Merciful Monday: NO EMPTY PROMISES

Hebrews and Exodus focus a lot on the PROMISES OF GOD. Exodus focuses on the promises He gave to the people of Israel thousands of years ago, while Hebrews focuses on a renewed promise for us all.

In order to understand this, we need to understand what exactly a promise is. Merriam–Webster defines the word PROMISE as:  “a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified; reason to expect something, especially: ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence.”

Basically, a promise requires verbal affirmation (an assurance spoken by the person making the declaration) as well as expectancy (a belief held by the person reaping the benefit that something better will come).

Every election year we hear politicians make promises that they often do not keep. In 1940 Franklin Roosevelt promised to keep the US out of World War II, while 48 years later George H.W. Bush famously said “read my lips, no new taxes!” Each time after hearing an assurance the American people waited expectantly, but these promises were broken and simultaneously the trust of the American people was also damaged.

Unlike our earthly leaders, once our Heavenly Father makes a promise he can NEVER break it. This, in turn, builds our trust in him. 2 Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slack (negligent or careless) concerning His promise.” And like Hannah discussed on Saturday, it is impossible for God to lie so when He tells you that He is going to do something you can count it as done!

    

THE OLD PROMISE: The covenant or promise God made with the people of Israel was that he would give them many descendants and that they would live peacefully in the Promised Land. God said to Moses, “And I reaffirmed my covenant with them. Under its terms, I promised to give them the land of Canaan, where they were living as foreigners. You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them” (Exodus 6:4-6)

THE NEW PROMISE: Because Jesus died for our sins, we now have what is referred to in Hebrews as “a far better covenant with God, based on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). This covenant is described in Hebrews 8:10-12. Although we each have our own individual promises from God, he promised us all that we would be his people, we would have redemption from sin, and ultimately that if we follow his commandments we will achieve eternal life. WHAT A PROMISE!

So if you are feeling down today, angry with God or unhappy with the way things are working out in your life right now, please remember the bigger picture—the renewed promise that God has given us all. I know it’s easier said than done, but if you listen to God and do things His way you WILL see the promise fulfilled!

Merciful Mondays: Jael

^“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

Salvation Sunday: What are you waiting for?

Have you woken up in the middle of your sleep at an awkward time? Have you ever had someone on your heart that you had a burden for? Has God given you a promise or a task? Has God given you a purpose or an assignment? If so, have you obeyed and acted upon it? If no, why not? What are you waiting for?

Well, Moses goes through a little bit of the same thing. Moses is tending to his flock when this bush starts to flame up and doesn't burn. At this time, God speaks to him through a bush. When God tells Moses what He wants Moses to do, Moses gives excuses. Do you give excuses to God? I know I do. Well, every excuse he gives, God says something to reaffirm that I have your back. You don't have to worry because I got it under control. When Moses said I can't speak, God said, "And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." (Exodus 4:11-12). When Moses said that they would not believe him, God showed him two signs to use. And towards the end, Moses doubted himself and God to the fact that He asked for someone else to speak for him. And God was getting frustrated because of His lack of faith and sent his brother Aaron to help him.



Now, the thing is God is given His children a task and when His people don't obey, He gets frustrated. Now he gets frustrated because He knows what you can do. God has given you everything that you need and when you doubt, it's like a slap in His face. What are you waiting for?

The first thing is to obey God and make sure to keep your connection going with God. So, have you ever woken up in the middle of the night at a crazy time? Did you wonder why you were awake? Just something to think about. What if God woke you up because He had someone for you to intercede upon? What if God woke you up because He had a word for you that would ease your pain? You don't know what God has in store for you by having you wake up. I know for myself that I still need to work on that. Because I'll go back to sleep unfortunately instead of listening to God and hearing what he has to say.

Next thing is to trust God and put your faith into action. When God gives us a task or an assignment, we should be excited to jump on it. However, I know for myself that I start to doubt myself. And in reality, I'm really doubting God. And i know that i am more than a conqueror. But, this past week God touched me and reminded me that i am not weak and that He has prepared me. God reminded me that i am not inferior to anyone else and that i need to trust Him. When we tell God I'm not good in this area, He says I have that covered. And when we keep putting more doubts, He just says I have it covered. And if you are worried about danger or safety measures, then Isaiah 54:17 says "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.". So, God is asking His children, what are you waiting for? I have given you my word and I have prepared you for what will happen. I will supply everything you need. When you are weak, I will make you strong. When you don't know what to say, I will give you the words. So, God is asking what are you waiting for? Just like He said to Moses, I hear my people crying out for help and I have called you to help them. They need your help and you are worried about your faults. Trust in me and I will help you but my people need your help.

Challenge: Instead of thinking of excuses, try to think of what God can do in those situations. Continue to trust God and come against the excuses.

Say yes to His will and yes to His way. Stay blessed!!!!

Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable

Guest Blogger February: God Is In Control

God has allowed us to be in certain situations for a reason, sometimes far beyond our understanding of the purpose. However, God is in control far beyond the immediate situation. The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis is an example of how God has control to change anything, in his timing, for his purpose. God gives us the tools along with favor and hope to remain strong in our times of trials. Here are a few examples of what I had to go through in relation to Joseph's "unfair situation" although two different stories.

A PART OF GOD'S PLAN:

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, who weren't too fond of him. Joseph's brothers choose to sale him into slavery instead if killing him because it was the lesser of two evils. "Then the Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lift him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt" Genesis 37:28 (NKJV). In Joseph's situation his brothers were jealous of him and that's why they ended up trying to get rid of him but happened to profit some also. Someone I considered to be like a brother to me has also put me in a bad situation for profit leaving me in the hands of crooks, bankers and the court system. GOD HOWEVER, HAD A PLAN AND HE WILL EVEN USE EVIL ACTIONS OF OTHERS TO FULFILL HIS ULTIMATE PLAN.

GOD'S FAVOR:

Next, Joseph was sent to prison and remained there for thirteen years. Although he was confined in prison unfairly Joseph had the Lords favor. "But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in sight of the keeper of the prison" Genesis 39:21 (NKJV). What happen next in my "unfair situation" I was being served court documentation for a mortgage that was going into foreclosure and I had to fight the banks lawyer for a year without being able to afford represention. In the beginning of almost every court appearance I cried and could barely keep my composure with no understanding as to why I was done so wrong. However, throughout the entire process I had favor with the help of great friends and a God sent angel friend who helped me tremedously in trusting the Lords will. That friend said to me, "You can not pray and worry at the same time if your going to trust God let it go of the worrying. I also had favor with the Judge who presided over the case as well as his assistant. Like Joseph in the end I came out victorious also. ALL GLORY TO GOD. Joseph was free from prison as apart of Gods plan from the beginning he ran all Egypt under the King named Pharaoh. As God planned in the instant I fully trusted him I was cleared of the mortgage loan as if it never exsisted and any further court dates.

Remember when others do evil towards  you (sometimes intentionally and sometimes not) that they are only being used as tools. What may have been intended to harm you, God intends it all for good. When things look rough hold on GOD IS IN CONTROL.

Psalms 31:14-15
"But as for me, I Trust You, O, Lord; I say "You are my God."
"My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from my enemies, and from those who persecute me."

Guest Blogger: Georgeona

Saturday Sacrifice: He Knows Where You Are. He Hears Your Cry. He Will Keep His Promise.

God’s Promise to Abraham: “Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee”.

God made a covenant with Abraham, and when God makes a promise he cannot lie or break that promise. So, it should be a comfort to us and an end to all struggles when we realize that we are heirs to God’s promises just like Abraham. “For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife (Struggle). Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise (That’s Us!) the immutability (Non-changeableness) of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable (Unchangeable) things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation (Comfort), who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:16-18.

Hold on to your promise and patiently wait like Abraham the Father of Faith. Because in the end like Abraham, it says, “…he OBTAINED the PROMISE” and you will too!! =).

God kept his promise to Abraham. In Exodus we read that Pharaoh was so in fear of the Hebrews rising against him, that he enslaved them and forced them to build treasure cities in Egypt. However, God’s promise to Abraham never changed. “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” Even though Pharaoh made the lives of the Hebrews a living hell, God’s promise never failed they continued to multiply. God knew what state the children of Israel were in. I’m sure some of the children of Israel felt abandoned by God, or asked where God was in all of this persecution and oppression.  It says, “…and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.”  But, “God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them”. God knows where you are, he hears your cry and he will keep his promise. Just wait patiently, and he will come through.

Psalms 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord: and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

Friday Fellowship: Hear God's word and Follow

Psalms chapter 39 we observe anguish due to an unknown ending.

³ My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,

⁴ Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.

The speaker in psalms was in a situation that appeared unfavorable or simply frustrating. He is desperately calling out to God for his situation.

¹² Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.

¹³ O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.

During frustrating times of appeared unfavorable results we can become angry, sad, or apathetic; although it is in these situations that we must have faith. How can we have faith in situations that appear unfavorable? Bible says in Romans 10:17

"Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

Now we know how faith comes. You must hear or understand the word of God and that will bring upon faith. This is Hebrews 6 which addresses our question, how can we have faith in situations that appear unfavorable?

¹¹ And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

¹² That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

These verses answer our question by saying BE A FOLLOWER OF THOSE THAT ACHIEVED THEIR PROMISES OR DESIRED OUTCOMES. They were fully assured in hope unto the end, patiently living by faith.

Our reading gives us an example of a man to FOLLOW, whose name was Joseph. He began with promises from God of honor and prestige to abrubtly becoming enslaved due to his brothers. Joseph despite becoming a prisoner lived in faith as our prior verses stated fully assured in hope unto the end. Although, enslaved and living as a prisoner it did not sway him from serving God as he continued to use his gift from God of interpreting dreams.

¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

This verse tells us God is faithful which explains why Joseph became second in command in the kingdom. This is because God elevated him there remembering him honoring his faithfulness. Joseph became rich, powerful and highly favored of men and more importantly God.

How can we have faith in situations that appear unfavorable?

Did you hear the word of God?

Hebrews 6 says to FOLLOW those who lived by faith and attained their promise. The story of Joseph is an example for us to follow. When situations seem unfavorable, we do as Joseph did. What did Joseph do?

He fully trusted God and was patient. He demonstrated these by continuing to operate in the gift God gave him. He remained faithful to God because he knew God would be faithful to not forget him in prison.Maybe, a reader is saying well that was A LONG TIME AGO. I understand sometimes the faith in the bible seems so distant from our own. Some might say he's a bible character that can't be duplicated.

Well, to those readers I encourage you to read Wednesday blog from Brittney.

She is a 2013 version or FOLLOWER of Joseph. She expressed at her job the situation appears extremely unfavorable towards her, yet she expresses her faith. With unknown results ahead she claims a testimony is coming, which implies great results in end. However, her faith is already demonstrated like Joseph by continuing to dedicate herself to this blog despite an appeared unfavorable situation.

"This will be my third visit to you. Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

Hear the word of God today. Be a FOLLOWER of Joseph through patience in faith believing God is in it, so you win. God is undefeated.

I dare you to find his loss.

Friday Fellowship: Christian

Thirsty Thursdays: Trust & Believe

Life, full of ups and downs truly is quite the roller coaster ride. Some moments seem to go smoother than others. Then there are those moments where nothing seems to go our way. We can feel as if we are stuck in a rut, caught in a continuous cycle of disappointment, heartbreak and let down. We wonder why us, what did we do to deserve this, when will it be over and what can we do to get out?  It is in these times that we must seek God, remain faithful and continue to BELIEVE.

  
No one said life would be easy or sweet and dandy all of the time. We go through life facing many different tests, trials and tribulations. As we endure hard times it is imperative that we lean on the Lord and TRUST in his word. We’ve heard the saying “God will never give you more than you can handle”, as cliché as it may seem it is true. Continue to press on and move forward, knowing God is with you every step of the way. We must encourage each other, providing extra support and motivation to remain hopeful and positive.

Sin disconnects us from God, clouds our judgment and blinds us from the truth. “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end” Hebrews 3:12-14. As we “walk THROUGH the valley of death…” (not sit, stand, fester, or convene in a pool of sorrow, lounging in doubt and self-pity) "...I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." We can and WILL overcome our situations. God is able, he will not leave you nor forsake you, TRUST in him and in the end you will have victory that will be TOTALLY AWESOME, higher than your lows and greater than your expectations.

Your current situation may look bleak but have faith, “Now faith substance of things hoped for evidence of things not seen”. Don’t be like the generations of Israelites that were wandering 40 years in the wilderness due to their unbelief. God has done so much for you and will continue to do so, TRUST and BELIEVE. HE IS MARVELOUS 

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays: Ron

Warrior Wednesdays: God Will ALWAYS Be With You

Have you ever been envious of someone who didn't live according to God's will but had money, fame, or success?  Do you want to seek revenge on people who hurt you? Are you currently faced with any difficult situations? If you can answer yes to any of the above questions then Psalms 37 is for you!

It may be easy to be envious of those who seem to have everything going for them despite living lives that go against God's will. The bible makes it plain that the ways of the wicked will be destroyed. "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb." Psalms 37:1-2

"Evildoers" may hurt us or plan to cause us harm. Sometimes we get angry and want to take it upon ourselves and seek revenge. Rest assured realizing God knows ALL plans and will avenge his believers. "The wicked plotteth against the just...the Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming" Psalm 37:12-13. It is a wonderful feeling to know that God knows what someone may be thinking of doing before they do it. He can mock them because he knows there is nothing they can do to you. Despite what a situation may seem like remember that God is always there.

Today, I received news that my company's largest account, which I manage, will be leaving due to a recent acquisition. The loss of revenue my company will face as a result of the situation will cause them to have to layoff employees. Although, I have been ensured that I will have a job with the company I will at least suffer a serious pay cut. Yet in light of news like this I still worship God because I know he is in CONTROL. I look forward to writing my testimony soon!

If you are going through a difficult time I want to encourage you that God will make everything work together for your good if you trust him. David, the author of Psalms 37 gave multiple verses to attest to God's goodness.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass." Psalms 37:4-5

"Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him." Psalms 37: 7

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."Psalms 37: 11

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way" Psalms 37: 23

"Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."Psalms 37: 24

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed." Psalms 37: 25-26

Daily Challenge: Try to memorize a few of the above verses repeat them to yourself when you are faced with difficult situations.

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

Transforming Tuesdays: Sitting At The Right Hand of God

Whenever I’ve read the Bible in church, there has often been a reference to the Right Hand of God.  What does that even mean? Do you know what that means?  I can finally say that I have an idea of what that means now that I’ve been reading the Bible daily.  I have a passion to read his word, share his word, but most of all understand his word.  Thank you Jesus for your word!!!  When the Bible makes reference of sitting at the Right Hand of God it means something of high importance.  Being of high importance to God means more than we can comprehend.  It means believing him, trusting him, being blessed with his grace and mercy, and of course reaping the benefits of his favor! There is no doubt that God loves everyone, but his children hold a special place in his heart.  According to Psalms 30:5, “…His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” 

           

Today marks the start of the book of Hebrew, which affirms Jesus’ identity as God.  In this chapter we see God professing the authority of his son Jesus Christ, in comparison to angels.  Prior to Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, angels were very important to God.  I’m not saying that they no longer are, but now God places Jesus above them.  In verses 3 and 13, he reiterates Jesus’s importance when he states, “But to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool?”  Surely Jesus is higher than angels and he is called to sit at the Right Hand of God.  That’s where I want to be and that’s where I will be.  Don’t forget that when you are favored, people who cannot understand the goodness of Jesus will begin to hate on you.  This is normal.  You’ll lose friends…all of this is fine because as long as you keep God first your enemies will remain beneath your feet.  I’m sure you’ve noticed that the closer you’ve gotten to God, the more you’ve drifted from certain friendships.

The same thing continues in Genesis 45 and parts of 46, where Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers.  In my opinion, Joseph was at the Right Hand of God when he was born because he was favored by his father above all of his brothers.  The great thing about God and his favor is that he kept Joseph through all of his years away from home.  Joseph went from being sold into slavery to being the leader of Egypt during a famine!!! This doesn’t make any sense in logic terms but with God it makes perfect sense.  He says it in his word, “[he] calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17 KJV).  Joseph wasn’t an expert financial advisor; he just listened to the voice of God, which in turn placed him in a position of authority because he had favor with God.  Consequently, because of Joseph’s favor, he was able to allow blessings to pour out into the lives of his family members.  This is how massive the favor of God becomes when we trust him and seek after him.

I’m sure you’ve been blessed with things in life even when you don’t deserve them.  It happens to all of us who believe in him.  I can honestly say that from the beginning of my life I’ve been blessed and highly favored.  I was born at 2 lbs. 3½ oz. at home on a fall night.  When my mom and aunts tell me the story, I seriously can’t believe how faithful and loving my God has been to me!  Although the doctors told my mother that even if I did survive, I would probably be brain dead or have special needs, God never gave up on me even when I wavered in my faith with him.  Through it all God continues to allow me to sit at his Right Hand.  Twenty-three years later who would’ve thought that a premature baby who once fought for her life, would be in her second semester of law school?  I know the doctors didn’t, but it doesn’t matter because God knew.  The same way God continues to pour out his blessings for me, is the same way I know he does it for you.  Think of a situation where you were unqualified and God put you in a position and made you qualified.  I’m sure you can go on all day!!  Sitting at his Right Hand has authority…it can make mountains move :)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you to humbly ask that you allow me to sit at your Right Hand today, tomorrow, and when you call me home.  I pray that you continue to bless me, keep me, and favor me.  I ask that just as you kept Joseph safe in the presence of his enemies, that you too keep me safe in the presence of mine.  I ask that you allow me to seek after you in every situation and when you bless me with your favor, that you open the floodgates of blessings on those near and dear to me.  Thank you for your grace, your love, and your undying mercy.  I love you.  Amen.

Transforming Tuesdays: Jamera

God's Favor by Donald Lawrence

Merciful Monday: I'm a Living Witness!

Have you ever been a witness to anything like a robbery, a car accident, or child abuse? You may have had to go to court or give a sworn statement. Witnessing vile things such as these can be scary. But did you know that the greatest thing you can witness is the power of God?

Today’s reading from Luke talks about how the people of the Bible days physically witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It describes their reactions to hearing about or seeing him alive after watching him die three days earlier. Luke 24:37 says, “But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!”

Later, Jesus described in his purpose on earth to the disciples in just a few words saying, “It was written a long time ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations beginning in Jerusalem: There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent. You are witnesses of these things. And now I will send the Holy Spirit just as my Father promised” (46-49).

We never physically witnessed The Messiah lay hands on someone and heal them, nor did we witness his crucifixion and resurrection like those who were living while he walked the earth. Yet we still witness his power through the Holy Spirit. The bible says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Today's Prayer: Dear God, help me to be aware of your power within me and around me. I don't want to be like the disciples whose “hearts were filled with doubt” at the sight of Jesus, but help me to recognize your acts and be a living witness to your power! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen!

Merciful Mondays: Jael

Salvation Sunday: Take Me to the King

In today's readings, you see instances where people are heading to visit a king or the Savior of the world. In the first instance, you see that the sons of Isaac have to return to Joseph with the younger son, Benjamin. Now, Isaac is very reluctant about letting his son go because he doesn't want to lose "another" son. But, he sends his sons with more money and more gifts. And basically they bring their all to go see the boss of the distribution of food. When they bring it, there is an acceptance of the gifts and they just have an awesome time.

Now, in Luke, we read that some of the women went down to grave to go take care of the body of Jesus. But, as they went to go see the "dead" Jesus, they come prepared with spices and different materials. They came to take care of Jesus with a mindset of taking care of him. But, they found out that he was not there and then spread the news to others.

Now, just like Christian said on Friday, life is difficult. I don't know about you but I would love to be taken to the King of Kings!!! But, it's not my time. But, in the meantime, there's some things that we need to do. Have to prepare yourself to meet the King. You have to come ready to give all that you have. I know for myself that I don't have anything and I can't get god a gift that is close to His level (for example His son, Jesus). But, all I know is that I what I do have I'm going to give it to him. So you're coming to Christ with all of you to be given to Christ because he deserves it all. You also have to come prepared. As its been said by Hannah, you have to know who God is. When god sees you, you want Him to say well done thy good and faithful servant. You want God to be able to know you, which comes through that personal relationship with god. After you are with the lord, you have to continue to praise the lord and bless his name. Continue to praise him!!! As Psalm 34:1 says, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Whatever God does, it is important to acknowledge god and just praise Him. Joseph praised God in the midst of all and God took him places. I promise you that when you begin to praise god continually, you will see god doing things for you that will blow your mind.

I dare you to continue to develop your relationship with Christ and prepare to give your all to Christ on a daily basis. Paul says in 1 Corinthians  15:31, "I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." And as you develop your relationship daily, you will have personal visit with the king.

Have a blessed Sunday!!!
Salvation Sundays: Steven

Saturday Sacrifice: UNFAILING LOVE

“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:5

In Luke 23:26-56, we encounter God’s greatest act of love for us; his beloved Son Jesus redeems us. Redeem means to buy or pay off, clear by payment, or to buy back. Jesus bought back our lives with his life so that we can reign with him as children of God in this life and the next.

 I believe that this was the greatest act of God’s love because it gives us access to his grace (things we don’t deserve that God gives us) and his mercy’s(things we do deserve that God protects us from) in our life, and also saves us from going to “prison” or hell if you will.

However, knowing WHAT Jesus did for you won’t grant you all the things I stated above, you have to know WHO Jesus is(have your own relationship with him through praying, worshiping, reading the bible, fasting, giving, etc.)  and BELIEVE in him (Believe that He is who He says He is). For instance, the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus; one believed in Jesus and understood the act of Jesus’ unfailing love whereas, the other one did not. It says, “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him (Jesus): Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us! But the other criminal rebuked him. Don’t you fear God, he said, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing. Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).  Now, I don’t know about you but paradise sounds really goooooddd!!! =)

 

“The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:10-11

Did you know that when God created you, he loved you so much that he created you for a purpose???God didn’t put us here on this earth to wonder aimlessly around. He has given you a unique purpose that only you can do for his Glory!! =) Even when things come our way and try to deter us from our purpose, God’s purpose stands firm forever. It’s our choice whether we want to walk in our purpose, and if you choose to do so your life will be blessed tremendously!!!

There were sooooo many times Joseph could have given up on God. Honestly, if I was put in a situation like that!!!!!...hmmm, smh, I don’t think I have enough patience (Don’t judge me, Jesus and I are working on it =))…Anyway, Joseph knew his purpose; ever since he was a little boy he knew God loved him and that God had a plan for his life. He believed God, and chose to continue to walk in his purpose no matter what it cost. In the end, God brought Joseph through, and blessed his life like crazy.

TODAY’S PRAYER: Lord, I pray that I hold on to the purpose that you have for my life. No matter what comes my way. ^JP Whatever I do will prosper, even my past mistakes will begin to work for my good. Every close door will be a protection for me, and everything in my life will be working together for my good ^JP. Help me believe that your unfailing love will keep me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

P.S. Happy African American Heritage Month!!!!!

 

FRIDAY FELLOWSHIP: RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR DIFFICULT TIMES

Difficult times come. Yes, they come even to the best Christian's or servants of God. In our reading today we found that both servants of God were in precarious situations. Joseph was in prison and Jesus was detainment.

    Jesus was being accused of perverting the nation with his doctrine and many other false reports. The crowd that detained him brought him to their leaders to seek judgment. The leaders questioned him and found no fault, yet to appease the people they mocked him and chastised him. These people cried for his judgment calling for crucification. Is this a difficult time?

    Joseph was in a dungeon. This is an underground prison. It doesn't say much about his life down in prison except he was blessed and he had a trusted role in prison. Yet he was still in PRISON. When he was called out of prison for Pharaoh's urgent matter it said he groomed first. He shaved himself and changed his clothing. Urgency requires acknowledgement promptly before anything, but Joseph in a dungeon for an extended period of time was probably so grotesque he had to get cleaned first. That says something about how he was living. Was this a difficult time?

    Yes, both were difficult situations but God is noticed in both. With Jesus he wisely answered Pilate when questioned and then did not answer Herod when questioned though he was more eager. This is called discernment; God helped Jesus discern which leader to answer. The one leader who appeared friendlier, approachable, and happier to see Jesus that is the one he did not answer. In end we learn this leader is the one that mocked Jesus and chastised him.

    With Joseph he even knew God was still with him in dungeon as when he answered Pharaoh he told him that God will give Pharaoh an answer. Joseph acknowledged that it was God using him, helping him and not his own ability to interpret dreams. So God helped Joseph interpret Pharaoh's dream and we know Joseph was tremendously increased after. He became second in command in the kingdom.

    In difficult times God is still with us. We just have to recognize him. In testimony section of this website I talk about my time without a car, it was difficult but God was with me. Every morning I was tired yet as soon as I placed my feet out of bed energy came to walk to work, strength came, and times my body felt too weak to walk rides randomly came (God's blessing).

    RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR DIFFICULT TIME.

If you can't recognize him, ask God to show you his hand. Ask him where are you helping me? Where are you keeping me? In my time without car I asked God, show me your still with me one night and as my prayer ended someone intervened asking me if I needed a ride. God demonstrated throughout 2012 he was with me in my difficult time and if you have God in your life he's with you.

Psalms 32:7

^"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."

Friday Fellowship: Christian