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Obedience

The I Am Is The Substance That Makes You Great

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With perhaps an excessive habit of doing so I continually am examining the “whats” of life desperately hoping for a solution for most if not all scenarios. Most of the time I come up short and trust in God’s plan, however there is one ‘what’ that I am going to address that we actually have an answer for:

What makes me great? Well, that’s God.

In reading and studying in great depth about a lot of God’s greatest servants there is one thing that is very evident to me: in the close relationship God spoke confidence to their obedience by helping them understand the great attributes of God. Some references refer to power and authority, while others refer to the closeness and love. At either rate I know based on what I study that it took these sorts of assurances for man to walk boldly and to do the great things we preach, teach and sing about today.

Living in the day that we do now there seems to be a struggling battle for keeping confidence and the true sense of God’s purpose more than ever. I want to remind you to begin to examine where your confidence and assurance lies. When we actually examine ourselves in the fullness and truth we usually find our REAL trust in things other than our faith in God. This sort of broken relationship we have keeps us from doing great things and seemingly prompts us to go through the motions or “just get by”.

Great things begin to happen in your life when God is first. Great things in you blossom when you are selfless (and not self-centered!). People begin to notice the great things that you do when you begin to dedicate your life to God and are not continually advertising yourself. Remember this nugget of knowledge from the word: every good thing is from God! So if you are in a lack of confidence or are wondering why you are working strenuously with no great results, hear this: God is the part of you that you need to not only complete you (bring life) but to fulfill you for more than what you even comprehend you can do (and it more abundantly).

Keep yourself encouraged and let the attributes of God flow to lead you to not just fly through life but to leave a mark that defines you and glorifies God!

Wait A Second, You Mean To Tell Me That Actually Matters?!?

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When it comes time to really show how much that we care about one another, the actions that seem to make the biggest impact in the long-run are the small things we do.

Oddly enough, there is a very large connection between why we do not perform the small things and how busy we get about taking care of the business side of life. I am sure that at some point in time we have all been in the same train of thought. Have you ever thought or said that “I work hard all week long and don’t have the time or energy” or the classic “you know I care about you”. This almost sounds like something all too familiar, right? You see, no matter where it hits home for you (marriage, friendship, church fellowship, family relationships, work colleagues) there is a great lack in the actual demonstration of Godly love and compassion. Another big reason there is a great lack in the efforts made for others is that this would actually pull people out a state of single-self-consideration (i.e. selfishness). Having an “what’s in it for me” attitude ALL the time tends to lead towards a general disregard for the needs God wants to use us to help in.

I cannot stress this enough, especially as someone who is a devoted advocate for the small things: if you take the time for the small things in obedience, people will receive the witness of the love of God in you. Churches often times try to demonstrate the love of God in a church by how many show up and how great different parts of their services can be, but in doing this are in turn being single-self-minded as a group to only think about the church itself. Please always remember that Christ dwells in you, and your temple is the REAL church that people attend every day. It is by how you carry and conduct yourself through good and bad that people are drawn by the power of God; for they are drawn by how you let the strength of the spirit of God keep you!

So in conclusion, do the small things. Hug someone and tell them that you love them at church. When someone steps out in church or is making a stronger commitment, give them encouragement and a role model. Be at peace with your enemies as God will work the peace in them for you! Be benevolent and give as God leads you. Write your companion a love letter. Lead people to a merry spirit by your joy and laughter! Be that person who stands up first to worship. Surprise people and start participating in outreach ministry. Give that testimony and break the ice! When someone is in need as God shows you, be bold and tell them that you will go with them. Say something nice to your boss even though you feel like you deserve it. The list goes on and on. Learn to prefer others before yourself, and realize the answer to the title of this message!

“Wait a second! You mean to tell me that doing the small things matter?” Yep, it sure does.

 

The Word Of The Hour Is: Press On My Friends, Press On

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I send a word of encouragement and power to our everyday readers and new visitors today: Press on!

Press on when others are telling you just to “hang on”. It is easy to just grab your seat on the ride of life and just coast, but God wants you to propel into forward motion! Coasting eventually comes to a halt when you reach the hills, right? When it becomes tough around you is when God is looking for you to be propelled by His presence!

Press on when others would discourage you. One of the greatest blessings that I have personally experienced in my entire life was when I could not have felt more alone. In the poor state that I was in I had no vision of holding on, let alone pressing forward. I was just trying to “exist”. However, the sweetest move of the spirit of God came for me and let me know just how real the word that we read about the promise of the comforter is. Now? Whether I am discouraged, rejected, or even to the magnitude of persecuted I NEVER have to fall that low ever again. I can stand confident in the comfort in the spirit of God!

Press on in your obedience. If I could emphasize one act more than the rest, I would say that this emphasis needs to be on prayer. We simply are not praying enough (none of us). There might be a few of you out there that are on the Daniel plan (3 times a day), and I commend you for it! But I hope that we know that it is not so much in the number as much as it is what you pour out and dedicate during the times that you do. Remember this: 5 minutes of heartfelt humble surrender to God goes so much further than 2 hours of requests for “stuff”.

Most of all, press on for the mark. There is a place that God wants us to aim for. It is a place that in more depths of study reveals the perfect love of God within us. It shows the like-mindedness of Christ within our thoughts. It shows through our acts the charity that came out on its own that no one had to beg out of you. It’s a mark that once someone strives for that others begin to be drawn by. In other words, press on to put down our doubts and fears that lead us not to believe in the living spirit of God within us! Live and let live the word of God within you!

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!

Is The First Step Is Always The Hardest One? I Feel A Poll Coming On…

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One of the most used phrases that I have ever heard in church or for even life in general is that “that first step is always the hardest”. I remember one of the first times that I ever prayed out loud in front of anyone when I was a child. At the time it seemed like the hardest thing in the world to do. What helped me to carry through was the help of hearing the voices of others around me praying. It was truly a great moment to remember. It is always a great thing to remember to be a voice for someone else to follow along to, no matter what medium it is for the Lord!

I also remember one of the first times that I ever stepped out and played and sang a song alone. The first few seconds before I began felt like a million years, yet as I began there was a gentle calm that came over me that helped me through. I attribute the ‘calm’ to the presence of the spirit coming to help me make a difference through the offering of obedience. If there is something that I remember each time I obey God, it is that the spirit of God is always going to meet you in your immediate act! You will not be alone!

One of the toughest first steps I have ever taken was when God was moving me into a new church. It was a brand new environment with new people and very little that I had ever known before. I was afraid at first because I did not want to leave the place I had been my whole life. However God was preparing me for my next work! And as I stepped out more and more and continued to follow the Lord in my calling I have been blessed to see many wonderful things there! The lesson that I learned here is that I would have missed on so much if I had not been listening to the burning call of God that was moving on me. Follow God when He leads you and be surprised at just how much of a blessing you are!

Do I think I have taken my last steps? No way! I think there are many more things and churches ahead! Do I think you have either? Absolutely not! Seek God for the understanding and be willing to follow for the directions for change in your life. Most importantly as I have heard all my days, do not be afraid to take that first step!

Uh Oh, The Excuse Cookie Jar Just Ran Out Of Cookies….What Now?

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I like to visualize things to food as much as possible because…well I like food of course. It is easy for me to relate things to something I like or understand, as it is for anyone right? For now, I would like to visualize our ‘cookie jar’ and relate the contents of this jar to excuses….good ol’ excuses. You know what I am talking about right? We all probably have had a jar heaped full of cookies full of sweet excuses like “I am too tired”, “I am not good enough”, or even my personal favorite “they do not like me so I do not have to”. We’ll consume all of them (as we tend to do with good cookies) until we get so slothful and junked up on it that we are not active about anything and every excuse that we have consume becomes what we are.

I have read in the bible time and time again about the conversation that was being made about what defiled us. When you defile something you are saying that you are polluting or spoiling it. So when we put this all together it is pretty easy to realize: living in our excuses every day and consuming them as how we are expected to live will spoil and pollute the very life source that is supposed to be so much more than that. As we know, doctors, nutritionists, and even my wife tells me to consume things that promote life unto me! Put this with the word of God! The word of God is life unto you! And as I hear through God in service and prayer so often that bread of life when consumed is life and promotes life everlasting!

So the moral of the day is this: get out of the cookie jar, stop making excuses about your walk with God and get busy with all you have and all you know! It is your life and God is life unto you! Be a willing obedient vessel and see your life begin to flourish! Trust me, it WILL come!

Spiritual Encounters Matter

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Psalm 16:11

[11] Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

This verse is the theme for the entire message and the basis for the word that God had sent unto me, which is simply: more joy comes as you follow the path of life through obedience in God!

Isaiah 6:1-9

[1] In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
[2] Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
[3] And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
[4] And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
[5] Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
[6] Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
[7] And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
[8] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
[9] And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

Isaiah beheld God, heeded to His voice when the spirit came down and he responded to it. Had love not took action in his heart, Isaiah would have missed his destiny, his calling.

This encounter resulted in a cleansing, commissioning, and a sending forth of a worker of God to do great things!

Matthew 28:16-20

[16] Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
[17] And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

This encounter resulted in the turning point in History for the groundbreaking work of the sending forth of the Gospel, or the great Commission as we know it. Imagine if in their heart that all would have doubted. And I’m sure that at some points in our lives we all doubt that call. But has Jesus calls us up into the mountains and high places we just need to put love into action! We need to demonstrate love in action!

Acts 1:4-11

[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
[9] And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
[10] And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
[11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Acts 2:1-4

[1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The result of this encounter was 3000 people were filled with the Holy Ghost at the obedience of 120! And yet, we think with our regular attendance sometimes that we are far away from a wonderful move of God! To me, I personally think we are just a whisper away.

Acts 13:1-3

[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Paul’s (then Saul) first missionary Journey was commissioned when they were putting love into action as they were obedient unto God. So often we are waiting for great things and we are just one more act of obedience away from it!

Acts 16:25-34

[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
[26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
[27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
[28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
[29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
[33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

The result of this encounter saved the Philippian jailer and his whole household and received Jesus! Other prisoners also got the opportunity to receive God’s power! So what am I saying? God loves us where we are, but He is calling us to move on! You can praise your way out of any prison if you know how to worship! Worship is a verb! It is love in action!

A Must Have Scripture Checklist For Every Ministry

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2 Timothy 3:1-5

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

As we read from the text here, we are reminded that as time lingers on that we as people will become more consumed with ourselves than we will with God. It is very easy to find one’s self in any of these sorts of qualities when we are lovers of pleasures more than of God. Some people settle to the point and just tell me, “that is just the kind of world that we live in”. I will admit that in moments that I have seen and observed this part of the word of God literally coming into truth. This does not mean, however, that we that are lovers of God should be within this kind of position! I refuse to believe that we as people are not capable of living above these sorts of things! With the power of God helping us to do overcome you are able to do all things!

Romans 12:1-14

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

As you read this, think on the word “soberly” and consider being in a place of good standing with a clean heart and mind before God. If we are living in the world and doing any old thing, I cannot expect the power of God to begin to bless in abundance every part of the ministry that it makes reference to here. We must think clearly and have our desires in check with God being first! We do this by presenting something before God that is living, or continual. If I never waiver from praying and having a God-fearing lifestyle, then the probability for me to willingly volunteer myself to my own struggles is drastically reduced! When you are working continual and are thinking clearly before God, He will bless you with the ability to see your ministry flourish!

2 Corinthians 8:7-14

[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As we learn to live before God soberly (cleanly) and to put God first and to not have a more dominant desire for the world, there will begin to grow a great love and compassion in your heart. With more of the presence of God in your life, it cannot help but manifest within you and bring all of the fruits of the spirit! One of the hardest parts about the love of God once we have the mind to realize we have it is to use it (or as it reads to perform the doing of it). The difference-making power is neither in how flashy things are to the eye nor how great they sound to the ear; for it is simply by how people are drawn by the power of God that lives within you! And as each and every one of us learns to work together in a church as a body, it truly presents equality and a lifting of the heavy burdens from just a few to creating a situation where everyone walks with lighter loads!

2 Timothy 2:3-15

[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Another translation says to give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and properly handles the Word of Truth. As we read this, it is important to remember when we begin to apply all of these great things into our lives to not mishandle the word of God by deliberately going against it. There are other scriptures that point out that for a person to know right and to stray from it that to them it is sin. So I say this in all sincerity: let us not pretend that we do not know how to live for God when we have been living “religion” for so long. When you perform the doing of it, this part comes easy. It is when we stray from God that we will know to help our brother and neglect the duty of it, right?

1 John 3:16-21

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

So what is it at the end of the day that should keep us continually going? First of all, the presence of God should keep the parts of you that fall weak going strong. The knowledge of the Word of God will teach you to stray from things that will harm you and lead you to help others in the same way. The desire in your heart will stay as long as you are continual present something to God often. And most importantly, the compassion can stay in your heart if you stay humble and put the needs of others before yourself. It is hard to do when we could so easily be selfish at the drop of a hat! People need us in deed and truth and not just in a “I will be there when you need me” catchphrase! Show someone you love them today! Operate in the calling God has given you. Do not stray in trials and pray for strength in tough times. Do not settle for the religious opinions. Seek for the wisdom of God to keep you! It works every time!

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?