The Best Hiding Place

Sometimes the circumstances of life can weigh you down beyond anything you ever imagined. It seems like issue after issue arise; you deal with one major thing then bam here comes another. Before you can rejoice that you got through one problem your hit with another. You wonder what in the world is going on? You pray & cry out to God wondering where He is at such a time, wondering if just maybe He has put too much on you. You sit & ponder your options & then almost suddenly that ole enemy presents you with a slew of options, that appeal to your flesh but hide the damage they really contain. The enemy strategically plans, plots & waits for us to get to our lowest point to present his best & most treacherous options to us & if we are not careful, mindful & deliberate we wind up choosing them, because we only see what's on the surface of his "gifted options"
What do they look like? Well the enemy always dresses up his destructive options to trap us. One option may be your favorite wine or "adult" beverage that under "non" stressful times you enjoy on occasion; but in this time of frustration he may whisper "drink a little more, drown out the pain it's alright ; it's only one time. But what he doesn't tell you is that one time of self medication can lead you down a path of unimaginable destruction because the taste will be so comforting that you'll look to it again. Another option could be the soothing arms of someone God did not ordain for you. The enemy will whisper relax that standard a little bit. It's ok to give yourself to them, nothing's going to happen. Look at every one else that has done it, nothing happened to them. What he doesn't tell you is the long term affects sexual sins have on you mentally & physically amongst other things.
While he is a cunning adversary we can reject his options How? By determining our source of strength before seasons of hardship occur. Psalms 119:114 declares You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. You must know & believe that in God you have The Best hiding place! Why? Because when you hide in Him who has come to save, heal & set you free; there is no complete protection, perfect peace & unadulterated truth that will never lead you astray.

Be Blessed

Hope During a Harsh Harvest

Galatians 6:7-9 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Many times we read this scripture with great excitement because we focus on the latter “good” of the scripture. The parts that reads” but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting life. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. While this should incite a level of encouragement& excitement concerning the anticipation of reaping the harvest of the goodness sown, how do you address or anticipate the beginning portion of the scripture? The portion that says:” Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. “8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption. ”The law of reaping & sowing states that whatever we have intentionally spent time sowing (investing in) that is what we shall reap back (receive back),that seems all well & fine when it’s on the positive end; but what do we do when our season of harvesting comes around & it’s a season of a harsh harvest.

As we journey through life we tend to gravitate towards the parts of the bible that “make us feel better,”, but the goal of the bible is for us to learn how to BE better, not just feel better. The truth of reality is, we do not always live pleasing unto God, there are times we sow out of our flesh things God never intended. Although we may face the consequences of a harsh harvest due to our actions, as the scripture reminds us, we do not have to lose heart or fear this time of harvest because despite the reason of this harsh Harvest God loves us so that He doesn't allow us to suffer long. 1 Peter 5:10 says
(NIV) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you & make you strong, firm & steadfast. There's hope in & joy after the harsh harvest!

Be Blessed

Exonerated to Live

Down throughout the course of time people have been wrongly accused of crimes they did not commit, but because of false or misguided witnesses or lack of proper evidence, they were convicted. Many have spent years in jail awaiting a fate that was handed to them, that they did not deserve. However there are some that have had the privilege of having their convictions overturned and they have been exonerated of their crimes, free to live the lives that were stolen from them. Exonerations occur when a person who has been convicted of a crime is later proved to have been innocent of that crime. Although making the adjustment from being a prisoner to being free is a struggle, most people go on to live full lives. Just as some experience exonerations in the natural, we have also experienced exoneration in the spiritual. The difference is the exoneration we received in Christ is far better than any we could receive on earth.
​In Acts 13:38-39 (NASB) 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. The exoneration we receive through Christ is far better than anything we experience on earth. Why? Because natural exonerations free you of crimes you did not commit, Christ’s exoneration frees you of crimes you did commit. When Christ died on the Cross at Calvary, He died to set us free from the snares of sin, but He also died to forgive us for the things we have done. He laid down His life of righteousness for our unrighteousness so that we may have a full and productive life, despite our past. 1 Peter 3:18 (NASB) says 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the [a]spirit.
​Like those exonerated in the natural we must learn how to walk and live in the freedom Christ has so graciously provided us. We don’t have to live in bondage to the guilt of what we have done, but if we repent and commit to walk upright we can live the full lives Christ intends for us. As it says in Romans 8:1 (NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed

Check your Ground! Pt 2

On last week we discussed the importance of understanding the purpose of corporate worship and the fact that God’s desire for us is to be conformed into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. We shared that while it is important to make sure our outer appearance is properly prepared for worship, it is vitally important that we ensure the readiness and preparation of our inner self. We left off discussing the fact that we have responsibility in being conformed. So today let’s touch on that responsibility.
Luke 8:11-15(NKJV) 11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. 14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. 15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
​In this well-known parable Jesus was teaching his disciples about the various grounds (hearts of man) and the outcome that awaits each person depending on how they receive God’s word. Now as harsh as these first three types of ground may seem, we all if not careful have the potential of becoming them. That’s why we are admonished in Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
​How do we check our ground? We must daily and continually submit our hearts and minds to the power and authority of God, through his Holy Spirit to ensure that we are growing in the manner He desires. Our ground maintenance must include prayer, reading the Word of God, submitting to His will and following where He leads on a daily basis
​Your ground is meant to be fruitful for the kingdom not wasteful in the world!

Be Blessed

Check Your Ground Part I

“O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3 (KJV)

Sunday after Sunday believers all over the world gather together at various churches ready to hear from God. They take their time primping and preparing to leave home, jump in their cars and go into the sanctuary, ready for what God has for them. Expecting that the preacher will say something to encourage or uplift them, or something that will give them hope to continue life’s journey in a hopeful manner. While this is ok, it should never be the end to what a believer should expect when they prepare for corporate worship, nor should they lay all of the expectation on what God is going to do for them today.

What do I mean? While it is necessary to make sure your outer appearance is acceptable for worship, it is equally vital to make sure your inner self is also prepared. Are you taking the time to ensure that your heart and mind are ready to receive what God really has for you or are you only going for a temporary relief from the things you are dealing with? In order to answer that question we must understand the purpose for Corporate Worship.

Corporate worship has a two-fold purpose; the first purpose is to come together to give praise and worship God for who He is and what he is doing in our lives. The second purpose is to receive the nourishment that He will pour out through the preaching of the gospel by his appointed vessels, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Corporate Worship (much like the bible) is not designed to make us feel better, but to help us learn how to live better. Now there are times when we are in a season where our emotions weigh us down and God will graciously come and lift the heavy burden to comfort us, but that is not the goal every time . God’s desire for our lives is to conform us into the image of His son, but we must be willing and available for the process.

While it is God’s desire to conform us into Jesus’ image we must make we understand that we hold a responsibility in being conformed. While the power to conform us is solely with God, he will not snap his fingers to grow us through or complete the process, we must do our part!

What exactly is our responsibility? How do we check our ground? We will explore that more in part two tomorrow.

Be Blessed

Don't Pout, Just Shout

So many times life seemingly throws some hard curveballs and circumstances at us. Things come up without any warning or expectation that throws our regular way of living into a tailspin; causing us to have to re-evaluate and readjust our lives. When these things occur in our lives they seem to create so many additional problems for us, however some of the problems are avoidable if we choose to maintain the proper perspective.
Having a proper perspective as a child of God is key when learning how to deal with the situations of life, and understanding that God allows these situations to either test us, try us or prune us but never to hurt us. The problem is we don't take on these situations head on equipped with the word and the power of God, instead we allow our emotions to get in the forefront and lead us through this season which always leaves us feeling empty, frustrated and misunderstood. Even worse we miss and hinder the purpose of the circumstance by blinding ourselves to Gods will in that season by being led by our emotions.
What does being led by our emotions look like in hard times? I'm glad you asked. It may look something like this. "Oh God why me?" "This ain't fair!" "Why is it that Sally Mae downs the street gets what she wants and she doesn't even acknowledge you?" While this may seem like a natural response, complaining & murmuring should never be the way of a child of God.
Why should we never respond in this natural sense? Well because Philippians 2:14a (NKJV) tells us "Do all things without complaining and disputing. Part of the all things we are to do without complaining is how we handle our hard times.
Need further proof? James 1:2 says (NKJV) "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials". Gods word does not say fall to pieces crying and complaining but REJOICE. Psalms 68:3 (NKJV) also says "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."So when hard times come, don't cry, stomp, be mad or pout, instead just trust God & shout! Shout because you know Your God is all powerful & is working things together for your good. Shout because you know He's bringing you through for His purpose, your growth and His Glory.


Be Blessed

Follow Instructions

There are many times in life where we choose to hold on to the advise of others. Loved ones, trusted friends, motivational speakers, all because we believe their words will provide for us what we are looking for. While the encouragement of others has it place, we often fail to put it into place. We make the mistake of placing all our value in what they have to say while neglecting to put any value in what God has to say. We assume because they have been in similar situations that they know best, or we feel what worked for them will also work for us. Sometimes we find ourselves in sticky situations because we have not sought the counsel of God before seeking the counsel of man.
But who knows what's best for us better than God? Who can give us better direction than God? No one!! No matter how well intending people are and how much wisdom they have, no one can give us better words for our lives. No one can provide any promises with their instructions other than God. Now I know what you may be saying I've read the word, I've heard what God has said but it doesn't seem to be working. Well I have a question? What are you doing while your listening & waiting?
Proverbs 4:10-13 (NKJV) says: Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.

How do we respond properly to His instructions?

First Receive His instructions: He will protect us as we follow Him. He says because he has taught us wisdom & leads us on the right paths our steps will be not be hindered, we will be able to move forward without any blockage. Further we can run moving we can move forward swiftly full steam ahead and not worry about falling.
Second Take Firm Hold & Don't let go!! We must fully embrace that God's Word contains everything we need to make it through this journey! Once we embrace that we must hold on to His Word for dear life!

Be Blessed