Consult the Counselor

Proverbs 12:25

25Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

The Word of God literally addresses every human and  heart condition that man can experience.  The wise King Solomon was assured by God in Ecclesiastes that "there is nothing new under the sun." Though the Bible is old, God's word still stands and is always timely. Right now many are suffering. God's word says that anxiety causes depression. So for any one facing depression, here is the root. But what is anxiety? Merriam-Webster defines anxiety as 1)painful uneasiness of mind over an anticipated ill 2)abnormal apprehension and fear often accompanied by physiological signs (as sweating and increased pulse), by doubt about the nature and reality of the threat itself and by self-doubt.

There are key words stated in the definition: mind, fear and doubt. So when you have anxiety you are playing over and over in the mind whatever you think can go wrong because of doubt in a situation and in yourself. So your mind refuses to rest because you keep playing in your head what you think can happen,  usually focusing on what can possibly go wrong and therefore you become tense and send your mind into a downward spiral. The uneasiness leads to lack of sleep but after a while the body is forced to sleep as the sadness sets in. The apostle Paul stating what he did in Philippians 4:6-7 makes even more sense. It says "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." So basically, a person with anxiety attempts to control a situation but in reality, because they are not God, they will NEVER have all the answers. So the only way to have any peace of mind and not to fall into a depression is to go to the source, which is God since He is the only one who knows what WILL happen. Going to the source means thanking God in advance believing that He will answer and reinforce with good words.

Yes, anxiety and depression are real conditions and it is not being said that they should not be treated professionally. Just remember, Jesus said in His word that He was leaving to us a wonderful counselor, the Holy Spirit which searches all things and knows all things. Consulting God is a medicine that should not be overlooked.

It Takes Real Love

Luke 23:34

34Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

This phrase, this pleading was part of the "seven last words" of Jesus before His death on the cross. It takes real love for someone to die on another person's behalf. It took real love for Jesus to endure each of the 39 lashes. It took real love for Jesus to endure each nail driven into His body. It took real love for Jesus to endure the crown of thorns crushed into His head. It took real love for Jesus to endure as they pierced Him in His side. But yet, one of His seven last words was about pleading for His accusers. It took real love for Jesus to be obedient to God the Father to meet His destiny. Jesus had the strength and power to remove Himself from it all. This isn't just any man, but the Son of God who was actually by God's side when He created the earth and man. For in Genesis it says, "Let us make man in our image." The us was God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.

It takes real love for you and I to be obedient to the Lord. Remember, it says in God's word in 1John that God is love. So if God is the very definition of love, gave His only Son for the love of you and I, Jesus gave up His life and shed His blood to save you and I from sin out of love, then how can anyone who calls himself a follower of Christ not understand nor demonstrate what love is? Two words, selfish gain. There are many who will only show 'love" when they are able to perceive what they can gain from it. Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines love as 1)strong affection, 2)warm attachment 3)attraction based on sexual desire 4) a beloved person 5) unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for others. Now the third definition of love is what Amnon had for his sister Tamar before took her and then no longer wanted her after he obtained the sex. That is actually called lust if you look up the definition as it flees and fades and is not the definition God means for us but I digress. This conversation is about the fifth definition which begins with the word unselfish. So if one word, outside of the name of God and Jesus, could describe love it would be unselfish. Unselfish is still an inadequate word compared to Jesus to and God Himself. Many do not understand what it means to be unselfish or selfless. Love is not about gain. Love is about real concern for others.

Did you know it takes real love to minister to people who have harmed you? Jesus did it. Did you know it takes real love to minister to people who have talked about you? Jesus did it. I know for me, I get it now. There are multiple people on this distribution who have harmed me. And it takes the love of Jesus and regard for your soul and where you will spend eternity to include you. It is not about selling a book. Some of you may never buy a book. The messages were created before there were any books and was on the prompting of the Holy Spirit Himself. But glory to God, I do understand what love is! So many in this world have no clue what love is. To them, it is nothing more than selfish gain.

P.S. Praying for a resolution for the government of the United States as many are affected by it whether government workers or not. My prayer is that the groups involved in decision making would look beyond selfish gain and look at the needs of the people and the country not about their own pockets.

Real Power Belongs to God

2Kings 13:21

21So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

The prophet Elijah did not die but was carried away to heaven in the presence of his understudy Elisha. Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's anointing. Elisha once laid on a young boy's body and prayed and brought him back to life. Elisha's bones retained God's power after his own physical death. God has given the power of life and death in the tongue as said in Proverbs 18. Jesus retained His power after His physical death in order to come back to life. Jesus purposely did not show up during Lazarus' illness and waited til his death. He did it so He could bring Lazarus back to life. Jesus brought a young girl back to life. Through the Holy Spirit, the apostle Peter also brought someone back to life. Resurrection and reviving is nothing new.

In present day I have both friends and acquaintances who have died and come back to life. I have read about a young boy who died and came back as well as an older man. Why? God wants to demonstrate His power as He chooses to create witnesses to spread His word and His saving power. God has the power to do anything He so pleases. He can bestow that power among man or woman as He pleases as well.

Never play with God on anything! When God tells you to do something, it does not matter who will be upset, who doesn't like it, who may scoff at it or what penalty you think you might be subject to. He has already made provision and has His reasons that He has not yet revealed to you. JUST DO IT! Be real with Him because He will ALWAYS be real with you and show you who He is. Real power belongs to God and God alone!

Laying on of Hands is Real

Mark 7:33-34

33And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. 34Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is "Be opened."

Luke 13:13

13And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

The purpose of the multiple scriptures is to show how Jesus actively laid hands on people. He didn't always have to lay hands for a miracle to take place. With the centurion's daughter, Jesus spoke and told the centurion to return to his daughter for she had been healed. Later in the book of Acts, after Pentecost, Peter spoke a word of healing over the man at the temple of Beautiful and then touched him and he too was healed. And Saul, who later became Paul, an apostle for the Lord, had the Damascus road experience with Christ who had already ascended to heaven yet Christ touched him. And leaders in the New Testament had been prayed over and had hands laid on them to be released into service. "In the Winning Attitude",  by John C. Maxwell, he talks of his experience of hands laid on him while he was a pastor.

I am not going to speak to you in detail about those experiences but rather, my own experiences today. The first time I recall having hands laid on me was shortly after I heard the Lord say that I would go into ministry. I was still at the church where I had been baptized. I had been going through a real spiritual battle and had been crying out to the Lord. A friend called me and said I had this urge to invite you to service today. I said I needed it because the generational curses from my family had been deepening. She did not understand because she had no idea what that meant but you can find it in scripture in Deuteronomy 28 after the blessings Fred Hammond sang about there are curses. But there is a cure. I digress. I attended service and during prayer the pastor came over to me and said, "Daughter, God has heard your cry about the generational curses over you." He touched me and I hit the floor. I do not remember much after that but when I arose, my body felt so much lighter. My friend came up to me saying, "Wow, you talked about the curses. I didn't know it was true!" The next time I was visiting a church where my college buddy was a minister in training and his children were being dedicated. There was an alter call. I had been going through at work being accused of things I did not do. The bishop began to speak about what I was going through and that I would come out unharmed. He then touched my throat declaring that I would speak for the Lord and talked about the blessings coming and then he spoke about sickness in body but declared that death would not take me. What he said about work came to pass. It took 3years for that sickness to rear its head but at the time every doctor I saw said nothing was wrong with me. I talk about the details of the sickness in the introduction of my book, "Get Your JOY In The Morning!" and in the short documentary film, "The Power of Femininity."


The next to the last encounter was after a business meeting on Saturday, December 15, 2007. I also speak about it in my first book. But I did not go into detail. I saw another bishop who I first met in NJ. He had not intended to be there but was on his way somewhere else when the car broke down and since he was nearby he and his group attended. When I went to speak to him he said I needed to sit down with his wife who was pastor of their church. She and I talked and she began to pray. Her daughter then came over and prayed with us also. Before I knew it, I was on the floor and there were people surrounding me. I heard prayers but their words were no longer the focus, the bishop touched my belly and said I was pregnant with purpose. And then I began pushing like I was giving birth. I cannot tell you what else happened but I felt like I had a midwife helping me to push. When they stood me up on my feet I was able to see there were seven men and women. I thought I was done. But God wasn't done with me yet. I could hear God through the Holy Spirit saying I had to say it. And before I knew it, my mouth opened and I confessed in a cry to the Lord that I would be His evangelist. Prior to that I had been working with children and was assisting in building another ministry whereby I was asked to be a youth pastor but that was not the role the Lord called me for. So I had to get in line with the call God had set aside for me. And within less than two years, Get Your JOY In The Morning came to be as well as the books and speaking engagements about walking in faith and purpose.

At City of Restoration Christian Center my assistant pastor, another anointed woman of God and my pastor had been with me as I was dealing with another generational issue and I recall them praying, before I knew it I was on the floor. I cannot tell you all that happened but I can tell  you that when I got up I was told that I would hear chains falling in the spirit and within a matter of few days I did and that was the final issue of the curses falling off of me. My response to the generational problems were different from that point on and that was the turning point. What I didn't understand was that Jesus is the only way to rid a family of the generational problems. Jesus shed His blood to deliver each and every person who desires. Serving and loving Jesus with a whole heart is the way to stop them.

Deriving at Purpose

Mark 1:38

38But He said to them, "Let us go into the next town, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."

Jesus took time away from the crowd to spend time in prayer with our Heavenly Father. All the disciples were looking for Him wondering where He went and why. And when Jesus responded He told them where they were going next and explained His purpose.

Now if you believe Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life, then you believe Him to be your example of how you ought to live. Two things are happening here. 1) Jesus spent time in prayer with our Heavenly Father and  2) this is the way He derived at His purpose. So basically, the ONLY way you will derive at your true purpose in life is to spend more time with God the Father as Jesus did. And when He reveals it to you, you are then to go forth just as Jesus did. Here's the deal. Jesus was alone when He understood. He was not with the crowds of people and His purpose was not derived at through the acquiring of external things. Your purpose can ONLY come from God. So if you do not understand why you are here and what you are to be doing with your life, then there is only ONE way for you to discover it and that means getting closer to God. It is through faith that one finds purpose.

What is scary right now is that in the last week or so there have been three people under the age of 30 who have taken their lives and yet they appeared to have everything and be the sweetest people. No, all of the facts are not known but one thing is known, when you understand why God placed you here and you are moving forth in it, you have a new level of motivation, a new drive and you will not let anyone or situation stand in the way of you accomplishing why God placed you here on this earth. Outside of giving God praise, which is the common purpose we all share, you have one that is unique to you. Those who don't understand their purpose may nag at you because you are not going in the same direction they are. But when God reveals the purpose for your life, then it will not matter what everyone else is doing.

There is nothing wrong with having things but if you have been searching to find your purpose through the acquiring of external things then you are missing it. Because that is NOT where your purpose can be found and the devil is a liar!! As said in His word, God will bless you with things so you can give Him praise and also bless others but do not mistake acquiring them as your purpose in life. Deriving at your purpose will ONLY COME when you GO BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD.

It's A Two Way Street

Ephesians 6:4

4And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

 

We know that one of the commandments is to honor thy mother and father so that your days may be long. Most people stop there. But the apostle Paul stated twice with this command that children are not to be provoked to anger lest the become discouraged and that parents are to bring them up in the Lord. It's a two way street. Why is this so important?

As an abused child myself, I can tell you that anger, rage and self-destructive behavior ensued after being mistreated. Children are a gift from God which He entrusts to you and can be taken back at any time. In my new book, "Shh Don't Tell", I talk about how this second command is often broken by parents, caregivers or anyone who children are entrusted to. Children cannot survive on their own so when people who are to teach them and care for them violate them, a disconnect takes place.

As the host of Good Life Radio, Teria Powell, said, "Shh Don't Tell" tells you not just about the stories of Ingrid, Randy and Kendall but also what signs to look for if a child has been abused and what not to do should you find a child in this situation." What I appreciated about my interview last Saturday morning with Teria Powell was that not only does she have a discerning spirit, but she is a foster mother so she sees many of these children after the trust has been broken. And she is tasked with building back the trust. Teria sees the anger, rage and self-destructive behavior that can lead to death after these acts have been committed. The stats on abused children are staggering but still skewed because many acts of abuse go unreported. Children are shamed into keeping quiet not only by those who abuse them but often by other loved ones.

Children start out obeying those who are meant to care for them but when they are harmed, what do you think happens? The apostle Paul knew and that is why he spoke about it. Jesus spoke about children in Matthew 18:3 being received in His name. 

Abuse is not just physical but also verbal and emotional and manipulation is a form of abuse as well. Be a help to our future generations not a hindrance.

Go to www.getyourjoyinthemorning.com to order Shh Don't Tell.

Power Players

John 19:11

11Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greatest sin."

Pilate was frustrated because he was not getting the answers he felt he deserved from Jesus. He became so frustrated that he felt he needed to remind Jesus of the power he believed he had. Jesus reminded him that any earthly power he has is only because God has given it. Pilate clearly understood that Jesus did not wrong but knew He had something he didn't want to mess with therefore when the Jews continued to rant "crucify him", Pilate repeatedly said he found no fault in him and that what they wanted to do was on them.

Many in this world seek power and by any means necessary. But anyone with real power understands that with it comes responsibility. Power is not a play thing and when God sees fit to give you any amount of it, you are not to use it to hurt others. Just as Jesus said, God is the one who bestows real power. And as He gives it, He can take it back. Power is defined in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as the ability to act or produce an effect also a position of authority or physical might: also mental or moral vigor.

Power is for the purpose of helping not hurting. Those with power who understand its pull walk very carefully.


P.S.  Just a reminder to tune into the Good Life Radio Show with my girl Teria Powell from 8:30am-9:30am on the Leap of Faith Network (lofnetwork.com) Saturday, August 3rd as I will be talking about my new book, Shh Don't Tell!

"I Remember Love"

John 11:35-36

35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

Lazarus had died and bee buried. Jesus arrived after his death. Though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus still wept as a sign of love.

Yesterday, many of us who attended the University of Maryland College Park aka TERPS4Life, received the sad news of the passing of our beloved friend, LaShema "Sheme" Watson. She died of a massive stroke though not yet 40yrs old. She had a brush with death 3yrs ago this past May. I remember several of us being at her bedside in ICU when the doctors said she wouldn't make it. She refused to believe the report and told her mother not to listen to it either because indeed would get up from the bed of affliction. What upset me was that the very pains she complained about when we last spent time together was indeed what landed her in the hospital. We prayed and stood in agreement with her. Within a matter of 10 days she had arisen in the name of Jesus.

I was overcome with tears several times upon hearing the news yesterday and then having to deliver it to others. One woman handed me a tissue and a grape taffy to help me feel better. God sent His little angels in the form of children throughout who gave me smiles and waves. One little 18month old, who did not know me, left the side of his family to come hold my hand to comfort me in my grieved state though I did not have tears at the moment. I could not help but smile.

My heart hurts for LaShema's mother as she now has to lay her adult child to rest. One truth, never assume your children will outlive you. That is simply taking them for granted. God said He is entrusting them to you, therefore, He can call them back at any time. The Word says that parents are not to exasperate their children. In other words do not harm them.

When I had my very first book signing event, Sheme could not make it but she sent a representative in the form of another friend to purchase a book on her behalf to show her support. She responded to a posting on my facebook wall saying, "I am so proud of you! You said you were going to write a book and you did it!" Just a month ago she responded to a picture I posted of myself and Washington, DC's first female news anchor, J.C. Hayward of Channel 9 News. Sheme inboxed me with additional info to help further my dream.  Second truth, do not assume you have forever to follow a dream and a purpose God has laid on your heart.

Sheme spent her last couple of years in personal development, helping others and traveling-things that were in her heart. One of the greatest memories most of us will have of Sheme is the sincerity of her heart and her capacity to love. Third truth, never assume people know you love them and do not take love for granted. It's always better to show them for love is an action as the apostle Paul states. And Jesus demonstrated His love in His earthly ministry and continues to do so now. When you leave here, you cannot take the money, cars or houses. What you can take with you is love. As Nia Long's character said in the film, Love Jones, "I remember love".

Thank you Sheme for allowing God to use your death as a lesson for us all. As a friend said last night, "she lived and loved".  Thank you for being my sister in Christ, friend and supporter. I will see you on the other side of glory.

Hypocrisy

Matthew 15:7-8

7Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their hearts are far from me.

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about how defilement is from within. In this case it was from the perspective of honoring parents. The Pharisees had a lot of traditions but they were only motions. Their hearts were not in it. Jesus quoted a scripture from the book of Isaiah who was a prophet God called to prophesy about the coming of Jesus. Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites. A hypocrite is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings and who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion. So Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to say that if your words do not match your heart then it is off. Jesus is concerned with the condition of our hearts first because whatever is in the heart will undoubtedly come out sooner or later.

Atlantic Starr had a song back in the 80s' called, "If Your Heart Isn't In it". Granted, this was from a romantic point of view, but it was still about love. Love is at the center of Jesus' ministry. Love is at the root because God is love. But if everything you do is the opposite of love then is it not hypocrisy?

P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show from 10am-12pm Monday-Friday on the Leap of Faith Network (www.lofnetwork.com) and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Will You Take a Seat?

Matthew 9:9

9As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.

As Jesus began His ministry, He called His disciples. They did not go looking for Jesus but He came looking for them. You may think you were looking for Jesus first but Jesus had been looking for you for a long time. And if you are not saved and are reading this, Jesus has already set His eyes on you. Jesus knows every strength and weakness you have. He knows every good and bad thing you have done. Yes, including the piece of candy you thought no one saw you take. He knows every thought you've had. He knows if in you heart you are where you want to be. He knows everything. What does it mean? It means that Jesus has something specific for you to do. In Matthew 10 Jesus called the disciples to Him and sent them out. The purpose of you coming to Jesus is for more than sitting at His feet. You are to learn from Him. Your purpose as He said in the Great Commission, is to help bring others to Him.  It is hard to invite someone to the table with Jesus when you yourself are not willing to take a seat.

Will you let Him teach you? Will you let Him prepare you for what the Father sent you here for? Will you take a seat at the table with Jesus?

P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show Monday-Friday 10am-12pm on the Leap of Faith Network www.lofnetwork.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Main Ingredients

Acts 19:15

15And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"

The apostle Paul had gone through the region Ephesus and performed many miracles. God, through His Holy Spirit, allowed  the faith of Paul to be transmitted into handkerchiefs and aprons to heal the sick and those with evil spirits. Now the word says there were Jewish exorcists that took it upon themselves to call on the name of the Lord over those who had evil spirits. And the response in verse 15 is what they received. The exorcists were overtaken by the evil spirit. But why?

The Jewish exorcists were not acting per the prompting of the Holy Spirit. They were acting in their own accord and then desiring the blessing of the Holy Spirit which is a "recipe for disaster".  On top of that, they lacked the faith necessary for the miracles to be performed. The disciples went through through a similar scenario early in Jesus' ministry. The Holy Spirit and faith are the main ingredients for anyone working a miracle in the name of Jesus. If there is no faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit which He sent to us on the day of Pentecost (50 days or 7 weeks after the resurrection), then they are just words.  Anything you are doing in the name of Jesus must be at the prompting of the Holy Spirit in order to work, not by you. For you and I can do nothing on our own accord. If God didn't say through His Holy Spirit to do something, you doing it on your own can create a train wreck. Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to be our guide and our comforter. How is He the guide if you are not listening? How is He the guide if you are stepping into anything without His direction? Jesus said the Holy Spirit knows all things and searches all things. Doesn't that mean the Holy Spirit knows more than you? But if you are operating anything like the Jewish exorcists, the steps are off. Moving in faith by the Holy Spirit's direction brings victory.

P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show Monday-Friday 10am-12pm ET on www.lofnetwork.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

A Non-Traditional Approach

Luke 9:30-31

30Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.

Jesus had a mission to complete and just prior to the completion there was a conference. But why with Moses and Elijah? Moses was the Old Testament deliverer of God's people and Elijah was the representative of the prophets. Moses had a successor and his name was Joshua. Elijah had a successor and his name was Elisha which the NIV Study Bible brings up as another form of Joshua. But the NIV Study Bible brings up another revelation. Jesus' Hebrew name was Joshua. What does Jesus have in common with both of these men?Jesus is a deliverer like Moses for God's people but from sin. Elijah represented the prophets in the Old Testament and Jesus represents them in the New.  Jesus was unlike any other being the Son of God. The elders of man in present day were not Jesus' elders or those in authority. His elders had gone to be with God before Him. It was the non-traditional approach for a mission like none other.

When you have a mission to complete you ought to be conferring with those that have gone before you. God provided them for Jesus. He will provide them for you. Your mission may require a non-traditional approach and elders who have gone before you but God will still provide the guidance.

P.S. Tonight is the last night of the trivia on the Facebook Fan Page to win a free autographed copy of my new book, Shh Don't Tell!  Remember to play you must like the page. There have been two winners thus far and the next winner could be you!
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Who is Filling Your Jar?

John 2:7

7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

Jesus had not yet revealed to the public his true nature and mission. Jesus was at the wedding banquet which his mother and the disciples were attending. They were the only ones who knew Jesus' true nature. Yet, even they did not fully know. During the wonderful celebration, it was found out that the wine ran out. Mary immediately went to Jesus. She knew Jesus could fix the problem. Jesus of course wasn't looking to be involved but Mary opened the door. So Jesus said to fill the jars with water. And once they were filled, Jesus said to draw or pour some out for the master of the banquet. At the pouring out, it became tasteful wine which was better than what they had.

How many immediately go to Jesus to fix the problem? Remember Jesus prefers an invitation, you must first open the door. The servants did not fill the jars a portion of the way they filled them to the brim. They filled the jars til there was no more room. According to the NIV Study Bible, the reason there was so much water present was because the water was for ceremonial washing. Remember the Pharisees believed that if one washed or poured water on their hands, they would be made clean. But the word "filling" takes on greater importance in this scripture. Though it was a simple miracle Jesus demonstrated in the miracle what He later said to the Pharisees. What went into the jars was clean and fresh water. Therefore, what was poured out or came flowing out was better than what everyone had received prior. Filling your jar when Jesus says to fill it and filling it with what Jesus says to fill it with, is a guarantee that when He gives you the order to pour out, to speak, to move forward, you will do so and it will be the best of the best. Who is filling your jar and with what? Who you turn to in order to fill you will determine what comes out.

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

Don't Be Afraid

Matthew 14:27

27 But Jesus immediately said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'

During the night Jesus walked on the water to get to the boat the disciples were in. The disciples swore they were seeing a ghost because no man could walk on water. Jesus is no mere man. To calm their nerves Jesus told them to take courage and to not be afraid. For it was only Him, the one they knew. As much time as Jesus spent with the disciples performing miracles on the sick and feeding 5,000, it took  a midnight hour event for them to believe Him as the Son of God. And it is says they worshiped Him.

Has Jesus ever performed a midnight hour event in your life? With all that Jesus has done for you, was it the midnight hour event that caused you to believe that Jesus was and is in your corner? Did you worship Him then? Has Jesus repeatedly told you to not be afraid? Has He said, "It is I?" When Jesus says to you, "don't be afraid", it's not mere empty words. He says it because He has you no matter what you see around you.

Remember Me

Luke 23:42

42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

There were three men nailed to crosses on Calvary. Crucifixion was considered the most horrible death for the most horrible criminals. Our Lord hung in between two thieves. The words uttered by one thief were full of unbelief and taunting hurled at Jesus. But the other, reminded the first thief that they were getting what they deserved but that Jesus was innocent. Usually, the guilty don't admit their guilt. But that indeed was the first difference of the one thief. He recognized that he was wrong in his actions that caused him to be where he was. And once he did, he asked Jesus to remember him. And Jesus said in verse 43 "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

The thief's humility is exactly what it takes for us to come to Jesus. There needs to be enough humility to say you have been wrong, made wrong choices, that you don't have all the answers. And when you do, no matter what you have done, even the most horrible of crimes, you can say to Jesus, "remember me."  And Jesus, our Lord and Savior, King of kings and Lord of Lords will remember you and take you in.

P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

A Servant Leader Even on Good Friday

Luke 22:22

22"For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? I am among you as one who serves."

As we celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it is important to know that He spent His earthly ministry as a servant leader. He is of royalty and deserved to be treated as the king He is, especially knowing that He was alongside our heavenly Father during the creation of the world in Genesis. still, a man who thought of serving. If anyone wants to be a leader, they need look no further than Jesus to be their mentor and guide. He is the ultimate example of leadership. Follow Jesus like the disciples that the studied the words from His mouth and walked where He told them to walk. And what happened? They became leaders did they not? The scripture above was said to the disciples during the last supper. A man who was about to meet His death on today, this Good Friday, still thinking of serving not of saving himself. It is a Good Friday, and the best Friday that ever existed!!!  Without the words from John 19:30 "It is finished," with that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit, we would pay the full price for our sins. Without Him giving up His spirit, we would not have direct access to our heavenly Father. Without Him giving up His spirit, He could not send us the Holy Spirit to dwell on the inside of us, guide us, comfort us, teach and convict us. Without out Hm giving up His spirit, there would be no battle over death and a resurrection for us to have eternal life.

PRAISE GOD FOR THIS GOOD FRIDAY!!!!

What Have You Obviously Missed?

John 7:41-42

41Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42Does not scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?"

There were many questions about Jesus' origin. As you may have read in scripture the questions some asked were indeed answered in the history of His birth. But at the time, the history and prophesies fulfilled seemed far fetched to many. The obvious really would've been obvious if just one question was asked and to the one it needed to be asked of. Both Mary and Joseph were of the family line of David. That is why they had to go to Bethlehem during the time of the census. Mary went into labor and had Jesus in Bethlehem. So if only the right questions were asked, the identity of who the doubters were in the presence of may have been resolved.

Is the obvious really obvious in your life? Has Jesus made something so plain that you have missed it because there was one question you missed? We are in Holy week. The last week of Jesus' earthly ministry. There was so much during that week that was made obvious that it was missed by some until after Christ had been glorified. The Christ was in their presence all along and many missed it. What has Jesus shown you that you obviously missed?

A Favorable Outcome

Luke 22:32

32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Before Jesus was arrested He warned Simon Peter that Satan "asked" to test him. Just as Satan asked God if he could "test" Job, so he did the same with Simon Peter. OH BUT GOD! God had his fail proof plan in place! His fail proof plan was Jesus! Jesus had already interceded on Simon Peter's behalf. For He said, "And when you have turned back", as indication that Simon Peter would stumble a little but he would not be hopeless. And after Simon Peter's test, his instructions were clear, strengthen the others.

Do you know that because God loves you, thinks the world of you and has plans for you, you are an enemy to Satan? You are an enemy to Satan because you seek to honor God with your life. So what is Satan's motive? His motive is to prove that you are not who you claim to be to God. His motive is to also take your future. How so? With a test. The purpose of the test is to show that you don't deserve whatever it is God has waiting for you. But the devil is a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that's why God allows you to be tested. God's purpose is to show that you ARE who He says you are. God's purpose is to show that your faith is stronger than what the devil can see! And when you have turned back, your instructions are clear, strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ. Let them know that just because they're in the test, doesn't mean they are doomed to fail. God believes enough in you that He sent Jesus to intercede on your behalf and believes in you so He expects and sees a favorable outcome.

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

Spiritual Fog

Matthew 9:4

4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

Jesus had gone into Capernaum where some men had brought a friend who was a paralytic on a mat. Jesus immediately looked at the man and told him his sins were forgiven. There were teachers of the law present and they believed Jesus to be blaspheming. In their minds, no one had the ability to forgive sins but God. Unfortunately, they refused to see that they were in the company of the Son of God. Jesus, who was spirit and existed with God when the world was created, had every right to forgive sins. But again, the teachers of the law had no idea who they were in the company of. Jesus continued to show the power He had been entrusted with by our heavenly Father. How so? He revealed that he knew their thoughts. Jesus clearly displayed the power and authority He possessed by forgiving sins, revealing thoughts and then telling the paralytic to walk and he did. Now if someone pronounced what you were thinking without you opening your mouth should that not be enough? But then to see a man get up and walk who just minutes before was bedridden is indeed a miracle. To deny that one witnessed a miracle is denying God and who He is.

Have you ever denied God's power and authority? Has the Lord ever showed you a miracle yet as the teachers of the law you attempted to explain away, reason away and flat out question it? What you may not realize is that everyone at one point in time has questioned God's ability whether it was through frank unbelief or even doubt because you could not see your way clear of a situation. Many of us have not been that far off from those teachers of the law or may even be still there. You can be in the presence of the Holy One yet still suffer from unbelief due to spiritual fog. Whatever fog you may be in, may be it made clear to you by the power and authority of Jesus Christ

P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Show on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!

Sifted

Matthew 4:25

25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Jesus had just started His public ministry in Galilee where He also picked the first disciples. As Jesus began healing the sick many followed Him. But as the NIV Study Bible states, not all following Him were true disciples. It says some were just curious and as events occurred, this was revealed. This is still true. Everyone who says they are followers of Christ may be revealed as curious onlookers when a situation takes places that requires them to put their faith where their mouth is. The word faith is over used just like many other words in the English language. But to really believe and follow Jesus may mean having a difficult trial or facing an unpleasant experience just so He can bring you out and show that He is the Lord of lords and King of kings. Will you be angry with Jesus then? Will you still follow Him then or will you be sifted?

And what about those who follow you? Do you know that some may be curious onlookers? God will reveal those who may claim to be true by using certain events. Pray for them as Jesus did and keep moving. Whatever God has assigned you to must be completed as not everyone has the same assignment. You do not have time to be distracted by curious onlookers, they will be sifted out in due time. Jesus didn't worry about them. He didn't even worry about the ones who tried countless times to harm Him.


P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show Mon-Fri 10am-12pm on www.leapoffaithshow.com and listen for the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!