Do you really love God?

As Christians we proclaim our love for God, but quickly disregard helping others. 

We have encountered neighbors and family in need, but we ignore or express our dislike towards them. The Christians who avoided the Good Samaritan is a great example of not loving your neighbor(Luke 10:25-37). Do we really love God? Whoever claims to love God yet hates his neighbors is a liar (1John 4:20). Love comes from God. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God (1John 4:7-18). Jesus gave us the formula for love. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:28–34. Now, let’s try to live by it. 

Unlimited forgiveness!

Life is filled with sin, temptations, and things which will cause us to stumble. It’s inevitable. Jesus even declared it to the disciples (Luke 17:1). When offenses from a Christian is repeated continuously, be mindful of our words and actions against them. When the offenders repent, through our faith in God and prayer, it’s our duty to forgive them each time and not hold grudges. God wants us to demonstrate unlimited forgiveness! No matter how appalling, His desire is for us to forgive. To reach unlimited forgiveness, increase our faith! If we don’t, it’s better for us to be thrown in the sea with a stone tied around our neck. Learn to forgive when a person asks for forgiveness. 

Why are you so fearful?

Why at you so fearful? What are you afraid of? Whatever the situation, good or bad, God is with you. Be not afraid, trust in God’s word (Isaiah 41:10). There is nothing man can do to harm you! God is a refuge during trouble times (Psalms 46:1-3). Trust in God’s Holy Word (Isaiah 54:17). God’s love can endure any storm. Keep your mind on God, he will give you perfect peace (Isaiah 26:1-19). Praise His Holy name. 

Bitterness is a cancer

When you exclude God from your past hurts, and pains, anger festers in your soul. The anger turns to bitterness and resentment. Bitterness, turns into never-ending  misery, sadness, sorrow, anguish, and unhappiness. You now focus on hostility. Your ‘justified’ retaliation develops, Emotional instability, Lack of peace & Joy. No one can share in what little joy you have, let alone give joy back. This feeling and adverse words are demonic mind tricks Satan use to keep you from walking in God’s favor. Bitterness is a cancer, but there is a cure through Jesus. Relinquish your pain and suffering to God. Forgive yourself as well as those who may have caused the pain. 

Complainers are never satisfied

We live in a society that complains about everything: work, the boss, wages, home, spouse, even church. Complainers are discontent and never satisfied. The Bible reminds us to do all things without grumbling and arguing ( Phil. 2:14). Bitterness is contagious (Heb. 12:15), it can spread to others. The children in the wilderness were no different, they complained 40 years all while God fed, blessed, protected, and clothed them

(Ex. 15 &16). God don’t like complainers. So much so, he killed them (Numbers 11).  Grumbling is not fruit of the Spirit. It is a sign of a faithfulness and selfish person. Stop complaining. Find peace in God. Learn to let go of the issues and trust God. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30). 

You are the answer to someone’s problem

You are the answer to someone’s problem. Your unchanging faith can deliver others. The Centurion’s great faith was enough to heal his servant (Matt. 8:5-10). Unwavering faith is needed to activate Great Faith. The Centurion heard of or possibly saw Jesus’ miracles. What made his faith so great, he didn’t think like the Pharisees or Sadducees, asking for signs from heaven (Matt 16:1). He asked Jesus to just say the word! You are the answer to someone’s problem. Say the word, in Jesus name. 

Be courteous, kind, and generous

Acts chapter 28, Paul and other prisoners shipwrecked on the island of Malta. The islanders were welcoming, courteous, and kind to complete strangers. The chief official of Malta invited Paul to stay in his home. Their compassion for the castaways was not temporary, it lasted for three months! Upon leaving Malta, the castaways received a ship to continue their journey.

The question is “are you a courteous, kind, and generous Christian? When we are tender hearted and kind to one another, (Eph 4:32) generosity is returned. Make a Christ like effort daily to be courteous and kind to others. 

Are you a hoarder?

Are you a hoarder? Are you holding onto past treasures in your life? Hoarding is not just junk in a house, it’s also mental hoarding. Holding on to pain, suffering, lost dreams, and hopes, can inflect a life time of hardship. Whatever your mind is hoarding there is a cure. It begins by letting go. Forgiving self. Seeking God. There is nothing God can’t fix. Let us not fail to recognize hoarding is physical, mental, and spiritual behavioral disorder and if not treated this disease can attribute to life lasting problems. If you or someone you know has a hoarding problem; (object form or spiritual form) please seek professional help. In Jesus name Amen. 

God’s daily masterpiece

The same sun has risen daily for many of years. What’s so amazing, God creates a new masterpiece daily. Each morning starts with a fresh canvas. Hints of blue and gray highlighted with basic primary colors. One day heavy splotches of red, orange and burnt sienna, while on other day’s blue and purple tones grace the skies. Sometimes, a sunrise against a light blue canvas splattered with floating pink cotton candy clouds or a sunset blended with burnt orange and amber colors against the evening sky giving way to sparkling star diamonds on midnight blue heavens. we take God’s amazing grander for granted. God’s art is Alive and vibrant!  Remind us daily your beautiful creations. Amen. 

What makes a great dad?

What makes  a great father?  

Regardless of the flaws, and imperfections, how would you describe good dad. 

In honor of Father’s Day, share a memorable moment, characteristic, or attribute of your dad. If your dad was a superhero, tell me who would he be! 

Pure in your eyes only

Cain’s offering was given with good intentions but his actions spoke differently (Gen. 4:3-7). People are pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives (Prov. 16:2). By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice (Heb 11:4). Abel gave his best to God with a pure heart. Cain brought the leftovers and he gave grudgingly. When we don’t do what’s right (Gen. 4:7), we get angry and often depressed (Gen. 4:6) because we were ignored or rejected. The lesson: always give God your best - time, talent, treasure. Learn from mistakes. Don’t allow your ego to rule over you. Cain took matters into his hands opposed to seeking God and repenting. In everything you do for God give him your best with a happy heart. 

It takes a special man to be a dad

Fathers can be strong will and often misunderstood. Despite their antiquated beliefs, deep down there is a caring and loving person inside. It takes a special man to be a father, dad, or pop. Often times their good intent goes unnoticed. Despite being unappreciated they never stop grinding. His words are stern yet he listens and comforts. Stubborn in their beliefs they never complain. These imperfect qualities make dad loved and respected and sometimes hated. Don’t make dad an afterthought. Take time to show some love this Father’s Day. 

Never miss an opportunity to praise

God continuously provides miracles for all to see. Often we focus on the horrific situation or take God’s wonders for granted. We have witnessed hikers surviving days in the wilderness, hero’s who saved victims in mass shootings, and your miracle, God blessing and making a way for you! In moments of joy we miss a praise opportunity. We either respond like the nine leperswho kept going and never gave thanks or like the one leper, who came back, praising God in a loud voice(Lk. 17:15). As you go through your daily activities, take time to see and thank God for the little things. Don’t miss an opportunity to praise. 

Hesed Love

Naomi’s gift from God was Ruth. In the midst of despair, the carnal mind oftentimes takes over the spiritual mind. Naomi was no different. Life’s tragedies made her a heart broken and embittered woman (Ruth 1: 3-4). It was Ruth’s love for Naomi which ultimately became her blessing. God knew her pain and he didn’t forget her. The type of kindness Ruth had comes from the Hebrew word Hesed. A form of love that won’t let go. A self-sacrificing, stubborn, costly, voluntary Love. The type of love God has for his children. The type of love Jesus exemplified for us by sacrificing his life on the cross. Despite Naomi’s request for her to leave, Ruth wouldn’t let go (Ruth 1:16-18). Ruth was an example of loving-kindness (Hesed) through her willingness to help others. During your life journey, allow God to use you like Ruth by blessing others with true Hesed loving-kindness. 

Jars of faith

You are down to your last two hundred dollars. Your home heading to foreclosure, along with every earthly possession. You receive a prophetic word from God telling you to “collect jars.” Would you do it? Are you bold enough to put your trust in God’s word? Have mustard seed faith that God will provide? Elisha told the widow something far-fetched, “go ask your neighbors for empty jars and don’t ask for just a few.” (2 Kings 4:1-7). This woman had enough faith to believe Elisha and not question the assignment. If there was any doubt or no faith her blessings would have been cut short. You with little faith, what are you doubting? What are your empty jars? What is God calling you to do? Start a business, teach, or preach? Get the jars and do it in the name of Jesus even when it don’t make sense.  God will pour and fill you just as he did for the widow.

Nothing just happens in life

Nothing just happens in life. Ruth experienced a tragic situation, the unexpected loss of wealth, moving to a foreign country then the death of her husband and father-in-law. Enough to change a person’s life and faith forever! (Ruth 1:1-18). We focus on the incomprehensible and then convince ourselves that there is no way to recover. We take it a step further by doubting God. What tragedy have you encountered? Who have you blamed? I can’t reiterate  enough, seek God for everything! It’s during your tragic situations God can do his Greatest work. In your weakness God’s strength is made perfect and his Grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:8-10). By Ruth changing her mindset, God was able to bless and restore everything (Ruth 4). Whatever the situation, remember nothing just happens. Take time to heal, seek God and grow. Allow God to use your tragedies  to be a blessing to yourself as well as others. 

focusing on God

When a person lacks certain resources, they usually revert to their own understanding. It’s during times of distress we lose focus, we don’t have the wherewithal to see through circumstances. When David was a fugitive, he spent countless days trying to avoid situations (1 Sam. 21). It was not until this poor man came to his senses and called on God was he rescued (Psalms 34:6-8). We tend to make life harder than it should be. Stop taking matters into your hands. Trust the Lord. Seek him for all things. Taste and see for yourself that the Lord is good! 

Finish the race

The hardest part in a race is near the end. The legs get fatigued, muscles cramp and breathing becomes labored. This is the time many give up. In everything that you do remember, The race is not won to the swift but to the one who endureth until the end(Ecc. 9:11). When facing new challenges, starting a new job, or growing your relationship with God, don’t give up. Train, study, and pray. Build your endurance and run a good race. Don’t let people or obstacles cut in and keep you from God’s truth. Finish your race.