We must be very careful of the excuses we give why we aren’t doing what God has called us to do.

What do people say when confronted with doing what God expects of them or has called them to do?

Why don’t you go to church?

Let’s go feed the homeless.

Let’s go visit and minister people in prison and hospitals…

Why don’t you give the firstfruits of all your increase to God?

Usually before we make an excuse, we usually give a big BUT…

“I would, BUT the people in church aren’t right themselves…”

“I would, BUT those homeless people will just spend it on drugs, cigarettes and alcohol…”

“I would, BUT I can’t afford to…”

“I would, BUT I don’t have time to visit…”

“I would, BUT my kids have sports…”

Yeshua, Christ Jesus, gave us a parable to illustrate how much He hates our excuses. He let us know how much He hates our BIG BUTS…

Luke 14:18-24 (NKJV)

¹⁸ BUT they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ ²⁰ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the ^[a]maimed and the lame and the blind.’ ²² And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ ²³ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”

Notice that each of these excuses addressed the same excuses we give today.

BUSINESS. WORK. CAREER

“I bought a piece of ground…”

“I bought a yoke of oxen…”

SPOUSE. CHILDREN. FAMILY

“I have married a wife…

These excuses made the master of the house (Jesus) angry. So, He invited the very people who those who were initially invited were called to serve instead.

He then said those who makes excuses and rejected His invitation will not ‘taste His supper’ (will not enter His Kingdom).

Jesus hates our excuses! However, the enemy loves our BIG BUTS! He loves our excuses.
 

Don’t let your BIG BUT keep you out of the Kingdom of God!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Peter denied Christ (John 18:13-27), but that wasn’t the only sin he committed…God allowed them to remain hidden.

The Apostle Paul had a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12), but the bible does not let us know what is was…God allowed it to remain hidden.

Mary the mother our our Lord and Savior Yeshua (Jesus) was blessed among women (Luke 1:28), but she wasn’t perfect. God allowed her sins to remain hidden.

Your testimony can be powerful in letting people know that they can overcome what you have overcome. But, sometimes knowing too much about you can be harmful.

Yes, we are supposed to confess our sins to one another, but you can confess your sins (James 5:16), you can share your testimony without telling ALL your business.

Sometimes when people are caught up in a sin, the only way He can get them to stop is allowing them to be exposed. That’s why it’s good to NEVER ask God to MAKE you stop doing anything. He has given us the power through His Holy Spirit to stop on our own.

So, if there are some things about you that God has allowed to remain secret, and you’ve truly repented…sometimes it’s best to not let the world know.

There is great power in maintaining an aura of mystery and wonder at some level.

You don’t need to let the world know everything that’s in your heart…

You can’t let everyone know your hopes, dreams or regrets…

You don’t have to always let people know how you feel…

You CAN’T tell everyone EVERYTHING that crosses your mind!

For example, if you knew everything that runs across your Pastor’s mind, it’s thought it’s a good chance you may never want to hear another sermon preach again…Pastors are human.

Some people aren’t strong enough to understand your weaknesses.

Pray for discernment at what to share and what to keep between you and God. If God allowed it to remain secret…

Maybe you should too.

AREN’T YOU GLAD GOD ALLOWED SOME THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO REMAIN SECRET…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

There are different levels of accountability—-personal, family, social, professional, spiritual etc., this piece is about inter-racial accountability.

If I’ve learned anything as a Black man living in the United States of America, it’s that people don’t discriminate at letting you down.

As much as I want equality for myself and my children, I have to also recognize that I have been hurt, betrayed, undermined, overlooked, ignored, mistreated, misjudged, misunderstood and taken advantage of EQUALLY by people of color (not only Black) just as much as white people.

There are times that people who look like me had an opportunity to help me and refused.

There are times people who look like me complained about the system only to BECOME the system when they became part of the system…or created their own ‘system’.

I’ve seen people who complained about those who abused their authority and influence do the same when it was placed in their hands.

Too many times people who complained about THE MAN became THE MAN.

Yes, some of ‘my people’ who were overlooked because of their skin color have overlooked a more qualified candidate of their own race for a less qualified ‘frat brother’ or ‘soror’. I’ve seen Black people (some very Pro-Black) represent their organizations with Greek letters for generations…when they could very well do it with letters of an African alphabet or the Hebrew alphabet if they call themselves disciples of Yeshua. Why isn’t this considered a remnant of White supremacy?

I’ve seen Black people ‘throw away’ Black people because they don’t do, say, or think as ‘a Black person should’. This happens in every race, but I’m addressing my own. It’s possible someone will ‘throw me away’ because of this truth. That’s fine as long as Yah, my God doesn’t throw me away.

I’ve seen discrimination, favoritism, nepotism, abuse of authority, hatred, and ‘shady’ behavior within my own race.

No matter what your race, everyone who looks like you doesn’t love you.

I love all people.

Yes, I want equality and equity for people who look like me…but there are those ‘who look like me’ who can’t expect any more of others than they do of themselves.

As we fight for equality and social justice, let us never forget that we have allies and enemies of every color.

John 2:24-25 (NLT)

²⁴ But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. ²⁵ No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.

John 1:11 (NKJV)

^{11 (A)}He came to His ^[a]own, and His ^[b]own did not receive Him. ¹² But ^(B)as many as received Him, to them He gave the ^[c]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

To sum it up, White and Black people have both helped and hurt me on a personal level…equally.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Do you remember when Yeshua (Jesus) told His disciples that he would make them ‘fishers of men’?

Matthew 4:19 (NLT)

¹⁹ Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

And, do you also remember that the Lord told us to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into His harvest?

Matthew 9:38 (NKJV)

³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Also, do you recall how Yeshua met Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus to make Him an Apostle and a Laborer for His harvest?

Acts 9:1-6 (NKJV)

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

³ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

⁵ And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ^[a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

⁶ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

And finally, we all know the Great Commission that the Lord left for us to do…

Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,^[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Social media provides a vast pool of ‘fish’ to ‘cast our net’ for Christ. It provides innumerable amount of possible ‘Laborers for His harvest’. There are millions of atheists, skeptics, mockers, scoffers and backsliders and people of other religions social media every day.

There are many groups, on Facebook for example, dedicated to atheist or atheists vs believers groups who love to debate, debunk and belittle Christians about the One true and living God.

So here’s the strategy.

JOIN THESE GROUPS. MONITOR THESE DEBATES. NOTICE THE SPECIFIC NAMES.

THE RIVER…LAKE…OCEAN FULL OF FISH:

Social Media

THE BAIT…

Don’t argue or debate, but watch the responses and comments. Occasionally make a post, ask a question or comment. persecuting the Body of Christ before he was converted, so they WILL comment, respond, mock, scoff, insult you and God. This is the bait, and they WILL bite! Atheists are just as passionate as Saul/Paul was in persecuting the Body of Christ before he was converted, so they WILL comment, respond, mock, scoff, insult you and God. They will go on your profile and check you out (even in cyberspace, you have to count the cost). But don’t argue, but notice their names.

THE NET/COMMISSION

Continually lift these names up to God in prayer. Pray for that God give increase to any good seed that’s been planted inside of them.

Seeds of faith..

Seeds of repentance…

Seeds of salvation…

Seeds of fellowship with God…

Seeds of a lifetime of much good fruit for Him…

Pray that God make them Laborers for His Harvest just as He did the Apostle Paul.

God can do it. This is one of the situations when “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is most applicable (Philippians 4:13).

Remember, don’t be drawn into arguing or debating unless God truly gives you a seed of faith.

And, also remember that they don’t have to know that you are praying for them for God to respond. In fact, sometimes it’s best you don’t tell them because it will most likely harden their hearts even more.

WHY IT’S SOMETIMES BEST NOT TO TELL SOMEONE YOU’RE PRAYING FOR THEM…

This is an effective way to intentionally use social media as missionary field. You plant the seeds…water them with prayer…and allow God to give the increase. I call it SECRET CYBER MINISTRY.

Hey! WHAT IS SECRET, CYBER MINISTRY…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Even those who don’t believe in God have heard of it. The mark of the beast. The ‘mark’ that many will submit to showing that they have rejected Christ and accepted the antichrist.

Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

¹⁶ And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark IN their right hand, or IN their foreheads:

The purpose of this quick post isn’t to discuss whether or not the church will still be on earth when it takes place. But, what will it actually be. This could be a long post, but I’m going to keep it short so you can digest it…and pray about it.

There are those who talk about a chip being implanted, a bar code that will be required for buying, selling and living everyday life. There are others who speak of a literal mark or tattoo on the hand and forehead. How many warnings have you heard in sermons or seen posted on social media or in sermon?

I say neither. That’s too simple. That’s too literal. Check out this verse…

Jeremiah 31:33 (NKJV)

³³ But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Notice that God says, “I will put My law IN their minds, and write it ON their hearts.”

If you take an x-ray, will you find actual words written on your brain or heart? Of course not.

When God places something in your mind, it affects your thinking. When He places something in your heart, it affects what’s most important to you.

It’s the same with Revelation 13:16…

“In their right hand…” In the way you do things.

“In their foreheads…” The way you think.

John told us that the spirit of the antichrist was already here way back then…

1 John 4:3 (NKJV)

³ and every spirit that does not confess that^[a] Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The spirit of the antichrist has been at work for years affecting how Christians ‘do things’ and ‘think’. Convincing us to compromise when it comes to our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

Here’s a quick example…think about Easter. What does the name ‘Easter’ have to do with Jesus? Nothing. What do bunnies and eggs have to do with celebrating His resurrection? Nothing. But, you can’t convince well-meaning Christians to celebrate without calling it Easter because it has been to deeply ingrained in the way they ‘do things’ and the way they ‘think’. Why not celebrate His resurrection without calling it by a pagan goddess’ name?

Think of all the ways that the enemy is convincing the people of God to compromise.

Think of how the thinking of this world is changing to accept what God has forbidden.

It’s not what you accept on your skin…it’s what you accept within.

Think about it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Some people see, hear, taste, feel and smell better than others.

Some can’t at all.

Some animals’ senses are exponentially better than humans.

Just because we can’t sense something doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Our senses help us experience our environment.

There are some people who are more gifted at sensing spiritual things just as some are more gifted in the physical world. The devil wants to pervert these gifts as psychics, fortune tellers etc., but that’s not of God, and even prophets in the bible never prophesied at will.

The atheist must understand that there is a spiritual world beyond our physical comprehension, which will make its physical ‘proof’ impossible…that’s why it’s called faith, the sense that gives us awareness to what we can’t see.

Faith is your spiritual antenna, microscope, telescope that is activated making you aware of what was always there. Even the Christian as he or she grows in faith is made more aware of what he has been ordained to see through his or her level of spiritual sensitivity…just as some people are blessed to see better than others (everyone with eyesight doesn’t have 20/20 vision).

The spiritual sensitivity that results from faith along with using God’s word as the measuring stick and God’s wisdom for proper understanding allows us to experience God at a greater level, making Him more real to us than ever before.

Just as we work to enhance our natural senses to better experience and understand the physical world (glasses, hearing aids etc.), let us work to master our spiritual senses as well.

Isn’t it interesting that people can tap into radio waves allowing us to receive radio, television, cell phones and GPS signals which we can’t see… but can receive once you have the proper receiver? And, that receiver won’t work unless it has the proper antenna. Faith is that antenna that taps into the world we can’t see, allowing us to receive messages from God.

Even though we can’t see Him, we know He is there and He is everywhere at the same time.

In fact, how is it people can accept an ‘omnipresent internet’, but not God. You can’t see the internet, however you know it’s there. Plus, you can be on the internet on your phone, your computer, at home, at work, in Spain, in outer space, and it’s all the same internet…and all connected.

How can people accept that truth, but can’t understand God can be everywhere at the same time and connected to everything?

How is it we can accept that a man can be a father, a son, a doctor, preacher or teacher, a husband, brother, coworker and friend and still be one man…different authorities and relationships in one man, but can’t accept that God can be Father, Son and Holy Spirit and still be one…different authorities and relationships in one God.

As we grow in faith, knowledge of the word of God and His wisdom, our understanding and perception of the world we can’t see, touch, taste, smell or feel will grow.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

I’ve found the most intimate refreshing place to pray at my home. I love sitting in my chair on my front porch and enjoying quality time with God in prayer. When I’m out there, it’s like it’s just Him and me. Yes I pray everywhere. But, that place is special.

And yes, I said sitting.

You see, it’s good to get on your knees in submission to God, but contrary to what many may have been taught it’s not mandatory. That is not the exclusively acceptable prayer posture.

Your proper prayer posture isn’t the position of your body, but of your heart and spirit…

To a humble spirit… it’s about humility.

Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise

1- On Your Knees

Ephesians 3:14 (NKJV)

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^[a]

 2 – In Your Bed

Psalm 4:4 (NKJV)

Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

3 – Out Loud

Psalm 34:6 (NKJV)

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.

4 – Silently

1 Samuel 1:13 (NKJV)

¹³ Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

5 – Hands Lifted

1 Timothy 2:8 (NKJV)

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

6 – Eyes Open

John 17:1 (NKJV)

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,

7 – Head Bowed

Genesis 24:26 (NKJV)

²⁶ Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord.

8 – Prostrate

Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)

³⁹ He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

9 – Standing

Mark 11:25 (NKJV)

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

God just wants you to be humble. Many have even misunderstood “come boldly” in the book of Hebrews…

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

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

It’s not about ‘telling God what to do’, but direct access to Him. We don’t have to go through a priest, or a preacher to talk to Him…just submit to Him humbly in prayer through our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ.

So, bow your head, lie in your bed, fall on your knees, lift up your hands, as long as you’re sincere…God will hear.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

God created the universe and the earth to be self-sustaining. There is evidence of His work that testifies of Him since He decided to create the continuum of time…

Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and ^[a]Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

But there are some things that God creates new every day just as He did manna for the Children of Israel.

Exodus 16:17-21 (NKJV)

¹⁷ Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. ¹⁸ So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need. ¹⁹ And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” ²⁰ Notwithstanding they did not ^[a]heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. ²¹ So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.

There are some things that can’t be carried over to the next day.

There are some things that can’t be carried over to the next moment.

There are some things that even though humans can make out of something that God continues to create out of nothing.

1. A DAY

Out of all of the accomplishments God has allowed humans to achieve through science, medicine and technology there is nothing humans can do to create A NEW DAY. There is nothing that we can do to prevent the next day from arriving. Only God can make a day. No matter what may keep you awake all night making you dread tomorrow…if Yeshua delays His return, the Lord will continue to do what no one else can…create a new day for you.

Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)

²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

2. A BREEZE

Have you ever wondered where a breeze comes from? Yes, science will tell you that a breeze is a product of the difference between the temperatures of the earth and land. As air rises and grows warmer over land and forms low pressure, it interacts with cool air in high pressure…then it travels accross water and land. As land heats up during the afternoon, air above it begins to rise forming a low pressure area near the land. Then cool air, situated in high pressure areas, spreads across the water and moves in over land. BUT WHO MAKES THIS HAPPEN EVERY DAY? God controls it.

Exodus 14:21 (NKJV)

²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.

Mark 4:39 (NKJV)

³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace,^[a] be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

3 & 4. A BREATH & HEARTBEAT

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that every time you exhale, God has a new breath waiting for you? Anyone who suffers from asthma will remind you to never take that for granted. That’s why it’s a shame that some people who God gives breath, uses that breath to say He doesn’t exist. Yes, God has allowed humans to make respirators to breathe ‘for us’. But, there are many people who are on life support who are actually dead because they don’t have ‘the breath of life’ inside them. God gives us a new ‘breath of life’ every time we exhale.

And, even while we sleep, our hearts keep beating. After each beat God continues to give us another each and every day. Even an artificial heart is nothing without a power source. God is the power source of the heart he created.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

⁷ And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

5. NEW MERCIES

Grace is God’s unmerited favor towards His people, but everyone benefits from His mercy, whether they acknowledge it or not. It’s God’s mercy that prevents Him from dealing with us as we deserve. We are created in sinful flesh, and even when we try to do our best, we still fall short of His expectations. However, each day God gives us brand new mercies for each new day.

Aren’t you thankful that God doesn’t deal with you as your deserve? Aren’t you thankful that when God watched you stop and consider committing sin, knowing fully that it was wrong but still chose to do it anyway…yet God did not strike you down?

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Psalm 103:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

This list is not exhaustive. There are many things that require to be created new every day. THINK ABOUT IT…(the ability to think for yourself is one of them).

BE BLESSTIFIED!

One of the best ways for a teacher to establish his or her classroom culture and expectations is by modeling that behavior.

The tone of our culture troubles me.

Our society has legitimized a culture of insults, profanity and retaliation.

This behavior is being modeled by too many of our leaders, while being justified, excused, ignored and mimicked by their supporters.

People are so impressed by ‘keeping it real’, telling it like it is, and avoiding being Politically Correct that many have lost the value of exercising Emotional Intelligence, tact, kindness and restraint.

Too many people see being loud, proud, obnoxious and visceral as strength, while seeing meekness, humility and patience as weakness.

Our children are having this negative behavior modeled every day.

Even in our movies, we feel the ‘bullied nerd’ is weak until he or she stands up to the bully violently.

Remember, Yeshua Himself said don’t repay evil with evil, but turn the other cheek. He said don’t resist an evil person (unless of course your life is threatened). But of course, striking back if someone slaps you isn’t about self-defense, but pride. Returning an insult with an insult is about pride.

Matthew 5:39 (NKJV)

³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

Adults who call themselves disciples of Christ are going to have to do a better job of setting the example of walking in the Fruit of the Spirit, which the world sees as weakness.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Our children are learning to fight instead of keep the peace…

They’re learning to argue instead of reason…

They are learning to place blame and accuse instead of looking for solutions…

They’re learning to hate instead of love…

They are learning to make excuses to satisfy their will instead of God’s will.

Could many of our childish adults be the children who were spoiled when they were growing up? It’s time to stop the erosion of decorum in leadership.

Grown folks! We have got to do better.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Many times those involved in ministry, creatives and extroverts will be told, “You just like attention!” “You want attention!”

YOU LOVE ATTENTION!

This short quick answer to those accusations is ammunition and encouragement for those of you who want attention for the right reasons…

To bring glory to God…

To help others…

To encourage…

To inspire…

To instruct…

To make the world a better place…

The next time time someone tells you that you love attention, you tell them…

“SO DOES LIGHT!“

Matthew 5:14-15 (NKJV)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

John 8:12 (NKJV)

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 3:19-21 (NKJV)

¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. ²¹ But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

You are the object of someone’s fantasy. Someone’s watching you, and they want what you have. Yes, they want your body…

Your cancer-free body…

Your disease-free body…

Your two working legs and arms…

They want your ability to walk and run.

They want your ability to go to work every day.

They want your strength. Not you super strength, but your strength to take care of yourself.

They want ‘What you’ve got!’ Not the opportunity to fulfill their lust, but the opportunity to fulfill their life.

They want your freedom.

They want a family like yours.

They want to be just like you.

They want a roof over their heads…Food to eat…Clothes to wear.

They fantasize about going to the grocery store and filling a shopping cart rather than carrying everything they own in one.

They fantasize about buying a pair of shoes…About going where they want, when they want, in a car.

They fantasize about going to the doctor for check-ups and not treatments.

Someone would trade their good credit for your health…their riches for your peace. They’re watching you.

Please don’t allow our prosperous society to spoil you to the point of covetousness and being ungrateful.

Don’t allow the ‘blessings of abundance’ to become ‘burdens’ to make you feel God is mistreating you if you don’t have everything you want. If you don’ have perfect health. If you don’t have ideal circumstances.

The bible teaches us to be content with food and clothes…

1 Timothy 6:8  (NKJV)

⁸ And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

God teaches us to not worry about our needs…

Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)

³¹ “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

And, He teaches us to be thankful in all things.

1 Thessalonians 5:18  (NKJV)

¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Don’t get your wants confused with your needs. And remember, there is always someone ‘less fortunate’ than you…fantasizing to have what you may be taking for granted.

BE BLESSTIFIED

I admit this is not be easy, but it IS so necessary.

God made it very clear that the forgiveness we receive from Him depends directly on the forgiveness we extend to those who have hurt us…

Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

¹² Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

And, after you have forgiven them, you must continue to forgive them OVER and OVER again when you think about what they did (or didn’t do) and it makes you feel angry, ashamed, stupid and hurt all over again. You must continue to forgive them in your heart to MAINTAIN your forgivenesss…

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ FORGAVE you.

So, think about the 3 people in your life who have hurt you the most. it may be…

betrayal,

abuse,

infidelity,

neglect,

or they may have hurt someone you truly love…

…you know what they did, or failed to do. You know how they let you down. Think about those 3 people.

Now, if you haven’t already…forgive them.

Make up your mind to release them from the guilt of what they did to you…even if they don’t feel guilty.

Then, ask God to help relieve the anxiety and pain that you experience when you think of what they did, or see them…or see something that reminds you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Psalm 94:19 (NKJV)

¹⁹ In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.

I’m not minimizing the severity what they did to you, but God didn’t make a stipulation for that. He just commanded that we forgive.

I know it’s not easy. It may even seem impossible. But, this is where Philippians 4:13 is most powerful…

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

¹³ I can do all things through ^[a]Christ who strengthens me.

Now, think about those people that you have hurt as much as you’ve been hurt…do you need to ask for forgiveness?

HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT AN APOLOGY ( 8 TIPS)…

HOW FORGIVING & FORGETTING DOESN’T MEAN YOU WON’T REMEMBER IT ANYMORE…

WHY WE SHOULD STOP SAYING, “FORGIVENESS ISN’T FOR THEM, IT’S FOR YOU…”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

This piece IS NOT FOR or AGAINST President Trump, but to make a point to those who do not accept or believe in the Lord God of Israel through Yeshua the Messiah.

This is for those who don’t accept the bible as the inspired word of God.

Everyone doesn’t accept President Donald Trump as their President.

Everyone did not accept President Barak Obama as their President.

However, denying the fact that Donald Trump is your President does not prevent him from having authority in your life as an American citizen.

Denying that President Obama was your President did not make the decisions he made not valid for you.

It’s the same for those who don’t believe in or accept God. The same is true for those who don’t believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Remember that God allows His sun to shine on believers and unbelievers.

Matthew 5:45 (NKJV)

⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

It’s a shame that some people will inhale God’s air and exhale and say He’s not real…mock Him…blaspheme Him.

People who say God is not real and has no authority in their lives still hide when storm winds blow, lightening flashes, flood waters rise, and when the ground shakes…therefore, acknowledging He DOES have authority in their lives.

When we interact with God’s creation, with what we call nature, we are acknowledging His authority in their lives…

Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and ^[a]Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Even those of us who call ourselves believers dishonor God’s authority by what we allow to come out of our mouths…

James 3:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

So, be careful not to let your mouth curse the President. Instead, pray for Him to submit to the word, will and love of God. If you feel that He is not in relationship with God, pray for His Salvation.

Your prayer could be the prayer that changes his heart. However, our curses are condemnations and judgments that always come back on us…

Matthew 7:1-2 (NKJV)

7 “Judge^[a] not, that you be not judged. ² For with what ^[b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

Ask yourself, how many times you have complained about Donald Trump and neglected to pray for him.

Ask yourself, how many times you complained about Barack Obama but did not pray for him.

How many times have you prayed for either of them, but it was a selfish prayer…not for them to please God, but for them to please you?

God has given EVERYONE a measure of faith…

Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

³ For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Let us make it our habit to pray that God touch the hearts of those who don’t acknowledge Him. Let us pray that they attribute their measure of faith to Him through Yeshua, The Messiah, Jesus Christ. The fact is, He doesn’t love those who reject Him any less than He loves us.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KNJV)

²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

God still has authority over every person who doesn’t acknowledge Him. It is our responsibility to compel those minds to submit to that authority.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not ^[a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

BE BLESSTIFIED!

It’s very easy to take our blessings for granted. Especially the blessings that some of us might call ‘the little things’…like water.

Plenty of water…

Clean water…

Available water…

Anytime you want it.

There are many people in this world who consider clean water to be a luxury.

There are many people in this world who bathe and drink from the same water that animals drink from.

They just want clean, easily accessible water to drink and bathe in.

But, so many of us don’t only have plenty of water to drink, we can sometimes catch ourselves saying “There’s nothing here to drink if there is no juice, soda, wine, beer, or Kool-Aid in the house to drink because we don’t want to drink water.

So many of us have enough water to water our lawns.

So many of us have enough water to wash our cars.

So, the next time you get ready to wash your car or drive through a car wash, stop and thank God for enough water for this task that could be considered by those who don’t have enough as vain.

Then say a prayer for those who can’t go to the faucet and turn on the fresh, clean water.

Exodus 17  (NKJV)

17 Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. ² Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.”

So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?”

³ And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why is it you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”

⁴ So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone^[a] me!”

⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. ⁶ Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. ⁷ So he called the name of the place Massah^[b] and ^[c]Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they ^[d]tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

One of the greatest compliments and curses of being a creative is when someone steals your creativity! It’s guaranteed to happen.

Plagiarism is stealing.

However, quoting someone is the currency of creativity.

Exodus 20:15 (NKJV)

“You shall not steal.

Can I get an “AMEN!”

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Okay, I know it’s junk food but every now and then I love to treat myself to some delicious fast food.

We all know for years nearly all fast food chains have offered the opportunity to get more by UPSIZING your order.

Well, here’s a new UPSIZE OPTION idea that I feel can create millions in revenue for fast food restaurants and add an easy, but highly desirable option for customers.

I call it the UPSIZE PREMIUM FRIES!

What do you do?

UPSIZE PREMIUM FRIES IS LARGE FRIES PLUS FRIES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE BAG!

One of the surprise treats of eating a fast food meal is finding a few fries in the bottom of the bag when you’ve eaten all those in the container. So, guarantee it and everybody is happy!

BEBLESSTI-FRIED!

If you’ve read several of my blog posts, you will find I’m intentionally redundant with this message…

I’m VERY concerned with not just the character of America, but also those who call themselves Christians.

I’m concerned with how much the sin of PRIDE has been validated, justified and excused.

PRIDE IS AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED BY GOD AN ABOMINATION!

Proverbs 16:5

⁵ Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join ^[a]forces, none will go unpunished.

Remember, that even though sin is sin, some sins make God more angry. That’s not hard to understand because some sins make us more angry. It would make you angry if someone mistreats you, but it make you more angry if they try to kill you.

So, PRIDE makes God more angry than some sins we may consider greater sins.

And, pride leads to the idolatry of worshipping (giving too much priority in our hearts) that which we are proud of…

Our country…

Our race…

Our heritage…

Our family…

Our children…

Our accomplishments…

Our education…

Our flag…

God has not given us permission to be proud of any of these things.

If your mind is immediately trying to find reasons to justify it, then you may be trying to impose your will over God’s word. That’s dangerous.

So, how should you feel about what you are PROUD OF?

It’s simple. From now on, anytime when you want to say…

“I’M PROUD OF____________________!”

Instead, say…

“I’M THANKFUL FOR ______________________!”

Don’t allow pride to become the accepted abomination. HOW PRIDE HAS BECOME THE ACCEPTED ABOMINATION…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

We are all sinners saved by grace…

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

^{8 (A)}For by grace you have been saved ^(B)through faith, and that not of yourselves; ^(C)it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of ^(D)works, lest anyone should ^(E)boast.

So, think for a moment…

Think about some of the sins that you’ve committed SINCE you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

The war of flesh and spirit doesn’t go away after you’re ‘saved’…

Galatians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

However, when we receive the gift of His Holy Spirit are equipped to fight. You will win some battles and lose some battles, but ultimately win the war.

Galatians 5:17-23 (NKJV)

¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: ^[a]adultery, ^[b]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, ^[c]murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 [d]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

So think for a moment of some of the sins you’ve committed SINCE you’ve accepted Yeshua as Lord and Savior…

If you’ve been ‘saved’ for several years, you may realize that you’ve committed more sins SINCE you’ve been saved…

You may even notice that some of the sins you committed after you were saved were GREATER than those before you were saved. Yes, sin is sin, but some sins simply make God more angry…they’re called abominations. And these sins aren’t necessarily the freaky sexual sins that may often first come to mind. For example, pride is one of them…

Proverbs 16:5 (NKJV)

⁵ Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join ^[a]forces, none will go unpunished.

This is why we should NEVER take the grace of God for granted.

This is a good time to stop right now and thank God for His grace and mercy, and for not dealing with any of us as we deserve.

Psalm 103:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

And, be honest with yourself. Did you really accept the Lord Jesus as Savior, or were you just looking for Him to make things better in your life. Did you really accept Him because you believe or did you just think it was the right thing to do? Were you curious? Did you do it because your parents made you?

If you’ve sinned greater since you’ve been saved, ask yourself did you come to Yeshua for the right reasons.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

One of the most important things in the life of any disciple of Christ is balance.

God doesn’t expect us to be so serious that no one can stand to be around us. However, He doesn’t want how we choose to have fun to destroy our testimony for Him.

One of the greatest parts of contention for many Christians is drinking alcohol.

While the Bible says don’t be drunk with wine (Ephesians 5:8), it also says drink a little wine for your stomach’s sake. (1 Timothy 5:23)

The religious leaders called Yeshua a ‘winebibber’ because He drank wine, yet He never got drunk (Matthew 11:19).

Psalm 104:15 says wine ‘gladdens the heart of man’.

So, yes I will drink an occasional glass of wine or enjoy a drink during quality time with my wife, but I never get drunk.

There’s one thing we have both noticed when we go to the liquor store to purchase wine…

In general, people who are shopping in liquor stores are happy, cheerful, friendly, polite…and did I say happy? I’m not talking about drunks either.

We’ve noticed that for the most part, the people who work in liquor stores are very friendly and accommodating.

Some church people could learn a lot from a trip to the liquor store instead of judging those who go in…especially if they are ‘sending someone else’ to purchase their liquor😀

The liquor store kind of reminds me of Chick-fil-A. People in Chick-fil-A are always so happy. And, the workers, for the most part are eager to tell you, “MY PLEASURE!”

Of course every liquor store or Chick-fil-A isn’t like this, but anecdotally I’ve found it to be true.

Remember, not getting enough of something is just as unhealthy as getting too much…physically, emotionally and spiritually. One of the keys to life is balance.

I THINK I’LL RELAX & STUDY MY BIBLE WITH A GLASS OF WINE (from my archives)…

MORE RIGHTEOUS THAN JESUS?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Two of the most common insults in today’s society is calling someone COUNTRY or GHETTO!

People use these insults to call people…

Low-class…

Lazy…

Not fashionable…

Not ‘cultured’…

‘Slow’…

Uneducated…

Sheltered…

Not progressive…

And, the list goes on and on.

However, people who look down on these demographics of our population could actually learn a lot from them…

Some of the strongest parents are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO…

Some of the strongest families are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO…

Some of the most resilient and focused students are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO…

Some people in the COUNTRY and GHETTO have the most grit, determination, commitment to those who are important in their lives.

Some of those with the strongest integrity and character are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO…

Some of the strongest values are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO.

And most of all, some of the strongest FAITH in GOD is in the COUNTRY and GHETTO!

I grew up in a small town that had many of the big-city problems on a smaller scale, such as drugs for example. Everyone knows the correlation between drugs sand crime.

However, there was one difference. When I grew up, there were also drug addicts of every race just as in the city, but EVERYBODY KNEW EVERYBODY in my small town. So, no matter how bad their drug habit was, they kept some sort of job to support their habit. And remember, smaller towns have fewer job opportunities. The result…less drug-related crime. Also, that sense of community led to people helping one another when in need rather than just turning their nose up at them. Those are distinct cultural differences.

As much as people in big look down on ‘trailer parks’. In smaller towns, those people who live in the smallest most humble trailers aren’t homeless.

One of the things that attracts people to ‘gang’ culture is the sense of belonging and loyalty. How much loyalty and what sense of belonging do you find in corporate America, politics, manufacturing, education, or in some of the most ‘affluent’ and ‘upper-class’ neighborhoods?

Some of the strongest family ties are in the COUNTRY and GHETTO. There are people who work two and three jobs to make sure their families are taken care of.

Many people label the ghetto as being filled with ‘deadbeat‘ dads because they say they aren’t there for there kids and don’t support their children.

However, I can’t count how many ‘professionals’ who are ‘deadbeat’ parents because even though they have the same address as their children, they are absent in their lives as they prioritize career over family…sometimes throwing money at their children to replace true parenting.

Many country and ghetto families keep their heads to the sky…knowing the only one they can truly trust with their lives, families, safety and future is God.

Remember what the Bible says…

James 2:5 (NKJV)

⁵ Listen, my beloved brethren: ^(A)Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be ^(B)rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom ^(C)which He promised to those who love Him?

I was raised in a small town and protect many of those values that were instilled in me. I’m unapologetically COUNTRY!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

John Chapter 17 records the real ‘Lord’s Prayer’, as Matthew 6 gives us the model prayer. In John, He prays for Himself, His disciples and finally those who believe in Him through the disciples words…us.

It’s interesting of all things He could pray about, in verses 20 through 24 He prayed for…

Unity… Agreement… ONENESS!

Why?

Because three of the most powerful forces on this earth are…

LOVE…

HATE…

and…

UNITY!

It would be impossible for the Gospel to spread, the church to grow and families to survive without unity.

Notice what the bible says about agreement…

Genesis 11:6 (NKJV)

⁶ And the Lord said, “Indeed the people ARE ONE and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.

Amos 3:3 (NKJV)

³ Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰ Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all ^[a]speak the same thing, and that there be no ^[b]divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The fact is that unity is powerful that it works for both good and evil… THE POWER OF UNITY WORKS FOR BOTH GOOD AND EVIL…

It was through ‘agreement’ and ‘unity’ that the devil was able to provoke rebellion in heaven leading to him and those who united with him being kicked out…

Revelation 12:7-9 (NKJV)

⁷ And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, ⁸ but they ^[a]did not prevail, nor was a place found for ^[b]them in heaven any longer. ⁹ So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

However, the ultimate agreement is in heaven…

1 John 5:7 (NKJV)

⁷ For there are three that bear witness ^[a]in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

So, if our Savior was intentional enough to pray for agreement, I encourage you to be intentional to specifically pray for agreement EVER DAY in…

Your marriage…

Your family…

In your local church…

In the Body of Christ…

In your government…

On your job.

And especially pray for unity with God… That you are ONE with Him and He is ONE with you, just as He is ONE with our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah. Pray for this every day, and if possible every time you pray.

Notice how many times the Lord says or infers ONE in His prayer for us…

John 17:20-26 (NKJV)

²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who ^[a]will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be ONE as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be ONE in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be ONE just as We are ONE: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in ONE, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.²⁴ “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. ²⁵ O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. ²⁶ And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Remember, this isn’t just a prayer, it’s the Lord’s passion. And, it should be ours too.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

When you’re passionately pursuing your God given purpose…

When you’ve invested your time, money and reputation into what you believe God has called you to do…

When you’ve ‘put in the work’ hoping for certain results…

When you have ‘put yourself out there’ and taken risks, even having some of your efforts fail so you can learn, grow, redefine, and define your work…

You can sometimes feel frustrated when you aren’t getting the support, encouragement, affirmation, and acknowledgment you may think you have earned.

Okay. I’ll put myself out there for in a transparent moment, and maybe some of you will admit this with me…

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY GOD DOESN’T ‘TOUCH MORE HEARTS’ TO ACCEPT, SUPPORT, RECEIVE OR SHARE YOUR EFFORTS?

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY GOD DOESN’T DO SOMETHING TO CONVINCE MORE PEOPLE TO HELP YOU OR JUMP ON BOARD WITH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, SINGING, WRITING, OR DOING?

I have.

I’ve thought those thoughts.

This blog is my ‘youngest child’, and I passionately want it to be read by and a blessing to millions. I want the world to be inspired by my wife’s music.

I have many personal efforts in my life that I felt would have garnered more support. There are times I’ve felt overlooked, ignored, unappreciated, and abandoned by some of the people who I thought would support me the most outside of family.

Have you?

When we have low moments, we aren’t alone. Some of God’s most anointed prophets sometimes after great moments of victory were left feeling abandoned and all alone…

1 Kings 19:9-10 (NKJV)

⁹ And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

¹⁰ So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”

Even after performing supernatural miracles, Yeshua the Messiah, had many to desert Him, as stated in John Chapter 6 verses 66 and 67...

⁶⁶ From that time many of His disciples went ^[a]back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

And don’t forget that one, final human moment when the Lord said…

Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)

⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

So, as I was experiencing a personal moment of ‘why won’t God touch more hearts to help me’ in some of my kingdom and personal efforts, it occurred to me, and I sincerely believed He dropped this in my spirit…

IF GOD DOESN’T FORCE PEOPLE TO ACCEPT OR HONOR HIM OR HIS CAUSE…

HE’S NOT GOING TO FORCE PEOPLE TO ACCEPT OR HONOR ME OR MY CAUSE!

God allows people to chose for themselves.

Yes, we plant the seeds. Yes, we do the work. Yes, God can even manipulate situations around us trying to help us decide…but the decision is always ours.

Being rejected was a prophesied sign of the Messiah. It was a core part of His suffering…

Matthew 13:53-58 (NKJV)

⁵³ Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. ⁵⁴ When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? ⁵⁵ Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, ^[a]Joses, Simon, and Judas? ⁵⁶ And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ So they were offended at Him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” ⁵⁸ Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

And, a core but often ignored part of our purpose is to share in His suffering, sometimes by being rejected. After all, it’s only fair…

1 Peter 4:13 (NKJV)

¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Philippians 1:29 (NKJV)

²⁹ For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Remember, the people who contended against Yeshua went back to their homes on the day of the crucifixion thinking they had one…and the Lord ALLOWED IT.

The fact is that if Jesus can patiently wait for His glory, we can wait for ours.

FOR THOSE WHO FEEL IT’S TAKING TOO LONG FOR THINGS TO ‘TAKE OFF’ FOR THEM…

BE BLESSTIFIED!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

I remember two different conversations with two different ‘professionals’ that said the same thing, and both made me stop and think.

Years ago there was a gentleman who was promoted to be one of the many Vice Presidents of a company at which I worked. He had previously been a director and he lived in the same subdivision as me. He was excited about his new position. A few months later, as we was settling into his role I asked him how were things going. He said, “They are going well. I’m looking for a new house that ‘fits the role'”. Hmmmmm. House that fits the role. The has he was living in was already very nice.

Fast forward to after I entered the profession of education. I was talking to a young man who had recently been promoted to the position of Assistant Principal. In a conversation about what he did over the weekend, he mentioned shopping for another car that ‘looked the part’ and ‘fit the role’.

WHAT DOES ‘LOOK THE PART’ and ‘FIT THE ROLE’ MEAN?

It’s amazing how much emphasis that people in our western culture places on appearances.

Where should an upper level executive live?

What should an administrator in education drive?

How should a preacher dress?

There are people who make a good living crafting the ‘images’ of public figures. However the people who really know them look on and think, ‘who is that’?

Should you be able to tell a person’s role on their job by their vehicles in the parking lot?

Are we that shallow?

Yes.

That’s why people will allow themselves into the slavery of enormous debt because they want to portray a certain image. An image. An image.

Hmmmmm. Portray an image.

If we find ourselves driven to pursue AN IMAGE, we are dangerously close to a subtle form of idolatry. Even if that image is ourselves. Remember, idols don’t all have to be GRAVEN images…

Colossians 3:5 NKJV

⁵ Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

The bible says that borrowers are slaves to those whom they owe…

Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV)

⁷ The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Both gentlemen mentioned above, even though they were both in nice cars and vehicles, were diving deeper in debt, not because it was something they needed or even wanted…but because of how it looked.

Have you ever made a decision because of how you felt you looked to others? In a sense, it’s chasing emptiness. If you drive past someone in a very expensive car, and they think, WOW! What value did that thought add to your life? If someone visits your huge, elaborately decorated home and tells you, WOW! You’ve done quite well for yourself. It is beautiful! What value did that add to your life?

If you get a promotion based on appearances, does that lead to more and more pressure to keep up this ‘image’ you’ve created for yourself?

When you think about it…it chasing emptiness. It’s chasing wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NKJV)

¹⁴ I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Be very careful of what image you are working to conform to…

Romans 8:29 (KNJV)

²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

BE BLESSTIFIED!