“Reach beyond the break……And keep it moving!”

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” St. John 16:33 KJV

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” St. John 16:33 CEV

Today the Lord wants us to remind us that it doesn’t matter what it looks like, it doesn’t matter what sort of negative or bad news we may receive – we must reach beyond that obstacle, that disappoint, the ups and down of this world and KEEP IT MOVING!!

Many times we have a way of permitting the cares of this world weight us down and weaken us.  Most of the diseases and ailments that we are afflicted with are the result of years of worry and stress.  Generations of stress and worriation.

But the Lord wants us to remember that he already encountered and become completely victorious against every situation that we will encounter.

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.”

Nehemiah 8:10b “……..Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

 So how do we let the joy of the Lord be our strength?

Focus, Fill,  & Forget

1.      Focus more on the Blessings than on the Curses. 

2.      Fill your mouth with more positive, faith filled words  than negative words. Let a “PRAISE” always be in your mouth. 

3.      Forget yesterday; today is a new day.

You must remember:

When friends betray you –REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!   Because… “There’s not a   

                                  friend like the lowly Jesus”

When loved ones are taken from you and you feel alone – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT

                                 MOVING!  Jesus has promised that you’re …. “No, Never Alone”

When everything that you are trusting in is failing you – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT

                                  MOVING!  Because…. “Tis SO Sweet To Trust in Jesus”.

When the other cares of this world attempt to divert your focus to what’s not happening – REACH

                                 BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!   Remember, “ You’ve Come This Far by

                                 faith; Leaning On The Lord!

When your nights seem long and dark – REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!  Just

                                   remember : “Because He lives you CAN face tomorrow!”

And whatever else may occur - REACH BEYOND THAT BREAK & KEEP IT MOVING!  ….and say “Hallelujah

                                 Anyhow”. 

Stay : “Wrapped up, Tied up, & Tangled up in Jesus”…... REACH BEYOND Your BREAK… & KEEP IT  

                                  MOVING! 

It’s Breakthrough Time….For Real!!! (Repost)

“Breakthrough Oh Lord, so that I may break forth”

“Yahweh Perazim ”

(The Lord of Breakthrough –II Samuel 5:20)

So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me……………… (II Samuel 5:20)

Read: II Samuel 5

As I enter a new month – the final month of the summer; Lord I ask you  to permit the power of the Holy Ghost to “breakthrough” and to break up any type of residue that is still attempting to linger in my spirit.  Any lingering mindset that will prevent your power from having its full range in my spirit. Yahweh Perazim, I summit my will to you now, and request that you break through it.  Burst forth as the waters through an overly stretched dam.  Break forth with your explosive, uncontainable power. 

As you broke through and rescued David from his enemies, breakthrough the plans and devices that my enemy, the master deceiver, has concocted for my demise and destruction.   Break through every shackle that is still attached to my feet, thus attempting to prevent me from being in my “appointed places” at the correct times. Break through the thorns and thistles in the realm of spirit, which produce the “snags” that permit me to misuse or waste valuable time.  Break through unhealthy, nonproductive relationships.  Break through every barrier and “smoke screen” that is hindering and blocking my vision - still preventing me from aggressively and confidently advancing.  Break through every negative spirit that the traditions of man have instilled in me, which are hindering the effectiveness of our twenty-first century church.  Yahweh Perazim, search my entire being, layer by layer.  Whatever concepts, precepts, ideologies, methodologies and the like, that are contrary to yours – break them up, move them out, replace them with your wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

And now Yahweh Perazim, as you break through, may I daily begin to perceive and receive the results which are being produced from my enhanced position of power and authority.  May I begin to break forth into one who is: feared, detested, hated, envied and begrudged by the kingdom of darkness.  Now, I am freed; once again, to be moldable clay in your hands.  As you use me mightily, may I always remain cognizant and grateful to you, Yahweh Perazim - for your prodigious “break -through” anointing.  May I never become arrogant, conceited or heady – only more confident as I walk and rest in the freedom that only you have the ability to provide. 

…..And it is so!

Spiritual Cataracts

“And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” ......” 2 Kings 6:17

Read: 2 Kings 6:8-22

Far too many people in the body of Christ are lacking the ability to see and understand the happenings of this season.  In other words, they have been “blind-sided”; not possessing the capability to clearly comprehend and relate the occurrences of today to those which are recorded in the Bible.  Although they sincerely love the Lord; attend Bible Study on a regular basis; and are faithful in the paying of their tithes and offerings; they can’t seem to see clearly.  Why? They have Spiritual Cataracts.

When a person has a cataract in the natural; they have a condition where there is a cloudiness of the lens in the eye that prevents light from passing to the retina, which can impair their vision.

Therefore, when someone has a Spiritual Cataract they have a blockage in the realm of the Spirit, which is preventing the illumination of God’s word from being comprehended to its fullest capacity.  They may “see men walking as trees” (Mark 8:24); or not even see at all (refer to the key verse).  Whatever the case they need to have those cataracts removed if they are going to be abreast of these end-time situations that have already been fully explained in our canon.

In some instances cataracts in the natural can remain intact because they aren’t really obstructing too much of the retina.  However, in terms of Spiritual Cataracts; whatever the consistency – they must be removed.  We can’t afford to permit anything in our lives which will block or hinder the Light of the Lord to prevail.

So if you are lacking the ability to accurately “see” the signs of the times; if you are still not actively progressing in the realm of the Spirit; if you are still being motivated by “Your” plans, opinions, and directives….. then maybe you are in need of Spiritual Cataract Surgery. 

Ask the Lord to reveal to you every area in your life where He is still not “Lord”.

Ask Him for the correct directives and directions which will permit an illumination of who He is to prevail in your life.

Lastly, remember that God will perform the necessary procedures – but we must be willing to do our part by walking in obedience, persistence, and a determination to do whatever the He mandates for our lives.

Nobody Greater!!!

Lord, you are supreme in power & position.

“Elhoy Marom”

(The God of heights – Micah 6:6)

As this text is researched, we can observe that the word “height” here signifies supremacy of power and position.

So Lord, may I now aline and place everything under the authority of who you are.  May I never exalt the power of my thoughts or actions above what your word demonstrates and declares.

I will no longer surrender to; and I forbid, any other power to rule or to reign in my life.  My acceptance of your sovereignty and my knowledge of your omnipotence validate who you are.  I ask that those character qualities fully infiltrate my every thought.  May I renew my mind to the extent that I have reworded my vocabulary, to release from my mouth, only the words that will reflect what your Word declares.

There is no other; nor has there ever been; nor ever will be; any force; - visible or invisible, that is able to be in comparison with who you are.  Your attributes reveal that you are matchless. Therefore you are the monarch, the exalted one.  We could climb up to the highest mountain; even search the lowest valley….  And the supremacy of your power and authority would yet reveal that… There’s NOBODY GREATER THAN YOU!

May I continuous position my spirit to operate in submission only to your sovereign reign, your absolute authority and your ultimate guidance… For YOU ALONE ARE GREAT!

"You Are God Alone" (Marvin Sapp)
There's no question of Your greatness, no searching of Your power.
All the wonder of Your glory, to You forty years is but one hour.
Your knowledge is all encompassing, to Your wisdom there is no end;
For You alone are God, You are God alone.

Your mercy is everlasting; Your truth is here always.
You are He who was and is, and is to come.
Who is He that can number you day, You've flung the sun to burn in space,
And the night's moon powers light from day; You are God alone.

Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible,
The only wise God, the only wise God;
You alone are God, For You are God alone.

Be all glory and honor, dominion, and power - forever and ever, amen.

For You alone are God, You are God alone!

The Undercurrents Have Shifted…. Have You?

“ All these are but the beginning of the birth pains”. Matthew 24:8

Read Matthew 24

One of the expressions that many theologians have used for decades as the verification of God’s “plum line” is nature.    We can no doubt attest to the facts that we are experiencing extreme atmospheric conditions.   While people may vary in their knowledge and their understanding of the Bible; no one can deny the alterations in the usual flow of nature which are now occurring.

An undercurrent is a current under the surface, which is flowing in a different direction from the surface current.  While undercurrents occur both in the air and in the water; today we will focus on the effects of those associated with the water.  This summer has yielded to an above normal increase in the rate of water fatalities – especially those associated with drowning.   Many people are explaining that the conditions of the water are very deceiving this summer.    The currents which are not visible to the naked eye; and which can’t be easily detected have changed.  People who usually swim in various creeks and lakes are drowning – because the undercurrents have shifted.

So has the shifting occurred in the realm of the Spirit.  Nature is only revealing what have already occurred in the Spirit world.  In the realm of the Spirit, there has always been a subordinate current; flowing contrary to the major current.    However now, the undercurrent has shifted.  What was once detectable for the shore is no longer visible.  If we are going to be effective, we must venture from the “shore” and get into the water.   The shifting has occurred and its effects are evident in every arena; from the “White House to the Poor House”.     

While everything around you has shifted …The question now is… have you?  What measures have you taken to assure yourself that you will not be swept away and even drown in the swift moving undertow?  Have you increased your times of praying, studying and serving?  Have you amended your “busy” schedule to include a God ordained – rather than God permitted agenda?

We, the body of Christ must be that support system for the world which will lead them to the saving and sustaining power of the Lord.  However, we must leave the “shore”…our comfort zones: and venture into the water….where the fish are… and the swift flowing undercurrents are prevailing.  We must be equipped with endtime strategies and the ability to implement them. 

The undercurrents have shifted –therefore we must modify and fortify the anchors of our minds; to assure our success and to make certain that we will not become the next victim … swept sway …caught off guard by an oncoming, rapidly approaching and swift moving current!

I Must Forgive!

Lord, May I remain cognizant that forgiveness is a decision!

“El NORE”

(God that forgave - Psalm 99:8)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Read Psalm 99 & I John 1

Until we have received an in-depth comprehension of God’s love for man, we cannot even initiate a conversation on His forgiveness.   

Although we don’t usually envision it to be so, the concept of forgiveness is birthed from a seed of love – and the act of forgiveness is more beneficial for me than for my offender. Inevitably, when we increase in our knowledge of; and become engulfed with an awareness of God’s love—then the decision to forgive one another will become as natural to us as breathing.

For far too long we have been deceived into thinking that forgiveness must involve forgetting as well.  Forgiveness is a decision not a feeling.  Forgiveness is not reliant upon the acceptance nor the initiation of the offender.  

Forgiveness is a principle that was established by God because He knew that man would sin. He also knew that (1) sin would separate man from Himself and (2) His love for man was so great that He didn’t want to be separated from him.   Hence He has given to us His most precious gift in the person of His son Jesus to atone for our sin, thus bridging the gap caused by sin. 

Therefore, whatever “traps” that I become ensnared in that will cause me to commit a sin - because of God’s unconditional love for me - the blood of Jesus has already made atonement for them. I must now learn how to receive God’s forgiveness for myself and apply it to others who may offend, misuse and abuse me.  I must also realize that to walk in unforgiveness is only a deceptive tactic which has been released from the kingdom of darkness – which permits me to establish a gap in my relationship with the Lord!

Now… contrary to popular belief…..what a blessing it is to forgive and not forget – but REMEMBER! To remember the offenses that have scarred me – yet, to have finally reached a plateau of spiritual maturity in the Lord, where I now possess the ability to decide that I will administer true forgiveness to my offenders!

So, Lord may I daily embrace and extend to others the true forgiveness that you have extended to me….. and walk in the freedom thereof!

Ants Always Await & Anticipate

“You lazy fool, look at an ant.  Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two, nobody has to tell it what to do.  All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.  So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?  How long before you get out of bed?  A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!”

                                                                                               Proverbs 6:6-11 (The Message Bible)

Recently I read an article which had been written by John C. Maxwell regarding various lessons which can be learned from the ant.  He said that ants have:

      A-   Attitude of Initiative (Self -motivated)

N- Nature of Integrity (Work faithfully and need no outside accountability)

T- Thirst for Industry (Labor hard & will quickly replace their anthill when it gets destroyed)

S- Source of Insight (Store provisions in summer)

When we consider the ants we can also observe that they are never intimated by obstacles or the presence of anything that they may encounter.  Whatever is placed in front of an ant will not defeat or convince it the surrender…. or become distracted from its mission.  They may be forced to discover an alternative route – however they won’t quit!  The ant is one of the smallest creatures – yet they are some of the hardest workers.

Also, the ants “make haste while it is day”.  They know that the night will come when they will not have the ability to work. (I’m not referring the physical nighttime!) We should become encouraged from the tenacity which is shown by the ant.  

Looking forward, let’s always, with great: expectation, motivation and determination have that same zeal which is found in the ants.  The road may be long and the journey seemly all up hill; however we must keep in mind the old cliché: a winner never quits… and a quitter and wins!

Does It Really Matter?

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 music in a fashion that we respond to no other stimuli.  Everything that is living reacts to sound music.  Music is considered a universal language.  Why? Perhaps because in all actuality, written music emanates from the soul of the writer.  As a child of God – one of my main concerns should be to mimic my Father – in every aspect of life.  Therefore, how can secular music; which has been produced from the soul of one who is in direct opposition to my Father; be of any sincere benefit to me?  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 is not of God – what is that saying about knowledge of 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 the enemy is using secular as an access – a door that I have willingly opened for him? 

In this era where we are constantly bombarded with various “instruments” 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

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

But Do You Know Who You Are?

The Lord has said that many of us don’t really know who He is; and therefore we can’t possibly comprehend who we are.  We know OF Him.  We know ABOUT His workings.  However, we haven’t fully grasped Him in His totally.  Therefore, we haven’t begun to realize who we are.

As you read through this list, ask the Lord for an added enlightenment; a new revelation and a different perspective from which to comprehend each statement.  Refuse to merely read through the list in 20 seconds!  As you read, pause after each statement and wait for the Lord to reveal to you exactly how it applies to you – individually.  The time has come and now is for us to walk fearlessly, boldly, completely knowledgeable and totally enlightened concerning who we are.

I AM: God’s child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God. (I Peter  

             1:23)

I AM:  The temple of the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 6:19)

I AM: Delivered from the power of darkness and translated in God’s kingdom. (Colossians    

            1:13)

I AM: Qualified to share in His inheritance. (Colossians 1:12)

I AM: Overtaken with blessings (Deuteronomy 28:2)

I AM: Called by God. (2 Timothy 1:9)

I AM: God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Ephesians 2:10)

I AM: The apple of my Father’s eye. (Deuteronomy 32:10)

I AM: The enemy of the devil. (I Peter 5:8)

I AM: Dead with Christ and dead to the power of sin’s rule over my life. (Romans 6:1-6)

         This list could continue on for pages ….and the half still would not have been told!

The Essential Foundational “Ships”    

As we continue to progress upward and inward; we must on a regular basis check on the anchorage of our “ships”.  We must be certain that these ships are still sailing at their highest momentum; unhindered by any contrary forces that we have established.  Far too often we have a tendency to excel in one area; while another is left uncharted.  Let’s prayerfully review that “ships” listed below. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in making any pertinent alterations.

LORDSHIP – Is God the Lord of my life?  How much validity does my life display or reflect with regards to being a living example of His written Word?  Does my proclamation the He is Lord in my life warrant me as a candidate to be considered as a twenty-first disciple of Christ? (Galatians 2:20)

MEMBERSHIP & FELLOWSHIP – “No man is an island”.  Therefore we must remember that we are all holding a pertinent puzzle piece.  One thing that is extremely frustrating is to attempt to complete a puzzle and realize that some of the vital pieces are missing.  God has created us to be communicable creatures with the necessity to desire to “belong”.  Therefore, when are actively involved in a positive productive group – we are content.  Civic and secular group memberships are necessary; but should never outweigh our commitment to our local church family.  

(Hebrews 10:25)

STEWARDSHIP – Stewardship transcends our finances.  The Lord expects us to be conscientious and to use wisdom in the dealings with everything that we encounter.  The responsibilities of Stewardship can even be extended to our thoughts, our actions and of course to our gifts. (I Peter 4:10)

There are others ship which are also sailing in our spiritual seas. However, in our daily quest, let’s stabilize those listed above.  Then we will discover that the Lord will use us to bring Him glory; on a regular,  and even on a daily basis.

Dead or Dormant?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

As we progress and grow towards becoming that “profitable” servant; we should discover that many of our ungodly habits and desires appear to no longer be present…which is a great accomplishment.  However, as my Grandmother would say, “Every shut eye ain’t sleep”.

The Lord wants to deliver us from everything that would hinder our walk with Him.  Yet in many instances, we have mistaking thought that we have been delivered from a particular spirit when we really haven’t. Sometimes we’ve eliminated the fruit – but not the root.  For example, we may have seemingly had an issue with: uncontrolled anger, envy, or extreme competition ....just to name a few. However, we may not have realized that these are only the fruit which has been produced.  The seed or master spirit here is jealousy.  So I may have dealt with the fruit – yet the root is still lying dormant within me – waiting….sometimes for years to manifest itself again in a different type of fruit.  (I’m really trying to keep this as elementary as possible… I know that some of you have no clue as to what in the world I’m referring to!  However, just hang in there…put this one on the shelf and come back to it later! LOL!)   

So we must ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any of the areas in our lives where we think we received a “healing”, or deliverance.  (Now…if you are one of those “perfect” people who really can’t see any of these areas in our life – let me help you a little. Your number one culprit is pride!)  We must make certain that whatever is no longer prevalent in our lives, is truly dead….and not just still passively sitting around…. Lying dormant.

Therefore, because we are living in these endtimes, we can’t make assumptions.  We must make certain that total deliverance has occurred in various areas of our lives – and that we are truly dead in those areas.  We can’t afford to have an issue surface – that we thought was gone!

Lastly, the Lord is telling me to remind…rather inform you that deliverance will not be obtained from professional counseling.  Spirits can’t be counseled!  However, once a spirit is dead (and not dormant)….then we can seek the proper counseling if it is still necessary.

 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ ²⁵ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. ²⁶ Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”  Luke 11:24-26

Marinating…but in What?

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

Preparation is always a vital instrument.  Our ability to successfully outwit the adversary is to sensor the type of “marinating” that our spirit man is being exposed to.  Today, as never before, it is essential that we are ever cautious and remain on our guard concerning the types of material that we are constantly permitting to enter through our ear and eye gates.  Far too often we are permitting our spirits to be marinated with; and to become saturated with the concepts of this world – without our knowledge. However, if we maintain the proper relationship with the Lord, He will always alert us to the ploys of the enemy.

Don’t permit your spirit to become desensitized to what God has established as our foundational principles and guidelines.  With the advancements in technology, we have the ability to have God inspired material at our disposal as often as we desire. Therefore, it is our responsibility to “choose” what we will permit our spirits to bask, soak… marinate in.   

Here is a prime example.  I very, very rarely watch television.  However, a program had come on after the news that caught my attention. I think that it was some type of detective story. About a minute into the program; the Lord said, “You can’t watch this”.  So I immediately turned it off.  When I asked Him why, He said that the program had the potential to introduce the spirit of fear and deceit into my spirit.  He also said that if I had permitted my spirit to marinate in such for an hour – I would have availed myself to every negative concept from the program.  Now… would I have gone to hell for watching the program?  Absolutely not.  However, like Sampson, upon my next encounter with the enemy; I would not have had the necessary wisdom, power and authority.  If we are going to stay at least a step or two ahead of our adversary – we must be on our alert at all times.  Everything that is a “good” thing may not be a “God” thing! 

We can’t possibly be aware of every current device that the enemy will use in an attempt to bring defeat and or demise to our plan of action.  However, when we begin to marinate in the presence of the Lord, we will have the ability to maintain a consciousness of Him – that will always alert us to every potential adverse situation.

Yes… preparation is vital.  Remember, marinating is a preparatory process.  It is a current procedure, whose results assure us of our future success. The problem is not “if” we are marinating…. But “what” we using as our marinating substance.

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” Psalm 119:15 ESV

The Search Is On…Do You Qualify?

“……The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: ……. Luke 10:2

The Lord is still seeking those who are qualified to be an example in leadership.  Now…. you’ve been “saved” for quite a few years; you know quite a few scriptures; and can effectively convenience someone of their need to deepen their relationship with the Lord.  However, do you qualify as a potential for the current search?

Check your credentials ……. You be the judge!

1.     Does my love for the Lord reflect in my: emotions, reasonings, and my actions?

2.     Do I spend quality time in the presence of the Lord – daily?

3.     Am I a bold advocate for the cause of Christ?

4.     Am I familiar enough with my “sword” as to know the “flavor” of its content?

5.     What is the opinion of the people in my community concerning my: integrity, friendliness, and my active involvement within the community?

6.     What about my employer and my fellow coworkers? What is their opinion of my Spiritual convictions?  Do they even know of my profession concerning my Lord?

7.     What does my check book reveal concerning my stewardship in the area of finances?

8.     What type of financial supporter am I to those who ministry to me on a regular basis?

9.     Are my choices and the style of my clothing in accord with what is “satisfactory” and pleasing to the Lord? 

10.  Above all, is my overall lifestyle a display of that which would consider me to be classified as a current day disciple?

So if the Lord were to use the above brief list as a “white glove” to survey our lives…. would that glove still remain white after the survey?  Remember….God doesn’t require perfection – but He does require obedience, commitment and perseverance.   

Yes…. The search is on….. Do you qualify?  (if not…get to stepping!!!)

                               You O Lord are the source of my joy

“El SIMCHATH GILI”

(God my exceeding Joy - Psalm 43:4)

“……...This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”                                                        Nehemiah 8:10 (Read Psalm 43 and Nehemiah 8)

Today, Lord may I begin to comprehend that You ARE my joy.   May I realize that my mind must be renewed to the concept, that my ability to remain joyful (full of joy) in the midst of adversity, is one of the battles that must be won.  Consequently Lord, I will totally understand that You and You alone are the nucleus of my joy.  Everything that is necessary for my “JOY” has its basis, its focus and its core emanating from You Lord.

Therefore today I invite You, El Simchath Gili to infiltrate my mind, thus permitting me to remain joyful throughout this day.  I will not allow any circumstance that may arise today cause me to lose my focus.   I will exchange and replace every temporal emotion in my mind.  I must realize that, that mindset has its foundation in happiness – which is based on the “happenings” at any given moment.  Simply because joy is centered in the spirit of man – as I delight myself in You – my spirit will be at peace; and I will obtain the ability to receive all of the benefits of having a joy filled life – regardless.

So I thank You now, El Simchath Gili for Your guidance, direction and the provision of Your “joy”.  The joy that You bring will empower me and offer to me the foundation to stand strong today and always.

As I continue to daily delight myself in You, I will become aware of the fact that the exchange of those things which bring happiness with those which bring joy; a nature process.   May I continue to reflect on the strength and encouragement of our patriots who walked by faith as they sang:

 “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” 

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; ……. Psalm 51:17

Simply put….God desires to take you to an added dimension in Him; however you are still lacking the maturity that occurs as the result of a totally broken spirit before the Lord.

When we refer to various Biblical patriarchs we can observe that they all had to experience a season of brokenness prior to being used mightily for the Lord.  One of the keys to brokenness is to place the flesh under subjection through fasting.

In our modern culture here in America, we have expanded the concept of fasting to incorporate the meaning of “the abstinence of”……whatever. We are, in many instances not referring to food; but abstaining from various activities, mindsets and behavioral patterns. 

When we refer to the Hebrew word used in the Bible for fasting, (pronounced ts-oom), it means to cover the mouth.  Then the Greek word, (pronounced nace-ty-oo), means to abstain from food.  So we could conclude, that both the Old and New Testaments place the emphasis on “food”.

Could the reason why true brokenness hasn’t occurred be that we’ve attempted to alter its original definition?  Could it be that we have replaced instead of enhancing?  Without regards to any additional concepts – fasting must; according to the Biblical definitions; at some point include an abstaining from food. 

God needs us to be totally free IN Him – to be totally used freely OF Him.  He needs and is requiring of us a deeper relationship with Him..  He is requiring a level of maturity which is representative of one who is broken from any and everything that doesn’t resemble Him.

Consider these types of fast as you deepen your relationship with the Lord.

Elijah Fast – I Kings 19

Widow’s Fast – I Kings 17:8-16

Paul’s Fast – Acts 9:9

Daniel’s Fast – Daniel 1:8-14; 10:3

John’s Fast – John 1:6 &7

Esther’s Fast – Esther 4

God needs to use YOU to do great exploits….. but you still need to obtain a level of maturity that only true brokenness has birthed!

“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth.” Isaiah 12:4-5, ESV

Far too often, we will cry out to the Lord when we are confronted with adverse situations – but when He answers us favorably; we fail to show our gratitude to Him with the same enthusiasm!

Don’t let your cry in your valley out ring your praise on the mountain!

So when the Lord “turns the tables” for you; when He finally grants unto you the petitions that you’ve stood in faith believing Him for, for many years……

Don’t forget – To sincerely thank Him

 Don’t forget – To tell others

Don’t forget – That God is immutable (He doesn’t change.)

Don’t forget to render an offering that is comparative to your gratefulness ……

Don’t forget…GOD IS FAITHFUL!

So again remember: Don’t let your cry in your valley out ring your praise on the mountain.

Independently Independent – Yet Dependent

“He whom the Son has set free, is free indeed.” John 8:36

In America today we are celebrating a holiday entitled Independence Day.  There have been festivities all week long; which will be concluded tonight with a finale marked by an elaborate musically choreographed firework display. People from various states have come here to Philadelphia to for the purposes of expanding their knowledge of their country; as well as to engage in the enormous plethora of pleasurable activities.  Everyone is enjoying and sharing in the celebrations concerning their independence.

Just as equally or of greater importance is the fact that we, the Saints of the Most High God should be enjoying the fact that we are independently independent.  To be independent is to be; freed, liberated, unconventional, unconstrained and to an individualist.  We must never cease to remember that we have been released from all of the chains of the enemy; which previously held us captive. Our freedom has given to us the power and the authority to no longer be suppressed by the mindsets of this world and its chaotic influences. Our freedom has given to us the ability to excel in every task that we undertake.  Our freedom has given to us the advantage to decide for ourselves whether we will live or die.  Our freedom has afforded us with wisdom – if we avail ourselves to it.  That wisdom enables us to come to the realization that we must not – although free, be without; guidelines, perimeters and boundaries. 

Therefore, although I am free…..I am yet bound. Although freed from the chains of the enemy; I have chosen to be totally dependent upon the established Kingdom Principles which will assure my current and future success.  I am free enough to be bound! I am free enough to not bow to the conventional, constrained traditions of man – which are desensitizing the effects of God’s Word. I am free enough to appreciate the individualistic character qualities that God Himself has entrusted to me.  I am free enough to walk above every circumstance in this life. Above all; I am free enough to stand in faith until the manifestation of God promises are made visibly evident.

So on this day of independence – I am totally independent of every: methodology, ideology, concept and precept of this world; its standards and its mandates. Yet, I am totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit for the wisdom, guidance, and the perseverance to implement every strategic plan that is required for me as a powerfully effective endtime warrior.

^“ I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 AMP

God’s Jealousy (pt. 2)

Today O God, may I not provoke your anger.

“El KANNA”

(The Jealous God – Exodus 20:5)

“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,” Exodus 20:5                                                                                                                                   

“El ZELOO”

(The jealous God – James 4:4&5)

⁴ Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?                      James 4:4-5 NKJV

Read James 4

Although we may not view it from this perspective; the truth is still very evident.   We are – knowingly or through ignorance; forcing God to reveal another character quality which is motivated by His love for us. That expression is His jealousy.

We must always remain cognizant that every attribute of God that He reveals to us; is still His attempt to get us to understand His love for us.  It is because of that love, that He only desires for us to acquire the best in every arena.  Many times, because we don’t fully understand this total concept of God’s love for us; we think that He has established unrealistic demands or limits on us.  God’s guidelines for our lives, are always motivated from a perspective of genuine love, true love – the which we have no true concept.  If we could ever understand His love – then we would have no problem adhering to His word – Regardless. 

As I so often have stated; when in our lives, we have not received the proper application of unselfish love; then, we in return are more prone to lack the ability to properly love God.  In life, this is the reason why we can willingly and willfully disobey Him and reject His love – through our displays of disobedience.   Whenever we decide to walk according to our own desires or to delight ourselves in what the world has to offer; we are rejecting the love of God. In reality I am saying – “God I Still Don’t Understand Your Love For Me!”  The same holds true when we are engaged in procrastination, slothfulness and tardiness.  Far too often the Lord has instructed us to do or say something in a given situation; however we have decided that our “way of doing it” is better.  By do so…we are provoking Him to display His jealousy.  Why? Because we have become like the world; and placed our thoughts, plans etc. superior to those of the Holy Spirit.  Our actions may not reveal our intent – however they do reveal our final decisions!

The Message Bible states James 4:4-5 this way. “You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

So Father God I will continue to keep you as the focal point of my life.  In my list of priorities, I will esteem You.  I will bring an amended consciousness to Your love for me. Because I understand Your unselfish, “no holds barred” for love for me, I will return the same.  May I always remember that everything I do must be for no other reason - than to express to You and show others my love for You. Anything that has moved You from Your place of supremacy in my life; be it prestigious positions, business or personal relationships, money, assets – WHATEVER – will now be moved a position of subordination.  I will no longer “cheat on you” Lord.   You are number one in my life …. And motives and my actions will reflect the same. 

Don’t Worry.... You have the Keys

 ^“And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros—a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra—a ^]huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth ^[e]must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.                        Matthew 16:18 & 19 (AMP)

In our lives today, we are constantly encountering various situations that are not under the jurisdiction of our immediate control.  I’m certain that most of us could establish a never ending

list of the such.   We must remember that these are situations which are permitted and allowed to confront us – and to serve a dual purpose. These situations are presented by the enemy in hopes of opening the door to fear, doubt and unbelief.  These same situations are permitted by the Lord to serve as opportunities where He will gain the ability to reveal His divine guidance, direction and protection.

You have the keys to never again walk under the umbrella of ungodly fear.  This type of fear is often manifested through a spirit of pride.  Why? Because “I” feel as though “I” can’t handle or control what is occurring.  When I excuse God from the picture, I have diminished or decreased His authority & power.  I have decided that my problem is of a greater magnitude than my God.  I have also decided that God’s love isn’t powerful enough to bring me through my current dilemma.

However, don’t worry… you have the keys.  The master key on your key ring is labeled “FOCUS”.   Briefly, to focus is to:

F= “First things first” (Matthew 6:33)

O= Only Believe (mark 9:23)

C= Count & Cast (James 1:2 & I Peter 5:6&7)

U= Unbelief (Mark 9:24)

S= Stand (Ephesians 6:10)

So, how do I focus in the midst of adversity?

1.   .1. By hiding the Word of God in my heart.

2.    2.  Daily quoting and saying out loud the Word of God.

3.    3. By refusing the quit!

Whatever adverse situation is presently prevalent and existing in your life today is only an attempt by the enemy to distract you; to divert your attention; and to challenge your knowledge of the Lord.  However remember….you never have to bow to the lesser authority of worry…. Because you have the master key called focus.

My Ultimate Comforter

 “Jehovah El Ha-Melitz ”

…….My Lord, My God, My Comforter

(The Lord God my Comforter - Isaiah 51:12A)

             "I, even I, am the one who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12A

Read Isaiah 40

Storms don’t come to last…they come and pass.

Therefore, Oh Lord, may I always retain my focus – regardless.  May I never permit tragedies, nor the abrupt and sudden onset or alteration of situations; to overtake, nor to overwhelm my mind.  May I always find the comfort and peace that I need, in my assurance and knowledge of who you are.

Every storm that you permit me to encounter has a purpose.   You have fore warned me that in this world I will have trouble, trials, and tribulations - storms.  However, you have also taught me to be of good cheer because You have overcome the world and all of its adverse conditions.  Therefore, since You have successfully conquered all that this world has presented to You – I can take comfort in the fact that; through the indwelling power of the Holy Ghost, I also am an overcomer.

Lord, You have permitted us with the ability to remember the wisdom and Godly principles which were taught to us by many of our loved ones who are now with You. When I reflect, I can hear my Grandmother saying that the darkest hour is just before dawn.  So Lord, may I always take comfort in knowing that the sun WILL always appear again.  May I perpetually find comfort in you, Jehovah El Ha-Melitz .  May I stand in the midst of every storm and still yet declare that You are Lord. May the spirit of fear never be fueled by anything that may arise in my life – because You are my ultimate comforter. 

May I remember that You have orchestrated the timing and the nature of every storm in my life.  May I trust and cling to Your immutable anchor.  May I never cease to find solace in the guidance of Your omniscient and omnipotent eye. 

You ARE my Jehovah El Ha-Melitz – my COMFORTER, my LORD, my GOD!  Hallelujah!