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peace and joy

Learning To Live

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Deuteronomy 8:2-3

[2] And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
[3] And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

One of the hardest things that there is to do in life when you are in a tough time is to recall a prior one that was better. When God has provided time and time again it is for the building up of our faith! I thank God today for the fresh manna that He provides each time I get down and call forth for more strength, peace and joy! Remember that we are sustained by the word of God, spoken in and lived out! To me when this principle of building faith through your testimonies is put into application it will bring you into life beyond what you would ever expect.

John 5:24-26

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
[25] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
[26] For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

Life is secured through faith and when we hear and believe! Life through the practice and demonstration! When you hear the voice of God communicate to you, regardless of how to which it does, let it be life to you! Even when things are to change or mold us, it is to bring us to a better life and living! This is how we learn to live greater and more improved!

2 Corinthians 4:10-14

[10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
[11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
[12] So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
[13] We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
[14] Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Life brings death to the parts that want to bring you down or destroy you! Life working out the infirmities through the work of the spirit! If we already know that death worketh against our physical, mental and spiritual self than we need to use the life that is made manifest by believing and speaking it! I am not as though I was, and you are not either! Through Jesus Christ we are made new creatures.

1 Peter 1:18-22

[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
[19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
[20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
[21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
[22] Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

A strong spiritual life will promote the love and fellowship of the brethren (your church, class, ministry, missionary group). Life shared in love with others is the best life to live. For that is how God walked with Adam in the beginning: in love and fellowship, right?  God still walks with us today! We must learn to be in perfect agreement with the Heavenly Father and receive His perfect love to remove every fear that would prevent us from enjoying life to the fullest.

Phillipians 4:8

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Always remember to keep your life full of things that will spiritually promote you! Life increasing through you by spiritual fulfillment!

You Have To Acknowledge Them Sometime!

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Whether it be sometime today or some “when” down the road, there comes a time for everyone when the feelings that we are carrying become too much for us to bear. It could be a compilation of events that have overwhelmed you or might even be one small issue. Acknowledging our feelings that we have inside of us at any rate has to be done. The only way that we can truly live in peace is when we give release to the things that are holding us captive. You can generally tell when something has you captive when it continually cycles through your mind or when it is sensitive to you as it comes up. Trust me, this is something we all have to handle and keep in check! It directly affects not only your walk with God in general but the obedience to God as well!

So what do we do? Well, there are many avenues to this solution! You could choose to stand during your next worship service and praise your way out of it. You could get down at the altar at church or at your home and begin to cry out for peace and dominion over the things that try to rule your mind. You can begin reading the word of God and searching it for the countless pieces of wisdom and leadership that is available to you. The point of all of this is two simple things: we have to acknowledge the issues and then bring them to God and allow a change to occur. With this you are able to move on with the next chapter of your life instead of still being stuck in chapter 2 when someone hurt you. With the peace and joy of the Lord you are writing your future instead of living in your past!

The love of God we are talking about today (perfect love) casts out all fear! Acknowledge your feelings and fears and allow the love of God to dominate and be greater!

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!

Dust Yourself Off, Today Is A New Day

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THE WORD

Luke 9:5 – And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Tired? Feeling down? Been in a rut lately? Need a friend but no one listens? Sounds like all the other ads you hear on TV? Are you watching too much TV (just kidding!)? If you have been beat down lately and feel hurt from the things happening or people around you, it is time to move on! There were obedient servants in the bible that received very specific instructions when faced with persecution: knock the dust of your feet as a testimony of your victory!

As you seek God begin to pray that God will renew your heart and help you to take a step forward in the right direction! We as Christians do not need to live and dwell within the pain that have stemmed from the troubles surrounding our lives. The hurt we feel emotionally will not allow us to retain peace and joy. In fact, the bible says that the feelings of light (love) and darkness (pain) can have no fellowship with each other. Hurt only promotes the inward destruction of your faith in God and works against the well-being of your very soul! Speak to your situations that are presently difficult and move forward by taking a risk and stepping out for God! When you wake up in the morning start your day in the powerful and anointed confidence that was paid for by Christ’s sacrifice! Step into your happiness through faith by believing for a better day! We cannot change what is behind us, but we can pray and seek God and work for our wonderful future. Take hold of this revelation and let it work inwardly so your outward life can be changed right now!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

As you commit to attending church take advantage of the time learn to worship and enjoy your walk with God no matter what! When you pray, enjoy your prayer! Let your heart and words be humbled. Let spiritual things of the Holy Ghost begin to be poured out into your life! If you have felt like you have went through a dry season it is time to break ourselves down and break new ground! Get out of your comfort zone and let nothing hinder your obedience to God! Step out and be person that God has called you to be. Get yourself encouraged this day! Dust yourself off, today is a new day in God!

Learn To Sever What Does Not Make It Better

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One part of life that is always evident is that there will always be things that we fall back on in the event of something that puts us on the defensive or our backs against the wall. There are plenty of people and situations out there that have and will provoke things in your life that simply should not be a part of who you are. This is something that is tough to realize in principle but when realized can be powerful to the building of your Godly life.

You see, there are those people and objects in your life that whether we see it or not could eventually lead us into things we never thought we would say or do. Sin and temptation comes in many ways and forms and is not exempt for anyone. I know it’s not easy to address the things that define our mistakes for any of us, but if we can begin to learn from them we can start to move forward.

As part of my testimony now, drugs and alcohol were a big part of my life once. God has now delivered me from many of my personal hardships (as well as those things) and for that I am very thankful! However, there were some adjustments in my lifestyle that had to happen. I had to begin to sever ties to the things that pulled me to those addictions. I will guarantee you that it will never be easy doing on your own, but I can also guarantee that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you!

When we look back on our lives and all the things we have done, we cannot live in regret because we have zero control of the past. We can only pray for forgiveness now and move forward. We must begin to allow God to help me adjust our lives to the way they should be. And as we do, life begins to improve by severing the influences that pollute your ability to live in peace and joy in Christ.

What Do We Partake Of

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Romans 14:14-21

[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

It is so easy to get caught up in the wrong conversation, or caught up starting one. It’s easy to get caught up taking the wrong actions, or being around others doing this also. Whether we realize it or not, we become appointed responsible witnesses when we are saved and transformed through and through. And I don’t know how it is for others, but as for me, there are moments in my life when I am shown by God personally and am guided in areas of my personal life when things need to change. I am always reminded each day of what not to do, when to not say, etc. God is wonderful like that, presenting a voice of accountability. To make a long story short, we cannot be caught up in flesh, partaking in meat of the world, or those things that will make our brothers and sisters stumble and fall. The kingdom of God is not flesh, but all things manifested in the Holy Ghost! We cannot have it both ways and think that life can be stable. We cannot serve two masters (have two lifestyles or life choices) and think we’ll ever find happiness. And as it ties to the scriptures above, we cannot eat of both meats and ever expect to find peace and joy in our lives!

Proverbs 16:16

[16] How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

How much better to gain knowledge of God than to have the wealth and favor of man! So sweet is God’s wisdom! God’s wisdom to you is power! Coming through the trials of life will reward you so much more than wisdom of people most of the time. For then you will know rather than just assume that you do. You are made as an overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb AND the words of your testimony. Testimonies bear more of an impact than you think!

Proverbs 16:24

[24] Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

I read a phrase once that a person could live for months off of one good compliment. And those words could not be more true when it comes to encouraging and edifying the church. I’m not telling everyone to go and give worldly compliments to everyone. I’m not talking about flattery. I’m talking about being encouraged in a tough time in my life, when I am feeling hopeless and I don’t feel like I have anyone. You can almost guarantee that about 25 percent of the church always feels like that at any given time. A little encouragement goes a long way!

Proverbs 17:14

[14] The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Why does this all matter? Have you ever seen something with a leak? What about the feeling of disappointment that you get when everything that was in it runs out? So true it is when we sit idly by and let the spirit of God not be stirred and eventually leak out of the church. And yet we begin to wonder why it just disappeared one day! God never leaves, and is always there and ready. However, WE have to stir up the gifts within. WE have to come together!

Proverbs 18:19

[19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

People need to always remember before they go to do anything that they have to follow what God is leading them to do in something, and that they do not need to ever try and cross someone that tries to come against them. Every person that you try and witness to isn’t going to receive it; in fact, they might reject you and try to hurt you in the process. The point I am trying to make is that we cannot push people to the point of lowering our standards to worldly standards, and trying to reason with reason. Spirit works conviction, and that work will take place following your obedience. You won’t have to fight for it, and if it seems like one, walk away and pray for another day. God will open the doors.

Romans 15:17

[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

Why do all this for them? To lift up the weak!

I feel like in my personal life that God spared me and kept me here to deliver his word and to witness my testimony that others like myself might find hope and believe that they have a way out and can find a new life. And if we do not begin to start having more compassion and bear the infirmities of others, all of our suffering neighbors will continue to die out without hope.

Remember what was written in the Bible was for our learning! Also remember that we through patience (our part) and comfort of the scriptures (what we’re given) might have hope (your choice). And finally beginning to be likeminded one toward another (one mind and one mouth) and glorifying God will breathe new life into the church!

As I have personally learned, life was never promised as an easy burden, but as we near the end of each trial, the promise begins to come to a truth in our heart. God intends for our lives and our witness to be fruitful. That is, what people see of us as ripe and good and what they taste and partake and get to know as even better.

Equipped With Assurance

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In today’s message I wish to talk about being Equipped With Assurance

So many things in life bear many uncertainties, but there are many things that we obtain by having God being the all-in-all in our lives

First of all, we have Forgiveness from God

1 John 2:1-2

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Often times when we face rough things we can cling to God’s Peace

Romans 14:17

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

One part that we often take for granted so often is our Freedom

Romans 8:2-3

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Even when we have strength, we never use the God given Power and authority

Ephesians 4:21-25

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

One of my personal favorite emotions would of course be Hope. For without it, we are a people without faith.

1 Peter 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Always remember when you are going through your every day, to equip yourselves with these things that God gifted us to be able to live life with. God Bless You!