What is your gift?

                     Image provided by http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/


       "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! 

  Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

                 

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

                  Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com 

            

Adjusted---by Hope's notes

               

              

               Today--- Not once again, your holy word has adjusted me. 

               Today--As I awaited your sense of directions, It adjusted me.

               Now, I have peace for your words are fire round about me.

           

               Whom shall I fear?

               No one--for you, My God--are always with me and near

               A cause only you know has been sent

               I am adjusted to turn the way

               I do not see as yet...It awaits me.