Monday, December 31, 2012

The Ripple Effect of Fear

Proverbs 29:25

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

King Solomon was clear on this. Too many fear man more than they fear God when God is the one who has ALL power. The proverb references another scripture which actually tells why the line of David was chosen to rule over Israel. King Saul, who was chosen by the people of Israel, was given instructions from God by the prophet Samuel.  But what did Saul say to the prophet Samuel about his sin?

1Samuel 15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the Lord's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them."

And Saul's sin nearly led to the destruction of the Jews nearly 500 yrs later if it were not for God placing Queen Esther's on the thrown to for the purpose of one heroic act. When God says not to do something, He does so for a reason. You may not see the "why" but as King Solomon pointed out, the one who trusts in the Lord is kept safe. When the Lord says to stay away from something it's because it's for your safety. The Lord is not trying to usurp your fun or being a mean dad. He cares enough about you and doesn't want to see you at an "unnecessary crossroad" that you don't have to endure if you would just hear Him and then take heed. Saul's sin actually numbered his days as king and for his family. Whenever you do something in this world whether it is good or bad, there is a ripple effect. The ripple effect touches everyone you touch and touches everyone they touch. So either you will either hurt yourself and others or you will make things better for yourself and others. Fearing man over God always puts you in an unpleasant situation.

The choice is yours.

P.S.
Remember to check out the relaunch of the Leap of Faith Show  Mon-Fri 6-9am ET on the Leap of Faith Network on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the new Get Your JOY In The Morning segments coming to you in 2013!!!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Real Treasure

1Thessalonians 4:3-6

3It is God's will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.

Many have no idea why what is being done is a problem other than they're told not to but no one sees the harm in it. So what's the problem? As detailed in the NIV Study Bible, "sexual sin harms others besides those who engage in it. In adultery the spouse is always wronged. Premarital sex wrongs the future partner by robbing him or her of the virginity that ought to be brought to marriage."

No you cannot change the past but what you can do is make a choice going forward for your future. If you know you are with someone that you do not wish to marry, are not supposed to marry because God said it was off or who doesn't want to marry you, why rob the person they are supposed to be with of something that God says belongs to them? Do you know you are robbing the one God has set aside for you that hasn't arrived yet? Do you know that each time you have sex with someone there is a transference of a spirit? If that person is not of the Holy Spirit you are opening yourself up to control and domination by things that are not of God? What's the problem you ask? The problem is that if you have been messed over so much by those who are not for you, when the one who is for you arrives, what's left? Will it be one who is whole? Or will it be one who has been torn apart by others and is so confused that they cannot let the one God has for them in? Believe it or not, Satan doesn't like true unity. True unity starts with God and then with one He has designed for you. But if Satan can get you off course, then you won't be united to the one God has designed for you. You'll miss it and can even mess it up if you have not been cleansed of what wasn't for you. What's the problem? The problem is Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Satan wants nothing more but to turn upside down anything that God desires. What God desires brings Him glory. Satan wants the glory just as he did when he was in heaven, which is why he was banished. So who will get the glory in your life? Who will be able to say "this is my creation." What "God" has put together no one can tear asunder but what is not of God, will fall. You are robbing you, your future partner and most importantly God of getting the glory from your life. How much longer must you rob yourself, your future partner and God? How much longer will desire to trust yourself in using your own devices to find happiness or rely on God, who already knows the end of the story and is there to help you so you have a great ending?

Let God remove the fake pearls so He can show you the real treasure He has waiting for you.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Meditate on Love

Psalm 48:9

9Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

The psalmist celebrated God's protection of Zion. The temple here in this verse does refer to a building. But did you know your body is also God's temple? How so? God created you did He not? He has also housed in you His Holy Spirit once you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. So then you are His temple. And in that temple you ought to meditate on His unfailing love. Tomorrow is the day designated that we celebrate the birth of Christ. Without Christ, we would not have a direct connection to God the Father and creator. Without Christ, there would be no Holy Spirit left to comfort us and direct us from danger. Without Christ, there would be no instruction on how we can live a life full of love because it was by His act of love that He stayed on the Cross to suffer and die so that He would resurrect and defeat death for the remission of our sins. It was by an act of love that God even sent Jesus to be born so that Jesus would live in the physical to fully identify with us. So if nothing else, THIS Christmas, meditate on Love. Meditate on God's love for you and just how PERFECT it is. Recognize that the greatest gift you have and will ever receive is the one and only JESUS CHRIST. Recognize that unless you know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, you really do not know true unconditional love. Meditate on Love..how it was demonstrated for you and then and only then can you recognize the love you have to offer to others and those who love you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!


P.S. Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Claiming It In His Name

John 16:2

2They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

It's amazing the level of wisdom Jesus gave to the disciples that they really had no idea. Besides the miracles and teachings, Jesus gave direct warnings. He warned the disciples about the type of natural disasters they could expect but also the behaviors and actions of people. Jesus knew people like no other because He and the Father created man and Jesus was sent to die for the remissions of our sins. He told the disciples that people were going to kill and claim that it would be in service to God. That's deep! But here's the important point Jesus makes in verse 3, anyone that does so doesn't know God nor do they know Jesus.  For anyone in law enforcement that is reading this message, this your biggest clue that anyone who tells you they killed someone because it was God's will or He told them to do it, you know that it is not of God. No matter what the cause, God is not in favor of anyone taking someone else's life to further their cause. In fact, that's playing God and He is not to be mocked as is said in Galatians 6:7.

Monday, December 17, 2012

If It Seems Off, It's Because It Is

Jeremiah 40:16

16 But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, "Don't do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true."

A whole army along with Johanan informed Gedaliah, who was appointed governor over the land by the king of Babylon, that Ishmael was sent to kill him. But Gedaliah didn't believe it. Even after the army had left, Johanan requested that he go and kill Ishmael personally to thwart the assassination attempt on Gedaliah. But as the Zondervan NIV Study Bible states, "Gedaliah's naive faith in Ishmael's integrity would cost him his life." Many see the warning signs that people are not who they say they are because their actions do not match up. But what about when one decides to ignore not only the warning signs given to them personally but to those warning signs given to those around them? An entire army knew something that Gedaliah refused to believe. Here's a thought. Not everyone is your friend that smiles in your face. Not everyone that wishes you well to your face is wishing you well behind your back. Some of those same people are hurling curses  upon your life and attempting to block blessings God has for you. Yes, there are those who may sit around you and follow you around all day but they aren't doing it to glean knowledge for their growth but rather to thwart what God has in store for you. Everyone that says they want to help you may not be helping you out of genuine love and concern but rather so you can be indebted to them and will do their bidding when called upon. Or like Ishmael, may actually seek your life. It can be the SWF Single White Female (movie of the woman who was so jealous she wanted to be her roommate) or simply one who seeks to snatch your blessings for their own gain rather than be content with what God has for them. How can you know for sure? It's called ask Jesus to make it plain and remove the scales from your eyes. But also that your receive the knowledge the Lord reveals to you. What good is it for the Lord to reveal if you aren't willing to receive it? When you ask Jesus for evidence, trust and believe that He will show you and know it doesn't take long. What you may find is the signs were under your nose the whole time. You were just sniffing the decoy clues vs the real ones. Do not be like Gedaliah. Trust that when something seems off, it's because it is off.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Real Talk

Good Morning Everyone,

There's nothing more uncomfortable than being in a  place you're not supposed to be or that isn't promoting your growth. That's why yesterday's message was exactly what it was. People will read about abuse in the news or on the internet but when it hits too close to home it's uncomfortable. When you are growing in Christ, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. How else are you going to mature to the person He has called you to be?  People not wanting to talk about or deal with these issues head on are exactly the reason these diseases of the spirit continue to fester and are passed on to innocent people. When you are dealing with Jesus, it's all cards on the table. He can see your hand anyway. So let's stop faking it everyone. Yes, this is personal for me but it's personal for a lot of readers as well. The problem, it's so personal it's stuck way back in the closet somewhere. Here's what I know, if you don't deal with the issues they will deal with you. 2013 is a new year and it's time to deal.



P.S. Remember to check out Church Beat Radio for Black Friday with J. Black on www.live365.com!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Problems Are Real, But So Is Jesus

Proverbs 18:15

15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

King Solomon spoke of the ability of one who can decipher between right and wrong and gain knowledge from it. Most importantly, those that are wise will seek the knowledge and hear it. Our scripture for understanding at church on Sunday talked about hearing and how hearing God will cause a response. Several years ago God spoke to me directly about not entering into something and I failed to hear Him. I failed to hear Him because the shackles of some things had me so weighed down that I refused to discern. As I stated to some earlier this week, being transparent is never easy but I know my testimony can help someone else. The Lord has forgiven me. Therefore; there is no condemnation. An interview I did last night on Live and Direct Radio with author and host, CL Reddon,  talks about what happens when one enters into a bad relationship and even how unresolved problems can play a role if one is not delivered and healed by the blood of Jesus Christ. These problems are making headlines right now and yes they are real, but so is Jesus. Here is the link to hear the broadcast:

http://www.spreaker.com/user/goclreddon/red_flag_relationships

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Have You Asked Jesus?

Luke 4:43

43But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent."

Jesus had just begun his public ministry for what would be only three short years. In that time He made a great impact in small towns. He was in a town and they attempted to keep Him there. Jesus had to remind them of His purpose and go forth. Jesus knew His purpose and walked in it. But if He came to experience life just as we did as was brought up in our Bible Study last night, then just as Jesus was created in human form to fulfill a purpose, so too were you and I created in human form to fulfill a purpose. Your purpose is not simply to just exist from day to day. But you were created to do something special. Did you know that? Each person has a God-given purpose. But what is it you ask? My question to you is, have you asked Jesus?


Just as the huge storm Sandy was rolling in I was attempting to text a congratulations to one who began to really drive forth in her purpose. But what I encountered was a surprise. The number had been changed but instead my divine appointment was with a woman who had a different testimony. She responded that she was not the person I was looking for but as God would have it, she was the person whom I had to encourage at that moment. She said something terrible had happened to her and if I wanted to know to call her. Now I must admit that at first I thought that was really special but not in the best terms. But the Lord said don't be afraid, but keep texting her. The more she responded to me the more I heard Jesus say she needed prayer. And yes, she knew Jesus as her Savior. So as she began to tell of her horrible accident many years ago that left her paralyzed she still seemed sad. The Lord said to pray over the spirit of depression so I began to do so. What happened next? As she continued to tell her story over text something was missing. The praise! The praise that Jesus had saved her life when the doctors said she wouldn't make it. She said she has tried to tell her story but no one wanted to hear. I said number one, tell it from a place of praise not weeping. People need to hear your story but if you are not telling it from a place of praise, no one can see the blessing. You have to see the blessing in it first. Have you written it down? She said no. And then the Lord brought to my lips, "do you know the Lord saved you from death for a purpose?" She said, "I wish I knew what that purpose was." I said, "Have you asked Jesus?" The answer was no. When we were done, she was in a new place and ready to ask Jesus why she was saved when the bullet she took was meant to take her out. I BLESS GOD for the divine appointment. Yes, it was still about purpose but to help one inquire of it instead of sitting in a spirit of depression because they couldn't find it.

Have you asked Jesus to reveal your purpose?


P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs for the re-launch of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network on www.leapofoffaithshow.com coming January 2013 and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Monday, December 10, 2012

A Change That Only Jesus Can Make

Galatians 1:23-24

23They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24And they praised God because of me.

The apostle Paul was writing for the purpose of addressing those who were attempting to bind the Gentiles with Jewish traditions as noted in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible. When Paul's authority was questioned, he gave his testimony. Many of you know that Paul's birth name was Saul. His background was indeed that of one well versed in Jewish teaching and had a hand in the stoning and death of Stephen.  After the stoning of Stephen, Saul went on a war path and received approval from the Sanhedrin to persecute those who followed "The Way" also known as Jesus Christ. Yes, the apostle that is known for writing a good portion of The New Testament was previously a murderer and actually sought the annihilation of followers of Christ. But God! Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus. It was on this road that Jesus made a change in Saul. Jesus changed Saul's name to Paul to reflect the NEW life he received in Christ.

When you see someone who is plagued with evil in their heart and you have sought to show them the way, understand that you have planted a seed but Jesus is the only one that can do heart surgery. Only Jesus can make the kind of change in a person who was once plagued with violence to one as gentle as a dove who seeks to help others. True change originates in the inside first and then on the outside. Anyone can look "brand new" or sporty. Saul was not seeking change. Jesus met him on the road thereby commanding the change. Saul still had a choice. He could have said no but the power of the Holy One was so overwhelming that it was "an offer he couldn't refuse."  Only Jesus can do a work in someone who is bent on creating hell in the lives of others. Only Jesus can truly change someone's heart to the point they are no longer who they used to be. You can't do it and continuously trying is only futile. You did what you were supposed to do. Let Jesus do the rest. When Jesus does it, it will be evident and only God will be able to get the glory.


P.S. Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Stacked Like a Deck of Cards

Habakkuk 2:10

10You have plotted the ruin of man peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life.

Judah suffered at the hands of Babylon. Though it was prophesied over and over by prophets of the Lord that Judah would be destroyed for its disobedience for a time, the destroyers themselves would be destroyed.  Babylon had no idea that it's conceited ways were being stacked against it like a deck of cards. The more cards stacked by destroying people and cities to add to it's supposed power, the more the Lord planned to deal and hand down punishment. Babylon is bondage whether then or now. Babylon doesn't have to be a physical place of bondage but can represent an emotional or spiritual bondage as well as people who incur bondage on others. Either way, any Babylon will be destroyed by the Lord's hands. Those who plot to put others in bondage have to answer to the Lord if they are touching one who belongs to the Lord. Our Lord is all knowing and all seeing. He knows what everyone thinks before they think it or even what they are going to say before they say it. The Lord is not a man that will tell a lie. When He says something will be destroyed believe it. When He says stop harming and using others, He means it. Babylon was proud and you know what the word says, pride goes before the fall.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Don't Let the Looks Fool You

1Samuel 16:7

7But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Samuel had been sent by the Lord to search for the next king of Israel. The people of Israel had chosen Saul. Saul refused to obey the Lord and the one whom the Lord sent. So the Lord decided that He would pick the next king. By the Lord picking the next king, he would not fail Israel, lead them astray and he would desire to obey the Lord. The people of Israel chose Saul based on his appearance. To them, he looked like a king. Samuel had to look past his judgements as well. Even if left to his own understanding, he would've chosen one of the other brothers. Samuel was not at the home of Jesse on his own accord. He was sent by the Lord and therefore he had to make the selection based on the Lord's understanding. And indeed our Savior comes from the root of David. David's heart truly desired God and to serve His people. Though based on his height, he would've been ruled out as king, but his heart was big.

We judge books by their covers everyday. But focusing on the looks instead of focusing on what's in the heart can prove to be a train wreck. Don't let the looks fool you.  When you fail to see beyond the surface, you get Saul. How do you get a David rather than a Saul in any situation? It's a simple answer really.  Consult the Lord. The Lord will tell you what to look for through the Holy Spirit. He will show you how the person treats others. He will show you their actions but most importantly, He will show you their heart, the compassion and eagerness to help. He will show you their disposition whether it be sunny or not. Don't let the looks fool you. Everything that looks good isn't good for you. The apple on the tree looked good to Eve but we know it was a disaster and Jesus had to be sent to redeem us. It's one thing to look like a king but it's quite another to have the servant heart of one.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

What Kind of Price Tag?

Psalm 36:7

7How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

What kind of price tag can you put on love? Many think that love can be bought with money. It cannot be so. If it's bought and sold for money, it's not love. We are all entitled to true love. The truest love there is, is the love our Heavenly Father has for us. He gave up His Son. Jesus willingly shed His blood. Anyone can seek God no matter what their stature in life. He makes himself available and known to all who sincerely seek Him. He freely gave us Jesus and the Holy Spirit because He desires so much to be one with us. Who else is willing to hear the silent cries of your heart? Who else can give you peace when it seems there is no place to retreat? Who is the doctor in the sick room when you shouldn't have been able to walk?  Who can hide you from your enemies when it seems they are all around you? Again, what kind of price tag can you put on love? When you need a hug, He sends one with loving arms to greet you. When there is danger lurking He gives you the signal to go the other way. Again, what kind of price tag can you put on love?

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Rejecting the Truth

John 12:37

37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

Have you ever known someone to refuse to believe something even though they've seen it with their own eyes? Have you ever noticed they may even attempt to explain away what they saw? Denial of truth is a very serious phenomenon. We see it all the time. People are staring the truth right in the face but instead of acknowledging it, just don't want to see. How can you refuse a truth like Jesus? Or even a truth Jesus places in front of you? Jesus said it was because their eyes were blinded. Per the NIV Study Bible, God had blinded their eyes because their hearts were hardened. A hardened heart is one that is not easily penetrated, unfeeling, closed, harsh, severe or resentful according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. So what truth has Jesus given to you? Have you accepted it? Or have you like the Jews continued in your unbelief? What more does Jesus have to show you before you are willing to accept what He's showing you? How many more confirmations do you need to see? How many miracles does Jesus have to perform before you understand that He is real and we worship a living God? How many more times does He have to pull you out of a mess to understand He has the true direction for your life? When you get it, you'll really get it. Jesus was rejected on that cross for us. How many more times are you going to reject the sacrifice He made? How many more times are you going to reject His love? How many more times are you going to reject His protection and direction for your life? How many more times are you going to reject the truth?

Friday, November 30, 2012

Set on a Path

Good Morning Everyone,

No this is not a typical message. God has changed the direction. Today is about a testimony of being set on a path and giving away roses to those that deserve them.

You've read the thank yous I've given to my pastor, Rev. Medric C. Mills, III, assistant pastor, Prophetess Melvinia Williams and my church family recently. But there were others who God has used to put me on the path that would lead to the email devotionals and book Get Your JOY In The Morning! Those of you who have the book know I said I ran from God. Many of you don't know how.

The summer of 2006 I was asked to help out with Vacation Bible School (VBS). I agreed. I was hoping to be placed in the kitchen for dinner duty or the clean up crew. But no, I was placed with the teachers. The first day I knew something was happening in the atmosphere I just didn't know what. I kept saying, "God I feel like you're about to do something drastic but I just don't get it. Something feels really weird." Sure enough, I received a call from the church while at work the next day to say I had to take over the VBS fourth grade class because the teacher had a sudden leave of absence. Panic attack and high anxiety ensued me.  A minster at the education company I worked for, Letita, was there to calm me down. She laughed at me and said, "Get ready because you're being set on a path."  If you all could've heard the self-talk going on in my head at that moment; I was literally crying inside. I kept saying to myself, "What path? Are you serious? Is this a joke? If it is, God, it's really not funny! I knew you were doing something but did you have to do this?"  Letita continued to tell me that she was set on path to teach in a similar way. Truthfully, I didn't really want to hear that. I just wanted to hide. I got through VBS but had no idea it was just a set-up for the call I would received less than two months later.

I remember the day Mrs. Esther Marsh, a principal of Christian school and once head of the nominating committee of a former church, left me a voicemail saying I had been nominated to teach children in Sunday school. Personally, I thought she had the wrong number. I called back and made every excuse in the book for why I couldn't teach. Mrs. Marsh mentioned that everyone took notice of how I handled taking the reigns of the fourth grade VBS class. Like I said, I was set-up! She asked me to pray on it so I did. I was praying that God would change His mind.  Now many of you are thinking, "you worked at an education company so this isn't far fetched."  For years I wanted to work at that particular education company in Baltimore but not as a teacher. I wanted to be in the marketing department. God granted the desire of my heart. There I met a wonderful educator, Mrs. Jerrelle Francois also known as former Commissioner Francois. Ms. Jerrelle, as many of us loving call her, has been an educator for over 30yrs of young children and young adults. She really has the heart of a teacher and mentors many. I went crying to her about what I should do hoping she would tell me I wasn't equipped for it so I could be let off the hook. My hopes fell short. Ms. Jerrelle said, "It's an honor to teach and they're asking you to teach young children. It takes a special person with a lot of energy to keep up with young children. They nominated you so they see something in you."  I love you Ms. Jerrelle but at the moment, I wasn't really happy with you because it wasn't what I wanted to hear. That night I was on my friend, Pastor Atiba's, Bible study conference call and he was teaching on Isaiah 58 and how people ask God for things yet don't want to help meet the needs of others. At the end of the study he said a key phrase, "when you meet the needs in the body of Christ, God will meet your needs."  At the time I was in need of something. And it hit me God had a need and I needed to answer Him.

What does any of this have to do with Get Your JOY In The Morning? Well, God placed me at that particular branch of Zion at that time to bring out of me what I didn't realize was in me, the ability to teach. Three years later, the daily devotionals, which teach God's word through writing, came to pass. To every name I have mentioned in this testimony, I love you and I give you a rose in the spirit to say thank you. The path God has set for each of you reading this is a unique one. It's your path and as much as you may try to run like I did, I hope you see that you can run but you can't hide from God. He will continue to poke and prod away at you til you move on the path He has set for you.


P.S. 
The Leap of Faith Show and the Leap of Faith Network will relaunch in January 2013 so get ready for new music, topics and Get Your JOY In The Morning segments!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Life Lessons

2Kings 11:1

1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.

The royal family was actually that of David's line. After Ahaziah's death, David's family reclaimed the throne just as God promised David shortly after he became king. It was not just a promise to David but it was for our sakes because Jesus was from the line of David. Ahaziah had been king for only one year and was 22 when he reigned. He and his mother were descendants of Ahab. Do you remember Ahab? Ahab was the king who was married to Jezebel. Jezebel did not serve God but worshiped Baal (another term for Satan). Ahab allowed Jezebel to take control when he refused to speak up for himself and murder an innocent man. Jezebel also threatened the life of Elijah the prophet. Ahab who said he served God served Baal to keep Jezebel happy. She used her position as his wife and the one he slept with to control him and obtain what she wanted. She was a king's daughter also. The idea of whatever she wanted she would get. Hence the Jezebel spirit was born for those of you that have heard the term.  As the Word says in 2 Chronicles, Ahaziah walked in the ways of the House of Ahab and his mother encouraged his wrong doing. The same people who advised his father advised him and as the Word says it was to his undoing. Ahaziah's death put Athaliah at a place that she thought she would reclaim her family's position herself but no one can thwart the plans of God.

What does this story mean for you? There are at least four life lessons from this incident.  First, parents are supposed to encourage their children to walk the right way, the ways pleasing to God and teach them. If parents refuse and the sons and daughters decide they don't want to know God, it's to their own demise. Second, here's a classic case of generational problems and the spirits that can exist in a family. The only way out from under them is to serve God with a whole heart. Third, whatever in your life that is not of God MUST GO, including people. It's not just for your sake but for the sake of those you are responsible for. Ahaziah as a king surrounded himself with the wrong people and that's a bad choice. Fourth, what God puts in place will not be thwarted by anyone. One can attempt to delay it but know that anyone who fights God is in a losing battle. God is sovereign, meaning He has ALL power and authority.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

What Spirit Is It?

Mark 5:9

9Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"

Jesus and the disciples had just entered the region of Gerasenes when a man possessed with a demon addressed him. When one refers to the spirit realm please note there are many spirits. The Holy Spirit is not the only spirit that exist. The problem is just as the Word says in Hosea 4:6, we perish from a lack of knowledge. Not only are there other spirits besides the Holy Spirit but just as the Holy Spirit can dominate someone, so too can another spirit. Anything other than the Holy Spirit is an evil spirit. Yes, Halloween is real folks and it's not a game. The door to these other spirits is the sin in one's life, innocently worshiping those things that are not of Christ, a severe neediness to fill a void in one's life, as well as generational issues that folks have not been delivered or set free from. The closer one gets to Jesus in their walk of faith, the more these unclean spirits will be revealed and can be removed. There are many who don't even know they are carrying them. But the biggest thing is to know what spirit is in operation. Believe it or not, God has given us that ability through discernment. Every person who calls Christ their Lord and Savior has been given a level of discernment. Discernment in the simplest form is to determine right from wrong or good from evil. Some have more of it than others. It's important to understand because everything that looks right with the natural eye may not be right when looking from spiritual eyes. Too many in the body of Christ have been walking around with their spiritual eyes closed and/or underdeveloped. The Word of God is for real and is just as true today is it was when it occurred and was written. King Solomon said himself in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing new under the sun. So what is in the Word of God is common to man. Stop taking the Word of God as just a good story-telling piece and really look at it from an instruction/teaching guide for your life. That way, when you encounter those spirits that are not holy, you can easily call them by name.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

It's Beyond You

Proverbs 15:27

27A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.

King Solomon gave so many tidbits from the Lord that we can hold close to our hearts. When many engage in greed they usually cannot see past themselves at the moment and/or the family is used as the excuse to engage in it. But what many fail to understand, every action one takes is beyond just them. It also has the ability to effect each person's lives they touch. How so? The NIV Study Bible gives reference to Achan. Do you know who Achan is? Joshua had become the leader of  the Israelites after Moses died. The Lord had given Joshua the command for him and the Israelites to overthrow Jericho. The Lord gave specific instructions that no one was to take any gold possessions or such. Achan did. He did and thought no one knew. Israel was seen as a corporate entity overthrowing the land. When Joshua was leading the group to defeat Ai, they were defeated. Joshua couldn't understand what happened.  The Israelites had always defeated their enemies. When Joshua inquired, it was then that the Lord revealed someone didn't heed the Lord's instructions. Joshua had to confront the whole group to see who would confess. Achan finally did. And he and his whole family perished. So not only did he effect the entire unit he was part of, his family suffered for his mistake. God always sees and always knows what each of us does even when no one else can see. God may not bring it to light at that moment but eventually He will. But as the Word says, if you operate with the premise that bribes will do you no good, you don't have to worry about anything. Accepting bribes are the result of greed and wanting more than what the Lord has released to you. But the price you pay and those around is far greater.


P.S. Remember to checkout the Tuesday Top 10 Countdown on Church Beat Radio at www.live365.com!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Rebels Without A Cause

Psalm 2:2

2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.

New leadership was put in place by the Lord and the nations rebelled. The Zondervan NIV Study Bible puts it as plain as it gets, "to rebel against the  Lord's anointed one is to rebel against the One who anointed him." This may hurt but when leadership is placed over you it's for a reason. And to not heed or respect the leadership placed over you by the Lord is to say that you do not respect the Lord himself. The Lord's Anointed One refers to Christ as well as any earthly leadership placed over you. The Word says in Psalm 2:1 that those who conspire against the One the Lord appoints does so in vain. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you don't have to respect it. God is not concerned with if we like it or not. what He is concerned with is His will being carried out. As the Word says in Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. There are many who disregard God's will and do not understand that God's will covers everything we can't and don't want to see. When a new president is elected, respect it and get with the program. When a new supervisor is placed over you, respect and get with the program. When you have a new leadership in the church, respect it and get with the program. When you have a new step-parent/parent, respect it and get with the program. Rebelling only causes more headache and wasted time for you. The leadership is not leaving so unless you plan to leave the country, the job, the church, organization or get your own place, you must follow the leadership. And if God hasn't told you to do so, it's still out of order. Why do you rebel? What is your cause? Is it really honorable or is it about your personal feelings?

P.S. Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Friday, November 23, 2012

The Price Is Never Right

Genesis 14:22-23

22But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God most High, Creator of heaven and earth and have taken an oath 23that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a threat or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'

Abram and his men defeated Kedorlaomor king of Elam and the other kings allied with him who had invaded Sodom and taken Abram's nephew Lot captive. The king of Sodom had offered Abram a deal by where if Abram gave up his men to him, he would be allowed to keep a great deal of possessions. Abram declined. He said he would only eat and share that which his men ate of. Abram knew that by taking anything from the king of Sodom he would be put at his mercy. Abram who just finished fighting for the freedom of his relative, realized that being at the mercy of another because of silver and gold was a high price to pay.

Entering into deals for the sake of anything comes with a price. The actual price versus 'retail' price, what is said something is going for, is often completely different. Once the transaction has taken place, the actual price is often revealed. In reality, the price is never right. Abram chose to be at the mercy of no one other than the Lord. The Lord is the only one who has true power to give and take what it is that He provides. Man has no real power other than what is allowed by the hands of the Lord. Yes, even Satan is limited in what he can do. The problem is many perceive man to have more power and that is why transactions that ought not take place actually do. Abram saw far enough down the road with God's wisdom that the price would never be right. What about you? Were you given a retail price versus an actual? Did you find out that the price is never right? Like Abram, you have a choice. Be at the mercy of our Lord who has ALL power, or be at the mercy of man who has limited power. The man with limited power can only sustain it for so long. And as we know later what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, God destroyed them both.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Still Thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Eve and unfortunately, my family is laying to rest my cousin who lost her battle to ovarian cancer which spread to her throat. Many of you are not aware that in the middle of the rewrites for book #2 I was making hospital visits. The visits were not just for one cousin but for two on the same side of the family in the same hospital. One cousin overhearing the cries of another and praying for who they thought was a stranger. God revealed through other family members that it was indeed a relative. One returned home safe and sound after two surgeries and for this I am still thankful.  The other continued to fight. I spent time ministering through song, praying and praising God with my family and just talking with them. But one Wednesday night as I stood in the middle of the Giant, the tears began to fall because I could feel what my pastor said. There was an urgency. I began to feel the life of my cousin slipping. God granted myself and another family member favor that we were allowed in past visiting hours to encouraging my cousin. She was alert and she knew we were there. She died the next morning. Does it hurt? Yes. But the peace I have is that she really accepted Christ so I know I will see her again. For that, I am still thankful. We have yet another cousin battling breast cancer on the same side. I had an option to attend an event but I felt in my heart that I needed to just spend time with her so she knows that family cares and is pulling for her recovery. She is very positive and believes God can heal. And for this I am still thankful.

If you can encourage the whole world but can't encourage your own family, there is indeed an imbalance. I am thankful to my church family for ALL they have done and continue to do to support me and my family through this time. I am thankful to the friends who have been praying and are still praying for my family. I did not post any of this information on facebook, twitter, etc previously because I did not want it to be for attention sake. The Word says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 that we are to be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. So I am still thankful.

Monday, November 19, 2012

The Importance of Listening

Matthew 2:13

"When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

It was important for Joseph to heed the instructions of the angel of the Lord because lives were at stake as well as the salvation of the world, though Joseph was unaware. The objective of Herod was to terminate and keep Jesus from living out his purpose. Our instructions from the Lord may or may not be as life threatening but it doesn't mean the importance of listening is any less. When the Lord says to stay put, do so. And when He says to move, do so. You may not fully comprehend why at first but at the proper time, the Lord will reveal why His instructions were necessary. Here's an example:

One day last week as I awoke, the Lord told me through the Holy Spirit to do something. I, trying to please man rather than listen to God, attempted to do the opposite. My reasoning for attempting to please man though honorable, was still yet misplaced. In doing so, the result I was hoping to obtain did not manifest. So instead I had to regroup and still ended up doing what the Lord said to do. Time, energy and resources had been wasted to achieve a result that God did not ordain. In the end, I understood the lesson. Yes we all make mistakes in not listening but it's better to get the lesson early and regroup before it's a life or death situation (physically or spiritually) or an abortion of purpose.


P.S.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Don't Contaminate Your Home

2John 1:11

11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.

The apostle John addressed a particular Christian woman in Asia whose children were also members of the church. He reminded her of the commandment to walk in love and to continue to follow the teachings of Christ. During that time teachers traveled around. And when they came to a town they needed food and shelter. The problem was that not everyone was a teacher of Christ. Some claimed to be but were in actuality false teachers. The apostle John warned the woman not to bring into her home those who bring false teaching. As the apostle John said to house and feed one you know is a false teacher is the same as sharing in their wicked work.

The threshold of your home is sacred. Peace, love and the truth of Christ are to reside in your home as the owner of the house reflects the spirit of the house. But when you take in those that you know care not to bring the truth of Christ but rather false teachings for their own sake, you contaminate your home and even your own spirit. Not only do you contaminate your home but as the apostle John states, your welcoming of such gives approval to the work and false doctrine they are spreading. Christ said himself that everyone who cries Lord, Lord is not of Him. So this is where your discernment of the truth of Christ comes in. We are to test the spirit by the spirit as the apostle John said in 1John 4:1. And if the Lord has told you something is not right, then know that it is not. To continue to do so is a disregard for the efforts Christ made to spread truth and the sacrifice of love He made that you may know and live in the truth.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Imitator

Proverbs 14:6

6The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

A mocker is one who imitates but not out of adoration but out of contempt. A mocker will seek wisdom first and foremost for the wrong reasons. Remember God knows the heart and that's exactly why when a mocker seeks wisdom they are unable to find it. Their eyes and heart are blind to truth. Why? Because they do not wish to really hear from God. Their motive is to misuse God's wisdom. But one who truly desires to know God, hear from God and follow God will find what they seek. Mockers come in all forms but most importantly you should know them by their fruit. The lack of wisdom and knowledge of a mocker will be reflected in their actions. The contempt they have for God's wisdom will be reflected in all their undertakings though they think to be wise in their own eyes. But no matter what they do, the heart of contempt is at the center. One who truly desires God, who possesses all wisdom and knowledge, will at the heart of every action or undertaking seek the Lord. The actions of the imitator will come to light sooner or later.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Believing It Is Possible

Acts 14:8

8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked.

The crippled man had never known what it was for his feet to be flat on the floor and to take steps. He never knew the sensation of walking yet the Word says that he listened to Paul speak. The Word says that Paul looked directly at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. There was absolutely NO EVIDENCE for the crippled man that he could walk. Yet deep down he believed it to be possible. And because he believed, it was made so. That's the definition of faith! There's no evidence but to believe in your heart of hearts that God can do it though you can't see it is faith. How many really have that kind of faith? Were you ever told that you would never walk again? Were you ever told that you wouldn't live? Were you ever Were you ever told that you would have no use of your arms again? Were you ever told that you would never have something, be something or the like? Where are you now? What has God done? What you receive, what you are able to do will be according to the faith you have that Jesus can do it. Believe it is possible.


P.S.
Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network Monday-Friday from 6am-9am ET on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

It's All About God's Wisdom

Proverbs 16:16

16How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!

Many would not agree with King Solomon's statement. But within his own life, King Solomon demonstrated the principle. When King Solomon took over the thrown from his father David, he prayed to God and asked for what? He asked for wisdom on how to lead the kingdom. And what was the Lord's response? Because this is all you have asked for I will grant you even greater. God's wisdom expands beyond money and wealth. Many people, including Queen Sheba were impressed with the wisdom given to King Solomon by the Lord. And because of the wisdom, men and women gave generously of their own wealth to King Solomon. In Proverbs 17:16 the Word states Of what use is money in the hands of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? So if you do not seek God's wisdom's, running after money will do you no good. You will loose it all anyway. But if you seek the wisdom of the one who possesses everything, the Lord Almighty, then He will teach you what you need to know, how to live a peaceful and loving life in Him, equip you to help others and give you the ideas that will generate wealth in and for the kingdom of God. Anything apart from the Lord is temporary. So if anyone has obtained money without God's wisdom, rest assured, just as the Word says, it's in the hands of a fool.


P.S.
Remember to check out the Tuesday Top Ten Countdown with DJ Ambermay on Church Beat Radio on www.live365.com!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Will You Do It?

Matthew 8:19

19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

As the NIV Study Bible notes, a teacher of the law was one who taught tradition. Many say they are followers of Jesus. So what about when Jesus tells you to break from tradition? Will you do it?  Many like the tradition or ritualistic routines they have come to know. But Jesus was not about tradition. He let the Pharisees and Sadducees know this whenever they questioned Him.  What about when Jesus tells you to take the road no one else wants to travel? Will you do it? What about when Jesus says you must lay something down that everyone else thinks you must pick up? Will you do it? What about when Jesus sends you into the desert? Will you go? There is a cost to following Jesus. The cost means that your life is  no longer your own.  It means your life really belong to God to do as He chooses.  It means that your future is not just a hit or miss but that you begin to live in purpose on purpose as God has destined. Most people like the purpose part but there's a lot you have to do and go through to get to the purpose. Getting to purpose means shedding the junk, the tradition, the fear, the reluctant and disobedient behavior that caused you to be on the wrong road or the road you thought you were supposed to be on in the first place.


P.S. Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Monday's on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Speeding Up the Inevitable

1Samuel 31:4

4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me." But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it, so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.

King Saul had been in battle with one of Israel's nastiest enemies, the Philistines. King Saul was at an  important place of decision for both him and his people but had no clue what to do. He sought the Lord but no matter where he looked, he could not see God. When God was speaking to King Saul previously, he didn't want to listen. God was tired of talking and not being heard and obeyed. So He remained silent. Do you ever want to be in a place where you cannot hear from God? The Philistines were known for their vicious and tortuous ways. King Saul was already warned that he and his entire family would be defeated at the hands of the Philistines and would die.  At the time King Saul was struck during battle, he already knew his end was near. Instead of dying at the hands of the enemy, Saul was prepared to speed up his own death. He charged his armor-bearer, one sworn to protect the king, even to the point of death, to kill him. But how could his armor-bearer kill the one he swore to protect? The only way out from being humiliated by the Philistines was to do the job himself. King Saul opted for self-destruction rather than the unsightly acts he would endure from the enemy. King Saul refused to give his enemies more of the upper hand than they already had. So Saul decided to speed up the inevitable. God wanted Saul off the throne and Saul did all he could initially to keep it from happening including attempts on David's life. His disobedience set that in motion.

When God has made up His mind that your actions will cause a definite end, what would you do? Would you fight God's choice even at the hands of harming the innocent? Or would you do what God desires of you that will still cause an end to what God wanted you to end? Either way, God will cause an end to what he wants ended. It will be done the easy way or the hard way. The choice of which way is always put in your hands.

P.S.
Remember to checkout my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show Mon-Fri from 6am-9am ET on the Leap of Faith Network at www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Monday, November 5, 2012

The Stakes Are High

John 11:49-50

49Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was a high priest that year, spoke up, 'You know nothing at all! 50You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."

The high priests were the final decision makers in the plot to kill Jesus. Just a few short verses above, the high priests admitted to Jesus performing the miraculous signs. But the fear was that everyone would believe in Jesus and then they would lose their good standing with the Romans. Rome was the ruling government of the area the Jews occupied. Per the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Caiaphas had no concern for Jesus' innocence. His main quest was to get the group to see that Jesus needed to be scapegoat to keep their own agenda afloat. But Caiaphas really didn't not understand the words which he spoke. Yes, Jesus was indeed to be sacrificed so that no one else would perish but not for the reasons he assumed. The agenda of the high priests was to keep their political standing and position. The stakes were high for the high priests. They were high because to go on with their charade of "power" someone had to look guilty. But later, scripture says Jesus withdrew.  Jesus still went to death on the time frame that God had designated, not man.

Many people have agendas but when an agenda consists of finding a scapegoat for the sake of saving face like the high priests, it's a dangerous mission. Especially if the scapegoat is innocent. How many times have missions such as this backfired? The high priests' own greed for power led them to do what they did. But in the end, they still lost. One's own agenda of power at the cost of others is not only setting the stakes high but also a sure way to fall.


P.S.
Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Grandstand Affair

Luke 15:29

29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

I love how God does not waiver when He says there's a message. The brother was jealous of the wonderful treatment his younger brother received. Understand that anger may be the first emotion but there was something else there. Jesus gave the parable of the Lost Son or Prodigal Son. Jesus was also talking about the older brother's anger as a metaphor to the anger the Pharisees had. They "obeyed" the laws of Moses but were not receiving the same welcome Jesus was receiving or at least no longer receiving it. God does not like "grandstanding." A couple of weeks ago God had me watch an episode of the Justice League cartoon. The episode was called  Chaos at Earth's Core. One superhero was jealous of Supergirl's popularity and gifts while they were in Japan fighting an enemy. So instead of working together, the superhero decided to "show off" what she had. Yes, the enemy was defeated but the Justice League members were not working together as a team. She later commented to Green Lantern, much like the older son, why Supergirl had all the fans, people wanting her autograph, etc. Instead of looking at what gifts she was given, she focused in on Supergirl's status and why she didn't receive the same favor.

God gives what He decides to give and when He decides to give it. He is sovereign. He can do what He wants to do. To focus in on why you are not where someone else is gives exactly the same level of contempt the Pharisees had for Jesus and what the superhero had for Supergirl. The Pharisees' jealousy turned to plotting what they thought was Jesus' demise. The superhero taking delight in watching Supergirl suffer. Same spirit. The spirit is jealousy. It's the same spirit the older brother had toward the prodigal son. There is no place for a grandstand affair in the kingdom of God and neither is it of God. Just like Green Lantern pointed out to the other superhero, it actually takes energy away from fighting the real enemy.

P.S. Remember to checkout J. Black for Black Friday every Friday on Church Beat Radio on www.live365.com!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Stretch

Luke 6:10

10He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was completely restored.

It was the Sabbath and the Pharisees wanted to know if Jesus would heal anyone. The Sabbath is a day of rest and to recognize the rest the Lord took even in His own work to create the world and everything in it. The Jews were to adhere to the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy and to do no work. We as followers of Christ are to do the same but often do not. The Pharisees were looking for an excuse to accuse Jesus of not following the law. Jesus already knew and therefore decided to heal a man anyway.  What is important to note is that Jesus gave the man specific instructions. He told him to "stretch." Why is stretching important? The man had to do something in order to receive his healing. The man had to make a conscious effort to take action in order to receive the result Jesus wanted to give him. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines 2stretch as 1) an act of extending or drawing out beyond ordinary or normal limits 2) a continuous extent in length, area or time 3) the extent to which something may be stretched 4) either of the straight sides of a racecourse.  Drawing out beyond ordinary limits is what Jesus used to push the man to what he desired which is healing. If you want to be healed, you still have to do something. What is it that you want? More importantly, what is it that Jesus wants to give you? The only way you can receive it is if you stretch toward Jesus.

P.S. Thank you for patience over the last few weeks as I was working on rewrites for my second book, Shh...Don't Tell: Journey of Survivors. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show Monday-Friday 6am-9am ET on the Leap of Faith Network at www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Let the Miracle Speak for Itself

25"Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

When the Lord wants to bring someone to a place of faith, He will sometimes use a miracle in the life of those who believe and allow the unbeliever to be a witness. A miracle cannot be explained by human action or effort but by the supernatural ability of God. Miracles whether performed in the Old Testament or New Testament served the same purpose.  King Nebuchadnezzar had pagan beliefs. Daniel's friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had been thrown in a fiery furnace for not worshiping the king of Babylon but rather the Most High God. They were willing to perish than to sin against God and worship anything or anyone else but Him. Because they were faithful, the Lord showed up. He showed up in the middle of a hopeless situation to prove that He is God. He showed up in a hopeless situation to show the king who the three men serve. In saving Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God showed the king that there is no other greater than He. Nebuchadnezzar was not quite ready to praise the Most High God as it took another incident. It took the fulfillment of a dream that Daniel interpreted before Nebuchadnezzar truly praised God. Witnessing the miracle put him in a fertile place to receive. How many miracles have taken place in your life? Were there any non-believers present? When you gave your testimony, did it at least raise an eyebrow of intrigue with them? God may have been using you to put them in a fertile place as He continued to water them until they believed. Even if they did not praise God at that moment, they at least had to admit that someone greater than you was in control.  Let the miracle in your life speak for who God is.

Remember to check out the Tuesday Top Ten Countdown on Church Beat Radio with DJ Ambermay and Black Friday with J. Black on www.live365.com!

Monday, October 8, 2012

The Wrong Wind

Acts 27:13

13When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

I give all glory and honor to God when He highlights scripture my eyes may have glazed over in the past. GLORY!! Obtaining what "you thought" you wanted often turns out to be more than you bargained for. Yes, we have covered this story before but.....God! The wind, represents whatever blows into your path. Not everything blown into your path is of God. Sometimes it's a decoy to see if you can be taken off course from what God has for you. But many get stuck by thinking that what is blown in the path is what God wants. When really, it's not. If you NEVER seek God to see what He wants for you, then you are subject to chasing anything especially the wrong thing!! What happened to the ship? It sailed right into the storm which was actually God's judgement as noted by the NIV Study Bible. The apostle Paul was on the ship to help them navigate safely out of the storm. God sometimes sends someone to help you get out of what you were never supposed to be in. He sends the way out, "the alternative" but you have to recognize it when it shows up. What good is hope if not utilized? What good is the open door God sends if you don't take it? What good is it for God to have hope present for you to navigate out when you still are choosing to do it your way? Isn't that how you got into the storm in the first place? You did it your way when had you tuned into the REAL NAVIGATOR, you would've let that wind pass. GLORY TO GOD!! What storm are you in right now? Did you follow the wrong wind because you thought that's what you wanted? Chasing the wrong thing...whatever it may be!! Sometimes our eyes and ears hear what we think is right because we are deceived by our own selfish desires but what presents itself as gentle is actually leading you in for a bumpy ride. Let the Lord guide you out without loss of life even if cargo has to be thrown overboard as what happened with the ship Paul was on.  Paul told the centurion ahead of time they were headed in the wrong direction but  he didn't listen to Paul. He listened to the pilot because "he had experience."  The pilot's experience still could not detect what was coming. God's wisdom sees beyond man's experience. God always warns but His warnings are often ignored.

Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment! My interview with Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show has been postponed for a later date.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Source of Strength

Psalm 29:11

11The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.

How many times have you been through blows by life? How many times have you had "the wind knocked out of you"? While you were down, did you call on the Lord?  No one outside of the Lord can give you the strength to get back up, not even you. There will be blows so heavy that by all accounts, you shouldn't get back up and the world wouldn't expect you to do so. AHHHH BUT GOD!! When the Lord is the source of your strength, you will rise again. Proverbs 24:16 says though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again. The only way to be righteous is to take on the righteousness of the Lord. And in doing so, you can rise again. You got up so give the Lord total praise! The song in my spirit is Richard Smallwood's Total Praise.

"You are the source of my strength."
"You are the strength of my life."
"I lift my hands in total praise to you."

I don't care where you are reading this but when you finish, just lift your hands in total praise to the Lord and tell Him thank you because obviously, He is the source of your strength. Whatever blow you were dealt, you got up!! GLORY TO GOD!!!


Join me Columbus Day (this Monday) as I will be on the Leap of Faith Show with my Girl Stubbs between 7:30-8:30am ET by logging onto www.leapoffaithshow.com and click Listen Live!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

In Conflict

Galatians 5:17

17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

The apostle Paul was having a very frank conversation with the churches of Galatia about living life in the Spirit as opposed to living life in the sinful nature or "flesh". They are opposites or opposing views. The same way God represents good and Satan represents evil. It is not an easy road to travel and ALL of us have messed up somewhere along the way. Some may not have been caught yet with visible consequences while others have. Here's the deal.  Your spirit will always want opposite of your flesh if you are a follower of Christ. The key is letting the Holy Spirit dominate your life and your flesh so that each time you attempt to go the way of the flesh, the Holy Spirit's convicting power will cause you to think twice and repent. Spending more time with the Lord, in prayer, listening, reading and studying His word and learning to trust Him are ways to get you there. Okay, so your flesh issues may not be with idolatry, witchcraft, sexual immorality, drunkenness, etc. but it could be with words, it could be with your thoughts, it could even be with jealousy, envy, hatred, quick temper, gossip, overeating or whatever. If you are actively working in your faith, then it is a process. THANK YOU JESUS FOR GRACE AND MERCY!!  It doesn't help though if you "make provision for the flesh." Or shall we say, set yourself up knowing there's potential for a situation that is not of the Holy Spirit to occur, then you are truly stirring a recipe for disaster. But if you really desire to live by the Holy Spirit, then the Lord will create a way out as said in 1Corinthians 10:13. Just remember to take the way out when you see the open door.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Longing for Something More



 Ecclesiastes 1:18
18For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

King Solomon is noted in the Old Testament as the wisest man. He had more answers to questions then most could fathom. But one thing Solomon learned as he gave accounts of his life and all he tested and did, he understood as the NIV Study Bible says that wisdom without God leads to grief and sorrow. What good is it to obtain every piece of information there is without God who is the true author? What good is it to have everything at your fingertips when there is still no joy in your heart? True joy is from the Lord. To test the theory you need look no further then the news and Internet of people who seem to have everything in the world, but to them, they had nothing and ended their life. Without the Lord in your life, no matter what you obtain, the peace of God is the only thing that sustains. As you go through this life striving for whatever it is "your eyes desire" as Solomon said in chapter 2, know that without God, without understanding His purpose for you, you'll still be longing for something more.

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network Monday-Friday from 6-9am ET on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Even the Simple Will Comply

Proverbs 19:25

25Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Oh the wise King Solomon. He knew so well how the proud and arrogant see themselves. When they think the sun rises and sets upon them or at least desire to be the center of attention, if they are disciplined for something they quickly learn how to be more discreet about what they do. But one who actually is willing to see the difference between right and wrong will actually learn the knowledge necessary not to make the same mistake. So the question is are you proud and arrogant? Or are you a discerner? To discern means to know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, what is true and false. The answer to your question is determined by how many times you have to go through the same mistake before you get it. If you have truly learned from a mistake you made, you won't do it again. If you haven't then you will. Or if someone fails to call you out on a mistake, you may do it again before you get the lesson you need to learn. So where does this apply in your life? Don't be simple. Be a man or woman of true knowledge.

Remember to check out the Tuesday Top 10 Countdown with DJ Ambermay on Church Beat Radio and Black Friday with J. Black on www.live365.com!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Setting the Stage

Proverbs 14:26

26He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it be a refuge.

You never really think about the things you do until you are responsible for others. It is then that you realize your every action is studied, followed and even mimicked. When you walk, those who follow you walk behind you in your footsteps. The wise King Solomon talked of the fear of the Lord being a fortress. A fortress is simply a fort but it is considered a fortified place. According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary to fortify something means to 1)strengthen by military defenses 2) to give physical strength or endurance to 3) encourage 4) to strengthen or enrich with a material <~bread with vitamins>. So in essence, the fear of the Lord gives you strength, it encourages you and it's a place where you can go to be protected and nourished. So if you as a parent or leader fear the Lord, you're setting the stage for your children or those under your care to have some place to go when they need shelter from the world. It's hard to think of things like this but God forbid you leave those under your care too soon. What then? Where will they find strength if they do not have the proper foundation and understanding of the fear of the Lord? Where can they find refuge if you've never even showed them there is such a place? They will be subject to finding the vices that the world looks to such as gambling, drug and/or alcohol abuse, sex addictions, robbery or murder. These are the vices of the world that are not a true source of strength nor do they give life and nourishment. These vices actually cause problems in the body, pocket and mind.  But such a fate doesn't have to be if you are willing to walk in the ways of the Lord. If you are willing to show the way, those behind you will follow you.


Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Babylon is a Temporary Place

Micah 2:10

10Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy.

The land had been filled with false prophets and Micah was called by the Lord to reiterate Israel and Judah's judgement and eventual restoration. Israel and Judah's judgement was to be driven from Jerusalem and held captive in Babylon. But eventually, they would be restored. God's wrath is not forever. THANK YOU JESUS!! If it were, all of us would've been terminated long ago. Our Heavenly Father has a heart. And for His people who were captive, the word Micah received was for them to leave Babylon after their time was served. It was a defiled place. "Beyond all remedy" means that there was nothing that could be salvaged from it. But that God's people were to return to the place they were to call home, Jerusalem. Babylon was a temporary place that was defiled by pagan ways. They couldn't take possession of anything in Babylon because God never intended for them to stay. For Israel and Judah they were to return to the land that God says was theirs.

Have you ever been in a place you thought was permanent?  When God says it's temporary, it's just that. If it's not a place to call home, then you are not to get comfortable there. You are not to be complacent. When God says Get up, be ready to get up. If He says there's nothing you can go back for, then trust, there's nothing there but ruins. Ruins are nothing but feeble remains of what used to be. Ruins are not to be rebuilt in any way. If there's something in your life that was a Babylon, which is a place of punishment and lessons, once the lessons are learned, God expects you to move from that place. It served its purpose but to stay there means you are holding up the restoration process God has for you. You are telling God you do not desire the loving kindness He wants to offer by bringing you out. By staying in Babylon beyond your allotted time, you're defiling yourself. Let it go and let God bring you back to what is yours.


Remember to check out the Tuesday Top 10 Countdown on Church Beat Radio on www.live365.com!

Friday, September 21, 2012

When God Says Move

Genesis 12:1

1The Lord had said to to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

I had been referencing the story of Abraham each time I was asked why I was moving. And my response has been, "When God says move, you move." I always reference the story of Abraham especially when I get the blank look.  The Lord hit me with something so deep yesterday on the train. "What if Abraham hadn't been obedient to the Lord?" I had an "oh my" moment out loud on the train because it hit like a sack of bricks. Abraham didn't ask questions. He just went. But what if he didn't go and was fixed on staying where he was and what he was doing at that moment?  What if he continued to ask God questions when He could've been moving? What if he said, sure Lord I'll get to it and never did? God showed me that Abraham wouldn't have been the father of many nations. He wouldn't have been promised the land that the Israelites later occupied. There would be no Isaac nor Jacob whom God renamed Israel and from him came twelve tribes. There would be no Israel and there would be no Ruth, no David, no Solomon and no earthly born Jesus though He existed in Spirit and no salvation for us Gentiles. All mentioned came from Abraham's obedience. I now understand why so many scriptures make reference to Abraham's obedience. When God says you must move forward, there's no time to look back and say but I want to stay where I am. I'll stay just a little longer. You have no idea what your obedience means, who benefits and what God will birth from it be it literally or figuratively. I thank God for Abraham's obedience as well as each and every man and woman who listened and obeyed God from that point on. We all benefited. Next time God tells you to MOVE FORWARD, think about Abraham and what won't happen through you and for you because you're unwilling to move.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

The One You Fear

Isaiah 8:13
13The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,

Both houses of Israel, Judah and Israel, relied on Assyria and feared Assyria. Yet the Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to remind them that it is only the Lord himself whom they ought to regard as such. Has much changed? Too many rely on man and fear man more than the Lord who gives them breath. They don't fear the Lord who has the ability to give, sustain and take life. When appearance by man's standards means more than the Lord Almighty, there is an imbalance. When fear of failure is more important than the Lord's will there is an imbalance. When fear of non-acceptance by man or group of people is more important than the Lord's will again, there is an imbalance. Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."  Your final destination is determined by God himself. It may seem far fetched to you if a man is holding a gun to your head but if you have a right relationship with the Lord, then you know no matter what, you will see the face of Jesus. However, if you let man dictate your outcomes rather the Lord as did Assyria, when you are in deep trouble, man will not be able to pull you out. Only the Lord will be able to deliver you. Israel experienced it over and over. Many times they made alliances with Assyria and Egypt for what they thought were their sources of living. But soon those alliances turned to dust and the Assyrians and Egyptians made war with Israel. Israel had to cry out to the Lord to save them. In what ways or situations have you feared man rather than the Lord? Wasn't it the Lord who came to your aid when man turned on you?

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Defining Your Relationship and State of Being

John 15:15
15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.  I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.

When you think of defining yourself and your relationship with Christ how would you do so? As Jesus said to the disciples so He says to those who love Him and walk in His counsel, you are a friend. You know how Jesus defines the relationship He desires to have with you but what words would you use to define your relationship with Him? In church we've studied the names of God. There are many names to define God. To define something as said by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary means to 1) set forth the meaning of, 2) to fix or mark the limits of 3) to clarify in outline or character. So to define your relationship means to give it meaning and character. Just like there are names to define God so we define ourselves. Many define themselves apart from God when He desires to be one with you and wants you to walk in how He defines you as you are His creation. As you become one with Him, how you define your relationship with Him will change and therefore how you define yourself will change.

In the Spanish language there are two verbs to represent "to be" or the state of being something. Ser for a permanent state of being and estar for a temporary state. For instance 'I am tired' is 'Estoy consada' from the verb estar because it's temporary and can change. But 'I am a sailor' is 'Soy marinero'  from the verb ser and considered to be something about you that won't change at least not anytime in the near future. No, this is not about a Spanish lesson but to understand how you define you and your relationship with Christ is wonderfully illustrated by how these verbs are used. Many define themselves by their titles, jobs, marital status and bank account. But when you are in relationship with Christ He simply defines you as friend. The bells and whistles are not necessary because God knew you before you were formed as stated in Jeremiah 1:5 and he knit you together as stated in Psalm 139:13. He knows everything about you. There's no need for pretense with Christ and our Heavenly Father. There's no need to boast about your current state of being. For one, God can change everything in an instant because He is sovereign. Therefore, other than how He defines you, everything else is temporary.

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com from 6-9am ET and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment! I will also be on the Leap of Faith Show live on Monday, October 8th!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Has Jesus Said You Will Return?

Luke 22:31-32
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Simon Peter's denial of Jesus was indeed prophesied. But did you know that it was all part of the plan? Just as in Job, Satan had to have permission to test Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon Peter would deny him but he also knew that after Simon's stumble, he would come back. The test would make Simon Peter realize just how much he loved Jesus and would be willing to fight for Jesus' cause. Are you wondering if Satan has asked for permission to test you? If you have truly confessed to be a follower of Christ and attempt to walk in it, then yes. The question is are you in that testing period right now? If so, then chances are you have a choice to make as to whether you will abandon your faith in Jesus and live like you don't know Him or cling to Him and leave behind the way you were. It can be scary when you realize that you are in a test. But a line that came from Devil's Advocate over and over by Kevin Lomax and his wife Meredith says it all, " It's like it's one big test." And the answer from one of Satan's henchmen, "Isn't everything?" Has Jesus said to Satan that you will return to Him?

Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Guilty Conscience

Genesis 50:15

15When Joesph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they "what if Joesph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?"

Did you know that one with a guilty conscience often lives and breathes fear? Many of you know the story of Joesph and how he was his father favorite because he was born of the woman Jacob was in love with? He was tricked into marrying Leah but it was Rachael his heart longed for and he showed it among his sons. So Joesph's brothers already had contempt for him. But when Joesph told of the dream God gave him how they would all bow down to him, it was the final straw. They mistreated him, sold him and lied to Jacob. Joesph's dream turned out to be true. God's word NEVER returns void as stated in Isaiah 55:11. Joesph did reconcile with his brothers before taking his own sons to visit Jacob on his death bed. But because of his brothers' guilty conscience they immediately thought Joesph would hurt them after Jacob died. So what did they do? They lied again by putting words in Jacob's mouth as a note to Joesph. Joesph wept. He had forgiven them but their own guilt they couldn't get beyond. The brothers started with a lie and ended with a lie. They weren't remorseful enough to just apologize for the horrific things they did and ask for the forgiveness themselves. But they feared  Joesph would have the same spirit of meanness they unleashed on him. That wasn't Joesph. He only tested them early on but his intent was not to harm them. He loved them and he knew that what they meant for evil, God meant for good. He was not like them and that's why God chose him to lead in Egypt.

When someone has a guilty conscience they are always looking over their shoulder wanting to know a person's every move. So they may have gotten away with whatever they did by everyone else's standards but the mind won't let such a person forget. If they are not humble enough to admit what they've done, like Joesph's brothers, some of their previous behavior that caused the mishap will still be present. Like Joesph, forgive them and let it go. What they did will then be between them and God. God obviously worked it out for your good. Whatever it was you needed to receive, understand, etc...you did.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Taking HIm at His Word

Matthew 22:71

71Then they said, "why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips."

The council asked Jesus a direct question before taking him to Pilate and leading him away to the cross. The question was, "Are you then the Son of God?" Jesus spoke clearly and did not studder when He said, "You are right in saying I am."  The council took Jesus at His word that He believed himself to be the Son of God. There was no other testimony needed for them once they heard from His mouth to their ears. They just didn't believe Him to be who He has continually said He is (yes, present tense). But here's a question for you. If you have claimed Jesus as your Lord and Savior and know His voice why then do you need tons of testimony for it to be valid to you?  The council at least knew Jesus said what He meant. But if you have claimed Jesus as your guide, then you have taken Jesus at His word that He is the Son of God. Why then when He speaks to you do you hesitate or think ten people need to say the same thing for Jesus' word to be true? Yes, it's hard to admit but here it is, "lack of TRUST" and "FEAR". Not trusting the Lord for who He is, that you can hear Him for yourself and fear that you'll be wrong, scorned or whatever. Not trusting the Lord means you still need to get to know Him more. Isn't that true in relationships? You usually only trust those you know and have developed a relationship with. And a spirit of fear must still be active in you if you are more concerned with being scorned by the public rather than pleasing Jesus, the one who has saved you by shedding His own blood on the cross in your place, loves you, wants to mold you and has planned a wonderful life for you here and after. So what's the remedy? The remedy is spending more time with Him by reading and studying His word, speaking to Him in prayer, quiet time so you can listen for when He answers you through His Holy Spirit and having the proper spiritual parents who are willing to help you shed that fear. Scorn is what Jesus went through so you won't escape that to a degree initially but your soul will be at peace by following His direction. So what's it gonna be?

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on the Leap of Faith Network from 6-9am on Live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Purpose in Sarcasm

Proverbs 15:1
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Did you know that sarcasm is meant to express anger or extreme dislike? It is sometimes used for the purpose of upsetting someone else to release anger. How so? The notes in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible reference David's encounter with Nabal in 1Samuel 25. David's men were hungry so he sent a representative to approach Nabal. Nabal was already described as surly and mean in his dealings. So Nabal possessed a spirit of anger. When David's appointed messenger greeted Nabal, he was met with sarcasm though he was reminded how David's men made sure he was safe at one point.  David was simply calling in a favor. Nabal felt he owed David nothing and made sure his words said such. His response angered David to the point David was ready to make war on every man on Nabal's property. David was justified in his anger. But It was Abigail, Nabal's intelligent and beautiful wife, who thought quick to plead with David. Nabal died a short time later at the hands of the Lord. Why is this story important? You may attempt to use sarcasm to hide your anger but the words themselves let it be known that anger or extreme dislike of a situation is in your spirit. Sarcasm is often used when someone feels they cannot take action otherwise. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines sarcasm as 1: a cutting or contemptuous remark 2: ironic criticism  or reproach. Words from one with an angry spirit can hurt and rise an angry spirit in one to whom they are directed. Since we know that thoughts produce words which produce action, then that's the motive behind sarcasm. It is to anger someone else to the point of action. So watch your words. If you're dealing with a loose cannon, you may be in for a fight you didn't bargain for. If you're dealing with someone who has been tamed by the Holy Spirit, the wrath you receive may ultimately be from the Lord himself.

Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on Mondays on www.Qliveone.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Friday, September 7, 2012

The "P" Factor

Matthew 25:3

3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.

How can you take advantage of what the Lord brings across your path if you've failed to be ready. The apostle Paul said we must be ready to give a word "in season and out." What does that mean? It's the "P" Factor.  It means to always be prepared. Always be prepared for what you say? It means to always be prepared for the opportunity that GOD gives you. Many are like the foolish virgins. How so? Just because there's a delay doesn't mean that what God has for you isn't coming. The parable Jesus gave was to say that many will assume that the second coming of Christ will not happen because it hasn't happened yet. Oh but when He comes, so many will not be prepared. Those that are not prepared will look to those who are and demand assistance. The response as Christ put it, they will be left out. So it is with anything God wants you to be prepared for. Many procrastinate and put off what God has said to do. But then a window or door opens and God wants you to walk through it. You're so busy trying to get your shoes (steps) in order that you miss the opening, when all you have to do is keep your shoes on so you're ready to go when He says go.  How many times has the Lord told you that there's something you must do? Do you know that the "something"  may indeed be linked to a blessing God wants to release to you? Do you know that the longer you wait, the less time you have when He's ready to drop that blessing. Lack of preparedness means a blessing that may not be utilized to the fullest. Be prepared to receive your blessing.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

"I Know What I'm Doing"

Proverbs 13:13

13 He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

King Solomon respected wisdom and gained so much of it from the Lord. But one who does not put it into practice pays for it just as King Solomon said.  King Solomon himself scorned the command of God to not marry foreign wives because they would lead his heart away from God. He did not listen. He had the attitude of "I know what I'm doing" because Solomon was plagued with a spirit of lust.  When in reality he did not know how much he would pay for it. All but a small piece of the kingdom his father David left him had been torn away from him. Remember, David too warned him to follow the Lord completely.  Is that not a prime example of what not listening to the Lord's instruction can do? You can lose nearly all you have. The scripture also references Proverbs 1:28-29 where the Israelites denied God's instruction later cried out to Him. But God allowed them to stew for a little while in what they had created. As Proverbs 1:31 says, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.  When you think you know better than God, you will learn the hard way. "I know what I'm doing" turns into HELP.  It's been each and every one of us at some point in our lives. But for how long? How long will it be before you say,  "Lord I need you?"

Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network from 6am-9am on www.live365.com and listen for the Get Your JOY  In The Morning segment!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Angels Are Real

Acts 12:15

15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "it must be his angel."

Did you know that each of God's children  has angels assigned to them? Yes, that means you. When the apostle had been released from jail during the prayers by the saints, no one but the young girl believed it was actually Paul at the door. The others assumed his angel, the one assigned to him, came as his representative. Angels are real. If you recall, it was the angel Gabriel that gave Mary the news that the Lord had picked her to carry our Savior, Jesus Christ in her womb. Also, an angel told Joseph to take Mary as his wife, that she was still pure. And so on. When we pray, we ask that God send his protective angels. Yes, angels have an important duty in our life. Psalm 91:11 says that "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Angels are supposed to protect us. Sometimes they are in human form. They are there briefly then gone. You may or may not have seen your angels. But when God sends someone to watch over you and you are given the knowledge of such, take heed. Zachariah didn't believe the angel that was assigned to give him the good news that he and his wife, who was barren, would become pregnant and their son would have a great task. Their son would be John the Baptist. Angels exist but they are not above Jesus. Do not worship angels over our Lord and Savior. For the angels did not do what Jesus willingly did. Shed his blood in exchange for ours.

Remember to check out my man V of the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com on Mondays and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!