Jude 24-25

“24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and”

Without doubt and without controversy, God is able. However, as a believer, a follower, as a child of God, we must know this. It must be a foundational truth in our hearts. For from this foundation do we build, we stand in and walk by faith.

Each day we face a lot. Situations that are designed to turn us away from God. The enemy of our soul is doing everything he can to convince us that God is not real. That God is not all powerful, that he does not love us. He is trying to convince the world (God’s creation) that we are better off without him.

Congress is trying to legislate God out of everything. Even seeking to require the church to do things that are against God’s law.

Again I say, each day we face a lot. However, we must stand firm and know that God is able. He is able to keep us from falling. He is able to present us before his presence. It is our duty to not allow the situations of our life turn us from the God who created us. But rather we should allow these things to push us closer to God. We must dig deeper in God and his word.

To remain faithful to the faith, we must guard what we allow in our spirit (our heart). We cannot watch everything on TV or listen to everything on the radio or social media. Most of the time, to protect our peace of mind, it is best to narrow our exposure to allow. This will eliminate a lot of struggle from our lives. We must be selective.

Know that God is able.

He is able to do what is needed in your life. Know he is a miracle worker. Know that he is able to deliver and to keep you.

Know that God also has requirements of his children. We are required to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-17). We are required to live life well (Romans 12:1). We are required to love and show love to all (Matthew 5:44). We are require not to judge others (Matthew 7:1-3). We are required to share the good news of the gospel, to be a witness (Acts 1:8).

The amazing part is that the God, who is able, gives us strength, power and encouragement, to do the things noted above. Because walking according to his word also brings glory to him.

Know that God is able. He is able to keep us during this challenging time in which we live. For there is nothing too hard for him.

What challenges are you facing? Have you decided that it is too hard? That there is no hope? Have you believed the lies the enemy of your soul is telling you?

Rebuke the devil and guard you ears. Hear only what God is saying. Pick your self up and follow after God. You can be free. You can be delivered. You are worth saving. You are with it to God!

Do better. Be better. Understand that God is able.

God Is Able!

Have a blessed day!

Praise and worship will keep your mind and save your life!

Have a blessed night!

John 14:9

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”

To hear is to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something). To listen or pay attention to. To listen and to judge.

To listen is to give one’s attention to a sound. To take notice of and act on what someone says; respond to advice or a request. To make an effort to hear something; be alert and ready to hear something.

To know is to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information. To have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with.

These are all simple words yet sometimes we miss what they truly mean because they are so simple.

We can interact with someone daily and still not know them. We can love someone and not really know them. This is a selfish kind of love. This is a love where we take more from the relationship than we give. We have all had this type of relationship before, and it is always unsatisfying for one person. For it is hard to give yourself and not get the full person in return.

In a healthy relationship, both parties should seek to know what the other needs to be happy. This information is gleaned from spending quality time in conversation. For communication to be effective both parties must hear. Hearing leads to listening. Listening causes actions that ultimately prove you know (or love) one another.

The saying is true “to know me is to love me.” To know God is to love him!

Do you know him?

I believe that Philip had love for Jesus in John 14:9. However, he did not make the effort to “know” Jesus. Believe me, there is a profound difference.

When we know him, we know his will. His will is laid out in detail in his word. In John 6:63, Jesus says “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The words that he speaks are life and peace to those that hear, listen, and know!

Philip asked a question. He probably felt it was a reasonable question meant to show his intent, his interest, his love. However, his question really showed that in all his time with Jesus, he never took the time to know him.

Jesus’ response was good because it provided Philip the opportunity to understand how he was missing the mark in their relationship. It gave him a chance to do better.

Do you know him?

We too, ask questions of Jesus proving that we don’t know him as well as we should.

Questions that are grounded in doubt of just who he is. Questions such as can you deliver me from this? Are you able to heal me from this? Is this too much for me? Can I truly walk in peace? In love? The questions can be endless, however, Jesus’ answer is always consistent. How is that you’ve been with me all this time and still not know me?

When you take the time to know him through relationship with him. Through study of his word, you also gain confidence and a boldness that you never knew before. The confidence and boldness is not about you, but it is about God.

When you know him, the questions cease. Instead you begin to remind him of what he said in his word, and stand on them by faith.

You decree, you declare, and you stand until the manifestation comes. You endure to the end.

I am not saying you cannot ask God questions. In fact, you should ask. However the type of questions you ask change. You move from questions that are grounded in doubt, to questions that are grounded in faith. Questions such as is now the time to say this? Or go there? What is your will in this situation? Because we know him the questions we ask come from a place of our history with him.

If you don’t know him, now is a good time to change that.

Invite Jesus in to your heart. Ask him to lead you to a Bible based church where you can learn more of him and receive the full plan of salvation outlined in Acts 2:38. Take action while there is still time.

Questions or comments? Please leave them below.

Have a blessed day!

1 John 4:18

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

I have found that everything in life is a choice. Some of us consistently make poor choices and the quality of our life reflects it. Others make better choices and they reap the benefits of those choices.

We can choose to be happy and make choices that surround them with peace and hope. Others choose misery by making choices which surround them in negativity and despair.

I have learned, if I want change in my life it begins with make different choices. Then back the new choice with the appropriate actions.

It is my choice to trust God and leave fear alone. Trust is firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of God. I know he can do anything, he can handle every situation. There is nothing too hard for him. Nothing that can overwhelm him or exhaust he strength and power!

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

It is impossible to dwell in fear and trust God at the same time. Again, it comes down to a choice. You must decide to believe what fear is telling you, or to believe God and take him at his word. We cannot vacillate between the two. You either fear or you trust God!

Fear torments us.

God gives us peace.

To a logical person, the choice is simple. But we all know we can be very illogical at times. Usually in those times when our emotions are running high. But this is no excuse to allow fear to overtake us. We must choose to trust God through and in every situation!

So my Wednesday mood is this: I choose to leave fear behind, and to dwell in God’s love, trusting him.

What is your mood today? Where do you choose to dwell?

Avoid the torments of fear, and choose the peace that comes from trusting God!

Have a blessed day!

1John 5:4

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

By definition, an overcomer is a person who overcomes something: one who succeeds in dealing with or gaining control of some problem or difficulty.

We all face difficulties- every day. Some even struggle not to allow emotions, pain and sorrow to swallow them whole. The struggle is real. However, there is our God, who is faithful. God placed in us all that overcoming spirit!

As easy as it would be to give into the difficulties and struggles of life, God has made us fighters! He has give us that special seed of faith that allows a glimmer of hope to flicker in our hearts.

It is our duty, our choice, to reach for that flicker, that glimmer and exercise our faith. We have to choose to be an overcomer!

Once we make the choice we then have to fight the good fight of faith.

The hardest part is actually making the choice! One the choice is made, it is that faith fight that invigorates our spirit and encourages our heart!

We take joy in delving into God’s word to pull out our fighting ammunition. We bask in God’s presence in praise and worship to gain strength – and we keep fighting!

Before we even understand what has happened we have already overcame the struggle! This is praise worthy!

You are an overcomer!

Do not allow anyone make you see your self as anything less! Let the voice of God speak louder in your spirit, in your ear, over the voice of every lying spirit!

You are an overcomer!

Have a blessed day!!

Matthew 11:15:

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Revelations 3:22:

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

1John 4:5-6:

“5. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

By definition, to hear is to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something).

To hear is an activity that requires total participation. Our hearing must be exercised daily so it can be sharpened. Just because a person has fully functioning ears does not mean they hear (or perceive) what is being said or even going on around them.

Can you hear?

Truthfully, how many times have you been in conversation with some who totally did not hear (understand) what you were saying. When they recounted the information back to you it was almost opposite of what you actually said?

Hearing is a skill that we all must work at to perfect.

The same is so when it comes to hearing God. The Bible says the spirit speaks expressly or clearly (1Timothy 4:1). Yes, Gods speaks to us so clearly that there is no opportunity to misunderstand. However, in this same verse, the Bible also explains how we miss what is being said:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

When we depart from the faith (or our totally committed walk with God), we open ourselves up to ideology that opposes God. This now clouds our ability to hear what the spirit of God is saying to us.

Can you hear?

The ability to hear is crucial for the believer because Gods words are spirit and life (John6:63). It is this word that frames and guides our life. It is our foundation and strength. To hear them are our life’s blood.

If you are at the point where you feel you are not hearing from God, it is time to spiritually clean your ears. It is time to turn off distractions and focus back on God exclusively. It is time to set a rigid schedule. Read and meditate on the holy word of God. Fast and pray. Then settle your self to hear. Set an atmosphere of praise and worship – listen to what God is saying.

Once your spiritual ears are clear and hearing properly again. Ask God to show you how to organically include this same atmosphere in your daily routine. You can lose the rigid schedule, but maintain what you have gained.

Now, you can hear!

God is always speaking. He gives us our daily bread. The problem was most of the time our ears were clogged to his voice.

John 10:27: “My sheep (children) hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

We must be able to hear God to follow him effectively.

We must be able to hear God so that we can identify when someone is saying things that oppose God.

Now, you can hear and identify what is NOT God!

These are false prophets. 1John 4:5-6 let’s us know that these people are out there and they have a huge audience and they speak loudly. Sadly enough – the world hears them, and pays attention.

We must guard ourselves that we do not get caught up in their foolishness. We must always stand on the true word of God. Even when it is not popular or when it seems people do not want to hear it.

Happy hearing! Have a blessed day!

1 John 3:22-23

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”

God is an amazing God, who loves us and desires to bless us abundantly!

We talked previously of obedience and God requires that from us above all. Including any gift or sacrifice we would bring him. To obey God’s word, to keep his commandments is the biggest indicator of our love toward him. Beyond that is to love his people, or all those that he loves and those for whom he died. It is safe to say this includes everyone.

Because God knows his children, he understands it is challenging to love some. He is also faithful to us. Obedience affords us answered prayers. It is not payment it is a benefit. It is about our character.

The child of God, who walks according to his word, can have the assurance that whatsoever he/she asks of God will be received.

It’s about spiritual growth. Just as Solomon prayed before God asking for wisdom to govern his people Israel. Because his request was not selfishly for riches, God gave him both. It was the character of Solomon that pleased God.

For us, as we walk with God exercising obedience, faith and love, God is also working on us. He is molding, shaping, and pruning us. The things we go through on this journey is purging character flaws from us along the way. Because we are becoming better, our heart and intentions are lining up with God’s will. Therefore the things that we ask will reflect this new man.

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

This newness translates into new wants and desires. If we examine ourselves and see who we are now after having time walking with God, versus the old man; that person we used to be. Hopefully we will see a huge godly change.

This is a benefit of serving God!

True change is possible. But to be honest, it is only through God that it is lasting.

We can change on our own for a time. But generally speaking when a challenge comes to test if the change is real, we tend to revert to old ways. How many times have we seen people try quit smoking, lose weight, stop being mean, stop lying, or other character flaws on their own. Only to revert back, gain more weight, or just get even worse in general?

However, when God does it, the change is everlasting and can withstand the test of time and any challenge that comes against it

It is the “in God” aspect that causes us to become new. Only then does the old man pass away. This includes the make up or character of that old man. This is true change!

This is the benefit of serving God!

So, come to God and be new. Come to God, serve him, please him, and receive whatsoever you ask. The new man will ask for things that will please and glorify God.

Have a blessed day!

1 John 3:18

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth

Contrary to popular opinion love is hard.

It requires us to care about someone else’s needs, comfort, well-being, and happiness over our own. Love is selfless. It requires forgiveness – over and over again.

Love encourages us to look beyond current circumstances and see the potential.

Love is challenging to say the least. But love is also well worth the effort it requires.

Love is not lazy! It is action. To “talk” love is easy. However, true love is seen in action.

Love in action is not just seeing the sick, the hungry, or the homeless. Love is working to meet help each of those needs. Love is forgiving those who have sinned against you. Love is praying for those who use and persecute you.

Love is hard and requires a lot from us all. But because a thing is hard, does not mean that thing is impossible. What it does mean, on the other side of that thing, there is victory, and spiritual growth!

Showing love exhibits God to those who may not know him, or know him to the level they need. As we show love we put God on a platform for people to see. Remember, we are the only view of God people may ever see. Our life in action should exemplify God’s love.

For this reason, as we work on God’s behalf, we are also changed. We grow and increase as we exercise the love of God that is in us. God prepares us for this duty. He must prune and shape us. This is spiritual growth – allowing the love of God to have center stage in our life.

Love is hard because it often opens us to pain. But just as the pain of the cross did not deter Jesus from dying for the world, we must not be moved either. We must sometimes endure pain to let love flow.

Yes, we could walk away and give up. But where is the victory in that? Where is the growth?

If it is of God, it is well worth the temporary pain.

True spiritual growth is all about love. Stay in the race and grow!

Have a blessed day.

Our reactions to the randomness of life shows us who we are. Sometimes we react well, sometimes poorly.

In our attempt to remain Godly consistent is to follow God’s instruction – always start from a standpoint of love.

Love will have you do things differently – better even. Love will help us handle, and guide us through, the randomness of life.

So, as we travel into this weekend let us practice love.

Love is an action word. It requires conscious effort on our part. It’s a decision we must make – to choose love instead of hate. Love will make us treat people better. Love will make us pray for people, and not to retaliate against them for the things they have said or done.

So here’s to love! Have a great and blessed weekend!

Jeremiah 29:32

“Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.”

Rebellion, by definition is an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. The action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention.

Spiritual Rebellion is knowingly going against or causing others go against God’s will, purpose, plan, or rule. It is false representation of God. It involves dressing a lie up as truth, and encouraging others to buy into it. It is an attempt to over throw God.

God so hates rebellion that he equates it to witchcraft.

1 Samuel 15:23, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”

Rebellion will always carry a stiff penalty from God. It caused Saul to be rejected as King. It caused death of false prophets and to end of male babies from an entire blood line.

Rebellion is extreme disobedience. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” – James 4:17.

Our flesh will have us believe that if we go against God, we can off him a sacrifice or gift in an attempt to cover our guilt. But God says, in 1 Samuel 15:22, that our obedience is better than any sacrifice we could offer him. In other words there is nothing that we can offer to God that will take the place of our obedience to him. Nothing else will do!

We live in a time where the prevailing thought is to please yourself. To live your best life, and so on. But in all of our “living” we cannot forget God.

We have responsibilities that God is expecting us to accomplish. We have people who are depending on us to do things the right way (God’s way). Our life is to be an example to a lost and dying world. If we do just as badly as they, where is the hope?

God cannot afford to allow us to consistently live below his standards. We must live up to the call on our lives.

Any sacrifice we must make toward this goal is well worth it. Some things are hard to hear, but are so very needful for our success.

Have a successful and blessed day!