Integrity Must Be Displayed

May I daily mirror and display to others a “lifestyle” of integrity.

“Yahweh Sali”

(The Lord my rock. –Psalm 18:2)

The Lord is my Rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.                                           Psalm 18:2

Read: Psalm 18 & Psalm 34

When we disrespect those who are in authority concerning us – and influence others to do the same; we are in walking in open rebellion.    At this point, WE have opened an entrance for the enemy to come in; take off his shoes and have a cup of cappuccino!   However,   more importantly, we are also displaying the fact that the Lord is still not our rock.

The evidence that the Lord is my rock is proven and displayed to others by the degree of integrity that daily governs my life.   If the Lord is my rock, I will not fall prey to the mindsets of this world and its dishonest principles.  “IF" the Lord is my rock, I will not stand upon the motivations, nor, find rest in the comfort zones, of anything that doesn’t come into alignment with the integrity of His Kingdom Principles.

Therefore, as of today O Lord, may my every thought, motive and action affirm the fact that you are truly my rock.  It is you that I run to daily to support and anchor me.  It is you that I depend upon as my pillar, as my prop, as my leaning post, as my only genuine stake which possesses the ability to remain stable and non-influential in this ever - changing world.

It is only because of your revealed quality as Yahweh Sali, that I am capable of remaining unshaken in the midst of every storm. Even nature has revealed that in the eye of every hurricane or tornado is a place of total peace. I have discovered that it is the guidance of your eye, Yahweh Sali, which is capable of giving me total peace and stability when the turmoil and devastative effects of spiritual or natural tsunamis manifest themselves in my life.   No matter what occurs, because of your integrity, - I can always find comfort in the fact that you have hidden me in the “cleft of yourself” and permitted me to find safety in the “secret place” of who you are.  You have allowed me to abide under your shadow. It is in you that I can wholeheartedly trust.   May I never forget that you have been and will always be my perpetual ROCK.

“On Christ the SOLID ROCK I stand….ALL, ALL, ALL other ground is sinking sand!”

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

St. Matthew 5:13

There are two substances, the which; some of us normally experience some type of interaction on a regular basis.  Although from a distance, one could be mistaken for the other – their molecular composition is quite different.

The two substances in question are: table salt and sugar.  While both have the ability when viewed by the natural eye, to share certain characteristics such as appearance, color, and shape – the substitution of one for the other would prove to provide catastrophic results.  Both are solvable in hot liquids; however, one would never desire to add a teaspoon of salt instead of a teaspoon of sugar to their favorite morning mug!  Disastrous result would occur.  On the other hand, if one attempted to use sugar as a preservative – devastation and ruinous effects would be inevitable.

When we refer to our reference scripture, we can observe that Jesus informed his disciples that they were to be the salt of the earth.  Since sugar was introduced around 510 BC, if He wanted to use sugar as a reference – He could have done so. 

Ye are the salt of the earth.  What exactly is the implication of this statement?  Jesus was informing His disciples of the power and the authority that they possessed.  He was using a substance that they were very familiar with…. Salt.  They were neither privy nor equipped with the modern mechanics or mechanisms of our current era.  Salt was to them the common commodity - containing the multi-faceted ability to serve numerous capacities. Therefore for Jesus to use this analogy, the implication of its impact on the minds of the disciples was extremely enlightening!  Jesus was informing them that they had been entrusted with the ability to bring to the earth every quality that they knew was common to salt.  In essence, they were to bring to the earth purification, preservation, and protection. 

In our society, we have too many people, in the body of Christ, who possess the delicate character qualities of the simplistic nature of sugar, rather than those which are common to the complex durability of salt.  We are faced with the consequences of Saints – especially Leaders; who are imposters!  Those who desire to display their ecclesiastical titles and the like instead of possessing and exemplifying the fruit of the spirit – IMPOSTERS! 

If we are going to equip the body of Christ with the tools necessary to be salt rather than sugar, we must be the first partakers.  Brothers and Sisters…. we must stand up for and adhere to those guidelines for righteous living that are ascribed in our Holy Bible.  It matters not what our judicial system dictates or deems correct.  If their statements are in contradiction with the Word of God – we are to obey God.

 Saints!! - Stand Up for the Word of God….Trust the authority of God… and Adjust your mindset to one of a Warrior God.   Above…. all Don’t Compromise or Reject your opportunity to be the true SALT and not SUGAR…in every situation!

                                                    NO MORE IMPOSTERS!!!!!

You Are My Lord…. You Are My King 

“ ...Because you are my LORD, you are my glory.”

“Jehovah Kabodhi”

(The Lord My Glory – Psalm 3:3)
“But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”        Psalm 3:3

Read: Psalm 3 & Psalm 27

Today, I will affirm that through your power, Jehovah Kabodhi, I will always bring your glory, magnificence, and splendor into every situation.  I affirm that you are the lifter of my head.   I also affirm that failure is never an option.  I have given to you the place of authority, and supreme “ruler ship” in my life.  Therefore, as I permit my will, emotions, and thoughts to be further conformed into your image – I am becoming that vessel of honor; broken by your love; and completely covered by our shield of protection.

May I never, ever become so overwhelmed by the nonsense of the adversary, that I forget that no weapon he devises can prosper.  It is because of your place of lordship in my life, that you will delay but never deny anything necessary for my success.    As my shield your power is both offensive and defensive.  May I always remember that as my Lord, it is through the sustaining power of your Holy Spirit, that you have sealed within me gifts and anointings that are being manifested in this season.   Lord, reveal to me every area where your lordship does not have the preeminent rule.  May I continually realize that in every area of my life where you are not Lord; I am committing self-sabotage.  I am opening the door; permitting an entrance for my enemies and placing a break in your protective shield.

May I never cease to honor, and uphold you as my true Lord over and in every situation.  May my mind never wander nor become double - minded….because you are my Lord.  May I daily cast down every vain imagination and every high thing that attempts to exalt itself against your divine Lordship in my life.

Lastly, because you are my Lord, may I daily captivate and bring every thought captive to your obedience. Since every action is preceded by a thought, if I correct my thinking, and establish your “Lordship” mindset….then my daily walk will be one that is worthy of your approval.

Thank you Lord that will never walk in fear because I am perpetually protected, triumphant and successful in my every endeavor!

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
  Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
  Lead me to Calvary.

                                                                by Jennie Evelyn Hussey (1874-1958)

…Not more Word….But More Wisdom 

“Lord may I daily walk in a state of wisdom that operates above my physical age, and experiences.”

“El De’ot”

(The God of Knowledge - Proverbs 19:8)

“Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom and in all of thy getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

Read: Proverbs 4 & James 1

To have obtained information, yet lack the knowledge and the understanding of its application; is equivalent to walking in a rain storm; carrying a closed umbrella; and complaining that you are now soaking wet!  Many Christians today are experiencing a since of being “overwhelmed” by the circumstances and the occurrences of their daily lives.  Most are truly devoted Saints - who can tote, quote and know who wrote the Bible.  However, they have not received the wisdom for proper application of the God’s word.

So today Father, I will no longer be content; and I refuse to be one who has simply memorized your Word – but lack the wisdom that is embedded within your Word.  I ask that you El De’ot, reveal to me the hidden treasures of your Word.   I understand that I can no longer afford to walk in ignorance concerning the application of your principles.  You have given me a work to accomplish. I have the tools, I have the plans, and I have the true desire to continue to walk in your divine guidance.  However, the missing element which is now vital, is a degree of your wisdom which is equivalent to or which surpasses the amount of your Word that is within me. 

El De’ot, May I always remember that for every minute that I am not aggressively applying your wisdom, “I” am permitting a delay in the manifestation and the execution of your plans for my life.   “I” am opening the door for diabolical distractions. “I” am giving fuel to kingdom of darkness and giving it permission release and execute its plans…… Simply because “I” have not intensely sought you for wisdom.

Therefore, I will plunge into you and seek your wisdom at any cost.  The degree of your wisdom which I have already attained, mandates that I push through EVERY obstacle, and pursue not to get more of your Word – but a fuller understanding of the Word that I have already obtained.

 I will, I must, with a renewed tenacity seek the guidance and direction that is only procured from you; My omniscient Father…. My God of knowledge… My El De’ot.

Slow down…Be Kind! 

“Kindness can only be sown from a heart that is tender.”

“Elohay Chasdi”

(The God of my Kindness - Psalm 59:11)

Love is patient, love is kind…... I Corinthians 13:4

Read Psalm 59 & I Corinthians 13

It has been said that our actions speak louder than our words.  The Bible states, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).   May I remember, that if I constantly maintain a disposition of unforgiveness; I will be prevented from possessing the ability to express kindness to others.

So Lord, I ask that you reveal to me anything within me that is yet hindering me from the ability to show compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness to EVERYONE.  May I not be bias in my actions, but develop a renewed mindset that has become yielding to the capacity to communicate your unconditional love to everyone that I encounter.

May the spirit of pride never mask its self in me, thus manifesting in an: unkind, arrogant, haughty, rancorous, vindictive, egotistical, overly confident, heart.  May I never forget; as a result of my own; pain, hurt or “convenient amnesia”; the countless acts of kindness that you have displayed and are yet displaying to me.   May I operate daily from that platform.

May my desire to show kindness become more than a mere desire; but become an automatic response especially to those who are not expressing that character quality to me. 

May I rapidly mature to the extent that I will become aware of every selfish motive that I still possess…. and actively make the necessary amendments.  May I also realize that I need not “feel” like being kind….. to produce the action. 

Therefore, I decree, as of today; that I have made a conscience DECISION to be kind. Holy Spirit I ask that you bring to mind strategies that will permit me the ability to outwit the enemy when he attempts to provoke me to be unkind.  Thanks  “Elohay Chasdi” for every expression of kindness that you have extended to me.

My Accountability is to You!

“My awareness of your omnipresence elevates my accountability to you O Lord”

“Yahweh Hashopet”

(The Lord the judge - Psalm7:8)

“Yahweh administers judgment to the peoples. Judge me, Yahweh, according to my righteousness, and to my integrity that is in me.”   Psalm 7:8            World English Bible

Read Psalm 7 and I Corinthians 4

Lord, as another benefit resulting from this period of consecration; I decree that I have an enlightened mindset in regards to my accountability toward you.   May I view with a higher regard every plan, idea and every strategy that you have given unto me - whether it be for me directly, for your people….. or for even those who are not saved. 

Although you “Yahweh Hashopet, judge my motives and actions, I must never become stagnant, thus further nurturing the actions of procrastination, that attempt to become a comfort zone.

Therefore, I acknowledge the fact that I hold in high esteem all that you have entrusted to my hands.  So…. as of today, I will begin to enthusiastically; with a renewed passion…. set in motion and actively pursue every avenue that leads me to, and takes me down, the path of your divine destiny for my life.  Because I regard my accountability to you far more superior than any earthly commitment, I have an increased zeal to aggressively accomplish your plans for my life.  

So Lord, may my actions always be in alignment with the motives that you, the righteous judge, see within my heart.   May I never forget that my accountability is always held “ in check” by the guidelines of your Word.  May I never lower the state of my integrity to the extent that I will become more accountable to a person than to you.  

Lastly, Lord may I continue to increase my in allegiance to you.  Therefore, I will have an ever present reminder and conscience awareness of your love for me.  I will honor you, obey you and remain subjected to you, my Yahweh Hashopet.

Not On the Menu

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,…..” Ephesians 1:4

Every master chef knows the importance of having a well-planned menu. The purpose of the menu is to inform everyone exactly what they can expect to receive from that particular establishment.  Therefore when one glances at the menu they can determine the type of facility, the expertise of the chief, as well as the clientele who frequent it.  We also understand that we can’t order an item that is not listed on the menu – and become upset if that item is either not available or not prepared to our liking.  The master chef will only order the essential ingredients which are required to properly prepare those items listed on the menu.  Now an experienced chef will on occasion, use some of the ingredients which were purchased for one item and prepare something that is not listed on the menu.  However, this is not always possible.  For example; you can’t become distraught if a fast food restaurant doesn’t fulfill your request for a fresh seafood order.  Why? It isn’t on their menu.

So it is with our lives.  God who is our Master Chef has a well-planned menu for lives.  As the scripture text states; even before the foundation of the world – God had already written the menu for each and every one of our lives.  Therefore He knows which ingredients to include in our lives that will permit us to produce the highest quality of life.  He knows a forehand which circumstances, experiences, trials and the like to include on our menus of life.  He also knows: because He is God, the decisions that we will make in every given situation. However, because we already have a well-planned menu, when we make contrary choices in our lives; God has the ability to use those choices to still yet perfect His plan for our lives.  He’ll take our burnt bread; scrap off the overly browned portions; cut it onto squares and use it for croutons!  He’s the Master Chef and therefore knows exactly how to perfect everything in our lives…..if we permit Him to!

Therefore, when you feel as though you are on the verge on becoming overwhelmed and going out of your mind – just know that a nervous breakdown can’t occur…..it’s not on your menu!

When you feel as though you “can’t” – just know that failure is not on your menu.

When you feel as though everything is just taking too long to materialize – just remember that the best sauces must simmer for hours; and endurance IS on your menu!

When you feel as though the bottom has fallen out of your world and every stable foundation has been shaken – just relax… God is just trying to get your attention so that He can elevate you to the next page of your menu!

Learn to rest in the Lord and in what He is doing at this stage of your life.  We must remember that God had not “mass produced” us.  Therefore, we aren’t to compare our menu items with anyone else’s.  Although they may appear to be similar on the surface – because we are all uniquely made, so are our menus.  We aren’t to be compared to the “chain” stores which all possess the same menus.  Yes, we are all God’s kids – but we are all so different!.... He planned it that way!

So it doesn’t matter how your circumstances may currently appear to you – simply remember that God is only attempting to get you to produce every item on your menu….. your entire menu.  You can’t simply produce the appetizers from your menu of life.  It’s now time to advance to the soup and then go from soup to nuts!

Self-Analyses 

or Check Yo Self (for the young adult readers….lol)

If someone were to ask you to list five reasons why God should permit you to enter into Heaven; what would be your response?  How long would it take you to compose this list?  Where would you begin?  Would you immediately begin to consider all of the time and effort that you dedicate towards the building of the Kingdom of God? Or would you first consider the sacrificial financial donations of your tithes and offerings?  Or maybe you would begin your list considering your God disciplined life style. Just how would you begin such a list?  Think about it for a few minutes… how do you view yourself in this matter?

Well….. since we aren’t governed by the rules of Burger King…. You can’t “have it your way”!  It doesn’t matter how you begin your list; it should be a list which is composed of only one item!  There is only one reason that would validate your entrance into Heaven.  It doesn’t matter what you may accomplish; nor your obedience to God’s written word; nor how many souls you may have been instrumental in leading to Christ.  Nothing, nothing that we could ever say, do, or think; would ever qualify us and afford us a worthy audience into the domain of the Lord!

The Bible says it in this fashion:

Isaiah 64:6  “ For we have all become like one who is unclean [ceremonially, like a leper], and all our righteousness (our best deeds of rightness and justice) is like filthy rags or a polluted garment; we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God’s favor, hurrying us toward destruction]. AMP

Ephesians 2:8,9 “You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” CEV

Now, God does require that we do Kingdom work.  However, our works are not done in an attempt to gain entrance into the Kingdom.

So, how SHOULD you begin….. and end your list?  With only one item listed.   There is only one reason why God will permit us to enter into Heaven.  Nothing, nothing, nothing outside of that one reason will be “good enough” and satisfy God’s requirements for entrance. That one reason; the only item on your list MUST be because you have accepted his son, Jesus, as your ultimate redeemer and justifier…… and above all… your Saviour!

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Today we in America are living in an era where spending long hours preparing and cooking food is almost to be compared with typewriters and dinosaurs!  We’ve adhered to and adjusted to the notion of reducing some of the steps; cutting a few corners; while yet expecting the end product to still remain the same. For example; if you are going to bake rolls – the dough must be made, permitted to rise; punched down; reshaped; and then permitted to rise all over again.  Then, after more preparation… placed into a hot oven where the process continues.  If just one process is eliminated; if just one ingredient is measured incorrectly; if just one condition adjusted – the end product will not produce the expected and anticipated results.  The entire process must be permitted to “run its course” – if you desire to have rolls which have the correct texture and taste.

When we read the story of Joseph’s life; (Genesis 37:3-41:4); we can realize that life is a process.  Joseph didn’t advance to be the King without enduring every stage of his process.  Far too often we are attempting to reign as a King, without the experiences of a pit.  Joseph had to endure the consequences and glean wisdom learned; in the pit, at the house of Potiphar, and in the prison; prior to his ability to reign in the palace.

Every occurrence in your life is vital!  Every circumstance is a building block that has been permitted, as a foundational pillar, from which your future will be erected.  If just one incident in your life had been altered – you would not have gleaned the experience, nor the wisdom that you now have.  Every process is of grave importance.

Always remember the concept of making rolls.  When making rolls, the dough will rise only to be punched back down again… and sometimes again. Then reshaped and set aside to rise again.

So don’t become discouraged when you have exceled….. only to find yourself knocked down and back at square one all over again.  God has made plans for your life.  He is simply taking you through the process that will bring you to His expected end for you.  Wherever you are right now – your present conditions are only temporary.     

Remember…. It’s life.   It’s vital.  It’s God ordained….. and……   It’s the process. 

Removing the Optic Restraints

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;……” Ephesians 1:18

One of the most undetectable hindering forces in our Christian walk is the lack of our ability to “see” our world through God’s optic lens.   Not that God has actual eyes – but rather meaning; to view; to understand; to perceive and to understand from the character of who He is.

So today, we are going to ask the Lord to remove every optic restraint that is preventing us from exceling….. every optic restraint that is hindering our ability to be that powerfully effective threat to the kingdom of darkness that we should be. Whatever spirit is diminishing our zeal; our tenacity and our ability to perceive our future status from a “kingdom platform”; must be revealed, removed, and commanded never to return.  This command must be fortified by sealing the entrance that permitted access and an entry to our optic realm.

Lord my prayer is also that my discernment adhere to a place of dominance over my reasoning.  May I be more conscience concerning what I permit my physical eyes to view on a regular basis.  Lord, bring me to an awareness that I MUST curtail; the television programs, the movies, the videos, any printed material, and everything that enters my eye gate.  Assist me in the realization that if my optic restraints are to be removed – that I must also limit what I feed my spirit man. I must comprehend that many things are not sinful – but they will not permit me to have the ability to “view” from a place of kingdom authority and power.

May I see clearly without the input from anything that is contrary to the hope of your glory.  And now Lord – with every ungodly restraint removed…..  May the eyes of my heart be flooded with your light.

“¹⁷For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, ¹⁸By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), ¹⁹ And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,”   Ephesians 1:17-19 AMP

“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)

Read Psalm 28 & Psalm 73

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 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 be still 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 develop my own ideologies, methodologies, concepts or percepts – 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 fortress forever 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. 

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 oh Lord are my Jehovah Tsuri…..You are my Jehovah Uzzi……You are MY ROCK!!!

I Go to the Rock – Whitney Houston

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.

“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.  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”. 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 Telillah type of praise which can only be uttered when one is in a state of total: submission, humility and reverence to the Lord.  It is this type of praise that will usher in His presence.  It is this type of praise that will permit us the privilege of and the ability to, receive a personal audience with the Lord of Lord 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; 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.  Let your ultimate goal be to offer unto the Lord the type of reverential praise that will impact not only your daily walk – but will make an indelible mark in the lives of others.

“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.  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”. 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 Telillah type of praise which can only be uttered when one is in a state of total: submission, humility and reverence to the Lord.  It is this type of praise that will usher in His presence.  It is this type of praise that will permit us the privilege of and the ability to, receive a personal audience with the Lord of Lord 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; 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.  Let your ultimate goal be to offer unto the Lord the type of reverential praise that will impact not only your daily walk – but will make an indelible mark in the lives of others.

                                                                   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

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

It appears that we have no problem expressing our gratitude to people when they supply us with a few “comforts of life”.  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 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 law.  The New Testament expresses free will giving.  Yet, since the ten percent idea was already established in the O.T…. we are to now use that as a minimum for our giving – not a maximum.  We haven’t really accomplished some great feat when we deposit our little ten percent into the tithe box!  The waitress at a local “greasy spoon” is receiving more than that!  Therefore, how can we be content to offer to GOD; who is our FATHER; who is the creator of the entire UNIVERSE; who is supreme in every aspect; and enables us to go out and to obtain our money….. a ten percent offering and be content???? 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 and plan for a vacation – yet never consider putting aside a special offering for the Lord.

Why our some so apprehensive concerning their giving?  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 broken if one is to become 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 others higher than I do the Lord when it comes to giving; especially the giving of money.  Therefore, when I say that I’ve surrendered all – to the Lord – I have really surrendered ALL!!

Take a look at where you are now – physically…. God has called you to a greater place.  Now consider your vocation or your daily routine…. God has called you to a greater place.  Think about your spiritual walk…. God has definitely called you to a greater place!  Whatever you have already achieved; whatever you have already accomplished; whatever ground you have already acquired – it just doesn’t matter – God has called you to a greater place!

Therefore, we must now embrace an expectation from the Lord, which will give Him no other alternative than to catapult us to our next place in Him.  This is the initial step. Then, as we first, seek to advance ourselves in the spiritual arena - the manifestation of our “greater” will become a reality in every other area of our lives.  For far too long we have settled and become “comfortable” in our current state. 

We must realize that we are all unique – alike …. But yet different.  God hasn’t made any two people from the exact same mold.  It has been discovered that even identical twins have at least one distinguishing characteristic.  Therefore we must engulf the notion that we are called to operate in our giftings as originals, and not carbon copies of anyone else.  I cannot excel to my greater place; spiritually, economically, socially, financially or emotionally until I establish the “God appointed”; unique goals for MY life.

Begin today with the determination that your mind will achieve a “greater place” status.  Increase your mental capacity by learning at least one new fact daily.  It isn’t necessary that it is spiritual in nature (however that would probably be of the most benefit in the long run!).   Advancing to my greater status begins with a thought… which when activated… will become a reality.

One of the surest and quickest avenues to obtaining my “greater” status is to assist and to push someone else on their road to acceleration.  Seeds sow will still manifest the same.  Whatever I sow – that will I also reap (Galatians 6:7).  This is a natural as well as a spiritual law!  Luke 6:38 is still relevant! Give and “IT” shall be given to you.  Don’t judge – just give! (Matthew 7:1).  Don’t be stingy in your giving – because your return will reflect the same (II Corinthians 9:6).

Unless I can realize that I still have a “greater” within me; I will not advance to that place ….. and next year…  I will be in the same place that I am now!  Dreams are excellent and are necessary – however, the time has now arrived for our dreams to become the manifested reality of the “greater” that we all have within us!

“A goal is a dream with a deadline”.     Napoleon Hill

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 – Matthew 18:21-35

Without getting an in-depth comprehension of God’s love for us, we cannot even initiate a conversation on His forgiveness. We are unfortunately identified with the ungrateful servant in Matthew 18.   

Although we don’t usually envision it to be so, the concept of forgiveness is birthed from a seed of love.  Inevitably, when we increase and engulf 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 in an attempt to paralyze the body of Christ.  Unforgiveness mandates that I will never fulfill God’s destiny for my life. 

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!

Reveal to me Father, any areas of unforgiveness that is still lying dormant within my subconscious arena.  Peel back the layers of my mind to expose every crevice where unforgiveness is yet hiding.  Free me from every band of unforgiveness.  Then Lord, may I daily embrace and extend to others the true forgiveness that you have extended to me. 

 “JEHOVAH BORE”

(The Lord Creator - Isaiah 40:28)

“Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

                                                                                                        Psalm 51:10

Read Psalm 51

Today O God may my cry unto you flow from a heart that has the capacity to receive more of your creative nature.   I acknowledge now that it is only through your Divine craftsmanship that I will be freed from every impurity.  So I ask you not to renew my heart; but to create - to take from “my nothingness” and compose a completely new heart; throne from which I will have the ability to receive a renewed spirit.  May I no longer be enslaved to those concepts, precepts, ideologies and strongholds that are relative to my former sin nature. 

Today Jehovah Bore, may I begin to totally understand the awesomeness of who you are.   Only you could CREATE a plan that would permit the redemption of fallen man.  Only you could CREATE a plan for the justification of fallen man. Only you could CREATE a plan for the sanctification of fallen man.  Only you Jehovah Bore could CREATE a plan that reveals your ultimate love for fallen man.

So today, I submit and surrender my heart to you Jehovah Bore, for a complete cleansing; thus producing a “newly created” heart which is now composed from none of the negativity of my past.  A brand new heart which possesses a “newness” that only you through the power and presence of Holy Spirit have the ability to CREATE…… AND IT IS SO!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!!!

"Create In Me A Clean Heart" by Donnie McClurkin

Create in me a clean heart; And purify me, purify me
Create in me a clean heart; So I may worship Thee.

Cast me not away from thy presence; Please don't take your spirit from me
And restore the joy of salvation; So that I may worship Thee.

Create in me a clean heart; And purify me, purify me
Create in me a clean heart; So I may worship Thee.

Lord you are my ultimate Deliverer

“JEHOVAH MEPHALTI”

(The Lord my Deliverer - Psalm 18:2)

“Surely you shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the noisesome pestilence” Psalm 91:3

Read Psalm 18 & Psalm 91

The Bible displays are least four concepts for the word deliverance. 

Briefly: (1) "to deliver out of the hands of..., to escape." We can find this example in the Hebrew word Natsal (Strong's #5337)

(2) "drawing someone to one's self." - Rhuomai (Strong's #4506)

(3) "to deliver into the hands of...for the purpose of judgment."  -  Nathan (Strong's #5414)

(4) "to have ample space between oneself and one's enemies." Yasha (Strong's #3467)

Therefore today we can stand assured that whatever our need is concerning deliverance; our Jehovah Mephalti is well able to manifest it.  When we combine the four definitions above we can comprehend that our God will not only rescue of His people from the dominion of Satan and the world system, but in the process of rescuing and delivering from, He will draw and deliver us unto Himself.  One commentary summarizes the entire process as:  “To be removed by God from the hand of the enemy and drawn close to Himself, from which position God places us in confrontation with the enemy on God’s own terms, in order for us to gain victory and defeat the enemy, and to experience freedom from oppression in an ample and secure place.”

As you seek your Jehovah Mephalti today, ask Him to reveal to you the areas in your life where total deliverance has not yet occurred - as well as any obstacles and road blocks that are still preventing you from obtaining your total victories. 

Also remember, just because you haven’t physically seen the manifestation of deliverance in specific areas; that doesn’t reveal the true essence of the situation.  We must continue to walk by faith and not by sight.  We must learn the art of adjusting our thought patterns so that our words will not delay the manifested presence, of the evidence, of the deliverances, that we have sought the Lord for.  

EVERYTHING was conquered at Calvary!

“¹³And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. ¹⁴ [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].”      John 14:13 &14

This week the Lord has said that we are to be more “community minded”.  Therefore, He has instructed that you choose a specific merchant that you frequent or that is in your neighborhood and provide a prayer covering for them.   For one week, pray for them throughout the day as the Holy Spirit brings them to your mind.  This is to be in addition to any other praying that you might already be engaged in – in this area.

If you feel lead, you can express to the merchant that you will be praying for them this week and inquire if they have any specific desires.   Not everyone will be used in the same manner.  Some of you will remain anonymous, while others of you will not. 

Remember you are not to interfere with their normal flow of business.  Your times of praying for them will NOT be done at their location.  (Unless you are instructed to pray for them after normal business hours.)  It is imperative that you are led by the Holy Spirit; as to maintain an orderly and descent representation of Him.

Lastly, seek God for wisdom and direction before and as you pray.  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you as you pray so that your prayers will be strategic in nature and powerful in implementation.

Lastly, (you know that most preachers have more than one closing!) Whatever is done in secret – will be rewarded openly.  This addresses your motive.  Although you may be lead to share this endeavor with others or with the merchant; ALL of the glory is to be attributed to the Lord – and belongs to Him alone. 

Note: Some of you will be lead to incorporate this into a ministry project or a group effort.  However the Holy Spirit leads.  Just make certain that He is directing you, and that HE gets all of the recognition.

“ For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:26

The Day of Positioning  

Lord, you are supreme in power & position.

“Elhoy Marom”

(The God of heights – Micah 6:6)

Read Jeremiah 6:6-16

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!