God is not impressed or depressed by our social status; be it economical or political. Ha, God isn't especially interested in our social media and networking status! However, God is impressed that YOU KNOW HIM and also know that He is DEPRESSED when WE DON'T KNOW HIM.
Don't think you know, KNOW you know!
Peter said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16 KJV)
The call of the church, a Christ centered church, is to repent. However, the call to repent is not a matter of "repent before it's too late," but it's a matter of "live according to the identity you have been given and for the purpose for which you were created"!
You must not see repentance as giving up, surrendering and turning it all over to God as something final or completed. No, repentance is truly the beginning of living the life that you were created and purposed to live!
Repent and start living, RIGHT NOW!!
We can't erase our past or have "do overs". We can't take back our words or actions that may have offended someone. No matter how hard it may seem, we must know that we need to move on from there! No amount of time spent in those dark places, wishing and hoping that things were different, will actually make things different or better.
In order to make things different and in order to make things right, we need to keep moving, always striving to do better, striving to treat people better and striving to live life better. Wallowing in our mistakes and missteps only allows us to remain burdened and in a dark place.
Some will be able to do this, while there may be some that require our help to move past some things. Are you willing to reach out your hand to extend grace to those who need our help to keep on moving?
I'm willing to extend grace to those who want to move on to a life that will lead to salvation. C'mon, let's move on...together!
God's favor surrounds us like a shield. We can be talked about, laughed at and even if you try to attack us with bad thoughts, rumors and accusations. NONE of these can pierce God's shield of favor over our life. The shield protects us and God's favor keeps us!
Hallelujah and Amen!
On many occasions, during the night when all is quiet, thoughts begin to creep into our mind that is contrary to God's plan and purpose for our lives. These thoughts and inclinations are from the very pit of Hell. Do not let yourself be persuaded by these lies, they will only prevent you and I from living the life that God has purposed for us to live.
Understand that you have authority over these mind/head games that the devil is attacking you and I with.
I have come to know that on most days, success begins with simply willing yourself to get up, get out of bed and engage this thing called life. You see, the enemy would rather you stay afraid and hiding undercover trying to deal with the evil that has been planted in our heads. Again, lies!
Get up and cast down these things! Our getting up and our believing God's Word over the suggestions of the devil is our victory!
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV)
The same Power that raised Jesus from the grave; the same Power that calmed a raging sea; the same Power that healed the blind, the lame, the sick, the deaf; and the same Power that restores, that salvages, and confirms us as children of the Most High...LIVES IN ME AND LIVES IN YOU!
If there was a way of doing something wrong, I found it. If there was a way to speak words that hurt, I was an expert at it. If there was a way to ruin relationships and tear families apart, I have succeeded!
However, I've come to KNOW that God is so much bigger than my evil ways and God's purpose truly trumps the plans of the devil.
I recognize that I should have been disqualified to preach, teach and reach others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, God changed my heart and turned my wrong living into right living! He turned my negative energy into POSITIVE POWER!
Because of my sins, I will still suffer the consequences because God’s Calling doesnt come with a "Cruise Through Life Pass".
However, when we are truly committed to God, His Word and His purpose for our lives, we have a contentment that overtakes our sufferings. Why are we content? Because those who truly have placed their hope, faith and love in God know that this life and its sufferings are temporary and that the eternal will replace the temporary.
So lean forward, stay the course and press onward my brothers and my sisters!
God’s calling isn't a Call to comfort, but it is a Call to Commitment.
God Called me in spite of how I use to behave and He is using me to tell you that if He can Save me, then you too can be Saved!
I'm Committed! How about you?
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16 NIV)
