2 Peter 1:5-9, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and had forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

These 5 verses say a lot about who we are (or are supposed to be) as followers of Christ. Let’s take a closer look.

You all know me; I always like to start with simple definitions as a foundation to better understanding. 

Faith: complete trust or confidence in God.

Virtue: behavior that shows high moral standards.

Knowledge: facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject. Awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

Temperance: moderation or self-restraint. (SELF CONTROL!)

Patience: the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. (I would add to this – without complaining).

Godliness: the quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God. Devoutness and moral uprightness.

Brotherly kindness: (brotherly love) is the love for one’s fellow man as a brother. (Kindness) is selfless, compassionate, and merciful. Compounded together: to love our fellow man and a brother and to be selfless, compassionate and merciful in our treatment of them.

Charity: the highest form of love, signifying the reciprocal love between God and man that is made manifest in unselfish love of one’s fellow man.

Wow! When we take the time to view this scripture in the light of these inherent meaning, it allows us to see the love that God has shown to us!

The bible says to every man is dealt a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). We all may not have the same amount, but we all have some. It is our job to exercise our faith and growth it (Romans 10:17, Romans 1:17). We do this my hearing the word of God, believing it by faith, and stepping out on that word. This brings experience and increases our knowledge. **Please refer to the definitions above as we travel through this lesson.

Notice that from our foundation of faith – which every person has, we are to add virtue. This is a standard of behavior. We were all taught as children – no matter how you were raised, or who raised you – a standard of behavior. What was and was not acceptable. No mater the home life, you were given some inclination as how to successfully navigate through to make it to the next day. This is your moral standard. No matter the quality of the standard you were taught as a child, when you receive salvation and become a follower of Christ, your standard must change and elevate. Hebrews 12:2, lets us know that renewal of our mind is required to prove (know or demonstrate) what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. This is virtue.

Moving on to the next building block, we need to add knowledge. We are trusting God (faith), our behavior is lining up with his will (virtue), and now we need to gain experience of him so we can truly know him (knowledge). We touched on this briefly, earlier. It is a benefit gained as we exercise our faith to grow it. Also, through the reading, hearing, and endeavoring to understand the word of God.

As we learn more about him, we understand the necessity of Temperance. Excess will kill you or lead you to places (naturally, emotionally, and spiritually) you do not want to go. God has equipped us with necessary tools to practice self-restraint. It is our duty to do it. Fasting will bring this flesh under subjection to the Holy Spirit. Consecration will bring your mind to a place where God can speak to you. But again, these are steps we must take to possess self-control.

I find it amazing how each quality noted in this text needs you to master (or at least work on mastering) the quality before.

Next, we have patience. I personally, need Godly self-control to patiently deal with the things that pop-up in my life. Patience takes a lot of practice, and trust in God! It is recommended to smart on small things that test your patience.

Mindfully, make it your daily goal to exercise your patience a little more each day. You will find, when that big fish comes along, you are ready to patiently wait for God to work out the situation. Godliness goes together with patience. The bible says, “in patience, possess ye your soul” (Luke 21:19). Patience makes it possible to conform to God’ will and follow him. God’s timing is not the same as our own. We must patiently wait on him. But be encouraged, for is on time and will not fail.

The last 2 qualities are all about love. And how God’s love will constrain us to treat those we meet. It is truly impossible to exhibit brotherly kindness and charity, without having first experienced God’s great love toward us. When we see the depth of his love toward us, by dying on the cross for a people despised and rejected him (brotherly kindness) and giving himself as a ransom for us (charity). We can then have an inkling of what these characteristics are and see them in operation.

Barren or Unfruitful?

So, the initial question, are you or do you feel that you are barren or unfruitful?

Barren (unfruitful): to be incapable of producing offspring.

Abound: existing in or providing a great or plentiful quantity of supply.

If you feel this is you, look at the remainder of this scripture text for help…

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and had forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

When we find lack, or barren places in our lives, it is necessary to repent (ask God for forgiveness) and make changes. The scriptures plainly tell us how to fix our barrenness. We must abound – have an abundance of the characteristics found in this text. When we forget who we are (in Christ), and whose we are, we tend to fall back into the things God has already freed us from.

Shake yourself, get your mind back, and follow God. Then begin to rebuild your foundation: to your faith, add virtue…all the way until you are standing in that place of love toward yourself and everyone you meet.

Have a blessed day,

If you need prayer, please feel free to email your prayer requests to: OTP.Ministries1@gmail.com

Sunday Morning Worship…

https://youtu.be/mYvdzV0Bobw

Please click the link above to enjoy the morning message.

If you would like prayer, please email us at:

OTP.Ministries1@gmail.com

Have a blessed Sunday.

We are commanded to pray. The new testaments tells us that men ought always pray and not faint (Luke 18:1). Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Many people are confused on how to pray and what to pray. Many are even confused as to when and where to pray.

The purpose of this lesson is to dispel any confusion that you may have.

By definition, Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of thanks to God. Simply put it is communication with God. We talk to him and allow room for God to speak to us. And can be equated to a conversation.

Prayer should be made in faith and sincerity. Prayer should be in align with the Word of God! We never pray contrary to the Bible.

In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus provided a template on what and how to pray. Let’s take a look:

Matthew 6:9-13, “After this manner therefore pray ye:

⁃ Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (We start our prayer with worship. Hollowed means holy, set apart. We begin by exalting God).

⁃ Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (We then ask for God’s will to be accomplished in our lives).

⁃ Give us this day our daily bread. (We then ask Good to meet our daily needs).

⁃ And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (We then repent of our sins and ask God to help those who have sinned against us).

⁃ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (We ask for deliverance and direction/guidance).

⁃ For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (We end our prayer in praise).

This is template given by God. If you are new to prayer, this blueprint is for you. It is not necessary to say the exact words noted above. But your prayer should consist of these elements.

Again, prayer is a conversation with God. You can speak reverently and respectfully to God in your own words. He understands you and the intentions of your heart. Big swelling and eloquent words are not needed to have a successful prayer. Just Speak comfortably and sincerely to God.

The Bible has other examples of prayer. Here are a couple from the Old Testament. Because they are from the Old Testament, they do not follow the template The Lord’s Prayer from the New Testament. However, the sentiment can be incorporated into your prayers.

Psalms 23 Prayer. A prayer of trust and love toward God. It reminds us of God’s goodness, provision, protection, comfort and control. No matter what we face (good times or bad. In lean times and in plenty), God is in control and working on our behalf.

Jabez Prayer. A prayer of blessings and increase. 1 Chronicles 4:10, “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

Psalms 51, David’s prayer of forgiveness and acknowledgment of his sin against God.

Search the scriptures to find other prayers. Just as long as you pray and pray effectively.

Prayer can be done anywhere and at anytime. You can pray effectively out loud or silently to yourself.

Most importantly you can pray when you are in the midst of a situation. Asking God to work on your behalf fight now.

You can create a secret place of prayer for yourself. I personally pray in my bedroom. I also add time for reading and quiet meditation on the word of God. It is during this time that I find the Lord speaking to me.

Find what works for you, just make sure to pray. Do it deliberately and mindfully.

Make time to talk to God. Add time to listen to God. It takes practice and may feel a little weird at first. But the more you practice, you will quickly become comfortable with personal time with God!

There are times when, in addition to your own prayers, you may need someone to pray with you or stand in agreement with you. When that time comes call for help (James 5:14, Matthew 18:20). There is power in joint prayer.

It’s time to pray. Take the time to pray for yourself, your family, your community, your country and our leaders. Pray for the world.

If you are in need of prayer we are willing to pray and stand in faith with you. Please feel free to email us at: OTP.Ministries1d@gmail.com.

Pray and Have a blessed day

Sunday Morning Message

https://youtu.be/k1DECW0lj2o

Please click the link above to view the full message.

If you would like prayer, please email your prayer request to: OTP.Ministries1@gmail.com

Have a blessed Sunday and upcoming week.

Galatians 5:7-9, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

Compromise!

It is a confusing notion. On one hand comprise can be good. In relationships, some give and take is healthy. It can strengthen and lengthen a marriage.

On the other hand, compromising your principles or standards leads to destruction. It lowers quality and opens the door for inferior attitudes to prevail.

By definition, compromise an agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. To accept standards that are lower than is desirable.

Yes, to a certain extent compromise is healthy. But we must me wise. We need to recognize when to compromise and when to stand boldly on principle and refuse to cave in to pressure or to popular opinion.

That brings us to our topic: Beware of leaven.

By definition, leaven is a substance, typically yeast, that is used in dough to make it rise.
A pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it.

We live in a time where the ability to influence the thoughts and behaviors of the masses can garner fame and fortune. Online life is littered with influencer. People who may or may not truly believe in what they are saying or advertising. Their only goal is a multitude of followers, free products, and publicity.

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

The end goal is to sway people in any direction they seem fit.

Negative compromise does not happen all at once. That would be too drastic. The victim would catch on quickly to what is happening. Rather it can be very subtle.

It starts with an innocent idea. Seeds planted during conversation. Innocent comments. Small touches, etc.

If we are not careful to catch it when it’s small, it will grow and take you over. At some point you will not recognize who you have become. Neither will the people around you.

1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

We are instructed to:

– Watch and pray (Matthew 26:41).

– To know those who labor with us (1 Thessalonians 5:12).

– We are warned to avoid those who walk contrary to the gospel (Romans 16:17).

We are to guard our hearts and minds. To protect ourselves from allowing the enemy to change us into something other than what God has called.

It only takes a little leaven to change the whole lump.

We like to think a little of this or a little of that won’t hurt or harm us. But that is erroneous thinking. If the “little” is contrary to what God has ordered. It is very harmful.

Self check time:

– Who are you being influenced by?

– What compromises have you made.

– How much or how far have you changed from the purpose for which God has called you?

– Who has influenced you that you no longer obey the truth?

After a self check, if you find negative compromise, it’s time to repent. Ask God to forgive you. Make changes. Avoid people, places, and things that would pull you away from God. You can and should still love and pray for them. But you cannot spend time with them to the point where they are impacting your thoughts and behaviors.

Beware of leaven

Have a blessed day

https://youtu.be/RgFyrYJys0E

OTP Sunday Morning Worship Service. Please click the link above and enjoy the message.

Be blessed by the Word of God!

Esther 4:16-16, “Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

There are times in everyone’s life that seem like a crossroad.

That point where you recognize it is time to make an impactful move. You understand the next step is extremely important. So much so, that you cannot afford to go the wrong way. This is the point where a believer moves from potential into purpose.

It is at this point Ester found here purpose. Mordecai advised Esther, “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

We may never know the full plan that God has for our lives. But, God is faithful. He allows us to some how understand when our circumstances are lining up to point us toward a specific course of action.

I call this “crossroad” point.

We have options:

1. We can stay on the current path.

2. We can turn left,

3. or we can turn right.

Staying on the current path means more of the same. No growth. No maturity. No elevation.

Options 2 and 3 represent the unknown. They require movement from your comfort zone. They require a leap of faith, and they represent growth.

Esther knew she needed some extra help.

She was facing possible death. The king had not spoken to her or called for her in 30 days. If the king refused to put out his scepter to her she would be put to death.

Esther was willing to do what her people needed her to. But she also recognized she needed God to go before her and make the way smooth. She needed God to order her steps, to guide her either left or right.

Crossroad is defined as being at a point of decision or a critical juncture.

She asked for the Jews to fast for her.

Consecration and Fasting.

To Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose.

To Fast means to limit certain foods, practices, and habits in order to focus on God.

We are all called by God for specific purposes. We do not, however, always know what these may be. By going on a fast and/or a consecration, we are able to quiet the noises in our life. This allows us to hear, see, or understand what God is saying; or go where he is leading.

For Esther, she was facing a life or death situation. But her mind was made up. Her attitude was “I am going to see the king. If I perish, I perish.”

We need to have the same attitude. I want more. I want better. I want to accomplish what Gods is leading me to. I want to fulfill the vision God gave me. I will not let nothing stop me. But I need help.

If you have one – Call your prayer partner. Consecrate yourself and fast. Seek God during your fast. Quiet yourself to hear from God.

Trust God to reveal himself to you. To illuminate the way you should take.

Walk by faith. Refuse to be ruled by fear. Fear will lead you to inaction. Inaction will cause you to remain in the same place. Remaining in the same place removes or severely limits the opportunity for growth.

It’s time to move beyond the crossroad into purpose. Enjoy your journey!

Have a blessed day.