Jesus Has Risen!

 

Good Morning!

Jesus rose very early in the morning in order for us to be liberated from sin. 

 The anticipation on Sunday morning was to discover the deceased body of Jesus in a borrowed tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, arrived prepared to anoint and clothe the body of Jesus. Much to their dismay, there was no body in the tomb! 

 Faith often gets weak due to doubt, regardless of how much truth is spoken or heard. We tend to rationalize how things that seem impossible can actually happen. 

Jesus told everyone he would rise again but to most people, death was death. There was some doubt. Disbelief.

 Despite our conviction. Jesus' ardent devotees and disciples had numerous instances where they questioned Jesus’ words and supernatural good deeds, including the women who arrived first, the eleven disciples who heard the good news, and the two men on the road to Emmaus. All of them harbored belief yet doubted the possibility of it being true. 

 

Jesus had to make a great effort to wake up early on Sunday morning. Despite not being required to do it, he still did it. It was by rising that all the claims previously made by Jesus were vindicated. These claims include him being the Son of God in the flesh, the fulfillment of God's purpose for humankind, and the Messiah the true sacrifice as the Lamb of God. 

 

What are you facing that is causing doubt? Do you believe that Jesus died and rose on the third day? Take that belief and allow it to manifest in your spirit. Let today be the first day of releasing doubt in your life.

The Delayed Promise of God

When God instructed Samuel to anoint David as king – Saul’s replacement – David was a mere child about 12 years old (1 Sam. 16). From that very day, the ‘Spirit of the Lord’ was on David (1 Sam. 16:13).

Despite the anointing and alignment with God, David faced many giants (1 Sam 17), trials, and pitfalls. Some had David literally running for his life. These obstacles impeded David from his rightful seat on the throne as king. God’s promise was delayed.

Many people have experienced their “David Anointing” but have become bitter, angry, and in many cases, given up all because God is taking too long.

Throughout David’s journey, he could have given up or even taken matters into his own hands. However, David seeks God’s advice. Whenever he strayed from God, David always found his way back to God. Whenever David had opportunities to pursue vengeance or “alter” the outcome he always took the higher road, allowing God to handle the problem.

When David finally took his throne as a king reigning over all of Israel, he was 30 years old (2 Sam 5: 1-5). It took about 15-17 years for God’s promise to become a reality.

What has God promised you? Do you have the endurance and faith to trust and wait on God like David?

Every closed door or broken promise by man is only a temporary setback to your promise. God’s promise to you may be delayed but it will not be denied. God’s promises are always fulfilled, you have to trust God in the process…

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Don’t listen to Satan even if it’s true

Satan reminded me of all my failures and imperfections. Once I allowed the thought, it festered in my mind and it became my stumbling block to greatness. I focused on failures and lost opportunities opposed to God’s Power. Negative thoughts and self condemnation caused spiritual blindness. Depression and doubtfulness set in. I exiled God and took matters into my hands. 

This is the point where the strongest of people fail. They hear or experience negative and they take it as the gospel despite the greatness that’s within! Elijah ran because of Jezebel’s decree ( 1Kings 19:2), the children of Israel would rather stay in eternal slavery and die opposed to being in the wilderness (Num. 20:4-5), Abraham failed in his faith (Gen. 12:10-20,) and Job lost patience (Job 4:7-10), yet he never lost faith in God. The devil prowls like a lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8-9). Don’t listen to Satan’s reminder of your past!  Put on the full armor of God. Cover your mind and heart so you can stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11-17). God hears your cry. Find the inner strength and call upon the name of Jesus. Your life is worth living and God is there waiting to help. Keep moving keep praying and continue to destroy the obstacles in your life! Be encouraged!

Unused gifts and talents

 

 God has given everyone a talent. Yes, even you! The question is are you using them or are they dormant? The "Parable of the Talents", in Matthew 25:14–30, which servant represents you? God talents need to be used. Not buried.  Don't let your talents be wasted. There was a man who wasted his life instead of doing great things with the gifts and talents God had planted in him, he spent his life sleeping and complaining, doubting himself. Mahatma Gandhi stated, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.” So, what do you believe? Use what God gave to you. Edify him and be a blessing to others. 

God's hedge of protection broken

Today's affirmation: #fear #doubt #Faith

What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. (Job 3:25)

"In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(Ephesians 4:26)

But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. (1Corithians 11:31)

Help me with my unbelief

Today's affirmation: #unbelief #faith

“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied (Matthew 17:14-20)

Compulsive change for the better

Today's affirmation: #Doubt #pray

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  (Phil 4:6-8)

Faith is an action word: Get up and Move!

Today's affirmation: #faith #action

Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:1-7)

The daily walk of uncertainty

Today's #affirmation: #uncertainty

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8)

Good Morning! - Greater Faith Less Doubt

Good Morning! - Doubting God

Good Morning! - Walking Away From God

Good Morning - God's Will

Good Morning! ~ God's Healing Word

Good Morning ~ Insignificant Gifts & Talents

Good Morning! ~ Doubt & Unbelief

Good Morning! ~ Fear & Doubt

Good Morning ~ Doubting Faith

Shampoo & Shoe Polish: The Rebirth

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalms 113:3

For days, all eyes were glued on Reality TV, watching the rescue of 33 miners of Copiapo, Chile who were buried alive in a copper mine. We saw interviews from family members, distant relatives, and friends all hoping for a safe resurrection. Nearer the day of rising came the men asked for special items. The request where typical, tooth paste, brush, and socks however there were two items that caught my attention; shampoo & shoe polish. When asked, these men indicated they wanted to present themselves looking their best to their families. Wow, 69 days buried alive, not knowing if they would ever survive and what was most important to them was their appearance.

I perceived this action as a new beginning, cleansing, purging from a death back to life. Or could it be a sacrificial offering of themselves not only to family but to the state, country, world and most importantly God. Chile is Christian community which takes its religion seriously. So seriously most wore t-shirts inscribed with In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him Psalms 95:4. This miracle made way for two miners to give their life to Christ. "The people say, 'It is a miracle. Thank you, God."

There was a time in our society where people wanted to present themselves to God looking their best. Often a family would own one good church going outfit which was adorned during praise and worship time! No, your outward show is not a prerequisite for a person to experience a revival. What I am saying is we need find our own way to present ourself to God through word action or deed. For example, live by the old saying “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Are your actions, words, or deeds, good in God’s eye sight? Are you praising him for the many blessing that are taken for granted? As stated by Rev., Dr. Stafford J. Wicker, “We are all blessed with more than two pair of shoes in our closets, a tooth brush, transportation, and food on our tables. There are people all over the world who would love to take any of our used items and would be happy!”

There is no right or wrong answer just food for thought. One has to believe that 33 men did not take they rescue for granted. They found it imperative to be clean and a blessing from God to be alive. This was the one way they could show their gratitude to God by requesting Shampoo & shoe polish!


Tigner Rand