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Beware of Leaven…

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

faithz3

From Crossroads to Purpose…

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.

faithz3

Peace, Spread it…

Let peace be your goal.

Here are some tools to help you on your way:

Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Matthew 5:25, “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him;…”

1Peter 4:8. “And above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins.”

And remember we set the tone or atmosphere wherever we are. So we walk in peace – always. We should alway have on the whole armor of God as noted in Ephesians 6:10-17. A part of this armor covers our feet. The gospel (or good news9 of peace. This peace protects and covers us – verse 15 say, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

The words we speak should be order by God, yet generate peace.

Wherever we go – we are to walk in peace. Why? Because we walk and move in love.

Even if the words we must speak are to provide correction, they should be spoken in love, under the unction of the Holy Ghost. For this is necessary medicine for the soul. It should be peacefully given, so it can be peacefully received.

So practice peace. Work on your own attitude.

As sons and daughters of the most high God, we should possess and exhibit self control (temperance). Even if we encounter negative attitudes and actions from others, this does not mean we respond in kind. Our temperance should kick in and we should fall back on a strong posture of love and peace.

Make a daily habit of mentally putting on the whole armor of God each day. After a while it will become an automatic habit. Just as normal as putting on your chosen outfit of the day.

This helps us to be prepared for whatever may come our way.

And don’t forget prayer. After you are adorned in you armor take prayer with you too (Ephesians 6:18). Praying for whoever or whatever you may face for that day.

Now you are ready. Walk in peace. Spread peace.

Have a blessed day weekend and don’t forget to find yourself in Sunday morning worship service. You soul will be blessed!

faithz3

Say What You Believe…

Luke 6:45, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

Have you ever taken the time to really listen to the words people speak? Not just to follow the conversation, but to really know who you are dealing with?

Have you ever really paid attention to your own words?

Many times people will call themselves one thing, but the very words they say tell a whole other story.

Many people what to live under the title of a Christian, but most of them are not Christ-like, at all.

It is time for us to do better. To be better.

It all starts with our mouth – what we say.

We have to fill our heats with God’s word. Allow his love to over shadow everything we touch or are apart of. Then we speak what he says in his word.

The words that we speak will reflect that which is within.

If God’s word says to show love to all, then speak love.

If God’s word says that we can make it through this test, then speak victory.

If God’s word says to forgive those who has trespassed against us, then speak forgiveness. Stop bringing up the wrong that was done.

If God’s word says you are healed, the speak healing.

You get the picture. We have to speak what his word says. That is if we truly believe it!

Speak what God’s word says even if your current circumstances look or seem to be in a direct contradiction. Take what God says over everything else!

This is not always easy, and it does take practice!

Many call this positive confessions, but this is so much more than that.

Positive confessions can change depending on the circumstances. But God’s word is sure, it never changes. So the truth you of his word you speak today, will be the same truth a hundred years from now.

Speaking what God says requires to you study God’s word. For how can you know what it says otherwise? 2 Timothy 2:15 tells to study to show ourselves approved unto God. By taking a few minutes every day to read a scripture or two, we are building ourselves up. We are positioning ourselves for success.

Take what you read, and by faith, apply it to your life.

For example, the Bible says to ask, and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened (Matthew 7:7). So you find yourself putting it to the test. By faith, you begin ask God for some things. You begin to seek after him in prayer and studying. You pursue after him and follow where he leads. Then the next thing you know your journey has taken you exactly where you needed and wanted to be. You received what you asked for. You found what you needed. You walked through the of the way he made for you.

So we practice speaking what God’s word says. Even if the funds in your account are low right now. God says we walk in abundance, not lack. So we speak what God’s word says. I am rich.

The Bible says that our words have power. We are able to call those things that be not, as though they were (Romans 4:17). So we should speak life, not death. We should speak what God says rather than what our circumstances say.

And if you really want to form and shape your world – speak some things in existence. My son/daughter will graduate college and run their own company. My children will not deal with generational curses. I will lose this weight, I will have excellent credit, etc.

Say what you believe… ultimately, God gets the glory!

Have a blessed day.

faithz3

You Were Made For This…

1Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Have you ever asked “why me?” Or “why this?” Or anything similar?

The reason is simple – you were built to make it. You were built to survive it. You were built to tell the story!

God has uniquely called and qualified us to reach his people in a way that others cannot.

And with this call comes trials and tribulations that gives experience that allow us to preach or share the word of God effectively!

Romans 5:3-5, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us

We learn the sureness of God’s word only through trials and troubles. We stand on God’s word through faith as we face troubles. We successfully navigate the trouble because we trusted God’s word. We can now testify that his word is true. We now have experience. As we face new troubles we pull on this experience. We search his word for encouragement and use that word to fight the enemy again. We gain even more experience.

This is the cycle of walking by faith. For the just shall live by his faith!

The Bible calls this growing from faith to faith. Our faith increases and we mature a little more in the Lord (Romans 1:17).

So as we go through our situations, don’t be discouraged. Hold your head up and know that God has built you succeed, to prosper and blossom in the midst of it. He makes a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalms 23:5).

And share your testimony once you come through. Trust me, someone needs to hear it. To know that if you made it, so can they.

You were made for this. This thing is not the end of you! You will thrive and prosper both spiritually and naturally.

Take a deep breath and relax. With God, you got this!!

Have a blessed day