A Clean Separation

Tuesday's Truth: A Clean Separation!

It is both necessary and needful at times for us to make "A Clean Separation" from the areas and things in this life that no longer are favorable or functional to right living.

We stay in situations because we have settled in our minds that "this" is all that there is. Perhaps we stay because we have listened to the lies of the enemy and for some "dumb" reason, we believe the lie of the enemy instead of the TRUTH of God. Lastly we stay because staying in worthless, useless, unprofitable, unhealthy, unsafe and ungodly situations actually have become familiar and commonplace in our lives (my, my, my...how far away are we from who we were meant to be?)

But Today, I am here to tell you that there IS LIFE beyond our situations; there IS JOY beyond our despair; there IS HEALING for our Soul; and there IS A PROMISE, PURPOSE AND PLAN for our lives in Christ Jesus.

It is about time to look past our afflictions and move on. It is about time to do away with addictions and dependencies on "stuff" and look toward freedom and cleanliness. It is time to move on from our childhood/street identities and become the Man and Woman of God that we were created to be. IT IS NOW THE TIME TO MAKE A CLEAN SEPARATION AND LIVE OUR LIFE!!

"Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South." (Genesis 13:1 NKJV)

God had big plans for Abram, but the plan nor the purpose would be experienced in Abram's current situation, Abram had to make "A Clean Separation".

Truth is...so do we. Be blessed

When YOU Get Right, It Will Go Right in YOUR Life

Monday's Meditation: When YOU Get Right, It Will Go Right!

The time for silliness has past! Reconciliation's time has come! Put away jealousy, retribution and superiority complexes. Strengthen your home life and the love of family. Stop holding grudges against one another over things that no longer matter. Enjoy the days remaining and let go of the days that are no more. Seek The Lord and I'll say it again, Seek The Lord for your life!

The result is evident in scripture:

"When a man’s ways please the Lord , He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7 NKJV)

The Message Bible says it this way:

"When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand." (Proverbs 16:7 MSG)

I like this, I want this and I'll do the above so that I may have this. Think about the alternative and decide for yourself if you want this for your life.

Have a great Monday.

A Football Analogy

Have you noticed how life just sometimes seems like a "No Huddle Offense"? We get use to freelancing; just going with the flow; and we tend to be in a hurry up frame of mind just because the world seems to be moving in a hurry up kind of way.

However, I'm thankful for my early morning quiet time with The Lord, where I purposely take a much needed timeout, talk things over with my Coach and then go into the "playbook" to gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding for my next move.

Once I seek the "Playbook" the Coach says it's time to come out of the "No Huddle Offense", that it is time to huddle again and call the play that He has determined is best!

You see, the "No Huddle Offense" was incorporated by man to keep pace with this fast paced life. The Playbook, which is The Holy Bible, oftentimes is not sought while in our hurry up posture. The Coach is The Lord and commands that we huddle up, seek the next and best play and after receiving the play, trust the play to be successful in moving us closer to the Goal. During the timeout we talk with our Coach (pray) and He reveals His Playbook to us.

In a football game, a team is limited to the amount of timeouts that can be used. However, in God, we can and are encouraged to take many/daily/every necessary timeout to consult our Coach and His Playbook.

This morning, during my timeout and while talking (praying) with my Coach, He called an audible and told me to write a Parable that His team will easily understand.

Today is a good day to call a timeout, huddle up and consult the Coach, get a new play and execute it to gain an advantage. You have been stuck on 3rd a long and the play that is being called in your life will gain a guaranteed 1st Down!

By the way, the End Zone and the reward for reaching it is indeed much greater than 6 points!!

The timeout is over and I'm running the play, even right now, for today!!

IT'S YOU!!

The Search is Over...IT'S YOU!!!

Don't look outside yourself for a Leader, now is the time for you to look inside of yourself to see the Leader that is being called into today. WE ARE THE THE ONES THAT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! Trust yourself in God's agenda and plan.

"Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God ! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, And whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord . Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:4-10 NKJV)

BREATHE DEEPLY TODAY!

GOOD MORNING! Isn't it amazing to know that The Creator God has breathed His breath into you once more, calling you forth into yet another day? 

It's not that you woke yourself, nor was it the set time on your alarm clock, as we sadly know that there have been many this morning alone, where the alarm clock will sound off loudly, yet there will be no response from the one who relied on it to wake them. Please know that ONLY GOD can command your awakening each day!

Everyday that you and I rise, we stretch and breathe in deeply from the very breath of God who calls us into newness, new opportunities, new challenges, new mercies and new faith!

Truth is, I'm excited for what God has planned and purposed for me today. Today won't be like yesterday and the strategy that was good for yesterday will be renewed for today, the success of yesterday will not carry us through today... but rest assured that The Lord who was with us on yesterday to give us our strategy and to make us successful, is the same God who will Lord over our lives today!

His breath brings not only Life, but healing and wholeness. His breath brings cleansing; blowing away all which is not clean before Him so we begin with a fresh clean start. His breath brings the wind of the Holy Spirit from heaven to blow over lives and fill us afresh.

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4 NKJV)

Job knew his very existence; his every breath belonged to God, who gave him life.

My friends, even when we were dead in our sins, God breathed into us the breath of life for us to be born again, breathing His life within us. How sweetly does the breath of Life taste! How completely does the gift of Life fill our lungs! The most wonderful part is that one day we will breathe in the very air that He breathes in the city of God, in Heaven itself.

If your heart is deadened by the death of sin, then cry out to the Living God to breathe into the deadness of your life with His breath of Spiritual Life so you may be born again, with fresh Spiritual lungs breathing in a different and a new Life.

Breathe Deeply Today!!

Meditate on This!

It May Not Make Sense, But it Does Make Faith!

Getting out of the boat to walk on water, I'm sure, didn't make a whole lot of sense to Peter, but when he had faith that he could do it, he indeed walked on the water. It is when he tried to make sense of it that he began to sink.

Today, there may be something in your life that just doesn't make sense (like forgiveness of those who have hurt you or showing love even to your enemies) but know today that it doesn't have to make sense, but it will make faith.

Watch what happens when you trust God...He is the One who is faithful and He is the One who can make since of a senseless matter!

You know, other than Jesus, Peter still is the only other person who can truly say that he really did walk on water. It surely didn't make sense, but this single senseless act of Peter increased Peter's faith more than anything else that would ever happen to him. From that point on, Peter became a significant witness of Jesus Christ.

A Great Opportunity!

Finishing Strong Friday: A Great Opportunity on Today!

"Seek ye The Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

1. Who shall you seek? "Seek ye The Lord"
2. Why? Because He is near
3. When? "While He may be found"
4. How? "Seek and Call on Him"
5. Who? "Ye" (YOU)!!!!

There you have it...5 steps to a Great Opportunity to Finish Strong.

Hint, if you are skeptical, JUST TRUST me and try JUST step 1; I'll be here to share with you 2-5 because I KNOW His love for YOU!

DON'T GLOAT OVER ME!

I'm thankful because it is another great day! "IT" thought that it had me down on yesterday, but I'm a comeback kid!

Today and everyday I'm Bouncing back better than ever! So, I say this to yesterday, I'm in it to win it, that was only one round of a 10 round Prize Fight...I have 9 more Great Rounds still in me!!

Who else feels like bouncing back on today? Come on and bounce back, there's still a lot of fight in you! Whatever you're fighting on today, may "IT" look at you in shame and bewilderment as you comeback stronger, wiser and more focused...stomping "IT" into submission...take authority over "IT"!!!

"May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace." (Psalm 35:26)

Intercession

Prayer warriors please understand that while it is good to pray for ourselves, it is indeed gracious to pray for others.

Praying for someone else comes with the most awesome and beneficial incentives...a satisfied as well as a thankful heart...both of the recipient and for the one praying.

Think about it...when you pray for someone else, you are also being strengthened in the knowledge and understanding of who God is and all the love that He has for His people and creation.

In Psalm 20 David intercedes in prayer with confidence and as I read each verse, I am filled and blessed as the Psalmist says as a confident prayer warrior:

- that our prayers are heard
- that we will be defended
- that we will receive help
- that we will be strengthened
- that we will be remembered
- that we will be accepted
- that we will be granted
- that we will be fulfilled
- that we will rejoice
- that we will set up and wave victory banners
- we will be Saved!

Here is the full passage of Scripture to read for yourself:

"The Lord HEAR thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob DEFEND thee;  Send thee HELP from the sanctuary, and STRENGTHEN thee out of Zion;  REMEMBER all thy offerings, and ACCEPT thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.  GRANT thee according to thine own heart, and FULFILL all thy counsel.  We will REJOICE in thy salvation, and IN THE NAME OF GOD we will SET UP OUR BANNERS: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions.  Now know I that the Lord SAVES His anointed; He will HEAR him from His holy heaven with the SAVING STRENGTH of His right hand. 
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalms 20:1-7 KJV)

The Word of God will cause you to always pray in confidence... both for yourself and in interceding on behalf of another.

Prayer Warriors the need for intercession is greater now than ever before. All that God has revealed to you in His Word has already equipped as well as strengthened you...let's get back to interceding for our families, our people and our nation. Prayer is an awesome responsibility and WE have been CALLED AND ANOINTED to carry it out!

God bless Your people everywhere they go and in everything that they will face today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Caught Up In the Moment!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be blessed.

Walk in the Light and You Will Not Stumble!

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

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

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

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

Finish Strong and may you stumble no more!

Put Them on Notice!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Integrity and Honesty!

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

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

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

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

TODAY, speak truth and walk in integrity! Amen.

You are more Powerful than You Think!

You're More Powerful Than You Think!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful

God has never failed me and He never will.

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

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

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

Why I Wakeup Early?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Morning everyone!

JUST DO IT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Got You!

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

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

Be Confident!

LIVE THROUGH IT

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

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

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

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

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

Happiness

Happiness can be found in the simple things!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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