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Desire

Looking Back, I Can See The Stepping Stones

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First of all, I apologize for the poor quality of the photos above. These were taken a few years ago before digital cameras were beyond 5 megapixels. Let us narrate the photos: what you are seeing is me (in orange playing bass) and two others on the right playing music with the three on the left. The funny story about this day is that we were asked to come and play but we were not informed of the set until the moment was literally happening. Actually we were only told the key and the name of the song. Fun stuff!

What I want to make sure I bring out before we go on is that this was during the first few critical weeks of my recovery and there were people keeping me busy in the Lord for sure! As I recall the experiences (as well as many others similar to this with these guys) it brings back good feelings and provokes a thought in my spirit.

Looking back, I can see the stepping stones:

1) This was an investment of someones time to give me an opportunity to enrich my life.

I spend a lot of time now working with other people to learn music and to sing, mentoring young ministers, providing counsel, singing and preaching at revivals, studying for the word, blogging as much as I can, the list goes on and on. And when I consider the wealth of blessings and gifts God has given me to work in I know that it was not just for my benefit alone; for it was to invest in people that need an opportunity for change through Christ!

2) The investment in my life was selfless with no desire to have a return or reward.

If you asked these guys today I would be certain that the responses may differ a bit as to “Why did you do it?”, but there is one central theme all mentors have: they want their proteges to grow. Without great coaching and support in your initial steps your ministry can stop as quick as it stops. I want to take this moment to thank people like these two that have been all around me!

3) Without these investments I do not know where I would be.

If I could encourage you do to anything (regardless of your calling) it would be to mentor someone that needs a chance for change. I would also tell you that you may not get anything immediately from the person, but the blessings from God as you help others are worth more than selfish gain. And finally, if for no other reason please remember that the reason we all work in ministry is to bring others to a place in God where they can then lend a hand to another. And as we work together, we grow and sustain in life with joy abundantly!

How Deep Is The Sea Out There?

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In the spirit of comparison I would like to share with you a thought about the perspective of “going deeper” in the Lord. This phrase carries multiple meanings across many different people. Some people consider going deeper to be related to your commitment to work in the church, while others see this more in a spiritual context and encourage submitting to the anointing of God. You could also consider the fact that some would be this to be well-versed in the word of God or to even love people in a greater way. What I write today is not to address what I feel like the depth means literally but more about the philosophy of understanding depth in God.

Ezekiel’s vision of the waters opens up the ideal of seeing different depths in the same body of water according to where you are standing. If you had to evaluate for yourself just where you feel like you are standing in the waters, where would that be? The one concept that I want to open up for all of us is that we always need to remember that there is always more to be had of God. How does one know this, you ask? First of all, I do not express enough about how that everyone with the ability to has the capacity to do more when it comes to volunteering and charitable works for your community. I could also say that when it comes to praise and worship that everyone has some room to take that risk in embracing what we feel that stirs our hearts. It would also be easy to say that we could all read the bible and pray more. If I continued this list it would continue on forever!

The point that I want to make to you today is to not be deceived into thinking that there is only so far that you CAN go. If you want more of God in a spiritual way I am happy to say that it is there for the taking! If you have the desire to do a great work in your community then there are projects you can jump in and be a part of. If you are ready to start singing and using your voice for God there is a choir/group waiting for you somewhere! Do not be satisfied with staying on the bank! As it reads in Ezekiel, “that every thing that liveth which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live…for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh” (Ezekiel 47:8).

Anywhere the rivers of the spirit of God are working is where healing can take place! Anyone that is willing to submit to a deeper work and anointing will reach out and heal this land and nation! Do you now see that potential area you can acknowledge you could be deeper in? As for me I say take the plunge!

The Honor Code Part 3: The Answer For True Honor Comes From The Lord

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So here we are at the conclusion of this series with part three. First off, I will open up with the word here:

Proverbs 16:1-7

[1] The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
[2] All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
[3] Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
[4] The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
[5] Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
[6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
[7] When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

When it comes to addressing honor a big question to ask ourselves is what can we commit to God to produce it? As we would make a formal choice for purchasing items or to have a relationship with someone, it is clearly easy to see that every individual will commit to something they find of value, right? When we begin to realize the worth of the power that God we will not only want it but to commit to it!

In reading the above scriptures, I must first come to the long version of the final conclusion: yielding yourself completely to God will produce love, which in turn brings a desire to WANT to honor God by changing your life to do His will. Honoring God by devotion and obedience causes you to not only be aware of the will of God which in turn will come to the main points of honor: praise, selfless acts, and charity.

In closing, I give you the short and sweet version. If you love God, you will honor people which in turn honors God.

Take the time for those around you and honor them while you are still able and capable of doing it. Do it in great big things and in the small things no one will be able to give you credit for. Honor people just because, and most of all honor God! Doing it will not only bring glory to the kingdom but will promote the highest standard of God-like characteristics that you can have here on earth!

When Church Is Just Church, You Have Missed The Service

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When the word of God makes reference to not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, I get lifted up in its meaning and mystery. From the surface it is very easy to assume that the literal performing of this word is to get yourself to a church (hey any church, right?) to be with other people that are coming too….and now that we are all here…what was it we were here to do (uh oh, I was so busy getting ready I forgot to spiritually prepare…)? The big question of it all is, what are we as a church to do and as an individual to make sure we are performing the word of God to the fullest?

In considering when one would assemble something, consider the altar that Elijah built. It was built in divine order, assembled together with purpose and not made with one piece to not serve for something. In its completion the altar that was built that day was consumed and prevailed against the man-made altars of the prophets of Baal. Please remember and consider that assembling with others what God has purposed for you is only unlocked when you first allow God to consume you in complete surrender (putting your altar in order).This surrender has to happen personally (within yourself i.e. the death of the natural or flesh) FIRST before anyone can be as ‘one’ together in the spiritual parts of church. In other words, when we sit in a room that has been named by a sign as church and not allow God to be in full control of all parts (the service, reaching for the needs, and individual obedience), it cannot prosper. Not only does it cease to prosper, but it creates the ‘obligation’ feeling within people. This obligation of the heart, or our flesh being proud that “I made it here, so bless me” has no humbleness, little love, and zero desire for unity with anyone else. And if it is not the obligation principle, then it is the “I’ll move when I feel it” principle, which is solely based on the benefit of having others that are attempting to stir up the presence of God and assist you in the breaking down of your own flesh. Through the death of Jesus Christ created the opportunity for each and every one of us to offer ourselves at any time. I believe that with all of my heart. Trust me, if I stayed in a “try to move or change me” spirit, then I would not only be discouraging people in obedience but definitely missing the needs of others!

Please do not let the traditions of religion or people that are knowledgeable in traditions run your life. Have a fulfilling spiritual life and put a cause in your heart led by God to edify those around you. Church is about coming together for others in need. Church is more than a building, more than how you think services should be ran. The meaning should be SO much more than that. If you are caught up on the time it ends, the number in attendance or the look of it I am fearful that you not are enjoying your spiritual walk to the fullest. Trust me, when you have that overflowing love of God pouring into your life, you will WANT to do something. It won’t be just another Sunday. You will WANT to offer something! It will be another chance to save a life that would otherwise be lost! The very first moment of when you know that you have found the meaning of assembling ‘together’ in church will be when you help someone and are blessed by seeing their life changed! I personally invite you to join this church, no matter where it is in the part of the world that you dwell. Find yourself a place where you will not only show up but come together in the name of Christ for the sake of others!

Losing Our Worldly Appeal Through Christ

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1 John 2:15-25

[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
[18] Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
[19] They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
[20] But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
[21] I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
[22] Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
[23] Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
[24] Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
[25] And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

We are getting into a state of worldliness: this comes with no passion, a feeling of being undedicated and without desire, or being lukewarm and half-hearted in our actions towards God.

Psalm 100:1-2

[1] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
[2] Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

We express our love for God in service in the big and small things that glorify God!

Psalm 145:11-12

[11] They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
[12] To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

Testimonies stir up and recall better views of God’s glory, especially when we cannot see it where we are. A view of mountains at home versus a view of oceans, according to where you are, the value differs.

Psalm 147:1-7

[1] Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
[2] The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
[3] He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
[4] He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
[5] Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
[6] The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
[7] Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Praises soothe the part of you that is exposed and stricken to the world and lovers and humbles you to where we need to be! You can praise with all members in different ways: spoken words, lifted hands, moment or stance, writing, knelt or lowered prayer, running, jumping, dancing, shouting, or singing. The list goes on and on. Praises are ways that you express that something is good to you and good for you and God is all of the above.

Luke 6:37-38

[37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
[38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Benevolence is one of the ways that we are seeing to start dry up as the characteristics dominate in the church of worldly conduct. As God gives, selfless and in love for a closer fellowship, we should give also in kind; so that God be lifted up and people drawn to Him.

Luke 9:23-24

[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
[24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Self-denial is the one part that is totally forsaken at times and truly reflects our state of discouragement, defeat, trust and faith. Because with Christ you can only win!

Philippians 4:6-7

[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Prayer is the one thing that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we have the ability to overcome all things! It literally will remove the worldly garment off of us!

Being Hungry For God

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Exodus 33:12-23

[12] And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
[13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
[14] And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
[15] And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
[16] For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
[17] And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
[18] And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
[19] And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
[20] And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
[21] And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
[22] And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
[23] And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

As Moses had found grace in the sight of God, his words resounded with a hunger for more of God. This is something that I am personally longing for now more than ever, and am encouraging you to have it in your heart as well. Strive to have a hunger for the presence of God. Do not let God be just another thing or even close to comparison to anything else; for when we let our walk with God get in this state, truly it is hard to endure life without His strength. You see, Moses became and was hungry for God’s glory. Some have come to church just to come to know a feeling or to fill the void of the age old curiosity to know of a spiritual presence to exist. As we strive, let us ask God to be glorified in each and every part of our lives when it is possible. If you can get a word in edgewise to glorify God about a success, then I say it’s Gods! If can have a spiritual moment no matter where it is and draw others to Christ, I say lead on! Let people see and know what God is all about!

As you continue to read on, Moses was seeking a brand new vision. He wanted to be led only by God and none other. In fact, he did not want to go anywhere lest God was his guide. What an attitude to have for a spiritual leader and how that will greatly affect their vision in such a wonderful way! God will be with you! Even though sometimes the plan is so great that we cannot comprehend the fullness thereof, just remember that the cleft of the rock is such a safe place to be.

Kindling The Love To Obey God

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Just like when we find it hard to find time to do everything on our list, it is especially difficult for anyone that will openly admit that keeping the desire to obey God on the top of the charts is easy.

There are people that are on different ends of the spectrum on their passion with obedience. I have seen people that their passion is on fire and the power of God comes upon them at the very mention of Jesus. They not only want to do all they can but they encourage others to do also. It is this kind of influence that inspires me to attempt to keep my desire for God at a constant and not waiver so that the example that we lead by is one that draws others to Christ.

I have also seen others that while they are actively obedient that the passion has left the works for God. There are many great things happening, and while that is wonderful to see all the fruits of the labor the desire and joy behind it not only does not demonstrate a good spiritual witness but eventually will lead into a falling away.

Trust me, I am sure that there will be many more things for all of us to do in the future, but let me remind you of a few key things to keep in your mind and heart. It’S short and sweet:

Love God, remember your blessings, and always remember to take time to show compassion for those around you! God will always provide you the means to be happy and enjoy an obedient lifestyle!

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?

Keep Yourself In The Game

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When watching competitive sports, one could easily account for the strength and skill of the athletes that you see going for the victory. When hearing and reading about some of the most successful athletes though, you read about a completely different quality: their heart for the game. You can have all the talent and ability in the world, but without the heart and passion for what you love to do it is without profit to you. In our walk serving God, it’s all as much the same; for without a strong love and desire for the things we do for God, the gifts and talents that God has placed in your life will bring little profit to you or anyone around you. God’s spirit is unlocked when you serve Him with a selfless and unwavering desire: that part of you that will go on regardless of how you feel or what is going on around you!

So wherever you are today, whether you are a member of a church in administration or a part of an outside ministry, remember to keep a love and desire for what you do! Remember why it is that you are there each time you execute the part you contribute. Never let what you do become just “going through the motions”. Get yourself in a place where you are a difference-maker, a person that makes an impact not only in the work but by the life and choices that you make. Let God be glorified each and every day.

Keep yourself in the game! Stay encouraged and count your blessings! The race isn’t over yet! God bless you!

It’s All About…What?

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Love! It’s all about love!

Everything that you ever read in the bible that was centered around Jesus Christ was centered around love! When I think about trying to put on the frame of thinking and have the “mind of Christ”, it makes me think about love. The list goes on and on: love for my church (and giving to my church), love for the people in church (and out of church), love for the gifts and callings that God has placed in our lives (and using them), and a love for the desire to do what God is calling! It’s short and sweet today. I love God because He first loved me. I love God because of the many outpourings and blessings that always come so undeserving. I love the mercy and grace that we walk in, for without it we would just be lost in life without hope.

Remember to love those around you and to do those things for them in love. Anything that we do otherwise that would be in wrath or not in Godly character cannot be the full and complete witness that God had intended for your life. Make the most of an impact by being in full demonstration of the love of God! It’s fullness within you will pour out and rub off on others and people will not be able to resist it! They will either join in with the fellowship of what you bring or will have to get away! The love bug will get them one way or another! In other words, the spirit of God through conviction by the demonstrated love of your witness is a very powerful thing today!

It’s all about…love!