Didn't you miss me?

Encouraging song of the day: Ruben Studdard - Running Back To Youhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWd5JNgSLI4

For the most part I call my wife every day at work. I usually talk to her sometime during the morning just to say “good morning”, “How’s your day going” or “I miss you”. From there we will have a brief conversation and I’ll let her get back to work. Some days I won’t call just to see how long she will let the day go by before she reaches out to me. Of course when that happens she will call and say “you didn’t miss me”, and I would say “of course I did but did you miss me? I will purposely do this from time to time because I don’t won’t to feel like our relationship is one sided. I want to see that I’m on her mind just as much as she is on mine.

          Sometimes we feel like God has stopped calling us. Sometimes we feel like He has stopped being active in our lives. In those moments God is simply seeing if you feel the same way to. What if He did stop answering your prayers, what if He didn’t bless you with what you ask for? What if the thing which you desired God blessed somebody else with, would you still seek after Him? God doesn’t want a one-sided relationship He wants you to Love Him with all your heart and mind. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Manna for thought: If ever you feel like God is absent in your life read this: Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

The acknowledgement of error

Encouraging song of the day: Jesus - Shekinah Glory Ministry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sSzgJb5TUQ

The Word clearly illustrates that we should confess our sins. The reason for this is because through confession we acknowledge our need for Him. Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

          Confession is made unto salvation, when we openly confess responsibility of our actions or our faults/sin. Then can forgiveness be initiated and the healing process begins. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

          We often feel as though our faults/sins are meant only to be discussed or even brought up in the privacy of our prayer life. But if that be so why would the Word of God clearly tell us to confess to each other? James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another” When we expose the intimate secrets sins of our heart, the prayer of faith heals wounds that sin has inflicted.

Manna for thought: If you were shot by an arrow, before treatment to repair and mend, we first would have to acknowledge the arrow is even there (confession). Despite how obvious, you have to acknowledge it. Then allow God to remove the obstruction (Forgiveness of sin). From there we expose our faults to each other to prevent the infliction of the same sin/arrow.

But what about me? By Ms Alicia Richardson

I been meditating on this feeling of, “I’m always there for everyone else, but who has my back?”..... I said God fix this, Holy Spirit give me revelation on this thing. The enemy try to creep up and whisper in my ear, “but what about you?” Who is really there for you? The reply, no one.” The Holy Spirit had to reveal to me that the enemy want to deflect me to a selfish place to take my focus off of what God has called for my life. When you give you’re self to God, you understand that God comes 1st, others comes 2nd and yourself come last. I had to rebuke this thought that lingers so heavy in my life, as I know, to live for God, I have to give and give without question and anything in return.... point, blank and the period!
So, whats next....my corrective action to this feeling is to look deep into Jesus’s selfless and sacrificial act to die on the cross for our sins. The bible tells us in Isaiah 53:5 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. Jesus did not die on the cross for his family, his kids, a good friend or a pat on the back from society or his peers. He died on the cross for ALL men..... which includes people that you and I might think is not worthy. This is an example, set forth, for me to give to people or a circumstance.... that I might not understand why...and who am I to question, but what about me?
In Isaiah chapter 53 the bibles depicts “The Suffering Servant”, the holy spirit lead me to this reading. It was dropped in my spirit, to share this....be encouraged, don’t give into the feeling of “what about me”, but instead, be submissive to God’s word. Although, you may feel like “I’m tired of being used, no one appreciates me or acknowledges me.” Instead, take that feeling and energy and turn it into a praise for being a tool from God for someone else’s blessing. Humbly sacrifice yourself for others, be of help to people in silence to fulfill God’s will. At times you may feel like you have your own problems and oppressions, but through your obedience you will sow seeds into a bigger harvest... Amen! God is a giver and he never question what he is giving, what is his return, learn to bless people with your gifts...even if it’s a listening ear, encouraging words.....despite the fact of if you have “arrived” to own blessing or praise from others in the process. I find joy in my heart by helping people, therefore I do not need any reciprocated behaviors from anyone.....and tonight I rebuke the lies of the enemy...I will operate within my gifts of giving.
Manna for thought: “The destiny of servanthood to God is triumph even though it look like defeat, God’s way is not man’s way”

If you’re down, you can get back up! (By Ms Alicia Richardson)

The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 3 For I passed on to you first of all what I also had received, that Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for our sins in accordance with [what] the Scriptures [foretold] 4 That He was buried, that He arose on the third day as the Scriptures foretold. Christ died for our sins and on the 3rd day he rose again. Christ rose up, so we can get back up!

The blood of Jesus have the power of life, peace and happiness. The things you are going through right now is God’s plan working out in your life...don’t try to fix it, explain it, hide it or justify it....just trust the power of the blood and allow God to carry out his plan for you.

The bible teaches us in the book of Jeremiah that God knew us before we were even in the womb, and how God have great plans for our future. The Lord wants to give us a good future, but God also wants the glory...so give thanks as you go through it, because your circumstance, right now, is just a stepping stone for a greater plan!

Your situation may have you feeling like you been depressed too long, you been addicted too long, you been holding on to the past for too long, you been dealing with low self-esteem for too long, or you been broke for too long.....but the bible tells us its all in the Lord’s plan. Jeremiah 29 10-11 10 For thus says the Lord, When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you and keep My good promise to you, causing you to return to this place.11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

These rough times may feel like you been in captivity in babylon for decades, years, months, days or hours. But there is good news....Christ rose up, so we can get up! If you’re down, you don’t have to stay down. The blood of Jesus has restorative and resurrective powers.....trust the power!

God plan is not to harm you. The Lord said he will bring you out! So get up and thank God for his grace to take that burden off of you, thank God for your peace that’s coming to you, thank God for your deliverance, thank God for your miraculous outcome and thank God for his perfect plan! Thank him in advance for your future filled with hope, prosperity and favor, as it is already yours.

So run, that ye may obtain

Encouraging song of the day: Kelonate Gavin- Singing I won't Complain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD-m3i7RJRg

Romans 7:22-24

²² For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

²⁴ O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I don’t know about you, but as for me I LOVE God, and I desire to do His will. But my flesh, my flesh has other plans. My flesh has desires to please itself. So in this verse of the scripture I completely understand Paul as he describes the constant battle to crucify his flesh and submit to the will of God. He goes even so far to describe it as war; “warring against the law of my mind”. The fight is that intense.

As a man of God I understand the pressure to meet the needs of others. Which really the pressure only exists as a result of my passion to be pleasing to God and to do as my Father would do. satan will often(in a desperate attempt to counteract a believers passion and deter his purpose) will utilize the spirit of confusion and doubt to create pressure to oppress us to the point of discouragement and ultimately giving up. Thus creating a battle within the war we fight against spiritual wickedness, principalities and powers. So if I could encourage you even if only for the moment, don’t give up. 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Manna for thought: We are not without help in this spiritual warfare. We have the armour of God that we may be able to stand. Ephesians 6:10-11 ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Love and obedience.

Encouraging song of the day: Smokie Norful | No Greater Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgMKragDGUQ

Love and obedience.

Many of us serve God from the concept or from the principal of obedience. This usually happens from a new or young believer position but not limited to just them. Some have been saved a long time and still don't know what it means to Love God.  The reason being is because we have fashioned ourselves in the way of the world. We have come to learn the world’s perception of love but not the true Author of Love, God the Father. We have to really know a person before we can say we love them because logically we understand that love is the ultimate in a relationship verses like but we don't really understand the Love of God. So essentially we Love based on if we really like the person. If that be the case, how can we show love and compassion for our neighbor as we would for ourselves (as Mark 12:31) instructs us) if we 1^st have to like them? Somehow we have gotten this idea that there is the Love of Christ and then there is our love as though there can be two separate kinds. This is not so. There is only one kind of Love. The Love that was expressed and demonstrated on Calvary.

Manna for thought: I can’t tell you if your love for someone is adequate or not. Simply compare your love in contrast to God’s Love. See if it aligns and if it doesn’t then I guess you have your answer.

Don't hide (by Ms. Alicia Richardson)

Don't hide (by Ms. Alicia Richardson)

God knows the deepest issues of our hearts... And God has called favor on your life, in a specific capacity!!! Your gifts were provided at birth...in fact before birth...Amen!!!! The bibles says in Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

But, along the way we may experience bumps... But, I'm here to tell you, don't shy away from the plan GOD has ordered on your life! At times we might be in conflict with the spirit and flesh... Maybe sometimes we might operate out of flesh.....but in the midst, don't dim out the greater purpose, which, may very well be your calling! Call on God! Stay in the word and strengthen your spiritual man! Be diligent and disciplined!!!! Don't be dismayed by your flaws Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

... But strengthen that area in which you lack! Don't know where to start??? Well... Be honest and stop hiding!!! Jeremiah 23: 24: Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? says the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.

Bring forth and confess your issues before the Lord and all else will follow! I am a true testament to this...

God have amazing things in store for you family! I must be honest... my biggest flaw was living in shame! But since I found God... I'm here to tell you....Shame the devil and confess your sins....Be renewed in his word! Ephesians 4:23: And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

I'm Praying for each person reading this... Please don't live in darkness, but in light! Take each day as a blessing, and a learning experience...an opportunity to receive a little more on what the Lord has for us... Amen!!!!

Manna for thought:

God has a transformation forming in you.. Stop hiding, release and receive!!!! Amen!!

Triumph by way of weakness (By Ms. Alicia Richardson)

Triumph by way of weakness (By Ms. Alicia Richardson)

I woke up this morning, opened the blinds and windows to allow for the breeze and the sunlight to come in the house. In doing so, I just stopped and closed my eyes... what a beautiful morning I thought. As I was embracing the moment, God said to me, let me speak! You have been doing too much talking and not enough listening. God then lead me to my bible... to Judges Chapter 6. Lead by the spirt I began to read and immediately identified with Gideon.

You see, God called Gideon to save a nation, however Gideon was doubtful. Gideon felt like he did not fit the description as an harden soldier. He was fearful by the current situation of the land and he was weak in faith, in such a way, he asked the Lord for three signs to ensure it was indeed, the Lord, speaking to him. He felt like he was the youngest of his family and his family was the weakest of the tribe. Gideon felt like he just wasn't the right guy for the job. The lord sent his angel to ensure him that the lord was with him. Judges 6:12. The Angel of the Lord address Gideon: “ The Lord is with you mighty warrior”. After the Lord confirmed three times, Gideon became obedient and lead a whole nation to triumph!

It was dropped in my spirt to encourage each of us that GOD can turn weakness into triumph! It’s often that GOD calls on ordinary people, people who is weak or timid to help carry out his will. We all get fearful that we aren’t worthy enough or strong enough to be called on by GOD. Sometimes our current situations around us may make us doubtful in hearing GOD and believing....But the lord see positive potential in everyone.

Manna for thought:

Stop and listen when the Lord is speaking, be obedient and receive your blessings and triumph that is in store for you! 

The impossible.

Encouraging song of the day: Tamela Mann - I Can Only Imagine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s8HMmvN-Jc

Even after Sarah conceived and bared a child it was still hard to believe that God had done the impossible.

Genesis 21 ^5-7 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born. Sarah said, God has blessed me with laughter and all who get the news will laugh with me!⁷ She also said, Whoever would have suggested to Abraham that Sarah would one day nurse a baby! Yet here I am! I’ve given the old man a son!

Let today be a day to reflect over what God has done for you. Add up your weekly income and tally up your bills. If your bills outweigh your income yet you still have food, shelter, clothing and on top of that your still here. I believe we should consider Sarah, sit back and just smile, and say I don’t know how you’re doing it, but I thank God, He is doing it.

Cruise control

Encouraging song of the day: Amber Bullock - Secret Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwYEa6lxPck

Cruise control is a great feature. It allows us to drive along at a consistent pace. Without worry of speeding or undergoing the posted speed limit. It also takes the pressure off constantly checking to see how fast you’re going to make sure that you’re not breaking the law.  When utilizing the cruise control feature you know that you’re not breaking any laws because your speed is set.

What cruise control doesn't do is allow us to have control over how fast we go.  Not having control is a huge obstacle for some of us. Truth be told, when we feel like we're in control God isn't. In order to live a fruit filled life and gain all Christ would have for us. We have to relinquish control and submit unto God and simply say not my will, but your will be done.

Allow God to set the parameters for you in your life which essentially takes off the limitations that we place on ourselves by trying to control our own destiny. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. This verse tells us that we can do, we can achieve, we can overcome, but only by CHRIST who enables us to do so.

Manna for thought: The speed limit rep the law, cruise control rep Jesus. Jesus doesn’t do away with what’s already been posted, the speed limit (the law, the Ten Commandments) but instead helps us to abide therein. Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Controlling your Emotions (by:Ms. Alicia Richardson)

God bless everyone. Today I would like to introduce our sister in Christ Ms. Alicia Richardson. She has a Word from God in her heart that she desire to share with all that will receive. I pray you all will receive what God is doing for her as well as what He is doing through her life. Pray for her encouragement and strength in the Lord.

Controlling your Emotions

It has been times in my life where I let my emotions lead me when making decisions and 99% of the time those were the wrong decisions. What I have learned is that we all deal with emotions and emotions play a major role in everyone’s daily activities...whether it’s at school, your job or hanging with family etc. But, GOD wants us to use Wisdom not our emotions. Although, it’s been a huge struggle for me, I try to make conscience effort to when I feel my emotions rising up to settle down, seek GOD through prayer and wait on his answers! The bible says in Colossians 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].Today, I will release emotions in decision making, as I know GOD created us to operate with the fruit of self-control! The bible says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[a]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([b]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

Manna for Thought: We all have emotions, that won’t go away...but the good news is we can manage those emotions and don’t have to rely on them. We can depend on God and take all things to him!

Chaste conversation coupled with fear.

Encouraging song of the day: Deitrick Haddon - Handle This

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ07A9Q4AyE

Often we open doors to demonic activity in our home through everyday living. They usually go unnoticed at first, like a gossiping conversation over the phone. We don’t realize that the negative speaking against a brother or sister is an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Thus in doing so we open the door to the spirit of accusation and backbiting and this hinders us from becoming effective witness of the gospel.

Manna for thought: Be mindful of the things we say against one another. For what measure you judge, it shall be judged unto you the same. If you’re going to talk behind someone’s back lift them up in prayer. The saying goes, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.

Help Somebody

Encouraging song of the day: Deitrick Haddon- Help Somebody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b00qbiXW3bY

Doctors stand to profit more if they treat your symptom more so than the cause. This may cause gain on the doctor’s end, but only prolongs suffering on the patients’. Likewise many Christians will only intercede to pray against a symptom instead of the problem.

          We can’t continue to put band-aids on a broken society. We as believers can’t be and shouldn't be ashamed of the Truth. We encounter strangers and those close to us on a daily bases. Therefore if we are in need of clothes, food, shelter, money, or to be ministered to, or to be witnessed to, we shouldn't stray away from an opportunity to make a difference. The changes begin when you make a difference.

          When someone is going through something and you find yourself on the receiving end of their trial, it’s for a purpose. What I mean is, for whatever reason they decided to share their ordeal with you chances are God has already equipped YOU and placed YOU in a position where YOU can help them. James 2:15-16 Amplified Bible

15 If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day,

16 And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do?

Manna for thought: Helping doesn't always have to involve money. Helping is simply help, the act of assisting in a time of need.

Am I really alone?

Encouraging song of the day: Fred Hammond - I Am Not Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm0auA_6K6c

I think that most of us would agree that people are in our lives for a specific reason as well as a season (time frame). Some of these people attached to us are meant to be in shorter seasons than others but none the less still purposeful.

          So what about those people that have been in our lives for a seemingly long season and the relationship takes a turn? In those instances we sometimes feel like we are alone because we expected (unintentionally) that this person would be close to us always.

          There is an old song that says “as long as I got King Jesus, I don’t need nobody else”. True without Jesus, having anybody or everybody in your life wouldn't matter at all. But the Word says this: Genesis 2:18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.  I don’t believe God wants for us to be alone. But what God doesn't want is for the gift(person) that he sends your way to become more important than the Gifter (Him). This could be with a spouse or friend. Nothing is wrong with utilizing your spouse or friend for guidance in a matter. But when that spouse or friend becomes more important than Him, you put that relationship in jeopardy. God is a jealous God, He won’t be (nor does He deserve to be) second to anyone.

Manna for thought: People will come and go; but Jesus is the only constant variable that will never change. The apostle Paul encountered this same thing in his final instructions to Timothy : 2 Timothy 4:10-11 Demas has abandoned me. He fell in love with this present world and went to the city of Thessalonica. Crescens went to the province of Galatia, and Titus went to the province of Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is useful to me in my work.  Be thankful for the portion that a gift from God brings. But never get to the point that if they were to part from you that it would hinder your growth in Him.

Hear from God

Encouraging song of the day: Smokie Norful: "I Need a Word

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UGeMDWOch0

Psalm 37:34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

There will always be people who are willing to give you advice and instruction pertaining to your life. Some of the counsel that you receive may even be on point. But with all things we must consult with and be confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Manna for thought: If God has confirmed something for you, don’t allow anyone to deter you from what He said to you. When you know it’s of God you simply have to wait, it will come to pass.

Mo money Mo problems

Encouraging song of the day: Wess Morgan - You Paid It All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud1PRdQYBFo

Why money is so powerful. Let’s face it; the reality of the matter is money gives us access. Money opens up doors for us that were once shut. Money allows us to buy and exchange goods for services and products. Money allows for us to provide for our families, and purchase tangible pleasures that we all have desires for. So why is money so bad?

          It’s not that money itself is bad but endless pursuit to obtain it is. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  Pursuing after money brings more pain than pleasures. Even those that are carnally minded understand that. Notorious Big often quoted “Mo money Mo problems”, signifying that he understood that with the more he gain financially the more issues that came along with it. Please understand that I’m not saying that God doesn't want for you to prosper in your finances, because He does. He just doesn't want for you to live your life chasing money as a solution to all of life’s problems, because it’s not.

Money is the root of all evil and satan himself is pure evil (John 8:44), do you see the connection? satan uses money as the carrot in front of the horse to lead us astray. Giving all those who pursue it false hope, false sense of security that somehow all our problems would be solved if we just had more of it. It’s why we gamble our tithes (what’s owed to God) to lottery and hoard gifts (blessings) that should be bestowed on the poor for ourselves, among other things.

Manna for thought: Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

For most of us there isn't a dollar value we can put on the love of a mother, a father or child. So if God can be so clear on loving and pursuing others even more so than He, how do you think He feels about us placing money at such high value? Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

It’s all purposeful.

Encouraging song of the day: Big Daddy Weave – Overwhelmed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGb14tTaH4

1 Peter 4:12-13

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

          For those going through a really tough time, now is the time to rejoice. That may be easier said than done for most but if we knew for certain that God allowed this circumstance to fall on us, then we would understand. Nothing is done without His knowledge of it. So for that matter everything that happens in your life is given the OK by God. Keeping in mind, many things that happen to us is not what God wants for us. He doesn't want for any of us to perish or live a life of suffering. But when we by- pass the will of God what we essentially do is reject His plan for us to indulge in the sinful pleasures that we want. Only to find ourselves in a state of guilt and remorse. As to say “God why would you allow this to happen to me”.  

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Manna for thought: Nothing is done by coincidence, it’s all purposeful. Whether you live righteous or not your bound to fall on hard times every now and then, remember Job? The good news for believers is when you’re walking in His will, even the hard times are meant to prosper you. 

Give up to gain more!!

Encouraging song of the day: Marvin Winans - Draw me Close to You / Thy Will be Done

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rexmQ0c634

Many of us are stuck in a situation or circumstance that is slowly draining us spiritually. It’s slowly taking away the joy in our lives and seems there is no end in sight. We have been praying, fasting and going to church. But somehow it seems that we are in the same place. Some days are better than others but for the most part things are still the same.

In these times we have to stop and back track a bit. Go back to where the problems first began. Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. The Word of God tells us even those called to teach have to be retaught. So from this we see that it’s best to sit down a moment and or retrace your steps and wait to hear from God rather than continuing on a destructive path.

When we are able to humble ourselves, acknowledge that the plan we were using is ineffective we can began to get into place where we can hear from God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Manna for thought: Many of us read this verse and can understand that in order for healing and deliverance (your breakthrough) we must humble ourselves, we must pray and we must seek His face. But here is where the issue lies; no one wants to turn from there wicked ways. We don’t want to give up what God is clearly showing us is the problem. The solution seems simple; give it up to gain so much more. I love you all. Have a blessed weekend

Beautifully Made

Encouraging song of the day: Leah Smith - Beautifully Made

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6VPg_ZbBbE

Song of Solomon 1:6 (Amp)

6 [Please] do not look at me, [she said, for] I am swarthy. [I have worked out] in the sun and it has left its mark upon me. My stepbrothers were angry with me, and they made me keeper of the vineyards; but my own vineyard [my complexion] I have not kept.

Sometimes due to things that have happened to us in our past or even in our present, scars emotionally as well as physical have been developed. These scars have dictated and steered us through different courses of our lives and relationships. Which well for some, have left us emotionally broken and torn.

          Don’t allow your circumstance to overcome you and dictate who you are in Christ. At the end of the day that’s all that matters anyway (what Jesus thinks about you). Be encouraged by reading of His Word. When the world has a different opinion about you as they always will. Look to the Love letters that were meant for you to see how beautiful you are.

Song of Solomon 1:9-10

9 O my love [he said as he saw her], you remind me of my [favorite] mare in the chariot spans of Pharaoh.

10 Your cheeks are comely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.

Manna for thought:  Be mindful to encourage one another often. You never know what emotional scars have been imparted in someone’s life that a few kind words could begin to mend. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin

Mediator

Encouraging song of the day: You Alone - Tye Tribbett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asQxtzvrdMs

And He shall be called… Mediator

As leaders go, the position itself, the title and duties are that which are bestowed upon such a person by the Lord. Therefore as men and woman of God we give do respect and honor to their position as it is given by the Lord. For He has placed them there for a purpose and some for a season. Psalm 105:15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.  But by in no means are these leaders to take the place of God. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Leaders should be training up disciples for the glory of God as well fathering children (sincere relationships) in Christ by the leading them to the repentance of sin and the acceptance of salvation. To esteem a man or woman of God to a place beyond where they should be will lead to potential stumbling block for both parties. For the leader you could potentially place a stumbling block of pride or arrogance in his way, and for the follower a stumbling block of idolatry.

Manna for Thought: Ultimately as leaders go, we should not only encourage but insist that the people of God not only look to man who is imperfect, but seek to know God for themselves who is in all ways perfect.  

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The Fear of the Lord

Encouraging song of the day: Deitrick Haddon – Strong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh6H7ShyFjE

Proverbs 14:27

 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

To have a fear of the Lord is not to be afraid of God but to acknowledge God for who He is. Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. When we are forever mindful of whom it is we serve, The God who is omnipotent (all powerful). This would careful govern our actions. We would be more mindful of everything we say and do because we would consider to whom it is we answer to and be assured we will answer.

Manna for thought: Don’t let satan deceive you by convincing you that you can do or say whatever you want and just ask for forgiveness and do the same thing again the next day. That’s a lie from hell. Galatians 6: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

Deed and Truth

Encouraging song of the day:Big Daddy Weave - "Redeemed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU

What if we were to stop posting God’s Word and start living it? The Word of God has become more motivational speaking, more so than true discipleship in this day and time. It’s time to not just read the Word but actually experience the Word of God through a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Manna for thought: We should not be looking to the Word of God for the band-aid affect. But instead, look to the Word to actually heal and restore us completely.  Only by His blood are we redeemed, forgiven and reconciled unto Him that created us. Therefore let us not only share and post our Love in comments, but also in demonstration of His gospel. 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Sin is still sin

Encouraging song of the day: Uncle Reece - Leave Me Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDXiQZDImhc

God is Love, satan is evil and our flesh is carnal. The fruit of the Spirit or the character of Christ is so far opposite of evil or worldliness. It is just as far different as north is to south or night is to day. So to say that we Love God would have to mean that we hate evil. Psalm 97:10 Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. We can’t Love God and live for the pleasures of this world. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

    Manna for thought: We all make mistakes or sin and fall short. But if we continue to fall in the same sin habitually without change. At some point it's no longer a mistake but rebellion. 

Just scales

NewWorldSon - Sweet Holy Spirit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEbs5ePV_6c

Many of us have been abstaining from the pleasures of this world in order to receive more from the Lord. Yet while we as believers abstain, the carnally minded, they indulge. It seems at times that the righteous are forsaken and the wicked are prospering. (But that all depends on the scale your grading things on.) The scale in which we (believers) judge and discern this world is just and perfect which is Jesus Christ. Therefore, thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14) for this cause hope is not lost for us. Jesus can see our obedience and faithfulness. It doesn't go unnoticed to Him. The wicked will surely parish for all their ungodliness. While we may suffer for a moment Joy will surely  come in the morning.

Manna for thought: Deuteronomy 25:13-16

13 Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small.14 Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small.15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.16 For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God.  

Don’t put your life on the same scale as an unbeliever, and compare where you are in your life to where they are in theirs. You will always come up short. Instead put your life in the just hands of the Lord and see that to Him you always measure up because your right where He will have you to be. In the safety of His arms.

Jesus knows our limitations!

Encouraging song of the Day: NewWorldSon :Weary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oabs3LXCLYQ

Mark 8:2-3 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:

3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

Jesus knows our limitations. He knows that if He were to allow us to go without for too long we would faint. Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. As we speak He is making provisions for us here (on earth as it is in Heaven) for every need to be met as well as preparing a place for us in Heaven.

Manna for thought: Don’t give up and turn back. Just know when the outward man suffers the inward man is being renewed. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Same God

Encouraging song of the day: Tye Tribbett - If He Did It Before....Same God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80Dpek7qK08

Sometimes as I read and study, I find myself hung up on a particular man of God in the bible like Abraham for instance. Sometimes I become so captivated by his story that it’s hard not to relate my life to the same situation that he went through so long ago. Maybe not the same exact situations but the same circumstance. ( Trusting God and holding on to His promise) Before I knew it I would find myself reading and studying about David and just mediating on how God worked in him from such a young age. How God chose him and ordained him to be king of Israel. (In other words how God chose David to lead His people.)   

          The names go on and on, but the thing that I find that is so interesting is the fact that I can relate so intensely with each individual. As I thought about this, the Holy Spirit showed me just as clear as day. The same God, that moved and worked through Abraham and David etc… is the same God that is in full operation today. The same Spirit that moved in Moses when he parted the sea is the same Spirit that moves in us today, parting the seas of our lives that we may cross over into a new place of faith in Him.

Exodus 3:6

6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Because you are, I can be...

Encouraging song of the Day : Because of Who you Are-Vicki Yohe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6WexG9uAJI

If you worked for a very large company, it’s possible that you could feel insignificant and uncertain of your value within the company. But if someone were to explain to you the intricate detail and the purpose of your job, thus why it was that they hired you. You would feel more motivated to complete your task. As well as find a sense of purpose and value to whom you are.

          It’s imperative for us to understand who we are in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 3:23  And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. We belong to and are created of the Most High God. We are here to serve God with our whole lives, not through inconsistent words and deeds but in spirit and in truth. In other words in everything. In every aspect of our lives are we to glorify the One who created us.

Manna for thought: Ancestry.com enables you to search through periods of time in your family history to discover more about yourself. The Bible does the same except for there isn't a limit to how far it goes. The Word covers from the beginning to the end.