STOP IT !!!

(Rom 3:23) for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

 There is a popular segment on ESPN’s Count Down Show where Coach Mike Ditka humorously weighs in on various topics. After each topic Coach Ditka simply says “Stop It”  As I look at Herman Cain’s recent problems of sexual harassment allegations along with the accusations of a 13 year affair.  Couple that with Eddie Long’s wife filing for divorce than changing her mind than deciding once again to continue her divorce petition.  The same phrase comes to mind “STOP IT” it is time for people especially those who consider themselves to be Christians to simply “STOP IT” People’s short comings or accusations of short comings should not be news nor should we be talking about them.  Personally I’m repenting of sharing and spreading such news and reports myself. The word of God tells us (Mat 18:15) If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. (Mat 18:16) But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses. (Mat 18:17) If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector (CEV).

Why is it that people’s short comings and mistakes are aired on local, regional, and national news? People’s private affairs should remain private.  God is not pleased with what he sees as our base scripture says (Rom 3:23) for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, it also says (James 2:10) If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.

So why is it that as long as it’s not our sin or issue we are so ready to put others down to talk about how awful they are? Yet God is not pleased with us because of our own personal short comings. Some of us may have  filthy minds or secret sins yet because we have not been found out we always talk about other people’s short comings and issues. Here is how the Word instructs us to deal with those in authority when they have short comings. (1Ti 5:19) Don’t listen to any charge against a church leader, unless at least two or three people bring the same charges. (1Ti 5:20) But if any of the leaders should keep on sinning, they must be corrected in front of the whole group, as a warning to everyone else. (1Ti 5:21) In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and their chosen angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Be fair with everyone, and don’t have any favorites (CEV). Now the problem here is that in some churches these days there is nothing in place to hold those in authority accountable.

King David is often referred to as a man after God’s own Heart yet he had Uriah killed after committing adultery with his wife and impregnating her.  Out of all the popular Preachers alive today I don’t believe that none of them come close to having the heart of David who after all of his short comings God still referred to him as his servant years after his death. Jerusalem is still known as the City of David. So why do we expect perfection out of imperfect people? We all have our issues and short comings the Word says (Mat 7:3) You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye. (Mat 7:4) How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don’t see the log in your own eye? (Mat 7:5) You’re nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye(CEV).  It also tells us (Gal 6:1) Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. (Gal 6:2)Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ. (Gal 6:3) For if anyone thinks himself to be something, being nothing, he deceives himself.

People are people and folks are folks it is high time that we stop paying attention to the latest scandal and gossip when someone comes up short morally.  Instead of talking pray for them that God will deliver them from whatever short comings and issues they are dealing with.  At the same time Praise God that your faults and short comings are not on the nightly news or being viewed all over the Internet. The funny thing about it is that while we talk about others who are down.  When they turn to God he is ready to forgive and forget. We are the one still dealing with our hidden sins and issues those people whose life has been put on blast can now experience true deliverance and healing.  So instead of sharing and spreading the news of someone’s short comings and failure JUST STOP IT !!! Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike. 

 

Have You Planned Ahead For Your Future !!!

(Pro 13:22) A good man leaves an inheritance to his sons’ sons, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

(Lev 11:9)These you shall eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them you shall eat.

(Mat 6:19) Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. (Mat 6:20) But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.  (Mat 6:21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Sometimes we get so engulfed in the routine of day to day life that we never take the time to properly prepare for our future. I believe that there are three areas that we need to make sure that we take time to invest time in. Number one our health Pastor Rance Allen shared with me something that his doctor shared with him. His doctor told him that up to age 40 our body takes care of us after age 40 it is up to us to take care of our bodies. Nowadays we find that even amongst teens there is an obesity problem here in the USA due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Personally for 8 years I travelled this country and did not properly take care of myself having a very poor diet and not exercising. While I’ve never smoked, drank, or used drugs poor diet and lack of exercise finally did me in. It has been 15 years since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and I’m still not physically right. However there has been a vast improvement in my illness due to Prayer, Diet Change, and Exercise. I can only imagine what my life would be like had I not made the needed changes to my lifestyle and it is an on going process. 

Believe it or not the Bible is an excellent resource to help us when it comes to a proper diet. The Levitical Diet as found in the book of Leviticus has proved to be both beneficial and life saving as chronicled in the book  The Makers Diet by Jordan Rubin http://makers-diet.net/  here is another link about the Levitical Diet http://www.livestrong.com/article/227385-levitical-diet-food-list/.  God promises us with life and often we shorten our on life via the choices that we make one such choice is the lack of investment in proper diet and exercise. Dr. Ramona Bethany is spear heading a major emphasis on health for the year 2012 with the support and blessings of Pastor Robert Culp she along with the entire church family of First Church of God will be addressing this very important area in 2012.

One thing that often causes health problems is stress, stress and financial problems often go hand in hand.  As noted in our scripture text above the book of Proverbs tells us that a good man leaves an inheritance to his sons, sons.  That’s pretty hard to do when we are living from pay check to pay check which is usually a result of poor or no financial planning. I’m guilty here also personally there was a time in my life where during a three year period I spent $22,000.00 on vehicle leases. For some leasing is fine for me it was not, it was a poor decision. During those years I could have purchased two excellent used cars for around $5000.00 each and could have saved at least $10,000.00 of that $22,000.00.  I walk a lot these days and have not had a car payment or lease payment in 15 years the car I have now was mine when I drove it off the lot paid in full.  Whenever I walk to my office I pass a buy here pay here car lot these dealerships are really bad news.  I have noticed some cars that have been sold three or four times the same vehicle. Before you fall victim to these types of dealerships seek some advice and help. I recommend talking to people such as Derick Gant of  Comexx Consulting  http://comexx.net/  Derick will help you to get your financial house in order so that hopefully one day you will be able to leave an inheritance for your sons, sons as our scripture says.

Finally the scripture tells us (James 4:14) What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears (CEV). No matter how long you live it is only a fraction if that much when compared to eternity. So what type of plans are you making for the real future?  Our text above encourages us to lay up treasures in heaven. My dad told me that his Dad often said “what if the Bible is right and you wait until Judgment Day to find out? It would be too late for you to do anything about your soul”. The biggest investment you can make is that of Eternal Security, these days people are so inelligent they rule out the existence of God. However if their life depended on whether he does or does not exist (which it does) there is no one anywhere that can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that God does not exist. Nature itself begs to differ the yearly changing of the seasons shows us that there is a master designer of this earth and life.

Today you can invest in your eternal future by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. (Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (Joh 3:17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. Once you’ve made that eternal investment then encourage others to do the same. Treat people as you want to be treated, Love those who are unlovable, care for others, help others, and do as much good as humanly possible and by doing so you will be investing in an awesome everlasting future. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike.     

Is It Me or Is It You? (The Jonah Syndrome)

 

Suggested
Reading the entire story of Jonah found in the Book of Jonah in the Old
Testament

In the story of Jonah we see where God instructs his prophet Jonah to go to the
great city of Nineveh and to preach against the evil that was going on in the
city.  Well Jonah has other ideas and decides to run away from God by
going to Tarshish.  As a result of his disobedience those around him are
trust into a very dangerous and terrible storm.  As we continue on in the
story Jonah is cast off the ship in the midst of the storm and suddenly the sea
becomes calm.

Well the obvious moral to this story is to follow the commands of God or else
we may wind up just as Jonah did in the midst of a terrible storm or face the
storms of life as a result of our disobedience.  However another point for
us to notice is the affects of our disobedience on others. We find those
traveling with Jonah are put in harms way because of Jonah’s
disobedience.  One might ask why would God allow such a thing to happen to
innocent people. 

First of all when we neglect to do what God tells us to that act in itself
causes problems because we are not reaching those that need our help that’s why
God is sending us in the first place.  Secondly we should always be aware
of who we associate with because disobedience just like sin spreads.  Just
as Adams original sin literally put creation into chaos.  Jonah’s
disobedience caused a similar chain reaction to those around him.  People
suffer because of our sin as well as our disobedience because just like a virus
we spread our sin and disobedience to others.

It is so important that we stay in touch with God through prayer and reading
his Holy word our Manual for this life.  We are a hindrance and a serious
liability to ourselves as well as those around us when we refuse to follow
God’s purpose and plan for our lives. Be encouraged and Obedient Minister Mike.

It’s Not That We’ve Been So Good !!!!!

(Deu 9:1)Hear, O, Israel! You areto pass over Jordan today, to go in to expel nations greater and mightier than you, cities great and fenced up to heaven, (Deu 9:2)a people great and tall, the sons of the giants, whom you know and have heard it said, Who can stand before the sons of Anak! (Deu 9:3) Therefore, understand today that Jehovah your God is He who goes over before you. Likea consuming fire, He shall destroy them, and He shall bring them down before your face. So you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as Jehovah has said to you. (Deu 9:4) Do not speak in your heart, after Jehovah your God has cast them out from before you, saying: For my righteousness, Jehovah has brought me in to possess this land. But for the wickedness of these nations, Jehovah your God drives them out from before you. (Deu 9:5)Not for your righteousness, or for the uprightness of your heart, do you go to possess their land. But for the wickedness of these nations Jehovah your God drives them out from before you, so that He may perform the Word which Jehovah swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Deu 9:6) Therefore, understand that Jehovah your God does not give you this good land, to possess it, for your righteousness. For you are a stiff-necked people.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the biggest misrepresentations as well as misconceptions when it comes to Christians is that they are perfect. Nothing can be further from the truth as a matter of fact scripture says(Rom 3:10) as it is written: “There is none righteous, no not one; it also says (Rom 3:23) for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Since all of us have sinned than why do we allow those who do not know the Lord to think and feel as if they are too dirty or they have no chance of becoming one of God’s children. I believe one answer is that some christians do not show any signs of true humility. They are pious, arrogant, and look down on others. None of us are all that, none of us have arrived, and all of us still deal daily with our own pet sin or sins. 

Personally I know that I’ve let God down many times in my life I am nowhere near perfect. I need God’s grace and mercy everyday. The Apostle Paul says it best  (Rom 7:18) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I do not find. (Rom 7:19) For I do not do the good that I desire; but the evil which I do not will, that I do.

(1Ti 1:15)Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

(1Ti 1:16)But for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, as a pattern to those being about to believe on Him to life everlasting.

So here we have Paul who is credited with writing two-thirds of the New Testament informing us that there is no good thing in his flesh, when he desires to do good he does evil instead, and that Jesus died to save sinners and that he was the chief of sinners. It amazes me of how we as christians myself included are shocked and  awed when a major evangelist is found to have fallen into sin or are getting a divorce because of infidelity. If Paul says that he was the chief of sinners then why are we surprised. It is not about the worker it’s about the power of The Word and The Work(spreading the Gospel of Christ) Note Paul did not say that he had been the chief of sinners he said Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (present tense). So where do we get off being so arrogant, looking down on others, looking at someone else’s short comings as being worst than yours. (Jas 2:9) But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned. (Jas 2:10)If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all. This is what many so-called christians forget we are to treat everyone the same because none of us are all that we all have sinned and will continue to do so until we leave this earth.

As we read our text above we see where Moses is informing the children of Israel that they are about to possess the promised land and it is not because they were so good or so righteous. He even lets them know that they sinned in the wilderness and were a stiff-necked people. So they just as we are today we aren’t so much. As with the children of Israel centuries ago we have what we have and achieve what we achieve because of the promises of God. It is by his Grace and his Mercy that we are able to achieve not because we are all that, not because we are so righteous ( I know I’m not) not because we have been so good. We are children of The Promise and we should never get so high or sink so low that we forget that. Let us Pray Father in heaven forgive us for being so forgetful in not remembering or realizing that it is because of your Grace and Mercy that we are alive and things are as well as they are. Help us to remember that we are in no position to look down on others to be arrogant, help us to remember to treat everyone the same from the greatest to the least in Jesus name we pray Amen. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike. 

God Has A Better Plan

(Jer 29:11)For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end(KJV). (Jer 29:11)For I know the purposes which I am purposing for you, says Jehovah; purposes of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.(MKJV). (Jer 29:11) I will bless you with a future filled with hope–a future of success, not of suffering (CEV).

This past Sunday I was watching the Potter’s House Live Stream of their Sunday Worship service, it was so timely and interesting as it touched on several things that I have been reflecting and meditating on for the last few weeks.  Before he raised the offering Bishop T.D. Jakes spoke about the importance of our thoughts and used our base scripture text in his talk.  It is amazing how we can let negative thoughts and ideas take root so much so that it stifles our everyday life. I love the King James Version of our text because it says that God has thoughts about us and I think that we often forget this fact Jeremiah 1:5 tells us Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (KJV). God knew each and every one of us before we ever came into existence and he had a divine plan for each of us. However he gave us the freedom to choose whether or not we’d seek out his plan and purpose for our lives or go our own way. We should always remember that often what we think is good or best for us may in fact be the opposite. The friends we choose, the spouse we choose, even sometimes the job we choose may not be in our best interest. Yet God has great plans for us but it is up to us to seek his direction.

When we get sick or in trouble, when we’re broke, busted, and disgusted I really don’t belive that any of these are part of Gods plan just look at the text if says he has thoughts of peace, and not of evil towards us so when we experience the negatives in life we should not attribute that to God’s will as so many do. The troubles and problems of life are first of all a result of the fact that we live in an ever increasingly sinful world and often times our problems and situations are a result of our own bad decisions and choices.

(Deu 28:1)And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: (Deu 28:2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. If we simply obey God we are assured of being blessed, often when things and situations are not right we go ahead anyway. We know that something ain’t just right about an individual but we get involved anyway.

(Luke 18:28)And Peter said, Lo, we have left all and have followed You.(Luke 18:29) And He said to them, Truly I say to you, There is no one who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God, (Luke 18:30) who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and, in the world to come everlasting life (MKJV). Here is the answer to many of our problems we have not left all to follow Christ. Even in the midst of economic uncertainty, in a time when many are losing their jobs and way of life. God’s word holds true today just as it did over 2000 years ago. God has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us he does not want us sick, he does not want us suffering, he does not want us broke. Jesus himself promises us with more than we currently have he promised them then and he promises us now that we’ll receive many times more. He also said (Matthew 11:30) For My yoke iseasy, and My burden is light. Church Folks need to stop saying that tough times, sickness, heartbreak,heartache, and life’s problems are from God because they aren’t.

 Let’s take a quick look at Job. (Job 1:20) And Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground and worshiped. (Job 1:21)And he said, I came naked out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. Jehovah gave, and Jehovah has taken away. Blessed be the name of Jehovah. (Job 1:22) In all this Job did not sin, nor charge God foolishly(MKJV). (Job 1:22) In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong(CEV). If you know the story of Job (if you don’t you should read it) you know that in the very first chapter in a very short period of time Job loses almost everything that he has including all of his children yet in verse 22 we see that he does not blame God nor does he say that God caused all of these events to happen to him. The CEV in my opinion points it out best it says (Job 1:22) In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong. Things go wrong in life and we want to get mad or blame God when he’s not to blame. As  I stated earlier a lot of stuff happens because we live in an ever increasingly sinful world and a lot of pain really is self-inflicted.

I know that I can and probably many of you can do better we all are currently alive but are we living? Some of you have heard it said many times Jesus said (John 10:10) The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly(MKJV). A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest (CEV). Once again I like something found in the CEV translation I like where it says that Jesus came so that we might have life in its fullest. I don’t know about you but that sounds good to me, however for many of us the problem is our associations that we have.

Some of you don’t realize that you associate daily with thieves people who don’t literally steal from you even though some might. You are dealing with and in some cases living with people who are stealing and destroying the very life that God has given you and if you keep dealing, living, or associating with them they will destroy you because that’s who they are destroyers. As I close examine yourself make sure that you are following God that he is first that you are in a position to receive the fullness of life that he has for you make sure that you are not one of the destroyers yourself that you are a life-giver not taker.

Let us Prayer Father in heaven we Thank You and Praise You for the life you have given us, for the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and for Life eternal. Lord we humbly seek your grace and mercy because we all have sinned, we’ve done wrong and we ask your forgiveness. Lord we come to you in behalf of those who are not living life to the fullest, they are not living they are merely existing. Lord help us all to just follow your word daily to give up the false pleasures of this world and totally commit our lives to you because you created us and your plans were for peace and not evil. Help us to change and leave the past in the past, from this moment forward we follow you in Jesus name we pray Amen. Be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike. 

  

My Dad Was There !!!

(Pro 22:6)Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

(Deu 11:18) Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your hearts and in your souls, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, so that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

(Deu 11:19)And you shall teach them to your sons, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

  One of the greatest acheivments of satan especially in these modern times is taking Dads out of the home. The older I’ve become the more I appreciate the fact that my Dad was at least there. Growing up a “PK” (preacher’s kid) was not easy especially when you consider that my Dad was never really satisfied with his postion in ministry all of our lives. His desire was to pastor something he did during his younger days but never did after he married and had us. I truly believe that he took many of his frustrations in life out on us. As the years have passed looking back I realize that our home was dysfunctional to say the least. However that being said I still appreciate the fact that he was there especially as I look at the fact that these days so many dads are MIA.

It was no picnic growing up in our household but at least we were blessed to have both Mom and Dad present. It is so sad to see how guys who call themselves men so easily neglect there responsibility. From the moral aspect you should not be having sex unless you are married. At the same time you should not be depositing your sperm in any woman that you don’t envision being your wife. Because the woman that you had sex with as well as the children who may be a result of those actions deserve better and if you are a real man you’ll man-up.  As we look at our scriptures above you’ll see that in Deuteronomy we see that God is giving instructions to the Dads and it is clear that his intentions are for them to be in the home raising their children. As Dads we are to train our children daily and to be in their lives daily. 

 It is my opinion that the church is as much to blame as society for the abscence of dads in our homes. There are preachers, pastors, bishops, prophets, and apostles. They all know how to teach and preach about planting a seed offering and the lord will bless you. However many neglect to spend time teaching our boys, young men, and old as well how to refrain from depositing their seed which these days often results in unwanted pregnancies. “IF YOU DROP THE SEED DO THE DEED AND MARRY YOUR BABY’S MOMMA”.  To you moms out there you need to stop letting your sons off the hook and start teaching them to be the Dads that their dad wasn’t. Dad’s need to be present 24/7 when at all humanly possible. It is time for us to say enough is enough and stop accepting the broken homes that satan is creating. To you men out there man-up make your baby’s momma your wife no she’s not perfect, yes she’s got issues but so do you and none of that was a problem when you chose to lay down with her and had sex. For those of you men who went out tippin on your wife and had babies confess your mess and deal with the consequences.

When we watch CNN, ABC,CBS,NBC all the news we see is bad news. President Obama is not the cause nor the solution to Americas problems neither are Sarah Palin or Romney or Rick Perry or Ron Paul the solution to America’s problems. America has an enormous SIN PROBLEM and it starts with the lack of Godly men in our homes. God never intended for our families to be what so many are today, yet in the midst of all the confusion and dysfunction in our homes there is hope. If you’re half a Christian you know the answer (2Ch 7:14) if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. You men out there stop your wicked ways man-up and marry you baby’s momma when at all possible remember what I said “IF YOU DROP THE SEED DO THE DEED AND MARRY YOUR BABY’S MOMMA”.  You guys also need to stop running out on your marriages in most cases if we as men make the adjustments that we need to make our marriages can make it. Your wife really wants to be loved, needed, and appreciated by you. (1Co 16:13) Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Be men! Be strong! BE MEN, be there for your wife be there for your children BE THERE !!!

 

I’m Getting A Divorce !!! Part 1

(Jer 3:8) And I saw, when for all the causes for which backsliding Israel committed adultery, I sent her away and gave a bill of divorce to her, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she went and whored, she also.

(Deu 28:66)And your life shall hang in doubt before you, and you shall fear day and night, and shall have no assurance of your life.

(Deu 28:67)In the morning you shall say, Oh that it were evening! And at evening you shall say, Oh that it were morning, for the fear of your heart with which you shall fear, and for the sight of your eyes which you shall see.

(Heb 12:1)Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Often in life we are our own worst enemies the stuff we say, the stuff we do, the people that we allow to be around us or who we choose to be around, the thoughts we think.  All of these things affect our day to day lives. If you have taken the time to read this post then you are alive and blessed to be so. Therefore if you are alive you should be living and not just existing. They way that we live and how we live is a choice it is up to us most of the time. 

Right now I’m tired, I’m tired of stuff and have no one else to blame but myself. You see I like many of you have become married to certain situations and stuff in my life and a divorce has been long overdue. So right now today I’ve decided to get rid of everything that has been holding me back I’m getting a permanent divorce with no chance of reconciliation.

I’m divorcing worry because the Word says  (Isa 26:3) You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind isstayed on You; because he trusts in You. (Mat 6:25)Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?(Mat 6:26) Behold the birds of the air; for they sow not, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them; are you not much better than they are?

 I’m divorcing doubt because the words says(Mat 17:20)And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Move from here to there. And it shall move. And nothing shall be impossible to you.

I’m divorcing fear because the word says (2Ti 1:7) For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 I’m divorcing sickness because the word says  (Isa 53:5)But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed.

I’m divorcing any and all financial problems because the word says (Php 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  (Deu 8:18) But you shall remember Jehovah your God, for it isHe who gives you power to get wealth, so that He may confirm His covenant which He has sworn to your fathers, as it is today.(Pro 13:22) A good man leaves an inheritance to his sons’ sons, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

I’m divorcing negative people because the word says (Amo 3:3) Can two walk together unless they are agreed? (Joh 8:43) Why do you not know My speech? Because you cannot hear My Word. (Mat 12:37) For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. (Pro 18:21) Death and life arein the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.

 Often times in life we hold on to stuff that only brings us down, what we think about is so important and we always have a choice. Jesus said (Joh 16:33) I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. In this life in this world stuff happens but we must train ourselves not to trip. Jesus overcame it all and because he has already overcame we can overcome. So I don’t know about you but I have had enough I’m through I’m divorcing all of the negativity that I’ve been married to. As of right now today I’m making a fresh start. How about You?

You can Make It Part IV

(Num 13:32)And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched to the sons of Israel, saying, The land through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eats up those who live in it. And all the people whom we saw in it were men of stature.

(Num 13:33)And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, of the giants. And we were in our own sight like grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

(Num 14:6)And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those that searched the land, tore their clothes.

(Num 14:7)And they spoke to all the company of the sons of Israel saying, The land which we passed through to search is an exceedingly good land.

(Num 14:8) If Jehovah delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey.

In today’s economic climate it can be so easy to give up on your dreams, goals, and visions. When you tell friends and family what you desire to do they, though well-meaning present you with all the practicalities of why it is almost impossible for you to accomplish what God has put on your heart to do. In our scripture lesson Moses sends out spies to survey the land that God has promised them all the spies except Joshua and Caleb bring back a negative report the scripture actually says an evil report. However Joshua and Caleb remember that God had delivered them out of Egypt and that if this is where God wanted them to go they could and would possess the land.

There is nothing wrong with taking the advice of friends and family. However the people you want around you are those who believe and share your vision. You want those that will say the economy is bad but I’m still with you I’ll do whatever I can to help you. Often what God has placed in your heart may not make any sense and there may be no earthly reason why you should succeed. However we must always remember that the scripture tells us  (2Ch 16:9)For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro in all the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart isperfect toward Him. If you are passionately doing what you truly believe that God wants you to do then don’t worry, don’t fret God wants to and he’s going to help you. Remember what Jesus said (Joh 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Jesus has assured us that we shall overcome every problem, every obstacle, every disappointment. So (please insert “hoop” here) don’t worry about the naysayers or those who said they were with you and have left you. Don’t worry about the economy or what you don’t have in your bank account. Storms may rise and winds may blow but don’t give up, don’t give out and don’t give in. Hold out help is on the way it may seem silly to some, it may seem foolish, people may say your’re crazy. But hang in there, everything is going to be just great, God’s going to keep his promise to you. Don’t give up on your dream keep grinding, keep working, it’s going to get better weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. The Son is about to rise on your situation, the same people that talked about you and laughed at you will be coming to you looking for a job. Hang on in there, hold fast to your Faith, to your Vision, To Your Dream, Help is on the way and sooner than you think. Be Encouraged And Blessed Minister Mike

 

You Can Make It Part 3

 

(Pro 10:22) The blessing of Jehovah itself makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. (MKJV)

(Pro 10:22)The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (KJV)

 

This probably  was my Aunt’s favorite verse as she often quoted it before she ate. She lived a full life and was in this life a true warrior for the Lord rarely sick and always in a good encouraging mood. She always spoke positive things in your life and always had a word from the Lord for you. Everyone affectionately called her Dear because that she was a Dear soul who loved the Lord.

My cousin and I would often talk about how she would quote this scripture before she would eat. Growing up it always sounded good but really bore no real significance in my life. As I grew in grace and knowledge I grew to understand both the significance as well as the importance of  this verse. You see as we go through life we face problems sometimes however you may get a major blessing a new job, a raise, a house, whatever some thing good may happen only to be followed by something awful.

This is where my Aunt’s favorite verse gains its significance. We must always remember that God’s Blessings do not come with something attached to them especially as the scripture says he does not add sorrow to it. We must realize that the negative comes from the enemy. Scripture also says (Jer 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (KJV) (Jer 29:11) I will bless you with a future filled with hope–a future of success, not of suffering.

 

(Joh 10:10)The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV) (Joh 10:10) A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. (CEV).

God does not want his children to suffer, he does not want us sick, poor, rejected, depressed, confused, anxious, sad, despondent, none of this.  Jesus also says  (Mat 11:29) Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. (Mat 11:30) For My yoke iseasy, and My burden is light. God does not lie nor does his son Jesus Christ. When we have trouble, become sick, or whatever the situation is. It is not of God. It could be the result of our own doings, an attack of satan, or just a result of this sinful world we live in.

Remember God Loves you so much that he created you and allowed you to be born and he has great expectations of you if you follow his divine plan and purpose for your life. Remember what Dear used to say The blessing of Jehovah itself makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Be Encouraged and Blessed You Can Make It !!!

Minister Mike

 

 

 

You Can Make It #2

(Mar 9:23)  Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

(Mar 9:24) And immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

There are many times in life when our Faith is put to the test we face situations in life that the only way through or out is via our Faith that God will do what his word has promised that he will do. His word promises that he will supply all of our needs. When we are ill he has promised us healing all of his promises are real and true. Yet often as soon as we finish praying or as soon as someone gets through praying for us our thoughts come under attack with unbelief because satan does what he does best feed us with fear, doubts, and lies.

It is so important that we do as the word says (Eph 6:10) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

(Eph 6:11) Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(Eph 6:12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world’s rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We need every weapon that God has given us to fight the doubt that satan will always place in our mind for as soon as we are given the assurance that God is going to honor his word and help us with whatever the problem, situation, or need may be. That’s when the wrestlying match begins satan or one of his imps will bombard our mind but yet we can say just as the man in this scripture says Lord I believe but help my unbelief, help me to trust in your word and not the circumstances or situations that I face in life. The word also says (Mat 17:20)And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Move from here to there. And it shall move. And nothing shall be impossible to you. The mustard seed is a tiny seed but develops into a large tree. All you need is just a little Faith that God will do as promised in his word and then you must in some way act out your Faith. God will then through his Holy Spirit take care of the rest be Encouraged and Blessed Minister Mike.