Good morning! - Living water

Good morning! - Superpowers

Good morning! - Time Talent Treasures

Good morning! -Joy & Victory

Good morning! - bathing in the word

Being like Andrew – the first disciple

                                     

photo: Morgue File

Read: John 1: 34-42

the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that win souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

The introduction of Jesus

The most significant action a Christian can do is introducing a friend to Jesus.  The masses typically justify and find reason as to why they should not.  It is politically incorrect to discuss religion at work; we shun from inviting neighbors to church or fear retribution from family members.

In contrast, I think of Andrew the fisher man. His passion, zeal, and lack of fear was very instrumental in building Christ’s ministry.  Andrew was the most interesting disciple. Though he was one of the elite twelve, his presence was limited in the bible, but several miraculous encounters would have never transpired without him.

Andrews Ministry – Presence

Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist and believed in John’s message of the Messiah coming.  And when Andrew was introduced to Jesus he instantly fell in love. The first thing Andrew did was go tell his brother Simon Peter. And he took him to meet Jesus.  Before you can lead someone to God you got to believe in him. Andrew confirmed his belief when he addressed Jesus as “Rabbi” (which means Master.) To believe in God one has to confess him as Lord, study, know, and trust His word.  

When you think about Andrew, without his presence would we know of the great preacher Peter (John 1:41)? Would the feeding of five thousand occurred (John 6:9), or would the Greek Gentiles come to Christ if it was not for Andrew telling Jesus (John 12:20-22)?

Today’s message

Each of us has a calling on our life. We may not be eloquent speakers, preachers, teachers, singers, or leaders. But we still have work to do in building God's kingdom. There is a friend, family member or stranger we can lead to Christ.

The things we see as insurmountable are often the things God can use for the benefit of the kingdom.  Stop placing limitations on what you can or cannot do for Christ. What ever your calling use it in glory and honor of God. Trust and try God at his word. Put the word into action. How much more could the church accomplish if we all were a little more like Andrew.

Prayer

Sovereign Father in heaven, thank you for your son Jesus Christ.  Thank you for salvation and the opportunity for repentance.  Father, increase my faith so that I can boldly take on a spirit like Andrew. Give me the ability to profess and speak your word to others and not be fearful to lead others to you. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  Amen.

Good morning! - The fear of Shadows

Good morning! - Giving is never denied

Good morning! -Three types of Christians

Good morning! - spring water vs. pool water

Good morning! - Giving vs. Receiving

Good morning! - Is giving hard?

When Trouble Knocks

Read - Psalm 32: 7-11

Don't be like the horse or mule which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with  bit and bridle. Psalm 32:9

When trouble knocks

The still of night is always awakened when trouble knocks or it kicks in a door. Strangers lurk invisible, like a lion seeking to destroy. They snatch life, and worldly possessions out of your grasp. It’s a hurting feeling when intruders violate your home. 

When trouble knocks people do crazy things that don’t make sense. Emotions supersede logic and all chaos breaks through. Lost job, people in need money, or the house note is due, so it’s okay to rob?

When trouble knocks people become numb, confused, frustrated, helpless, and hopeless.  What do you do or who do you call? Don’t take matters into your hands by leaning upon your own understanding seek a higher power – God?

When trouble knocks cries go up to the Father “please answer the call.” Cover and protect your children through their turmoil.

Facing Challenges

When faced with challenges in life we often contemplate the worse. All too often we strategize on what “we” plan to do oppose to calling on the power and source which passes all understanding – God.

I love David for many reasons.  Despite the fact he was a rascal who committed adultery, a murderer, and liar, who sinned before God, David knew what to do when he encountered calamities in life. He sought God’s heart. Even when David’s E.G.O. – Edged God Out – he always game back and never allowed it to get in the way of his relationship with God.

David in the storm

In the middle of David’s storms he often prayed expressing how he felt: “Have mercy on me O Lord for I am in trouble my eye wastes away with grief… I am a broken vessel… Give ear to my prayer God and don’t hide yourself from my supplication.” David learned to cast ALL his burdens on the Lord and God sustained him every time!

What trouble is knocking at your door – health trouble, finance, trouble, loved ones or friend troubles what do you do?

Cheer up and turn to God’s word and trust in his mercy. Though you may walk through the valley of shadows of death, remember not to fear or worry because God is with you and he will comfort you.  When you seek fresh new help and guidance from God He will show you his ways and lead you in his truth. Then you can be rest assured than when trouble knocks it will not last always because God got your back!

 Prayer

Father God,

You know when trouble knocks at my door. I pray that you will take over the situation.  I release the troubles allowing you to take full control. May the Holy Spirit rest and abide over me bringing your light and peace to dark circumstances. In the name of Jesus hear my cry. Amen.

Good morning! - Spiritual treasures

Good morning! - are you a doer or hearer?

Good morning! - The five Gospels

Good morning! - Life is more important

Good morning! - Wasting your gifts

Your words come from the heart

Photo by: Chelle

Read 15: 8-18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man. Matthew 15:18

Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

The words you say

Do you understand the words that come from your mouth?  Do you ever listen to the words you speak to family, friends, and co-workers? Parents, do you think before you speak to your children?

• “You are lazy”

• “You are a failure”

• “You are no good”

• “You are just like your father”

Your words come from the heart

In today’s text Jesus reminds us that defilement comes from within. Your words come from the heart. It is not what we put in our mouth that defiles us it is what comes out! Sticks and stones may break your bones but words cut deep like a knife into the spirit.

This communication is twofold – what you speak to others as well as to self. Do you comprehend the word you speak about yourself? 

• “I am too fat”

• “I am too skinny”

• “My nose makes me look ugly”

• “I don’t like the way that I look”

This language is spoken daily, intentionally and unintentionally.

And these words are powerful and they do have recourse – negative or positive, the bible tells us so. 

Matthew 15:18-19 - …those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart defiles a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…

Denied Destiny

Many years ago I worked with young man who had a thirst for knowledge. Based on conversation, a person could tell this young man was very intelligent  and he should have pursued his educational dreams. In my opinion, through our conversations, his destiny was cut short based on his childhood experiences.

Though his parent’s intentions were well it was the corrupt words spoken which caused this man to drop out of school.  “No matter what I did they never saw the best in me.”  It was defiled and harmful words which prompted the boy to give up – “Dummy, lazy, crazy, and stupid.” Followed by “might as well drop out of school you are not going to amount to nothing.” After years of verbal abuse the boy gave up.

Toxic words poison the mind

Family, words can be toxic.They can poison the mind; tear down self-esteem and confidence in a person.  I encourage you to start thinking before speaking especially in anger, a fit of rage, or when disciplining a loved one. Think before you speak and use words that are persuasive.

T

• Empower

• Encourage

• Uplift

• Love

Think before you speak

When we verbalize negative words it tears down what God wants to build up! It destroys the Gifts that God has given, never allowing them to manifest. It negates God’s purpose.

Meditate today and think of times you have spoke negative towards a loved one, friend, or coworker. Seek forgiveness and become more aware of the words you speak. It is not what you put in your mouth that defiles a person it is what comes out – do you understand the words that are coming from my mouth…?

Prayer

Father God in Heaven,

Words I speak are manifested. They can encourage and uplift or defile and destroy.  Lord, help me to become more aware of the words I speak. May they be words of encouragement not negative words.  Expressions that will uplift not break down.  Rekindle the fire in my heart to see the goodness in everything and everyone. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart always be expectable in thy sight.  Amen.

Find your purpose when Laughing out loud at yourself

Photo by: jdurham - Morgue File

Read:  Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

laugh out loud 

Sometimes we need to stop and laugh out loud at ourselves. After many years of searching I finally found my purpose. Before the revelation came there was emotional turmoil which dictated the outcome of my situation. Now I can laugh because all along it was right under my nose I just did want to believe it.

It is in my opinion there is a direct correlation between the things people love to do and how God can use them as a purpose driven life for him. He can use anyone for his work. It does not matter your background, education, your appearance or past.  

Take for example the disciples. There was a wide array of professions: Fishermen, Tax Collectors, Farmers and so one.  It is safe to assume these men were the best in their profession. Their skills which I’m sure provided a comfortable life style. But after meeting Jesus they found their true purpose in life. Following Jesus allowed them to increase even more. When teaming up with the Lord you will find your purpose.

Purpose driven life

All my life people prophesied that I would be a preacher but I never saw it. “If God want me to preach he will tell me” was my usual response. The thought would cross my mind as years passed and I even asked God “if this is what you want me to do tell me I will do it.” Never once did he respond. 

I ran from my purpose – writing – opposed to embracing it. In my mind’s eye it was too small, insignificant, and not impressive enough. The exact thing I ran from God was trying to get my attention.  He was speaking to me all along but I tuned him out for years. The Holy Spirit had reviled to me what my purpose was but I could not receive it.

The changes or miracles you are looking for don’t just happen. It takes an effort from you first.  Once you implement by taking a step God will begin the process.   As hard as it was for me to begin writing again God opened doors, and fed my spirit with subject matter.  From that one step God has now allowed The Souls Remedy Ministry to grow and touch people worldwide. Wow, what I saw as insignificant has now manifested into something larger than I ever imagined!

After finally becoming obedient by writing, God disclosed the next phase of my purpose – accept the call into ministry.  Does that mean I preach, become a pastor? At this juncture of the journey I have to say no.  But it is clear that I have to begin this process to find out.

Running from your purpose

Loved ones what are you running from? Evaluate yourself what are your passions? What things come to you effortlessly? I suggest you focus in these areas first.  The desires you think you want may not be the things you really need. Evaluate whatever is pulling at your heart strings that is where you will find your passion. In the process, edify God with it and that is when the purpose will become plain to see. As with me, once I begin the process, God provided the instructions. I received them through His word, prayer and people.

There is something God want to birth in you. Many of you may already know what it is but you keep running from it like I did “this can’t be it, my purpose is bigger than this.”  Take time today start meditating with God so you to can stop and laugh out loud at our self on the goodness you have missed.

prayer

Sovereign Father in Heaven, You created me with a purpose.  Today I ask for clarity in my life. Clear my mind and spirit so I can begin fulfilling my purpose to glory and honor you.. Align with your purpose  for me and I pray that I will edify you in everything that I do. Amen