"Moving and Changing"

“He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).” ~ John 7:38-39 (Amplified Bible) 

What is living water?  Living water has some characteristics that can represent the Christian believer.  Living water is water that is purified through a process. The first thing that takes place after salvation is a process called “sanctification” (God setting you apart) and through that process, it’s simply God taking you from being who you are to who you are going to be. God begins the purification process immediately when you accept Him.  His process of purification involves pain at times, people have to go, places have to be shut down, music has to change, hearts have to turn away from you and change takes place, it is godly and Biblical purification.  When it comes to water, we would desire pure water and that’s what God expects of us, purity.  We will never be perfect, but we should always be progressing which leads to the next characteristic of “living water” it’s on the move.

In the Book of Genesis the first thing recorded about the Holy Spirit is that He “moved” on the face of the water.  (Genesis 1:2) God is always on the move! God is always doing something and the Spirit filled Christian will be like that.  The Spirit filed Christian will be on the move; that Christian will be in Ministry, moving for God, constantly advancing. The Bible puts it this way: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Amplified). If you ever want to know if Jesus’ Spirit is at work in your life, check your purity level and your movement.  Are you becoming more like Jesus and are you becoming someone that you never expected?  If you are changing in a good way, in a godly way, in a Biblical way, the living water isn’t only in you, but it’s flowing through you. You bless people you don’t even know when living water is present, because of its flow, it moves and nobody can stop it because it’s living, not stagnant.

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You asking You for Your grace to be Spirit led, Spirit filled, Spirit overflowing. Holy Spirit come into my life in a new way, remove any stagnant areas of my walk with You. Increase my ability to love and serve You Lord Jesus. Show me what to do and how to be more godly. Change me that I can change another. Lord, use my life as living water that cannot be stopped by anything but constantly flows by people, changing them for Your glory and Your Gospel. May my lips be filled with praise and Your Gospel. Speak to me Lord in Jesus Name I thank You so much for ANSWERED prayer. Amen!

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Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?

 

If not, here’s what you are missing.  You are missing satisfaction in life. You are missing the blessings of God in and through your life. You are missing the blessing of being able to know God intimately and know Him for the pardoning of your sins.  You are missing the blessing of being able to serve God and impact your community and the world around you.  You are missing the beauty of God revealing Himself to you and helping you in your daily life. You are missing out on such great things.  God wants the best for you and His best starts with you admitting you have sinned against Him and that you need a Savior for your sins, that Savior is Jesus Christ.  Like me, will you rebel against God’s plan and will for your life? Will you submit to Gods will so He can save you and redirect your life?  God can get you off any drugs, any habit or addiction, nothing can stop God and God will stop at nothing to stop it from stopping you from reaching your full potential for Christ.  God loves you so much, why wait and why reject His message.  If you want to be saved for-real, just pray this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I have sinned, I am a sinner, I have sinned and will sin, but I have sinned only against You. Lord, I am in need of Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and You rose from the dead. I believe You are God and that You have the capability to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Lord, please save me and draw me to You by Your grace. Fill me with Your Spirit. Baptize me in Your power and help me to live a lifestyle that is pleasing in Your sight. Give me victory over temptation, Lord, strengthen me to be all who You want me to be please in Jesus Name! AMEN!”

"God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life." ~ John 3:16 (God’s Word Translation)

^"That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ^[disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~ Romans 10:9-13 (NASB)

“Gods Path”

“It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.” ~ Exodus 13:17 (The Message Bible)

When the Children of Israel were in the process of being liberated from Egyptian slavery two routes were available to get into the Promised Land. In life we often have those same routes, but as a Christian the Lord leads His Children. Once a person becomes a believer in Jesus Christ by accepting that Christ is real and not only real, but He died for their sins, God begins to direct their life. God has a purpose behind His direction, but His direction isn’t always noticed, because it’s divine and we are simply human and frail. God chose a specific path for the Israelites and God gives the reason; the people would have been scared if they saw there was war. It seems strange, but God can often take us “the long way” in order to not only prepare us, but preserve and protect us. God has a purpose behind the long routes in our lives. Jesus loves us so much that even when we pray for “the short route” to the blessing He knows what’s best and often RE-directs us to take the best path, “the long route.” When it comes to your path, have you realized which one you are on? Perhaps like a lot of us have done, you desire to “get right to it” and do your own thing, finding out a “short cut” to Gods plan and purpose for your life. It’s dangerous to begin to plan our own lives according to our own desires, because our heart is naturally sinful and we are easily misled. If you allow Him to, God will direct your entire life.

At times Gods direction seems like Satan’s path, we look at it and it’s filled with obstacles, traps and snares. As the loved song “Amazing Grace” goes “through many dangers, toils and snares have we already come.” God allows Satan to throw things in our path that sometimes cause us to question Gods plan. “God, are You sure?” Sometimes when we are confused wondering if it’s God’s plan because it’s hard, it literally is the plan and path of God. Sometimes God allows problems into our life to redirect our life. Sometimes we get off track and God lets a struggle come so we call out to Him and He shows us “this is the way I desire for you.” At times we should pray for confirmation and a sign from God, just to make sure we are on the right path, because like sheep, we easily wander off. We can get involved in the wrong things easily, we can get involved with the wrong people, relationships and habits, but God can fix it if we ask Him. So, next time you see trouble or you feel the whole “man, this takes forever” in your journey through life, remember sometimes God preserves and protects as He redirects our life to fit His perfect plan.

Father in Jesus Name, thank You that You are God and You can control the path that I am on. Lord, forgive me for doubting and complaining. Lord, teach me about Your ways and how You direct and guide me. Lord, let me be in that perfect plan that You have. Lord, redirect me if I need it and help me focus on that good path, even if it seems like the rough path. I thank You in advance for the change of my life through a simple prayer like this in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“The Thoughts of a Suffering Soldier”

“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely.” ~ Acts 16:23 (KJV)

There’s no doubt in life when we go through things we hate it, we despise it and no matter how much we say “give God the glory” inwardly we do not want to thank God for where we are at all times. God uses circumstances and situations in our lives like puzzle pieces. We look at our incomplete life and cry and whine, not understanding very soon God will place another piece in and we will understand “ok, cool, everything is not going downhill as I thought.” However, what do you do when you look and notice that everything is going downhill? Perhaps, you are looking at yourself and here you are fighting something you once overcame or you look at your children and don’t know how to heal them, you look at your finances and don’t know what to think, everyone has something, there is something in our lives as Christians that bugs us to death! We hate “it” because “it” is out of our control. God uses things that come into our life that bug us and make us want to freak out, it sounds crazy because when we encounter these things usually we are everything but godly about it. Yet, God is working. It’s important that you know that.

Paul the Apostle was thrown in a prison for preaching. In other words, walking with God and obeying Gods Word and plan for his life lead him into trouble. In a Christian’s life it’s important to know that just because you are suffering doesn’t mean you are outside of the will of God. Just because you are suffering doesn’t mean you aren’t walking with God as close as you should be. God allows trying times in our lives to bring us into a greater awareness of His presence and power. The truth is, we act sinful in these situations; it takes some time to finally get to that place where we say “Ok, Lord, here I am and do whatever needed.” It takes time for you to finally just submit to the situation and not fight against it, not get upset and bitter at God over it, it takes time! The truth is, we need to come to the awareness that as a Christian, if we are praying for Gods will to be done in our life then where we are right now is Gods will. Sure, not everything looks like Gods will, but perhaps that place you wonder inwardly “God, is this what following You is about? I don’t like this” is the will of God. It’s important for you to know this, it’s important for you to realize where you are as a Christian is God’s plan, no matter how crazy it may seem. When you look at your situation, take it to God in prayer and ask God to get you to that place where you finally lay “it” down and then and only then will you be able to “move forward” so God can put that next puzzle piece in place. Enjoy and God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You grateful, but Lord I pray for this situation I am in. Lord, if it’s not Your will right now to change it, change me and help me endure it. Lord, I pray that You show me You working in this situation and give me the faith and assurance needed found in the Word to have the ability to say “ok, Lord, here it is I am through fighting against it.” God, please bring me there in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“Lost Teeth”

“In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.” ~ 1 Peter 5:10 (New Living Translation)

Most of us growing up, at least in the United States have heard of the “tooth fairy.” When we are younger we are told when we lose teeth that a “tooth fairy” would come and place some sort of reward under your pillow and take your tooth as you sleep. Unfortunately, as a child, you do not necessarily desire to lose teeth to receive a reward because of the pain it involves. It was scary to lose them as a child, I mean seriously, who wants to yank something out of their mouth, it can be terrifying. However, afterwards, when you woke up and saw some sort of reward, the pain and memory of losing the tooth vanished with the tooth, you only saw the reward and the benefit of it. God works the same way.

In life we go into trials and unfortunately we go through trials. God uses trials as trails to His purpose and promises recorded in the Bible. God allows situations to arise in the life of a believer and we wonder inwardly “Lord, why this, why at my age, why now!?” We fret, we freak out, and we are losing teeth so to speak. God uses trials to shape and mold us. God has a plan in mind not only on how to get you through the trial, but on what you will become after you go through it. God begins to reward us in the middle of the trial in huge ways. Most of the wisdom we gain from Christ and Gods Word comes in trials and unfavorable situations. We realize what to do, what not to do, what Christ likes, what Christ doesn’t like. We realize Jesus is real. Jesus is capable. Jesus is loving. Jesus is comforting and the most important thing, that Jesus is there. We learn this in trials and unfavorable situations. God has a purpose behind your trial or your “lost tooth” yes, it’s painful, yes to you it’s better to avoid it, to run away and to hide from it, but it’s also a blessing, it’s also beneficial, it’s also helpful to your walk in The Lord and in due time to others. God has a plan to bless you in the trial you are in and when you come out He has a plan to establish you in your walk with Him, no more flimsiness, you will be firm in your resolution to serve God, to love Him and to have Him as the head of your life. God will restore you. God will heal you. God will deliver you and God will bless you, but you must go through, you must suffer “a little while.” God will reward you. God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You wondering, but thankful, produce fruit from reading this. Lord, help me to be strengthened by giving You glory in this situation, as I wait patiently on You in thanksgiving and not complaining. Lord, deliver me from complaining and show me the peace that comes with thanksgiving instead. Lord, I pray that You give me a godly, heavenly and Christ like perspective and viewpoint on this situation and let me be firm in my stance of who You are. Lord, restore in Your time. Lord, establish in Your time and may I go through this with a grateful and wisdom filled attitude. Show me what You are doing in this and I thank You so much for whatever may come, because it’s working for my good and Your glory in Jesus Name! AMEN!

"A REAL Offering to Christ!"

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on." ~ Mark 12:41-44 (New Living Translation)

Jesus is amazing! In Gods great love for us He has given us plenty of blessings. Sometimes our greatest gifts we can give are covered in dust, we have old clothes, old books, old bags, shoes etc. to give, but we forget to give. What is Gods measurement in giving is it in the amount? From this story we see Jesus talking and teaching as always and as He was teaching the people about God and what God desires of our lives He noticed people giving large amounts of money, simply because they could. Yet, in the process of seeing this a poor widowed woman walked by and gave two coins. Immediately, Jesus, knowing the hearts knew this woman was a true godly giver. The Bible gives a description of how much this was worth, basically a penny in our time. It was so little, but God saw it as so much. God doesn’t see offerings as dollar signs; He sees them as a matter of the heart. God desires for us to give, but more importantly to give with a godly and loving motive.

As you grow in your walk with Christ to lack giving is to lack spiritual growth and power. God will always draw us into new levels of giving. When it comes to money, God knows we have a natural desire to try to keep it, store it up and crave more of it. God knows how to fix that, by giving. By doing Gods will we will realize it’s not only a good thing and something that we want, but it becomes something that enables us to have victory in other areas. For example, if you have an issue with lust and greed, taking those things you lust for and giving them away to others can break that strong desire in your heart. Obedience to God always leads to blessing. When it comes to money, spiritually this can be the most amazing thing that we can use for the Kingdom of God and His Gospel. God can use money to take the Gospel around the world. God will use money when given to the right Ministries to reach people you couldn’t meet. As you sleep, your donations are changing lives and people are coming to Christ for salvation. Churches who are spiritually blessing people are funded by money, not just by prayers. God desires that we give! God gave to us so we would give. In the process of your spiritual growth, keep an eye open for things to give, if it’s not money, make a CD for someone, if it’s not that, try clothes, shoes, books, suits, etc. etc. God has given you something to give, pray over it, pray for God to lead you to the right person and pray that it moves that person to come closer to Jesus Christ. Our whole purpose of giving is to glorify God and bring others closer to Him. Don’t neglect the awesome power of giving, Jesus took notice to this woman, but tomorrow will He take notice of you? God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You grateful. Lord, I acknowledge I don’t give enough. Lord, I pray that You show me what I can give. Lord, guide me to people to help. Let me be an answer to someone’s spoken and unspoken prayer. Lord, let me feed people. Let me clothe people. Let me be there to offer a prayer for someone I don’t know and for those I do know. Lord, let my heart have a desire to give for the godly purposes that You intend it for. After I am faithful in giving in small amounts, I pray that if it’s Your will You will give me the ability to give more. I thank You and may my life glorify You in Jesus Name. I thank You! AMEN!

Picture from Glo Bible www.globible.com

“For Your Glory!”

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord that he has trusted me and has appointed me to do his work with the strength he has given me.” ~ 1 Timothy 1:12 (GW)

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” ~ 1 Timothy 1:17 (KJV)

What does it mean to really “give God glory?” Is it just something we say during a praise and worship service? Is it something we begin our testimony with or is it a lifestyle and form of worship that comes from us surrendering more and more of our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ daily? It’s the latter! Paul the Apostle began the first epistle (letter) of Timothy by explaining how many people were sharing false teaching, he went down a list of things that Timothy the young Pastor was to avoid in order to be fruitful and stay fruitful in Ministry. Yet, in the middle of this Paul realized “hey, God changed me too!” It wasn’t just a message to Timothy to avoid people, but to call him to the awareness that God could change anyone. Within the verses located above Paul reveals to us what brings God the highest level of glory that we could ever possibly give Him.

In order to fully and completely give God the glory, we have to first give God the life we have. It can seem scary I mean “after-all, what if…what if….what if…God wants me to…?” There is such a fear inside of us that we can’t seem to get rid of when we think of surrendering our life to Jesus Christ. The truth is, Gods plan is best for your life, nothing can beat it and only YOU can stop it from taking place, so surrender! God has a better plan for your life than you. Giving God the glory requires your life, but it requires your personal time. Time, it’s what you have least of, but what God wants most of. God uses our personal time to shape us, preparing us for the Ministry He has for us and He has one for all of us. You don’t have to Pastor, own a Church, be a Deacon or Preacher to have a Ministry. God uses small things to make great impacts on this world. Stay humble, be that small thing looking to do small things so God can get GREAT glory. Paul said “Christ enabled me to do these things.” Paul realized his effectiveness in Ministry came from Jesus and Jesus alone and Paul later expressed “glory to God” at the ending of the chapter. Paul knows that giving ourselves to Jesus Christ and doing His work in the world and Church gives God the highest praise. While you are reading it, it’s as if Paul had to stop and have a moment of praise and gratitude because he realized “I was just like the people I told Timothy my son in the faith to avoid and God changed ME.” He can change anyone. The least expected are the most used by God. Don’t look down on anyone. Give God the glory today by giving God your time, talents, ability and service! God Bless!!

Father in Jesus Name, Glory belongs to You. Father, I admit I have a selfish and weak nature that wants glory for myself, but give me power and victory over that. Lord, I surrender myself to You. I give You my life and my will. Lord, use me for Your Glory and may I be enabled by You to fulfill Your plan as You give me the best You have for me and as I serve Your people through prayer, worship, fasting, studying Your Word, praying for them and just finding small ways to help, give and look out for them in a godly love. I thank You and ask Your blessings over my life and Ministry to be abundantly filled with lasting and abiding fruit in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“When Serving Becomes Our Center Focus”

“As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him in her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down at the feet of the Lord and listened to his teaching. Martha was upset over all the work she had to do, so she came and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her." ~ Luke 10:38-42 (GNB)

Sooner or later in the life of a Christian, they will realize that serving God in some way is extremely valuable and important. Serving God is what can bring us joy, fascination with the things of God, power spiritually and faith. Serving God can change us from the inside out. God wants us to serve Him in some way and He has given us spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving Him and everyone has at least one gift. (1 Peter 4:10) The Bible tells us that we can actually desire and want spiritual gifts and pray to receive them. (1 Corinthians 12:31) God wants us to serve Him with our whole heart, loving Him, allowing Him to direct our steps and service by His Word, prayer and His Spirit. God blesses those who serve others for His glory and for the purpose of building up His Kingdom (rule) on Earth. God wants us to serve Him in some way, shape or form and there are many ways, just ask how and God will surely reveal that to you.

Martha was a woman, who was serving, but she fell into a trap, serving became a distraction from the purpose of life, to know Jesus. Inwardly, we can seek to serve God and sometimes that serving actually over-rules our inward desire to know God. We can begin to think about doing more for God and miss out on doing what’s important, listening to His Word, gleaning from His Bible and applying the spiritual truths we grab hold of as we do. God knows the tendency of human nature to stray away from Him and even in things that are spiritual and godly we can find ourselves straying from Him. Martha was running around frantically too busy to listen for Jesus. The Bible clearly depicts that Martha loved the Lord Jesus, but she was just distracted. Are you distracted? God knows when we begin to let service overcome our personal and private worship and devotion to Him, we become discontent with our walk with Christ. Inwardly, we can get restless and if our personal relationship with Christ is out of control we will have to try very, very hard to produce fruit. Gods plan is that as we just grow in Christ and naturally the fruit will come, we won’t have to strive to get it done, and God will do it through us. Take an examination of your life today, what’s distracting you from the important thing; studying Gods Word, praying to Him and loving Him for Him and not His things? Your examination reveals your determination to seek God. God Bless!!

Father, in Jesus Name, I come to You and ask for Your blessings over this. Lord, let me seek You first in all things. Father, I admit I am not where I should be, Lord draw me to where You know I should be. Father, may You become the center of my life again and may my service and gifts be an outflow of love because of my personal relationship with You. Lord, produce fruit in my life privately and let it stem into fruit publically. Lord, I lift myself on the altar for You to do Your inward work. Let me see what’s important and show me the distractions that hinder that process in Jesus Name! AMEN!

Picture from www.globible.com

“When Serving God is Tiresome”

“Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including how he had executed all the prophets. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah. She said, "May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't take your life the way you took the lives of Baal's prophets." Frightened, Elijah fled to save his life. He came to Beersheba in Judah and left his servant there.” ~ 1 Kings 19:1-3 (GW)

When it comes to serving God, there’s no doubt there will be times when you feel like “what’s the point?” “Why am I even doing this, nobody even cares?” and the occasional “God, where in the world are You at in THIS?” The context of the story of Elijah centers around him running to Ahab in the name of The LORD as he gives him a stern challenge. God spoke through Elijah and said “it’s not going to rain” because “Baal” the false god was said to have controlled the rain. Elijah’s prophecy came true, it didn’t rain, but it started to as Elijah prayed seven times. Yet, through that huge victory came a challenge in the middle, the false prophets and priests of Baal were all surrounding Elijah and on this mountaintop Elijah calls down fire from Heaven and God, the true God was acknowledged before the false prophets of Baal. God was using Elijah, yet Elijah heard a rumor about him. It’s interesting the Bible doesn’t say his internal thoughts, but his outward action was to get out of there, he fled town. Elijah was experiencing what we all experience from time to time, doubt, despair, depression and discouragement.

Elijah was so powerful and effective in ministry that an enemy threatened him, that enemy stopped Elijah’s whole Ministry. In the scripture above we see nothing but a worn out, depressed and discouraged prophet of God who was used mightily. It’s no secret, the biggest enemies to members of the Body of Christ who are serving come in three; discouragement, depression and tiredness. What do you do when you feel burned out with serving God? First, you have to acknowledge to God that YOU ARE burned out. Second, you have to return to the Word of God; perhaps your drought season is there because instead of running to God (His Word), you are running from Jezebel (life’s threats). Thirdly, you have to come back to where you came from. Sometimes we get busy and quit ministry, Elijah came back to Mount Carmel, some say this is where Moses was hidden in the cleft of the rock as God the Father passed by him and proclaimed his name (Ex. 33:14-17). Elijah went back to what he knew when he was down, he was near God, yet still depressed. Almost certain by experience, if we do these three things in our seasons of wanting to give up, wanting to quit and being tired in serving God, I am certain God, like He did with Elijah will visit us and feed us with supernatural food (His Word) that enables us to “go on in its (His) strength.” God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You and thank You for the fact that You are there. You are here. You are where I am. Lord, I pray for Your Spirit to come into my heart and life in a new way so that I can revive those who are currently depressed. Lord, when I come into my seasons of depression and discouragement, strengthen me with the Word of God. Help me to persevere and endure, continually serving and loving You and Your people. God lead me like You have done Your saints in the past, bring me into a greater love for You and help me stand firm when the winds blow and the threats of life come my way. I thank You in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“Dedicated to MY Mother, Yet Significant for ALL Mothers”

“Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well. But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.” ~ Judges 14:3-4

When it comes to our parents, as younger people we tend to neglect their advice. Samson was someone who was called by God to do great things and I mean great. However, Samson had a little issue with dealing with girls who didn’t know the One true God, Jesus the Christ. Samson goes to his father and mother after noticing a girl of the Philistines (the enemies of God and His people) and says “this is the one pops, mama she’s just so perfect!” Samson’s eyes probably lit up in thinking “what a great choice, see I’m pretty smart for a younger guy” yet Samson was picking something that was actually sent to pick him. God anointed Samson’s mother and father to speak directly to his situation, correcting him and hoping for the best. It’s very significant that God included the word “mother” in this part; it shows the display of godly love and wise counsel coming together for a greater purpose, beyond self. God wanted the mother to receive credit for her godliness and choices. God uses mothers and He was giving honor to them through His Word. Samson however, didn’t listen and hit his head against the pavement searching for a quarter in a land of nickels and dimes.

What is a mother? Few people can define it; even mothers can’t define it because their work isn’t done. After-all that is the life of a mother, a job that never really ends. God has given everyone a mother; it was just in His plan to do it that way. I could have been born from a giraffe, but God said “Adam, be born from Brenda” and through that His purpose is being fulfilled. Growing up I was taught about Christ, but me being the arrogant kid (just like Samson) thought “pffft, what does mom know and who cares about God.” Perhaps, your child is doing the same thing, you are trying to train them and lead them to Christ, but they just aren’t hearing it. My mom was persistent and never gave up hope in me, when I gave up hope in myself. God uses mothers. God used my mother to instill values within me that have lasted my whole 25 years. God uses mothers. My mother gave me sound advice, sort of like Samson “Adam, can’t you get another girl?” The truth is, like Samson I was no angel. My Church family see’s the renewed after Gods likeness Adam, the person who wants to be like Jesus Christ, yet that wasn’t always me. I know many mothers look at their children, even those seeing and reading this and their child is in jail or has cancer or has HIV and you think “is it over for my child?” After all, they are on drugs God, can this change? YES! God is ABLE!

I am living proof of the power of a praying mother. I was supposed to be dead, obviously to me by what I have done. I should be absolutely insane, yet God used a praying mother to help me, guide me and steer me into His path and direction. God uses mothers. God doesn’t want us to give up hope on our children, at all. God can turn it around, I am proof of that. How do we treat our mothers as children? The truth of the matter is, we often neglect our parents. Jesus Christ was on a Cross, on THE Cross, suffering for us and yet He looked down and saw John standing by His mother Mary and called John to be a caregiver to Mary, the mother of Jesus. But wait, we don’t always do that as children, when we suffer sometimes the last person we go to is “Mom” but maybe mom has the answer? Samson was going to find out, “mom is anointed by God and was used by God to warn me” and obviously he learned that lesson the hard way, yet the Bible says that it was in God’s plan. You see, God saw your child on drugs before you did, God saw your wayward daughter pregnant with a drug dealers baby before you did and prayer can change all of that (for both of them). Samson’s life was already headed towards the wrong direction, but it’s very obvious through this text for the parents to be so keen and discerning as to whom Samson desired they were praying parents. God uses praying mothers. The Holy Spirit will take your child’s wrongs and right them. God the Holy Spirit will bring your child back from any sin they are in bondage to. I wasn’t always an active member of a Church, my life was spiraling downward, I was like Samson, failing to understand the value of a godly mother’s advice, yet through prayer from a godly mother God my Father , God turned it all around. Don’t give up on your child, mother. You may be neglected by a son, but think of it this way, when we are out of fellowship with God we don’t make wise choices, we end up like Samson, running after something that is blocking the will and plans of God. Don’t be too upset about your child who doesn’t call or write you, remembering that God can turn it around. I’ve made many mistakes, neglected my mother plenty of times and even now I can say “I don’t do the best for her” but through it all, God has led me to understand the value of a godly mother. And for this I say “thank You Mom, for being a godly mother, someone who instilled a foundation of Christ in me and to this day you see it paying off in your life.”

God can turn it around!

Father in Jesus Name, we come to You glorifying You because You are God and You can fix a situation. Lord, we come to You asking and begging that more mothers would take on a new title, “godly.” Lord, we come to You and ask that the character of Christ would be so evident in parent’s lives that children can’t help but adapt, even when words aren’t spoken let actions speak and develop that child’s life. Holy Spirit, I run to You in this prayer and ask You to fix broken families, marriages and bring children back who aren’t doing what they should be doing. Lord, let us not give up hope for the change, perhaps you are allowing this for some greater purpose like the life of Samson. God, You are working in this situation and Lord we acknowledge You and You promised if we do, You will direct our steps and thoughts. Lord, please give us godly wisdom to demonstrate to children and godliness deep within our hearts. I thank You in advance for the jail cell being opened and bringing out a new person, someone the parent will look at and say “who is this?” and they will inwardly know and see the power of a praying mother. Thank You Lord. AMEN!

“Problems, Problems, TURN-AROUND”

“In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man's name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.” ~ Ruth 1:1-5 (NLT)

When you talk about people with problems in the Bible to overlook Naomi is a huge mistake. Naomi was accustomed to suffering, hopeless situations and affliction. It was so bad to the point where she thought God was “out to get her.” However, God wasn’t out to hurt her, but to help her. It’s important to understand in life, life happens. People pass away and while it’s easy to blame God, which Naomi did, it’s still necessary to understand it’s a fact of life, people pass on. The problem of death is that we don’t understand it, it’s something that surpasses our mind and we just can’t think beyond it. It’s beyond our comprehension. As a Christian death is the greatest promotion you could ever receive from God, you are instantly and immediately placed in front of the presence of God. (2 Cor. 5:8) God never intended for death to take place, but death happened as a result of sin. God even goes further to explain that death is something from the devil (Heb. 2:14) and that death would be the final enemy destroyed by Jesus Christ at His second coming. (1 Cor. 15:26)

In our life it seems sometimes that problems turn into more problems and we don’t know what to do. Sometimes the very problems that happen in our life aren’t designed by God, but the devil. The evidence of the enemies work in our life is that sometimes in problems we run from God instead of to God. Naomi was so hurt that she changed her name (character) from “Naomi” which meant “pleasant” to “Mara” which meant “bitterness.” Our life can resemble that change, some of our problems have completely altered our character and changed how we view God and in a negative way at that. God never intended for problems to be known to us, God wanted a peaceful life, paradise, but through sin we have now experienced all of the wars, suffering, hunger, thirst, famines, droughts, deaths, diseases and plagues. Truly, sin is the enemy of mankind because of its bitter fruit that we currently see in the world as a result of it. In order to fully receive the turn around that God has for us, we have to hold on. Naomi was at her wits end, but God was just beginning to work a miracle in her life. While she was complaining, bitter with God, taking the negative stance in her life and growing in an ungodly and bitter attitude, God was on the other side switching the scene of her life. God was preparing Naomi when she thought problems were about to take her under. God is preparing you when you seem like life is overwhelming. Hold on, God is the God of a turn around and He is a situation changer. Remain humble and with a positive attitude and most importantly, don’t mistake Gods character as bad or horrible because of a bad and horrible circumstance! God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You grateful that You can work in a problem. Lord, my life has some and I admit I haven’t walked in godliness towards them. Lord, I haven’t responded to them as I should have as a Christian, but God help me to be aware of Your hand in my situation. Lord, may I trust Your heart with my heart and life. God turn my situation around and help me to glorify You while I am waiting on this to take place in Jesus Name! AMEN!

Picture from the Glo-Bible www.globible.com

“Lead.”

“Jesus began to teach again by the Sea of Galilee. A very large crowd gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat in it. The boat was in the water while the entire crowd lined the shore.” ~ Mark 4:1 (GW)

When it comes to the word “leadership” many people disqualify themselves before they even hear of the qualifications. What is leadership? What’s the purpose of it in terms of the Kingdom of God? When it comes to leadership in the Kingdom of God, it is greatly devoted to teaching. Teaching in the Kingdom of God is simply guiding someone else to Christ or closer to Christ. When it comes to teaching and leading in the Kingdom the purpose and sole desire of the leader is to draw as many people to the Cross of Jesus Christ as they can. The leader should have a desire to spread the Gospel outside of the four walls of the Church and outside of the town they reside in. The leader and teacher in the Kingdom of God should have a passion to stir people into action and into following the same leader and teacher they follow, Jesus Christ. Simply put, Christian leadership is demonstrated in and by Christian education. Without teaching leading isn’t leading, it’s just dictatorship. Christian leaders aren’t perfect, but they are progressing towards becoming more holy and more like Christ everyday as they allow God to work inwardly as He works outwardly with them. Christian leaders always teach, always. Teaching is the anointing that comes with leadership, it’s essential because without teaching others don’t know what to do.

Mark 4:1 begins with Jesus teaching a large crowd of followers. The crowd was so big that He had to get in a boat in the water so the others could draw near to hear. Jesus Christ was a Leader because He was a teacher. As the crowds gathered I am sure they wondered “where did this guy come from? How does He know so much?” All of that is great to think about, but that is unnecessary, what’s important when you are leading and learning is to follow instructions. God gives instructions to us through His Word and He desires that Leaders apply them and walk in His ways. God promises to prosper the work of the Kingdom, but how can He prosper something if we are rebellious and won’t walk in His plan? Christian Leaders have to be devoted to God and dedicated to the point of being able to sacrifice their ambitions, plans and desires to fulfill Gods plan, purpose and will. God will give you the plan to lead, but will you take the time to listen, discern and apply? In order for God to truly bless your leadership ability you have to have a steady stream of obedience flowing through your life. When it comes to natural choices for picking leaders, we wouldn’t pick someone who isn’t dedicated and obedient to the purpose of the position, how much more God? God wants you to lead others by teaching others and if you can teach others you are certainly reaching and leading others. The key to it is to stay low key and humble, don’t put yourself out there, the Bible tells us promotion comes from God (Ps. 75:6) so don’t exalt yourself, just look for ways to share, explain and live out the Gospel in hopes of making others see the need to do the same, that’s Leadership.

Father in Jesus Name, thank You so much for Your grace, love and kindness. Lord, I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to resurrect anything in my life that has died. Lord, I pray for my ambitions to be exposed to my heart and sacrificed on the altar so Your will, plan and desires can come to pass in my life. Lord, give me the strategy to lead and guide Your people and my family. Holy Spirit, work in me to fulfill Gods plan and purpose and let me stay humble and wait on You to promote me and not myself please in Jesus Name I thank You! AMEN!

“When You Lead”

“If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.” ~ Romans 12:8 (NLT)

While some people covet a leadership position, few people understand the “behind the scenes” work found within the calling. Often we desire a position to inwardly have self-recognition, gain and prominence. Paul the Apostle begins to explain to the Christians in Rome that God actually gifts people with “leadership.” While many people could be “born leaders” many people are “God gifted leaders.” There is a great bit of difference in natural leadership and spiritual leadership, yet natural leadership can be coupled with spiritual leadership and it should be. When it comes to jobs, people sit in positions of power and some can become dictators and not leaders. A real genuine leader is someone who “gets their hands dirty” being and showing the example on how to do something. God raises up leaders for ministries with the purpose of fulfilling His will, not promoting the fleshly desire to say “I lead this great, large, efficient Spirit filled ministry.” God isn’t into boasting, at all.

In the process of Gods timing, people will be elevated to leadership positions in the Church, within that foundation God has a distinct reason for doing it. God knows some people will be able to help some people. Some people God has given a grace to be able to “mingle” with certain other people which would help their spiritual walk with Christ. Spiritual leadership is simply helping someone grow in their love, knowledge and desire for God. Period! God wants spiritual leaders with the ability to understand their calling, it’s not to have people serve you, it’s not to have a million people in your ministry, numbers don’t even matter to God, and it’s simply to help others grow in Christ. While the position is coveted, it’s necessary to remember with promotion comes problems and we don’t always know what we are getting into, but what’s the goal? When the problems of promotion arise, don’t even care; focus on the purpose, guiding people into a deeper and loving relationship with the Father. It doesn’t matter if people fight or argue, God can fix that, but until He does let God use and fix you to fix others. Spiritual leadership, it’s needed, but are you willing to pay the price?

Father in Jesus Name, I thank You so much for spiritual leadership and people who have gifts. Lord, I have a gift. Lord, I thank You for my gift and I ask that You use it for Your glory, peoples and my benefit. Lord, let my gift, even if its not leadership take root in the heart of someone so I can lead them to a higher level of faith, love and satisfaction in their walk with You. Lord, produce contentment deep within my soul so I can be happy with what position, gift and purpose You have given me. Lord, help me to remember my purpose in life isn’t a position it’s the promise of Eternal Life. May I bring others to that promise in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“When God Reveals Himself”

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” ~ Revelation 1:1

John was exiled on an Island called Patmos, seemingly alone and abandoned, but one day The Lord Jesus Christ showed up and revealed Himself to John. Revelation actually means “apocalypse” which means “revealing.” The Book of Revelation is a revealing of who Jesus is and what He will do in the future. It’s in the times alone where God begins to unmask Himself and allows us to see Him in new and fresh ways. When God reveals Himself it causes us to seek Him on another level, it drives us to the foot of the Cross and compels us to pray to our Father. God’s revelation of Himself changes the innermost parts of our being. God has a purpose behind Him revealing sides of Him that previously we have not seen and sometimes in trouble, God manifests Himself in new ways.

Ezekiel was a Prophet who was used big time by God and God showed up “in a storm.” (Ez. 1:4) God revealed things to Ezekiel that are found in Isaiah and Revelation, Ezekiel saw the throne room of God. God revealed Himself to Ezekiel, Isaiah and the Apostle John, but He seeks to reveal Himself to you, daily. God’s plan behind showing other sides of Himself to us is to change us into the image of Jesus. (Rom. 8:29) God doesn’t reveal Himself simply to give us a want, car or desire, but for Him to become our want and desire. God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6) and when speaking to Abraham God revealed Himself as the “exceeding great reward.” (Gen. 15:1) Yet, that is hurtful to the flesh, we want what we want, but inwardly, in our spiritual side and heart we desire God above all things. God satisfies that when we allow Him to. The purposes of God in your life are sure, it’s to reveal Himself to you in such a way where you are changed slowly, becoming more like Him daily in your actions, words, deeds and even desires. Don’t miss the move of God, when situations change, though God never changes, (Heb. 13:8) His character and nature is revealed to you in a fresh new way, expect it and explore Him in this season.

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You so grateful that Your Word is Your will and Your will is best. Lord, I come to You hungering for a new revelation of You. Father, reveal Yourself to me, show me who You are and how You are planning to work in my life. God, please give me a desire to pray, to study the Bible, to be more like You and cleanse my desires, heart and mouth. Lord, let Your Word be stronger in my life through a willful choice, not just because of a storm or trouble. Lord, let me be willing to serve and seek You. Bless me so I can bless the world for Your glory with pure motives, seeking only Your glory and will to be revealed in the lives of others. Thank You for this answer, I expect this today, even now in Jesus Name! AMEN!

Picture from www.globible.com

“Purpose”

“So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.” ~ Esther 4:4 (KJV)

Many people have a wonderful feeling when they understand what their life purpose is. On the contrary many people feel terrible because they don’t understand what their life purpose is. God knows though and so often we think about it, but never get down to asking Him “what is it that You have created me to do for Your glory and Kingdom?” Perhaps, that’s the question you should pray and ask God about. Esther was the queen, not just a queen but THE queen. She was chosen by God and favored by the King. Esther was unique, she shouldn’t have made it to the palace to be queen, she wasn’t even the “right race,” but God had another plan. However, the enemy had a plan too, Haman wanted to destroy and kill all the Jews, the word came to Esther and immediately she was grieved. In that grief, pain and sorrow the purpose of God was revealed. God always uses what upsets you to direct and guide you to your purpose.

So many people feel a great burden to help raise children, even if it’s through a day-care. They see the problems of the family and feel this great compassion to want to help and through them being upset about the neglect of children, they walked RIGHT INTO the purpose of God for their lives. Nehemiah was someone who was upset that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and from that very grief God used prayer as a positioning tool to give him favor with the King which enabled him to be the vessel God used to build the walls again. God will use what bothers you to position you to help, but there is a waiting period. Nobody who fulfills their calling and purpose does it overnight. God has a period of training and “boot camp” for you to go through in order to prepare you to be able to deal with the devils on the level of your life purpose. While it’s awesome to help children, you have to be able to deal with snobby parents. You have to understand how to pray for enemies and love those who don’t love you; you don’t learn that in the position, you learn that in the process. God anoints then appoints. God shows you then God moves you. God promises you then God promotes you. There will ALWAYS be a time period in between understanding and getting, growing and becoming. Don’t give up because now’s not the time, wait on God, but wait IN God, go to God in prayer and say God break me and mold me, prepare me and shape me, guide me and lead me. If you aren’t faithful in small things don’t expect God to give you big things. Don’t sit around and wait on a high position start looking around at what you can fix without peoples recognition. It’s preparation time, don’t waste it!

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You thankful that You know what time it is. Lord, show me what to do with this season of my life. Lord, I pray that You purge me of the desire for human recognition and prominence. Lord, don’t let me want gain and income. Lord, teach me how to survive off only what I have now. Lord, don’t let me be snared by money, the foolish things of the world and the things that hinder my purpose in life. Lord, show me what it is that You have called me to do and show me the enemies that are lurking to stop that. Lord, I pray that You help me to love my enemies and prepare me through my current life problem to know how to effectively deal with and in a godly way solve problems in the future. Lord, make me the solution and answer to someone’s prayer. Use me for Your glory in Jesus Name! AMEN!

“Every Rose has its Thorn”

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:10 (KJV)

While each of us in this world desires a life of comfort, quickly we find out that it’s like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We desire the things of God without experiencing the problems that come with it. So many of us look at other people without realizing what it took for get them to the places God has put them. We covet what people have but hate and don’t want what people had to go through to get “it.” Inwardly, we have this search for more and to do more, even for God, forgetting that every rose (blessing) has its thorn (problem). We want to find out what to do in life, but so often in finding out and doing we run into some form of problem. What’s the deal with that?

Paul was nearing the end of his Ministry, after running the race and fighting the good fight of faith, nearing the finish line of his life the Bible says “Demas hath forsaken me.” Right in the middle of a good time for Paul a bad thing happened, a friend turned into an enemy. It always hurts when we face betrayal, but for every new level there is a new devil and please be aware old devils can return too. Face to face with our greatest opportunities we will also be face to face with our greatest adversaries, sometimes before we even see the opportunity we find ourselves in the fight of our life. We wonder if this is so good why did “this” come along with it. While it’s nice to give someone a rose, if it’s not de-thorned a nice gesture can hurt. Often God gives us roses and we love them, but within them we find thorns. What’s the purpose? While we don’t understand the full ways of God, one reason problems come with promotion is because we would be lifted up with pride, we would think like the foolish farmer in Luke 12 “I have everything I need.” Inwardly, we are naturally prideful, we want to escape God in the flesh, but we want to cling to God in the spirit. God often lets us face blessings spiritually but pain in the flesh to keep us humble and dependent on Him. If you have faced a thorn in your life, know it’s for a purpose and in time it will change, but the thorn is there to help you, not hurt you, but you must know how to respond to it when it pricks you, because it will. Find out how to respond in a godly way, pray this prayer:

Father in Jesus Name, I come to You thankful for the thorns in my roses. Lord, I come to You knowing You have a reason for the problems in my life; they are to help me and humble me. Lord, let them fulfill their purpose. Lord, when the thorn pricks me, teach me what to do. How do I respond to the adversity, how should I handle the thorn in my life? Father, speak to my heart and guide me in the right pathway so I can fulfill the full will of God in my life. Lord, remove anything that hinders the work of God in my heart, preparing me for the work of God in public. I thank You Lord in Your Son Jesus’ Name! AMEN!

“A Change is Coming”

“Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and immediately he was brought from the prison. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came in front of Pharaoh.” ~ Genesis 41:14 (GW)

When it comes to adversity, nobody wants it. It’s obvious that if we could eliminate certain things in the world, we would, but adversity would probably be near the height of the list. God uses adversity. Problems come and problems go. Some things we freaked out about two years ago we can’t even remember and then there are certain things we still hold scars from. God knows we need adversity in our life. It sounds strange, why would we want adversity? Perhaps our biggest problem with it isn’t the problem of adversity, but our reaction to it. Sometimes adversity is the greatest sharpening tool for the purposes of God in our daily lives. God has a way of directing us through adversity. All throughout the Bible we see God using adversity to direct people into their future, destiny and prophecy that He specifically designed for them before they were born. Jesus was destined for the Cross, but it took adversity and the rejection of men to get Him there. Joseph was destined for Egypt, but it took adversity and the betrayal of men to get him there. Jonah was destined for ministry in Nineveh, but it took adversity and repentance AFTER rebellion to get him there. God uses adversity in the lives of His children.

God has a purpose for your life, it’s something that you may have a knowledge of, but don’t understand fully. Joseph was a man that God wanted to use, but his brothers sold him into slavery, what a mean set of people, it sounded bad, but it wasn’t. Joseph was sold into Egypt to go to Potiphar’s house, shortly after he was promoted, thank God for promotion in problems. God used Joseph, but Potiphar’s wife liked him, shortly after she tried to sleep with him, Joseph ran and she claimed he raped her; it looked terrible, but it wasn’t. Joseph was thrown in a prison and was put over the entire prison, thank God for promotion in problems. The Lord allowed people to forget him in prison, but one day Pharaoh had a dream and Joseph was the only fella in all of Egypt that could interpret the dream. Isn’t that strange, all of the adversity in Joseph’s life (betrayal, rejection, slavery, separation from family) was direction to Gods original plan and purpose. God doesn’t change; He is doing the same for you. Yet, the more important thing right now is to accept what is coming into your life as the will of God and asking Him in prayer and His Word how to respond to it in a godly way. Your adversity is direction. Your adversity is directing you. Your adversity is shaping you. Your adversity is changing you. Your adversity is changing your direction. Your adversity is CHANGING you, it is making you more like Jesus when you respond in a godly way, but you have to go to God in prayer and His Word in order to find out how to respond. God Bless!

Father in Jesus Name, thank You Lord for the trials that have come, have went and will come. Lord, I pray that You help me to respond in a godly way to what is taking place in my life. Lord, show me how You are working so I am not so focused on what I feel, my emotions, what satan is using and what others think of me. Lord, show me what I can only see by being connected to You through prayer and the Word of God. I thank You in advance and ask You to fulfill Your complete purpose in my life even through trials so I can help others please. Bless the ministry You have given me and the people around me to know You more in depth in Jesus Name! AMEN!