Happy New Year!!!

I would like to wish, all of my friends, family and readers from around the world a very Happy New Year! Never forget the way you bring in a New Year is the way you will end the next one. Start this one off positive and leave the negative behind. Take risks because life is about taking chances, go after your dreams or desires and live a life without regrets. If you want something or need something pray for it and give the rest to God. Always remember if God has blessed you to live another year, your dreams, goals, desires or purpose hasn't yet been complete and your time is now to make that happen.Think to yourself that 2014 will be a great year and it will be. Then get on your knees New Years Eve, praise God for your many blessings and for the new ones to come. For God our Father in Heaven is worthy to be praise and good all the time! Happy New Year!!
M.O.G.

Hebrews 9:14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

To Good To Be True!

If you happen to be reading this, let me ask you this question, have you ever prayed for something like a car, house, new born baby, money to pay a bill or even a spouse and the next moment,second, hour, day or week it happens.What you prayed for or asked for was right there for the taking. Sounds too be good to be true right and it can't possibly be from God? If you have said this or thought this way, I have another question to ask you. Isn't God or hasn't he been to good to you to be true? Hasn't he provided for you, gave you what you asked for, then blessed you over and over again, gave you chance after chance when you know you didn't deserve it? If your answer happens to be yes, then the next time you get an unexpected blessing, stop questioning it and thank God for it. After all wasn't it you on your knees that day or night asking and praying to God for those things or blessings? Yes, God is too good to be true, because God our Father in Heaven is good all the time and worthy to be praised!

One thing that I have discovered in this walk with God, is that sometimes after we get a word from him, some of us may think that its done or that the lesson has been completed. But what I have began to realize is that we are all a work in progress and until our imperfections are driven completely out of us, God's work with us will never be done.The old saying is," Be careful what you ask for because you just may get it".While you are on your knees praying to God, always remember, he hears your prayers and in his time he will answer your prayers.
Have a blessed day,
Charles

Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God: your Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 119:12
Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.
Psalm 139:24
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

Christmas

 

Have you noticed, over the years people perception of Christmas, has changed ? The media, claiming that Santa Clause is the reason why we celebrate it, while others only used this particular day, as a reason to get gifts, money or presents. It makes one wonder, where did the ideal of Christmas come from? We all know that the birth of Christ is the real reason why Christmas Day was created and its also the main reason why Christians celebrate this very special holiday. The question still remains, why was this day created and what does Christmas really mean? What does the star that rest on top of the Christmas tree really represents or symbolize? What about the beautiful lights, ornaments or even the presents that sit below the tree? I know you may be saying to yourself I know what my parents say, my Pastor Or Priest may say and the media who can believe anything that they may say about Christmas or any other holiday? Christmas what does this holiday really mean? To answer these questions all one has to do is to read their Bible, use a little common sense and then its very easy to figure out the true meaning Christmas. For those who may have trouble comprehending or understanding the real meaning of Christmas let me explain.

Long ago before the birth of Christ, the bible the word of God proclaimed the birth of a Savior will be born.( Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,) Wise men from the east used a bright star to guide them to Bethlehem of Judea, where Christ Jesus was born. On this particular night the dark skies were lite up brightly with thousands of stars and planets but out of all the stars there was one very big star shinning brightly. This big star was directly above a barn where Jesus was born. When the wise men arrived they saw Mary, Joseph and a beautiful baby boy laying in a manger. There they presented gifts before Mary and Joseph to the newly born King, Jesus.( Matthew 2:10-11…10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.) After reading these verses one can easily determine that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The tree symbolizes life, while the lights and ornaments surrounding the tree represents the million of stars or planets that reside in the universe, that light up the skies. The big star above the tree is a reminder to all that, Jesus Christ our  Lord and Savior, Gods only son was born. The gifts below the tree are gifts belonging to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes today in our time these gifts are for the children and some adults, but even the wise men back then knew that it was better to give than to receive.(2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.)
As we celebrate Christmas never forget that Jesus, is the real reason for the seasons, God greatest gift to man. Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
Merry Christmas,
Charles

Song of Solomon 3:6
Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant?
Isaiah 60:6
Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.
Matthew 1:18
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Always On Time!

How does one gain favor, get blessings or their prayers answered by God? By believing in Gods promise, having faith, being patient, trusting in only in him and waiting for God to answer their prayers. For God may not come or answer you when you want him too, but when he does its always on time! These days its very hard to be patient and watch others prosper while you suffer. Its very easy to become envious or even jealous of those who make their living through criminal or illegal  actions or ways. Some of these people who have engage in those ways, seem to always be blessed, happy, always have money or material things and most of them pretend not to have a worry in the world. When in truth or behind closed doors they always have to look over their shoulders. For even the sinner knows that their days are numbered and they also know that the life of crime or doing wrong will not last forever. For those who are patient and are willing to wait on God, when then time is right the blessing of the lord will always be on time. For the word says Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt you to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. In other words, don't worry about today, because God always will take care of your tomorrow's. Keep praying daily, because he might not come or answer you when you want him to, but when he does Its Always On Time!
Be blessed and have a wonderful Thanksgivings,
Charles

Psalm 25:3
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 37:34
Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.
Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

 

 

The Shepherd

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 It's Time 2 Take A Stand

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:

Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand

Sincerely, 

Diane

 

No Weapon

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.

My Birthday!!!

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

If It Never Works Out

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.