When you give thanks.

"... and when He had given thanks... And they all ate and were satisfied..." Matthew 15:36-37 AMP

Until you give all, Thanks, to God for everything and anything good in your life, you will never be fully satisfied.

Be someone’s life changer

"What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27 AMP

It is because of your faith and love in Christ that makes you a vessel to share His good news, (love, kind words, encouragement, and faith - the way to salvation).  So, step out and share Him - be someone's life changer today.

Good soil

“Other seeds fell on good soil and yielded grain some a hundred times as much… some sixty times as much, and some thirty… As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the Word and grasps and comprehends it…” Matthew 13:8, 23

So… are you good soil?  Are you just reading the Bible, or are you truly reading the Bible?  When you hear the Word, do you just listen, or do you truly listen?  Reading and hearing the Word is one thing, but reading and hearing the Word is a whole new ball game. Make sure that you are letting the Word fall on good soil, (deep within your soul), then live the Word out loud.  Be a filter for God, and may you be the good soil that reaps more than your mind can ever imagine

A kingdom divided

"... Any kingdom that is divided against itself is being brought to desolation and laid waste, and city or house divided against itself will last or continue to stand." Matthew 12:25 AMP

Please, please, take this verse to heart!  Not only does it go for a kingdom, city, or a family, but it also goes for places of employment, church, any type of a relationship with another, and, most importantly, our individual selves.  We must first stand undivided within our souls, befoe we can stand undivided within a group, family, relationship, etc.  Therefore, you are either in with God, both feet firmly cemented in His Spirit, or your not.  There is no in-between.  We cannot follow Christ for only the easy parts that we choose, but we must follow Him through the hard parts, (not gossiping, tithing, giving, helping others, sickness, hurt, etc.). Although not always fun, choosing to be all in for God will always be fulfilling and blessed.

My friend, if you keep yourself firmly rooted in God, then you can handle any situation that comes your way.  However, if you keep your feet floating off the ground, then the next storm that comes in will eventually overtake you.  So, keep division out of your soul, and out of your life, and let those storms come in - they don't stand a chance when they come to you.

Good and God-approved...

“…For out the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Matthew 12:34 AMP

Whatever is harbored in your heart long enough will eventually come out by your actions and words.  Therefore, don’t allow wrong thoughts to stay in your heart, replace them with good and God-approved thoughts, and speak words of life and love.  Be the type of person that melts God’s heart by who you are and how you treat others.

The light will eventually catch up to the dark.

"So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known." Matthew 10:26 AMP

Secrets will only be kept secret for so long!  Somehow, someway they will eventually be made known.  Therefore, whatever evil you see, or do yourself, will only happen for so long before God will grab the evil-doer and bring him/her face to face with consequences that will leave him/her begging for forgiveness, mercy, and salvation; or leave him/her or begging for death, (the evil-doers will have to make that choice).

On the same note, secrets of goodness, kindness, mercy, selflessness, giving, hope, and LOVE will eventually be revealed in the light.  Therefore whatever goodness you do, or see yourself, will only happen for so long before God will grab him/her and pour out blessings that leave him/her thanking God for miracles that go beyond anything they've ever thought of, hoped for, or imagined. 

So, keep you secrets on the God-approved highway, and experience the victories and blessings that are showered upon your life from now to forevermore.  Praise God ... He is so good!

Be on guard!

"Be on guard against men [whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God]..." Matthew 10:17 AMP

Notice those whom you associate often with. What are their words and actions like?  Do they speak words of life to those around them (loving, gentle, patient, kind, helpful, positive, etc.), or do they speak words of death (negative, critical, harsh, offensive, repulsive, rude, etc)?  If you are around someone long enough, you should be able to pick up on signs. As well, God will give you warning signs of those whom you should keep your [heart and soul] distance if you ask Him. However, as a child of God and one called to be a light in a dark world, be careful not to alienate anyone because you think they are evil. Instead, make a point to speak words of life around them, and pray that they, too, will follow suit, and begin to hold themselves accountable for words and actions they shouldn't say or do.  BE a living example for them.  

My friend, you and I are called to make a difference in this world.  Even if it is to help only one person come to Christ in our entire lifetime, then that is what we should do.  Constantly ask yourself what your actions and words are like to those around you.  If they are anything less than God-approved, repent and change them.  This world needs us! God needs us to help change this world.  He wants every single person to end up in Heaven, and it is our duty to help make that happen.  So, keep your heart guarded at all times, but, always be forgiving and merciful.  Make a commitment to be a life changer for God!  Not only will you change the lives of others, you will notice blessed changes in your life - one right after the other, thanks be to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Take Courage

“… Take courage…” Matthew 9:2, 22 AMP

Jesus doesn’t tell us to wait on courage, hope for courage, pretend to have courage,  stand in line for courage… etc.  NO, He says to, Take courage!  Which means, there is more than enough for all of us.  So, instead of waiting for courage to come to you, stand up and take hold of courage yourself.  Yes, if you believe in Jesus, have faith that He can move mountains, then you have the foundation of courage already.  So, cement yourself in to the foundation of courage, and begin moving forward toward the life that God has waiting for you -  it is already yours, you just need to be bold enough to take it.  You can do it, my friend ~ go for it!!

 

One Touch

“He touched her hand and the fever left here…” Matthew 8:15 AMP

One touch from God will change and glorify your life.  So, press into Him and surrender your life over to His amazing grace, and let His touch heal your hurts, soften your heart, open new doors of opportunities, and bring you to levels you once thought impossible, even unthinkable.

Yes, my friend, when God touches your life, life will never fail you.

BELIEVE

“Jesus said, Go, it shall be done for you as you have believed…”

Matthew 8:13 AMP

When you have the faith to believe and know that God can do what the world tells you cannot be done, then what you believe and know will be done! 

Yes, my friends, BELIEVE, because it is truly amazing what faith in God can do for you.

Misconception and fallacy

“Beware of false prophets… you will fully recognize them by their fruits…” Matthew 8:15-16 AMP

Avoid being hasty, and do your research before you make decisions to trust someone who is offering you, so-called, opportunities of a lifetime.  Unfortunately, in today’s world there is a lot of purposeful misconceptions and fallacies taking place, so we must always be cautious before jumping into any life changing opportunity.  Our first steps should be to: take some deep breaths, ask God for direction, pray with all faith, do research, and then wait on God’s guidance.  If it is truly for you, then God will make sure it happens, and if not, He’ll make sure you pass it up.  

So remember to wait on Him, and let Him take control of your decision making. I guarantee that if you do, the opportunity of a lifetime will be one that leaves you filled with amazement, standing in awe at the miracle workings of the Lord our God. 

 

God's highway

“Enter through the narrow gate… the way is straightened and compressed that lead to life, and few are those who find it.” 

Matthew 7:13-14 AMP

Stay on God’s highway ~ Avoid any off-ramps of ruin.

Don't give in to sin!

"Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you into pieces." Matthew 7:6 AMP

Being the fleshly beings we are, when we truly desire something in our lives, and we want it to happen yesterday, we can easily come to a point where we give in and do what we feel we got to do to get it - even if it means falling into sin to get it.  We begin to think things like: This is my only chance; I've worked so hard for this moment; God knows my heart; and the list goes on and on. However, unless we take a big bold step of faith, and walk away from giving into sin, even if it hurts, then we've done committed the sin, and, guaranteed, there will be big prices to pay for it.  

Friends, when an opportunity of a lifetime comes your way, but you have to commit small (or big) sins to take it, then it really isn't an opportunity of a lifetime at all - it is an opportunity of death (destruction, bad endings, loss, and darkness).  Therefore, take the high road and walk away from an opportunity where sin is involved, and you can rest assure that God has a better one for you.  Plus, after He sees the strength you just showed by walking away, the one He has for you will be even greater than you ever thought of, hoped for, or imagined!!

Trust God, and walk away from falling into sin to get what you want!!

Keep on asking, seeking, knocking!

"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 AMP

There are a lot of times when we ask for something out of emotion, (excitement, depression, anger, joy, fear, doubt, etc.,), that is why I believe this verse tells us to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking, because once we settle down from emotion, we will probably realize that what we ask for is pretty darn absurd, (dangerous or damaging for our lives), and we will immediately stop praying for it.  If God were to give us everything we asked for the first time we asked, then we would surely want to give a lot of it back, right?!  However, when God sees and hears us continually asking, continually knocking, continually seeking, not only does it show Him that we are truly serious, but it gives us time to fine tune our wants into wants that are good and God-approved, and gives us time to refrain from wants that could damage, or hinder, our lives.

So, if you think that God doesn't hear you, or see your heart, He does!  He knows exactly what to give you!  However, before He does, He wants you to be asking, seeking, knocking for the same thing, otherwise you may not end up with the best for you life.  So, pray consistently about what you are asking, seeking, and knocking for, and I believe that you will get to a point where you know in your heart that what you are asking, seeking, and knocking for, is exactly what God wants to give you.  Then, it will be at that very moment, the moment you pray for what God has waiting for you, your wish will come flooding into your life, filled with His all-powerful light and blessing, and no forces of darkness will ever be able to take it away from you.  Praise God - Hallelujah!!

Judgement, Criticism, and Condemnation

“For just as you judge and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you (use to) deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.” Matthew 7:2 AMP

Judge and you will be judged!

Criticize and you will be criticized!

Condemn and you will be condemned!

Hence, put a lock on your tongue, work on your own faults and weaknesses, and let God take care of whatever judging, criticizing, and condemnations need to be taken care of; He is the only one that can do it without fault or failure anyhow.

 

Turn worry into prayer and praise

And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?” Matthew 6:27 AMP

Worry gets us nowhere, however, God gets us everywhere.  So, turn worry into prayer and praise, and let God take care of the rest!

Let your Yes be Yes and your No be No

“Let your Yes be simply Yes and your NO be simply NO; anything more than that comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37 AMP

A Yes or No question requires a Yes or No answer – period.  I do realize that explanations are required if asked by an appropriate individual/group, but unless Why is asked, try to keep your answer simple, (Yes or No).

Many of us, including myself, feel so obligated to explain ourselves, especially when we say No, because we want to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, or step on anyone’s toes; hence, we want to avoid any sort of uneasiness, or confrontation.  Unfortunately, our explanations are often a wee-bit exaggerated, which equals lying, which equals sin, which equals Satan getting exactly what he wants, which equals doing ourselves and our lives absolutely no good.  Lies (sin) cause damage, always end badly, and, most importantly, defy God and His Word.  Therefore, keep your Yes’s and No’s simple and sweet, and keep exaggerated explanations to yourself.  By doing so, you’ll keep the door closed to Satan and open to God, allowing the Light of the Earth to continually move through you, and pour His amazing grace, love, and mercy over your life now and forevermore.  Praise God!

 

It is written

“…It is written… “ Matthew 4:4,7,10

Want power, want confidence, want to kick the devil where it hurts?  Then we must read, pray, and meditate over the Word of God.  Like Jesus, we too can fight off all the powers and forces of Satan by verbalizing the Word of God when we come into temptation; sin!

Friends, the Word is power! The Word is force! The Word is true, and the Word will get you through all the forces of darkness.  When we repeat what is written in the Word over our lives, the Spirit comes and fills us, surrounds us, guides us, stops the devil, and brings His promises to life.  So, make it your first and foremost priority to pray always, read the Word, listen to sermons, become a regular at a Bible believing church, find someone to fellowship with… hence, power up your mind, body, and soul.  Then, you too, will find yourself stopping sin in its tracks, pushing darkness out of your life, and opening the door for blessing.  Yes, you too, will find yourself kicking the devil right where it hurts!!

Clean out the clutter and make room for God

"...Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct)... Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct)... " Matthew 3:2, 3 AMP

Clean the clutter, (sin), out of your life!! Take an inventory of your life right now, as a matter of fact, make it a point to consistently take an inventory of your life.  Mark it on your calendar to do it at certain intervals, (monthly, every quarter, every six months, etc.), so that you are continually working on you dark spots, (sin). In a sense, do it in order to make sure that you don't push your own self out of your own life; that you don't push the lightness out and become filled with darkness. I know that some areas are harder than others, but I guarantee that once God sees you sincerely trying to change, He will jump in and help you!  When that happens, your once thought unconquerable sin, will be conquered and left behind in the dust.

Friends, our main goal in life is to be trying to please God by abiding by His Words, worshiping Him inside and out, and letting Him guide every areas of our lives.  We should be trying to become more like Him everyday; loving, kind, considerate, compassionate, helpful, prayerful, honorable, light-filled, faithful, and genuine.  God isn't wanting us to follow Him so He can feel more powerful (as He is all powerful anyway), He wants us to follow Him so we can make a difference in this dark world; become a light for those in darkness, and become a living legacy of blessing to our family and friends and the world around us in general. He wants us to live with an eternal sense of joy and peace, and share it with others.  So, do something to change a dark spot in your life today, and do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, and see if your life doesn't open up; strength fills you, doors of opportunity start opening, lives start changing, and blessings start pouring around, and upon, you.  

Yes, God wants to shower you with so much love, blessing, light, and abundance, so help Him by cleaning out the clutter in your life so He can get through.

Healing in His wings.

"But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy." Malachi 4:2 AMP

Healing is in the worshipful fear of the Lord!  Therefore, live and worship unto Him with all that you are, and all that you have, and let His healing power overtake your life, so that you can gambol, (frolic, frisk, cavort, caper, skip, dance, romp, prance, leap, hop, jump, spring, bound, bounce), and leap for joy everyday for the rest of your life!  Praise God - Hallelujah!  

Yes, God is all we need when it comes to healing our mind, body, and souls! AMEN and AMEN again.

Do you want blessings poured out on you? Here's how...

“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the window of Heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 AMP

It is so funny to me that so many people refuse to agree with this verse.  I’ve heard it said over and over, “Churches only want your money”, and  I extremely disagree with that comment.  To me, churches are following the Word of God by reminding/asking their congregation to give the first of all their income because the Word says so; they are abiding by the Word, and we as followers, should be abiding by the Word as well, giving our share to our place of fellowship.

Now I know there is always bad seeds in good places, but, unfortunately, that is the world we live in.  However, for the most part, churches are doing their best to protect the Word of God, share it with their congregation, and expand the cause for Christ.  Why can’t we help?  Why must we find every excuse in the book not to give?  Well, I know why, and it is because of one thing, and one thing only: selfishness! Period!  So, if you happen to be in the group that has every excuse in the book not to give, then maybe it is time to get real!  If anything, just be honest and admit your selfishness and then you can skip all the excuses and nonsense.  I do ask, however, if you don’t agree with giving to the church, won’t you please consider giving to a cause, (worthy of God’s blessing), your first ten percent? Not only will it help others, but I can guarantee it will soften your heart and fill you with such a deep, comforting, joy that can never be taken from you.  Finally, for those of you that give, and give with a joyous heart, I commend you.  I know how difficult it can be to give at times, especially in times of lack, so your help is worthy of recognition and appreciation – Thank you, and God bless!

God bless you all!!

Walk your talk.

“… Yet you say, In what way have we wearied Him? [You do it when by your actions] you say… “ Malachi 2:17 AMP

Actions speak. Actions speak loudly. Actions are often remember – words are not.  Actions make differences in lives.  Actions can speak good, or evil, in the sight of another. Actions can restore a relationship, or destroy a relationship.

It is imperative that we hold ourselves accountable for our actions.  So, I believe that at the beginning of everyday we should make it our first priority to give ourselves, our words, and our actions to God so He can direct us and guide us in a way that others will remember, adore, and admire for many years to come.  Remember, we are called to be a light for Christ, and that should be our most important goal in life.  So, make a decision to be a life-changer for those in your midst; not only speak words of life, but make sure your actions back up your words - walk out your talk!  Become a living glimpse of Christ for those who can’t seem to get themselves out of the darkness.

Yes, YOU can make a difference, my friend!!  So, do it!!

Is God first or second in your life?

“… You say, How and in what way have we despised Your name? By offering polluted food upon My alter… Present such a thing [a blind or lame or sick animal] now to your governor [in payment of your taxes, and see what will happen].  Will he be pleased with you?”  Malachi 1:6-8 AMP

In today’s language, we can change the wording to, Would you move into a box when you could afford a mansion?  Would you give a total stranger the last of your food, and let your child starve? No, right!?  So, why would you give the Lord all of your extras, leftovers, used, and unwanted gifts, and/or tithes, when you know you could do a whole lot more?  Friends, God is not to be made 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th… last in our lives, He is to be made first.  He is to receive the first fruits of all that we have and all that we acquire including, but not limited to: money, materials, gifts and talents, love, time, honor, respect, etc., etc. It is time to hold yourself accountable for the attention, love, money, and respect you are giving to the Lord.  Are you giving Him the first and best part of you, your materials, your money, your love…, or does He come after all your selfish wants and desires; does He come in when it is convenient for you?  Until we make Him our number one in everything, then we will always live a second hand life.  Is that really what you want when there is so much more out there for you?

So, let me challenge you:  Begin to give God all of your firsts and bests of who you are and what you have.  I can guarantee that if you do, without wavering , you will begin to experience your life begin to change for the brighter, for the better, become more joyful, and surround you with a whole lot more love then you’ve ever known or felt before.

Give God your best, and He’ll do all the rest!!

 

Restoration

"... no oppressor, or demanding collector shall again overrun them, for now My eyes are upon them... even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you." Zechariah 9: 8, 12

Maybe in your past you have lost everything, or survived traumatic and hurtful events, or made big mistakes, or fell away from God, or, even, had no part of God, and now you are afraid to try again.  I'm at that point right now! Believe me, I know it can be scary to try again for something that didn't work before, (marriage, job, your own business, a new home, any type of life-altering decision, etc.), especially if you are at a place where you feel comfy, confident, secure, and can see the light before you.  However, God is a God of amazing second chances, third chances, fourth chances...a million chances, so settling where we are out of fear is not an option - we aren't called to just live a mundane life because it feels good, we are called to live a life of stepping out toward God where we feel He is calling us - even if we've done it before and failed.  We need to do it again!  If it doesn't work, then God will be there to put us in a position to step out again!  God isn't going to continually bless us while we sit in ease, thinking you have no more worries and goals to strive for.  No, if we do that, we may, (without meaning to), get to a point where our relationship with God becomes second-hand, lax, and even a point where we let our relationship with God fall to the way-side.  

For one, living in ease, with a sense of worldly security, isn't  living, and, second, that isn't really showing God that we trust, believe, hope, honor, and love Him.  Yes, God is a God of great abundance and blessing, but we, first, have to be children of great faith and hope in Him.  Therefore, if we feel something pressing on our hearts, and our relationship with God is continually getting stronger and stronger, then I believe we should go for it!! 

Yes, go for it!! 
Take that first huge step of faith!

From there, I believe that God will do the rest.  If stepping out in faith is truly a call from Him, then He will pull us forward further and further every time we take another step.  If it isn't Him, it is easy to realize, as whatever we step out to do will be full of frustration, and an anxious heart - that's when we step back in, and press into God. 

Well?  Are you ready??  I believe and faithfully know that I am!  It is time - today is a new day!  

SO... 

GET UP AND GO FOR IT!!

Like a precious metal

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested.  They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them.  I will say, It is my people; and they will say, the Lord is my God.” Zechariah 13:9

There are so many of us going through fires and trials that seem to get hotter and hotter with no end in sight; we find ourselves wanting to turn back and run away.  However, we must keep moving forward in complete faith, knowing that God is refining us like silver, and testing us like gold – what an honor!! Honor, you ask? Yes, because silver and gold are precious metals, which means, we are precious in His sight, and He doesn’t want us to settle for anything but the best, as well as, to become one of His most prized servants of all time.  So, take the heat with all boldness and fearlessness; and while you are at it, be joyful knowing that God has you in the palm of His hand, and your victory of victories is soon to come!!

 

Dwelling in security

“… and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell and sit securely in their own place… I will remove from the land the [false] prophets and the unclean spirit…” Zechariah 12:6; 13:2

Thanks be to Jesus, this verse reflects directly to you just the same as it did to Jerusalem in the Old Testament.  Although your life may be in turmoil, don’t give up, victory is coming, and the leader of the pack is God Almighty.  Yes, as a child of the Most High, you can relax in the midst of any turmoil, and know that God is working; He’s removing the enemy before you and ridding all the daunting spirits around you.  The more patient you are, the more secure God can make your life – thus, don’t rush Him.

So, hold on, let Him fight the battles before you! Before you know it, peace and security will illuminate and surround you like wildfire; and that is when you will know, that you know, that you know, it has to be God!!

 

What does God hate?

"And let none of you think or imagine or devise evil or injury in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oaths, for all things I hate, says the Lord." Zechariah 8:17 AMP

It is written, it is true, and it is plain as day: God hates evil, lying, and  devised schemes of hurt and pain. Therefore, we are to pray for those around us, lend a helping hand, encourage one another, promote peace and love, do good - be a sample of Christ!  

Now, I know It can be really tough to not want something, or do something, to someone you know is hurting another, (or hurting you), however, it is not up to us to take the revenge - that is between them and God.  So, kick the dust off of your heals with the liars, cheaters, haters, problem causers, and let God do the rest.  His way will drop them to their knees a lot faster then what we could ever do anyway.  Make it a priority not to become part of what God dislikes - you will be abundantly blessed for it.

So, starting today, encourage someone, help someone, pray for someone, do something good for someone, or stand up for someone who cannot stand up for themselves.  Be God's mighty child and show the world around you what a Christian is all about! Yes, it should be our honor to help others! As well, it is a demand and calling spoken by God Almighty himself. 

It's the small things that matter

“Who [with reason] despises the day of small things?...” Zechariah 4:9

Be careful of what you overlook in your life.  If you can’t be thankful for the small success’s, blessings, and abundances, then those big hopes and dreams won’t have a foundation to stand upon; which means, if you obtain the big success’s, blessings, and abundances you are hoping for, yet are unthankful for the small ones, then your much wanted victory may quickly crumble away.

Be thankful for the baby steps - they’ll keep you firmly planted in the future!!

Mountains crumble before you

“For who are you, O great mountain? … you shall become a plain [a mere ‘molehill]” Zechariah 4:6-7 AMP

As a child of the Most High, those mountains in front of you crumble in your midst!!