Effective witnessing

Sometimes as Christians we tend to be overbearing with our own personal relationship that we come off as being judgmental. Or others often feeling like we think that we’re better than them.

Now I will be the first to tell you don’t hide your relationship with Christ, be bold. But at the same time move in Love and compassion for others. Sometimes the best way to witness isn't by demonstrating how close you and God are, but by showing others how broken you were before He found you.

Regardless how long you have been walking with God you aren't perfect based on time spent. It’s by His blood, His grace, His mercy that we are redeemed. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Something to keep in mind. Before we are so quick to give advice or pass judgment, let us first try listening and being understanding of where that person may be in there life. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Grab and go: For those who are not ashamed of the gospel. For those who spread the word wherever they go let this scripture be on the forefront of your heart before you speak. John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

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QANNA Jealous, Zealous

Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Have you ever been friends with someone and somehow somebody else comes along and begins to intrude on your friendship. Whether intentionally or unintentionally it makes you feel some kind of way. Like who do they think they are, coming in and trying to take your place.

This is how God feels when we entertain satan with the pleasures of this world. By disregarding the promises of God, which we know are yea and in Him amen (in other words we know are true and that they will come to past) for lies and false hope.

God is a friend that will never leave you nor forsake you. satan is a enemy that will kill you and leave you the moment you expect it least. So I guess now you can understand more of how it’s such a slap in the face to turn from Him, who is faithful. To someone who is the exact opposite.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Grab and go: I don’t care what this world offers you it’s not worth compromising your relationship with God.

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Given in is not giving up

We all fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23. But that doesn't mean that we continue in sin that grace may abound. Romans 6:1

God knows that we are going to slip sometime. It’s to be expected from us but not destine for us. What I mean is, although we are not perfect and we make mistakes, we are not to use that as an excuse to continue to make the same mistakes.  Romans 13:14

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

God wants us to become like minded with Him Philippians 2:2. Also to walk in the spirit Galatians 5:16, to put on the helmet of salvation Ephesians 6:17 and to acknowledge Him in all that we do Proverbs 3:6. That when temptation comes we won’t fall.

This should be a constant reminder that the Word God has shown to us and provided for us through the Holy Spirit all that we need to fight against our enemy (Satan). That which is provided being the whole Armour of God. Also against ourselves (that being our flesh) and the way that we fight against it is by becoming like minded with Christ.

Grab and go: It’s not how you fall, but how you get back up.

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We are the light, not the source.

“I’m afraid that if I step into the light, you’ll see who I really am”, and so we hide. Afraid that if someone saw us for who we truly are, we would be less adorned, less important, less liked, less Loved.

Matthew 5:14-16

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We put way to much importance on ourselves. This mindset causes us to be overly concerned with how others perceive us. We forget that the things that are so impressive or the things that stand out about ourselves to people are not things in which we can take credit for anyway. The light that shines through you is that of the Father. That light that shines through you may look different from how it shines through me. But let us not forget that it’s not our light that the people see but God shining through us.

            God uses His people to shine light into the lives of those who are in the darkness. Howbeit of you to think that it somehow you that saved a soul or you that people want to be around. Not that you aren't interesting, but let’s face it, your made from the same dust that the rest of us was formed from. It’s the anointing over your life that the people are attracted to. It’s the Holy Spirit that abides in us which draws people to us.

Grab and go: We put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to the standard of what others expect from us, that we cover up the light within ourselves. We use things like drugs to so call enhance our attributes. We use makeup and working out to the do the same. I’m not saying to stop working out or stop wearing makeup. But when these things become vital to your self-esteem, essential to your everyday walk, they become bushels that cover your light. Not to single anyone out but to the reader just because I may not have mentioned the thing that you’re using as your bushel, that doesn't mean that you’re excluded. Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

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I'm a new Creature!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Non-Believer (someone who has yet to come to the realization of salvation)

For a non-believer, to be a new creature in Christ means that your old life is passed away. This means that you’re no longer bound, that you are no longer under the law of sin. (Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death). That the very thing that prevents us from being free ( the chains of sin), is no longer our expectancy, no longer able to hold us from obtaining freedom. Who the son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Believer (someone who has come to realization salvation and has accepted the truth)

For the Believer’s that already understand what this means, it also illustrates that although we are no longer slaves to sin. We are not to look at those that have not yet realized that freedom is available ( that salvation was/is made available to them) like we are better than them. That we somehow can turn our nose up at them. How quickly we forget that we too were once slaves to sin. Titus 3:3-5

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,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;

Grab and go: Luke 18:10-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

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Subject your flesh!

Sin is never satisfied. It always wants more. The appetite for sin doesn't subside by feeding it, you have to starve it. Fasting is an essential part of our daily walk. Now of course we should be led by God on how and when we should fast. Yet we should also know that fasting, when done correctly dissipate the hunger for sin.

            The same way our bodies adjust to different foods that we like, our flesh will also adjust to you starving and subjecting it to the spirit. So with that, it’s good to change up the things that you normally fast from, so that you don’t get complacent in your fast.

            Some may say that fasting isn't necessary. To those that would say so, I would suggest that they examine their own lives. Fasting is very much necessary because your flesh constantly hungers for sin, something that will kill you. So saying that you don’t is the equivalent of someone with high blood pressure saying that they don’t need to monitor there salt intake. Knowing that too much salt could cause serious illness and death.

Grab and go. Matthew 6:16-18

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

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Your part is just holding on.

Have you ever felt like the walls were closing in all around you? Feeling like you've been standing in the midst of for so long, trying to hold back the walls as long as you can. But you may be at that place of “what’s the point” feeling like you should just give up. Today I’m asking you to please just hold on a little longer.

When you are at the point of giving up, that’s the sign that you’re close to your deliverance. If you could only see the finish line you would run harder and faster. But just because you can’t see it right now, doesn't mean that it’s not there. All I’m asking you to do is hold on a little longer. God will show up for you. I can assure you that He sees your circumstances. Even if you don’t believe that even if you’re just uncertain, I Believe it for you on your behalf and I’m going to hold My Father to his Word. John 14:13-14  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. He is not a man that He should lie. God wants you try Him, that He may prove to you that heaven and earth will pass away before His word will ever fail. I’m going to trust God for the reader of today’s devotional. Whoever you are please just hold on.

Grab and go: Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. I know when we read this the first thing that comes to mind is paying tithes. Which is obvious of course but look deeper and see that God is also saying simply do your part. Which in this case is just hold on, and don’t give up. (prove me now herewith) That if you do that, God will surely do His part. Your overflowing blessing is near, just hold on a little longer.

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Yes or No

Things were so much simpler when we were younger. Does anybody remember when you were in grade school? How if you like someone you would write them a note. The note would be very simple and to the point. Do you like me check yes [] or no []. Then if they did like you like you, they would check the little yes box and you guys would be boyfriend and girlfriend, in a relationship. Every now and then you might write a note (do you like me check yes or no) and get a maybe sent back. That would leave you scratching your head because you didn't even draw a box for maybe.

            This is how we treat God sometimes. By responding to His invitation to be in a relationship with us with a maybe. He probably looks at us like, who told you maybe was even an option? Either we love Him or we don’t. Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Many of us that aren't ready to commit, reverence God enough to not check no. Therefore we feel maybe is appropriate response. I want to clear that up for you today. Maybe might as well mean No as far as your relationship status with Christ is concerned. You can’t be a little married or a little pregnant. You either are or you’re not. Both circumstances show significant signs that if it were true it would be seen.

Grab and go: Christ is simple, and His love overwhelming. We are the one's who complicate Him and distort His Love. The proposal is simple, if you love Him check yes if not check no.

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Whats up stranger!

Last week we talked a little about not being from around here. I feel it’s important for us to understand who we are if we are to understand what our purpose in life is. It’s been said “how can we know where we are going if we don’t know where we have been.”  1 Peter 2:9-12

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up. Verse 11 shows us that we are here on a visa’s, a temporary status. We are simply pilgrims and strangers in a foreign land. This verse also tells us that we should abstain or stay away from and do not indulge in the customs of this world (fleshly lust).

Verse 10 tells us that once before we were disconnected from the Father through sin but now, through the sacrifice of Jesus we are redeemed and now gain access to the Father. So because of His mercy we become His people.

Verse 9 tells us that we are chosen, selected, of royal decent, a holy nation, different from that of this world. We should forever have praise on our lips for He who has shown grace and mercy on us.

Grab and go: If you didn't get any of that, understand this: if you ever find yourself being different from the majority, not fitting in or in that awkward position, know that it’s supposed to be that way. However uncomfortable it may feel, it only feels that way because you’re a stranger and a pilgrim.

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I'm not from around here!

We live in this world but we are not of this world. Learn to live in it, but not for it.

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.

 John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

We are created in the image of God. The Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So it’s not far fetch for us to understand that we to are made up of 3 parts as well, spirit, flesh and soul. We are spirit beings in the flesh with a soul. We have to first understand this before we can understand that we are not of this world we just live in it. This world is temporary, God the Father is eternal. So we too being spirit beings are also eternal. But understand that because the spirit is eternal if it’s condemned to the second death then it could perish for all eternity. Whatever pain discomfort and torture is lying ahead for those who are condemned is for eternity. Actual time, when the spirit is concerned, is irrelevant. Time only pertains to us in the flesh. So understand that this world has an expiration date. It will soon perish. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

It’s important that we understand when we die, the flesh it is merely put to rest. But the Spirit is that which is still alive. But God is He who can destroy both. Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Grab and go: Putting more emphasis on the outward man is the equivalent to putting rims on a car, tenting the windows and getting a new paint job, but not having an engine in the car. All the things that you do to the outside are nice but really pointless if you are just empty on the inside.

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Your good ain't good enough!

I don’t drink, I don’t cuss, I don’t hang out at the clubs that much. I don’t cheat, I don’t steal, and I don’t do drugs. So all in all I’m a good person right?

This is a category that fits so many of us. We have so many attributes about ourselves of things that we don’t do, that we feel somehow this justifies us in other things that we do. Such as we may not steal, but we don’t give either. We don’t cuss, but we have no problem telling someone about themselves. We don’t do drugs but we are addicted to pain killers. We just substitute one thing for another.

With all the things that we don’t do, I guess the question to ask is, what do you do? Instead of focusing all our time on the things we don’t do. How about focusing that time on the things we should be doing more of bearing fruit. The law (the Ten Commandments) are a series of commandments that point out things that we should not do. Thou shall not steal; thou shall not kill etc… Why? Because these things ultimately lead to death. So now that we know what leads to death. What leads to Life? The answer Jesus, (the Way, Truth, LIFE). Striving to be a reflection of He who created us brings life. Bearing the fruit of the Spirit reflects that. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Grab and go: Not doing those things that I mentioned in the beginning, stealing, cheating drugs and etc… is a good thing. But God hasn't called us to be good, but to be righteous. Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

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I surrender!!

How many of us are facing a near challenging decision? So many of us have a trial an error mindset that we will try essentially anything if by chance it could possibly produce a desired result. We will listen to all advice that anyone may give us if we thought it would help.

Understand that I’m not saying don’t receive advice. What I’m trying to point out is that the battle is not yours but the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

We get so worked up and overzealous at problems and circumstances that fall on us that we tend to take the world’s approach and try to handle the issue ourselves. Failed attempt after failed attempt is when we finally realize that it’s not by might nor by power but by my Spirit thus says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6) that we are able to overcome our problems.

In the Marines I learned during my swim qualifications that if you somehow began to drown, 1^st thing they would say is not to panic. But of course that’s what most did that found there self in that situation. We were told in the very beginning don’t panic and someone will rescue you. The less you panic the faster you would be rescued. The more you panic (which essentially is trying to do it on your own) the longer it would take before you would be rescued. They would actually wait until you tired yourself out from fighting and panicking in the water before they would even jump in. It wasn't much they could do while you panicked. Those that remained calm and trusted the instructor were able to be rescued without issue and prepared to try again.

Garb and go: Stop the fighting, stop the panicking, and stop trying to do it on your own and let God rescue you. Just simply surrender.

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Do it for the Vine

If someone were to ask you why it is you serve the Lord, what would you say? We all have our own personal reasons, but essentially it comes down to our own personal experience in how we came to know Christ.

Wanting to live and not die and go to hell, is a great incentive to serve the Lord. (Psalm 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord). Remarkably so many of us turn down such a precious gift. Maybe it’s the pursuit of blessings from which are promised in living a life that is centered and focused on Him. (Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.) Yet, unfortunately for many of us this too is still not enough for us to remain abiding in the Vine. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

I am convinced that serving the Lord in a manner that’s pleasing to Him, with all our hearts and minds can only be achieved one way. That’s by falling in Love with Him. Let Love be your motivator, Let Love be your incentive to actively pursue and seek after the things that are pleasing to the Father. Mathew 18:3 tells us, that unless we be converted and become as little children we shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. And just like children our minds are so easily deterred. We can be focused on one thing but if something seemingly bright and shiny crosses our paths we turn. So as we can see it’s vital for us to abide in Him through Love, otherwise we would perish.

The only way to abide in the Vine by which I mean to continually and consistently do the things that are pleasing to Him is to Love Him. 

Grab and go: To answer the initial question, for me it would be because He first Love me. 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

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No other way!!

John 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

All week we focused on the importance of Jesus as He is, the way the truth and the life.  Many of us can even remember the scripture well enough to quote. But as we recite and quote the scripture let us not forget the second part of the verse. Which reads:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Let this be a constant reminder that no matter what you do, or how well you do it. If Christ is not in it (the way), if He is not glorified (the Truth), if He is not acknowledged (the Life) in some form or way then what you do is in vain.

1 Corinthians 13 and John 14:6 go hand and hand. Because in 1 Corinthians 13 Paul explains that I can speak with the tongues of angels but lack Love which we know is Jesus Christ (1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love) and I would be nothing more than a clanging symbol. If I understand all the mysteries and have all knowledge, even have the faith to move mountains but have not Love, I am NOTHING. (I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13 in its entirety.)

What we should understand is this. There is no other way to live life Period. Don’t fool yourself to think its all good to play church. Show up once and a while and donate or give to the needy every so often and think that you and God are cool. You will find yourself standing before Him and Him telling you get away from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.

Grab and Go: Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

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"I am the Life"

John 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus is the Life. John 11:25

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Jesus is the Life force in which we are able to even be alive. Any part of the bible that you read that speaks of life in any form, all points back to Genesis. Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This is proof for any doubters and unbeliever that Jesus is alive. How you say? Because if He had died on the cross and not returned, then we all would be dead right now. Every time you look at your reflection in the mirror, your living proof that Jesus is alive. (Side note) For any of my intellectuals even water has air in it, look it up. Show me someone who can live without air (Jesus), and I’ll show you a liar.

Grab and go: Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the [a]breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

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