Friday, November 25, 2011

When Will You Start?

Ephesians 2:10
10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Back in Genesis 1:27 it says that man was made in God's image. And the apostle Paul notes that we are God's workmanship. We are His work of art. The animals were made but we are the only ones made in His image. He planted within us that which is in Him. He gave us not only His features, but the ability to experience emotions and most importantly, the ability to reason. We are the only mammals that have it. As a matter of fact, God created us to rule over all other creatures. Imagine that? He gave us power to rule within the earth. But what have we done with that power? Do you not know that if you are breathing, then you have a good work to complete? Sadly, many of us never accomplish the good work because we have no intentions to seek the Lord to find out what that good work is. The apostle Paul said God prepared it in advance. So each and every person on this earth has a purpose. But not being in Christ, delays the actualization of that purpose. In psychology, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs shows self-actualization (purpose) at the top once we have all the other needs met. But according to the word of God, seeking the Lord first satisfies those needs, including love, safety, etc. because He makes provision and He knows every need. The Lord downloads ideas, strategies, etc to not only have provision but to bring fulfillment. Why wouldn't He since He created the masterpiece of this world and everything in it? We can have all the other things and still have no sense of purpose. Our Lord is the great creator whom we call Elohim and He created all of us to complete something for Him that will give Him glory. When will you start?

P.S. Remember to check out my man V, Saturday on the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment at 8:30am CT, 2:30pm CT and 8:30pm CT! Also check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on www.Leapoffaithshow.com on Sun from 6am-10am ET and Mon-Wed from 6am-9am ET and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Everyday is to be Thanksgiving

Psalm 75:1
1We give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks, for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds.

The psalmist focused on giving thanks to the Lord for protecting the Israelites even when their foes were emerging. The psalmist was intent to rest in the presence and safety of the Lord. People could give testimony to the deeds performed by the Lord and His omnipresence. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many people will spend the day with family and friends and telling what they are thankful for. But what about the other 364 days of the year? Do we give thanks for each breath we take? For every second, minute, hour and day that we have someone didn't get. That's enough to say thank you everyday. Has the Lord blessed you with loved ones? Thank Him for sending them! When we need the Lord, all we have to do is call on Him. We don't have to worry about a blocked signal or voicemail. He'll listen and answer. Now the answer may not be what we want, but He will answer if we wait and listen. Hopefully, people around you give testimonies of just how awesome the Lord has been to them. Even if not, surely each of us can recount the times the Lord has been with us. Yes, it's wonderful that the U.S has designated a day to give thanks but the challenge is to recognize that everyday is to be thanksgiving. So as we spend time with our families, eating and being merry, start a new tradition. Let everyday be the day you and your family give thanks. And if you're already doing it, how many others have you shared your testimony with?

P.S. There will be NO MESSAGE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Would You Know Who He Is?

John 8:25
25"Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.

The validity of Jesus was being tested by the Jews. When he told them of what was coming regarding his whereabouts and what their lives would end in, they were bewildered. They wanted to know  who exactly Jesus was. But just as He said then, He is who's He's always claimed to be, God's only begotten son. How are we to view Jesus? We are to view Him with reverence, awe and love. For Jesus came to fulfill the law. The Lord needed to fully identify with us and in order to do so, He needed to live among us. If Jesus walked up to you today, would you know who He is? Or would you ask, who are you? Have you even been able to recognize the handiwork of Jesus? Or are you attributing everything to luck or other external factors? Jesus is the miracle worker. But we have to know who He is to recognize His work.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Call on the Lord

Isaiah 40:29
29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Are you tired? Call on the Lord! Do you feel weak? Call on the Lord! Are you feeling like you can't handle another curve ball of circumstances? Call on the Lord!  The Lord is the creator of heaven and earth. He gives us everything we need, sometimes even before we ask for it. The Lord used the prophet Isaiah to comfort His people, especially because of what was coming. Hezekiah was still king and Babylon had not yet captured the Israelites but God's people were battling the Assyrians. The Lord knew His people were tired. Hezekiah knew his kingdom was tired. They were tired of fighting. Hezekiah wanted to encourage his kingdom. But the Lord offered something that no one could. His strength and power. What can you do with the Lord's strength and power?  You can stand in the most challenging of circumstances with grace. You can have the power you need in order to make things happen that otherwise couldn't possibly be. The Lord can do everything but fail! But we have to learn to call on Him. We must know that without Him, nothing will be accomplished and long lasting. Call on the Lord!

P.S. A huge THANK YOU to all those that came out on Saturday, November 19th to the book signing at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore!