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Heart

Take The Time To Take Your Time

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No matter the situation it seems we are in, there is always the part of us that is demonstrated in the moment: the need to love or care for others on demand. I admit first and foremost that at times it is hard to do, or even feels impossible as emotionally affected as we can get. Let me share some quick tips with you that has been inspired by God and the wisdom of some great elders to me.

1) If someone takes the time to have a conversation about you or something that concerns you, make sure you take the time to return the favor by doing likewise (or indicating why you can’t). We should always be subject to one another and do unto others as we would have them do unto us! Doing so demonstrates a love for people which in turn demonstrates love for God and beyond yourself. It’s very key to note that it’s in the very small things you do in your every day life that will demonstrate the power of your ministry.

2) Take time to help those who cannot help you. It is so easy just to either deny people simply by the right of judgement or denial that they really “don’t need me to care”. What we neglect to realize is how much of a difference being charitable can be. Remember to help those who cannot repay, for this truly shows the kind of love that Jesus gave to us when he gave His life for us!

3) Finally, the time we have to live is a gift from God, so do not waste it! Live in love and live for loving others! Make time for God each and every day not only in prayer but in acts of love and kindness towards others. Beyond that, have a heart that will show that driven love and kindness beyond what would try to drag you down!

Use God’s time to build yourself up as well as the lives of others!

Getting Past All The Humps, Bumps, Hurts And Stumps

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Today I would like to address the one thing that seems like everyone has happen to them but will never talk about in a positive way: being hurt by someone else.

When I am in the altar working through the altar service, one of the few things that I actually hear there is that “I am hurting” or “someone hurt me and I need help”. Used to I would like to fancy my mind in being persuaded that people just did these sorts of things in private to work past them. Now? I realize exactly where the dumping grounds are: pretty much anyone other than God.

If someone has bothered us, offended us, or even hurt us and we do not take it to God (as God has sent word for us to do), we’ll naturally do something with the hurt. In the temporary short run we’ll verbalize the hurt to others to get a little bit of instant gratification (when it doesn’t help at all), all the while increasing the amount of hurt that someone has done upon others as well. As we keep holding on to bad feelings in the long run emotions eventually turn to actions, leading us to say or do things we would have never done had we got past it in the beginning.

Please let these words jump out and get into your heart. It’s very common to be easily offended because there is many offensive things in the world. You don’t have to stay that way though! Learn to put the practice of forgiveness into your life and find compassion for those that (when you see past the mistakes) truly need God.

The more love of God you have in your heart, the more Christ-like you can be, as it allows you to forgive anything as you pray for release from the bondage of hurt and love for the mercy of others! Always remember, one of the most powerful parts about being a witness isn’t how you start, it’s how you finish.

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!

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?

Carrying The Message Of God

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Click To Play     

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!

Stay In Shape. Walk With God Today!

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One of the toughest things for a child of God to do in the day we live in is to simply be stable. We live in such hard times that it is very easy to get in this pattern of “ups and downs”. While I know that there are going to be mountains and valleys purposed for our lives to endure, what I would like to refer to is something a little more direct.

Let’s bring it to comparison:

A person could lose 100 pounds and feel such a weight lifted off of their life. It’s easy to tell the difference on your body when you walk, sleep and function each and every day. It’s safe to also assume that this weight did not come off without some kind of effort. We know that there are “quick” solutions out there that will help drop 5 or 10 pounds here and there, but this kind of loss could only come with continual efforts driven by a person willing to work for the goal of seeing it through! If this same person stopped exercising all together and just ate anything in the world with no care for themselves, the weight would be back instantly and all the efforts would have been lost.

That’s where I’m at with what’s on my heart today. When we can learn to recognize when we are putting on too many burdens that are unnecessary, we can start laying off the weights that easily beset us through prayer each day. God is calling us to a more intimate relationship. In order to stay in great spiritual shape, efforts must be continual and the drive must stay within the heart and mind. The drive within your heart is by your own choice. We can either choose to pray off our burdens or not. We can either choose to be spiritually strong by allowing God to help us or we can eventually put all of the weight back on that we work so hard to lose!

Don’t let it all pile up! Stay in shape and walk with God today!

The First Book Has Begun!

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I write today with some very exciting news. After much reading, writing and research….the pursuit of the first Heart of Grace book has begun! So far we are now laying out pages and content and trying to make it as useful as possible! The only hints we’ll share today is that we will begin releasing a series of books based on topics that we feel are very “right now” for people that are in need of a simple yet fulfilling word of the Lord!

On a related note to this (just to testify a little), I remember growing up in school and going through it always thinking “I’m not good at writing”. The truth is, when it came to writing about things I wasn’t fully knowledgeable on, I was probably right. When we first started out the web site, I remember thinking about “how are we going to offer something to people that they can use?”, and no sooner than that God began to help me and lead me into things to begin to write and speak on. There has not been a day that when I have sat down to dedicate time to work for this dream that God has not helped me with it every step of the way.

We will be making this available in paperback and on the iTunes book store (and maybe amazon) when the first volume is finished. I’ll try to keep the rest a surprise until we get it complete! Pray that we have the time and resources to pull it together by the end of this calendar year! My goal (and prayers to God) is to have our first release of a book by Christmas!

Do What You Do For God And Love Doing It!

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Let me share something personal with you. When I am at home, I love to stand in front of my piano and play songs of worship. It brings a sense of peace and joy about me and begins to calm everything that is going on in my life. Doing this every now and again is so refreshing because it is something that God has anointed me to be able to do; it is a true God-given gift for me to not only do but to enjoy doing as well! I realized a long while back that it was not only for going out and using in the ministry, but for the personal trials in my own life. I cannot tell you how many times that it has helped me along the way to be able to sing songs like “Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me” and “Above All” to begin to allow God’s spirit to be with me in the very room I stand!

Now then, I want to express how much further that goes than just singing! We are called to do something spectacular. As God created each and every one of us He purposed us with something unique and for His glory. When we begin to not only use it for the strength of others but for our encouragement it begins to be something that we can really enjoy. I say this in humor but I have seen way too often people singing about the Lord giving strength not being able to believe the words they sing and it simply being words on the page. When it begins to pour out from your heart and come alive inside of you (from the part of you that God begins to move in) it can start making a difference out in this world!

Let’s learn to do what God has called us to do and to actually enjoy it! Don’t be ashamed or afraid, but simply do it in love and let people see the witness of God in your life! It can then truly be a blessing, whether it be out of key or not how you rehearsed it! It can reach out to those in need even if that part of the message wasn’t in your notes that you are teaching or preaching! Be a witness of God through the active demonstration of the joy of the Lord, for He is good and what He has placed in you is more than enough to conquer each and every battle you come to!

Singing And Speaking At Oneida Church Of God

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What a great night! It is always worth making the trip to be over with Oneida COG! There is always great love and fellowship and most importantly the freedom to be able to be who God has called you to be! I cannot always say that it is everywhere you go that you get that vibe! I hope they continue to make that something that people are able to grab a hold of and enjoy. That’s what I was thinking about as people were coming up and speaking with me and the family: how wonderful to reach out to those even if you think they already “should know” that they are loved. Sometimes the continual pursuit for encouragement of those around you is the very thing that keeps the foundation of a church super-strong!

We preached a message about prayer and where it stands in our lives. We hope to get it on the site in the near future, so be sure to check that one out! There were people that came to the altar for prayer but in my heart I always know there is more that are in true need of a touch from God. Please, please, please do not ever forsake the value of your altar service! We lingered for quite a while and it was more than enough of an ample opportunity for people to consider coming up for help. Sometimes we miss that because we don’t want to keep people too late, etc. My advice is…don’t worry about it! If people are still there, they want to be, and if they need to go for a reason and circumstance then simply be understanding to it! Then, when you have done all that you can do you don’t walk away from a service wondering if you reached out all that you could, for it is better to reach out with all your might than to not reach out at all!

The church blessed us greatly, and we hope to see them again sometime soon!