Your roots are in Christ!

                                         Your roots are listed in God's word!
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"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"
                                     ( I Peter 2:9)


                  This verse says it all. A holy nation (singular), not nations! If we were to take this to heart, racism within the church would be wiped away. There is no separation of races because all are one in Christ. It is interesting that when God revealed his plan to Abraham that he was to become the father of all nations, he started with the stars. That indicates the spiritual seed came first in God's mind.
                  If we were to so identify ourselves with Christ, we would enjoy a trainload of blessings. It is amazing how ancestry.com can promote and make money just by stirring up people's curiosity of where they came from and their roots. Many of them take pride in being related to a famous person. Nothing wrong with searching for your natural roots. I did search for my roots and found a blend of etnic backgrounds in my family. I have to admit it was interesting what I found out through ancestry.com.
                How much more in Christ?  I, for one, am happy to be related with Christ Jesus--God in the flesh! The one who created the universe. You can't get better than that! If you want to find your roots in the natural, read Noah's life in Genesis. I am sure you can find your etnic background in there. Again, nothing wrong with trying to find your roots, but when you spend time searching  your roots in Christ, you will be astounded at what you see. First, Acts 17:26, says that when we accepted Jesus, you and I are of the same blood.
                 Some of us don't like the sound of the word blood. To some, it brings bad memories of an acccident or a tragic event. But, blood can be a good thing. How many of you would like to be from a  family with blue blood? Blue blood means coming from royalty and  I Peter 2:9 says it all! A royal priesthood. You and I came from royalty!
                   Second, sickness and generational curses travels through the blood. How many of you would like to have Christ's blood flow through your veins and kill all the germs, sicknesses and bacteria? It can be done through communion and remembering what Christ done for us! Meditate on your roots in Christ. It can be a life-changing experience! God bless!

Bible verses by www.biblegateway.com

                        

Be careful with your feelings!

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 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

                           Many times, when we hear the word soul, we, automatically, think of the spirit and yes, in some bible verses it may imply that.  In others, the soul is completely different. One thing to see is that man was created in three beings---Spirit, soul and body. (I Thess 5:23) The soul implies the mind, thoughts and feelings. In the above verse (Heb 4:12), we see that the word helps us to see the difference between our thoughts (Soul) and God's thoughts (Spirit).  You see, Brethren, we need to be so Christ-inside minded that our very thoughts are in line with his thoughts. We need to have discernment on identifying our feelings and if its in line with the word. Remember, you have the mind of Christ!
                      A case in point was Noah. God gave them a command. Let's look at the verse below--
            " And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. " (Gen 9:1)
                  Sounds familiar? Of course! That is the same command given to Adam and Eve. God had allowed a flood to come in the form of rain and destroy mankind, except for Noah and his family. Now, Noah and his family were given a charge---Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth!
Sounds simple, right? Wrong. If you continue to read the accounts, Noah and his family did not follow through on God's command. How do I know this? If you read Gen 11:4, we see Noah's seed. They wanted to build a tower whose top may reach heaven, make a name and finally the words....Lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of this earth! It started with one act of disobedience and grew into defiance and pride.
          Defiance because of making a tower whose top may reach heaven. Brethren, they were building this tower in case another flood came. They knew about God and heard about his works, but they fell into the same carnal mindset of the past before the flood. Sin multiplied and it was contaminating society. They knew that God was going to judge them and prepared themselves for the flood---just in case.
                    They were, also, prideful. They wanted to have the glory and not give it to God. Pride comes before a fall. The root of this was the first command of God --To be scattered about the earth and they were not about to do this. What happened? They dwelt in Sinar, which was Babylon. Babylon means confusion. When you depart from God's command in your life, you dwell in confusion.
             What happened after this? God had an ace up his sleeve. He did not judge them with the flood, but with confusion of their language. Before this, they spoke one language, now their language was split into different dialects and words and they could not communicate. Are you relying on your feelings? Seek God's face and get some godly counsel. Yes, there are times in which God speaks through feelings, but be careful that it does not contradict the word nor God's direction for your life. Failure to follow through can not only affect you but your family and generations to come. God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

                     

By my Spirit!

                                                             Gen Edmund Allenby




Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. (Zech 4:6)

                       Last night, I was saddened by a remark from the Virginia attorney general. He stated that he favored Homosexual marriage and would be open to enforce it  as a right upon the population. Why was I sad? Because when I moved to Virginia 35 years ago, I found an oasis. Churches were springing forth and you could feel the spirit of God throughout the place. Somehow, as progress came to Virginia, so did complacency. Now, we are facing some serious family issues knocking on our doors.
                    I have read some posts in response to this issue. Some are getting discouraged with the ballot box and calling for bloodshed. Some are saying that a revolutionary war is about to take place. Beloved, please do not get duped into this mindset, for we are in a fight, but it is not with flesh and blood. I am convinced that what is about to happen in America is a great revival that will shake the White House and high government officials.
                     When a great move of God is about to take place, Satan starts to kill the little babies. Why? Because God has some champions in hiding. Take some time to read the accounts of the Jews in Egypt, when Pharaoh was killing the babies. What happened? Years later, Moses came on the scene and saved a nation. When Jesus was born, what happened? Herod tried to kill him. Sadly, in his mad search, he killed many innocent infants. Years later, God's champion surfaced and his name was Jesus. His teachings  has affected many nations until now!
               God's champions, in these days are coming out. They will shake this nation and others as never before. It may seem that the church has its back against the wall, but God is going to rise up and show himself strong! Last night, I was encouraged by God, as I sat pondering upon this nation's future. I thought about Gen Edmund Allenby. Gen Allenby was a strong Christian, raised up by a godly mother. Every night they would pray for Israel and the Jews. They prayed that they may return to their land.
                  Years later, Gen Allenby joined the British army. The Turks had occupied Palestine (Israel)for years. England was at war with Turkey. Allenby, being a Godly man, did not want to see any further bloodshed. The night in which his troops were going to invade that land, he spent the whole night in prayer. The next day, when he and his troops arrived, the Turks had fled. What happened?
                      It is believed that when the Turks heard the name "Allenby", it meant the scourge of God in their language.(1)This put fear in their hearts and they winded up fleeing Palestine. Beloved, can not God strike fear in his enemies here in our own back yard without bloodshed? Yes, he can. So, beloved, be not moved by evil tidings, but seek God's face. Let's learn to do warfare and see our God arise and his enemies be scattered. God bless.


Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

(1) http://books.google.com/books?id=MyfFicpGSBUC&pg=PT8&lpg=PT8&dq=general+allenby++++Turks+flee+because+of+what+Allenby+name+means&source=bl&ots=r4eF-0L32a&sig=qbtptGECfLK6hXli4xX7HB4jmP0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=klfiUoe2OK2-sQTAm4CAAQ&ved=0CDsQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=general%20allenby%20%20%20%20Turks%20flee%20because%20of%20what%20Allenby%20name%20means&f=false


                        

The Rest of the Lord!

                                When you rest in the Lord, you are assured victory!

"That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth." ( Deut 11:21)


                             This sounds too good to be true, but it is. Religion and tradition have taught us that if everything is going fine, you must be out of the will of God. Brethren, that is not true. Yes, we are going to go through trials, testings and tribulations. We are going to have our desert and wilderness experiences, but we can, also, have rest and enjoy God's best here on earth.
                                 In fact, this was written under the Old Testament, which is the Old covenant. The word states that we have a better covenant with better promises. So, get it out of your religious mind that this was only meant for the Jews. True be told, we are actually, spiritual Israel. Which means that if God would bless one group of people and not another, then he is a respecter of persons and we know that is not true. (Heb 8:6/ Acts 10:34)
                                 It is amazing to see Christians walking around with sad faces saying--"I am going through." Even when we are going through tough times, we need to drink of the new wine. The alcoholic drowns his sorrows and is happy for the moment. He sings and even dances for the most part. Some would even get brave and pick a fight with someone near them. However, the next day, he has a hangover.
                        The new wine is different. The new wine will give us courage and face up to our problems. I remember seeing the movie Scarface at the end scene, when he is fighting against impossible odds. He takes a powerful rifle and says---"Say hello to my little friend!" When you are drunk on the new wine, you can say---"Say hello to my big brother Jesus!" He will fight your battles.(Eph 5:18)
                        The new wine will make you rest in his promises and give you a high on a vision. Like the alcoholic, you won't feel life's toughest blows but you will laugh and say--"I got the victory!" As you do this, you will enter into your land of milk and honey. There, when you arrive, God will give you rest. God will show you what it is to live days of heaven upon the earth and you will be able to enjoy your salvation. Then, after a certain period of rest, you will be prepared to fight the next battle onward to victory and unto your next rest. God bless.

Pray for those in authority!

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (I Tim 2:1-3) 

                  My question to you is----Have you prayed for those in authority? Our President, Congress and judges have been placed over us in authority. True, the system is not perfect. There are laws that many of us consider silly and stupid, but that does not give us license to not pray for them. In fact, God cares so much for our government, that he includes the word first. First, before you pray for your family or friends, pray for your government. 

                   Why is this? Because change will come if we pray in faith. Notice the words...that we (you and me) may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. God wants to bless his body, the church, with peace and quiet. The Rev Billy Graham went through a lot of ridicule and humiliation when he charged the Christians in Russia to pray for their leaders. Many were laughing at him and making fun of him in editorials in newspapers back in the '50's-80's (1)

      Now, if you know your history, you will see that Christianity was not tolerated in Russia and many Christians were jailed for their faith. Many thought that religious freedom was not possible in Russia, but years later, what happened? God opened a door for the Christians to preach in the streets openly and without fear of being put in jail. Why? God changed the hearts of the government and as a result, the word grew and churches were established.

          It is no different in America. Laws may be passed against the churches and their freedoms. They made even put us in jail, but if we are faithful to pray....Change will come. So, friends, in this day, start praying for our leaders. They need it. 

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

(1) http://www.ccel.us/billy.ch26.html

       

What kind of an impact will you make for God?

                                                           Can you count the stars?
                                               Picture provided by www.freedigitalphotos.net

                         "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies" 
                                       (Gen 22:17) 

           
                    Obedience has its rewards. When Abraham stepped out in faith, God gave him a promise---To multiply his seed. One thing that I see is that when God referred to seed, he spoke of the stars and then he referred to the sands of the sea. The stars speaks of the spiritual, which is the body of Christ. Notice how God mentions the spiritual first. He had you and me in mind. Next, is the sands of the sea which is the natural seed, which are the Jews. 
       What does that show us? It shows us how one act of obedience can impact your family and generations to come! (Gal 3:14-29) We are the spiritual seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise! Notice when in Gen 22:17, it says that thy seed (Jesus) shall posses the gate of his enemies. (Rev 1:18) That means that Jesus, our elder brother, has the keys of heaven and of death. He has delegated that authority to us!(Matt 18:18) 
             That means that we can come into the enemy's camp and bring back our loved ones. We can get our stolen goods back. We can get our health back. Why? Because Jesus has given us power over the enemy! Praise God!!
               Did you know that as you grow in the Lord, Beloved, your spiritual family increases? Many of you reading this may be called to be spiritual Dads or Mothers. There are many children in this world that unless they are mentored right or looked after will go astray and break hell wide open. I am, presently, reading a book by Reinhard Bonke entitled--"Plundering Hell-to populate Heaven" and it is an eyeopener. 
               So, let's get rid of this traditional saying that many are called, but few chosen. God has a vision of multitudes of souls and he has called us to plunder hell to populate heaven. Let the word of God burn deep like fire in our bones. (Jer 20:8) Let's start being bold in our faith and make an impact for the Lord. Pray for this nation, community and family.Let's be kingdom-minded so that God can have his way in our lives. God bless.              
                


                     


                         

Are you an Aaron?

 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.(Num 20:12)


                    In the above passage, we see that Aaron, as well as Moses, could not enter the promised land because of their disobedience. Aaron was quite a character. An eloquent man who knew how to speak.                                   When Moses and the Jews were in the wilderness, he went up the mount to seek God's face. He took longer than usual and the people were
getting desperate. They turned to Aaron, who was second in command. Let's look at the verse below... 

 " And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him." (Exo 32:1)

If you read the rest of scripture, you will see that Aaron complied with their demands. A sad state of affairs. The amazing thing that I see in all this episode is Aaron's response to Moses---

And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief. For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

                           (Exo 32:22-24) 

Notice the words...I cast it into the fire and there came out this calf. Not only was this funny, but it was a lie. Aaron had fashioned the jewelry into a molten calf. (Exo 32:4) He was trying to "wash" his hands from his responsibility as a leader. If you read the rest of the accounts of Aaron's life, he did not have much character to take a stand on issues that matter. One good thing about him was that he was quick to repent. This is shown in. Num 12:11. Eventually, his ways caught up with him and he was judged alongside of Moses.
              If you are an "Aaron" and lack character, ask God to help you build backbone. Yes, God forgives sins and gives grace, but a continual sinning will, surely, catch up with us and will cost us dearly. If you know an "Aaron", pray for him or her. We need each other especially in these end times. God bless.
                               

                 

What is your gift?

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       "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant."
                                 ( I Cor 12:1)


          In this day, ask yourself---What is my gift? Why? Because God wants to use you to bring him glory and honor. He, also, wants to help people within and without the body. Spiritual gifts were not, only, given to the body, but for a lost and dying world. He wants to confirm his word with signs and wonders. 
            The world is tired of talk. They are asking the body---Where is your God? God is looking for someone who is "crazy" enough to walk in the spiritual gifts of the spirit and confirm the word. Contrary to tradition, Jesus had a following. At one time, he preached to thousands of people. Some loved Jesus and some hated him, but I can assure you--HE HAD THEIR ATTENTION! Why?
                 Because of the signs and wonders that he performed. This doesn't come easy. The first factor is humility and a willingness to step beyond religion and tradition. To have these gifts, you must be baptized in the spirit with the evidence of tongues. That is the doorway to the gifts. The next step is to believe that God has endowed you with these gifts and confess them day by day.
               As you read I Cor 12, you will see that there are specialties with these gifts. Some are known to operate in one or more of these gifts as a normal routine in their lives. Yes, it is possible to operate in all 9 gifts, but there are areas in which people are gifted in one or more gifts as a rule of thumb in their everyday lives. It is compared to a brain surgeon. He may have gone to a medical school to study medicine, but his specialty is brain surgery. For example, some may specialize in the gift of prophecy. Other in faith and working of miracles as an everyday occurrence. That doesn't mean the other gifts aren't there, but that is the one or two gifts in which that person specializes in.
               That is why going to church is important. The devil is afraid of a unified church operating in the gifts of the spirit. Last week, as I preached in my church, I taught on the gifts of the spirit and the importance of entering in by the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I made an invitation to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and only 1 brave soul stepped forward. People do not like change. Some may fear change, but it can be a good thing when it is supported by the word. 
                So, in this day, ask yourself--What is my gift? Can I operate in one or more of the gifts? As you do this, God will provide you with the answer and elevate you to a different dimension in your walk with Christ. Then, practice releasing the gifts and you will have the time of your life! 

                   Verses by www.biblegateway.com
               

Don't be a victim of fallout!

                         

Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him. 

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

                                 (Numbers 20:8-12)

                    What is fallout? The dictionary defines it as a incidental result or a side effect. As I read and meditate on this word, God had given Moses a charge---He told him to speak to the Rock. Previously, Moses had struck the rock (Exo 17:5-7) As a result of that, water came out and met the people's needs. Have you ever heard of history repeats itself? Fast forward to about 37 years. It is a new generation with a the same gripe as before. This, certainly,

was not music to Moses ears.

                   God gave Moses a different charge. He said--SPEAK TO THE ROCK! What did he do? He lost his temper, called God's people rebels and disobeyed God! As a consequence, he could not enter the promised land. Yes, brethren, God forgave Moses and I am sure he repented but the consequences of sin were ever present.

                      Yes, that was a sad state of affairs, but we see that Aaron was guilty too. Why? One word---Fallout! Aaron was part of the leadership. He could have taken a stand, but he did not. As a result, he, too, could not enter in. Please do not misunderstand me, we need to honor and serve those who God has placed in leadership, but leaders are human and they make mistakes. 

                Yes, there are times in which we need to stand back and pray. (Rev 3:1-4), but other times, it may be a time to take a strong stand, call a spade a spade and if the church or leadership doesn't receive it, time to pack up and move. Failure to do this could cause consequences  for you and the family. (Rev 18:4-5) Let's be real---Nobody is perfect. There is no such thing as a perfect church, Pastor or leader, but when it is clear that God's wrath is about to be poured out, its time to make a decision.
                     Sin affects us as a whole. A church which looks the other way or allows sin will cause itself a slow and painful death. In this day, ask God to help direct your path. If your place is to stay in church, despite its shortcomings, be faithful and pray. If it is time to move, don't stop praying for your church, but be mindful that staying there can be detrimental to your spiritual health. The same applies to our family and jobs.
                     There are family members such as our children, minors who are telling the parents what to do and ordering them around. Jobs that can put pressure on you to do the "PC" thing and leave God at the door. We need to ask God to put backbone in us and take a stand. Doing so will avoid spiritual fallout to us and our family. God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

You are destined to win!

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Rom 8:37)

               Win! A three letter word that we like to hear. Some people say that wining is everything. The above verse says it all, we are, not only, destined to win, but we are more than conquerors! Think about that for a moment...MORE THAN CONQUERORS! When thinking about this, I think of a heavyweight boxer who is fighting for a world heavyweight crown. He puts in hours of work and toil to prepare himself for the most important fight of his life.

                   A lot is at risk. His reputation. His future, plus a shot at some big time money--Millions of dollars! Enough for him and his family to live a comfortable lifestyle for the rest of their lives. He steps into the ring and is all business. After a few rounds, he wins by a knockout and brings home the money and the championship. He is a conqueror. He stays with the crown and his wife stay with his money. She is more than a conqueror.

                  We, are symbolic of that wife. The church has been compared to a bride. Not only that, but we are joint heirs with Christ. Everything that Christ has obtained thru his death, burial and resurrection have now become ours. Now, let's go to another dimension. The dimension of reality. Is your life showing that you are more than a conqueror?

                  We, all, have issues that we face and have to overcome. No one is immune from the issues of life. Some are big and some are small, but yet they are issues. The apostle Paul had some issues. There was a particular habit that kept on stumbling him in his Christian walk. What was that issue? It does not say, but this great man of God had some issues that was troubling him. (Rom 7:15-24)

                Many have been frustrated and have been discouraged. Many have backslidden from God and went back into the world. If you are in one of these two categories---I got some good news. God is not finished with you, yet. There is hope and a way out!

              Personally, I myself, had some issues and I am not perfect by no means, but I learned to tap into Paul's revelation. Paul knew that by himself, he was helpless. There are two steps to consider--RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE AND REALIZE THAT YOU CANNOT OVERCOME IT BY YOUR OWN STRENGTH! What's the answer---Faith!

                Paul saw the answer. The answer was in the mind. How do you see yourself? The word of God tells us that we have the mind of Christ. Paul, in spite of his shortcomings, saw himself victorious. He saw himself free from the law of sin and death! (Rom 8:2-7) We need to,not,let go of our identification in spite of the circumstances that is surrounding us. 

            As we confess who we are in Christ, his power will rise up within us and help us to overcome circumstances and move us from glory to glory!(II Cor 3:18) God's word is the mirror that we need. As we see ourselves in the image of God through our confession, that living word will start taking hold of our minds, thoughts and desires. In this day, make it a point to be identified with him, meditating on his promises. Your life will take on a new dimension. In my next devotional, we will see how God's word transformed Abraham! God bless. 

Prayer---Lord, Thank you for your grace. Please forgive me for my sins and shortcomings. Point out any issues that stands between me and you. Lord, help me to see myself as more than a conqueror. When I feel weak, I will say that I am strong. I have the mind of Christ. I bind my thoughts,desires and wants to be in line with your word. I am more than a conqueror. Thank you, Father, for seating me in heavenly places. I rule and reign over my flesh and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name---Amen! 

Bible verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

Worry not!

 "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." Sept 2. 2013

                                             (Prov 18:16)

                   In today's economy, it is a sad thing to see Christians struggling in their finances. We had shared last week on the importance of tithing and giving. Today, we are going to take it a step further. In my years in ministry, I have talked to people who have been laid off their jobs. Some have been on unemployment for 2 years and are about to get their last paycheck. The question to ask---What can be done? One answer can be found in the church. The Pastor and elders should step in and help, but sometimes, they are limited. 

                     When your back is against the wall, there is one thing to do and that is to relax! You gain nothing by worrying. In fact, Jesus uses the birds to teach us how to trust him. (Matt 6:26) In the past, when people acted foolishly, we called them a BIRD BRAIN--but birds are smart and they can teach us. Think about it---They don't worry, they are not stressed out and God provides for them! 

               The good news is that God said that we are more valuable than they! So, friend, it does not pay to worry. Worry will hinder your faith and will prevent a breakthrough! So, casting your care upon the Lord is the first step. Second, ask him for wisdom. Ask him to reveal hidden talents or skills within your being. Prov 18:16 indicates the gifts (skills and talents) given to us by God. When you find out your gift and work at it day and night, the word says that it will bring you before great men. 

              The world is seeking for answers and there are people that will pay you to solve problems. The man who invented the roach motel started with just a box and some glue. When he put it on the market, it made millions for him. Wisdom will help solve problems and bless you in the process. Who knows? Maybe the Lord may raise you up to have a business and create jobs! Friends, don't limit God! Learn to trust him and ask him for wisdom! God bless! 

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A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY LOST!

" Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me." (Luke 18:22)

                       Greetings. What is your reaction when you read this? A vow of poverty? Walkng in financial lack? That is what religion and tradition teaches us, but when you look at this in its content, you will find quite the contrary. A rich young ruler approached Jesus asking about how to obtain eternal life. He boasted that he had kept all the precepts of the law, but he had one thing that he needed to overcome. He was attached to his riches. 

                         Friends, it you read the accounts of Luke 18:18-30 and Mark 10:17-30, you will find a clear cut view of what Jesus was talking about. He was, not, against riches but on the contrary, he was seeking to bless the young ruler with more than what he had. Many would quote the example of a camel going through the eye of the needle to condemn riches, but upon careful inspection of the word, we find that he adds more to this saying. Jesus says that those that trust in riches will have a hard time entering into the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:24) 

                         Again, it is not a sin to be rich, but when you trust in riches or materials things more than God, you get into trouble. God wants to be our provider. Thank God for our jobs! Thank God for our health care! Thank God for our savings and investments, but they are not our source--God is! This man was very rich and the thought of him leaving it all to follow Jesus was too much for him. But notice what Jesus was prepared to offer him----

           

 "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."

                                             (Mark 10:229-30)

                          Notice that he includes houses and lands and promises a hundredfold return now in this time. A hundredfold is a big number. When you leave the security of your job or your investments, God promises to take care of you! Now, do not misunderstand me. I am not saying you should give away all your money or leave your job. God can use your job as your ministry, but there may be some reading this that are sensing the call to ministry. You may be battling leaving your job to start a church. 

             It may be a change of careers. It may be that the Lord may want you to give a big amount of money to help some missions or ministry. Remember, every one of us has a calling. It is up to us to fulfill that calling that God has on our lives. So, in this day, ask yourself---Am I'm doing what God requires me to do? It's not only money, but it can be time, also. Time to help out in the church. 

                   Time to spend with your family. Families have been split apart because many are working 24/7 in the church, meanwhile, their home is going to hell. We, all, have a responsibility in our walk with the Lord. Take some time to ask the Lord to examine your heart and follow him. As we respond, we will see his rewards and believe me, you cannot go wrong with his plan for your life. It's benefits are out of this world. God bless! 

                   

Money troubles!

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (Matt 6:31)

                                 

           Money! Everyone needs it! In this age of unemployment and high inflation, one wonders how they are going to make it. Such circumstances can drive anyone to despair, but I have good news---God word provides some answers!

             First of all, if you are a Christian, the tithe is the very first step you need to take. Why? Because scriptures teaches us to give our firstfruits to the Lord. (Mal 3:10, Heb 7:7-9) It is amazing that a lot of Christians stumble over this. They reason that because they are in a age of grace, it is no longer required. That, my friend, is dangerous thinking. 

            It stands to reason that if the church stopped tithing, what would happen to the poor and widow? They need provision, too. Also, running a church is expensive and bills have to be paid. I know that many may not like this, but the tithes and offerings help pay the salary of the Pastor. (I Cor 9:14)

              If you are a Christian and are not tithing, start now. You may not, at first, afford the ten percent but don't give up. Take "baby steps" and watch God make a way for that ten percent. Then, as you start paying your ten percent, stretch out your faith and give a offering. The amount is up to you and God! Doing this will really set in motion the blessings of God in your finances. 

               Yes, at first, you may be tested. Some of you may, even, start to see things get worse---Friend, that is not when you want to give up! Whether you give money to the church or are confessing the word, you got to fight the good fight of faith! For more on faith, I suggest you read my teaching on pregnant faith.(1)

               Second, make sure you are hooked up with a good church and Pastor. A knowledgeable Pastor that knows how to pray can be your best friend in your trials and testings. Third, set some time for a study on finances. Write the promises of God concerning finances. Pray them over your situation and renew your mind. When you start to think about the problem, it get worse because now you are starting to worry.

                   When you worry, eventually what you think will come out. The word in Matt 6:31 says--Take no thought, saying....When you speak your fears and doubts, you are taking that thought. That thought will become a picture in your spirit and will give fruit to unbelief and defeat in your prayers. 

                So, friend, if you are going through some money troubles, make those adjustments. Above all, start to renew your mind with the word--Speaking God's promises with your mouth and form a picture in your spirit. As you do this, victory will, surely, come. Next week, I will share some more insights. God bless. 

(1)http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2013/08/do-you-have-pregnant-faith.html

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