All:
1 Corinthians 7:17 (The Message)
17And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches.
THOUGHT: Everyone has gifts and talents... they can be used for good or evil. And then everyone is anointed... Which is another realm... This thing called, anointing can only be used for God’s Work. Satan is aware of this and so he will send spirits and devices one’s way to deter one from operating and growing in the anointing.
But be reminded...
That you are special in everyway. There are many challenges that we all face and we feel that what we deal with, is too much to bear. However, God reminds us that we have the power to bear the challenges and more. As of matter of fact, we have the power to speak into those challenges and cast them out.
I say all this to say that, God hasn’t forgotten about the anointing on you. After all He placed it on you. The wilderness situation is there for a reason. You are killing the weeds that are surrounding your seed. And eventually, with the nourishment of God’s love... the sprout will come and before you realize, the tree trunk will be firm. And before you realize it... you will bear the fruit that will heal... deliver... and set free many...
And don’t be scared... I know right now, it is hard times... but the weeds are being killed for a reason... after all... you can’t grow if your soil is not fertile....
Think about it...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Living Purpose "LP" Entries ~ The Heart of The Matter...
Inspirations: Rev. Vernon Ware, Living Purpose Class, The Books of Ezekiel, Hebrews, Ephesians, Philipians, and 2nd Thessalonians...
NOTE: This was actually a Lil' Son Chronicle, but fits perfectly within the LP Series... ENJOY!
Ezekiel 36: 26-38
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
28 You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you.
30 I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine.
31 Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.
32 I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, O house of Israel!
33 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt.
34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.
35 They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited."
36 Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'
37 "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Once again I will yield to the plea of the house of Israel and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep,
38 as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
The heart. An important organ in our bodies…yet if we don't take care of ourselves it can become damaged. Many things can cause a damaged heart. The worse; when we become bitter and cold to ourselves and others. A cold and harden heart is created when we are hurt or been wronged. And now because we want to protect ourselves from anything our hearts become even more harden and cold.
But here is the deal: How do you expect to rise above with a cold heart?
Hebrews 3:7-11
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
9 Where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
11 So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' "
Here, Hebrews is saying simply that we refuse to hear from God, because of the hardened heart and when we refuse God, we can not receive the blessings that He has for us. Something as simple as saying hello to a person that you have an issue with or being a help to someone can open a flood gate of blessings from the Lord. But because of our stubborn ways, we hold ourselves back. So when we get to a point in where we are tired of this feeling, what do we do? In comes the transplant. Now the transplant isn't that easy. An organ transplant is the moving of a whole or partial organ from one body to another, for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or failing organ with a working one from the donor site. And while this seems great there's a risk of rejection. Your body may reject the new heart because it is a foreign object.
But take it to a spiritual level. You ask the Lord to create in you a new heart and spirit. And that's great. But in turn you reject this new heart and spirit, because you are not willing to let go of the old ways and past oppression. This new heart and spirit is here to make you a new creature in the name of Jesus. But your body and mind are in the name of the world and the two can't function.
And yes the spirit of God will overpower, but you must make the decision to let go of the strongholds and to allow God's spirit to overpower and to take control. It's a lesson that is constantly being fine tuned. Once this occurs you notice that you are now seeing things and people in a different perspective and that you can't do everything that you did once before. And believe me this is a lesson that I am learning even now. It's hard and difficult especially with temptations of the world. But here's some Word to help.
Ephesians 3:16-20
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18 May have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19 And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Focus on verse 17. Being rooted and established.
Are we willing to take baby steps? As a baby, before you can form sentences you must first learn to speak. Before you can walk you must first learn to crawl.
When we come into the presence of God, before we can get to the blessings we must show ourselves approval. Meaning (and I say this to myself also) read the Word, study the Word, apply the Word to our lives. Pray, pray, pray and pray some more. And Praise and praise and yet praise even more. In doing this, the new heart and spirit in the vessel can then become relaxed and together can grow in the Lord.
Once we have got onto this routine or rather duty:
Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17 Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
So now we won't have to be concerned with protecting our hearts, because God said that he would Guard our hearts and in addition to that He will encourage and strengthen our hearts.
But you gotta be willing to let go. Are you ready for the transplant? Will you reject the new heart and spirit?
THOUGHT: Unconditional love will guard, encourage, and strengthen a restricted heart, a broken vessel and a confined soul. ~ Vincent A. Davis, Jr...
Father God:
I thank You for all that You have done, doing, and will do. You woke us up this morning and started us out on a new day... full of grace, mercy and most importantly, Your Love. Father God, for a moment, clear our minds of thoughts of all kinds, so that we can make the decision to choose You. Lord those that are dealing with heavy hearts, I pray that You would lift them up and remind Your Children that You Love them first, the most, and always... Bless us on this day Lord with lessons; though tough, but will lead us to prosperity in the walk with You.
In Jesus Name... Amen.
NOTE: This was actually a Lil' Son Chronicle, but fits perfectly within the LP Series... ENJOY!
Ezekiel 36: 26-38
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
28 You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you.
30 I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine.
31 Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.
32 I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, O house of Israel!
33 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt.
34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it.
35 They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited."
36 Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'
37 "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Once again I will yield to the plea of the house of Israel and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep,
38 as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
The heart. An important organ in our bodies…yet if we don't take care of ourselves it can become damaged. Many things can cause a damaged heart. The worse; when we become bitter and cold to ourselves and others. A cold and harden heart is created when we are hurt or been wronged. And now because we want to protect ourselves from anything our hearts become even more harden and cold.
But here is the deal: How do you expect to rise above with a cold heart?
Hebrews 3:7-11
7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
9 Where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
11 So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' "
Here, Hebrews is saying simply that we refuse to hear from God, because of the hardened heart and when we refuse God, we can not receive the blessings that He has for us. Something as simple as saying hello to a person that you have an issue with or being a help to someone can open a flood gate of blessings from the Lord. But because of our stubborn ways, we hold ourselves back. So when we get to a point in where we are tired of this feeling, what do we do? In comes the transplant. Now the transplant isn't that easy. An organ transplant is the moving of a whole or partial organ from one body to another, for the purpose of replacing the recipient's damaged or failing organ with a working one from the donor site. And while this seems great there's a risk of rejection. Your body may reject the new heart because it is a foreign object.
But take it to a spiritual level. You ask the Lord to create in you a new heart and spirit. And that's great. But in turn you reject this new heart and spirit, because you are not willing to let go of the old ways and past oppression. This new heart and spirit is here to make you a new creature in the name of Jesus. But your body and mind are in the name of the world and the two can't function.
And yes the spirit of God will overpower, but you must make the decision to let go of the strongholds and to allow God's spirit to overpower and to take control. It's a lesson that is constantly being fine tuned. Once this occurs you notice that you are now seeing things and people in a different perspective and that you can't do everything that you did once before. And believe me this is a lesson that I am learning even now. It's hard and difficult especially with temptations of the world. But here's some Word to help.
Ephesians 3:16-20
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
18 May have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
19 And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Focus on verse 17. Being rooted and established.
Are we willing to take baby steps? As a baby, before you can form sentences you must first learn to speak. Before you can walk you must first learn to crawl.
When we come into the presence of God, before we can get to the blessings we must show ourselves approval. Meaning (and I say this to myself also) read the Word, study the Word, apply the Word to our lives. Pray, pray, pray and pray some more. And Praise and praise and yet praise even more. In doing this, the new heart and spirit in the vessel can then become relaxed and together can grow in the Lord.
Once we have got onto this routine or rather duty:
Philippians 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
17 Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
So now we won't have to be concerned with protecting our hearts, because God said that he would Guard our hearts and in addition to that He will encourage and strengthen our hearts.
But you gotta be willing to let go. Are you ready for the transplant? Will you reject the new heart and spirit?
THOUGHT: Unconditional love will guard, encourage, and strengthen a restricted heart, a broken vessel and a confined soul. ~ Vincent A. Davis, Jr...
Father God:
I thank You for all that You have done, doing, and will do. You woke us up this morning and started us out on a new day... full of grace, mercy and most importantly, Your Love. Father God, for a moment, clear our minds of thoughts of all kinds, so that we can make the decision to choose You. Lord those that are dealing with heavy hearts, I pray that You would lift them up and remind Your Children that You Love them first, the most, and always... Bless us on this day Lord with lessons; though tough, but will lead us to prosperity in the walk with You.
In Jesus Name... Amen.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Living Purpose “LP” Entries – Assistance via Discernment…
Inspirations ~ Brandy – Right Here (Departed) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzwoJ10UyO0&feature=av2e and …
Romans 15:1-2 (Message Bible) – Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
I think most of us have gone through an exercise in where there’s the trust factor. You know the one when someone stands behind you and you free fall back; trusting that they will catch you. Of course there’s apprehension because you hope that the person behind you has your back. In my generation, we say or ask, “Yo’ you got my light weight mane?” or simply, “You got me?” It’s funny, because we say that we are there for others, but either paints the picture of words only, or we do too much and make one dependent. In either case, we are commissioned to help others. But how do we do that without reneging on our word or going beyond the call of duty?
Last night during class there was a discussion about how to keep the focus on the voice of God when everything seems to be going crazy. It can indeed be a challenge to focus on God, especially when you have those that desire to see you fall. But something that I have heard many times and experienced many times; “When you live this life for God, expect the attacks.” When God promotes you, the challenges are increased… but the key is God. As long as He is first… you will always be victorious.
I have a lot of admiration for these four individuals, Pastor Jay & Latricia Cameron and Pastor Quinton “PQ” and Ginger Savage. One thing that amazes me about them is that they are doers of God’s Word. They genuinely want people to experience who God is. But like all of us, they to experience their challenges as well and the fact they are always humble motivates me to stay grounded and focused on what’s real; God. From the world standards; pastors, first ladies, deacons, and so forth are considered “superhuman” always praying for the congregation, but it’s a blessing to pray for them as well. They pour out a lot; spiritually, mentally, and physically. And we as Children of God; regardless of titles, should always have a heart to stand in the gap for someone else.
These two verses (Romans 15: 1-2) mean a lot to me. When I read them, I think of my family, friends, fraternity, church families, and people I may not even know. For each of us we are at both ends of the spectrum. Ms. Margaret (my grandmother) always says (still to this day), “LIFE IS A ROPE. SOMETIMES YOU WILL HAVE TO PULL SOMEBODY UP AND SOMETIMES YOU WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED UP.” I thank God for the strength that He has given me. I am a completely different person today vs. five years ago. And with that, I realize that I have various strengths that can be used help others, but there are still areas where others can help me improve on. NEVER GET TO A POINT THAT YOU FEEL YOU CAN NOT BE HELPED. NONE OF US KNOW IT ALL. EVEN WITH ALL THE DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND ACCOLADES, WE STILL HAVE NOTHING, IF GOD IS NOT FIRST AND HE DOESN’T GET THE GLORY.
Furthermore, THE TRIALS THAT COME; do not run from them. EMBRACE THEM. We heard this before; God brought you to it and will bring you through it. The key is, He will bring you through it. As mentioned in class, seek God and ask Him how to govern yourself in the midst of the circumstance. God has given you the AUTHORITY to speak into that situation; to trust in Him always and know that He is building character and integrity in you.
Here’s another thought: SMILE… I harp on this all the time, but seriously, SMILE. You are alive and blessed beyond measure. Show those pretty white teeth off. That alone is a demonstration of your strength in this Christian walk and how it can lift someone up who is facing a hard time.
Now I must say this: HELP, BUT DO IT WITH GODLY DISCERNMENT. We mean well, maybe too well at times. We want to help others, but we don’t go to God and ask Him, how do I help? He may simply say pray and then I’ll instruct you on the next step. But many of us will go and “DO TOO MUCH” and then get our feelings hurt when results don’t occur like you want. Well here’s a newsflash… THIS IS NOT YOUR SHOW… THIS IS GOD’S WORK and He simply extended the invitation to you, so that you could have an opportunity to participate in His Work. More so, He invited you in so that you can be covered. So before you decide to help that person…. Make sure this is something God wants.
THOUGHT: We are all God’s creations. And He desires the best for each of us. Sometimes He will motivate us directly, but sometimes it appears He will motivate us through using others. Be grateful that God is using you to be a blessing to something. It really is a high honor. But in helping others, make sure that you remain in the position so that you can hear from God on how to help and how far to go.
Father God: I thank You for who You are. I am humbled that You would use a wretch like me. Even when I didn’t think I could provide assistance… You remind me that my very life is an effective example for many… as those You’ve place in my life as an example to me. Lord, I ask that You bless Pastor Jay & Latricia Cameron… bless Pastor Quinton & Ginger Savage. Lord, I thank You for using them to preach Your Word. I thank You for the example they show. Lord, You know what they stand in the need of. May they remain in position for You, so that they can be effective as husbands, wives, parents, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends, ministers… but most importantly, Your Children. Father God, I ask that You bless my family, my fraternity brothers… coworkers… church members… and so on. You know what we stand in need of Lord. You know what we need in order to be stable in You. Lord, may our mindset line up with You, so that we can be the Chosen People You ordain and commission.
In Jesus Christ, I Pray… Amen.
Romans 15:1-2 (Message Bible) – Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
I think most of us have gone through an exercise in where there’s the trust factor. You know the one when someone stands behind you and you free fall back; trusting that they will catch you. Of course there’s apprehension because you hope that the person behind you has your back. In my generation, we say or ask, “Yo’ you got my light weight mane?” or simply, “You got me?” It’s funny, because we say that we are there for others, but either paints the picture of words only, or we do too much and make one dependent. In either case, we are commissioned to help others. But how do we do that without reneging on our word or going beyond the call of duty?
Last night during class there was a discussion about how to keep the focus on the voice of God when everything seems to be going crazy. It can indeed be a challenge to focus on God, especially when you have those that desire to see you fall. But something that I have heard many times and experienced many times; “When you live this life for God, expect the attacks.” When God promotes you, the challenges are increased… but the key is God. As long as He is first… you will always be victorious.
I have a lot of admiration for these four individuals, Pastor Jay & Latricia Cameron and Pastor Quinton “PQ” and Ginger Savage. One thing that amazes me about them is that they are doers of God’s Word. They genuinely want people to experience who God is. But like all of us, they to experience their challenges as well and the fact they are always humble motivates me to stay grounded and focused on what’s real; God. From the world standards; pastors, first ladies, deacons, and so forth are considered “superhuman” always praying for the congregation, but it’s a blessing to pray for them as well. They pour out a lot; spiritually, mentally, and physically. And we as Children of God; regardless of titles, should always have a heart to stand in the gap for someone else.
These two verses (Romans 15: 1-2) mean a lot to me. When I read them, I think of my family, friends, fraternity, church families, and people I may not even know. For each of us we are at both ends of the spectrum. Ms. Margaret (my grandmother) always says (still to this day), “LIFE IS A ROPE. SOMETIMES YOU WILL HAVE TO PULL SOMEBODY UP AND SOMETIMES YOU WILL HAVE TO BE PULLED UP.” I thank God for the strength that He has given me. I am a completely different person today vs. five years ago. And with that, I realize that I have various strengths that can be used help others, but there are still areas where others can help me improve on. NEVER GET TO A POINT THAT YOU FEEL YOU CAN NOT BE HELPED. NONE OF US KNOW IT ALL. EVEN WITH ALL THE DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND ACCOLADES, WE STILL HAVE NOTHING, IF GOD IS NOT FIRST AND HE DOESN’T GET THE GLORY.
Furthermore, THE TRIALS THAT COME; do not run from them. EMBRACE THEM. We heard this before; God brought you to it and will bring you through it. The key is, He will bring you through it. As mentioned in class, seek God and ask Him how to govern yourself in the midst of the circumstance. God has given you the AUTHORITY to speak into that situation; to trust in Him always and know that He is building character and integrity in you.
Here’s another thought: SMILE… I harp on this all the time, but seriously, SMILE. You are alive and blessed beyond measure. Show those pretty white teeth off. That alone is a demonstration of your strength in this Christian walk and how it can lift someone up who is facing a hard time.
Now I must say this: HELP, BUT DO IT WITH GODLY DISCERNMENT. We mean well, maybe too well at times. We want to help others, but we don’t go to God and ask Him, how do I help? He may simply say pray and then I’ll instruct you on the next step. But many of us will go and “DO TOO MUCH” and then get our feelings hurt when results don’t occur like you want. Well here’s a newsflash… THIS IS NOT YOUR SHOW… THIS IS GOD’S WORK and He simply extended the invitation to you, so that you could have an opportunity to participate in His Work. More so, He invited you in so that you can be covered. So before you decide to help that person…. Make sure this is something God wants.
THOUGHT: We are all God’s creations. And He desires the best for each of us. Sometimes He will motivate us directly, but sometimes it appears He will motivate us through using others. Be grateful that God is using you to be a blessing to something. It really is a high honor. But in helping others, make sure that you remain in the position so that you can hear from God on how to help and how far to go.
Father God: I thank You for who You are. I am humbled that You would use a wretch like me. Even when I didn’t think I could provide assistance… You remind me that my very life is an effective example for many… as those You’ve place in my life as an example to me. Lord, I ask that You bless Pastor Jay & Latricia Cameron… bless Pastor Quinton & Ginger Savage. Lord, I thank You for using them to preach Your Word. I thank You for the example they show. Lord, You know what they stand in the need of. May they remain in position for You, so that they can be effective as husbands, wives, parents, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, friends, ministers… but most importantly, Your Children. Father God, I ask that You bless my family, my fraternity brothers… coworkers… church members… and so on. You know what we stand in need of Lord. You know what we need in order to be stable in You. Lord, may our mindset line up with You, so that we can be the Chosen People You ordain and commission.
In Jesus Christ, I Pray… Amen.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Dear God…
Inspirations: Sunday, August 22, 2010 & .... Psalm 100 (NIV)
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Father God:
How many ways can I say thank You? You never cease to amaze me. Lord, the family you given me; related and unrelated, I thank You. In the past month and half now, I have been fortunate enough to experience more of You. Things that I assumed I was an expert in and yet through this class, I am learning that there’s so much to learn over and over. But I see how it really is giving me a peace of mind. Something that I didn’t always have. God, to know that You invite me into Your Work… to know that I can join You in Your Work and truly learn more of You. To be love by You God, I am humbled. You have blessed us all with careers, gifts, talents, financial stability, and so on…. But peace of mind we can’t buy, joy we can’t conjure up… Something that we can’t fully explain. Lord, I ask that You continue to instruct each of us. Renew in each of us Your strength, so that we can complete the work that You’ve began in us. To serve You, to minister to Your People, to Love our neighbors as You Love us. In Jesus Christ Name… Amen…
THOUGHT: There are times when one sits back and reflects on the goodness of Jesus Christ. For some, there are tears of joy. Some will shout the highest praise… Others will imitate the “dance of David”. Some will simply fall to their knees in silence… But it will do your heart, mind, and soul good to simply sit and reflect on God. Think of when you should have died. That abusive relationship. The pain you endured from being raped. The wanting to shoot your arm up with drugs… and yet today, you can look in the mirror and see where God has delivered you from. A beautiful thing to know that satan has no authority over you. A beautiful thing to know that God loves you first and the most. And know, you and I, we have the power to go in Jesus Christ’s Name and share His Love with others. Testify to someone about your past… the bondage you were once in. Let them see and hear that you are free. And so they will be too.
Be blessed and I love you all… I pray each of you have a blessed week. And remember… SMILE… it only takes 17 muscles… and can have impact for an eternity… Can you imagine how many souls can be set free from something that simple? Give it a try… guaranteed to see things happen and folks testifying…
A psalm. For giving thanks.
1. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Father God:
How many ways can I say thank You? You never cease to amaze me. Lord, the family you given me; related and unrelated, I thank You. In the past month and half now, I have been fortunate enough to experience more of You. Things that I assumed I was an expert in and yet through this class, I am learning that there’s so much to learn over and over. But I see how it really is giving me a peace of mind. Something that I didn’t always have. God, to know that You invite me into Your Work… to know that I can join You in Your Work and truly learn more of You. To be love by You God, I am humbled. You have blessed us all with careers, gifts, talents, financial stability, and so on…. But peace of mind we can’t buy, joy we can’t conjure up… Something that we can’t fully explain. Lord, I ask that You continue to instruct each of us. Renew in each of us Your strength, so that we can complete the work that You’ve began in us. To serve You, to minister to Your People, to Love our neighbors as You Love us. In Jesus Christ Name… Amen…
THOUGHT: There are times when one sits back and reflects on the goodness of Jesus Christ. For some, there are tears of joy. Some will shout the highest praise… Others will imitate the “dance of David”. Some will simply fall to their knees in silence… But it will do your heart, mind, and soul good to simply sit and reflect on God. Think of when you should have died. That abusive relationship. The pain you endured from being raped. The wanting to shoot your arm up with drugs… and yet today, you can look in the mirror and see where God has delivered you from. A beautiful thing to know that satan has no authority over you. A beautiful thing to know that God loves you first and the most. And know, you and I, we have the power to go in Jesus Christ’s Name and share His Love with others. Testify to someone about your past… the bondage you were once in. Let them see and hear that you are free. And so they will be too.
Be blessed and I love you all… I pray each of you have a blessed week. And remember… SMILE… it only takes 17 muscles… and can have impact for an eternity… Can you imagine how many souls can be set free from something that simple? Give it a try… guaranteed to see things happen and folks testifying…
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Never Quits...
Inspirations: K A Psi, My Walk w/God, Class, Yolanda Adams – I Gotta Believe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg0EWJCwD-M&feature=related) and Psalm 136…
I am now in week #6 of class and I can see things are changing. This morning I got an email from my pastor about the class and up coming events. As usual, Pastor Jay always offers a word of encouragement and endurance that reminds me to press onward and never quit. I am suddenly reminded of when I aspired to become a member of the greatest fraternity ever, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. One of the first things I learned dealt with my mind set, Train of Thought. That is something that I truly hold and apply not only in Kappa but in life.
As I am going through this class; however, there have been a whole host of issues to come up that at times have made me wonder, should I continue on? And then God sends a word. Check it out. Just a reminder of what's real... Be blessed...
Psalm 136 (The Message Bible): 1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
4-22 Thank the miracle-working God,
His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt's oppression,
His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
His love never quits.
Split the Red Sea right in half,
His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
His love never quits.
23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
His love never quits!
THOUGHT: His Love Never Quits… Do not give up on His Love… Do not give up on yourself.
Father God,
I thank You. I thank You for the reminder that Your Love never quits. Your Love is perfect in everyway and I bless Your Name. Lord, some of us are dealing with heavy loads. In most cases, some of us don't know how we will make it. But we know that You know all about our problems and issues. All You ask is that we trust You and know that You will make the provisions. We thank You Lord for reminding us of the past and how when we didn't know... You knew already. With all that we endure, But God... You step in every time... with Your Love... Your Discipline, Your Wisdom. Lord, put in our souls a desire to only be concerned with serving You. As long as we make that priority, we know that You will preserve us through everything... I believe it and claim it now, In Jesus Name... Amen...
I am now in week #6 of class and I can see things are changing. This morning I got an email from my pastor about the class and up coming events. As usual, Pastor Jay always offers a word of encouragement and endurance that reminds me to press onward and never quit. I am suddenly reminded of when I aspired to become a member of the greatest fraternity ever, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. One of the first things I learned dealt with my mind set, Train of Thought. That is something that I truly hold and apply not only in Kappa but in life.
As I am going through this class; however, there have been a whole host of issues to come up that at times have made me wonder, should I continue on? And then God sends a word. Check it out. Just a reminder of what's real... Be blessed...
Psalm 136 (The Message Bible): 1-3 Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
4-22 Thank the miracle-working God,
His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos,
His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations,
His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light,
His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day,
His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night,
His love never quits.
The God who struck down the Egyptian firstborn,
His love never quits.
And rescued Israel from Egypt's oppression,
His love never quits.
Took Israel in hand with his powerful hand,
His love never quits.
Split the Red Sea right in half,
His love never quits.
Led Israel right through the middle,
His love never quits.
Dumped Pharaoh and his army in the sea,
His love never quits.
The God who marched his people through the desert,
His love never quits.
Smashed huge kingdoms right and left,
His love never quits.
Struck down the famous kings,
His love never quits.
Struck Sihon the Amorite king,
His love never quits.
Struck Og the Bashanite king,
His love never quits.
Then distributed their land as booty,
His love never quits.
Handed the land over to Israel.
His love never quits.
23-26 God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot,
His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need.
His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all!
His love never quits!
THOUGHT: His Love Never Quits… Do not give up on His Love… Do not give up on yourself.
Father God,
I thank You. I thank You for the reminder that Your Love never quits. Your Love is perfect in everyway and I bless Your Name. Lord, some of us are dealing with heavy loads. In most cases, some of us don't know how we will make it. But we know that You know all about our problems and issues. All You ask is that we trust You and know that You will make the provisions. We thank You Lord for reminding us of the past and how when we didn't know... You knew already. With all that we endure, But God... You step in every time... with Your Love... Your Discipline, Your Wisdom. Lord, put in our souls a desire to only be concerned with serving You. As long as we make that priority, we know that You will preserve us through everything... I believe it and claim it now, In Jesus Name... Amen...
Monday, August 16, 2010
Living Purpose “LP” Entries ~ Eternal Warranty
Biblical Inspiration ~ 1 John 3:16 (The Message) This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves.
Song Inspiration: Kirk Franklin ~ The Last Jesus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShR9Zb1Uepc)
I hope the weekend was good to all. I was blessed last week when a friend of mines called me up. He had a few things on his mind and needed to clear his head. Me being me, I listened and offered a few words of encouragement. And then he said something that caught me off guard. “Man, you are great inspiration.” I immediately became humbled and had to thank God. Once I got off the phone with him, I was reminded of events from the past… Decisions that I made. What if I did this or did that? Would I have been in position to be used by God?
As we enter week 6 of Living Purpose, more and more, I am truly learning a breakdown of what it means to love God and His children/our neighbors. It is so important and vital that we get this in us and apply it.
We are entrepreneurs, hold high positions in various professions, hold multiple degrees, have the nice cars, the big houses, all the money, all the accolades and so forth. But what does any of that do for us, if we are not in position to hear from and do as the Lord so fits?
We say that we love Christ, but how can we, when we hold grudges against others (a lesson I am learning and thankful for), we talk about others behind their backs, lie on one another, use people and so on and so on? We can not love God and hate His Creations… It’s not possible.
The Love of God will call us to do things that we may not necessarily want to do. But, “Obedience is the outward expression of your love for God. If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem.” – Experiencing God
Yes we have challenging days, but that’s not an excuse to take frustrations out on others or to complain day in and day out about the same problems. Maybe God is trying to pour into us. When will we be still long enough to hear from God? In the midst of the confusion and backbiting, can we still show our love unto God by being obedient?
When we made the confession that Christ died for us… we have to understand that, we said, “We love the Lord God with all our heart, mind, and soul…” And with that, we are commissioned to love our neighbor as He loves us. With no conditions, but rather with an eternal warranty. A pledge that will never end.
THOUGHT: The people that we most despise; WHEN God calls us to show HIS LOVE to them, will we demonstrate our Love for Him to them or be disobedient? Think about it…
Song Inspiration: Kirk Franklin ~ The Last Jesus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShR9Zb1Uepc)
I hope the weekend was good to all. I was blessed last week when a friend of mines called me up. He had a few things on his mind and needed to clear his head. Me being me, I listened and offered a few words of encouragement. And then he said something that caught me off guard. “Man, you are great inspiration.” I immediately became humbled and had to thank God. Once I got off the phone with him, I was reminded of events from the past… Decisions that I made. What if I did this or did that? Would I have been in position to be used by God?
As we enter week 6 of Living Purpose, more and more, I am truly learning a breakdown of what it means to love God and His children/our neighbors. It is so important and vital that we get this in us and apply it.
We are entrepreneurs, hold high positions in various professions, hold multiple degrees, have the nice cars, the big houses, all the money, all the accolades and so forth. But what does any of that do for us, if we are not in position to hear from and do as the Lord so fits?
We say that we love Christ, but how can we, when we hold grudges against others (a lesson I am learning and thankful for), we talk about others behind their backs, lie on one another, use people and so on and so on? We can not love God and hate His Creations… It’s not possible.
The Love of God will call us to do things that we may not necessarily want to do. But, “Obedience is the outward expression of your love for God. If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem.” – Experiencing God
Yes we have challenging days, but that’s not an excuse to take frustrations out on others or to complain day in and day out about the same problems. Maybe God is trying to pour into us. When will we be still long enough to hear from God? In the midst of the confusion and backbiting, can we still show our love unto God by being obedient?
When we made the confession that Christ died for us… we have to understand that, we said, “We love the Lord God with all our heart, mind, and soul…” And with that, we are commissioned to love our neighbor as He loves us. With no conditions, but rather with an eternal warranty. A pledge that will never end.
THOUGHT: The people that we most despise; WHEN God calls us to show HIS LOVE to them, will we demonstrate our Love for Him to them or be disobedient? Think about it…
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Living Purpose "LP" Entries ~ Names of God...
This one will be very short....
Let me start off by saying this class, Living Purpose, and book, Experiencing God, it will MESS YO' WALK UP! Hands down lol. But I am really glad I decided to take it... It is really making a difference.
We are in unit 5, but I had to go back and finish with Unit 4 and wow... There's a phrase that really has me going, "You will never be satisfied merely to know about God. Knowing God comes only through experience as He reveals Himself to you." But the 2nd day in this unit will really have you laid out lol. It's called Worship God... and it's just that.. this book breaks down all the different names of God with corresponding verses. There so many but it''s like yeah, wow, I know and experience God in that way too. All by a name.
An assignment from day 2 was to go to the back of the book and read through the names of God/Christ/Holy Spirit and worship Him based on how the names affect or have affected you. And I gotta admit... awesome...
But that makes me ask... The pharse above, do you really want to know more about God and who you are by experience? The various names of God; how do you call Him? Is He, Jireh... your provider... is He your healer... He is a comforter...God of retribution... Your strength.... How do you view Christ; Son of Man, Teacher, The stone the builders rejected - 1 Peter 2:7 (okay, I gotta write up something on that!), the truth... or how about the Holy Spirit; the spirit of justice, the gift, the seal, spirit of holiness... or is it so much that all you can say is He is My Everything?
I think for the next couple days I will definitely meditate on this... just who God/Christ/Holy Spirit has been to me... to me now... and to me in the future... One thing is for sure... past, present, future... He's the same...
Be blessed all!
Let me start off by saying this class, Living Purpose, and book, Experiencing God, it will MESS YO' WALK UP! Hands down lol. But I am really glad I decided to take it... It is really making a difference.
We are in unit 5, but I had to go back and finish with Unit 4 and wow... There's a phrase that really has me going, "You will never be satisfied merely to know about God. Knowing God comes only through experience as He reveals Himself to you." But the 2nd day in this unit will really have you laid out lol. It's called Worship God... and it's just that.. this book breaks down all the different names of God with corresponding verses. There so many but it''s like yeah, wow, I know and experience God in that way too. All by a name.
An assignment from day 2 was to go to the back of the book and read through the names of God/Christ/Holy Spirit and worship Him based on how the names affect or have affected you. And I gotta admit... awesome...
But that makes me ask... The pharse above, do you really want to know more about God and who you are by experience? The various names of God; how do you call Him? Is He, Jireh... your provider... is He your healer... He is a comforter...God of retribution... Your strength.... How do you view Christ; Son of Man, Teacher, The stone the builders rejected - 1 Peter 2:7 (okay, I gotta write up something on that!), the truth... or how about the Holy Spirit; the spirit of justice, the gift, the seal, spirit of holiness... or is it so much that all you can say is He is My Everything?
I think for the next couple days I will definitely meditate on this... just who God/Christ/Holy Spirit has been to me... to me now... and to me in the future... One thing is for sure... past, present, future... He's the same...
Be blessed all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)