Love is kind. It never hates.

Babies are born with pure loving hearts. They have an innate ability of expressing true love with most they encounter. Their love is unconditional. The dislike of people because of the color of their skin, nationality, religion, sexual preference or a myriad of other things is a taught/learned behavior. What if God stopped loving us because of our past sins, or treated us the way many treat the aforementioned? God’s love for us is unconditional. He loves us in spite of our sins. To love does not mean you have to be bosom buddies with everyone. But it does mean whoever cannot love does not know God at all. 

Do not forget God

 Though we may be in a dark or humbling place in life, instead of complaining and crying out to God, we should trust in Him to lead us through the ordeal.

This is a great example of the children of Israel. Towards the end of their 40-year journey, God reminded them not to forget Him (Deut. 8). He reminded them that those years in the wilderness were to humble and test them to know what was in their hearts. From His guidance and protection throughout all those years, neither their clothes nor their shoes wore, and their feet did not swell. The years were humbling over time but the children were reminded that during their dark journey, God supplied them with all they needed: food, protection, clothing, and guidance.

When we forget, God is disappointed with us. The job you prayed for, the escape from an abusive relationship, or the sustenance you had when money was low - these are the things for which you are grateful. Through what has God brought you? With what are you struggling, and why are you going through it alone? 

It is after these miraculous things we tend to forget God. When we don't remember God and begin to worship and idolize material things (false gods), He has promised to testify against us and we shall perish. Forget not the Lord. Remember how He led you through your wilderness. Trust in Him and He will lead you through.

Stop judging. Show compassion.

One overt problem that plagues the church today is self-centeredness and a judging spirit. Simon the Pharisee seemed to believe Jesus was a prophet (Luke 7:39). Yet it appears his dinner party was more for self gratification. In the Church we find showy Pharisees who praise God yet when an “obvious” sinner enters the doors they cast judgement. Christians forget who Jesus spent time with. Jesus showed compassion to the outcasts, Not the righteous. We are all sinners. We could never pay God enough to cover our sins yet he has forgiven. Learn to forgive. Learn to love and show compassion just as Jesus did. 

It’s time to lose your religion

Religion has ran many people away from God. Our judgmental attitudes and preconceived thoughts of people have caused us to lose souls that could have been won! The Pharisee Simon in the story of the sinful woman depicts most Christians (Luke 7:36-50). We see the faults of others and refuse to accept them because of their sinful past. Stop judging. Remember your past was not sin free! Someone had to forgive and accept you! Be loving. Be kind. Be forgiving, just like Christ. 

Which path to take?

There is a fork in the road. Which path should you take? Your way or God’s way? 

Our path is led by our own understanding. Our desires. Short lived hopes and expectations. God’s path is often not the most traveled but it yields the greatest reward. Wisdom and most importantly God’s protection. David lacked for nothing as long as he seeked God. David working without God kept him in perpetual fear and constant running. Solomon had an opportunity to ask for anything in the world yet he asked for wisdom (1kings 3:7-13). Today you face a fork in the road. Job, relationship, finance, or health. The list goes on. Make a conscious decision right now to take GOD’S WAY and NOT YOUR WAY. Seek God. Trust God. Lean not to your understanding. Acknowledge him. He will direct your path. His word is a lamp, a guide to your path. Take God’s path. 

Facing life’s good and bad situations

   

Good Morning!

"Where did all the blue skies go? Oil wasted on the ocean, fish full of mercury, Ah things ain’t what they use to be."  The world has changed so much during our lifetime. It's a sad sight to see. The skies are grey and the waters are polluted.  It's also a stark reminder of how careless we have become with our environment and how much we need to change if we want to see blue skies again.

 

Life can be difficult and filled with sorrow, but it is important to remember that you will endure. Just as a flower needs both the sun and the rain to grow, so too do we need both the good and the bad in our lives. It is wonderful that even though they are opposites, they are both essential to our growth. With this in mind, you can be sure that even in the toughest of times, you will be able to make it through because God's word reminds us of that. He said that he is our refuge and that He would never leave us nor forsake us.

 

“Over and over you can be sure there will be sorrow but you will endure. Where there's a flower there's the sun and the rain Oh and its wonderful there both one in the same.“

 

Throughout our existence we are confronted with good and bad situations and it is up to us to decide how to handle them. Marvin Gaye and Frankie Beverly have poetically enlightened us of life’s balances through song, reminding us that we can’t have good without bad or joy without pain.

 

God also made it clear through Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:14, that no matter what comes to pass in life, we should be happy during the good times as well as the bad. It is up to us to choose how we want to deal with the situations we are confronted with, and it is important to remember that we can always look to music and scripture for guidance.

Be a testimony for God

God has a way of getting our attention. And when he does the experience can be life changing. A young man I see often in passing told he had been shot five times - three times in the arm and twice in the back. For the young man The ordeal, only a week old and still impressionable, kept thanking God for saving him. For this young man, it took a near fatal encounter to recognize God’s grace and mercy. The young man’s blessing was he lived another day to tell me of how God blessed and saved his life. It should not take a tragic moment before you testify of God’s goodness. Every testimony given becomes a blessing for someone. Go and tell the good news. Allow God to use 

you as a testimony for others. 

You are the apple of God’s eye

God has not dealt with us according to transgressions. Stop and think of all the things you have done. If God would have punished us according to our sins we would not be here. David broke just about every commandment of God. Yet God still thought of David as a man after his heart (1 Sam. 13:14). David’s life’s circumstances we long. His self-inflicting conflicts often pulled him away from God. He tried dealing with the issues his way and not God’s way. Psalms 17:w8 reminds us that despite life’s Turmoils you can always call on God. David prayed asking that he can remain the ‘apple of God’s eye’. That means David realizes he is already the apple of God’s eye. God is watching over him. God knows all and sees all. He is waiting on us to be like David. Go humbly unto God ask for forgiveness. Despite all the sins David committed, he knew how to seek God’s forgiveness. God has not dealt with us according to our iniquities yet he continues to bless us. That’s Grace & Mercy. 

Facing Giants alone

One of the most popular stories in the Bible is David and Goliath. The GIANT that terrified an entire nation. We all face GIANTS individually and as a nation. Some would argue war, drugs, or gang violence is today’s GIANT. Others may debate our president is our GIANT. Regardless of what it is, it’s how you face the GIANT that matters. David never saw Goliath as a GIANT yet the people ran with fear every time they saw him (1 Sam. 17:24.) Today is no different, whenever our ‘GIANTS’ appear on the news we cry out in fear. David was not in denial, he knew Goliath was a GIANT, standing over 9 feet tall (1 Sam. 17:4.) He focused on GOD his source not the GIANT the problem. David spoke continuously over his GIANT with GOD’S word (1Sam. 17:45-46.) What GIANTS are you facing? As a child of God and as a church family, face the GIANT like David. Speak over the GIANTS with GOD’S word. Stop speaking what you see but speak with what you know and believe; The Word of GOD. Walk by faith not by sight. 

Maintain your peace

Keeping your thoughts on God is the easiest way to maintain peace. Peace is the one thing no one can ever take from you. However when the days of dismay roll in and you focus on the problems and not God you will lose your peace. When Jesus walked on water the disciples became fearful like many of us do when strange things happen in life. When chaos rise, do as Jesus told the disciples “take courage! Don’t be afraid” (Matt. 14:27).  Of course we question God like Peter did. “Lord, if it’s you,” tell me to come to you on the water” (Matt. 14:28.) the most important part of life and Peter’s miraculous water walking; as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he walked on water. It’s when he took his eyes off and starting doing it his way he begin to sink. 

No matter where you are in life don’t lose your peace. Keep all eyes on God. If you happen to blink too long, know Jesus is right there ready to reach out his hand and catch you! 

Will you die for Jesus?

As American “Christians” we don’t talk or give much thought of dying in the name Of Jesus. In my opinion, more emphasis are placed on material things and what God can do for us opposed to thinking about dying in the name of Jesus. Truth be told we are selfish about living. What would you do if a stranger was in need? Would you sacrifice yourself and help? Would you think twice before rescuing a drowning person, pull a victim from a burning house or die a martyrs death in the name of Jesus? We don’t talk about these things, but people in many countries around the world die or is placed in prison daily because of their Christian faith. While Churches are destroyed or vandalized worldwide we boast of our walk with Jesus, how deep our faith is and the steadfastness of “as long as I have King Jesus” everything is ok. I pose the question again, what would you do if faced with any of these scenarios? Would you face death like John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1-13)? Or would you deny Christ so that you may live? Don’t be afraid to acknowledge God especially when facing death. It is written; Everyone who acknowledges Christ publicly on earth, He will acknowledge before his Father in heaven. But he who denies, will also be denied before God (10:31-33). There will come a day many of us will be persecuted in the name of Jesus. Will you deny yourself, bear the cross and die for Christ or deny Christ so you can spare your life. The choice is yours. One day we all will have to reply. One way or another. 

It’s ok to forgive

There is an unwillingness to forgive from most people. Their refusal to forgive becomes a continuous reminder of the past which siphons life, growth, and happiness. Forgiveness is more about healing you not the other person. Forgiveness enables God to heal you mentally, and spiritually. We are reminded of how important it is to forgive each time you recite The Lord’s Prayer. When we learn to forgive others God will also forgive our wrongs/sins (Mat. 6:9-15). Otherwise when we choose not to forgive, why should God forgive you? For every hurt encountered only you know the pain and sorrow suffered. But Every effort must be made to align with God’s word. It’s okay to forgive so you can heal. You don’t have to face the person to forgive just tell God! You forgive so that you can be forgiven and begin healing with God. 

Let go of the past

You are 18 days into 2020 what have you let go of from 2019? Have you picked it up again? One of the most difficult things to give up is anger. Anger can lead to the blame game which causes arguing and always wanting to be right. An unwillingness to forgive will eventually destroy a perfectly good relationship. Remember, Whatever you focus on you strengthen. What’s in your heart flows out your mouth. From the fruits of your mouth you are either filled with good or bad words. Before you blame someone take ownership of situation. Learn not to argue. Be quite. Walk away. Most important stop arguing. Say a quick prayer. There will be days when it's HARD to PRAY. That's the time to PRAY.

You have a ministry!

Call it would you want, we all have a ministry. Through the world’s secular lens, they are recognized as gifts, talents, and skill sets. However we paint the picture, in God’s eyes it’s our ministry!  With our gift it’s our responsibility to shine light into darkness. Our gifts are tools to help others to see God’s awesomeness! Through our gifts we become a conduit to connect others to God. We were not given talents to hide or for self gratification (Matt 25:14–30). They are to be used according to our ability to help others. The journey will not be easy. We will be pressured mentally, physically, and spiritually, but not crushed. Verbally persecuted but not destroyed. WE have a ministry so don’t lose heart (2 Cor. 4:1). Let your light shine so your gifts may seen. 

Enjoying God

Have you ever noticed people intentionally or unintentionally beckons others to join them in Praise? If it’s the acknowledgement of a person; “isn’t she beautiful?” The recognition of a spectacular sport event; “did you see that catch!?” Whatever the occasion, we express some form of enjoyment and praise. God’s requests from us are easy. We make them tough to implement. God asked us to take delight in him (Psalm 37:4). Taking delight means that we should gain satisfaction, enjoy him, and have some form of pleasure in doing so. We spend more time complaining, questioning, or requesting from God. Just as we find ways to express joy for carnal activities, find time to express joy to God. Praise him in your quite space as well as in public. Just as we express enjoyment for entertainment likewise do it for God. In return for your joyful expression, God will give you the desires of your heart. In all things do it willingly. 

Before I die....

We don’t talk about death until we encounter its sting. Conversations about death are avoided, yet we are born to die. Over the holidays several family members and friends were called home. Some from sickness, longevity of life and some from senseless and violent deaths. Each caused a chasm in the heart which no word can fill. Only time and God. We spend countless hours worrying about Frivolous things which don’t bring true joy: money, jobs, and bills. We find excuses why we don’t take trips to see friends and loved ones. We lose focus of God’s gifts to us. LIFE, love, and family. Death has reminded me, LIFE is about living well every day you have been given. It has reminded me to think about what has brought meaning to my LIFE. Today, I challenge you to Reconnect to what brought you Godly joy. If it’s family, reconnect with loved ones as Jacob requested to do with his son, Joseph (Genesis 45:28.) whatever the joy, reconnect. Don’t let death be the only family gathering time. 

Thanksgiving the perfect time for memories

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share memories. As you spend time with family friends and loved ones enjoy every moment. Take pictures and embrace one another. Take time to share memories and hold on to the memories.  Happy Thanksgiving. 

Who is on your team?

Who is on your team? 

A #team is everyone should have people on your team! #Entrepreneurs, #creators, life coaches all should have a support team. If they just wear your  jersey and don’t help they are not team players! They are cheerleaders or fans in the stand. Surround yourself with true supporters those who #motivate #encourage, inspire, and share ideas.  These people are your team. Love and cherish them. Most important, thank them for being on the team.

Moved by the Holy Spirit

Homelessness is an epidemic in America. We all have encountered someone asking for money, food, or some far fetched plea. Based on what most people see they condemn and do nothing. I have learned not to be moved by what I see but by how the Holy Spirit moves in me! Jesus could have healed, and fed, far more people but  He only performed miracles as he was moved (Isaiah 11:2–3). You will continue to stumble upon homeless people, family, coworkers, and friends partitioning for help. Remove self judgment. Base your response on how the Holy Spirit leads you to respond to their request. Our love for others should be without hypocrisy, be kind to others with brotherly love and steadfastly pray Thes 5:12-18. 

The power of compassion

There is someone you know who needs to hear from you. Call and encourage them today. Letting someone know you where thinking about them can turn a bad day into an awesome day. The power of compassion can change the world.