Revelations 22:20, “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Just a quick word of encouragement.

God has given us an awesome tool. We are able to examine our own selves to see if we are waking in the faith.

We are instructed to save ourselves from this corrupted generation (Acts 2:40).

We are also instructed to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Now, back to examining ourselves. We have the word of God as our schoolmaster. It is our roadmap. It is the instructions which contain everything we need to get from where we are currently, to where we want to be – with Jesus for eternity.

So we look at ourselves through the lens of the word of God. We are not perfect. God does not expect us to be perfect in all things. However, he does expect us to be striving to live up to what he has revealed to us in his word.

What God has revealed to us cannot and should not be changed due to political climate or what is Now considered right and fair by secular standards.

Remember, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Malachi 3:6, tells us he change not.

The standard of God remains steady. We are to live up to it. We do not follow or allow (or excuse) those who would try to lower that standard.

We do not judge others. We simply live our life according to the word. We pray for everyone else.

We all have to see God for ourselves. We all must examine ourselves. We all must give an account of this life.

So be encouraged and stand fast. We don’t know when he is coming. All we know is that he is coming back, quickly. Now is a good time to do a reality check.

Are you ready?

Have a blessed day!

Luke 1:1-20

Zacharias of Abia and Elisabeth of the daughters of Aaron – the parents of John the Baptist. Before they got to the place of parenthood they had to take a journey through a barren place.

Both were righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (v. 5).

But, they were unable to have any children. This fact greatly disturbed them both. This was not a small thing. They were in this place for many years.

To be barren or a barren place, by definition is too poor to produce much or any life. A bleak and lifeless (place). Synonymous with Unproductive, infertile, unfruitful, sterile, pointless, futile, worthless, profitless, valueless, and unrewarding.

They were dealing with some very tough odds. In addition to being barren, they were both stricken in years. Because they had been in this state for such a long time, and were well used to navigating its waters. Sometimes, being in a situation for so long can warp your senses or taint your perspective. It may be challenging to rejoice with others when they share the good news of what is happening in their lives.

But we keep moving, we keep working…

Zacharias, was a priest and ministered in the temple. He was responsible for burning incense in the temple. While the people were outside praying, Zacharias was inside, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him.

Zacharias saw him and was troubled, fear fell upon him. The angel told him to fear not. Assured him that his prayer is heard, and Elisabeth, his wife, shall bear him a son, and to call his name John (v. 13).

Now, the reality of Zacharias situation kicks in…

Zacharias had 1 prayer that he must have prayed over and over again. This is the prayer that was heard. The Angel prophesied to Zacharias about his son from v. 13 through v. 15.

I don’t know many people who would physically see an angel and not feel some type of fear. However, once a person turns on their spiritual discernment that can tell it is off God, or get to rebuking in the name of Jesus.

But this is where Zacharias confirmed he was walking more in the flesh than in the spirit. He asked “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years (v. 18).

This lets me know that Zacharias circumstances – he was in this barren place for so long – had him convinced that they were stronger than the Lord. His circumstances had warped his knowledge of the God he so faithfully served. It skewed his perspective. He was almost afraid to receive the glad tidings.

I don’t know about you, but I have also been in situations for what seems like years. Fasting and praying and talking to God about them. Speaking life to my situation, decreeing and declaring. But it still seems as though God had pushed the pause button on it. But that is not the case. God is sovereign and he has a plan and a fullness of time for us all.

All of the work that we put into receiving from God is not fruitless. God counts it as “righteous before God, walking in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless,” (v. 5). Yes we need to do these things because they build up our faith, so when the manifestation comes, we can receive it with gladness, glorifying God.

We must be careful to guard our hearts and our minds, because we can get to the place where Zacharias found himself. The answer to your prayers is standing right in front of you, but you have been so hurt by your circumstances that you are too afraid to believe that it is real.

God is faithful, he cannot deny himself. He still performed the miracle, but had to further demonstrate his power to Zacharias. According to v. 20, “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words.”

Zacharias wanted a sign, so God gave him one. I am sure that this is not what Zacharias had in my when he asked, “Whereby shall I know this?”

God’s plan is going to happen. Gabriel told Zacharias in the later part of v. 20, “…which shall be fulfilled in their season.” Gabriel said “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee the glad tidings” (v.19). We have to be in the place where we recognize when God is speaking to us – even if he is doing it through a chosen vessel. We should be able to recognize when God is at work!

God has a season for just for us, and it is now. Receive what he is saying and accept it in faith. Walk in discernment. The scriptures tells us to try the spirit by the spirit to see if it be of God, 1 John 4:1-5.

If you have the Holy Ghost abiding on the inside, there should be a witness in your spirit that this is God. If you do not have that immediate witness, then go further. Line it up against the word of God. If is it God, it will line up. If does not line up, it is not God! Shake the dust off your feet and keep it moving.

Due season – it is your season. This is the time where God is fulfilling his promise, answering that prayer that you have been praying for a long, long time.

Don’t be afraid. Grab hold of it with both hands and walk in it by faith!

Have a blessed day.

Luke 19:47-48, “And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.”

Jealous, by definition: 1. hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage; 2. intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness; 3. vigilant in guarding a possession.

According to GoodTherapy.org, “In the spectrum of human emotions, jealousy is almost certainly one of the most complex, frustrating, and uncomfortable. This cocktail of anger, sadness, suspicion, and envy can destroy relationships, cause bouts of depression and anxiety, and even lead to serious violence or—in extreme cases—homicide. While jealousy and envy are sometimes used synonymously, jealousy refers to the fear of losing someone or something you value, while envy is resentment over something you don’t have but want.”

In my opinion, this scripture is a perfect example of the irrational lure of jealousy.

We all, more than likely, have had our own experience with it a time or two in our life time. You were either a victim or a perpetrator of it. It is that common!

Before we jump into our topic, I would like to take time to talk about emotions.

Feelings are important. We must not cover them up and act like they don’t exist. Rather, we must acknowledge them. Expose them to God, and allow him to work his perfect work – and free us. This is especially true for jealousy.

If we don’t get control of our flesh, it can lead us to some places we would rather not be.

1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Fasting is an important tool for the believer. When we fast, we are taking action to draw closer to God, to align ourselves with his word. This is the duty of every believer.

What keeps us grounded, is our ability to come to God and be completely transparent before him. This means, while we are in our secret closet talking to God, we reveal everything to him. Prayer is a conversation between you and God. When we talk to him, and show him the ugliness of our lives, he is able to touch it, to deliver us and set us free.

But when we try to keep the cover on this ugliness, we are simply keeping ourselves bound to the sin tied to emotion. We deal with the guilt and shame. We feel an embarrassment that keeps us feeling depressed and anxious. The longer we allow this to go on, will make room for those feelings to spread and infect every area of our lives.

One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Because Jesus was in this flesh, he knows and understands the feelings we have – because he felt them too. Yet, without sin. He is our perfect example. He felt things, but he over came them. And because he did, so can we.

Just a few examples:

⁃ He was anxious in the garden of Gethsemane.

⁃ He was angry in the temple.

⁃ He was hungry (as he was taken up to be tempted by satan).

⁃ He was sad (Jesus wept).

⁃ He felt betrayal (Judas).

⁃ He felt alone (asked his disciples if they would leave him too).

Taking a look specifically at jealousy.

Jealousy caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:11).

James 3:14-16, tells us where jealousy is there is confusion. And every evil work.

The worst thing we can do is to lie to ourselves and others, while trying to cover up the truth of how we feel. When we recognize that we are feeling jealousy we must take swift action.

Jealousy is a cancer to the soul. It is not of God, nor is God pleased with it. The expectation is that once you recognize it in yourself, you will confess it to God, repent, and allow God to deliver you from it. You must fast over it – bring your flesh under submission to the Holy Spirit.

Jealousy is tricky because it involves you and no one else. The trick of the enemy is to convince you that it is someone else’s fault. But it sprouted up from a seed that was planted. A seed that we nurtured and allow to grow. If we do not get a hold of it, It will bear fruit. This fruit is sinful actions.

Jealousy generally comes from our own lack, or failure, or character flaws, etc. We see someone excelling in areas we aspire to. Instead of rejoicing with them, we take it as an indictment against us. We now have animosity toward that person. The target of our jealousy usually is not even aware of what’s going on.

Jealousy will stunt spiritual growth. Jealousy does not allow space for forgiveness. A jealous heart will not seek it.

Rather than going down this downward spiral, let’s us acknowledge it before it is too late. Tell God all about it, in detail. There is a saying, “the devil is in the details,” well let us expose him. We will tell God all about it.

If you do, I guarantee you will be completely delivered. For God alone is able!

If you find yourself in this situation, now is the perfect time to seek deliverance. God is always listening.

My prayer for us all is freedom from jealousy!

Have a blessed night!

Psalms 27:14, “Wait on the LORD:
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

To wait is to stay where one you are or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens.

In this case, we are waiting patiently on the Lord. Don’t rush, but we must actively wait. We must occupy until he come (see Luke 19:13-27).

In our waiting for God to reveal himself to us to a greater degree, he expects us to occupy the space we are in to the best of our ability. Then, as we work God will strengthen us for more works.

Our goal should be to completely fill the space that we are in.

What about you?

Have you filled your space with Godly works? Are you doing what God has given you to your full capacity? Or have you found excuses as to why you cannot?

Remember God is coming back and his reward is with him.

Let’s make it our goal, together, to strive to work wile it is day. For the night comets when no man can work.

So get out of your head, and get to work filling the space around you, by doing what God has called you to.

If you stay in your head – thinking about getting to where you want to be – and you miss the beauty of where you are. You are in the right place to operate in the gifts and callings God has placed in you.

Get to work and actively wait on the Lord, Occupy till he come!

Have a blessed night!

Okay, today was full of trying times. Multiple frustrating situations were vying for my attention simultaneously!

In addition to the normal Monday work stressors, there was also emergency dental appointment, and ridiculous insurance issues, just to name a few. While at the same time trying to cook a healthy dinner, and make time to exercise, I was beyond frustrated.

I wanted to get some space from my family to just decompress, rather than take my frustrations out on them.

As I was sitting on the sofa in my bedroom, I realized I did not want to feel this way. So I thought, what can I do? Then the song came to my mind, which is also a scripture… “and when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” Psalms 61:2.

Then I realized it is impossible to be frustrated and praise God at the same time. When you let go and get in some serious praise and worship, your spirit is refreshed and your heart lifted.

So that is what I did, and I have a better attitude.

There is something awesome about being in the presence of God. To be able to pour out your heart in peace and in confidence that God can handle the good, the bad, and the ugly of your situations. Yes, he will correct you and show you your wrong. But you will also receive love, compassion, and forgiveness. It is just awesome indeed!

Not to mention, the physical exercise help to relieve my physical stress too!

So, now at the end of a day that was full of frustrations, I feel nothing but the joy of the Lord! I feel honored to have a relationship with God. Something that no one can take away.

So if you have had a similar day, I encourage you to go into you secret closet for some one on one time with God. I guarantee you will also come out changed.

Have a blessed night!

1 Samuel 15:22

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

By definition, to obey simply means “to hear,” “to listen.” It carries with it, however, the ethical significance of hearing with reverence and obedient assent. 

—-

The Obedience Factor…Witness.

Witness, by definition is attestation of a fact or event. Or one that gives evidence.

For the follower of Christ, we should be seen by others walking in obedience. 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

Weather you realize it or not, people watch your life. They see how you deal with situations, how your carry yourself, as well as what you have. Your life is an epistle (a book of the New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle). It’s not the words you say, that speaks to the heart of people alone. It’s the life you live.

My mother-in-law always said “a pair of lips will says anything.” This is so true. Many times people cannot trust the words some believers say because many times their words are contrary to the life they live. The “do as I say, not as I do” type of lifestyle does not carry power. Most of the time this causes damage to those it touch.

However, the believer or follower of Christ, should walk in obedience. Or be a witness, that the word of God is true.

⁃ People should see us showing love, walking in forgiveness, power and victory.

⁃ People should see us composed and exhibiting self control. We should not fly off the handle when provoked.

⁃ People should see us following the tenets of our faith.

Obedience to the word of God is not an option. It is a requirement if we are to follow God. 1 Samuel let’s us know that God would rather have your obedience over any offering you would want to give.

You cannot buy (or give) your way out of it. It is obedience or hell.

But more than that, we should want to honor God by adhering to his word.

Obedience puts us in position reap the promises of God.

Obedience allows the believer to confidently stand in the midst of every storm knowing that God must come through. Why? Because he watches over his word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).

As we walk in obedience, standing on God’s word by faith, decreeing and declaring. God sees his word. He will do what he said – for he cannot lie.

So, obedience is the key.

Give your testimony to others. Let them know you tried the word of God, and it works. Every time!

Have a blessed day!