The Three “F’s” -Focus, Fill, Forget

“………The JOY of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Today the Lord wants us to know that it doesn’t matter how situations may appear to be; nor does it matter what sort of negative or bad news we may receive; we must learn to permit the JOY that is contained within the Word of the Lord to be our strength… our support system and our well from which we can draw cool and refreshing water.

Sometimes we have a way of permitting the cares of this world to weigh us down and weaken us.  Most of the diseases and ailments that we are afflicted with today are the result of years of worry and stress.  In many instances we have inherited these genes from our biological  parents….. who were themselves the products of generations where stress and worrying were prevalent. 

However, now the Lord wants us to remember that he has instructed us to rejoice in Him always…. – and again, He reminds us to rejoice.  HOW? By allowing our strength to come from the Lord.  HOW? By learning to Focus, Fill and Forget.

1. Focus more on the Blessings than on the Curses; on the positive more than the negative; on the good rather than the evil. Focus, Focus, FOCUS!!! (Deuteronomy 28)
2. Fill your mouth with a new vocabulary. Use words that will uplift and strengthen your spirit; rather than dishearten or discourage it.   (Proverbs 18:21) Fill your physical territory; your home, your desk, and your car; with constant reminders of faith filled words.  Replace as many things in your life with items that will build and affirm - not diminish your faith.  Create an atmosphere of being optimistic – wherever you are!  Let praise always be in your mouth.  Fill your mouth, fill your atmosphere and fill your spirit with the Joy of the Lord!
3. Forget yesterday; today is a new day. Forget the arguments, the misunderstandings, the regrets, the childhood rejections, and anything that attempts to steal your peace.  Not one decision that occurred in the past can be amended.  We can only attempt to alter the consequences or the results of those decisions.  So begin each day as a new day, with new opportunities, new strategies, and a new agenda.  An agenda of forgetting the past and pressing forward.                         (Philippians 3:13)

Many years ago, our youth choir sang a song and it said, “I’ve got the J – O- Y; JOY, Joy of the Holy Ghost…. Don’t Let the Devil steal your joy…. Joy of the Holy Ghost.

They also sang another song….. “Hallelujah Anyhow”.  “Never let the devil get you down, when life’s troubles come your way, hold your head up high and say HALLELUJAH ANYHOW”.

Our only survival plan for this era is to:

Focus our minds on the promises of God.

Fill our mouths with faith filled words.  And above all…

Forget any and everything that will not yield to our advancement, our motivation and our stamina.

Then we will be in the position, and have the mindset, which will usher us into the place, that will truly allow the JOY of the Lord to be our strength.

Did Your Midwife Kill Your Baby?

Watch Your Midwives!

       “Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you….”  I Thessalonians 5:12

Warriors, because you stand against the kingdom of darkness, you must at all times know those to whom you have given the power and the authority to assist you in the various stages of your birthing processes.  Simply because our Father is the supreme originator of creativity; we, His children should allow the creative nature within us to birth forth into some new manifestation on a regular basis.  Far too often we have witty inventions and new ideas, however we permit the opinions of others to kill them before they are manifested.  In other words, we have permitted a midwife from the kingdom of darkness to kill our babies!  The role of a midwife is an extremely vital position. This person has the ability to give life or to cause death, to enhance or to diminish, to encourage and bring hope; or to cause confusion and bring total despair, to your future.

In the book of Exodus, chapter one we are given an account of the creditability of the midwives. The Bible states that the midwives feared God! In the dimension that we have now embarked; as an endtime warrior, you must exercise extreme caution in the acceptance of one who desires to serve you in the role of a midwife. (The role of a midwife is not gender sensitive.) You must only permit those who have the ability to understand the true reverential fear of God, to be entrusted with the safeguarding of your vision. Some of you have had the OPPORTUNITY to excel to various heights and positions…. but have not done so. You haven't made these accomplishments, because your midwife has slaughtered your dreams and visions. Just at the point when you were in the proper position to give birth; at just the time when the midwife was supposed to assist you into bringing your vision, dream etc. into total manifestation - because your midwife was not assigned to you by God, you gave birth,- but your midwives were used by the enemy to intervene.  Your midwife killed your new born dreams or visions.  Your midwife was on an assignment – with diabolical intent …. and was used by the enemy to introduce the spirit of fear  - which caused you to walk in doubt and unbelief.

Therefore, some of you will now have to adjust and amend the positions of those to whom you thought you could trust. It is imperative that you always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit before enlisting the eager assistance of those desiring to assist you in ministry or in your Christian journey.

Remember - a warrior is a warrior at all times. Why? Briefly, the strategic mindset of a warrior is always focused, and purpose driven.  A true warrior will never permit their mind to stray from their divine call and destiny!  A true warrior knows no defeat.  A true warrior has learned to triumph in EVERY situation. 

Therefore, as warriors, we must always bear in mind that the enemy is ever attempting to gain access to us. We are most vulnerable when we are embarking upon a new venture. This is why we must be ever so selective when accepting one into our confidence….as they respond to our need for a midwife!

A true God appointed midwife will have developed the maturity to ascend in worship and to descend with strategic purpose; to proactively travail in prayer and have a keen spirit of discernment. Above all, they will have learned to daily walk in the reverential fear and wisdom of Almighty God.  They will stand in their place of authority and make certain that nothing interferes, inhibits, restricts or obstructs the birth of your God visions, dreams and concepts!  

1. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  Matthew7:15

The Tithe & The Tip

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me [How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?]?”  Psalm 116:12 AMP

There was an article in “Money” magazine that offered suggestions in reference to tipping those who render specific services to and for us.  The listing included people from various walks of life.  As I read through the list, I had observed that every person, whose vocation was mentioned, was receiving at the very LEAST ten percent! 

It appears that we have no problem expressing our gratitude to people when they supply us with a few “comforts of life”.  As a matter of fact; we will even often be very generous to them when we feel as though their services rendered to us were outstanding.

Therefore, if we are willing to demonstrate to mere people our appreciativeness; why is it that so many devoted; scripture quoting; Bible toting; Saints of the Most High God; have a problem giving back to God what rightfully belongs to Him?

Far too many have become “bamboozled” or “hoodwinked” when considering their giving unto the Lord.  In all actuality, we, as endtime Saints are no longer bound by the law.  We are supposed to use the principles which were established under the law (in the Pentateuch) to build our foundational truths.  However we have been redeemed from the curse of the law.  The New Testament expresses “free will giving”.  Yet, since the ten percent was already established in the O.T…. we are to now use that as a MINIMUM for our giving – not a maximum.  Therefore…. you haven’t really accomplished some great feat when you deposit your little ten percent into the tithe box! 

Just think about it.  The waitress at a local “greasy spoon” is receiving at the very least fifteen percent!  Therefore, how can we be content to offer to GOD ten percent of our increase and feel as though we’ve accomplished some great feat?  Have we forgotten that He is our FATHER; the creator of the entire UNIVERSE; supreme in EVERY aspect; and the one who has enabled us to obtain our money????

It never ceases to amaze me how people will claim that they can’t afford to tithe!  Yet these same people will; participate in various saving programs at work, plan for a vacation, make various purchases in advance– yet never consider putting aside a special offering for the Lord!

Why are some people so apprehensive concerning their giving to the Lord?  One of the reasons is that they have not been liberated from the spirit of poverty.  That spirit and its big brother: the spirit of fear, are a “dynamic duo”.  Their power must be identified and broken if one is to live as a New Testament; free will giver. 

So, what shall I render unto the Lord?  I will render myself as a living testimony of His miraculous redemptive, saving, and sustaining power. However, I will also never esteem myself or others higher than I do the Lord when it comes to giving; especially the giving of money.  I will never give unto the Lord any less than what I am giving to those who are serving me in the natural.    I will never offer to God a TIP….but a true TITHE …. This will prove to the enemy that God is Lord – even over my assets!

Therefore, when I say that I’ve surrendered all to the Lord…. and that He is first in my life….He truly is….  And I have really surrendered ALL!!

Are You Producing….

Seedless Grapes?

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, …” Genesis 1:28

Throughout the Bible, the theme of reproduction is ever present.  In every era or dispensation we can observe that God intended for mankind to “establish & duplicate”.  In other words, God’s plan for mankind did not include mutated fruit – but fruit that would; “reproduce after its own kind” and fruit that would “remain”. 

Seeds = potential.   Seeds represent God’s natural form of reproduction.  However, man has in his wisdom, introduced an alternative to the wisdom of God.  For example, let’s consider how man’s intervention has interrupted the natural reproductive nature in the area of vegetation.   Now, although we all really enjoy eating the seedless varieties of fruit; can you make a connection between seedless vegetation and the seedless human race?  In other words, can mankind now so readily accept the introduction of lifestyles which are contrary to those originally

instituted by God; because in our minds we have already accepted this concept?

God has planned for everything to reproduce “after its own kind”.  Let’s consider seedless grapes.  Seedless grapes cannot be reproduced without the assistance of man.  For years now; we have just eaten them and have never given any thought to their origin. 

I’m again reminded of the Cicadas who had made an appearance a few years ago; which had been underground for about 17 years.  Still alive; still thriving – but hidden! Many of the concepts of the enemy have been hidden for years, and even centuries!  However, because it is now restoration time – all that was hidden is now being revealed….but only “he who has an ear to hear” and an “eye to see” will be able to benefit from the many endtime revelations.

Think about it.  Could the concept of seedless grapes (watermelon or any seedless fruit) have mentally paved the road for the acceptance of homosexuality and all of the “gender allowances”? – (which are an attempt to alter the natural reproduction of the human race!)  Could the concept behind the seedless grapes also have enhanced some of the “hassle-free” ideas that we have entertained concerning our work ethics?  Seedless grapes have no potential of their own and are completely contrary to every concept that the Lord has given to us in His word.  Seedless grapes represent man’s ability to develop and to improve upon something that God had already perfected… just for the sake of convenience!   

Now… don’t misunderstand me.  Will I cease to purchase seedless grapes? Absolutely not! (Not that I know of!) .  But just remember that God doesn’t want us to produce seedLESS grapes.  His desire for us is to produce fruit with the ability to reproduce after its kind – with no other interference than that which is generated and motivated its natural innate ability and or by the Holy Spirit.

So, in this season; let’s be more mindful of anything in our lives whose natural composition has been altered.  Search for anything that no longer has the potential to be productive; as well as to monitor what we are reproducing.

By divine nature, we should all be reproducing some type of fruit. I challenge you today to permit the Fruit of the Spirit to be manifested ever the more in your lives.  Be determined that next year, or next month, or next week – will not find you still producing seedless grapes ….. But grapes with the potential to go forth; to reproduce and to fulfill the plans and purposes of God.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:….”  John 15:16

Are You REALLY Walking As A Soldier Made to Endure?!!

“So Let Us Not Be Weary….

We Will Reap –If We Don’t Quit”

^“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”         Galatians 6:9       (The Message Bible)

Happy Memorial Day!  This day has been established here in America; to honor those who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country.  As soldiers, one of the key mindsets that must be developed is the mindset of endurance.   Through every circumstance, through every situation; they are taught and trained to endure.

So it is with us – as soldiers in the Lord’s army.  Be encouraged!  Your journey may have been long and the nights sleepless.  However, just remember that God will always prove Himself to be faithful.  Whatever He has promised … it SHALL, and it MUST come to pass (Numbers 23:19).

 Endurance is the key at this stage of the game.   Change = Endurance.  The more drastic the change, the more intense will be the level of endurance.  When we begin to think about that word endurance– we must immediately relate it to some sort of battle, struggle or adverse condition.  The Greek word for endure (hupomeno); is defined as: “to preserve: under misfortunes and trials; to hold fast to one's faith.”  Therefore, if there are no opposing forces, or conflicting circumstances then there would not be anything to press through – there would be no reason to “endure”. 

When we look at a bowl of fruit, it may very well be balanced and neatly arranged.  However, at that state, the fruit which is just sitting in a bowl, is not serviceable. It is not fulfilling its purpose.  Even though it has endured and weathered various stages to arrive at its present state, it still hasn’t reaped the benefit for which it was created.   Now, if the fruit is going to be consumed, it must still undergo even more changes.  It must be transformed so that it will obtain the ability to be totally useful and beneficial. 

We, like the fruit which is sitting in a bowl, must endure and not become: fatigued, worn-out, drained….weary.  Therefore, we must keep that spirit which causes us to become weary “at arm’s length” by considering the following:

1. Establish realistic – yet challenging immediate and long terms goal. It doesn’t matter what your age range may be; you must still live a life with expectations and goals.
2. Focus on your whole man: spirit, soul and body. Sometimes we become weary because there is no balance in our lives.  Remember….There is no substitute for maintaining healthy eating habits, and getting the proper amount of rest and relaxation.
3. Broaden your circle to include more diversity. Everyone that you are connected to should not look to you for advice, nor dress like you, nor patronize the same merchants, etc. Add more diversity.
4. Change = Endurance…..and Endurance also = Change! Although there are certain daily routines which we must adhere to; if we are to avoid becoming weary….. and endure; then we must incorporate some level of change on a regular basis.
5. Keep your mind renewed and synchronized with the word of God.
6. Intensify your ability to walk by faith. Many are under the impression that because they “state” that they are walking by faith and believing in God– that they are…..NOT SO!!!

It IS our due season…. However we will only reap our harvest if we continue to ENDURE every facet of change as a good soldier (2 Timothy 2:3), and be determined to EMBRACE every stage of change and…. not give up….. nor become weary.

Reflect on this chorus from times past whose meaning is applicable to both the spiritual and the natural realm:

                                 We Are Soldiers

                    We are soldiers, In the army. We have to FIGHT; Although we have to die.

                     We got to hold up the blood stained banner,

                     We got to hold it up until we die!

On this Memorial Day why not ask God to bring to the surface any area in your life where you are not STANDING as a Seasoned Bold Soldier….but where you are buckling and whining as one who has become Defeated and Weakened.

Now is not the time to be talking the talk but not WALKING your walk!! 

Note: I would also desire to acknowledge those Soldiers in the army of the Lord who are no longer with us – yet they fought hard and long for the kingdom of the Lord.

The Forever Stamp

‘For I am the Lord, I change not……” Malachi 3:6

Here in the United States we have a postage stamp called the “Forever Stamp”.  The advantage of purchasing this stamp is that it is not affected by the escalation or the increase of prices in the future.  The postal service has agreed to accept the Forever Stamp…forever as sufficient postage when mailing a First Class letter.  Therefore, if it is purchased today and the cost of postage increases; no additional postage will be required; because you have purchased and are using a Forever Stamp. 

God has said that we also have the advantages of receiving His “Forever Stamp” in our lives. Sometimes we seem to forget that when we accepted Christ into our lives that His atoning blood has purchased for us the grace that will perpetually satisfy any future debts!   God has already agreed – through His promises that we have the ability to remain unaffected by the escalation of the current or future diabolical plots, plan or schemes of our adversary.  We have already received a “Forever Stamp” that the kingdom of darkness must recognize – if we use it!

However, far too often our minds have not been renewed to this concept.  We fail to realize that we have been stamped… or that our stamp is sufficient to satisfy the required postage for any adverse condition in our lives!

Our Forever Stamp avails us to the benefits of all of the promises of God as recorded in our Bible.

In other words;

When disappointments, depression, or discouragements occur; we only need to affix the promises of our Forever Stamp as recorded in: Isaiah 63:1; Jeremiah 29:11; Joshua 1:9  

When sickness or infirmity attack; we only need to affix the promises of our Forever Stamp as recorded in: Isaiah 53:5; John 11:4

When unpaid debts seem to be mounting; we only need to be a good steward; as well as to affix the promises of our Forever Stamp as recorded in: Philippians 4:19; Luke 6:38

When waiting for God to advance us or to give us wisdom in a given area: we only need to affix the promises our Forever Stamp as recorded in: James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5,6

So whatever situation the enemy attempts to use to make us loose our focus,

Whatever area(s) in our minds that still remain an entrance to or a portal for the enemy,

Whatever adverse condition is now occurring… or will ever surface in the future;

REMEMBER- It doesn’t matter how long the process is lasting… God will always perfect those things which concern us by honoring His promises to us.

1. Never forget that you have been stamped and you have been sealed until the day of redemption by God’s Forever Stamp….. And simply because that stamp has been affixed to you… you have been equipped with a durability ….  That will assure the safety of your arrival at your next appointed destination in the realm of the Spirit!

W.W.W.

(Walking While Waiting)

 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.   Lamentations 3:25

Today, the Lord wants us to be reminded, that as we are anticipating the manifestation of His divine intervention in our situations, we are to continue to be diligent in our current assignments.  We must continue to “Walk While Waiting”.

To walk according to the dictionary is to MOVE at a regular pace by lifting & setting down each foot in turn; never having both feet off of the ground at once.   Therefore, walking implies an action.  As we are waiting for the Lord’s intervention, we are not to become idle.  We must continue to escalate our level of faith.  When both of my feet are in the same place – at the same time – I have ceased to move. When I’m not moving – I’ll become stagnant, complacent and begin to wither. As we wait, we must keep up our momentum.  We can’t permit fear, doubt nor unbelief to enter our spirits.  We must continue to trust the wisdom of God.

As always, I have an acronym.  To wait is to:Walk Around In Trust

So in the natural, so in the realm of the Spirit!  Remember – faith without works (an action) is still dead - nonproductive.    Usually, the Lord is permitting us to wait because He is waiting for US!  Although we think that we are ready to receive what we are waiting for; our omniscient Father knows our true level of maturity.

Lastly, our verse for today reminds us to seek the Lord. As you wait on the Lord, I encourage you to seek Him with an enhanced devotion to Him. 

 Therefore, as I seek the Lord I’ll remember to WAIT is to:

    Willingly Advance In Transforming (My thoughts, actions and motives) - Ezekiel 36:26

     Work Aggressively Increasing Territories (Spiritual & Natural) - Proverbs 16:9

         AND….

               Walk Around In Trust!!!!

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”                                                                              Hebrews 10:23

I’m In My New Place, Embracing My New Position; Advancing Towards My New Assignment!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19 (New Living Version)

The Lord has said: “My people are all in a new place and have a new position.  (You should have realized this – if you didn’t already know this; go into a period of consecration as to awaken your discernment.)

Think it not strange that you “feel” different and that the things around you appear to be different. The winds have shifted and you are in a new place.  You are now in an enhanced dimension.  You are about to embark upon a new venture.  For some your physical location may be the familiar; however your mission has now been altered, elevated, enlarged and broaden.  Advance, proceed and press forward quickly and cautiously.  It is important that in this dimension you don’t become stagnate, idle or inactive.  Don’t look back with regrets (Remember Lot’s wife!). 

Stay freed from every entanglement that once held you captive …. the positive situations as well as the negative.  The enemy knows the important role that you are now in the position to assume.  He is going to attempt to keep you preoccupied with “being busy”…. doing and engaging in assignments that are positive but not God ordained for this season.

Embrace the change by altering whatever you can in the physical realm; this will assist your mind in forming new thought patterns.  If possible change something in your décor; the places where you shop or dine.  Be creative. It may even be as simple as changing something in your normal daily agenda….. But change something!  The shift has already occurred in the realm of the spirit; therefore it won’t be difficult to transform your physical realm.   We have the mind of Christ; therefore, change is only difficult because we have been programmed to believe so. Remember Philippians 4:13!

Don’t expect the assurance or the acceptance of others.  As long as you have my validation, said the Lord….that’s all that matters. Your mandate has already received my stamp of approval.  Continue to guard your heart.  Stand boldly and stand strong in your authority.  It is imperative that your mind stays free.  Walk in peace, walk in power, walk in my promises … and you will continue to walk in my provision as never before.” ….saith the Lord.

And it is so!

“May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”  Romans 15:33

God is Still Molding You….

Little By Little….Bit By Bit

“The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;”  Psalm 138:8

  (Excerpts from a lecture that I had presented}

Consider a wood carver (carpenter), a skin grafter (surgeon) and an ice sculptor.  Prior to beginning a specific job; each already has in view a picture of how the finished product should look.  Although each of these people is very skilled– their level of expertise is limited to their specific arena.  The materials that they use are quite different – but their techniques are similar. If they are going to be successful in their accomplishments, they all must first excel in a course entitled “Patience 101”.  Patience is a vital component that must be on board.  All of the above mentioned “artist” have also learned that a skillful hand is governed by a focused mind.  They have learned that because of the nature of their work; delicate and intensive procedures are involved.  They have learned that whether they must chisel, shave or chip – it must be done; layer by layer; little by little and bit by bit.

When God sees us He sees the finished product.  Therefore, every day, He is chipping, chiseling and shaving from us everything that is preventing us from becoming what He has already decreed that we shall become. 

Wood, skin and ice are all composed differently; yet bare some of the same components.  How do we initially identify each?  By their outward appearance.    QUESTION…. In comparison – how are we as people, usually initially identified by others?  ANSWER.. By what they perceive with their physical eye.  When people look at us – wherever we are – they expect to see us depicting who we proclaim to be.   Therefore, God as the master craftsman is always chipping away old habits; chiseling away incorrect doctrines, theologies and traditions; and shaving off any traces of our former Adamic nature.

Every substance has a level of durability that is common to its molecular structure.   One test that yields a lot of information is the ability of a substance to endure heat.  When we consider our three elements of discussion for today; ice has the least resistance to fire; and wood the greatest.  God is taking us through each phase of our lives; in an attempt to get us to the point where our natural composition is completely changed ….and we become more of a “spiritual” molecular being.  His desire is that we will have the durability of the piece of wood – yet function with the versatility of ice. 

So, wherever you are in your own spiritual developmental stage – you are still a “work in progress”.   When you have learned to permit your flesh (skin); to go through the process of isolation (required for the formulation of ice); then you will become as indestructible as a brick of gold (representative of wood)!

 “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb.

I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!   Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.  Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.     

                                                                                               Psalm139:13-16 The Message Bible

Bitter?  Who Me?

Oh No…That’s Not Me!!!

“Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it”   Hebrews 12:15 (AMP)

Warriors! One of the spirits that is still found far too often in the body of Christ is the spirit of bitterness.  We are faithful in paying our tithes, studying our Word and even in compassionately caring for others.  However, have you ever stopped to consider if YOU are the host to such a vindictive, subtle spirit?  Of course – we can easily identify it in others… but let’s turn the spotlight inward for a minute to make certain that “I” am not the person that everyone else considers a “bitter person”!

Bitterness is that hateful, spiteful spirit; which causes a sourness in the heart.  It creeps into us when we have been or think that we have been, maliciously wronged.   

Bitterness is a root. As with every root system, the roots are rarely seen, it's the fruit which is produced by the root system that is evident. The same is true with bitterness in a person's soul. Bitterness is an underlying problem that isn’t seen; but will usually manifest on the outside – revealing what is dwelling within a person's system.  It is a hidden element that lies under the surface, and out of it springs up vindictive anger, rage and other negative emotions against others.  It is also often revealed in our responses – verbal and/or non…when we encounter adverse circumstances which are beyond our control.  People who have a root of bitterness find it easy to get upset over some of the most minute things that others are doing around them. The display of bitterness can also be compared to a hidden volcano; waiting to erupt at any moment – often without any warning.  Or to an iceberg.  We may only be able to observe a small projection on the surface; not realizing that deep within there may be a huge mountain  - a mountain of bitterness!

Leaders! Bitterness is a poison!  It must not be found among us.  This demonic spirit has a nature that is deadly and must be brought into the light and addressed.  Many are still bound and are seeking to be set free from their spiritual, emotional and even physical bondages; not realizing that the spirit of bitterness has not properly been dealt with.  Bitterness is also a means for defilement.  Countless sicknesses and diseases are the fruit of the spirit of bitterness.

Bitterness is usually displayed, targeted or directed in one of three ways: towards God, towards another person, or towards one's self.

I found this article that I’ve inserted below which list some of the examples and results of Bitterness.  What’s so disturbing is the fact that if we would soulfully read through this list…. listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, He will reveal at least one of these examples to us, that is still lingering within!

The Results of Bitterness (by Warren Doud)

• Bitterness is antisocial. A bitter person is selfish, inconsiderate of others, withdrawn from society, indifferent or adverse to conformity with conventional standards of social behavior. Even strangers avoid bitter people, Prov. 14:10. No one is happy around bitter people.
• Bitterness is a sign of the fragmented life, Jer. 2:19.
• A bitter person rejects Bible teaching. James 3:14 states, "But if you have bitter jealousy and strife, stop being arrogant and lying against the truth."
• Bitterness shows total lack of grace orientation. A bitter person does not understand the Plan of God, let alone how it affects individuals. In Job. 9:17-18, Job's complaint against God. "Why does God let this happen to me", is a statement of bitterness.
• Bitterness accompanies the sin unto death, Job. 21:25.
• Bitterness motivates complaining, Job 7:11, 10:1. People who habitually complain are bitter people; they have no self-esteem.
• Bitterness motivates gossip, Psalm 64:3
• Bitterness fragments other people’s lives. Heb 12:15, "See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by it may be defiled.”
• Bitterness is self-induced misery, and it produces chain sinning. Bitterness is misery to others in the periphery. But two wrongs never make a right. You cannot build your happiness on someone else's unhappiness.

That article highlighted some of the areas that we might not have considered.  So, as we continually ask the Lord for direction, guidance and above all His wisdom. He will also reveal to us any areas in our lives that have opened the door to the spirit of bitterness.  Whatever the Holy Spirit brings to mind - deal with.  Don't attempt to reason out or analyze what comes to mind - just confess it, ask for forgiveness, and accept the forgiveness that is granted to you. Refuse to harbor bitterness any longer. This major hindrance might be the one that is causing the underlying breach in your bridge or the delayed manifested results to your prayers!

 Does It Really Matter?

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV

Many people often ask questions in regards to the appropriateness of their ability to listen to secular music.  Usually, these questions are received from those who still haven’t been able to comprehend the importance of a properly enriched spiritual diet.  It reflects not on the longevity of one’s salvation experience; but on their level of spiritual maturity, as well as their ability to discern the effectiveness that music has on the soul of man.

God has created us with the ability to respond to the sound of music in a fashion that we respond to no other stimuli.  Everything that is living reacts to the sound of music... plants, animals and people.  Music is considered a universal language.  Why? Perhaps because in all actuality,  music emanates from the spirit of the writer.   Therefore, as a child of God – one of my main concerns should be to mimic my Father – in every aspect of life.  So, how can secular music; which has been produced from the spirit and soul of one who is in direct opposition to my Father; be of any sincere benefit to me?   For example: If I believe; as the Bible states that God is love (I John 4:8); how can someone who doesn’t know God, even begin to tell me ANYTHING about love?   

If I am still finding the necessity to seek comfort, enjoyment, relaxation etc. from something that was composed by one who does not know nor have a relationship with my God – what is that saying about how I value my spirit-man?  How much value am I placing on my relationship with God?  Am I saying that God is limited in His ability to produce those whose music has the potential fulfill my every need?  Or have I not matured to the extent that I no longer require the crutch of secular music? Or have I not really become aware of the fact that by me yielding my ear gate to secular music, that I am willingly opening an entrance for the enemy?  Have I not realized that this may be one of the “openings in my perimeter” that the enemy is using to gain access?   We must never forget that we are constantly… (24/7... 365) engaged in a spiritual battle.  Sadly to say, our adversary knows the importance of our relationship with the Lord and recognizes its relevance more than most of us!

In this era where we are constantly bombarded with various “instruments” (ideas, legislative rulings, spirits of err, etc.) which are directly contrary to those of the Lord; we must be alert and on our guard for anything that will attempt to divert our attention and devotion from the Lord.

“…… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1

So…..Could secular music be one of those weights? You be the judge!

The Worshipper’s Praise

“Your God is present among you a strong Warrior there to save you.  Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs”.

                                                                                                                                                              Zephaniah 3:17            (The Message Bible)

Although we all; who have breath in our bodies; are required to praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6); there is a type of praise that when offered, permits the presence of the Lord to enthrone us…. A type of praise that can only be released from a submitted vessel.  Psalm 22 references this type of praise. 

The Hebrew word “Tehillah” is one of the seven expressions for the word praise.  This type of praise is what we commonly refer to as singing in the Spirit.  The Tehillah praise is what I refer to as a “worshipper’s praise”. It’s typically referred to as spontaneous singing from your spirit.  Psalm 22:3 states, “Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises (tehillah) of Israel” (NIV).  The King James Version states: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel”.

It is the Tehillah type of praise which can only be uttered when one is in a state of total: submission, humility and reverence to the Lord.  This type of praise, will usher in the inhabitation of the Lord’s presence.  It is this type of praise that will grant us the privilege of and the ability to, receive a personal audience with the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings.  Is it this type of praise that Zephaniah references. It is this type of praise that would be considered “inner court” praise…. And it is this type of praise that will permit us to have a disciplined ear; an ear which will have the ability to hear the Lord’s song.

Learn to sing in the Spirit.  Learn to enter into this type of praise on a regular basis.  The ability to remain focused in the face of adversity is related to the amount of discipline that we are able to achieve.  Discipline is a precursor to one’s ability to offer a reverential praise unto the Lord.    It is this type of praise that will result in our ability to maintain a level of peace and calmness in the midst of every storm. Let your ultimate goal be to offer unto the Lord a type of reverential praise that will demand His attention!

Therefore, when I have learned how to offer a Tehillah praise; I will have also gained the ability to not only impact my daily walk – but will be equipped with the endurance, and composure to walk above every circumstance in this life….  And to immediately recognize and bring to naught every diabolical plot, plan and scheme….. PROactively!

 
I shall confess you, Lord Jehovah, from my whole heart; in front of Kings I shall sing praise to you! Psalm 138:1 (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)

…Because I Am Positioned  For Wealth….

 I Must Create An Atmosphere of Excellence

“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” Daniel 6:3

As we proceed daily to accomplish all that the Lord has assigned our hands to do; we must always remain cognizant of the fact that God expects us to be a living example of “excellence” by creating this type of atmosphere wherever we are.  This character quality appears not to be as important to some as it should.  One of the causes for the failure to build an atmosphere of excellence is that many are still being held captive in a mindset that has been produced by a spirit of poverty and lack.  Therefore, although they are productive in the realm of the spirit; although they love the Lord; and are living a lifestyle that is well pleasing to the Lord…they lack the ability to create an atmosphere of excellence.

The Spirit of excellence; prior to its demonstration; must have the ability to engulf our minds to the extent that we can first detect anything that is in disarray within us.  Excellence begins inwardly and flows from within.  Excellence is a mindset that commands and demands that we bring into a state of order….. everything – on every level and in every situation.   Therefore, when we have permitted this Spirit of excellence to begin a work WITHIN us …. we will then possess the ability to permit that Spirit to be released FROM us and to infiltrate the atmosphere AROUND us. 

One of the main culprits of the Spirit of Excellence is an undisciplined or non-conscientious mindset.  Our ability to identify and uproot any degree of “slackness” that may be within our minds… is to first be able to… “Recognize its fruit - then uproot”!   So because excellence refers more to mental condition; someone can be a millionaire and still not have a disciplined mindset…. And lack the ability to create an atmosphere of excellence.  Our ability to create an atmosphere of excellence is not contingent upon our material gain or assets.   Our ability to create an atmosphere of excellence is dependent upon our true weightiness in the realm of the Spirit.  This will permit us to detect every diabolical plot, plan and ploy that has been established for our demise.

To create an atmosphere of excellence we must daily refuse to permit others to clutter our minds.  We must maintain a sense of freedom. 

To create an atmosphere of excellence we must eradicate, eliminate, and totally remove all debris which has previously been advantageous – but is now producing a blockage or hindrance to our current status. 

To create an atmosphere of excellence we must be determined to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Lastly, we must always remain cognitive of the fact that we have already received our wealthy status in the realm of the Spirit.  The elevation of our MINDSET, which will permit it to create an atmosphere of excellence, just might be the missing link that is preventing the manifestation of the same.   So because excellence is first and foremost a mindset, we must renew our minds to live according to Philippians 4:8 which states….“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Our Lack of Discipline ..

Has Produced Our

“Power Outage”

Read.. I John 4:1-5

Quite a while ago there was an article in “Bloomberg Businessweek” which attempted to explain the shifting balance in the world’s economy.  The writer exampled the purchases of a few US major brands like Heinz (worth about $23 billion at that time) and Burger King ($3.3 billion) by foreign investors.  The writer also shared an insight to the enhanced concepts that have now invaded our economic and political arena – from which no one is currently exempted. In other words the power that once stabilized the US and her “commodities” is no longer valid.  She has lost her leverage and is experiencing a major power outage.

As I read the article, I began to equate it to a dilemma that we are apparently experiencing in the body of Christ.  It appears that we also have been invaded by foreign investors!  It appears that the body of Christ has now given birth to a generation; who, like the new breed of Israelites (read Exodus chapter 1) - knows not the God of their former and founding Fathers.

The Church (not the “Church Visible”; but the “Church Invisible”) has permitted the removal of the old land mark – for which we were cautioned not to do (Proverbs 23:10).  We have permitted the elimination of foundational principles in our establishments of Worship, by those who KNEW NOT OUR GOD…….foreign investors! We have looked in the opposite direction with the introduction of a total “lack of respect” for the ordinances and sacraments in our Houses of Worship – and adopted “less intimidating” laws….. foreign investors!   In other words, I would dare to say that the average Believer of Christ has taken this dispensation of “grace” as a “get out of jail free card”.  In many instances; they have no longer acquired the proper convictions to correctly discipline their spirits to the extent that conformity occurs.    Far too many LEADERS are not willing to adhere to such mandates as: celibacy, tithing, studying the Word of God, or fasting.  We have now sought to just be “comfortable” and to engage in whatever we “feel” is correct……foreign investor! And the list could continue forever!

So…. what has this given rise to? Sadly to say…the pitiful, disgraceful, inadequate spiritual state that we find existing in far too many of our Churches, Temples and the like.  We’ve permitted these foreign investors to cause a “disturbance” and a depletion of our authority in the realm of the spirit.  Therefore, we have a vast power outage!

The Church’s power outage, is to the extent that many of the Believers of Christ are no longer experiencing that “current” which will empower them with the drive to: visit and care for the sick, make prison visits, regularly attend prayer meetings and Bible studies… and where can you find an All Night Prayer Service????   We will comfortably sit and leave those “task” to those who are “called” to those ministries!   We, the body of Christ, have experienced a major power outage in the realm of the spirit; therefore the enemy can just come boldly into our Churches without any or by receiving very little opposition. We need locks on the Church doors and security guards in our services because we don’t have the power to build and establish an effective barrier against the enemy’s tactics…… We have an extreme power outage!

Foreign investors may not have the ability to be conquered in the economic arena.  However,         

2 Chronicles 7:14 is still applicable today.  We are fully aware of the fact, that as the end of time as we know it draws nigh; that there are certain occurrences which must transpire in order to fulfill what the Lord has promised.  However, we must be determined that we will not fall privy to any of the standards which are being introduced to us from the kingdom of darkness – foreign investors.

 I challenge you to examine yourself.  Make sure that you are an intricate part of the solution – and not the problem.  There is no earlier time than now to begin to make the proper amends to assure yourself that you will not be included in this power outage….but that your power supply will remain….and that your connection to the main power source maintains its authenticity.

 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.”                 I John 4:1-5 ESV

Simply Trust God!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”           II Chronicles 7:14

With the recent occurrences of disheartening announcements concerning the possibility of more interruptions of various governmental support programs; as well as the victimization of our children and young adults, many people here in America are overly concerned about what they are hearing and observing.  People were wondering what’s next.  Will the nation’s government continue to be headed by someone whom many people feel don’t have their best interest at heart or will this government shutdown be ongoing forever?  How long will people be expected to work and not receive their proper wages, nor maintain the ability to purchase necessary items… or will they be forced to amend their life styles?  What will happen? 

Well.. I just need to remind you that it matters not what impact our judicial system may have on the economy; nor the display of local terrorism and the like; we cannot permit the spirit of fear to invade our spirits!   Matters not who our president is nor the negative situations which are occurring  …… Our response must be, “I’ll simply trust God”.

The Bible is full of example after example depicting how the Lord moved on behalf of His people – when they trusted Him.  However when we decide to lean to our own understanding – disaster will be our fate.  God’s word is always true and will always prevail in every situation – if we remain faithful to it.  Now is not the time to “throw in the towel” and give up.  Now is the time to put to work all that you have studied and learned about the Lord.  Now is the time to prove the Lord’s faithfulness and to take him at His word.

To trust is to:

T – Turn: Turn from the negative reflections and the opinions of those who are not adhering to

      what God has decreed. (I Corinthians 15:33 & 34)

R – Rest:  Rest in the promises of God. Cast your cares on Him. (I Peter 5:7)

U – Uproot: Uproot…. Go to the source of whatever is attempting to choke out your peace;  

       attack the root not the fruit!  Remember.. It’s a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12)

S – Stand: Stand on what the Lord has said.  Gird up the loins of your mind and stand! (I Peter

      1:13)

T – Transform: Transform your vocabulary by renewing your mind; so that you will only speak   

       faith filled words.   (Proverbs 18:21)

Therefore it matters not what our judicial system decides….we can choose to operate according to a system which is superior to that system.  We can walk according to the mandates of God’s kingdom.  When we walk governed by kingdom principles; we will be the recipients of His kingdom blessings – and we will have available to us His kingdom provision… REGARDLESS.

Refuse to engulf the spirit of fear that is attempting to invade many at this time.  God’s promises are true and remember…

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”  Numbers 23:19

Our hope….. and our trust MUST be in Him!  SIMPLY TRUST GOD!!!!!!

All Eyes Are On You!!!

“You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.”                                                      Matthew 5:16 (The Voice)

Believe it or not – someone is watching you!  Could be: a neighbor, co-worker, family member, someone that you pass on a regular basis, your favorite waitress or waiter, and this list could continue forever!  However, we must realize that because we have made a decision to stand for Christ, our every move is on display.  We are daily making an impact on the life of someone.  The problem is…..What type of imprint am I stamping in the lives of those who may not know me – but SEE me on a regular basis?

Think about it…. Am I known by my “walk” or my “talk”?  Most of us can talk a good game.  We have all of the correct answers and responses.  But, does my talk outweigh my walk?  Does my “dedication” to the Lord end when I leave my church or place of worship? If the people with whom I worship and the people who see me on a regular basis were to compare their notes on me – would they think that they are comparing two entirely different people?  

In response to Genesis 4:9, yes – I am my brother’s keeper.  It IS my responsibility to be more concerned about the impact that I am making on and in this world.  I’ve heard many people say, “Well I’m just being me.”  Yes…and that’s the problem.  God doesn’t want us to be ourselves – He wants us to: renew our minds (Romans 12:1&2), come out from among the foolishness (II Corinthians 6:17 & 18) and live a lifestyle that is in accord with who He is!   Everyone has come out of the closet – except the Christians.  God doesn’t need any secret agents or undercover Saints when it comes to taking a stand for Him. 

So make a decision to be more conscious about those who are watching you.  Don’t air your dirty laundry in public!  Be more concerned about being a living example for the Lord – than satisfying your flesh.  (Note: fast and pray for the strength to totally eradicate sinful acts!)

Anyone can say, “Lord I love you”.  However, are you willing to “Show” that love by slaying the deeds of your flesh (Romans 8:13 & Colossians 3:5)?  Are you willing to allow your daily lifestyle to become the magnet, which will attract the people who are watching you?  Believe it or not, All Eyes Are On You!!!!

Can You Distinguish Your Sound?

“And when you shall HEAR the sound of marching in the top of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly.”  I Chronicles 14:15

Today the Lord, our Baal Perazim (the God of Breakthrough) is confirming His position in our current battle.  Just as He was with David, He is reminding us that His wisdom still supersedes that of the adversary. 

When reading this story in I Chronicles (or II Samuel) we discovered that Baal Perazim required  David’s response  to be quick and at precisely the right time.  Let’s consider David’s responsibility.

1. David had to know the voice of the Lord.
2. David had to remain alert and attentive in the realm of the spirit.
3. David had to already have his weapons and be positioned offensively.

When we attempt to correlate this story to our daily lives, we must remember that:

1. David sought the Lord for direction prior to the onset of the battle.
2. The Lord went before David and “Broke Through” the front line of the enemy’s defense.
3. Whatever the Lord has done before, He still has the power to do again.

I found it interesting that David was told to LISTEN for a certain sound. If we are going to know exactly when to advance, conquer and reclaim our territory; then we must critique or fine tune our ability to recognize a specific sound. Far too often we are listening to and following the wrong sound!  For example, David was instructed to listen for - the sound of marching; ( a specific sound).

Next, the sound was in a designated place - the tree tops.  Not on the ground, nor in the air, but in the top of the trees.  Lastly, David was told the type of trees from which the specific sound was to resonate. 

So because Baal Perazim had already preceded David, he (David) was able to be victorious.

Our God is still operating as Baal Perazim today.  He has broken through enemy territory and is permitting us to recover all!  But we must LISTEN for our specific marching orders.

Don’t permit a delay in your recovery because you didn’t hear or recognize voice of God concerning His specific instructions, advising you how and when to advance - and recover all!

The wealth of the wicked IS ours; however, we must adhere to the precise, explicit instructions from the Lord if we are to be privy to it!

Just as David did…. Seek the face of God, Listen for the Sound, and March your way to victory!  

Get the Junk Out..

And Keep Your Water Shaft Unpolluted

“David said on that day, Whoever smites the Jebusites, let him get up through the water shaft and smite the lame and the blind who are detested by David’s soul….”   2 Samuel 5:8 (Amplified)

As we read this story about the capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites we will find that King David had a strategy.  This reminds us that whenever we are going to be victorious in any type of confrontation – we must first have a strategic plan. Bear in mind that our adversary isn’t powerful nor a genius - but he is strategic and tenacious. 

David’s plan was to use the water shaft. A water shaft was an underground conduit for bringing water from a spring into a city. David knew that the water shaft would give him the access into the city – yet give him the ability to arrive undetected.  David didn’t attempt to devise a new method to gain access – he just used what was already available.  

What device is  used as the water shaft in your life?  What is the source in your life that keeps your soul, your mind and your spirit refreshed?  Whatever the source, we must make certain that our personal water shaft remains free from debris.  We can’t afford to permit our water shaft to become clogged nor to circulate polluted water.

The enemy will use whatever access is available to gain entrance. He will try to poison your water shaft.  He will try to clog up your water shaft.   By any means necessary… he still wants access to kill, steal and destroy. He will use your eye gate, ear gate, etc. to gain an access to pollute your water shaft. 

You see…Water is one of those resources that our bodies need on a regular basis.  Both our physical and spiritual bodies need a fresh supply of water on a daily basis.   Our natural body is composed of mostly water.  Statistics have revealed that our bodies are more than 60 percent water. Blood is 92 percent water, the brain and muscles are 75 percent water, and bones are about 22 percent water.  A human can survive for a month or more without eating food, but only a week or so without drinking water!

So in the natural – so in the spiritual.  It is vital that our spiritual bodies receive water – that living water…. in order to be effective. So by any means necessary – keep your water shaft unpolluted. 

Daily maintenance is a dire necessity.   Ask the Lord for a sharpened and a keener discernment with the ability to detect the enemy while he is yet afar off! 

We have to govern and disinfect our spiritual water shaft constantly!  The water is pure because it is flowing directly from the throne of God.  Ask yourself these questions.  Am “I” permitting my water shaft to become contaminated because “I” am not maintaining a DAILY regimen of spiritual cleansing?   Am “I” the cause of someone else receiving contaminated water because my water shaft is filthy with the ideologies, concepts and precepts of the world?  Am “I” yielding my ear gate to music that is not structured and inspired by God?  Far too often we, the body of Christ will attempt to justify and legalize anything that we desire.  Old things MUST remain in the past… and we MUST receive all things new – if we are going to have the ability to successfully stand in these last days.   We cannot permit our souls to find contentment in the pleasures of the world IF we want our water shaft to remain clean and unpolluted.

The Bible states that there shall be many in the last days that will come and DECEIVE.  Warriors – don’t be deceived.  Don’t permit your spirit man to feed on music that is not ordained of God.  Just because someone may verbally “SAY” that they belong to the Lord – doesn’t make it so.  People often ask me if it’s okay to listen to secular music.  My response is this.  Music is a universal language because it is generated from the soul and spirit of a person.  If my spirit man is to maintain a certain stamina; it cannot do so by receiving from one who has not acknowledged God’s lordship into their lives. Secular music will appease my flesh and my soul – but does not have the ability to enhance my spirit.   Therefore, the proof will be in the pudding!  It’s all or nothing – anything that is lukewarm…. God will spew out… and so should we! Again…. if I am going to keep my water shaft in the condition that is satisfactory to the Lord – then I must “step up my game”, become more focused and remove any “junk” that is attempting to clog or pollute my water shaft.

Remember: It’s the “little” foxes that spoil the vine…. So it only takes one small action, one gate left unprotected, one small breach in the wall….. to permit an access to your water shaft…. Which can lead to the potential of your entire water shaft becoming polluted!

The Leopard’s Spots Will Never Change

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 ESV

In this season the Lord is reminding us that He has created visual objects to bring a correlation to the unseen objects.  In other words, we can have a better comprehension of our Spiritual walk, which is unseen – when we can relate it to what we can physically observe.

There are some animals who by their nature, have the innate ability to have their physical appearance to change – depending upon their surroundings.  For example, the chameleons.  Wherever they are, they will blend into their surroundings.

However, the leopard, has the trademark that will identify them – regardless.  They are spotted, and are known for their spots.  We have often heard the statement, “A leopard can’t change its spots”.  Now there are some leopards, whose spots are not as pronounced as others. Yet they are still leopards.

So in this season, we must be on guard for those leopards in our lives, who are not easily identifiable.  The Bible refers to them as “wolves in sheep’s clothing”.  There are people in our lives who have appeared to be authentic in their relationships with us, however, they can be compared to the Black Leopard.  By its outward appearance, at first glance – this type might not be identified as a leopard.   Nevertheless, its very nature is that of the leopard.

Spiritual leopards, silently maneuver with patience, intelligence, and precise timing. They are sent into our lives by the enemy to win our confidence, with intentions of totally devastating us when their true nature is exposed.  There are some people whom we are connected to, who we have thought were sincere – simply because we were genuine in our actions towards them.  However, now is the time to survey your relationships.  Seek out the leopards. Stop carrying them.  Alter the placement of their relationship in your life. Now is the season of exposure.   People who have not reciprocated your God inspired actions towards them, just might be leopards – whose spots are not going to change!

Where Do You Go???

….“I Go To The ROCK!” 

Lord, YOU are my strength!

“JEHOVAH UZZI”

(The Lord my strength - Psalms 28:7)

“JEHOVAH TSURI”

(O Lord my strength - Psalm 19:14)

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. “  Psalm 73:26                                  New Living Translation (©2007)

As we have daily encountered some of the adverse circumstances of life; we’ve realized that we have only maintained the ability to yet be triumphant because of an inner strength that has been and always will be prevalent.   This strength is not our strength, but the strength of the Lord.

The word in the above texts for strength translates as “rock”. Therefore, Lord, may I remember that you are my perpetual “ROCK”.  When all else fails—you will remain constant.  Even if there comes a time as Psalm 73:6 references; when my health, wealth, and spirit become overwhelmed—you will always still be my strength.  Daily may I never attempt to stand in my own strength.  Daily may I acknowledge that you are my power source.  May I never attempt to exhort my own ideologies, methodologies, concepts or precepts – outside of the perimeter of who you are – but acknowledge your strength in all of my ways.  Daily may I remain cognizant that I CAN do all things through YOUR strength which is that rock; that pillar and that eternal fortress forever established in my life. 

So Lord, when everything: every foundation, every prop, every support system that has been erected in my life - is shaken….may I never, never, never forget that YOU are my strength …..my rock.  Therefore, I can Never fail nor fall…..because I’m anchored on the rock!

May I fully understand and cling to the essence of an old favorite hymn which states:

“On Christ the SOLID ROCK I stand, all other ground is sinking sand”.   You, O Lord are my Jehovah Tsuri…..You are my Jehovah Uzzi……You are MY ROCK!!!

I Go to the Rock – Dottie Rambo (also recorded by Whitney Huston)

Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable?
I go to the rock, I know He's able, I go to the rock.
The Lord is the rock I go to the rock for my salvation, I go to the stone that the builders rejected. I run to the mountain and the mountain, He stands by me.
When the Earth all around me is sinking sand, On Christ, the solid rock I stand,     

 When I need a shelter, when I need a friend I go to the rock.
Where do I go, where do I go, when the storms of life are threatening?

Who do I turn to, when those winds of sorrows blow?

And is there a refuge, in the time of tribulation?

I go to the rock I know He's able I go to the rock.

Therefore, learn to permit the Lord to be your ROCK.   Learn to run to Him FIRST, prior to turning to your best friend, your spouse, your children, your spiritual or religious leader…..anyone! Go to the Lord…HE is able…GO TO THE ROCK!!!!