Think Outside of the Box…

Because The Details Matter

In the beginning, God CREATED….. Genesis 1:1

The Lord our God is a God of who is greatly concerned about the details.  Details reveal and enhance the complexity of a substance.  The details also reveal the complexity of the creator of that substance.  In other words, they also shed a light on the in-depthness or the simplicity of the mind of the creator   Therefore, the more detailed a: thought, concept, production or object – the more it displays the intricacy of the mind of the one who has produced it.

We must always remember that every attack that we encounter is directed towards our minds.  So, because every attack is aimed at the mind; we must continually guard our minds.  Our minds must be protected from whatever or whomever may attempt to: disable, disallow, demolish, discourage, stomp out, cage in, cancel and bring to nought…. our God given gift of creativity. 

Why do people perish without a vision?  One of the reasons is because the manifestation of their vision is the end result of what their minds have had an ability to create.  When we lose or don’t develop a vision; we are not permitting our minds to reproduce.  Our minds lose the ability to function as that of our Father God; that master creator!  We fail to use those components of our DNA that are identical (in composition but not in magnitude) to His.

Why are demonic influences really directed towards our minds?  In addition to the obvious; we can’t rule out the notion that demonic influences also attempt to override our creativity.  For an example, if the enemy can cause someone to think that they have no victory in a given situation – then they will never hear the voice of the Holy Spirit when He attempts to show them how to CREATE a way of escape! 

God has created man with a free will.  However, the enemy wants to override God’s plan, and to control our minds.  Witchcraft is simply a demonic influence that attempts to do what God himself won’t do….. And that is to suppress our creativity and to control our minds by domination, manipulation and humiliation!

Therefore, every detail does matter…..Simply because every detail reveals another dimension of the complexity of our awesome, God!

So dare to be different! Permit your spirit to be liberated and available to produce what God has given unto you to reveal for this season.  Age is not a criteria – God still desires to use your mind to create devices and avenues for such a time as this. Then we will have the ability to use them to manifest the exposure to endtime: strategies, inventions, solutions etc.. God is waiting to catapult your level of creativity to a dimension that you have not previously known. However… He needs you to be more creative  -  and to think “outside of the box”.   

Trust God….every detail does matter.  Above all…every “unexpressed” detail, may be that missing link needed, to successfully reign as an endtime warrior!

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it.”  Psalm 139:14 (NLT)

Did You Hear That?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the sound was in a designated pace - the tree tops.  Not on the ground, nor in the air, but in the top of the mulberry trees.

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

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

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

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

Are You Without Sin????

 So Don’t Judge – Just Love

“Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”       Matthew 7:1 &2 (ESV)

Who are you judging?  Of course, your immediate response to this question is – “No one.  I don’t judge anyone.”  But if you were to closely monitor your words,  actions, thoughts and motives; they might reveal quite the opposite.

To judge is to arbitrate; assess; to rule on etc.  Therefore, prior to one having the ability to perform such; one must have ALL of the correct information.  They must have the truth versus the mere facts.  Far too often we view situations from our own opinions or our own knowledge of a given – which usually contains a limited, biased amount of information.  Far too often instead of loving ALL people; in EVERY situation; we – though unintentional - show expressions of love to some classifications of people more readily than others.

God needs us – His ecclesia; His church , His called out ones – to be the living examples of the type of unconditional love that He had demonstrated while He was here.  He hasn’t called us to judge anyone – only to love them.  He hasn’t asked us to condemn anyone – only to love everyone – all of the time.  We must realize that when we are judging others – in most instances we are doing so from a residue of the spirit of pride that is still lingering within us.

Ask yourself; “What is hindering me from showing unconditional love to everyone that I encounter?”  I must remember that everyone that I encounter on a given day will also have an opinion of me.  Will I have left them with an impression that SHOWS them the love of God?  If not, why not?  Whatever the reason maybe…. “it won’t hold water!”  In other words – whatever my reasoning – God will not receive it as acceptable.  He has loved me through, in, and prior to all of my fallacies, faults and failures.  Now He expects me to go and to show that same love to others. 

He has shown us through His Son that His love extended beyond the boundaries of culture, race and creed (John 4).

He has shown us through His Son, that His love extended beyond the boundaries of presumptuous sins (John 8: 1-11).

He has shown us through His Son that his love extended beyond the boundaries of those who had falsely accused or wronged Him (Luke 23:34).

Therefore, whatever reason we may express – God will show us that His son has already encountered it, endured it and defeated it!  We are therefore without excuse for any valid reason for judging ANYONE.

So, we must remember:

• We can’t allow the opinions of others to keep us from reaching out to those who are in need of receiving God’s love from us.
• Ask myself – WWJD (What would Jesus do??)
• Our actions must reveal the love that God has extended to us.

Lastly ..…. “What the world needs now is love”…. TRUE love.  God’s unconditional love which knows no prejudice……but is shown to others…. by His people who have received the same!”

“…….. And love thy neighbor as thyself”.  Mark 12:31

Heavy Weights Build Strong Muscles

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 5:3

In earlier years we used to sing a song entitled, “Jacob’s Ladder”.  It was one of those songs which had a seemingly endless amount of verses!  Each verse would end with the statement, “Soldiers of the Cross”.  At that time, I didn’t fully understand the concepts that were attempting to be expressed and impressed upon us. 

Today we have saints who fail to realize that they are “soldiers of the cross”. As a soldier, I must understand the fact that God has orchestrated every test, trial and difficult situation, for no other reason than to build my spiritual muscles.

Far too often we have only obtained the ability to successfully lift a two pound weight in the realm of the spirit.  Then, we seem amazed when we are confronted with a situation requiring the ability to lift fifty pounds and we are unsuccessful – often blaming God for our inabilities and fallacies.  Sadly to say, I constantly observe Saints who are enduring very rigorous physical exercises and toning every physical muscle – however their spiritual muscles are flabby, weak and are in deplorable conditions!  Physical exercise is extremely important – however we must exert MORE into the development and the conditioning of our spiritual muscles than those of our physical bodies.

So how do we begin to build up our spiritual muscles? 

1. Trusting in our own relationship with the Lord. As a babe in Christ, it was tolerable for us to always run and whine to other Saints with our problems and difficult situations.  However, when will you begin to trust and validate your own relationship with the Lord?  When will you begin to lift those heavy weights in the realm of the Spirit and really believe who and whose you are?  When will you believe what YOU say to the extent that you will KNOW because of your relationship with the Lord that whatever you’ve asked…. it’s done!?  When will you begin to build those muscles of faith and realize that God has given to YOU power? ....That for real….you don’t NEED anyone to “touch and agree”, you don’t need to constantly address what the enemy is doing….etc.  Nothing in err about doing these things – however they are not assisting you as you move up the ladder.  I can attest to the fact that in extremely difficult situations, I’ve sought the Lord; trusted in Him and Him alone – without sharing the information with anyone else…. and He has NEVER failed me. Sure, at the onset, my faith hadn’t matured to this level…. it was a process that had to begin at some point.  It’s symbolic of asking your earthly father for something.  Once you’ve asked him, would you go and ask someone else to accommodate you?  …NO!  You would only ask someone else if your doubted him or felt as though he was incapable of producing your request.    So it is with our Heavenly Father.  We must learn to trust Him with the assurance that He WILL grant our request – because we are joint heirs with His Son; and because of our own relationship with Him. Of course thoughts will come and attempt to weaken your faith.  However we must be determine to lift those heavy weights – if we are going to have those strong muscles. 

 (Now if you feel as though your walk isn’t strong enough yet for you to stand alone or your faith hasn’t progressed to this level yet; by all means seek for and request the assistance of others who are stronger than you are.  However, we must be determined not to be “co-dependent” upon anyone…other than the Holy Spirit!)

Yes, we are climbing a Spiritual ladder where every round gets higher and higher.  The song also asked the question, “Do you think you’ll make a good soldier?”

As we lift the heavy weights in the realm of the Spirit, we will build those strong muscles which will enable us to effectively, successfully and strategically stand as an endtime soldier.  Then we will have merited the ability to respond with the concluding verses of the song by responding, “Yes I know I’ll make a good soldier”.  Then and only then will we be able to totally, with a full assurance, sing and live the final verse “Rise, Shine, Give God the Glory”!

……Simply because we are authentically soldiers of the cross!

From Fetters to Freedom

 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishment on the peoples, To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron,                                                                          Psalm 149;6-8

Simply because we are privy to a dimension where the abundance of the Lord is ever present and manifesting itself in our lives; we must amend our ways to be assured that we will retain all that is being given back to us.   One of the strategies to be implemented is for us to be released from our fetters… and to walk in freedom.

There was a hymn entitled, “Jesus Breaks Every Fetter”.  Even though that song is rarely heard its implication hasn’t loss it validity.  When we bring to mind thoughts concerning the word “fetter”, we can correlate them to various obstacles that the enemy attaches to us to delay our progress in the Lord.   Whether they be: areas of sin or weaknesses in the flesh; the phenomena of life; or circumstances totally beyond our control; - a fetter is anything that is tied to me which restricts my mobility and/or my advancement. 

There are those things; some of which WE have permitted or instituted.  Others could have been inherited or the consequences of circumstances which were beyond our control.  Nevertheless, these obstacles still continue: to shackle, bond, chain and yoke themselves to us.  Therefore our effectiveness in the realm of the spirit is none productive.  Many times we are attempting to assist others in a deepen walk with the Lord, yet we have not been freed ourselves of our many “fetters”……  However Jesus still breaks EVERY fetter.

What are some of the evidences that our fetters have been broken?  

¨ When Jesus has broken every iron fetter, my concern is to increase my relationship with the Lord - just because of who he is - not because of what he can do. 

¨ When Jesus has broken every fetter, I will realize that as I increase in my love walk and in every other walk in my life - so will those with whom I am connected.  (The proof IS in the pudding!  Leaders.. We cannot any longer expect others to walk in a level of excellency and devotion that we are not committed to!) 

¨ When Jesus has broken every fetter, my appetites are disciplined and my motives pure.

¨ When Jesus has broken every fetter, the manifestation of the enemy’s work won’t frighten me, his maneuvers don’t surprise me and his schemes can’t outwit me.

¨ When Jesus has broken every fetter, I won’t just sing, “It is Well With My Soul”, but my life will exemplify and verify so.  (By your fruit shall you be known!)

¨ When Jesus has broken every fetter, the peace of God WILL rule my mind,  I WILL walk above EVERY circumstance in this life, and I WILL remain focused on and committed to the plans and purposes  that the Lord has assigned to me.

Therefore to obtain the freedom which will permit the peace of God to continually infiltrate our lives; surpassing all understanding;…. every fetter and its suppressing power must be broken!  

So ….its once again dependent upon the status of my mind! Once my mind has been liberated from its fetters – I will have the ability to be…and to maintain total freedom in every area of my life.  Then and only then will I have at my disposal the matured level of wisdom to advance from Fetters to Freedom.

"He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!" John 8:36

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 convince someone of their need to deepen their relationship with the Lord.  However, what would your true character reveal if you were selected for this current search?

Let's take a look ……. Apply these personally. 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 do my: Apple Pay, Cash App, Chime, Pay Pal, Venmo, Zelle or checking accounts reveal concerning my stewardship in the area of finances?
8. What type of financial supporter am I to those who minister 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 educational degrees, eloquent speech or a “padded” bank account – but He does require obedience, commitment and perseverance.   

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

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

 Too Full To Receive…..

Only Empty Vessels Receive!

“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.  Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:17-20 (The Message Bible)

It is only when we have been emptied – that we can be filled – full.  Any given container has a limit on the amount of a substance that it can keep in check.  Therefore, when a container has reached its maximum limit……that’s it.  It can’t hold another drop.  For example; you can attempt to pour a gallon of liquid into an already filled gallon sized bottle – and it will not be able to receive it.  Why? Because the first bottle is already “filled full”. Therefore, even though the substance in the second bottle may be of a superior quality – because the first bottle is already full; it can’t receive the better product.

God is saying that we are expecting Him to fill us with all of who He is – but He can’t; because there’s no room.  Our minds are still filled with the concepts and precepts of the world; when He has instructed us to empty them and renew them. (Romans 12:1&2)

• He has told us to empty ourselves of the cares of this world (I Peter 5:7); but we are still filled with worry, doubt and unbelief.
• He has instructed us to be not like the Pharisees and Scribes – hypocrites (Matthew 6:5); but we are still filled with pride, boastings and egotism.
• He has warned us not to be filled with vengeance – because it belongs to Him (Romans 12:19). Yet we are not emptied of backbiting; we’re still holding grudges and harboring unforgiveness.

We must remember:

Ø  Only empty vessels can be filled.

Ø  Only empty vessels have the ability to totally receive all that is being poured into them. 

Ø  Only empty vessels will have the capability to contain the proper amount of wisdom needed to successfully up root the diabolical plans and plots of the enemy.

Ø  Only empty vessels have received the revelation that they must stay on the potter’s wheel and daily cleanse themselves with the Word of God – if they are going to remain emptied of the concepts and ideologies of this world.

Ø  Only empty vessels are those who were once yielded; but are now broken, freed and ready to have the anointing of God to empower them with His Presence, His Integrity and His Kingdom Authority.

So, if we are to be used totally of God…for God – then it is time for us to empty out ourselves and get rid of whatever is not relevant for this season in our lives.  Remember yesterday’s treasures just might be today’s useless clutter!

…….. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Keep YOUR Fire Ablaze

 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12

If you can remember some of the lessons from your chemistry class, one of the first lessons was probably on the composition of fire.  As a reminder, three elements are required to cause the chemical reaction to occur that we call fire. They are: oxygen, fuel and heat.  If one of these components is missing…. there will be no fire.

Fire likes to spread, and when it touches ANYTHING it will attempt to engulf it.  Fire will test whatever is in its path to measure the tangibility of its composure. If a fire is going to continue to burn and increase in intensely – it must maintain its fuel supply.

What about your inward fire?  Sometimes, our spiritual fires have been ignited, but if we haven’t provided the adequate fuel line to feed our fires….. they burn themselves out. Are you snuffing out your flame?  Is your flame struggling to stay lit?  Has the sin of: disobedience, worry, ignorance or impatience caused there to be a break or a leak in your fuel line…and now the flame of your fire is just flickering instead of blazing? 

When we have the fire of the Holy Ghost burning on the inside, He will; because of the complexity of His nature, possess the ability to perform a multi-faceted purpose. He will protect and defend; be an offensive as well as a defensive barrier and enable us with the ability to live a productive life. He will spread and ignite everything that is within us; and conform it to His likeness….if we permit Him to do so. 

We must be determined to keep our fire blazing. The Holy Spirit will assist us – but we must do our part.   To maintain our spiritual fire, we must also supply Him with the three required substances. It is mandatory that we have: the oxygen (our submitted will); the fuel (supplying a proper spiritual diet) and the heat (continual line of communication with the Father).

Therefore, In the midst of every “happening”………. Keep Your Fire Ablaze!

Whether the conditions are positive or negative……..Keep Your Fire Ablaze!

Whether your environment is pleasurable or disagreeable ……Keep Your Fire Ablaze!

Whatever mindset you have encountered…………….Keep Your Fire Ablaze!

Remember… You are a WARRIOR!!! And a warrior knows NO defeat!

Therefore, I challenge you to …..at any cost, be determined that you will....

             Keep Your Fire Ablaze!!!

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12

The Door is Open.. ACCESS GRANTED!!

"I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” Revelation 3:8

Today the Lord is saying that because of your faithfulness to Him as you weathered every adverse condition; because of your diligence and perseverance to seek His face more than you sought His hand; because you planted your feet firmly in His Word REGARDLESS; because you refused to permit what you have observed with your natural eye to allow you to loose your focus…..  NOW.. A new door has been opened unto you!  You have been granted access to regain everything that the enemy has stolen, taken, or swindled from you!

Imagine the rain clouds. When they receive an excess amount of moisture – they BURST FORTH and we receive rain.  So it is at this time.  You have released in the realm of the spirit the necessary “rain”… your spiritual clouds can no longer contain any more of:  your fastings, your praying, your unselfish giving, your intercedings, your warring in the spirit; your level of tenacity and endurance.  It is now time for your spiritual clouds to burst forth!

Therefore, every necessary door that was previously closed….is opened!

Everything that was previously unavailable…..  is now available!

It is extremely important that you stay focused, and remain faithful.  Don’t become distracted by the sudden influx.  Seek the face of God for the wisdom that is necessary to function properly as you embrace all that is speedily becoming available to you.  Remember… Kingdom work must continue!

Lastly, the Lord is saying that the door has been opened, your access has been granted; however, don’t become a harbor…..you must continue to be a channel!

"……'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. …… Matthew 25:23

Special Note: This morning while in prayer, I received this acrostic for the word “OPEN”.

Those for whom it is intended will benefit from it and be able to comprehend it.  If you can’t relate – no problem…..it just wasn’t for you this time!

O – Opportunity, opposition

P – People, purpose

E – Employment, equity

N – News, neutralize

OH NO! Not This Time!!! 

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

Today we appear to be forever learning – but never gleaning the proper understanding.  The Lord desires for us to remember and to understand three things;

1.     WHO He is

2.     WHAT He is doing

3.     WHY He is allowing us to encounter certain situations and circumstances.

Knowledge gives FACTS, but UNDERSTANDING permits me to properly apply the meanings of the facts that I’ve learned.  (…And all facts are not TRUTH!)  Many times we are experiencing the same situations over and over again.  This is usually because we haven’t gleaned the wisdom that’s necessary to understand WHO God is; WHAT He is doing and the WHY of His actions.  Therefore, when circumstances unexpectedly become adverse; we become frustrated, anxious, angry and/or discouraged…. Instead of resting in the confidence of His Word.

Knowledge gives us Information but Understanding yields Principles; Knowledge impacts our memory but understanding impacts our reasoning; Knowledge builds scholars but Understanding creates teachers.

SO, this time when I’m confronted with the same situations….again… my response will reflect that I’m truly in a different place.  Since I don’t just have information but I now have REVELATION!  And because Revelation has birthed an understanding of WHO, WHAT and WHY….I will emerge from every situation as “more than a conqueror”.  No matter what the opposition – I can tell the enemy..... OH NO – Not This Time!

In Mark 13:7 in the amplified version

“⁷And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet.”

⁸For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering [only the first of the birth pangs].

So when the next major calamity comes that shook us like “9 -11” or COVID 19 did; when the next hurricane comes and wipes another island out to the seas; when the next richter scale shattering earthquake surfaces;….our response will not be one of fear and frustration.  We will maintain our focus – and tell the enemy…OH NO – Not This Time!  My response and my reactions will declare to the enemy that I now understand the Who, What and the Why of God.

When sickness comes to visit again….because I now understand Isaiah 53:5 – I will stand and declare, OH NO.. Not This Time!

If finances become questionable, because I’m a tither and understand Malachi 3:11 - I can say OH NO.. Not This Time.

When Loneliness knocks at my door – I can open the door with Deuteronomy 31:6.

When disappointments and tribulations arise… Romans 8:38 & 39 will be my response… And Whatever the enemy may throw my way, because I now have the proper understanding….I will use my God given authority, which is always based in His Word; and boldly proclaim …OH NO.. Not This Time!

Someone summarized it this way:

 One day heartaches will be over -  But Today we have God’s COMFORT,

One day pain will be no more, TODAY God is saying My GRACE is sufficient,

One day there will be no more burdens, but TODAY we have His Strength,

One day I will possess everything that I need, but TODAY I live by Faith,

One day I will understand EVERYTHING… BUT TODAY I TRUST His actions!          (Author Unknown)

Yes.. Prayer is the KEY…FAITH unlocks the door….But a proper UNDERSTANDING will give me the ACCESS and the WISDOM to OPEN that door and allow me to tell the enemy… OH NO, NOT THIS TIME!

It’s Never Too Late!

Life can be compared to a strategic game that requires its players at certain points, to make moves that cannot be changed.  One decisive rule that we must remember in this game is this: although we may not maintain the ability to alter the moves; we can always change the results.

This concept is mirrored in many instances throughout the Bible.  As we read and glean wisdom, strength and encouragement; we can see that no matter what the circumstances or the situations that the people of God were confronted with – God always showed them that they still had – one more move. 

So as you continue to participate in the game of life, always remember that; “It ain’t over til God says it’s over”.  No matter what you’ve done in your past, if you: trust in God, make an about face, and begin to do things His way, instead of leaning to your own understanding – He can rectify, repair, resolve, amend and correct anything. (Proverbs 3:5 & II Chronicles 7:14)

Another very important fact to remember in this game called life is this: “We have the power to limit the manifestation of God’s desire to change things for our good”.  In other words, because God has given to us the place of dominion and authority on this earth, He will not override that decision. 

That’s why He has told US that: death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21);

He has told US to speak forth those things which be not.., (Romans 4:17);

 He has told US - I set before you this day life and death ….  (Deuteronomy 30:19);

 He has told US - No good thing will I withhold… (Psalm 84:11); He has told US to – put on the whole armor …. (Ephesians 6:11-13) etc., etc.  –

So, He is saying SPEAK it, and I’ve got your back!  He is saying, “You may have decided to make a wrong move – but I’ve allotted you the opportunity to cause that wrong move to work in your favor.” (Romans 8:28)

So remember that this game of life has many players but very few winners.  Why?  Because most people don’t realize …..that, our battle has already been won… and most importantly ……you always have at least one more move……..Therefore…… “It’s Never Too Late”!

(Special note: My grandfather published his first hardcover book at the age of 83 years old!)

“P.E.A.C.E.”

Can I still have peace?

Simply because I’ve learned that peace is a mindset and is not determined by my current situations or circumstances; peace is always available to me.  I just need to acquire the correct tools and avail myself to the proper implementation of the same!

Tools For  Maintaining The Peace of God

P -“Presence” - If I invite the presenceª of God to intervene;

E -“Endure”   - If I endure¹ as a warrior, not whine like a wimp; and view

my situation as an open door and not a dead end;

A -“Ask”        - If I ask² God for guidance, and not just do what “I” think is best;

C -“Cry”         - If I cry³ out to the Lord first– and not to other people;

E -“Expect”   - If I expectº and accept. Expect God to give me a strategy – so I’ll

                          keep an open ear  - knowing that I must accept the process.

So….YES! I can still have PEACE in the midst of it all…..But the key is to:

Invite the Presence of God into every situation;

Endure as a warrior;

Ask God for help;

Cry out to Him and

Expect Him to change ME even when the situation doesn’t APPEAR to be changing!  

a - Exodus 33: 14

1 –James 1:22; II Timothy 2:3

     2 –Proverbs 3:5-7

     3 – Psalm 30:2

     o – Philippians 4:13; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 25:5

The Message We Send

A while agoministered at a church that is having a revival for this entire month.  Their theme is: “The Message We Send”.  So I pose the question to you.  What is the message that you are sending to your: family, friends, haters, co-workers, neighbors and to the kingdom of darkness?

Well, without a doubt you should be sending the message: “I Can’t Be defeated!”

Your daily walk should prove as evidence to all – especially to the kingdom of darkness that you can’t be defeated – regardless!

Why?

I can’t be defeated because my mind has been and is continually being renewed with the Word of God. (Ephesians 4:22; Romans 12:2).

I can’t be defeated because I’ve learned how to discipline my spirit and to abide in the presence of the Lord. In other words…. I’ve learned how to pass through the outer court; and to permit my spirit to enjoy the inner court praise experience; in preparation for the worship experience that can only be found in the holy of holies. (John 4:24)

Above all, I can’t be defeated because I’m sold out and souled out.  I’m convinced that God loves me!  (John 3:16).  Therefore according to Romans 8:37-39 it doesn’t matter what the enemy may decide to inflict upon me, the love of God will: override, cancel, nullify and bring to naught every diabolical plot and plan. So I know no defeat because my soul is completely “souled out’.  Hezekiah Walker expresses it like this:

"Souled Out"

I am souled out, my mind is made up; Who can separate us from the love of Jesus?
Not death, nor life.  Jesus paid the price, now I'm free from sin. I am souled out.
I've come through the fire, I've come through the rain.  But God, He never left my side,
He's my comfort through all hurt and pain - I am souled out.
My heart is fixed, my mind's made up; No room, no vacancies, I'm all filled up.
His Spirit lives in me and that's the reason I'm souled out!

Therefore, the message that we send should always and alway (no “s”) be: “I Can’t Be Defeated”.

So, again I present you with the question, What is the message that you are sending to your family members, colleagues,  neighbors, etc.?  Does your walk in reality, come into alignment with your talk?  As of today, let’s be certain that we are no longer being hypocrites! 

The message that we send must exemplify the authenticity of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us!  No more fear, no more doubt, No more idle or none productive words.

Let’s send a message that we are more than conquerors – because…at the end of the day…..that’s the authentic message that we must  send as endtime believers of God.

Not Again!!!

YES! .... Your Test Will Be Given…. AGAIN!

“The Season & The Time”

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”                                                                          Ecclesiastics 3:1 

We are all aware of the fact that everything in nature is governed by at least two elements; one of those being “its season”.  However, what is of a graver importance is the “TIMING” within the season.  Far too often our focus has only been directed towards our season; while ignoring the fact that “our timing” is just as relevant.

Solomon (the accredited) author of the book of Ecclesiastics; and the wisest man that the world has ever known, specifically focused on both…. the season and the time.   He said that everything has a season and within that season – there is a designated time when its purpose will be revealed, manifested and fulfilled.

In many instances, simply because we haven’t advanced at the correct time – we have not accomplished our expected results.  Therefore, some of us have continued to enter into “our season” over, and over again; and we know that we haven’t received all that God has in store for us!

So, your test will be given AGAIN!  The retest!  Have you noticed that there is one situation or circumstance that continues to occur in your life… year after year?  Different day…. Different month…. Different people involved….. but the same basic situation?  That’s because God is testing you …. AGAIN! You keep failing the test…. So our patient God is simply giving you the “makeup exam”!   God… as always…. is giving you an opportunity to pass the test.   As I often say; God doesn’t have a “No child left behind policy”!  He will permit us to continue to experience the same situation … for a lifetime if necessary …until we accomplish the results that He is requiring of us.  He is always scheduling and aligning situations and circumstances in some of the areas of our lives that we have previously encountered - unsuccessfully.  Our “make-up” test will require that we focus more on our “timing”.   So as you operate in this season – don’t omit the necessity to align your timing …. And to incorporate it into the equation. 

YES! It is our season….however we must make certain that we are walking choreographically aligned and synchronized to God’s timetable…within this season…. to prevent failing the test again… and having to be retested….AGAIN!

“There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…”    Ecclesiastics 3:1 (AMP)

Failure is not an Option…..

It’s 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 organized 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 chef, as well as the clientele who frequent that place of business.  We also understand that we can’t order an item that is not listed on the menu – and then 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 which are 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 our 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 (Romans 8:28).  He’ll take our burnt bread; scrape off the overly browned portions; cut it into 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 of becoming overwhelmed and going out of your mind – just declare that a nervous breakdown can’t occur… Why?.. Because Failure is Not an Option….it’s not on my menu! Declare Isaiah 26:3 & St. John 16:33!

When you feel as though you “can’t” – just decree that Failure is not an Option…It’s not on my menu. Declare Philippians 4:13!

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! Decree Isaiah 40:41or Psalm 27:14!

When you feel as though the bottom has fallen out of your world and every stable foundation has been shaken – just relax… God may be testing you or just trying to get your attention so that He can elevate you to the next course of your menu! Decree 2 Timothy 2:3-5!

Learn to rest in the Lord and in what He is doing at this stage of your life.  We must remember that God has 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 exact menus.  Yes, we are all God’s kids– but we are all so different!.... He planned it that way! (God’s kids refers only those who have accepted His Son)

So it doesn’t matter how your circumstances may currently appear to you – simply remember that God is only attempting to get you to advance from the soup on your menu to the dessert. He has the entire menu of your life in mind.  You can’t simply produce the “soup” from your menu of life... forever!  It’s now time to advance to the appetizer and then endure every challenge of life.  God is only attempting to get you to the end of your menu…. Where your mind will be totally focused... and you will have the ability to enjoy the dessert course of life ….without regards to your current circumstances! View every item on YOUR menu as an opportunity to prove to the world that as for me..”Failure is not an option; because It’s Not On MY Menu!”

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”   I Corinthians 1:6

…..From the Inside Out

 “Woe to you, Pharisees, and you religious leaders—hypocrites! You are so careful to polish the outside of the cup, but the inside is foul with extortion and greed.”

 Matthew 23:25 (The Living Bible)

We are entering into a time when we in the Christian arena turn our focus towards the period of temptation and persistence that our Saviour victoriously endured.   This season of Lent affords us the opportunity to learn many valuable lessons from the Lord. 

Christ was able to withstand every temptation that He encountered because He lived His life from the inside out.  He didn’t allow the occurrences that transpired to diminish who He knew that He was.  He maintained His focus and never lost sight of His ultimate goal.  He lived His life from the inside out.

In my opinion, the duck is a perfect example for today’s meditation.  Many people don’t like to eat duck because they say that it’s too greasy.  No doubt, those of you here in America have heard the expression, “Like water rolls off of the duck’s back.” (Or something to that effect.)  Well, the reason why water will roll off of the back of a duck, is because the back of the duck is composed with glands that constantly secrete oil.  Just to summarize the whole process; when water falls on the back of the duck, the water can’t penetrate the oil covering that’s being produced – from the inside to the outside! Therefore, that water which is on the outside, has little or no effect on the duck, because of what’s on the inside of the duck.  The back of the duck is so saturated with the oil from the inside – that it has a perpetual protective shield to aid in its defense against oppositions.

As we go through this Lenten Season I would encourage you to not just give up something for a 40 day period. Why not during this period of consecration…. allow the power of the Holy Spirit to illuminate some of the areas on the “inside” of you where He is not in full control?  This year, as we progress through the Lenten Season, let’s draw our attentions more to the Spirit realm, and correlate it to the sensual realm.  (What is discerned by our physical senses; what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell.) 

Our only chance for successfully walking down our God ordained path, is to learn to live this life from the inside out.  What’s on the inside will come out.   Matthew 23:26 instructs us to clean the inside of the cup and the outside will be come clean. 

So during this 40 day period, initiate a permanent change. Be determine to allow your “back” to become so saturated with the oil of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you; that whatever the enemy throws you way, will have no lasting effect. …… it will just roll on off……because you are living your life from the inside out!

“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.” Matthew 23:25-26 (The Message Bible)

Ungodly Fear Steals Our Time

 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”   II Timothy 1:7

One of the most valuable tools that we as warriors have at our disposal is time. Strategies and strategic maneuvers are only effective when implemented at their correct timing. On more occasions than we realize, ungodly fear is the underlying culprit for both our delays and our hasty decisions.

In this season, we must stay alert in the realm of the spirit so that we can first recognize this spirit of fear and then uproot it. We must not become distracted with “important – unimportant” issues. A sharpened discernment is required if we are going to be effective against this current move of the enemy on our family members, our young people, our friends…. and everyone that we are concerned about.  Our list of priorities must be initiated by the Holy Spirit and governed by His wisdom. 

As the end of time as we now know it rapidly approaches, we must understand that various demonic spirits will mask themselves as never before.  For example, we must recognize that the reason that many of our young people are dishonoring their bodies with the various markings and piercings is because they battling with the spirit of rejection which is of course rooted in “fear”.  They are looking for a sense of “belonging”; and they fear not being accepted.

Therefore, we must be able to discern these and other end-time moves of the enemy.   However, this type of discernment is only released in us as we completely surrender our minds unto the Lord.  It is imperative that our minds be elevated and be totally renewed from every residue that is yet attempting to linger and cause a breach or break in our stability.  We must learn to operate in a spirit of total and instant obedience to the voice of the Lord. This type of obedience is produced by love and discipline – not fear; and is vital.   This type of obedience also produces in us a sense of “readiness” which prepares us to be more “pro” active… instead of “re” active!

I also hear the Lord saying that now it is of the utmost importance that seasoned warriors maintain an alertness in their spirits that can only be produced by a disciplined ear - disciplined to hear my voice and obey my commands- even when I don't speak!

So value your time and your timing.  Your adversary will attempt to cause you to waste time in the realm of the spirit by placing “emergency” situations in your presence. These will attempt to alarm you to the point that you will lose your focus; thus opening the doorway for the spirit of fear to re-enter.  Warriors! You must know that you are only to respond to any situation, as you are led by the spirit of the Lord - especially when a "crisis" arises. The Lord is saying that we must remember although events may startle us and surprise us; He has already known about them before the foundation of this world! So don't waste time by becoming entangled with “last minute” situations and circumstances.   Stay so connected to the Lord that you will recognize the warning signs that He gives to you prior to the onset of tragedies, crisis and the like.   Many of these are only coming to you as a distraction in an attempt to cause you to momentary divert your attention - thus causing you to miss your strategically planned timing.

I often think about the numerous “unspoken” examples that I learned from my Grandmother as I grew up.  She was a prayer warrior and I can still in my mind hear her praying.   Nothing surprised my Grandmother to the extent that she would lose her composure.  No matter what news she received, or circumstance that arose – her respond was always; “Look to the Lord, cause He is still in control…He ain’t gonna put no more on you that you can bear,”  We must be so in-tuned with the Lord that His peace governs our minds…and our response is the same as hers was.

Learn to recognize ungodly fear.  Locate its access.  Then aggressively advance to eradicate it; to seal its entrance; and to replace that spirit with the power and the authority of God.  

As always, stay focused and refuse to be victimized.  Don’t waste valuable time by permitting any invasion of ungodly fear.

“… After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief - we’re not oblivious to his sly ways!”             II Corinthians 2:11 (The Message Bible)

…And Doubt Not

“Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not……” Matthew 21:21

Our limited concept of the miraculous power and authority of God can often be compared to that which was housed in the minds of the Biblical disciples. Although they had actually seen the demonstrated displays of Jesus’ power, the Bible states that they marveled and they seemed amazed with the rapid results of Jesus’ spoken words (Matthew 21:20).  What is even more interesting is the fact that Jesus declared, that after all that they had seen – they still lacked in their ability to understand who He was.  Most importantly they didn’t fully comprehend who TEYHEHHhhhhhHEY were because of their relationship to Him.  Jesus responded to their insecurities and named them “doubt”; informing the disciples that even though one has faith – doubt can’t be on board.

Today, we are often encased in that same “prison” of doubt.  Doubt has established invisible barriers around our minds and has prevented us from understanding and really grasping who we actually are in Christ.  We fail to experience the enormous amount of power that belongs to us simply because we permit doubt to: enter in……get a latte….. sit back and get comfortable!

So I present a challenge to you: Refuse to permit this spirit to control your actions any longer.  How is this done? By the continual process of “Identification and Eviction”.  Daily we must move in the confidence that is established in the Word of God.  Therefore, when doubt attempts to surface – acknowledge it; then cancel the effects of its power and evict it by SAYING the Word of God.  Don’t doubt yourself! …And especially don’t doubt the power of the

Word of God.  You must know and remember… If I can think it – (and it’s legal!) I can do it! 

When Jesus walked the earth, He did what no other person had ever done prior to His existence.  Why? To give to us the example that we have been empowered by our God to manifest on this earth what other gods of other religions can’t produce.  He was the living example FOR us, to demonstrate TO us, some of the things that we should be accomplishing.  However, we must rid ourselves of doubt.

Doubt comes to:

D – Destroy; O – Override; U – Upset; B – Bind; and to T – Threaten.  

To Destroy our dreams and hopes.

To Override God’s power and authority.

To Upset our foundation of faith that has previously been established.

To Bind us by limiting and forbidding our progress.

To Threaten us by making us presuppose the worst. (And then he (doubt) brings in his “roadie” FEAR!)

Make a conscience decision to actually DO what God has placed in your heart, mind and spirit to accomplish.  Come into an agreement with; and a oneness with the plans that the Lord has for your life. 

Refer back to the recorded story of when the people were attempting to erect the tower of Babel. The Bible said… and NOTHING shall be impossible for them because they are of one mind (Genesis 11:1-7). If we, as people can accomplish anything that we desire when we become “as one”….. can you imagine what would  result if we ever totally became  “as one”… and in total agreement with God (John 17:21)?

So, as of today make a conscious decision to… be bound… no more!  Be deceived ….no more. Take the limits off.  Send the spirit of doubt a memo by: Text, FB, Twitter or Instagram.  Inform him that all future performances have been cancelled!

Inform the spirit of doubt that as of today it is receiving an eviction notice – effective immediately. Now…. Begin to BOLDLY walk in your authority!

HALLELUJAH….. AND IT IS SO!!!!!!

Seedless Grapes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, in this season; let’s be more mindful of anything in our lives that does not have the potential to be productive; as well as to monitor what we are reproducing.

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

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

On your mark……Get set……WAIT!

 The waiting game!  For many of us, life seems to have given us a first class seat in this section of time called “waiting”.  We seem to always think that we are ready to advance to our next place.  We seem to think that we are focused and in the correct lane….we are disciplined and in the correct position ….yet we still haven’t heard the correct sound that signals us to move forward……so we WAIT.

Waiting is a word that’s familiar to everyone – across the board.  From the youngest infant to the oldest adult: the rich, the wealthy, the poor, the educated and unlearned – everyone has had their dealings with this thing called waiting. 

Although we don’t always view it as so, when we are waiting, we are actually saying, “I haven’t given up….. I’m still anticipating that something is going to happen”.

So as we wait in the physical realm; in the realm of the spirit our mindset must remain:

W - Watchful.  Maintain your attentiveness; stay on the lookout.  Don’t fall asleep! (I Peter 5:8)

A -  Active.  Mark time if you must – but do something! Don’t permit your spirit to become lazy.

                       (Proverbs 6:6)

I  -   Ideological.  Never allow your creative abilities to cease.  There are still new inventions to

                            be discovered!  Just because you are waiting in one area doesn’t mean that you  

                            can’t progress in other areas.  (I Corinthians 2:9)

T – Truthful .  Uphold your level of integrity in word and in deed.  Don’t begin to lower your

                        standards nor your expectations.   (II Corinthians 8:21)

So, against popular belief… the waiting game does have its positive aspects.  However, it’s our decisions and our expectations (or the lack of them!) that permit us to make lemonade from the lemons, rather than drink its juice and complain about its tartness!