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Yearly Archives: 2011

What Do You Give In Return?

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I love to give when I have the ability to. It is very rewarding to be able to return the love that God has provided to you. It could be a multitude of things that you could be providing, but when you deliver something that God gives you in love it will never fail! There are so many times when we neglect to show the love that is demonstrated towards us, but we must remember to do in kind as God does for us. This is not necessarily a “do unto others because you have to” ideal but simply a “follow the love in your heart and give in obedience as God leads you” principle.

Just when we think that we have given our last message to preach or song to sing, God always provides the next sentence or verse to come forth for someone else. It never ceases to amaze me about that. Sometimes I will pour out every last word and bit of strength that I have, and just when I think I am finished: there is so much further to go.

Let’s talk about an example. As we all know, money is a sensitive issue for many, ESPECIALLY when it comes to giving. I am no ones judge by any means; for what God has given you is yours to give. I cannot help but feel like that if we would begin to put into practice more Godly demonstrations with managing our budgets and dollars down to the last penny that we would begin to see a better return on our investment. We selfishly do for ourselves all the time and pay no mind to the needs of others, and yet, wonder why things are so terrible all around us? People could use the pennies in your jar, or have we persuaded ourselves otherwise? The world would have us to believe that we would not make a difference likewise about being a servant of Christ in the present day!

Ultimately when we begin to better manage our lives in how we work for God and use it for His glory, we will begin to reap from the benefits of the blessings from above. There is not a doubt in my mind about it! There has not been a time that I have stepped out for God that God has not made a way for the ministry (for each and every one of us a part of it). And the more we do, the more we grow. It’s a developing pattern that begins with your life’s’ commitment and followed by walking in open practice of the love of God through giving what God has given you: love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!

For all the great things we receive I leave with you this question: What do you give in return?

I Love God So Much I….

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Here is a few small key points that I just want to leave with you today. I hope that one of these points is just for you.

I love God so much I:

1) look beyond the faults of others.

When you are working in a ministry, the love of God will allow you to look beyond all the things that would often bother others or even hinder them from serving the Lord. Remember to have the love of God above everything else and you will be able to forgive and remit so much that would try to pull you down. There has been times where I thought that the damage that had been done to me was irreparable. However, God has proved me wrong each and every time by pouring out His love into my heart that in the end I even find myself trying to help those that would hurt me!

2) learn to be obedient regardless of what I see.

When it comes to being consistent, there is one part that is certain: it is not going to happen if you are always looking for something to stop you. Learn to count your blessings and have a made up mind and a desire to step out for God even if you are met with adversity (and even opposition). Leadership will not always be easy, especially when you are working to lead people out of being disobedient!

3) strive to continue.

Irregardless of the here-say or drama going on all about you, you must make a conscious decision in your mind and set your heart upon God. You must continue in your calling no matter what. In the event that everyone else falls away, you must continue. I strive for the mark because I Love God. Whether I am on the road for service or at my home church I still have a desire to give God glory! When people look at me like I’m crazy for how I worship or lead others to, I get over it! You have to realize who you are doing it for! At some point you’ll know your mind is made up when you just keep on going because of your love for God in your heart!

4) cannot give up.

With the abundance of needs and all the people that we see and hear of that need help, there is but one thing to say here. We cannot stop doing the work of God in our lives! Keep the desire to work for God strong and get out there and do something great for Him. You will never regret a work that you do, and the people that you reach out to and help will definitely be blessed for it.

So how much do you love God?

The Power Of Self And Self-Sufficiency

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When it comes right down to it at the end of the day, the ultimate controller of how much that you allow yourself to step out and enjoy life is YOU. No one can walk up and steal your joy outright; it is something that is cultivated and maintained by what you produce and nurture. Your peace isn’t something you just lose all of a sudden; it is something that you can continually keep if you choose to work towards staying on top of the perspective faithfully. Emotions are something as we all know are often attempted to be altered by others, but in the end you possess the final say.

With that said, I want to remind you of the power that you have to stay in the presence of God. I remind myself each and every day of all of the blessings, big and small, that God has performed before me and that will happen ahead of me. When we learn to practice being faithful to God and being continual in our worship and praises to Him, we cannot help but feel the love of God in our lives. The love of God serves so many purposes but ultimately to cast out fear. Fear drives so many other emotions highly and often prompts actions to discourage us or even no action at all in some cases. The presence of God has such a powerful impact in our lives that without it we do not have the ability to stay self-sufficient on our own.

As the advocate was made with God through Jesus Christ, we have the ability each day to get up and brush off the dust that is trying to damper every part of our lives that we should be thriving in. If you have a ministry and are not enjoying it, be more self-sufficient in seeking God and getting a love and passion to go forward. If you need more love for others, seek God in a greater way so that compassion pours out of you to bless your enemies and to help the broken. Remember that through Christ that you can do all things and that no weapon formed against you shall prosper!

Carrying The Message Of God

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Luke 12:48-50

[48] But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
[49] I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled?
[50] But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

It binds the calling to our heart, the soul to its task, and keeps us striving for what has already been done in our lives and for what is to come!

John 9:4-5

[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

It urges us to hurry and make haste while the spirit (light) is about you to be able to carry out the good works that God has placed in you to carry out!

Acts 4:19-20

[19] But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

It makes the message that is within your heart so imperative to carry forth! I’m telling you, when the spirit of God flows about you, you cannot help but do what is bid unto you! You will want to help and reach out to this world and the abundance of needs about us.

1 Corinthians 9:14-17

[14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
[15] But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
[16] For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
[17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

As we read this, it should sound a warning deep in our hearts especially if we have been idle. We cannot make a difference being idle or disobedient! To make a difference takes action!

Amos 3:3-8

[3] Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
[4] Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?
[5] Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
[6] Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?
[7] Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
[8] The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

The spirit of God calls like the voice of a lion, with boldness into your life, so be bold and proud of who you are in the Lord! Have power and confidence in your walk and calling and be not moved by things that would try to destroy it!

Learning From God’s Tests

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Luke 22:31-32

[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Jesus always tested Peter in unique ways. However, Peter was not the last person to be tested with the pressures of knowing Jesus. What was Jesus preparing him for by doing this?

John 21:14-17

[14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
[15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
[16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Lambs are young sheep. If you love him you will be obedient. You will sing, you will shout, you will feed the sheep! He accepted Christ 3 times here, and was tested in denying him 3 times in another reference. Peter was definitely being prepared, as we all are each and every day!

2 Peter 1:5-15

[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

One of my favorite passages to read!

Some key terms to bear in mind:

  • Diligence – attention or care expected of a person
  • Faith – substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen
  • Virtue – courage or strength
  • Knowledge – gained understanding from learning or experience
  • Temperance – self-control, moderation in action
  • Patience – endurance and steadfast continuity in faithful service
  • Godliness – the quality of honoring ones duties to God
  • Brotherly kindness – the kind of love we share to one another
    • Charity – the highest kind of love, more inclusive than brotherly kindness, it is the kind of love God has for us

As long as we are here, put into remembrance that when we are gone that we leave behind something for people to keep that will save them! We do not need to live near-sighted in God, not being able to see the greater vision. We also need to learn to get out of being barren and unfruitful.

Matthew 14:24-33

[24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
[26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
[27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
[28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
[32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
[33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

How many of us today are saying what Peter did? Lord if it be you, bid me to come! They did not recognize him on the waters in the storm, and that is how it is sometimes in our lives. What can we do to save ourselves? Come!

How To Stand Out Without Standing Out

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When working in the ministry of God, it’s a wonderful thing; there is nothing that could replace the joy that you get from putting in all of the effort that you do. There will be times where it is harder than others, but those are the times that you must prove to stand out and be that separated people.

As you try to be more bold and obedient in service to the Lord, always keep in mind to start everything that you do with a humble spirit. We keep a humble spirit and an attitude of love with continual fervent prayer to God. This lowers us to a place where we get out of our own problems and issues and begin to see the bigger picture. Maintaining a spirit of meekness over time (that’s the key) will begin to bring that patience that you have been longing for.

You see, you can stand out by simply allowing God to be glorified in every aspect of your life. As an example, you can begin to say something in faith rather than in defeat. As you say things in faith, you stand out by not doing what everyone else might be doing (being down, complaining). These pattern changes in your lifestyle will mold you into a new character!

Trust me, the more you do it the more you will grow. The only thing you have to begin to do is find places where God doesn’t stand out and allow it to happen! You won’t have to scream and yell and advertise with a poster on your back that you are a child of God; for people will simply know by your meek and humble spirit that there is something different about you…something that stands out from the rest!

Let’s Break Up Some Ground

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2 Kings 3:16-17

[16] And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
[17] For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

There was no water for the army until the ditches were dug. We cannot begin to see the supply and provision of God until we learn to start breaking the ground in our own lives. Even though one might be persuaded that it is nearly impossible to do in hard times, God has provided more than enough of a provision to give the ability to do so!

2 Kings 4:3-4

[3] Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
[4] And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

There was no oil until the vessels were gathered. We have to learn to bring all of the things that we go through under subjection and to give God our full trust. When we find ourselves not knowing what to do and not knowing how things will come to pass, it should prove as a good indicator that we are not trusting God like we could be. Learn to trust God in a greater way and you will find the peace that surpasses all understanding!

2 Kings 5:10-11

[10] And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

There was no healing until the leper had dipped 7 times. Until we learn to begin to obey God in spirit and truth we will not learn how to overcome all of our battles. With the spirit of God as our guide and love in our hearts there is nothing that you cannot do. If we begin to be as proud as Naaman was we very well may miss out on the very thing that we need God to perform in. Simply learn to hear from God and do it. It’s not complicated to do in principle, but in getting the mind to direct the rest of you to apply!

Hosea 10:12

[12] Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

There was no harvest until the way had been prepared, the ground broken up. As we learn to bring ourselves to a low and humble state, God can begin to use us. God cannot use a ministry or a church with an attitude or a chip on its shoulder. We must learn to work together and be humble and work out everything that is holding us back!

Joel 2:12-13

[12] Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
[13] And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

There was no reconciliation without repentance! If we simply acknowledge our sins and ask God for forgiveness and to be saved, you can be! Simply confess your faults to God with a sincere heart and ask Jesus to be your Savior! You will never regret your decision!