my Daddy raised me

             Normally when we come across a child that is very well mannered, constantly says yes mam and no mam or yes sir and no sir we tend to think “what a respectful child”. We may even commend that child for being so respectful. But being that he or she is a child we know that the manners that the child has ultimately comes from whoever raises them.

            So when we see well-mannered children what we see is a reflection of the parents (grand parents or guardian) that influences, teaches, and instructs the child. It is the same with us and our relationship with God. John 15:4-5

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

4 Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me.

5 “I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can’t produce anything without me.

The fruit that we bear (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance) is a direct result of Christ abiding in us and we in Him. And by His Word we know that we can bear nothing on our own.

Grab and go: So something to keep in mind. When someone compliments you on the fruit that they see in your life, just smile and say Thank you, and tell them “my Daddy raised me”.

(Sacrificing) Hebrews 10:1-19

Sacrifice

In the Old Testament before Jesus had come to die for our sins the people of God would sacrifice burnt offerings among several other offerings unto God. These sacrifices had different purposes such for atonement and forgiveness of sin, to glorify God, as well to be in fellowship with God.

            The point that I’m trying to make is this, that the people of God would continually sacrifice yearly, monthly, daily because no other blood other than the blood of Jesus would wash away sin, cleanse and make whole. So although they would be sincere in their sacrifice, the blood that was spilled still could not do what the blood of Jesus does. Hebrews 10:1-19

Now take what was said and apply that to your life now. No matter how much you call yourself a good person, holding the door for people, helping old lady’s across the street, giving your spare change to the homeless. It doesn't excuse you from not being washed in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus). Many of us have this mindset that we are in good standings with God. But ask yourself “why, or how” are you in good standings. Unless you repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and savior, I’m sorry to tell you, but you are not in good standings. Don’t let satan fool you to think that it’s all good to go to the club or do whatever you want Saturday as long as you( sacrificing) your time in the morning to go to church on Sunday as if you are doing God a favor.

Is sacrificing bad? The answer is No, fasting is a form of sacrifice. In which we do for different purposes but mainly to receive from God and glorify God. Yet just fasting alone does nothing without receiving the gift of salvation. It looks good on the outside but your heart could be so far from Him. People fast or diet all the time but not for the glory of God. They will do it to fit in a dress or to impress somebody else even if that somebody else is themselves.

Grab and go: How can we live a life that’s pleasing to God without receiving Him first? That’s like living a life doing all the things that a husband/wife would do but never actually get married. Trying to enter the Kingdom of Heaven without receiving God, you would be consider a thief and a robber, Jesus is the key in which we are able to enter.

Vulnerability

      1 Peter 5:8

 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Ephesians 6:11

 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Satan is looking for the weak spot in your armour. He studies us to find out what makes us tick. When he discovers this, it becomes the most valuable part of the attack for him against us. 99% of the time the thing that makes you vulnerable is not how well you wear the armour or how other people affect you or things get to you in the armour. But it’s the parts of the body that the armour doesn't cover. Let me explain; Ephesians 6:11-18 describes the pieces of armour and how they are utilized. When we read this we can see that vital organs are the things that are being protected. Like the head, the heart, pretty much the entire midsection and your feet. The shield is held in hand and is only valuable if the wielder positions it in the right place. So areas like your face, arms, throat and parts of the leg can be protected as well. Look at these areas like parts of your life that you’re vulnerable in. Like reoccurring lustful thoughts, (thigh) deeply embedded insecurity’s (throat), overwhelming sense of being inadequate (arms), anxiety and frustration over financial status (face) etc…

So we can understand that the Word is requiring us to use our faith (shield) which is ultimately our trust in God, in the areas in our life that we our weakest. See our head and our heart (helmet and breastplate) may be in the right place. But it’s the weak spots that keep hindering us. We can look at it like this: it’s our lack of faith in these certain areas of our lives that causes us to constantly be hurt.

So what do we do? If I were to jump at you or some would say buck at you  the first thing you would do especially if you didn't see it coming would be to throw your hands up to protect you’re vulnerability. But in this case, we as believers have in our hands a shield and sword.  

Grab and go: The opposite of doubting is trusting. So we should begin to allow our faith/trust in God to begin to shield us from these attacks from the enemy. If you have been asking God for an increase in faith, understand how He is answering your prayer by allowing you to go through (putting you in a situation) so that you can trust Him.

Overtaken in fault

Galatians 6

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

To be overtaken in fault, this can and does happen to all of us. Sometimes we allow satan to influence our way of thinking resulting in the works of the flesh. Sometimes satan like the thief that he is, slips in so quietly and plants seeds of discord among the brethren (husbands against wives, deacons against ministers, children against parents). If he goes unnoticed unchecked, that seed will take root and begin to manifest.

In keeping with the Word, It says ye which are spiritual (Those of us that are believers, who can recognize the attack and not only recognize but identify what spirit is involved).  We can begin to cast down those demons, and do the opposite of the works of the flesh which is bear fruit. In the spirit of meekness we can overcome this demon. Remember it’s not the people that we wrestle against but principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

The Word says considering thyself ,lest thou also be tempted, understanding where you are in your spirit. In boxing right before the fight, the fighter takes a moment to consider what he is up against. Everyone in his corner is telling him how is going win, that he is victorious and even he  himself may say “yeh I got this”. For us it’s important to spend time with God that He may encourage us as well and remind us that if He be for us who can be against. So that when we walk in the battle or fight we are not already defeated by what our enemy is saying against us.

Grab and go: If you recently have been overtaken in fault, ask for forgiveness and understand that God knows we are going to fall short from time to time. How do we know this, because His word tells us how to battle when it happens. Galatians 6:1 Don’t beat yourself up, that’s like doing the enemy’s job for him. God forgives so we can move on.

What does your life say?

Let the Life I leave speak for me!

Have you ever consider writing your own obituary? A legacy if you will of how you utilized your time here on earth. That which you will be remembered for. I know right off this may sound a little strange, but think about it. Who else better to write about you than you?  Consider the life that you’re living now and how it reflects a relationship with God. Consider your life, are we living examples of who Christ has called us to be? Are we letting the light that’s within us shine brightly into the world so that those that are in darkness may see that JESUS is the ONLY way, truth and life?

John 14:11 (GW)

11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me. Otherwise, believe me because of the things I do.

When our time is up will the life we've lived glorify God? If you were to answer that honestly and you feel that you’re not glorifying the Father, then now is the time to change. While you still have the light.  John 12:35-36

35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Grab and Go: Jesus says in John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.  And this is why in Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Inspired By God!

 I want to encourage someone this morning to keep doing what you’re doing. God see’s that you are putting forth more of an effort to be pleasing to Him and He is pleased with you. You may have recently started picking up your bible more often or reading more daily scriptures, perhaps even more encouraging emails. But don’t worry about the time frame of when you started; what’s more important is that you started.

            2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

            You should be excited; the scripture that you’re reading was not only inspired by God for the writer but for the reader. I like to make it personal, so when you look at like that, when you read a bible verse you didn't happen to come to by chance, God lead you there. Always seek to understand what it is you can gain from the Word of God that’s being poured into your life. Ask how can this apply to me?

Romans 15:4

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Waiting on the Lord and having peace in His Word gives us hope in an expected end?

Grab and Go: Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Reassured

Why must we constantly be reassured?

There is nothing like the peace that encompasses around about us, the peace that only God can give. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

All of my children are alike and different in so many ways. When each of them was at the 1 or 2 year stage of their lives they had already begun to develop their own little personalities. The oldest was just fearless. I would set him up on the counter and tell him to jump into my arms and without hesitation he would jump. No matter how far I stepped back he didn't care because he knew that daddy would catch him.

Then there was my middle child, in the same instants I would set him up on the counter and tell him to jump but he needed to proof first. He would watch the oldest do it, then he would be convinced that daddy wouldn't let him fall. So he would jump but he didn't want me to step back to far or he would need to be reassured again.

Then there was my daughter. I would set her on the counter and tell her to jump. But no matter if she saw her brothers do it or not, unless I held her hand she would not jump. As long as I was holding her hand she was fine, in her mind she was saying I don’t just have to take his word for it I can feel his hand in mine. So if I jump and he doesn't catch me I can at least grab him. So in other words she needed insurance.

All of us have been at one or all of these stages in our life with Christ. Some in faith just jump because he tells us to. Some need to see it first before we can act on it. Then there are some that need insurance. We need God to give us a fall back plan in case what He wants for us doesn't pan out. In order to grow (jump further in Christ) we 1^st have to trust Him.

Grab and go: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?  Learn to trust God. Unlike people in your life God has never lied to you or promised you something and not made good on it. 

Priority #1

I had the pleasure and opportunity to spend time with a couple last night that had recently made up their minds that they weren't satisfied with where they are. They want more of God and they were committed to seeking after Him.

            Do we realize how much God can use someone like that? When the person (s) says “I’m clearing my schedule, what would you have me do Lord”? Availability, it’s key for those that are seeking after God. Why, because what you’re expressing to God is that You O’ Lord are my top priority. Now of course our natural way of thinking may incorporate things like our job’s and other significant obligations. But really aren't they just excuses? You mean to tell me that some mediocre job is more important than God when He was the one that blessed you with it in the first place. (Side note) Your promotion may have been withheld from you because you withhold your relationship with God from everyone else. Now moving forward,  Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Grab and go: Putting God first sustains you, (shall not be moved). Putting God first gives you joy, (my heart is glad and glory “ my inner self ” rejoiceth ) and putting God first  gives you peace (rest in hope).

He could have come down!!

You don’t know Love like the Love of my God. Family I have another song to share this morning. I’m sorry I get so overwhelmed with so many different kinds of emotions when I hear this song .It’s hard just to type this but…

            Wess Morgan has a song called “You paid it ALL”.  To listen to this and re visit the frame of mind that Christ had to have been in when he was being judge for all of man’s (our) sins. Bearing His cross even until death. A crown of thorns on His head, nails in His hands and feet. Pierced in His side beaten beyond all imaginable, all so that we wouldn't have to die. (Selah)  We really need to pause and think about that for a minute. Imagine a bus coming down your path and you couldn't dodge it. Unless someone steps in to pushes you out of the way you’ll be hit and killed. Knowing the dangers and the severity Jesus stepped up and says I’ll save you. I’m sorry, I know that story doesn't even deserve to be mention beside the magnitude of what Christ did for us. I just want us to have a visual on how much He loves us.

Just to add, something to bring to remembrance later on throughout your day. He could have come down, yet Love held Him there. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

 Think about that when you ponder over your own relationship. Regardless of whom you reference your relationship with; if they say they love you does it reflect the type of Love that Christ demonstrated towards us? Understand (I know this is going to help someone this morning) Love will not only cause you TO DO for someone but it will also cause you NOT TO DO. Love caused Jesus to die for us in our stead and Love caused Jesus not to come down from that cross while He was being crucified. So you see True/real Love will cause someone to want to enter into a Holy union (marriage) and be with you always, and that same Love would refrain them from neglecting you and abusing you. Christ Love won’t hurt you, yet instead it prepares you for greater things to come.

Hebrews 12:2

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.

What we deserve

My daughter takes a crayon and begins to color our walls, I tell her to come to me to spank her (because she knows better). As she walks slowly towards me, frown in her face more disappointed that she had to stop coloring rather than the consequences of her action. She reaches me, without saying a word; she stretches forth her hands for me to pick her up. I look down and see my child desiring to be held. In spite of her intent, as any father would I reach down and pick her up, sit her on my lap and hold her close to my chest. We just sit there enjoying one another. I hold her as long as she will allow me to until she finds something else that captures her attention. Then she’s off again.

            Right where you are, raise your hand if that’s you. In the mist of your sin, God has called you out. Instead of what you deserved (what my mother would say a “butt whooping”) God showed you mercy and grace. How often has God showed an abundance of grace over your life? How often it should have been you in that car accident, you in that hospital bed, or you in that grave. How often what you deserved isn't what you got, because you reached out to God and His Love was shown unto you.Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

            But unlike the city of Nineveh, we take for granted His Love and kindness and were off to do whatever else it is that pleases us. Not realizing that when we are in His arms all that we could possibly be looking for elsewhere is found with Him and in Him. Overlooking the fact of what could have been if God hadn't withheld what was coming to us. Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Grab and go: We tend to look at someone else’s situation and say what we feel that person deserves.(As Jonah did), (Read The book of Jonah when you get a chance) But what we are so quick to forget is what we deserve. None is worthy no not one.Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Titus 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Search me O God

This morning I was patiently waiting for a response for my prayer. Which was “Lord show me what you will have me to do this day”. As I was waiting (not knowing He had already sent an answer to my request) I was listening to some new music that I came across and I happen to find this video of a young lady and her brother singing for God. I had to have listened to this song a hundred times now. I just think that it’s a beautiful song and the fact that it’s so simple, there is no added anything no studio, no crowds, no auto tune just their Love for God. I am going to paste a link for those that can check out the video please do so. For those that can’t I will post the lyrics. When you read the lyrics meditate on what’s said, we don’t want anything, just You… (Selah).  It makes me recall when I first came to realize who God really is, and what He means to me (which is Everything) and the feeling of it being just Him and I. Nothing and no one else mattered, just Him.

It’s good to sometimes just meditate on your relationship with God. Before we can be effective witness of the gospel we must first be established in truth ourselves. I encourage you to spend time reflecting on what God will have for you to work on that you may be able to help someone else with their change. 

Psalm 139:23-24

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdPizue5pTs

Lyrics: Our beloved Father

Please come down and meet us

We are waiting on Your touch

Open up the heavens

Shower down Your presence

We respond to Your great love

 

We won’t be satisfied with anything ordinary

We won’t be satisfied at all

 

Open up the sky

Fall down like rain

We don’t want blessings

We want you

Open up the sky

Fall down like fire

We don’t want anything but you

 

Our beloved Jesus

We just want to see

You In the glory of Your light

Earthly things don’t matter

They just fade and shatter

When were touched by love divine

 

Here we go lets go to the throne

The place that we belong

Right into His arms

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

Many of us spend an immense amount of time in prayer. We pray in the morning, while in our vehicles, on our jobs and in the evenings before we go to sleep we pray. If this is you continue to go to your Father in everything and about everything. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with praying. Which leads me to this; I was praying this morning and it dawn on me. Every time I go to God I’m asking Him for something. Whether big or small I’m asking Him for something. How often do we pray and just thank Him for something or just praise Him for being God.

King David understood this, if we were to read the book of Psalms we would see how he continually went to God and just praised and worshiped Him. Majority of the each chapter would often start with a form of praise for the most High God. I like to think that Psalms had so many chapters because when David started his prayer he never got around to asking for what he wanted because he was too busy thanking God for what He had already done. (Therefore extended into multiple chapters to make His request made Known unto God).

 

Grab and go: Try this: Next time you pray don’t ask for ANYTHING just Thank Him for EVERYTHING.