Hab 2:2-3

“2. And the Lord answered me, and said write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that read it. 3. For the vision is yet for an appointed time at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

What are you working towards? Do remember or have you lost sight of your true goal and purpose?

Sometimes we start out without a clear idea of exactly we are looking for or expecting. This is dangerous because God always has a plan (God had Revelations in mind even during creation in Genesis).

When God births an idea in you spirit, you need to write out what He showed you so you do not lose track during the making and breaking process. You will need this to encourage yourself along the journey. 

Writing out the vision also keeps you on track. Most importantly those who are working along side you need a clear picture of what they are striving to accomplish. Unity in purpose is essential to be successful – to accomplish God’s will.

Success is in your future. Go back and grab hold of the vision God gave you. Hold that up before God, and begin to prayerfully prepare yourself to run after it.

*** I hope this encourages your heart. As always I look forward to hearing from you, please feel free to share your comments. God bless.

Can You Take the Pressure of Promotion?

Psalms 75:7-8 

“7. For promotion cometh neither from the east,nor from the west, nor from the south. 8. But God is the judge:he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

It is a wonderful fantasy to believe that God gives us the desires of our hearts without first trying our faith and integrity. But that is exactly what many of us believe. We may not say it with our words, but we certainly do with our actions.

Know this, when you begin to ask God for a promotion of any kind, you are essentially letting God know that you have conqured things at your current level. You are letting Him know you need a new challenge with which to bring glory to his name. Your request for promotion is a notice to God that you are able to handle both the pressure and reward that come along with the promotion.

Now God must test your faith and integrity. He is not doing this for His knowledge, but for your own. He already knows where you stand, but you don’t – not really. Sometimes be believe we are as strong as superman – that we can handle everything the promotion would bring our way. When the reality is we are weak in some key areas, and if we got the promotion now we would become shipwreck. The testing is usefull to show us who we are (where we are spiritually), so we know what areas that require our immediate attention.

Our integrity requires testing because we cannot allow the promotion change who we are. So many times we see people who have achieved some measure of success, and they cease to be the person that initially qualified them for the promotion in the first place.

We are encouraged in the scripture to reach and grow in God. It is God’s will that we strive and succeed. But it must be done according to his will. And yes, you are going to be tried. No, it will not be easy, but you can make it. And if you go through according to his will – not complaining the entire journey, at the end is a new level (promotion). 
**I hope this scripture speaks to you and that you can apply the word to your situation. Please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. God bless.

Malachi 1:8

“And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? 

and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?

offer it now unto thy governor;

will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.”

I have found that the best course of action is not to try and bring God down to our level (a much lower level). Rather, we should try to live up to His level.

From my own personal experience, my greatest struggles happened when I tried to make the stuff I was into acceptable to God. 

I tried to accomplish this by offering Him my praises in the midst of my mess. This allowed me to live in the illusion that what I was doing was okay. I was trying to drag God to my level.

Once I remembered who God is, I was able to see  clearly. I was able to understand that if I really wanted to offer an acceptable praise to God, I had to first be willing to let go of my mess. I had to rise to His level (strive to please Him).

I am far from perfect. But I understand I must be willing to let go of things that keep me separated from God. 

We know what is right, it is just time to do it. This takes practice, lots of practice.

Just a thought…I love how the Word can speak right to a persons heart, providing immediate healing. 

After the struggle of the work day today, when I returned home I was feeling “some kind of way” – as the saying goes. I felt like I was under attack and unsure of the outcom. I had the option of burying my head in the sand, so to speak. My method of choice was to get lost in a book on my Nook or Scribd app on my phone, and lose myself in the words that I would read. 

But something inside of me (the Holy Spirit) would not allow me to do that. Instead, I was lead  to read the first chapter of Jeremiah. 

This is what God gave me, and I hope it blesses you as well.

Jeremiah 1: 17-19

“17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 

18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 

19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.”

Sometimes we fear the unknown, or we fear what may happen. That fear has a way of draining from us  all the knowledge, strength, determination, and power we may have previously had. But we must fight to rest in the Word of God, and stand on it by faith.

For me, my comfort comes from the fact that God has made me a defenced city, made out of durable materials that can withstand any attack of the enemy. He warned me that yes, I will come under attack, but I would not be defeated. My greatest comfort is that He is there with me to deliver me.

So no, I am no longer feeling “some kind of way”. Instead I am strengthed, I am comforted, encouraged, and my burden is lightened – lifted. I give it all to Him who is always there beside me to deliver me.

Acts 5:20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

I normally try to share the word with you on Mondays. Today, it is on my heart to share this scripture with you. This is very special scripture to me because God gave it to me while letting me know what He called me to do for His kingdom.

You may not have been called to preach or teach the word of God, but that does not mean you do not have something worthwile to share. 

First things first though. Study to show yourself approved first, then be lead by the Spirit of God. When God places a word within your spirit it is meant to be shared as He leads. Don’t be afraid to open your mouth and share it – someone is waiting on you. Be brave, be courageous, and be obedient for your blessing is on the other side. Remember, beautiful are the feet of those who carry the word of God (Romans 10:15).

“It’s Never Too Late to Make a Change.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Throughout all of my years on this earth I have learned an important fact – it is never too late to make a change. However, the ability to sustain the change can be very challenging.

In 2 Chronicles chapters 5 and 6, we see that the temple has been completed and all the items that David had gather were all blessed and placed in side. The Levites had brought up the Ark of the Covenant also and placed in the temple. Then Solomon gathered all the people together for the dedication of the temple.

The congregation of the people were so happy, the began to play music and sing praises. This brought down the presence of God to such a degree that the priests could not stand to minister. After this Solomon began to pray. This prayer was so thorough, he covered every situation and circumstance that solomon could think of in which the children of Israel could sin against God Always asking God, “if the people repent and confess thy name, be with them and help them.” At the end of the prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed of offering Solomon made.

God agreed to Solomon’s prayer, and in 2 Chronicles 7:14 God provided some conditions of his own. God’s condition was a permanent correction, not a temporary fix. It is God’s will that we turn away from sin, and live a consecrated life before him.

It does not matter how long you have lived your life in a particular way, you can always make a change. All that is required is a made up mind to do things God’s way and not your own. The key to sustaining real change in our lives can be found in the story of the dedication of the temple. Your fleshly temple, must be consecrated for God’s use, filled with His presence, and filled with His Spirit. Just as praise and worship brought down the glory of the Lord in the dedication, we must live a life full of praise and worship. This will keep his presence ever with us.

When we realize that we have sinned or done wrong, we must repent quickly – turn from this behavior, and replace it with behavior that is pleasing to Him. This can be challenging because it takes discipline and dedication – which many lack, but it can be done.

There are things in our lives that we have been doing so long that we do not really consider them. However, when God reveals to you that these things are not pleasing to Him, he expects us to work on changing them. His end of the bargain is that once you put forth the effort to change he will help you and bless you – he will “hear [you] from heaven, forgive [your] sin, and will heal [your] land.”

Its important to understand that God expects real change. Not some temporary change just for a moment to get a blessing from the Lord. Remember, God knows the thoughts and intents of your heart (Hebrew 4:12), you cannot trick him. Real change does not say you will never make that same mistake again, it simply means I will not seek to make the same mistake. It is an attitude that says if I fall to this again, I will get up, repent quickly, and try with all my might to never do it again. And eventually you will find that you are well on your way to real change.

Sometimes keeping quiet and minding your own business is the most effective weapon…(1 Thessalonians 4:11).

“Don’t Let Your Troubles Fool You!’

Have you ever thought before that God is not with you simply because of all the troubles you going on in your life? Or sometimes it seems like trouble follows you around?

Well if this is you, I have some good news for you. Maybe God is trying to get your attention – to let you know that its time to change your behavior – to get a better result. And not just any result. Its time to get to the place God has been trying to take you to for a long time.

Take a look at the first chapter in 1 Kings. Upon first glance it is the story of Solomon’s journey to becoming the king of Israel. But if you take a closer look you can probably find the foot prints of your own journey as well

1). 1 King 1:5 – Adonijah exalts himself. Have you ever experienced times when people got things that you felt so strongly belonged to you? This is especially devastating when you know you are more qualified or deserving. However, just because things did not work out as you expected does mean its time to give up.

2). 1 Kings 1:6 – David did not correct him. There are times when we witness bad behavior go unchecked or uncorrected. This can be extremely aggravating, but don’t give up. This is only a tool to get your attention. Its time to really seek God about the situation and don’t move (or make a move) until he speaks to you.

3). 1 Kings 1:12 – Wise counsel of Nathan. Recognize wise counsel when it seeks you out. As you begin to seek God about the situation you have to watch (be on the look-out) for the avenue in which your deliverance will come. But rest assured – your deliverance will come. Have an open heart (and mind) to receive and embrace wise counsel – prayerfully. As the scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

4). 1 Kings 1:13-27 – Follow instructions. This is key. Remember, God has been trying to get your attention for a long tim. Now that he has it, you need to follow the instructions he provides to the letter. Your obedience is a requirement if you are going to move from one level to the next (see 1 Samuel 15:22). Remember you have been doing things wrong for a while. Your natural inclination is to continue this behavior, but resist this. Follow instructions instead. The benefits out weigh your personal sacrifice.

5). 1 Kings 1:32-40 – God moves – works it out for your good. One thing is always certain, God is faithful, he cannot deny Himself. When you follow his instructions (the Word, His will), your positive outcome is assured (see Jeremiah 29:11).

Be courageous – dare to change your perspective. By changing the way you view the troubles of your life can also lead to a changed life. However, you must be brave enough to give up past behaviors (including mistakes), and concentrate on doing what is necessary to move to the next level in God.

Welcome to the first post of my new blog!

The purpose of this blog is to share the Word of God with all.  To help people understand that God’s word is the foundation for a victorious life. To understand that every decision and choice we make should be governed by the principles found in the bible.

“I Was Commanded to Live Large”

Scripture Text: Luke 19; 13-26
Supporting scriptures: Mark 13; 34-37
Matthew 25;14-30

I always like to share definitions – many times, we all think we know what commonly (and not so commonly) used words mean. However, I have found that a little reminder can open our understanding to the bible greatly. I will usually provide helpful definitions as I share the word with you.

I. Definitions:

Occupy – to take up or fill up; reside in
Austere – Severe, strict in manner, attitude, or appearance. Plain, simple, having no comfort or luxuries.
Excuse – attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify. Release from a duty or requirement.

Luke 19:13-26 tells the parable of the ruler who is about to go on a journey to receive his kingdom, but before he leaves he gives his servants provisions and an assignment – “Occupy til I come.” The thing to understand is the word “occupy” is far more expansive then many understand. To occupy involves complete occupation of the entire territory God has given to each of us. He expects us to live large – filling very inch with ministry. Every person shouuld work according to their own gifts, calling, talents, and abilities. This is a large life.

God does not want us live small. Small living is like the servant who buried the talents or provisions the ruler left him. His fear kept him from completing the assignment – “Occupy til I come.” Oh, yes he used excuses as to why he failed. However, all he received in return was the ruler’s displeasure.

II. Background – supporting scriptures:

Mark 13; 34-37 – Tells this parable as the Son of Man, and provides a warning – He could come at any time – don’t let him catch you unprepared.
Matthew 25; 14-30 – Also shares this parable – provides a warning – the lazy, unfaithful servant shall be cast into outer darkness – there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

III. Fear is your Enemy;

1. Don’t let fear keep you from doing God’s will. The unfaithful servant was to busy being afraid of what might happen, instead of focusing on the assignment and provisions already given.
2. You know who you are dealing with, act accordingly. Part of the excuse (please see definition above) the unfaithful servant gave was that he knew what type of man th ruler was. The ruler used the unfaithful servants words against him.

IV. Live Large – Occupy your entire space (circle of influence).

1. Live your life filling the entire space God has given you. Fill it up doing the things God has placed in your heart to do. Go back and revisit those old ideas and dreams you had. Don’t let the enemy use various forms of fear as a tool to tie you to a small life. Be bold, and step out on faith.
2. Do not live a small life – to afraid to venture out farther than your are now. Understand not only does God have more for you, but He also REQUIRES more from you.

It is time for us all to live LARGE!.