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.  

.

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.