Mark 15:9-10
9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.
Pilate knew that Jesus had not actually committed any crime. He did not plot against nor harm the chief priests. It was out of his popularity and the power of God in His grasp that sorely troubled the chief priests. Because Pilate knew that Jesus committed no crime he had to offer up Jesus for release. But the chief priests insisted on covering up their envy for seeking what they thought was Jesus' demise with a thin veil of stirring up the crowd. Now Pilate went along with it because he wanted to continue to have favor with the Jews but he knew it was wrong. The thin veil the chief priests chose involved getting what they wanted from Pilate by stirring up the crowd. They knew it was the only way their scheme would work. But all they did was play right into what God had determined ought to happen and in the end, they looked worse off then they had before Jesus had been arrested because what happened was recorded forever!! The chief priests allowed envy and deceit to be what they are remembered for. What is envy? According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, envy is a painful or resentful awareness of another's advantages. Yes, Jesus had an advantage over the chief priests, being the son of God trumps them all but Jesus has power that no one else possesses. And people were really hungry and still are for the word of God. As a kingdom kid, we will suffer persecutions maybe not to the extreme of Jesus but envy will be at the route in some cases. When we are children of light, we are subject to what Jesus was subject to. Whether it's because we smile, we interact well with others or whatever. Thankfully he still paid it all and in the end Jesus is triumphant and still sits on the throne. This makes us more than conquerors!! Bless the Lord!!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
When Will You Start?
Ephesians 2:10
10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Back in Genesis 1:27 it says that man was made in God's image. And the apostle Paul notes that we are God's workmanship. We are His work of art. The animals were made but we are the only ones made in His image. He planted within us that which is in Him. He gave us not only His features, but the ability to experience emotions and most importantly, the ability to reason. We are the only mammals that have it. As a matter of fact, God created us to rule over all other creatures. Imagine that? He gave us power to rule within the earth. But what have we done with that power? Do you not know that if you are breathing, then you have a good work to complete? Sadly, many of us never accomplish the good work because we have no intentions to seek the Lord to find out what that good work is. The apostle Paul said God prepared it in advance. So each and every person on this earth has a purpose. But not being in Christ, delays the actualization of that purpose. In psychology, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs shows self-actualization (purpose) at the top once we have all the other needs met. But according to the word of God, seeking the Lord first satisfies those needs, including love, safety, etc. because He makes provision and He knows every need. The Lord downloads ideas, strategies, etc to not only have provision but to bring fulfillment. Why wouldn't He since He created the masterpiece of this world and everything in it? We can have all the other things and still have no sense of purpose. Our Lord is the great creator whom we call Elohim and He created all of us to complete something for Him that will give Him glory. When will you start?
P.S. Remember to check out my man V, Saturday on the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment at 8:30am CT, 2:30pm CT and 8:30pm CT! Also check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on www.Leapoffaithshow.com on Sun from 6am-10am ET and Mon-Wed from 6am-9am ET and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Back in Genesis 1:27 it says that man was made in God's image. And the apostle Paul notes that we are God's workmanship. We are His work of art. The animals were made but we are the only ones made in His image. He planted within us that which is in Him. He gave us not only His features, but the ability to experience emotions and most importantly, the ability to reason. We are the only mammals that have it. As a matter of fact, God created us to rule over all other creatures. Imagine that? He gave us power to rule within the earth. But what have we done with that power? Do you not know that if you are breathing, then you have a good work to complete? Sadly, many of us never accomplish the good work because we have no intentions to seek the Lord to find out what that good work is. The apostle Paul said God prepared it in advance. So each and every person on this earth has a purpose. But not being in Christ, delays the actualization of that purpose. In psychology, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs shows self-actualization (purpose) at the top once we have all the other needs met. But according to the word of God, seeking the Lord first satisfies those needs, including love, safety, etc. because He makes provision and He knows every need. The Lord downloads ideas, strategies, etc to not only have provision but to bring fulfillment. Why wouldn't He since He created the masterpiece of this world and everything in it? We can have all the other things and still have no sense of purpose. Our Lord is the great creator whom we call Elohim and He created all of us to complete something for Him that will give Him glory. When will you start?
P.S. Remember to check out my man V, Saturday on the Artist to Artist Show on www.Qliveone.com and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment at 8:30am CT, 2:30pm CT and 8:30pm CT! Also check out my girl Stubbs of the Leap of Faith Show on www.Leapoffaithshow.com on Sun from 6am-10am ET and Mon-Wed from 6am-9am ET and catch the Get Your JOY In The Morning segment!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Everyday is to be Thanksgiving
Psalm 75:1
1We give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks, for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds.
The psalmist focused on giving thanks to the Lord for protecting the Israelites even when their foes were emerging. The psalmist was intent to rest in the presence and safety of the Lord. People could give testimony to the deeds performed by the Lord and His omnipresence. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many people will spend the day with family and friends and telling what they are thankful for. But what about the other 364 days of the year? Do we give thanks for each breath we take? For every second, minute, hour and day that we have someone didn't get. That's enough to say thank you everyday. Has the Lord blessed you with loved ones? Thank Him for sending them! When we need the Lord, all we have to do is call on Him. We don't have to worry about a blocked signal or voicemail. He'll listen and answer. Now the answer may not be what we want, but He will answer if we wait and listen. Hopefully, people around you give testimonies of just how awesome the Lord has been to them. Even if not, surely each of us can recount the times the Lord has been with us. Yes, it's wonderful that the U.S has designated a day to give thanks but the challenge is to recognize that everyday is to be thanksgiving. So as we spend time with our families, eating and being merry, start a new tradition. Let everyday be the day you and your family give thanks. And if you're already doing it, how many others have you shared your testimony with?
P.S. There will be NO MESSAGE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH.
1We give thanks to you, O God,
we give thanks, for your Name is near;
men tell of your wonderful deeds.
The psalmist focused on giving thanks to the Lord for protecting the Israelites even when their foes were emerging. The psalmist was intent to rest in the presence and safety of the Lord. People could give testimony to the deeds performed by the Lord and His omnipresence. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many people will spend the day with family and friends and telling what they are thankful for. But what about the other 364 days of the year? Do we give thanks for each breath we take? For every second, minute, hour and day that we have someone didn't get. That's enough to say thank you everyday. Has the Lord blessed you with loved ones? Thank Him for sending them! When we need the Lord, all we have to do is call on Him. We don't have to worry about a blocked signal or voicemail. He'll listen and answer. Now the answer may not be what we want, but He will answer if we wait and listen. Hopefully, people around you give testimonies of just how awesome the Lord has been to them. Even if not, surely each of us can recount the times the Lord has been with us. Yes, it's wonderful that the U.S has designated a day to give thanks but the challenge is to recognize that everyday is to be thanksgiving. So as we spend time with our families, eating and being merry, start a new tradition. Let everyday be the day you and your family give thanks. And if you're already doing it, how many others have you shared your testimony with?
P.S. There will be NO MESSAGE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Would You Know Who He Is?
John 8:25
25"Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
The validity of Jesus was being tested by the Jews. When he told them of what was coming regarding his whereabouts and what their lives would end in, they were bewildered. They wanted to know who exactly Jesus was. But just as He said then, He is who's He's always claimed to be, God's only begotten son. How are we to view Jesus? We are to view Him with reverence, awe and love. For Jesus came to fulfill the law. The Lord needed to fully identify with us and in order to do so, He needed to live among us. If Jesus walked up to you today, would you know who He is? Or would you ask, who are you? Have you even been able to recognize the handiwork of Jesus? Or are you attributing everything to luck or other external factors? Jesus is the miracle worker. But we have to know who He is to recognize His work.
25"Who are you?" they asked.
"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
The validity of Jesus was being tested by the Jews. When he told them of what was coming regarding his whereabouts and what their lives would end in, they were bewildered. They wanted to know who exactly Jesus was. But just as He said then, He is who's He's always claimed to be, God's only begotten son. How are we to view Jesus? We are to view Him with reverence, awe and love. For Jesus came to fulfill the law. The Lord needed to fully identify with us and in order to do so, He needed to live among us. If Jesus walked up to you today, would you know who He is? Or would you ask, who are you? Have you even been able to recognize the handiwork of Jesus? Or are you attributing everything to luck or other external factors? Jesus is the miracle worker. But we have to know who He is to recognize His work.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Call on the Lord
Isaiah 40:29
29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Are you tired? Call on the Lord! Do you feel weak? Call on the Lord! Are you feeling like you can't handle another curve ball of circumstances? Call on the Lord! The Lord is the creator of heaven and earth. He gives us everything we need, sometimes even before we ask for it. The Lord used the prophet Isaiah to comfort His people, especially because of what was coming. Hezekiah was still king and Babylon had not yet captured the Israelites but God's people were battling the Assyrians. The Lord knew His people were tired. Hezekiah knew his kingdom was tired. They were tired of fighting. Hezekiah wanted to encourage his kingdom. But the Lord offered something that no one could. His strength and power. What can you do with the Lord's strength and power? You can stand in the most challenging of circumstances with grace. You can have the power you need in order to make things happen that otherwise couldn't possibly be. The Lord can do everything but fail! But we have to learn to call on Him. We must know that without Him, nothing will be accomplished and long lasting. Call on the Lord!
P.S. A huge THANK YOU to all those that came out on Saturday, November 19th to the book signing at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore!
29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Are you tired? Call on the Lord! Do you feel weak? Call on the Lord! Are you feeling like you can't handle another curve ball of circumstances? Call on the Lord! The Lord is the creator of heaven and earth. He gives us everything we need, sometimes even before we ask for it. The Lord used the prophet Isaiah to comfort His people, especially because of what was coming. Hezekiah was still king and Babylon had not yet captured the Israelites but God's people were battling the Assyrians. The Lord knew His people were tired. Hezekiah knew his kingdom was tired. They were tired of fighting. Hezekiah wanted to encourage his kingdom. But the Lord offered something that no one could. His strength and power. What can you do with the Lord's strength and power? You can stand in the most challenging of circumstances with grace. You can have the power you need in order to make things happen that otherwise couldn't possibly be. The Lord can do everything but fail! But we have to learn to call on Him. We must know that without Him, nothing will be accomplished and long lasting. Call on the Lord!
P.S. A huge THANK YOU to all those that came out on Saturday, November 19th to the book signing at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Special Event TODAY, Saturday, November 19th
If you're in the MD/DC/VA area today, November 19th, join me at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham, MD from 1-4pm ET for a book signing, hugs and pics courtesy of Photographic Expressions! Get Your JOY In The Morning is a wonderful Christmas gift for a friend or family member!!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Turn It Over
Psalm 39:1
1I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
David suffered for his sins but he also knew how to ask the Lord for forgiveness. When David backslid or was disobedient to the Lord, the Lord taught him through sickness and pain to reach out for Him. David was of course also before his enemies. His response to them was to keep quiet so they wouldn't catch wind of his tongue. There are times when we must be quiet. No matter how easy it may be to speak, if God has declared we must be quiet, then we must. David instead turned his attention to the Lord when he could no longer contain his anger. Only the Lord could fully address his pain and only the Lord could calm the anguish he felt for his enemies. Do we know when to keep quiet? Do we know when it doesn't pay to open our mouth in the presence of our enemies? When we are facing the level of anguish that David was feeling, we ought simply to turn it over to the one who can take it away. Lashing back would only cause more harm. David was already suffering and he needed to focus on being restored.
P.S. Join me this Saturday, November 19th at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham, Md from 1-4pm for their anniversary celebration as I will be signing books and hugging necks!! Photos will be taken by Lisa J. Monroe of Photographic Expressions. It's a great gift for friends and family!!
1I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."
David suffered for his sins but he also knew how to ask the Lord for forgiveness. When David backslid or was disobedient to the Lord, the Lord taught him through sickness and pain to reach out for Him. David was of course also before his enemies. His response to them was to keep quiet so they wouldn't catch wind of his tongue. There are times when we must be quiet. No matter how easy it may be to speak, if God has declared we must be quiet, then we must. David instead turned his attention to the Lord when he could no longer contain his anger. Only the Lord could fully address his pain and only the Lord could calm the anguish he felt for his enemies. Do we know when to keep quiet? Do we know when it doesn't pay to open our mouth in the presence of our enemies? When we are facing the level of anguish that David was feeling, we ought simply to turn it over to the one who can take it away. Lashing back would only cause more harm. David was already suffering and he needed to focus on being restored.
P.S. Join me this Saturday, November 19th at John 3:16 Christian Bookstore in Lanham, Md from 1-4pm for their anniversary celebration as I will be signing books and hugging necks!! Photos will be taken by Lisa J. Monroe of Photographic Expressions. It's a great gift for friends and family!!
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