Come!

                                   

  And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (Matt 14:28-29)

                         While meditating and studying scriptures, the Lord had me focused on the word "Come". A simple word, easy to spell. A word that became powerful when Peter acted on that command. Peter acted upon the word but then focused on the weather and circumstances. So, the more he focused on those events, the less faith he had. The word says that he began to sink. It just did not happened all of a sudden. 

                          Then, the Lord spoke to my heart. "I am telling my people to come. To come out from their comfort zone. To put on Christ and learn to be identified with me. To give more of their finances and substance. To get out of debt and financial oppression. To appropriate healing for their bodies To learn to trust in me. So, my people, I tell you---Come! Come and experience the blessing of walking in an open heaven!"  

                     I want to challenge you to make 2015 the year in which you put on Christ. The year in which you get your mind renewed. To learn to think like he does. To love righteousness and hate iniquity. (Heb 1:9) Do you want God's best? Then read the fine print of your covenant with God. (II Peter 1:4) God is not a Santa Claus nor a Genie in which your wish is his command. God is a God with purpose. God wants to glorify himself on the earth.
                        Yes, he loves us and wants to give us all things to enjoy in this life but it comes with a catch. You have to be a partaker of his nature. The true of the matter is that he, already, has given us all things to that you will ever have in this life. (II Peter 1:4) In other words, when he died on the cross, he provided the answer to all your problems that you will ever have in life. Why? Because Christ is made unto us wisdom.                              Ask yourself, when have you ever been burdened for souls? I am, not just, talking about your neighbor. Yes, we need to be concerned for our neighborhood but for those who are wicked? God's word says that he has no delight in the death of the wicked. (Eze 33: 11) When was the last time you prayed for that murderer or terrorist that did that horrible thing? Sometimes, in our minds, we want to see them suffer but you know what? God wants to reach out to them too. He loves the wicked.
                         Friend, Hell is a terrible place and many are headed there. The tragic thing is that Christ has, already, paid the penalty. All a sinner has to do is to receive his precious gift. Let's learn to think like God does. Let's learn to put our priorities in place. Let's us learn of him because he says...Come!
When people see God work through signs and wonders, they, too, will come. Witnessing is good but when you go out to share Christ, don't do it with any power. Learn to release the gifts of the spirit.
                       Talk is good but when you learn to release the gifts of God, you will have them coming to your church. That will open a thirst and hunger for more of God. When you provide wisdom for people's problems, the world will beat a path to your door. Yes, persecution will come but if you learn to release God's power, they will, in the end, respect you. The word says that when a man(woman) pleases God, his enemies will be at peace with him.
                      Jesus ministered to a multitude of people. Why? He showed proof of God with signs and wonders following. The disciples had a church just about overnight in the book of Acts. Why? Signs and wonders! Beloved, this does not come instantly. There has to be a time of prayer and preparation. Jesus took some time to pray and fast 40 days. That is why he was so successful. Am I telling you to fast and
pray for 40 days? No, because maybe you may not be, medically, fit to do so but you can fast your time
for him. Let's prepare ourselves in this year.
                      Let's allow ourselves to let God change us. His word can change us but only when we use it in prayer and preparation for his purposes. Want to start a New Year on the right foot? Then.,..Come!

                      

                              

                                          

Picture courtesy  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:French_Fishing_Vessel_%27Alf%27_in_the_Irish_Sea_MOD_45155246.jpg

How will you write your page?

 
                                      2016 has arrived? Whether you are ready or not, it is here. Many of us make New Year's resolutions such as losing weight, exercising,etc. New beginnings are exciting and inspires us. Unfortunately,most of us do not carry out our resolutions to the end but there is good news on the horizon. If you are a believer, God has a plan and method for you to fulfill those resolutions.
                  The word of God says... My tongue is the pen of a ready writer (Ps 45:1). The tongue can be used for good or evil. It is a powerful weapon but the sad thing is that we do not know how to use it.Let's take the example of a fountain pen.There are many fountain pens for you to write. The fountain pen of who you are in Christ. Friend, you are not a sinner saved by grace, You are a new creation and God has a future for you. You have the mind of Christ (Yoke breaking, burden removing power of God) The word says that Christ is made unto you wisdom. What is wisdom? The ability to look for answers to problems in life. Think of it--The wisdom to come up with the answers to your problems in 2016!
                     Then, there is the fountain pen of financial prosperity. Friend, being rich is not a sin because the word says that money answereth all things. (Ecc 10:19) Yes, we need to guard our hearts and not let money be our God but in the hands of wise believers, it can be a powerful tool! I, personally, get excited when I am challenged to give and stretch my faith. It, not, only gives me a return on my money but allows me to live under an open heaven. (Mal 3:10) When you live under an open heaven, anything goes and you can experience a deeper dimension of the blessings of God.
                            Think about it, the body of Christ has made great inroads in the past. We own a couple of TV and radio stations, We are in the internet 24/7 and lately, we made some inroads in the movie industry. God has great plans for you and he is excited about your future. Finally, there is the pen of healing. If you are doing fine and have no health issues--God bless you but I want to caution you to be on the alert. Sooner or later, you will have a health challenge. Don't wait to build your house when it is storming, do it now while it is sunny and clear. I believe every believer should immerse themselves with healing scriptures and pray them over their body and family members on a daily basis.
                               There are other pens that are there for you and ready to be used, so start asking God to give you wisdom to use your tongue wisely. Remember, that in the long run, God will have you on his book shelf for his glory. God bless. (Mal 3:16)

                     
                 
                                   

God is up to something.

           
     

                          Never stop praying for America.


              Why do the nations plan rebellion?

                    Why do people make their useless plots?
              Their kings revolt,
                    their rulers plot together against the Lord
                    and against the king he chose.

             Let us free ourselves from their rule,” they say;
                let us throw off their control.

             From his throne in heaven the Lord laughs

              and mocks their feeble plans.

             Then he warns them in anger

                  and terrifies them with his fury

              (Ps 2:1-5)(Good News Version)

                   The year of 2014 has been a year of surprises. While on one hand, we have enjoyed much of the blessings of technology and entertainment, there are some dangers brewing close to us. As I look at the Middle East, I see how some of our Christian Brethren are being tortured, harassed and killed in Syria and Iraq. Radical Muslims are forcing their religion on others and threatening to come to our shores.

               Iraq has been a place where the Lord has moved in the past through signs and wonders. Nineveh, a town in Iraq has been a place where Jonah has preached and the people responded. His tomb is, supposedly, located there. It angered me when I saw these radical Muslims destroy his tomb and tried to erase all evidences of Christianity in that place. I started to think--Lord, what is happening?

               Suddenly, I felt like the Lord spoke. He told me not to worry. He showed me what he was doing. He was, actually, laughing in his throne. Why? Because he is up to something. What it is, I don't know but in the end, it is not going to look pretty when he has the last word. 

       Throughout the ages, Men have tried to hinder and remove God from society but, friend, Christianity is here to stay. Men have tried to kill Christians and remove its influence, but Christianity comes back with a fury. I, recently, saw a picture of a rainbow near the White House. While some equates this to be a sign of Homosexual/Lesbian rights, I see this in a different light.

           If you read the bible, rainbow speaks of covenant and mercy. This nation, years ago, made a covenant with God. God has not forgotten his covenant with the USA. (1) As long as we have a people who are repenting and interceding for this nation, we will see God move on our behalf.              
            As you ponder on these events, pray for the ISIS soldiers. Even though they have committed atrocities, believe it or not, God loves them. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (Eze 33:11). Pray that the Lord may help us to identify the principalities and powers that are behind this, so that we can cripple their operation. 
          Perhaps some many not know this, but World War II was won, not because of our might and intelligence, but because of prayer. Our economy was in shambles and we were cutting the budget on our military. The German army was very well organized and advanced in technology. Our country was losing some important battles in the early stages of the war.
              God moved upon the hearts of some elderly mothers that knew how to pray. Their prayers made a difference and helped turn the tide for victory in this nation. One important thing to remember--History repeats itself. During and before World War II, Japan was moved by religious fanaticism. Christians were, heavily, persecuted and atrocities were committed just like today. (*)
                 The Emperor was regarded as a God and the Shinto religion grew in strength. During World War II, Japan had a strong fighting force called the Kamikaze. These pilots were trained to aim their aircraft against our Navy ships to cause damage and loss of lives. 
                They were trained that if they lost their lives for their emperor, they would have a place in heaven according to their religion.(2)(3) What happened? America was triumphant and there was a hunger for the Lord in that place. That hunger was so great that Gen Douglas MacArthur was expressing the need for missionaries to go to Japan and share the good news. (4)
                  I believe the same will happen with the radical Muslims When they see the real God step up to the plate and make his presence manifest, many will say---Show us your God. So, body of Christ, prepare yourselves because the best is yet to come. 



1- http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/1600-1650/mayflower-compact-1620.php

(*) http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/missions/Japan_Christianity_0612.aspx

2- http://www.answers.com/Q/How_was_Shinto_misused_by_the_militarists_during_World_War_2

3-http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-orders-end-of-shinto-as-japanese-state-religion

4- http://www.openbiblemessage.org/index.php/general-douglas-macarthurs-call-for-missionaries-needed-yet-today/

Are you kingdom-minded?

                                            

                                  

                                  Picture courtesy of  freedigitalphotos.net


                                                       ARE YOU KINGDOM MINDED?

                      "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:10)

                Greetings. In this devotional, that is the question we must ask ourselves---Are we kingdom-minded? The word tells us that we are kings and priests unto God. God has delegated his power unto us to be Kings/Queens over our circumstances and affairs of life. In fact, the word says that we are seated in heavenly places. We are destined to rule.

                In order to comprehend our position in Christ, we must be familiar with his will. First, let's remember that his word is his will. He speaks to us through the word. It amazes me how I hear many Christians saying-- I need a word. They go to church and say--- I need a word. They go to prophet so and so and say--- I need a word. If you have a Bible, God has a word for you. God is speaking to you 24/7. His word is a sure word of prophecy.Now having said that, let's start with the following verse below in order to learn how to become kingdom-minded. This gives us a glimpse of God's will....

 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he  heareth us" (I John 5:14)

                 Many will use this to justify the fact that God did not answer their prayer because it was not according to God's will, but if you read the next verse carefully, it brings it to a different light...

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that

we desired of him. (John 5:15)

           If you read this carefully, pay attention to the words heareth and hear. Now we know that God hears prayers when we pray according to his will. We can all agreed to that, but in verse 15, it says --and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions....That is expressing confidence. How do you know he heard you? First, we need to know his will. (Col 1:9)  You cannot express confidence if you don't know his will when you pray. 

           It is a shame that we play the game of chance with God. A que sera, sera. The word, clearly, states that we walk by faith and not by sight. We need to realize that even though the circumstances may say the contrary, they will have to bow down to the word of God. Let's use another verse to better understand God's will ( Matt 6:10) It says...Thy kingdom come, thy will be done!  God wants to bring his kingdom down to earth so that his will can be done. Is sickness in the kingdom of God? No. Is poverty in the kingdom of God? No. When we see the blessings of God on earth, we are having a taste of his kingdom. There were instances when Jesus told his disciples to say the kingdom has come unto you when performing the miracles of healing.(Luke 10:9) 

                     Another way to better understand this is through another verse. As we read this, one thing that stands out is that this was written in the Old testament. Lets take a careful look at the following....

 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)

                 In the Old testament, God wanted to give his people days of heaven upon the earth. His covenant included long life and blessings. We, as covenant children, are no different. The word says that we have a covenant based on better promises. Yes, we are going to go through problems and testings, that is a given. The good thing about this is that we can turn our misery into our ministry. We can turn our tests into a testimony. Don't look at your trials and testings as a final end. NO! Look at it as a stepping stone! Your greatest victory lies ahead. God bless. 

                    

The rivers of his pleasure.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. (Ps 36:7-8)

                            Recently, the Lord ministered to me in a special way. One morning, I was feeling down and discouraged. I was frustrated having to deal with my shortcomings before the Lord. That day, the Lord through a devotional opened my eyes to Psalms 36:7-8 in a special way. He called my attention to the words---the river of thy pleasures. 

                        Having  pleasure is not bad. There are other aspects of pleasures that are, actually, good for you. The reason people are seeking carnal pleasures is because there is a void in their lives. That void gets filled with worldly pleasures instead of the godly.(II Tim 3:4) Seeing this, I told God to fill me with his pleasures instead of the world, yet I still had some issues that were causing me problems. Agonizing over this, I asked him to fill me with his pleasures again.

                        I will never forget what he told me. He said---"Son, when you spend time renewing your mind and spending time in my presence, I will transform your carnal pleasures into godly pleasures!" Joshua 1:8 says to meditate on the Lord day and night. The word meditate means to murmur in the Hebrew. As we confess who we are in Christ and what is ours, our minds will start to change. 

                      Lately, I have been doing a study on the subject of Grace. Grace is a wonderful thing that God has given us, but did you know that Grace will teach us? (Titus 2:11-12) I applaud the many revelations that God has given us concerning the gifts, healing and financial prosperity but have you noticed that there is little teachings of how to overcome the flesh? Yes, the old man is buried under the waters of baptism but it tries to get resurrected once in a while. We need to kill it and keep it buried. (Col 3:5)

                   Do you want God's desires to be yours? Do you want God's thoughts to be yours? Then, spend some time in the word. Quote God's promises to yourself. I thank God for technology because when I go to bed, I put the Bible on my smart phone and I am at peace with him as I hear his word throughout the evening. So, if you are having issues with your life, it is time for a change. Let's step up to the plate and see what God can do for us. God bless. 

Prayer---Dear Lord, forgive me for all my sins and shortcomings. I want to be more like you. I want to have the mind of Christ. Lord, help me to make time to renew my mind. Help me to develop your thoughts. Help me to change my desires to yours as I renew my mind. I want to drink from the rivers of your pleasures today. Thank you for changing me into the image of Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen!

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More on Grace!

                                         Image courtesy of the path traveler at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

                  And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. (I Sam 17:40)

                              In this morning, I want to share some more thoughts on grace. Why grace? Because what you don't know about the grace of God can hurt you in the long run. Before David fought the Giant, he went near the brook and looked for five smooth stones. We, all know, that he killed the Giant with one well-aimed stone but why five?
                                When you study the Bible, pay attention to small details. They mean a lot. The number five in biblical term is equated to God's grace. When you think about this, it was God's grace that gave David the victory. It will be God's grace when you are going through that will get you to the other side and onto victory. 
                            Another thing to consider in studying grace. David set aside 5 stones. One for Goliath and the four for his family members. (II Sam 21: 19-23) Grace will help plan and prepare you for future battles. We are a blessed people with our new covenant. Think about this---In Deuteronomy 28, the Jews had the blessings of Abraham. I like to call it the "loolipop" principle which says that if you do this, I will do this. In this list was the blessings and cursings. 
         In our new covenant, we have grace. We had grace for salvation and have it for our needs. A case in point is healing. Many dear saints are frustrated. They work hard for the kingdom and come to church every time the doors are opened, yet they are defeated and sick. Beloved, please do not misunderstand me, we need to live a holy life and not give place to the enemy but doing good works will not activate the power of God. 
          Grace is the missing ingredient. An example of this is the prayer of faith. James 5:15 says that it will heal us and forgive us of our sins. What does that means? God will extend grace to us "on credit." In spite of our missing it, he will still heal us when we use faith and grace. The danger to this is that once God reveals your sin, one needs to confess it and repent or a worse thing will come. 
         Did you know that in spite of the Old testament laws God extended grace to his own? Samson was a prime example of this. Many times, he had fallen into sin yet God covered him by his grace. (Judges 15:15, 16:1-3) The flip side of this is that Samson played with that grace and suffered great consequences. 
          So, brethren, let's take advantage of God's grace and receive it from his hand. How? By being humble. (I Peter 5:5) Let's put aside all pride and take full advantage of his grace. God wants us to grow, get healed and receive all that he has for us. 

Prayer--Dear Lord, point out any areas of pride in my life. I want to receive your grace. Help me to use grace to defeat the giants in my life. Help me to use grace to prepare myself for bigger and greater challenges. Help me to understand how to use grace through faith to grow in you. To be God-inside minded. To do the things that pleases you. To receive all that you have promised me through Christ. In Jesus name---Amen! 

                         

Being covenant minded!

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
                                 (I Samuel 17:36)


                   Are you covenant minded? That is the question that I want to ask you today. If you are born again, whether you know it or not, you have a covenant with God. In the Old testament, a proof of a covenant was circumcision, which was done on the eighth day. (Gen 17:11) When David saw the Giant raging and challenging Israel, he had his mind focused on one thing--covenant! He was covenant minded and had his mind set on victory. 
                    Our covenant with God is baptism in water. When we get baptized in water, we are circumcising our hearts and burying the old man. In other words, we are getting rid of the old sinful nature through the waters of baptism. (Rom 6:4/Col 2:12) It is just like joining a gang, but it is a spiritual gang where the boss is God Almighty-Praise God! Growing up in New York City, I saw a lot of things--Good and bad. 
                   One thing that I will, always, remember is gang initiation. When you join a gang, you have to go through an initiation. Sometimes, it involves getting beat up for a couple of minutes. After you pass the test, you are accepted. So, that means if anyone picks a fight with you, they have to fight the whole gang. Why? Because you are in covenant with that gang!
                    David knew the power of covenant. He saw his God deliver him from the bear and Lion. He had his eyes set on bigger things, bigger goals and bigger rewards. Are you going through? Take some time to rehearse your past victories like David did.                  
                 When trials and testings come to you. Fear not! You have a covenant with God. We tend to get discouraged when problems overwhelms us, but think about it--Problems are stepping stones to a reward. When David defeated the Giant, he got rewarded with riches, the king's daughter and living in the land tax free! That, also, applied to his family, too. (I Sam 17:25) So, when problems start growing as Giants, rejoice in the Lord. You will be blessed and see great rewards come to you. 

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