Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

John 19:30 – “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

What Jesus starts, he finishes, see Hebrews 12:2, and Philippians 1:6.

We serve a God of purpose. There is nothing arbitrary about him. When God takes the time to say something, he will complete it. Look at the cross – every prophesy that the prophets of old utter about him, Jesus made sure to fulfill.

More specifically, when God takes the time time to speak to his people (in prayer , visions, dreams, etc.), he does so with the express purpose of bringing it to pass. Most of the time, when God speaks to us, it is at the beginning of a journey- a faith journey. We receive the words, but those words will be tested. Can you hold on to the words, when the evidence of your life seems to contradict them? That is the test – your test of faith.

In Isaiah 53:5, whenever we need some sort of deliverance, this scripture is fuel for our faith. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, and all that his suffering would bring/reveal for us. In John, while Jesus was on the cross, he utter “it is finished” and gave up the ghost. He made sure to fulfill the scriptures before this occurred. Because he finished it all on the cross, we are now able to stand on his holy scriptures and say the same – it is finished. Whatever I need – it is finished. Whatever I need to be delivered from or to be healed of – it is finished. But it is still a faith thing.

These words mark the beginning of your faith journey to receive. But every journey has a beginning and an ending. God placed you on the road – for he guides our steps, as he orchestrates our life. Because he placed you there, he will also give you and expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Because he always finishes what he starts. Our faith is tested because everything we face seems at war with the words that God has spoken. Test results may be positive, credit score may be too low, your job may have gone away, etc. But despite this, we must stand on the things God has promised.

Romans 3:4 says “let God be true and every man a liar.”

We must be fully persuaded that God is faithful and will bring it to pass. No more doubt and disbelief that causes your faith to decrease. But build your self up on your most holy faith. Surround yourself by people who will stand in faith with you. Silence every voice that will speak negatively to you or speak against what you are trying to receive from God.

It is finished, because God said so. Just stand on it in faith and keep believing. You will receive it. It will come to pass.

Have a blessed day!

Hebrews 4:15-16

“15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

This is one of those days where I just need to come to God and boldly express myself. Telling him the, the bad, and the ugly that is happening in my life.

I am profoundly grateful that my God understands what it is like to be wrapped in this flesh and to have the feelings, and emotions I experience. Because of that he is able to extend the mercy I so greatly need as well as give me the help I need to endure and overcome!

Happy Thursday to all!

Acts 5:1-2 (read through verse 10)

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Honesty is the best policy.

There is something we use to say “you don’t have to lie to kick it.” Which basically means you don’t have to lie to me just to be friends.

But some times being honest seems to be the hardest thing to do. But lying is a terrible habit. We lie to ourself, to co-workers, to family and friends. Sadly enough all of these lies are unnecessary. But the most harmful lies are the ones we tell are to ourselves.

We fool ourselves into believing the telling of lies is a necessary evil we must deal with. However this is not true.

We serve a God who deals with the thoughts and intents of our heart (see Hebrews 4:12). In the scripture text above, the issue was not the amount of money that was given. whatever was sold always belonged to Ananias and his wife. After it was sold the full dollar amount remained theirs to do with whatever they chose. No judgment and no explanation was necessary. However, it was the evilness of their heart that prompted the lie.

God wanted to show the people that you cannot lie to him (or his people), for he knows all. It is better to be honest with him – the worst thing you can do is lie to God!

I tell people all the time, God is the best friend you will ever have, You can go to him in prayer and tell him your deepest, darkest secrets, and he will not tell anyone. More importantly, he will heal and deliver you from them.

Be honest. As you practice honesty (to yourself and to everyone around you), you will notice a difference. You will be lighter emotionally, and closer to God spiritually, After a while, people will notice the change in you and begin to trust you more.

Just be honest – it is a better way to live, and it glorifies God.

Have a blessed Tuesday.

Acts 3:16

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

The name of Jesus is all powerful. Faith in the name of Jesus will bring forth victory and deliverance. Faith alone is dead. But when your faith is in action, and that action is sealed by doing it in Jesus, you shall have whatsoever you believe.

The Bible says that the just shall live by his faith.

No matter the situation, times, or circumstance this fact remains the same. Times are tough, we are all facing things that require a great amount of faith and trust in God. Our job is to remain strong in faith, in the name of Jesus. Sometimes this seems to be the hardest thing to do. However, God has given us tools to use that will help us to remain steadfast.

Praise and worship are gifts in hard times. Why? Because it takes our focus off of us, and places it on God. During praise and worship your burden is lifted, peace resides, and you receive strength and encouragement. More importantly, we are miraculously given what we need to keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Yes, these are very tough times, but we serve a great God who loves us unconditionally. He gave us his name to use. Use it in faith and believe. There is victory for you, just hold on.

Proverbs 18:10

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:
the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

God has a plan, and he is never perplexed. He can handle everything. We just need to learn how to trust him to do it.

Turn to him, then give him space to work.

I guarantee you will not be disappointed!!

Romans 15:1

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

With strength comes responsibility. It is not to mock or intimidate those that are weaker. But we must be an example to others by providing support, to cover, and even carrying those that are struggling to maintain their balance.

No man is an island unto himself. We need people. Yes, there are times when we feel we have it all together. But everyone will experience times when they weaken or maybe even fall. It is at these times when we need someone.

By definition. a hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. A godly hero is someone whose strength is seen in his or her acts of service to others. Their actions illustrates the love of God.

By being there for someone who is struggling, unable (at the moment) to push through a barrier they maybe facing, or just needs some encouragement not to give up. We can be a hero – that person who selflessly gives without wanting anything in return.

We do this not so we can be applauded by people. Rather we do this to bring glory to God. For it is God who has made us strong.

By covering those that are weak, selflessly, we show others that they too can do the same. Starting a cycle of love that touches everyone.

Look for the opportunity to be a hero today!

Romans 14:19

“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.“

Life is already a challenge to most people, that we don’t want to add more stress to it.

Small actions add up to a huge impact. Little things like smiling, saying “hi”, opening a door, picking something up that has fallen, saying “thank you” are things that make a peaceful life for someone who is having a hard day.

By following after things that make peace we are able to be the blessing people needed without even knowing it. Be kind, be gentle, and be purposeful. Let us look to uplift rather than tear down.

You can do it. We all need it. You can be the change that the world needs today.

Have a blessed Wednesday!

During this time of social distancing many are bored. They feel there is nothing to do.

Here is a helpful list of things to accomplish daily:

When you feel you have done it all, start all over again!

Think of this time as a blessing of rediscovery. Rediscover you’re self, your husband or wife, your children, and your relationship with God. It’s an opportunity to get to know them on a deeper level.

There is always something to do. Develop a listening ear to hear what the spirit is saying. Walk in discernment. Walk in peace. Walk in love. All of this takes practice. Now is the perfect time to develop those skills.

I pray that you have a blessed day of rediscovery!

Romans13:8, 10

“8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.“

Let every action you take be motivated by love. Then let your actions be guided by God. Doing so will prevent hurt to others and will also strengthen your brother.

If people react poorly to your good deeds and acts of kindness, check your motivation. If your motivation is wrong, or is not from a place of love, then everything that follows your action will be wrong too. You will be received poorly, and the responses you get will be opposite of what you expected.

Let love prevail. We cannot give evil for evil. Understand there is power in forgiveness, and choosing to show love instead. Stand in that victory or power, choose to be free and love!

It’s love over everything.

Choose to pay the love you owe and have a blessed day!

All of the years that you have sat under excellent teaching from preachers and teachers. All the years you have spent in reading and studying the Bible, now is the time to put it all into practice – everyday.

While men’s hearts are failing them because of fear, let us not be counted among them. Let your life be a witness to all. Yes, we are living in perilous times, but God is still on the throne, and he is in control.

The Bible has always said that the just shall live by his (and her) faith. People are now watching us to see where is our faith. Don’t let them down. Be that beacon of faith. Let them see that there is hope, and that hope is in Christ.

Have a blessed Palm Sunday.