John 5:15, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Let me start by saying Happy New Year to my OTP friends and family.

This walk with God is a personal one. Each of us need to seek God for direction is all things. Proverbs 3:5-6, says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.” We need to seek God’s face to successfully navigate through this life. We cannot ONLY rely on our pastor, minister, Bible study leader, etc. for so much. At some point we must take on the responsibility to add to, or strengthen (and sometimes even to correct) what we are taught.

I thank God for these spiritual leaders. However, having them does not lessen the responsibility of the believer to do his or her own part. That is to study the word of God for ourselves, and govern our lives accordingly. See 2 Timothy 2:15.

*****

I love the fact that Jesus plainly and clearly says “for without me you can do nothing!”

My goal is to walk in purpose for 2024! And I need the Lord to accomplish this!

As I was seeking the Lord for my 2024 (remember, it is a personal thing), I found myself telling God I want to be found doing All that he has called me to. It is my year of purpose. Not lack. Not finding what he has for me to do. Not trying to figure out who I am in him. But my year of actually “doing” the will of God for my life.

For the people of God, I feel a general air of “no more excuses” for 2024. God expects more of his people.

God is coming back soon. And he’s coming for a people who have made themselves ready. A people who are looking for his glorious appearing. A part of being ready is to be found walking in our purpose.

Romans 8:19 lets us know that people are waiting for us to take our place. Yes, your ministry, your calling is needed. People are waiting for us to get in our place and work.

It is time to put your faith to work. Step out on nothing, in faith, and watch God make a way. James 2:17, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” You cannot sit on the sidelines and wait for the manifestation of the things you feel you need before you can do what God has called you to. You must walk by faith. If you do, you will find yourself walking right into the blessings of God!

As noted above in Proverbs, we need to:

1. Trust God,

2. Lean not to your own understanding.

3. In everything we do we must acknowledge God (acknowledge is to accept or admit the existence of truth). God is truth. His way is right, always.

4. We must let God direct our path. We must go his way, and not our own.

God is faithful and his word is true. If we will do our part, he will do his part.

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My prayer for you is that you seek the Lord and walk in the purpose that God has called you to. Work while it is day, for night is coming and no man will be able to work.

I pray that you make 2024 your year of purpose too!

May the blessings of God find and over take you.

John 13;15-17, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Theservant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

We are in the Thanksgiving season. This is typically a time of reflection. A time set aside where we give thanks for family and friends. A time to show appreciation through service.

I encourage you to read this full chapter of John. Verses 15-17 occur right after Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. This is humility and service in action. It demonstrates the concept of equality. Even though he is our Lord and Master, he was still able to humble himself to wash feet.

No matter who we are or what accomplishments we have achieved, we should still be able to submit ourselves to the service of others. 

To this end, I would encourage to seek out opportunities to give back this season. Find a way to serve people who need you. People who need a helping hand. For many, all they need is a little caring and a helping hand to completely turn their lives around. Sometimes, these are small things like a haircut, a change of clothes, a simple meal, etc. To others it may be other things that would require a little bit of a commitment for you. 

Decide what you can do, what level of commitment you can give, and serve accordingly. 

Once you open yourself up for service, it will drastically change your life. You may even wonder why it took you so long tomake the choice to serve.

For those who do not know how to get started, here are a couple resources that may help.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/

https://www.volunteer.gov/s/

Also, do an internet search for volunteering/giving opportunities in your area. 

Ideas would include:

Boys and Girls Club of America https://bgca.org/

Big Brothers Big Sisters https://www.bbbs.org/

Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities.html

Your local church would also be a great place to start. But keep in my real ministry (service and giving) is done outside of the four walls of the church. Find the people who really need what you have to give.

No matter how or where you choose, just make sure to serve. The scriptures say to give (money and time) it will be given back to you press down, shaken together, running over (Luke 6:38). Jesus gave of an example of humble service.

Have a bless day and find a way to service!

James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Hey OTP family!! For our consideration today I wanted to compare the proud spirit versus a humble spirit. Our goal is to see how God reacts to both, so we can make corrections on our journey with Christ. Our ultimate goal is to see his face in peace and to please him.

To this end, here are some please consider the following definitions:

Proud

– The Bible defines Proud as self-respect or improper and excessive self-esteem known as conceit or arrogance. Pride can be defined as elevating one`s opinions and thoughts above God`s authoritative Word.

– The dictionary definition, Proud is feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.

Humble

– According to Ethos360 Bible Institute, they offer a definition of humble as “True humility seeks to bring glory and honor to God and looks out for the interests of others (Colossians 3.12-14; Philippians 2.3-8). Christ gives us a perfect example of humility. He went to the cross and gave up His life so that others might live.” I would agree with this as well.

– The dictionary states a humble person is not proud and does not believe that they are better than other people.

Let’s also look at “Pride” so we do not confuse it with the “Proud” we are discussing today.

Pride is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

Pride may not be considered a bad thing by most. However, if left unchecked, it can lead us to a very bad place within ourselves (our own minds), that will eventually adversely impact how we are perceived/received by others. It will also impact the way we treat others. It will impact the way we are viewed by God. The scriptures say, I Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify”.  Just because there may be no law prohibiting a thing, does not mean that you have the right to participate in it. Additionally, if does not mean God is pleased with the behavior. However, in the case of Pride, God is very clear.

What does it mean to be proud?

very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to, etc.

This proud removes God out of the equation and focuses on the accomplishments of the person, rather than on God, who gave the person the ability.

What is a humble attitude?

Humility is an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things. It entails not taking our desires, successes, or failings too seriously.

Humility recognizes the accomplishments but never fails to give God his due glory and praise for making the accomplishment possible.

What does God say?

1 Peter 5: 5-6, “ 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

What is the difference between pride and proud?

Pride refers to the satisfaction that an individual gains from something. Proud, on the other hand, refers to the feeling of pride. Spiritually speaking, the difference between the two words is that pride is a gateway. It looks innocent enough. A person giving themselves a pat on the back for a job well done. But it can lead to an attitude that only recognizes the achievement, and not the God who made the way for the achievement.

We understand that faith without works is dead. God expects us to put some action to our faith – that is how we achieve. However, what God does not accept is sharing his glory with another.

For example. You had faith. You trusted God to make a way, to give you knowledge, to help you pass a test, to give a great interview, etc. You put faith in action with your works. You studied for the test, you practiced different interview techniques, you had your resume prepared and reviewed by a professional, etc. You added works to your faith. When God makes a way, your reaction will tell you where you are.

If your first reaction is to give glory to God, then you are in a place of humility. To this person God gives more grace. However, if your attitude is to glory in your accomplishment, then you are in a place of pride (proud). This person God resists.

Eventually, pride will take over. And your story will be all about you, and less about God.

Trust me, it is impossible to fight against God. It is so much easier to live a blessed life, that is full of grace.

Check where you stand. Are you full of pride? Or are you humble?

If your humble gas gauge is leaning towards pride, repent. Ask God to forgive you and help you have a sincerely humbled heart. Give God his due (glory and praise) for the things he has done in your life and be blessed.

Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Hey OTP friends! I just wanted to offer a little encouragement today.

As we approach the holiday season many tend to reflect on losses, or feel the pressure of financial responsibility. The stress over preparing a Thanksgiving meal and buying gifts for family and friends. But I wanted to offer a different perspective that may help ease this load.

We must remember God.

God is sovereign. We may not always understand his plan, but he is ever in control. He can comfort the broken heart. We can send water to our desert places. He knows the feeling of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15-16). God gets us and everything we go through. So much so, that he is there to provide.

Our job is to remain faithful and to continue to trust him – through it all.

We have to be willing to abide in him (see Psalms 91). If we remain in him, all things are possible. We have the ability to stand on God’s word and are able to hold him to it. Jeremiah 1:12 reminds us that God watches over his word to perform it.

We must understand that God is not moved by our emotions. He is only moved by our faith.

It’s not the tears we cry over anything. It is our ability to say in spite of what we are feeling, I still believe and trust you God. Then we shake ourselves, declare his word, and stand. This is what moves God.

The scriptures says it this way, whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). And without faith it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:16).

No matter where we find ourselves on our journey with Christ, where he leads us, he always sends provision to that place. If we are out of place, we may also miss the provision. We must make sure we are living our life in Christ, and that we are being led by him.

Our responsibility is to walk in obedience. Even if we are not comfortable with where he leads us.

We must take comfort in the fact that he will not place more on us than we are able to bear. I will say again – our obedience to God is a requirement.

God loves us so, and he knows us. He knows how to take us to the place of provision. Because of this we can face anything, including all the baggage that comes with the holiday season.

So do not stress. Mentally prepare yourself to enjoy this time of the year and give glory to God!

Have a blessed day.

Psalms 91: 1-5, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

There are times when the activities of daily live could almost overwhelm. There are also times when we have been been dealing with stresses and pain that has worked to cloud the mind. So much so that they cause us to forget who we are in Christ, and to forget the power of the God we serve. But we must remind ourselves.

Take a deep breath and remember God. Take that mental stroll down memory lane. Remember all of the other times God has deliver, brought us out, and made ways when it seemed we were doomed to fail. As the song says” when I think of the goodness of Jesus, and all he has done for me. Oh my soul cries out hallelujah. I praise God for saving me.”

Focus on Psalms 91. Focus on the covering and provisions of that covering God has promised. But we must do our part.

– We must make sure to dwell in that secret place.

– We must confess who he is to us: our refuge and fortress. He is our God!

– We must trust him to be just what he said.

– we must them allow him to have control.

Here is the key:

– We must allow God to work it out.

– We must stand still in active patience, trusting God!

What is active patience?

It is when we, as believers, continue on with the work that God has called us to; while at the same time we leave God to work out our troubles. After we have prayed about them, we then settle in praise and worship over the trouble. We allow praise and worship to be our coping method. God will take care of us, because we trust in him.

So take it easy and wait in patience. Active patience.

Have a blessed Saturday!

John, 13:7, “Jesus answered and said unto him, what I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

Today I want to talk about a deeper revelation or a fuller revelation.

Have you ever wanted to know God more? To know more about him at a deeper level?

What is revelation?

In its broad meaning, revelation is divine guidance or inspiration; it is the communication of truth and knowledge from God to His children. God speaks to us in a manner we can grasp and understand. A deeper revelation simply means to uncover something not yet known. 

God opens our understanding to himself or things concerning our lives to a level we had not previously known.

For example, we all thought we knew what love was – on a rudimentary level – until we met God. We were born to love our family. We love our children. We love our pets, etc. But as we walk with God, we begin to see and grasp deeper understand of love. We are exposed to so many levels of God’s love toward us. We see the love God had when he was on Calvary’s cross. He could have called down a legion of angels at any time. But his love for us caused him to see the crucifixion through to the end. This is a deeper meaning of love. Deeper than anything we have ever seen in our life.

A deeper or fuller revelation can be gained about anything when it comes to Christ and our walk with him. Deeper levels of peace, of understanding, of kindness, of selflessness, of joy, and of our purpose or God’s plan for our lives. Many of us have been in the place where we were/are hungry to know God better. We must prepare ourselves in patience. Because the road to this deeper knowledge is crafted by God and is specific to the individual. We cannot compare our road to the person standing next to us. We must run the race that is set before us.

6 keys – How we gain a deeper revelation of God and from God by the following:

– We must persevere (Hosea 6:3). We cannot give up.

– Through intimate fellowship with Christ (Matthew 13:11). 

– We must have a true and real relationship with him.

– We must abide in the word of God (John 8:31-32).

– We must be led by the Spirit of God (John 16:13).

– Promised to the Disciples (John 16:25). To be a disciple of Jesus means to serve like him. To be a follower of him.

We are only given a small piece of the picture puzzle.

God has a way of showing us a glimpse of a thing, and then pulls us to go after that thing with our whole heart. This is the faith part – we understand we only have just a small piece of the big picture. But the piece we do have is enough to sustain us and start us on our journey. God is just that good.

I Corinthians 13:9-12, “9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Let’s take a deeper look at those keys:

1. Persevere: We cannot give up – we must keep going.

This requires faith and trust in God.

It always seems easier to give up. But then we must also deal with the feeling of defeat that comes with giving up. If you have ever been there you know then you know the drama to keep going is better than dealing with defeat and guilt.

2. Intimate fellowship with Christ. Real Relationship!!

This is that Philippians 3:10-14 relationship. It is real and it requires sacrifice and obedience to maintain. It requires salvation (Acts 2:38), and true worship (John 4:24).

3. Abide in the word of God. We must have that “In Him” experience.

This requires us to live a life of walking in the Word (applying the word to our life and living according to it). A life that is rooted and grounded in the scriptures. See Psalms 91.

4. Revelation will come in due time. 

This requires diligent work. We must keep working the work of Christ – through everything. 

Have you ever had to keep working in the midst of that feeling that you don’t really know what you are doing? Where you question your qualifications AND your calling? Do not give info that. Keep going. You will understand it better by and by!

5.  The guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

This requires obedience. See Acts 1:8. We must allow the Holy Spirit to have control. We must not fight against where God leads. We must trust him and lean on him.

6.  Promised to the Disciples.

This requires us to truly be followers of Christs. A true disciple goes wherever Christ instructs. We cannot choose to go our own way. We must submit to the will of God.

Our ability to accept the keys and use them effectively will make the difference in experiencing that deeper and closer relationship with God.

But we all should strive to know him more.

Have a blessed day.

Psalms 118:24, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Welcome to Day 21! The final day of our challenge.

Hopefully today, you are feeling differently than you did when we started this journey. Better naturally, because we are eating more healthier than before. Better physically, because we have become more physically fit minded. We may not have gotten to where we need to be, but we are certainly on our way. Better spiritually, because we are approaching our personal time with God with a different mindset. A new perspective altogether.

For this I am grateful.

But we must be sure not to lose momentum. We must keeping going on to rep all the benefits.

Hopefully you have experience some weight loss. Found recipes that appeal to you, and are healthy for you. You have drawn closer to God, by strengthening your relationship. You have developed a strong connection between moving forward in God and daily devotion with God.

On this final day of the challenge…

Devotion:

Let us spend time just thanking God for all the good we have gained. Spiritual growth. A closer relationship with God. Grateful for a new perspective and approach to healthy eating and physical fitness. Giving God the glory for all he has revealed to us.

Exercise:

Simple – your favorite 30 minute workout. Don’t forget to have fun.

Healthy Eating:

For our final recipe I thought I’d share a dessert – we deserve it!

Here is one I found on The Pioneer Woman website.

I am grateful and humbled that you all decided to take this journey with me. I trust God that you were as blessed through this process of as I was.

Keep going, and keep growing!

Have a blessed night.

Joshua 3:5, “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

It’s day 20, with just 1 more day of the challenge remaining. We are going to finish strong!

We are still discussing fasting and consecration.

Christian Library says of Joshua 3:5 “But before they could move, they were first instructed by the Lord to sanctify or consecrate themselves. This meant that they had to make themselves ready to follow the Lord’s instructions. They had to be holy. That’s what the word “sanctify” means. It means “to make yourself holy.” It means that they had to focus on the Lord and what he was doing. They had to prepare their hearts to listen to the Lord. “

This is very important to understand and apply to our own lives because we have the same goal. We want to be led by God. We want to receive instruction and direction from God before we make our next move.

We cannot just sit back and wait for God to miraculously change our life at the snap of his fingers. There are some things we must do. We have to sanctify ourselves. By definition, to sanctify is to set apart as or declare holy; consecrate. We must pull away from things and people that would come between us and God. These would be some of those distractions that we talked about yesterday.

But notice how we are required to sanctify ourselves. That is the responsibility of salvation. We must take initiative in this walk with Christ. Remember, God wants our choice. He wants us to willingly choose him over everything else. As a part of that choice we must seek to do the things line up with the word of God. As the scripture says faith without works is dead. We need to put action to our faith.

Here is my favorite part – as we take action by sanctifying ourselves and adding works to our faith, we in the place we need to be. Spiritually speaking. Our hearts and minds are focused on God and we are prepared for the next move/level. We are now ready for see and receive the wonders God wants to work in our lives.

Devotion:

As a part of sanctifying ourselves, let us spend some time in worshipping God.

Exercise:

As balance is our goal, we must remember to make time for physical activity. Drawing closer to God is no excuse for not properly taking care of the one and only body he has given us. Set aside 30 minutes of brisk exercise and have fun doing it.

Healthy Eating:

We are still focusing on fasting and consecration, so you may not be eating today. Just remember when your fast is over go back to those healthy meals. We are going to treat our bodies better and improve our health.

Enjoy your time in the Lord and have a very blessed day!

Jeremiah 29:13, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

It’s Tuesday and Day 19 of our challenge.

As I mentioned before, these last few days of the challenge we are going to focus on fasting and consecration. We are seeking God. We want to hear from him, so we can get to that next level in him. We want to be balanced in our life so we can please him.

God knows all thing. He knows your thoughts afar off (Psalms139:2). He knew you before you were even in your mothers womb (Jeremiah 1:5). But he still requires us to ask and seek him. He is a gentleman, he does not force his will upon us. We must decide that we want God, then we must ask. (Joshua 24:15).

Going a little deeper.

Once we make him our choice, we must keep choosing him over and over again. Why? Because everyday, the devil comes after us to see if he can get us to make a different choice. If today is the day that we will go back to serving him and our flesh. He always temps us with things that appeal specifically to us (James 1:13-14). That is what makes it a battle – because it is something we would be attracted to. Something we like and are familiar with.

We fast and consecrate:

So, we must keep this body under subjection to the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 9:27). We must mortify (or make dead) the deeds of this body (Romans 8:13), so that God gets the glory out of our lives. We seek to be holy and clean before God and man. From this foundation, we seek God to know what his will is for our lives. Then we seek him to walk in that will.

This walk is a never ending cycle of seeking God and walking in what he reveals.

It is a faith walk, and we must seek God continually to navigate it successfully. But our seeking is not a chore. It is an awesome experience that we get the honor and privilege to be a part of. Psalms 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

God always gives us more that he gets from us.

We get to enjoy his presence and walk away from the experience with so much more that we had before.

Devotion:

Turn that plate down. Give up food for a period of time that works for you. Generally a fast is at least 24 hours. However, some people do half a day, or anything in between. Whatever your sacrifice, do it as unto the Lord. Don’t forget about it, but keep it at the forefront of your mind.

Exercise:

Keep it going and keep it moving. Find something the flows right along with your fast. Don’t overdo it.

Healthy Eating:

We are fasting today, but we will pick this back up once our fast is over.

Enjoy your time in the Lord.

Have a blessed night.

Matthew 6:16-18, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Welcome To Day 18! This has been such an interesting challenge and I am grateful to God. For the last 3 days, we are going to incorporate fasting.

We are pursuing God. We are working on strengthening our relationship with God. Getting to know him on a deeper level. Drawing closer to him and walking into his will and plan for our lives. To reach this goal, we must be willing to bring our flesh under subjection to his spirit. We must be willing to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily causes us to stumble (Hebrews 12:1).

Because no good thing dwells in our flesh (Romans 7:18), we must learns to kill the deeds of this flesh (Romans 8:13), so we are positioned to please God and do his will. This is a major part of the balance we are seeking.

For the next few days, we will focus on fasting and consecrating ourselves before the Lord.

Devotion:

Choose a fast (sacrifice) unto the Lord. During your fast take time to keep your devotion – spend time with God in prayer and reading the Bible. Replace the time spent in other leisure activities with praise, worship, and personal Bible study. Go on about day as needed, but consecrate yourself to the Lord during your designated fast time.

Exercise:

Choose physical activity that will not conflict or interfere with your consecration. But still get the full 30 minutes in (if not more).

Healthy Eating:

More than likely, as you are fasting, you will not be eating according to your normal schedule. However, depending on the type of fast, please stick to your healthy meal plan.

As usual, enjoy your time in the Lord!

Have a blessed night