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Monthly Archives: February 2011

Look At Your Limits

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2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Psalm 26:2 – Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

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As you are embarking on your day today, let us take a moment to consider our limits. Limits are commonly defined as the furthest extent of one’s physical or mental endurance. More often than not the limits we consider dominant are the ones that are self-applied.

There have been so many times that I have seen the limits go on me and others over the silliest of things. I have literally seen church services die out (in a matter of minutes) and not be fruitful or successful to the pulling down of strongholds because the body of Christ had limited themselves because of their lack of belief in Christ! The saddest part of all was that the only people that truly lost out in the end were those that were truly lost. God is looking for a people that know that they are not limited by what the mind would try to present in a time of trouble.

Take the time to remind yourself today that God has no limits. A great thing to tell yourself each and every day is that “I am as strong in God as I allow myself to be” All the tools that you need to get you where you need to go are already there for you; you just have to begin to use them! Take the limits off of yourself, and be who God has called you to truly be!

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Put Into Practice:

Verbally recognize some limits that you have put on yourself. An example may be “I do not allow myself to praise God like I should” or “I do not pray like I need to” I am asking you to do it verbally because we often can hide it or deny it more easily mentally. Sometimes speaking it out loud makes us consider what we say.

After you think about a couple self-applied limits, pray that God help you to take off all of the limits that you have set on yourself. Learn to be greater than the bondage applied!

The Basic Fundamentals

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Sometimes we get so involved in trying to do all of the complex things in life that we forget about the basic fundamentals. It’s easy to remember to pray, to read the bible, to make sure you put money in the offering plate, to offer a testimony during service, to sing a song of praise, to do just about anything that you could think of. I could sit here and write you out an entire checklist of to-dos that most of us accomplish with perfection. The bible even talks about us striving for perfection, to strive for that mark, of the high calling.

I want to make sure that we don’t miss the most important part of all.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

We can offer all of ourselves to the world in every possible way, but without charity, it is essentially meaningless. If we are going to do things with an attitude in other words, we are in the wrong spirit. If you come to church without charity, how will you ever be able to have compassion on the people that come in that are truly in need?

Let us open the eyes of our hearts and always remember that even though we all have many great callings and talents, that the FORCE behind them should always be charity. And if you feel as though you are lacking in that area, pray that God will fill you with more. He can give you patience and understanding with the people that would make you feel as though you could not be charitable to them. I know it’s hard to be this way to everyone, but it’s possible. God showed the most charity of all when he sent Jesus as the sacrifice for the world, that we would be forgiven and have a pathway to Heaven through salvation.

Always remember to be charitable to ALL those around you. In other words, let love be what’s in your heart ALL of the time. Remember the basic fundamental of Charity, for it will carry you far in drawing those loved ones to Christ!

Open Your Eyes And See

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I’m always looking for something of a great metaphor to compare my life to. I’ve heard many comparisons to how fast that life goes. There was only one that really stood out to me:

Life is totally like a roller coaster. You start out with no idea how anything is going to go, and before you know it, you are already through the first part of the ride, wishing you could go back to your childhood. And as the ride of life goes on, you start going around curves and quick jumps up and down you have never faced, seeing temptations and feeling new things for the very first time. And before you know it, your teenage years through high school are over.

The ride keeps on getting more and more exciting, leading you to want to get to the next part quicker, graduating college and finding that first job. Even perhaps finding the love of your life and starting a family. Then you run into the ups and downs that don’t make you feel as good. In fact, life gets so hard that all we want to do is shut our eyes and hope that the next part isn’t as bad as the hill we just came up and down.

Now we’ve been on the ride for a while, so now we think that we know what is ahead of us based on all the spins that we’ve already made, we grow wise from all of our prior experiences that we have dealt with so far. But before you know it, eventually something hits you; you now realize that just as quick as the ride started, and all the fun that it was, that you can now see the end of the ride in sight.

And as for everyone, the ride finally comes to an end, with people all around you, watching how you handled the ride, observing just how well you took it. And just like that, the next generation is on board and ready to take off on the same journey, not really realizing what’s ahead.

When I think about all of this, it makes me realize, that no matter how fast my ride of life is going, that if I let God be a part of it, I have that security for my soul. That no matter what ups or downs are in front of me, that I will be content with my life, and knowing that when my ride is over, that there will be a even better place to go, with far more beyond my own imagination.

This all brings me back to a scripture. I’m posting the whole thing, and letting you read for yourself, to find how it speaks to you:

Psalm 139:

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A Whole New Attitude

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Esther 4:10-16

[10] Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
[11] All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
[12] And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
[13] Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
[15] Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

There are many times in our lives when it seems easy to essentially “stay out of the way” or “let someone else deal with it”. And by our common nature and by popular opinion, this seems very fair to do to others. My eyes were opened in a greater way from a wonderful message brought recently, so I wanted to bring out the points that stood out to me. I hope this speaks to you like it did to me.

The story of Esther can be even related to us in the modern days we live in. She came into greatness, becoming the Queen of Persia with King Xerxes. And just like we all have sometimes, she carried a great secret, being an Isrealite. There was a man, Haman, who became angry at Esther’s adopted father, Mordecai.  Haman’s hate went as far as to consult King Xerxes to make it legal to kill all Isrealites. Esther had a dilemma before her: she could have easily sat by and let this measure of hatred be carried out on her own people, or she could try to do all that she could. As indicated by the verses above, she took the selfless attitude that I have came to admire. “If I perish, I perish.”

Many of you out there have a call in your life to make a difference to others, but the presence of many enemies around you leave you to be in fear of what impact you could make if you actually tried. I know that none of us want to see anyone lose their life without being free from their bondage and coming to find salvation. However, there are many that suffer primarily from our lack of efforts as the loving, caring Christians that people look to us to be. If we but take this attitude to heart and remember that it is better to try then not at all, there will be many lives changed! Don’t forget the great calling that you have came into, and trust God and follow the leadership of the spirit.

There is nothing that you cannot conquer when God gives you the favor just as Esther received. After the fasting and efforts preparing their hearts for what was to come, Esther did her part, and spoke to the King about this matter concerning Haman’s plot. The King heard her, and her people were safe.

There are many people out there that need you to have that attitude and stand in the gap for them. Otherwise they may never receive the help that they need, allowing them to leave without ever knowing Christ. Let’s make it a personal goal to never let anyone perish that we are a part of. They mean too much to us to just let them rot away in their despair. Let’s rise and stand against the enemies we face and trust God, for through his favor and divine power there is nothing or no one that He cannot reach!

Singings, Website, and Radio OH MY!

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Where do I even begin? I guess I can just start by summing up everything that has been going on in my life (as well as the rest of us in Heart of Grace) by saying this: whew!

During the holidays and into the turn of the new year, we took some time from being in the ministry as a group and being more focused on drawing closer to God as individuals. Sometimes you have to devote that time, for it’s necessary to be able to continue together!

With a long story short, we are finally in a place where we are ready to start hitting the road for another few months and to be amazed at what God has in store! We have already done a couple singing appointments recently with many more to come!

I have been working every day continually to try and make our online ministry the best that it can possibly be. We’ve done some rearranging, retagging, recoloring, needless to say the renovations are not done yet! Our goal is that this site be a place that people can go to and find strength and encouragement! And based on some of the feedback we have got, we’re getting there!

The radio ministry has been a blessing, and will continue to be! Please join us and check us out online every saturday at 2:00 PM EST on our web site. The instructions on how to listen are there!

Get Past Your Unbelief!

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Luke 8:49-56

[49] While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
[50] But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
[51] And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
[52] And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
[53] And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
[54] And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
[55] And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
[56] And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Get past your unbelief in your mind! Your doubt! Anything that would hinder you or stand in the way of your faith or belief! I always remember the old adage “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”. In these scriptures, there were people that had to be put out. There will be things in our mind and life that will have to be put out in order for us to see the miracles of God in our life. We might not like it and may not want to do it either, I know. Then again, you have to consider what is of more worth to you: the blessings of God or the one or two things you have been hanging on to for way too long, or some problem that you have had with someone that you need to let go of. Those problems and stumbling blocks will make us walk right into unbelief! O

One thing I have learned in my life is that God cannot operate if I do not believe. End of story. If I carry doubt in my heart, and hold limits against God, things will just continue to stay the same, if not continue to get worse! We HAVE to get past the little things to see the bigger picture!

Press Through The Crowd

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Mark 5:25-34

[25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
[26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
[27] When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
[28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
[29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
[30] And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
[31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
[32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
[33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
[34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

This is small and simple thought that I feel like is easy to express, especially to those that are being jaded about their obedience to God. Press through the crowd, get past the bystanders and objects around you and obey God! Your blessings are not behind them, but ahead!  We have many issues that we face, as we know, VERY MANY! But when we push, pray, fast, and stop trying to do everything else that we know to do finally just trust God, we will be made strong!

Exhortations Of “Let Us” In Hebrews

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I have been reading a lot lately and thought that I would put out some of the scriptures and notes that I have been taking. I hope that you get something good out of it like I have!

1. Hebrews 4:1-3 – Let Us Fear

[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Let us fear and continually enter into God’s presence, lest we come short and fall before the time.

2. Hebrews 4:11-12- Labor

[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Let us enter into his presence by labouring, lest anyone not receive the help they need when they need it.

3. Hebrews 4:16-Come Boldly

[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Let’s not tiptoe around, but come to the Lord with boldness, as he has given us the right to have with his endued power.

4. Hebrews 6:1-3-Go On

[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.

Let’s not lay down what we have been taught, what we know to be true.

5. Hebrews 10:22-Draw Near

[22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us draw near, to be close to God with a full assurance and confidence in faith.

6. Hebrews 10:23 Hold Fast

[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Let us not be moved in the open testimony of our faith, let us not be silenced.

7. Hebrews 10:24-25 Consider One Another

[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Let us consider each other and only act out of love.

8. Hebrews 12:1-3 Lay Aside Every Weight & Run With Patience

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Let us lay down every burden that would pull us down.

9. Hebrews 12:28-29 Have Grace

[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.

Let us have grace that we learn to serve with godly fear.

10. Hebrews 13:13-14 Go Forth

[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
[14] For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Let us go forth and and do the work in the world while we wait.

11. Hebrews 13:15-16 Offer the Sacrifice of Praise

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Let us offer our praise to God, whether we feel like it or not, CONTINUALLY!

For such sacrifices, God is well pleased.

Remember God Is Able

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We all know the classic phrase: “I’ve Tried and I’ve Failed”.

With a few pieces of scripture, I hope that we can remember the general phrase that God is able!

We have to remember that he is able:

To Deliver – Daniel 3:16-17

[16] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
[17] If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

They believed! They clung to the promise of God, even without the guarantee of victory. And that is something that we have to remember to do. We can’t always have the clause that it is always going to be easy and without conflict. Going through the fire means that we have to face a little heat sometimes. However, in the end we all know who is the great and mighty deliverer, the one who is able to bring us through all that we must endure!

To Fulfil The Promise – Romans 4:20-21

[20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
[21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Abraham Believed! Belief is the difference that separates churches that succeed and churches that fail. It separates when you see mountains move or when you see them stand there and always tower over you with no change. If God has promised you something through spoken word or by the word of God itself, then it is SO! Do not be persuaded by anyone or anything otherwise! Discouragement comes in many forms, and tries to change the belief of the children of God every single day. Stay true to the promise, and God will stay true to you!

To Guard Your Treasure – 2 Timothy 1:11-12

[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
[12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Paul Believed! And by his words even today that I am still persuaded! I am also going to press on and not be ashamed. Why should we be? We are such a blessed people, and we have nothing to hide! Guard the wonderful treasures and gifts that God has given you by taking a stand for what you believe. Have some standards, live right, and show it to others each day. Let them know in whom you are fully persuaded to trust with your life!

To Keep You From Failing – Jude 1:21-24

[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

Jude was exhorting to people to be reassured! And I come to you today to give that same assurance! We are going to be okay! We will make the difference! Leaders are born from hanging tough and enduring the tests. Followers are drawn from leaders. I urge you church leaders don’t give up, just endure. Numbers might come and go, but God will not change. It’s not in the numbers anyway. God will still be the same even if you were not able to attend church! Stay encouraged!