Fear stops growth

After years of dreaming, you have nothing to show. Those desires of the heart,now seem so far away. Your situation is not unique, many face setbacks due to self imposed fears. The fear of failinghas caused many people to fail before they attempt to start let a lone finish the project. Is there a fear to start or finish a project? Have you sabotaged your dreams with procrastination? It’s time to break throughthe barriers of fear. God can provide all your needs, just believe and don't give up hope. Seek God’s will. Ask for his guidance. Commit your vision to God, and he will direct your path. Be encouraged; rekindle the fire. Be a winner in Christ today!

Purpose in the pain

We all have experienced some form of pain in our life. It does not matter if it’s physical or emotional, we don’t like pain. We try to endure by pressing forward, but the relentless pain becomes a distraction. All focus is on the agony. There is purpose in the pain. God. Be reminded that God’s power is greater in our weakness. As agonizing as the situation may be please don’t give up. Find the peace of the Holy Spirit in the suffering. Here are a few verses that can help. Psalms 23, Psalms 34:18,  1 Corth.1:3-8, 1 Peter 4:12-19. 

You are God’s greatest creation

U are an unique piece of art - a masterpiece. U are God’s greatest creation. U are made in his own image. U are his handiwork. So why do U spend so much time trying to alter what God created? Your dislike of self tell God U don’t like his creation. According to David, God’s eyes saw your unformed body (Ps. 139:13-16), he created U. If U profess to trust God for the superficial things why can’t U trust his creation of U? U are a masterpiece - created in God’s own image. Focusing on the “imperfections” causes U to miss opportunities for God to work through U. There is something great in U that God wants to birth. Put your trust in his word. Seek him and find out God’s custom-designed plan for U! 

Actions speak louder than words

Parents are good at telling children what not to do. Their directives are continuously repeated while most Children forget or tune them out. As Christians, parents, teachers and leaders we expect people to adhere to our demands. But we forget the most important principle, lead by example.   

Children/people observe everything. We say one thing yet doing the opposite. 

Jesus always led by example. His most memorable moment was washing the disciples feet - he led by example (Jhn 13:5-6). In all things be cognizant of what you say and what you do. If you want someone to change, live by Jesus’ example. Actions speak louder than words. 

Stop complaining to God

Paul believed the throne in his side impeded him from doing more for Christ. God saw it differently, “my grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.”2 Cor. 12:7-10.Moses was yet another who requested God to remove his infliction.Ex 4: 10.Why wouldn’t God help these men? Despite both men’s requests, God didn’t take away their handicaps. We miss opportunities for God to work through us because of complaints. The one thing we pray to remove, could be the reminder that God’s grace is all we need. His power is perfect in our weakness. Don’t let your mind be your stumbling block to miss opportunities for God to be glorified. Your sins, handicaps, or afflictions happened so that the works of God might be displayed in you. (John 9:3).

 Beat the odds, don’t allow your mishaps to keep you from reaching your zenith in life.

The lies of Satan

We allow satan’s lies to become our truths. Satan attacks our mind, we react. He tells us the things that cause us to be of fear, doubt, spark anger and we respond. We lose peace of mind, even attack others based on what was planted in our thoughts. His cunning deception leads us astray making us take our eyes and thoughts off Christ (2Cor. 11:3). We can rid the devil by submitting ourselves to God (Jam. 4:7). Put on the full armor of God  (Eph. 6:10-18) and Pray without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17). It’s a daily fight to resist temptation but be encouraged, know that God is with you, he will not forsake you (Deut 31:8).

Don’t ignore the sermon

We have all heard that boring preacher, who stumbles through the sermon seeming unable to deliver. Or the tone-death choir who botched your favorite song. The attempt was well-meant but they lacked certain qualifications. We dismiss their messages as worthless. We forget who we serve! At some point in every sermon, God can breakthrough the preacher’s words or the chorus and deliver something  profound for the people. God can use anyone to deliver his word. We have to always pay attention to the messengers. Moses stuttered, (Ex 4:10) yet he freed the children of Egypt. Noah was a drunk, (Gen 9:20-21), David, a boy, killed Goliath (1 Sam 17:42) and Paul had a ‘thorn’ in his side (II Cor 12: 6-7). Who God calls, it’s based upon their unique personality, knowledge and aptitude not what we preserve them as. Learn to be more attentive regardless to who brings the message. Renew your spirit, Open your ears so you can Hear what God will speak to you!

Stop doing things by yourself

U didn't get the job U thought was yours. The one U prayed so fervently for. Since God didn’t give U that job or respond as quick as desired, U now take matters into your own hands. God was always with David, as a shepherd, the fight with Goliath and when Saul tried to kill him. In the midst of chaos we tend to take matters in our hands. When Saul began his quest for David’s life, he ran. In 1 Sam 21, David didn’t seek God he was looking for food and protection. As a fugitive, God reminded David he was with him through the Scared bread and Goliath’s sword. Each should have been signs of how God had provided in the past. Despite the signs, David continued to do it his way. What have U prayed for but continue to do it your way? Over time David learned to trust God. U can too. Pray, meditate in the word, listen for God and trust him. 

Stop provoking

Are you your brothers keeper? Do you spend more time talking about their  weaknesses, opposed to lifting them up to their greatness? There was a mother who spoke negatively to her children. Negative condescending words anytime they didn’t do what she wanted. Her harsh words led to dissection. Profaning family and friends can lead them to do things that can destroy relationships. The Bible speaks about provoking. Samuel’s mother Hannah was provoked (1 Sam. 6-8). So much so it made her sick to her stomach. As Christians we should speak blessings to one another not evil. The same goes for parents and children. No matter how bad a child may be there is always something good that can be said. Stop provoking, Take time to search for the goodness instead of their negative attributes. Your foolish provocation is heavier than a stone and sand. 

Walking away from God

Jesus always asked a question before responding. When God’s answer is not what we expect, we tend to walk away sad (Mark 10:22). Like the rich man, we get stuck on the question (v.20-21). When Jesus asked ‘why do you call me good?’ It was for a reason. Just like the rich man many miss the true answer. We all lack one thing: we fail to keep the first and greatest of the commandments—love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Matthew 22:37-38). We put our treasures and great deeds first. Like the rich man, Making it hard to give up and truly follow Christ.  What can you give up today? 

Why is it so hard to let go?

Why is it so hard for us to let go? Why are we so overly attached to our pass or our possessions? We are spiritually disconnected with God, no different than the rich man and his wealth (Lk18:18-30). We can’t forget what we should leave behind (Phil3:13). We can’t let go of Material things, and/or pass experiences. They are preventing us not only from heaven but from truly trusting God. What do you lack? What are you holding on to? Let it go! What is impossible with man is possible with God. 

Grief

Job just encountered the greatest lost of his life; seven children perished, all worldly possessions destroyed and sickness consumed his body from head to toe.

For some reason society believes that we should console one another by giving gifts or speaking politically correct words of condolences.  Here we read how Job's friends consoled him during his grief - by sitting silent for seven days and seven nights.

Consider your friends and family grieving; opposed of shallow words, try comforting them without speaking a word. Sit and meditate with them for one day or one hour. 

Confrontation can be deadly

A man sees a couple conversing loudly. He confronts the antagonist. Words are exchanged. A gun is fired. The antagonist, a father is dead. As Christians, Jesus charged us to help our neighbors, the poor, and even strangers (Matt.25:35). In doing so we have to use our Godly ability to make right decisions. Know when to let it go. Two lives lost because neither man knew how to walk away. Being a Christian is complicated. Ego, pride and emotions can cloud our judgement. Our tongues can be like fire (Jas 3:1-6). Sparking chaos which could become harmful, even detrimental. In the heat of confrontation, take a minute and pause. Allow the Holy Spirit to intervene. Learn to walk away, even if you are right. Live to see another day.  

Mental illness is real

Excuse me sir do you have some change, for to get something to eat?”

The woman with tattered clothes, matted hair and missing one eye,  lumbered through the train asking unconcerned passengers for change.  “Lord have mercy, I’m tired. I need sleep, but I can’t go to sleep I will miss my exit.” Mental illness is real. Spirits of the mind clash with reality causing an altered state of mind. We cast mentality Incapacitated people away never knowing how severe their pain. The man with many legions was also casted away to live among the dead (Luke 8:26-39) only Jesus could heal him. The restless One-eye woman lumbered her way back in my direction, plopping down in the sit in front of me. It was obvious she was mentally ill, The wrist band indicated her recent stay at Atlanta medical.  “Excuse me sir if I fall asleep please wake me up at the last stop.” I acknowledged and said I would. Mental illness does not magically erase morals or show empathy toward others. Despite her Illness she wanted empathy.  Can mental illness be cured? All things are possible through Christ if we asked. The last stop, I spoke to the woman asking her where she was trying to go. “I only want something to eat.” In parting I gave her some money. We prayed asking God to bless and heal her from her pain.