Father, Mother, Parent , Friend, Mentor, Pastor, Preacher or Teacher when you think or see these words or tittles, what are your thoughts or the first thing that may come to your mind? Does the words Father, Mother and Parent mean that you are only suppose to raise your children until the become grown or until they are able to take care or fend for themselves? Or does the words Mentor, Pastor, Preacher and Teacher mean that you are only suppose to teach or provide them with enough knowledge to take with them into the outside world? If you answers to those questions were yes, then thank God our Father in Heaven that Jesus didn't think or feel that way. Instead he thought of the people that he cared for, fed, healed, taught and gave knowledge to as his sheep. Jesus was then and now forever is our God. In our time of need he is our shepherd, for the word says, John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
The question is are we as prepared as children of God, to go beyond with just being good friends, fathers , mothers or parents and instead be like Jesus, then become a good shepherd? The reason why I ask this question, is because today our children, friends, family and even ourselves require a little more than friendship. Instead we all need someone that will be there for each of us through thick or thin and for better or worse. Which also means if we see someone or if we ourselves try to do something wrong or engage in sin, just like a good shepherd that attends his or her flock, do whatever it takes to make sure their sheep find their way. Its the shepherd job to protect his or her sheep, children, friends and sometimes their own parents from themselves or from the evils of the outside world. Even when we are not able or available to protect them in their time of need, we should never rest until we have at least have prayed for them. Why? Because a good friend, family member, parent, teacher, spouse , man or woman of God job is never done and as children of God we are all required to be good shepherds of our flock. That's right The Shepherd, in Jesus name Amen!!!
Have an awesome day,
Charles
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Ladies has God done anything for you? Had God delivered you or your family from any hardship? Do you see love ones being tormented with worry, fear, of unforgiveness? Does the breakup of families affect your heart? As a born again believer you have the answers to these issues. You have the key to unlock the inner strength of your family and friends. You have the tools and power to share the gospel of God that can change their lives. You have the most important information that can be given and you have been mandated by Jesus to share it with all others. Ladies God is requiring each of us to step out in faith according to the same instructions he gave to is disciples, so that you are not committing the sin of silence. You must share this knowledge of Christ or you are being disobedient. Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!
Ladies we have learned today that giving the gospel away is
one of the best ways of experiencing God’s power in our life, and evangelistic
journey. Can I share something with you?
Virtually
every earnest Christian is grieved by his weakness in this area. Did you know
that? There is not a zealous Christian who feels content with his
effectiveness in personal evangelism. We feel guilt for our timidity and regret
for missed opportunities. We have heard
it by the grace of God. We have believed it by the grace of God. And we have
been saved through it by the grace of God. And now Paul says in Ephesians 6:10 "This
is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength." How do we know what Paul said is true? Well
we can be certain that:God has made provisions for us so that we can stand and not fall. The provision God has for our protection is His armor. He has given us a sword, and that sword is His word. We use the sword of God as a reference guide to instruct us, and remember is promises to us. The sword (of the Spirit) Ephesians 6:17 is the only weapon of offense in the armor, but it is also a tool for defense. Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us. With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all. We need to trust in the truth of God's word. have confidence in the value of God's word. We must always have a hunger and desire for it. Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!
Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all carnal weapons the enemy uses against us. Isn't it funny how people of the world use the same tactics against us. With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all. We need to trust in the truth of God's word. Ladies you must have confidence in the value of God's word. Get a hunger and desire for it.One thing for certain God will always make sure we are equipped through prayer and supplication, and give us a shield of protection as our helmet. The helmet is our protection so we do not fall in worldly confrontation, are let our thoughts get cloudy with vengeance. The Lord spoke these specific words: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Isaiah 55:8. This is the Lord's declaration!! There is confirmation in 1Peter 3:15 that explains how you should stand when you go forward to share God's word, are even when you are taking a stand against the wiles of the enemy. Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand
A Parallel in 1 Peter 3:1 The very word "ready" is used in the same kind of exhortation. Ladies we have to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who calls us to account for the hope that is within us, we must do it with gentleness and reverence. The more ready and equipped you are to move with the gospel, the more life, power, joy, and security you will know, and have in the Gospel of Christ. Ladies taking a stand will not only help cultivate your spiritual connection with Christ, but it will help you when you stand to share His word through opportunity. The 'Armor of God" is not just for our protection, it is a call of obedience and trust we have in God. God will not leave us without a safety net. God will give us:
Belt of truth - "Stand firm in the belt of truth" Eph 6:14
Be
Steadfast and Unmovable:The
belt of truth involves two places; our hearts and
our minds.
Truth
keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective all the other pieces of armor.
Breastplate
of righteousness – "with the breastplate of righteousness in place,"
Ephesians 6:14
A soldier with
a breastplate goes into battle boldly with confidence. The devil is constantly attacking with lies, accusations and reminders of past sins. Without the breastplate of righteousness, these will penetrate your heart. Ladies you have to become aware of who you are in Christ Jesus. Look what it says in Hebrews 4:16, "Come boldly into His presence." Ladies not only must you walk in boldness, but you must have childlike confidence knowing that God has equipped the very being inside of you.
The
Shoes- (of Peace & Preparation): "For
shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully
prepared." Ephesians 6:15
Shoes allow us
to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to
the battle
at hand. They aid in
our movement and defense.
The shoes God
gives propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is
available in
Christ. Prepare yourself to follow the Lord no matter what.
“For He Himself is our peace" Ephesians 2:14-15
Shield
of faith - "Taking the shield of faith" Ephesians 6:16
Taking
the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked one."
Helmet
of salvation - "Take the helmet of salvation" Ephesians 6:17
Satan's
target: Your mind. “Nor is there salvation in any other" Acts 4;12
Satan's
weapon: Lies. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our
salvation. The
helmet protects our minds from doubting the truth of
God's saving work for us. For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18
Ladies sometime we have too take the initiative and lead by example. Ladies, we do not have to be helpless victims anymore, just like a child is carried in the strength of his/her father's arms, let God carry you today. We have to learn how to be strong, not in ourselves but in the Lord and His mighty power!! We are women of God, divinely created in the uniqueness of God. We have the power and strength to stand on God's Holy word. God has given us a lantern that is like a beacon of light to direct us in the right path. Ladies the example has already been paved for our walk with God. Just think about these women in the bible who stood in the strength of God, which is like a guideline to help us understand exactly what they have learned during their difficult time in life.
Naomi- Even in her
personal tragic circumstances God was showing his providential care. In fact,
even in her moment of bitterness she called God "the Almighty", a
name which speaks of God as the provider and protector.
Esther- Esther saves
her people, brings about the downfall of their enemy, and elevates her kinsman
to the highest position in the kingdom. Esther becomes the model for the Jew
living in exile.
Deborah– Deborah
relationship with God was first. She was also a wife, perhaps even could have
been a mother, and she was a judge. She balanced many roles and with each role
we are not told she did not have "the time" to fulfill a certain
role. She served God faithfully and God provided Deborah a way to balance all
her roles according to His calling. Deborah
spirituality, power, and inner peace were not disturbed by either adversity or
prosperity. She was stable and of strong character.
Ladies visualize this in every battle
you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by
Satan. Instead
remember Paul’s word, “Finally, be strong.” But how, where will you get the
strength, how can you receive the strength? We can be strong in God’s strength. Ladies be blessed, my prayer for you today is that you continue to walk circumstantially in the will of our Lord and Savior. After you done all you can:
Have you ever felt like the whole world was against you or that no one believed in your or had faith in your abilities? Or are you in a place where, everywhere you turn people doubt, then talk about you or they put you down? Some may have hated you because you were to tall, short or small and some simply because you happen to have your own hair. While others give you strange looks, because you are over weight, muscular or skinny. Then the really cruel or evil ones that talk about you or look down on you because you were born with or later developed a handicap or disability. If you have faced this, then please understand that this is the world we live in where the rich are against the poor, mothers are against fathers, children are against parents and where in some countries people will hate you just because you are from another race or religion. Its a cold hard fact, that all of us live in an imperfect word and what has or will happen is already written or foreseen.What some people fail to realize is that we are all God's people and despite a persons income or positions we all were created equal, in the image of God. Its a persons choice if they choose to believe in God , because in the end all shall be judged by their actions, deeds or works. No man or woman has the right to judge or prejudge anyone despite a persons beliefs, handicaps, race or religion, because there is only one true God or judge and that's our Father in Heaven, Jehovah God.
While each of us should recognize that we live in an imperfect world, where there will be lots of trails or tribulations and that there is death all around us.We should never forget that real enemy is the devil that each of us have to deal with daily. Its his job to seek or destroy those who are faithful or those who love God. In order to stay safe one should never forget that, its our faith in God that will keep us safe and it will also give us power over this very powerful enemy.When the enemy attacks those who have faith, one should always know that God cares for them and he will never leave their side. Also when friends, co-workers and even some family members such as our brothers or sisters.If they try to bring you down , don't worry because if one is truly faithful, nothing they can do or try to say will cause you harm. For the word says, Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall
rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, said the LORD.
Have a blessed day,
Charles Isaiah
45:24
They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are deliverance and
strength.'" All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to
shame.
Isaiah 3:10 Tell
the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their
deeds. Isaiah 26:2 Open
the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith.
Its my Birthday! All I can do at this moment is to give both honor and praise to our Father in Heaven. 50 of the years I have lived on this Earth, has been a blessing. Many of those years, I have witness some friends and yes, some very close relatives leave this Earth to be with our Father God. That's why to me, birthdays mean so much, although many of us take them for granted. Life itself is very short and very precious, it should always be lived to the fullest. Its a real blessing to be alive, while so many have faded away.To my friends and to some of my family members, who have wished me Happy Birthday, I say thank you!" For our lives are just, a like beautiful flowers who only bloom constantly, for a moment or season, then latter to fade away. May our years on Earth be as beautiful as a new born baby, a beautiful sweet blooming flower, a bird with wings or beautiful sunset over looking a sandy beach with white sand with blues seas. So that one day each of us shall reside in Heaven praising our Father, the all Mighty God at the top, his son Jesus on the his right side and his Angels singing well done!" May God bless each of you everyday and for as long as you shall live.
Charles
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 4:36
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together
There are two things in, life that no one can never truly prepare themselves for, death and divorce. In my own life and from observing from afar other people react to death, divorce , breakups or job loss in different ways. Not many of us are mentally or physically able to handle the emotion or physical toll, that these things take on us an individuals. There are a lot of people in the world that are either mentally or spiritually weak and without the presence of God in their lives many are tempted to do wrong or some very strange things. When you read or hear about husbands or wives committing crimes to get back at their former spouses, then you know that they are spiritually or mentally weak and are attacked by the devil. Also when you see people that are afraid to let go because their fear of the unknown or the future without their former spouses , then you know that they weren't prepared for failure. What surprises most of us is, the after effect of the break up or divorce. That is when most us observe that our former spouses loving ways or emotions change when the break up or divorce begins. Its a constant reminder, when my mother would say to me or my siblings, when she would say, always prepare yourself to fight evil inside your home and the outside world.
That is why I thank God everyday, for blessing me with two very strong loving parents. Because if it weren't for them not only preparing me for my success and my failures I wouldn't be the man I am today. The way my parents raised me helped me become mentally strong and it also helped me to be not afraid to fail. When I think back on how my parents prepared me for the outside world, I notice that they focused more on my failures than my success. My mother was always a very confident person, she would make statements to me that still stick with me today. She would say ,"When God created man he didn't make any mistakes or your father and I didn't make no junk. The she would say I didn't raise any dummies, so stop acting like a dummy". I remember one day coming home from school and I was scared to show my mother my report card because I had a bad grade on it. She would look at me after reading my report card and said," Do you think of yourself as a failure?" Then I would answer her by saying I didn't know or maybe I thought wasn't smart enough to pass. Then she would look at me under her glasses then say son, you are not a failure. Sometimes even the best of us fail, real men or women always pick themselves up and then try harder again. I want you to try harder, because there is nothing in this world you can not do, if you just believe in yourself and believe that through God all things are possible. Learn from your failures, because they can prepare you to be strong when you succeed or when you fail again. Life has many ups and downs, but if you are prepared both mentally and spiritually ,then you can over come any obstacle.
She would go on to say, Your father and I are not only preparing you to be a success, but also preparing you to fail. When she made this statement it kind of puzzled me. Then I asked this question, Mom, why would you prepare me to fail? Then she would answer because that is when most of us make our serious mistakes, because of our lack of ability to handle failure. She would say if one can handle failure, then one should appreciate success, then not fail again. She would go on to say sometimes God allows us to fail or to loose something, because he has something better in store. In some other instances he just wants to teach us a lesson. He want us to know that what we have or achieved was not accomplished alone or by ourselves. If it weren't for his grace or mercy there would be no way any of us would be successful. If you have a job and get fired or its not a place you are happy with, be strong enough to walk away from it. This last statement also applies to a relationship or marriage , if it doesn't work out, do not take it to heart and be prepared to walk away. Also be aware of the other persons feelings. Do your best during any break up or divorce to not hurt any ones feelings, because that is when the devil becomes more active or destructive. Be careful not to let your emotions cause you to say or do something that you are incapable of taking back. My mother used to tell me to always be careful, because you never know the state of mind of the individual that you are separating from. She would go on to say that you never know what they might be thinking or how they are really feeling. Because," If It Never Works Out", she would say, always be man enough to walk away.
Be blessed and stay safe weekend,
Charles Matthew
17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell
you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for
you." Matthew
21:21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do
not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can
say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be
done.
One of the most wonderful things about writing for God, is that you get to meet some very interesting people along the way and many of them happen to be from different countries. Its amazing that the world wide web could connect you to people that you would never meet under normal circumstances.It just shows you the power that our Father, God has by giving man his greatest creations, the ideals to create.After all we are all creators in our own special way and when a thought comes to mind God then gives us the ability to do what ever we put our minds too.Which brings me to the topic of today,"In your own special way."Just a few weeks ago I met a very interesting young lady, who has great love for her deaf friends, the deaf community and communicating through sign language.Its my strong opinion that anyone who cares for the elderly, deaf, those with communication barriers or those who happen to be wounded because of war, are very special people and are real Angels of God. It takes a very special individual or person to deal with Gods wounded or impaired children.These are true soldiers or Angels of God and God is always please when someone helps the ones that are less fortunate than themselves. After meeting this very special person, I was encouraged to know that God still works in mysterious ways. He always put very special people in places where they are needed and all for the glory of God.
Some readers have asked me this very special question, "How does one who may happen to be deaf or one that has communication barriers give God praise? My answer to you or to anyone who may read this, if you are interested in praising God you should always do it , in your own special or unique way. The reason for my answer is because the word says,( Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil.) Which means what ever that is in your heart or mind, God will judge it rather its good or bad. One doesn't have to get on their knees or even speak, if they are incapable of doing so.God has the power to read our thoughts or minds and its our actions that God truly judges. If one wants to praise God, always do it pure of heart and in their own special way.(Ecclesiastes
11:9 You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your
heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and
whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you
into judgment.)
May God bless you always,
Charles
Isaiah 45:18 For thus said the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the
earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed
it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. 1 Corinthians
4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until
the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will
expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise
from God.
I don't know if you ever experienced when the spirit hits you, but when it does an unexplainable feeling over comes you. At that moment, you find yourself wanting to shout or scream for joy, because the Holy Spirit has taken over you. I know for those who haven't yet, been blessed with this feeling, are wondering how this feels. No it not like having your first child, not like getting a raise, not like falling in love and its not like winning a large sum of money.This particular feeling is unlike any feeling in the world and unless the spirit of the Lord takes over you then you wouldn't understand this feeling. When you observe some people in Church running or shouting glory from the top of their lungs, then you know that the Holy Spirit has taken over them. I have experienced this feeling for the very first time years ago, while listening to a gospel song. The music was wonderful and the message in the song at that moment touched my soul.
After I experienced that feeling I have found that the Lord our God communicates with each of us in his own way. Sometimes he does it through music, while other times through a sermon or message delivered by a Pastor, Priest or Minister.Then there are those other times when he uses other people such as our parents, friends, co-workers or a complete stranger to get his message across. God our Father in Heaven is like that and has always walked in ways we will never understand, but his way will always be effective. Today the spirit revisited me with a message from God encouraging you and I, to Reach Higher! I feel the reason this message was given to me is because for as I can remember, I always had a love for money and success. If I didn't make enough money or if I didn't meet my own standards I was always unhappy. During those times I found myself praying to God for money, material things and even for more success. Just like everyone else I desired a nice car or house and plenty of money . I really hated to struggle, so I was always on a mission to acquire more wealth or material things.
Until one day the spirit hit me and asked me this powerful question, "Do you think that Jesus Christ, Gods only son was concern with money,the finer things or luxury?" My immediate answer to this question was, no because what he has in Heaven was better than what was on Earth. Then the spirit said told me to Reach Higher. After the spirit left me I kind of felt ashamed. Why you may ask?Well because I set my goals to low. Instead of trying to go too Heaven, I was instead trying to acquire things here on Earth. Not realizing that I couldn't take those things with me to the after life and also that none of my money, savings or material things could get me into Heaven. My goals should have been higher and I limited myself by thinking worldly. I know for a fact we all do this by only thinking of our own success, while trying to acquire wealth or material things. In a sense there is nothing wrong with with that, but ask yourself this question shouldn't we all be seeking more, like joining Jesus in Heaven? He came to the Earth with nothing , then left it with power and glory. Isn't that a price worth paying for? And why can't we all be more like Jesus Gods, only son? Why can't we give to those less fortunate than ourselves when we have so much? Why acquire bigger homes, make more money than we need, while others suffer? Shouldn't our goals be higher? Shouldn't we all want to reach the higher goal of being with God? As you think about this message, I want you to continue to go after your dreams or desires and to go after those goals. But never forget that there is something more important than the goals you set for yourself everyday and can't be achieved with money or material things. Starting today reach higher, into Heaven as a child of God.
Have a blessed day,
Charles
Proverbs 28:20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 28:19Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
