!

BE THE ORIGINALLY CREATED, PURPOSED AND BLESSED YOU TODAY!

Never mimic or copycat what someone else is doing, because when you do, you are no longer authentic, you've just become a cheap imitation or knockoff of something else! Please let the REAL YOU stand up and be noticed. There's GREATNESS in YOU when you let God's purpose for your life lead your life.

“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdom and behave like fools.” (2 CORINTHIANS‬ ‭10:12‬b AMP‬‬)

Be Careful That You Don't Miss It!

Some of us are missing the move of God because we are too busy teaching religion in an attempt to make folks religious. The problem with being religious is that we miss the relationship and personal intimacy with The Lord and replace the same with rules, rituals and doctrine that oftentimes is more about our denominations than The Christ who came to restore relationships and who was made superior to religion and even angels. (Hebrews 1:4)

Don't be so caught up with religion (rules) that you fail to see or even neglect the move of God that's taking place right in front of our faces. Please know, it is not at our discretions, our authority or our titles/positions that salvation is given. God is in the salvation business, not man.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:10‭-‬13 NKJV)

Listening..

"The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened my ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away." (Isaiah 50:4-5 NKJV)

It's Alright to Say "No"

When we truly love someone, an answer of "No" is just as loving and acceptable an answer as "Yes". Saying "Yes" just to show your love can be detrimental to right living. Saying "No"  when needed PROVES your love for another.

Don't continue to enable wrongful activities by telling folks "Yes". Also, don't be duped by your own heart by convincing yourself that ignoring or looking away isn't endorsing wrongful acts, because it does!

In Layman's terms, "Don't love me to death" by enabling me..."Love me to life" by correcting me and telling me "No" when needed!

"God helps those who helps themselves"

Although popular, this phrase is not found in the Bible. However, it is correct in regards to salvation because none of us are capable of saving ourselves. In this sense, we are helpless.

Apart from salvation, there is perhaps a way that the concept "God helps those who help themselves" is correct. As an example, if you asked me to help you move a piece of furniture, but then just watched me as I moved the furniture for you, I was not actually helping you. I would be doing the work for you.

Some of us have a "Gimme" type of Faith. "Gimmie" some money, "Gimmie" something to eat, "Gimmie" a break, clothes, a room, etc. All the while that we are giving, all is well. They get what they want, but they have not changed their issues which got them into the situation that they're in. They are still living recklessly and expect someone who is trying to live right to provide for them. They are still addicted, they're still lying, they're still scheming on how they can get over on those they are counting (preying) on.

Many people fall into the trap of inactivity. Many people ask God for help, but then expect God to do everything Himself. When God has already provided a way of escape or has already provided provision and blessings, they miss it because of stubbornness and hard-headedness. God requires them to move in faith to receive the blessing. He'll break the chains that are binding you, but when He breaks the chains, we must move from that place, not remain in that mess with a "Gimmie" spirit. Many fail to receive blessings because they have put conditions on it..."if you do this for me, then i'll..." The problem with this is that you should have put yourself in a position to receive. Saying that you are ready to receive but still carrying drugs in your pockets, a pipe in your bag or the cell phone number to your supplier is not being ready! Don't blame God, The Church or Christians when that "Gimmie" spirit is rightfully rebuked in love. Yes, in love. God wants you to be free, you have to want to be free and to move into what He has already provided for you.

Be healed, set free and delivered. God requires you to STEP OUT on faith. Stepping out requires you to move. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you will receive and achieve when you move!

It's Called CHRISTIANITY not "Churchi-anity"

Some of us are safeguarding our Christian interactions as well as our local church memberships, and for these reasons (oh, there's more), we're stifling our call of making disciples for the sake of maintaining a presence, style of worship and to only attract others that resemble YOU! Shameful.

Jesus established THE CHURCH, how dare we decide to not co-exist; decide not to fellowship; or to hold combined worship services or bible studies, etc! Churches should complete one another and not compete with one another.

Don't let "Churcianity" take the place of CHRISTIANITY!

G. I. F. T. E. D.

Thank God I'm - G. I. F. T. E. D.

  • Growing In Faith, Trust, and Endurance Daily

Praising God that I operate -
G. I. F. T. E. D.

  • Graciously Instructing and Training Each Disciple

I'm here to tell you about -
G. I. F. T. E. D.

  • God Is Forever Teaching and Edifying Daily.

You too are GIFTED! Walk in it, live it, teach it and tell it!!!

“Does Today’s Menu Offer What YOU DESIRE?”

Pictured here is a meal that I thoroughly enjoyed recently. I went out to a local Fish Market and upon arriving began to look at the extensive Menu of items that were available.  I have to tell you that everything looked good but I had an expectation or a DESIRE of having a certain dish even before arriving. However, after searching the Menu, I quickly discovered that what I DESIRED wasn’t offered…at least it wasn’t on the printed Menu.  When the server came to the table to take our Order I could’ve settled for what was being offered, BUT I really DESIRED the Catfish! So I asked “I noticed that there is no Menu selection for Catfish and I kind of had my heart set on Catfish”, she responded “We have it, it just isn't on the Menu.” Wow, a big smile and a hearty…”I’LL HAVE THE CATFISH” followed. 

You see, TODAY the world has provided you a “Menu” of items to choose from…decisions to be made and perhaps the choices that are in front of you may not be what you have set in your heart or what you DESIRE for yourself or for someone else (Healing, Peace of Mind, Restored Relationships, Freedom from Addiction, Family Unity or Comfort in the face of Difficult Situations).  However, the Word of God says:

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye DESIRE, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. (Mark 11:24; Matt 6:32-34 KJV)

Finish strong and don’t settle for wrong, you have more options than you can see in front of you on TODAY. Have a great Friday Eve and an even better weekend! Please Keep us in your prayers as my parents are traveling from Delaware to Maryland to celebrate Dad's birthday 🎈🎉🎊🕺👊👍🎂✔

CHECK YOURSELF!

The hatred of someone else's sin shouldn't give us a sense of being better than they are,  nor does our hatred of someone else's sins impress God. However, the recognition, hatred and doing away with our own sins is what truly matters!

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:7 NKJV)

The Main Thing!

Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions. Sooner or later we’ll all have to face God, regardless of our conditions. We will appear before Christ and take what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9‭-‬10 MSG)

Truth

Truth is that Easter Continues - Salvation Can Be Yours TODAY!!

Just as in the days of Jesus, some still ask the question that Pilate asked, "What is truth?"

Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. Pilot answer what is the truth? Are you like the world, are you like Pilate, are you like everyone who is still doubting the truth of Easter? HEAR the truth today - "The truth shall set you free!"

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:38 NKJV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)

Problem or Possibility - What is Your Perception?

Today is laced with a number of problems but I choose to look for the many possibilities that may initially present themselves as problems.

You see, it's really all about our perception. If I choose to see a problem, then it will indeed be problems that I will contend with all day. However, when I perceive a problem to be a possibility or an opportunity,  then I can achieve the victory instead of caving in to defeat.

I perceive that those problems that await me today have already become my victories, even before I face them.

Faith statement: I declare that I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me! Amen.

Please UNDERSTAND

Our deliverance is not in our shout, it's when we SURRENDER!

The First Commandment

“You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3 NKJV)

Whoever and whatever you have allowed to control your decisions has become your God.

Protected!

Seven nights I've closed my eyes and seven days they've opened to see a brand new day...days with purpose, possibilities and victories! During those same seven days, the devil has been concocting schemes to take you and I out, but God has and is protecting us.

This morning we need to not just say it, but truly begin to praise God when we think about ..."If it had not been for the Lord on our side, where would we be?" Now c'mon and praise Him!!

Air Force Proud!

My friends went to college, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. When they woke up to decide if they'd go to school or work, I had already been at work for hours. Their alarms woke them up, my alarms sent me to my duty station. They made plans based on how they feel, I made plans based on the needs of my country. They couldn't wait to leave their homes, I couldn't wait to get back. When we look back on our respective lives, they may wonder if they've ever made a difference, I'll never have that problem.

Proud to Serve for You! Proud to Be an Airman!!!  Proud to had Retired !!!!

U.S. Air Force January 1985 - January 2005

PROUDLY SERVED! ✔

AFFORDABLE CARE PLAN!

Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Etna,  HealthNet, Affordable Care Act aka "Obama Care" and American Health Care Act aka "Trump Care"...let me tell you, so many choices for TEMPORARY coverage, but there is only one choice for ETERNAL COVERAGE!  You are and always covered in CHRIST CARE.

• The bill? Paid in Full.
• How to receive it? Believe and have faith.
• Who can apply? WHOSOEVER WILL!
• Does it provide a Family Plan? Yes, it applies to you and your entire household from generation to generation!

Get/Receive CHRIST CARE today! No advanced appointment required, no office visits, pre-existing conditions will not disqualify you but indeed qualifies you!! Receive by simply saying, "I CHOOSE JESUS"!

"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]". (1 PETER 5:7 AMP)

Let's Get On With It!

Just think about it, if we would have just kept going instead of stopping when issues in life arose, where we would be today  It's not to late, so Lets Get On With It...

Let's start living again
Let's start trusting again
Let's start laughing again
Let's start loving again

Come on, Let's Get On With It!

Send Me I'll Go!

I'm not ashamed of where I come from because God has brought me a mighty long way. I can look back on my small beginnings and see the hand of God advancing me in life, in ministry and in love!

I'm not worried about where I am today nor am I going to worry about where He shall take me tomorrow because, If God can take care of you in the low place, you can bet on Him taking care of you in the high places. Hallelujah!

GREATER INDEED!!!

If you know "Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world," when crisis comes, you won't have to run around like a chicken with his head cut off, flopping here and there trying to find help. You'll know help is available. You'll know He is in there; The Greater One is in YOU!

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4 NKJV)

Imitators

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

This is not being conceited, this is Spiritual Boldness! Do we live our lives in such a way that we can say the same? Examine yourself because  whether you like it or not, you are being imitated...by at least your children, young people and friends! Follow Christ and your example to others will be worthy of their imitating!

Serve All God's Children

"For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;  I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’  Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:42‭-‬45 NKJV)

CALL ON HIM!!!

"Whosoever will", means that this is up to you!

"God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). In the below "whosoever" passage of the Old Testament, it is clear that those who call on Him shall be heard, shall be delivered, shall be protected,  shall be forgiven,  healed, accepted and SAVED!!!

CALL ON HIM!!

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." (Joel 2:32 KJV)

Ps, I'm on the road early this morning sneaking up to Delaware to see my parents. Well, I discovered that Ken has left an hour before me to do the same thing. Look at God!! Please pray for safe travels for us. I can't wait to sit at the kitchen table with mom and dad, sipping some coffee. ☕

Greatness Is...

• Greatness is a matter of sacrifice, not safety

• Greatness is service, not status

• Greatness is a matter of self-control, not control of others

• Greatness is doing God's will, not enjoying the praise of men

• Greatness is a matter to be earned, not appointed

Let's not get it twisted, Greatness is a matter of surrendering to the love of Jesus Christ!

Prideful People

The problem with people who place themselves above you; who think that they're better than you; and who feel that they don't want or even need your encouragement is just that, "Their Problem".

It's sad when you go out of your way to be sympathetic towards another's issues and when you put in the effort to build them up with encouraging words and even let them know that your prayers are with and for them and all you get back is a condescending "LOL" or "I got this". When this takes place, these people truly miss out on the grace that God has given you to provide for His people; they miss out on the power and authority that has been given to you in prayer by Christ Jesus; and they miss out on the Peace that you are speaking over their lives.

So, when this happens, don't be sorrowful, don't feel inadequate or become frustrated. When they reject and place themselves above you, then we must know that what they are really doing is rejecting the Christ in you! It is their loss, not ours!

"He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.” (Luke 10:16 NKJV)

Pray, Give Thanks & Don't Complain

Pray for those who are homeless, cold and hungry. Give Thanks for what you have and Don't Complain; there's someone out there that would give everything for what you consider not enough.

Some Things You Just Gotta KNOW!

I'm not going to stress today because of the mistake that i made yesterday; I'm not going to carry the heavy load of guilt any longer because of the life I once lived. Why? Because I KNOW IN MY HEART that I've given my life over to Jesus and When I did, He made me some promises...to NEVER leave me or forsake me, to forgive ALL of my sins, to LOVE me for all eternity, to PROSPER me, to KEEP me, to HEAL me and that my ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD will be saved! I believe each and every promise from Him, because He is able to do what He said that He would do in me!  God's Word says "You will do everything you have promised; LORD, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun." (Psalm 138:8 GNT) Be encouraged because HE IS ABLE...He sees your tears, He knows your pain, He sees the pile of bills...but God reminded me that HE IS STILL ABLE TO DELIVER YOU FROM IT ALL!!!

Citizenship

The majority rules? I think not. Only One rules. JESUS RULES!!

I have dual citizenship and knowing that means that I also know that I will not live in a democracy for long, but I shall live in the Kingdom for all eternity!

But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; (PHILIPPIANS 3:20 AMP)

Fake News

"Fake News" is and has been luring us away from living a purposeful and bountiful life. We get caught up competing with one another instead of completing one another. We get lost in the need of acceptance from those who will turn and abandon us when things get tough. We seek conversations that make us feel good in the moment, instead of seeking the truth in God’s Word which gives us eternal life. "Fake News" would have you believe that you just have to be a good person and you will go to Heaven

REAL NEWS is that the "Fake News" is just not reality. The reality is that there is but one way unto salvation, eternal life, living an abundant life, accepted, loved, forgiven, gifted and of being protected...this can only happen in Christ Jesus!

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14 NKJV)

The point is that everyone has ears, but only a few are listening and responding.

Chew on that today...

It's Over - In the Name of Jesus!

This morning I realized that I have been needlessly suffering from eye allergies for nearly a week.  My eyes have appeared to be swollen, red, itchy and very watery.  I've tried two brands of eye drops (one of which was a prescription) and have literally gone through a box of Kleenex.  Well today, I looked in the mirror and said, "No more, this is over...In the Name of Jesus"

You see, I had to remember and then realize again that Jesus has given us authority over all things! Why should I needlessly suffer any longer.  What is it that you have become tired over, stressed over and have been burdened with? Speak to your issue, believing in the One who has given you the authority to speak. Have faith and watch what happens next!

No tissue or eye drops for this guy today! Yay Jesus!!!

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark‬ ‭11:20-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

Your Name

Your name identifies you. Depending on how you are living your life, your name can identify you in multiple ways. When your name is mentioned, what character traits follow it?

Does your name cause others to be happy, safe, does it bring comfort and love? Or does the mention of your name bring controversy, fear, hurt, lies and untrustworthy feelings?

Keith A. White, years ago represented something other than how I'm known today as "Bro. Keith". Because and only because I gave my life to Christ has Bro. Keith changed the perception of what Keith A. White once represented. Being Saved has brought me into relationships with others who are Saved and my becoming a Brother has changed and has given relevance to my name.

So, no matter which you use, the two identities now have the same meaning  - Man of God!

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NKJV)

Irrevocable, Irreversible and End of Discussion!

God Loves You!
God sent His Son to reconcile you!
Christ died so that you may live!
Christ conquered death so that you may conquer life!

God has given me the gift of salvation; a gift of forgiveness and a gift of love Everlasting! No matter what tomorrow holds, how I mess up or what I don't get right, I STILL WILL BE SAVED, LOVED & FORGIVEN!

C'mon, get this in your spirit...you're included...shout HALLELUJAH!!!

For the gifts and the calling of God are  irrevocable. (Romans 11:29 NKJV)

"You Look Mighty Good Today Fam!"

Clothe Yourself Physically and Spiritually!

As we are getting ready for our day and searching through our closets and drawers for what we will wear today that will represent who we are on the job, please remember to clothe yourselves with Christ Jesus!

Let us set out on our day dressed in love and compassion for another. Let us set out with a heart that is prepared to forgive the one who wronged you. Let us set out with the mindset to assist someone to have a much better day. Let us be intentional about seeking those whom God has sent our way so that we may be a blessing to them.

Do all this and I'll just say this about how you got dressed for the day: "You look mighty good today Fam!"

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. "Colossians 3:12‭-‬14 MSG"

Truth is...

Truth is that I cussed...Alot!
Truth is that I drank and smoked!
Truth is that I used people!
Truth is that I fought!
Truth is that I cheated and lied!
Truth is that I didn't pray!
Truth is that I didn't attend church between ages 19 and 38 years of age!
Truth is that I still slip up and mess up!

Truth is that Jesus' gift of salvation TRUMPED ALL OF THAT!
Truth is that I HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN!
Truth is that I AM SAVED!
Truth is that I AM CALLED!

God made a way for a sinner like me to be blessed with salvation and you may want to know if He can do the same for you. Jesus' response: YOU ARE TO DIE FOR!

But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. (Psalms 115:3 NKJV)

STOP, REWIND and Push PLAY

Listen to STOP, REWIND and Push PLAY (Deut. 6:20-23) by Keith White 15 #np on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/keith-white-17/sets/stop-rewind-and-push-play-deut-620-23

FIX IT!

Why do we think that letting bad things linger will someday be forgotten or swept under the carpet? There is a fierce urgency of NOW! We must FIX IT NOW.

FIX relationships
FIX misunderstandings
FIX broken families
FIX addiction
FIX self-image
FIX self-esteem
FIX jealousies

Know this, bad things do not get better with time. It's time to FIX IT!

When Life is Hard...

John the Baptist had been preaching in the wilderness, in the streets and everywhere that Jesus was coming. Much like today, ministers are sharing the Good News that Jesus is soon to return. However, we turn on the local news and we see chaos, we drive through our neighborhoods and we see sickness, disease and decay, we look at our families and see dysfunction, division and despair.

Know that just like the time in which John preached that times are hard. Today, we can get caught up with what we see face value...that times are still hard. But God would want you and I to know that He is at work and He wants us to continue our work in the sharing of the gospel.

Jesus speaks to us today in the same way that He spoke to those John sent to Him with questions...be encouraged and continue in your calling!

Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Luke 7:22 NKJV)

Do's and Don'ts

Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. May God Himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If He said it, He’ll do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:19‭-‬24 MSG)

Fulfilled

I'm not sure if posting everyday defines me, but I know it fulfills me!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16 NKJV)

What Are You Tuned Into?

What Are You Tuned Into?

Our souls are receptive to what we are subjecting them to and just like a car radio, they will tune into whatever we are playing. We can tune into the "Divine" or we can tune into the "Destructive".

How is it with your Soul?

WISDOM - YES, All That and a Bag of Chips!

Each of us who follows Jesus is blessed with the wisdom of God. It is His wisdom in us, that is about to be demonstrated through us, to those around us, to restore the earth beneath us, so that His city above us, can be the habitation among us!

Hallelujah and Amen!

LET'S GROW UP TOGETHER!!

God made you and I to mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Ephesians 4:12-13 says God’s people are meant to mature together in the knowledge and grace of Christ, and to become mature, attaining “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” God looks at His children and essentially says, “Grow up.” This is not a condescending command, but the loving direction of a Father who knows what is best for you.

Part of growing up in Christ takes place within a local church. This is not a one-time event, but the process that occurs as you commit to live in close relationship with other Christians. Together, God’s children will come to know Him more fully, and the world will look on and see the gospel of Christ in action.

OWN IT - DON'T RELY ON OTHERS!!!

It's truly our choice to continue in sin or live a forgiven and abundant life in Christ Jesus. Seriously, it's not like we are unaware of our choices. I'm just here today to tell you to OWN IT! My prayer is that you choose Christ which is choosing life; thereby, you escape death.

“Every soul—man, woman, child—belongs to me, parent and child alike. You die for your own sin, not another’s. The soul that sins is the soul that dies. The child does not share the guilt of the parent, nor the parent the guilt of the child. If you live upright and well, you get the credit; if you live a wicked life, you’re guilty as charged." (Ezekiel 18:4‭,20 MSG)