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.