1Kings 2:2-3
2"I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong,
show yourself a man, 3and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk
in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and
requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in
all you do and wherever you go,
King David was about to die and God had chosen Solomon to carry on the
throne. What a privilege for Solomon but also a huge task. King David
had served God and the people with a loving heart. David gave Solomon
not only encouragement but also very stern advice that was not really a
suggestion but rather a necessity in order for him to succeed in his
reign. It was in verse four that David said to Solomon that by him
keeping his advice, God would keep the promise He made to David. What a
weight to carry! Solomon had a lot to lose. Passing on the torch of
leadership wasn't just about passing on a title. It was about passing on
a way of life and service. There were many kings who didn't follow any
of the advice David provided. Did Solomon follow David's advice? In part
but not whole. And the only reason the kingdom was not completely torn
from their family line was because God remembered the promise He made to
David and refused to break it based on the idolatry and lust of
Solomon. When parents raise their children and release them into the
world, the hope, in most cases, is that they will do better, be better
and have more. As much as Solomon had in the way of riches and wisdom,
he failed in some areas and he started a trend of unfaithfulness to God.
Did Solomon intend to? No. He just thought he could handle what he was
doing. Parenthood doesn't come with an exact book of instructions unless
based in the Word of God. Leadership comes with some instruction but
again, to be a servant leader, based on the Word of God as David
advised. How are you passing on the torch? Whether you are a parent or
leader, you are still passing on something. So what is it? Are you
giving the advice like David, or is your example going to show itself in
the next few generations like that after Solomon's? It is not easy and
one only hopes that ears and hearts receive but what are they receiving?
Are you passing on the torch based on the Word of God?
P.S. Remember to check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Seed of Progress
Acts 14:5
5There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews together, with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.
The apostles Paul and Barnabas were so effective in preaching the good news of Jesus Christ that both Jew and Gentile believed and desired to be saved. But the Jews that refused to believe decided they would bring about confusion and negativity to upset the group. The Lord gave Paul and Barnabas power through the Holy Spirit to perform miracles to confirm the Word of God that had been preached. But the Jews filled with anger plotted to harm Paul and Barnabas. God provided a warning so Paul and Barnabas could escape. Have you ever noticed when God is working the enemy is busy? Then enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He'll use anyone to do it. He used the closed minds and hearts of the Jews that didn't believe to steal the seed of belief from those who received the Word of God. It's a classic case. As long as your belief is weak, then the enemy can continue to have his way with you. The minute you begin to grow in your faith, the enemy will attempt to bring you back to where you were. For the Jews and Gentiles that received the Word, they had a heart to receive. Those that didn't were upset. Have you ever noticed the more you grow in your faith, there are those that are not happy about it? Why? Because it means you are no longer partners in crime in the sins you engaged in together. You have surpassed the things you used to do and the ways you once thought. But in order to not feel left out, those that refuse to grow attempt to drag you back down with them. The old "crab in the barrel" syndrome. Your spiritual growth reminds them of where they still are and though they don't want to grow with you, they don't want you to progress. The feelings of inadequacy can run so deep that they seek to harm you or make you look bad. For Paul and Barnabas, God had used them so mightily, their lives were in danger. How many times has God told you that you must depart from the group you kept company with that were not growing in the direction God desires to take you? Did you continue to keep company with them or did you flea like the apostles? Keeping company with those God says you must separate from can only leave one result- you'll be back to ground zero and the seed of progress will be taken from you.
P.S. Please note in yesterday's message "Who Are You Consulting?" I meant Leviticus 20:27 not Leviticus 20:7. Remember to check out the Top 5 Countdown on www.churchbeatradio.com!
5There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews together, with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.
The apostles Paul and Barnabas were so effective in preaching the good news of Jesus Christ that both Jew and Gentile believed and desired to be saved. But the Jews that refused to believe decided they would bring about confusion and negativity to upset the group. The Lord gave Paul and Barnabas power through the Holy Spirit to perform miracles to confirm the Word of God that had been preached. But the Jews filled with anger plotted to harm Paul and Barnabas. God provided a warning so Paul and Barnabas could escape. Have you ever noticed when God is working the enemy is busy? Then enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He'll use anyone to do it. He used the closed minds and hearts of the Jews that didn't believe to steal the seed of belief from those who received the Word of God. It's a classic case. As long as your belief is weak, then the enemy can continue to have his way with you. The minute you begin to grow in your faith, the enemy will attempt to bring you back to where you were. For the Jews and Gentiles that received the Word, they had a heart to receive. Those that didn't were upset. Have you ever noticed the more you grow in your faith, there are those that are not happy about it? Why? Because it means you are no longer partners in crime in the sins you engaged in together. You have surpassed the things you used to do and the ways you once thought. But in order to not feel left out, those that refuse to grow attempt to drag you back down with them. The old "crab in the barrel" syndrome. Your spiritual growth reminds them of where they still are and though they don't want to grow with you, they don't want you to progress. The feelings of inadequacy can run so deep that they seek to harm you or make you look bad. For Paul and Barnabas, God had used them so mightily, their lives were in danger. How many times has God told you that you must depart from the group you kept company with that were not growing in the direction God desires to take you? Did you continue to keep company with them or did you flea like the apostles? Keeping company with those God says you must separate from can only leave one result- you'll be back to ground zero and the seed of progress will be taken from you.
P.S. Please note in yesterday's message "Who Are You Consulting?" I meant Leviticus 20:27 not Leviticus 20:7. Remember to check out the Top 5 Countdown on www.churchbeatradio.com!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Who Are You Consulting?
1Samuel 2815b-d:
15"I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophet or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do."
King Saul was in a moment of desperation so to end his despair and confusion he went to the "witch of Endor" who was actually a medium. Job's friend Elihu spoke about the different ways in which God speaks. Yes, God speaks through the His Holy Word, prophets, dreams, men and women of God who receive a word of wisdom or knowledge to pass on, the preached word, etc. King Saul had decided some time prior that he wouldn't listen to God therefore, God decided to stop speaking to him. But What is a medium? A medium is one who allows themselves to be a channel for which the dead will speak through, those that are dead in body but not in spirit. The spirit lives on though our physical bodies die. The medium allows themselves to be a channel for which unholy spirits can come through as well. Remember that God is a spirit and we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The apostle Paul references other spirits and principalities of darkness in Ephesians chapter 6. There was a time when there was no evil but Lucifer, also known as Satan, Beezlebub, the enemy of our souls, etc was once an angel of the Lord. He became vain and decided that he should be worshiped and therefore wanted to get the glory so he and his followers were cast out of Heaven and fell below the earth. So evil started with extreme vanity and therefore opened the door for Satan and his many spirits. Why is this important? Many, when in crisis look for answers like King Saul but who are you consulting? God says in His word in Leviticus 20:6 "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." God also says in His word in Leviticus 20:7 that anyone who practices as mediums and spiritists leave the blood on their own heads and shall suffer. Now, this is not meant to scare you but to educate you as we are often destroyed for a lack of knowledge in Hosea 4:6. When you are in a crisis, you must seek God for He is the creator of you, the world and everything in it. So to consult someone or something else other than Him for answers is spitting at Him. Now let's be clear, spiritual gifts given by God are to be used as He directs. There are some who have taken their God-given gifts, some knowingly and unknowingly, and have exploited them against God. For instance, those with the gift of prophecy, the gift of discernment and intercessory gifts have been given a doorway to the mind of God and His heart and can sense what is happening in the spirit realm. However, if these gifts are then taken in vanity and/or sold to the public to give them information (psychics, clairvoyants or astrology) then a doorway to Satanic (demonic) forces has begun. Satan is the father of lies and seeks to steal, kill and destroy. By consulting them you give Satan a doorway to your life to cut off and/or reverse that which God is doing in your life. So why not consult God instead? If God has spoken to you time and time again and you refuse to listen, don't be upset if He's suddenly silent and don't go to Satan looking for answers. You end up ensuring an ugly fate for yourself when you do. Saul's fate was detailed in
1Chronicles 10:13-14
13Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and did not consult the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Who are you consulting? Don't lose your blessings by consulting unholy people and answers.
P.S. You can go back and read the scriptures for yourself. If you do not have a Bible, you can access nearly any translation of it at www.biblegateway.com.
15"I am in great distress," Saul said. "The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophet or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do."
King Saul was in a moment of desperation so to end his despair and confusion he went to the "witch of Endor" who was actually a medium. Job's friend Elihu spoke about the different ways in which God speaks. Yes, God speaks through the His Holy Word, prophets, dreams, men and women of God who receive a word of wisdom or knowledge to pass on, the preached word, etc. King Saul had decided some time prior that he wouldn't listen to God therefore, God decided to stop speaking to him. But What is a medium? A medium is one who allows themselves to be a channel for which the dead will speak through, those that are dead in body but not in spirit. The spirit lives on though our physical bodies die. The medium allows themselves to be a channel for which unholy spirits can come through as well. Remember that God is a spirit and we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. The apostle Paul references other spirits and principalities of darkness in Ephesians chapter 6. There was a time when there was no evil but Lucifer, also known as Satan, Beezlebub, the enemy of our souls, etc was once an angel of the Lord. He became vain and decided that he should be worshiped and therefore wanted to get the glory so he and his followers were cast out of Heaven and fell below the earth. So evil started with extreme vanity and therefore opened the door for Satan and his many spirits. Why is this important? Many, when in crisis look for answers like King Saul but who are you consulting? God says in His word in Leviticus 20:6 "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." God also says in His word in Leviticus 20:7 that anyone who practices as mediums and spiritists leave the blood on their own heads and shall suffer. Now, this is not meant to scare you but to educate you as we are often destroyed for a lack of knowledge in Hosea 4:6. When you are in a crisis, you must seek God for He is the creator of you, the world and everything in it. So to consult someone or something else other than Him for answers is spitting at Him. Now let's be clear, spiritual gifts given by God are to be used as He directs. There are some who have taken their God-given gifts, some knowingly and unknowingly, and have exploited them against God. For instance, those with the gift of prophecy, the gift of discernment and intercessory gifts have been given a doorway to the mind of God and His heart and can sense what is happening in the spirit realm. However, if these gifts are then taken in vanity and/or sold to the public to give them information (psychics, clairvoyants or astrology) then a doorway to Satanic (demonic) forces has begun. Satan is the father of lies and seeks to steal, kill and destroy. By consulting them you give Satan a doorway to your life to cut off and/or reverse that which God is doing in your life. So why not consult God instead? If God has spoken to you time and time again and you refuse to listen, don't be upset if He's suddenly silent and don't go to Satan looking for answers. You end up ensuring an ugly fate for yourself when you do. Saul's fate was detailed in
1Chronicles 10:13-14
13Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and did not consult the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Who are you consulting? Don't lose your blessings by consulting unholy people and answers.
P.S. You can go back and read the scriptures for yourself. If you do not have a Bible, you can access nearly any translation of it at www.biblegateway.com.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Live with Integrity
Psalm 51:6
6Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom inn the inmost place.
What is the inmost place of you? It's your spirit then your soul (mind and emotions). David had sinned and asked God for forgiveness. David admitted that he knew exactly what he had done that was against God. When each of us sins, we outright deny God. David knew that he had gone against what God taught him. He admitted that he knew better and recognized that God wanted nothing more than for him to be truthful about what he had done. Yes, God already knows what we have done but it's nothing like hearing the confession, because the confession is a sign of humility and admittance that what was done was willful. Yes, God desires truth from you. He wants you to use the wisdom He's taught you. What good is wisdom and knowledge given if never applied? It just becomes information. We live in an information overload and a constant downloading society so God's intention is never about just giving more information. He wants you to be wise, obedient and live with integrity. In order to live with integrity it starts within your spirit and being truthful with God. Most would rather not be truthful with God because it also means being truthful with yourself and anyone else who has believed the lie you sold. What truth do you think you're hiding from God? He already knows your transgression, He's just waiting for you to say it. What wisdom has He already given you? Have you used it or is it just another piece of information? What if God treated your prayer of need the way you treat the wisdom He has given you? What if it was just another piece of information to Him? How would you feel?
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com! Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist show this Saturday at 8am CT/9am ET!
6Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom inn the inmost place.
What is the inmost place of you? It's your spirit then your soul (mind and emotions). David had sinned and asked God for forgiveness. David admitted that he knew exactly what he had done that was against God. When each of us sins, we outright deny God. David knew that he had gone against what God taught him. He admitted that he knew better and recognized that God wanted nothing more than for him to be truthful about what he had done. Yes, God already knows what we have done but it's nothing like hearing the confession, because the confession is a sign of humility and admittance that what was done was willful. Yes, God desires truth from you. He wants you to use the wisdom He's taught you. What good is wisdom and knowledge given if never applied? It just becomes information. We live in an information overload and a constant downloading society so God's intention is never about just giving more information. He wants you to be wise, obedient and live with integrity. In order to live with integrity it starts within your spirit and being truthful with God. Most would rather not be truthful with God because it also means being truthful with yourself and anyone else who has believed the lie you sold. What truth do you think you're hiding from God? He already knows your transgression, He's just waiting for you to say it. What wisdom has He already given you? Have you used it or is it just another piece of information? What if God treated your prayer of need the way you treat the wisdom He has given you? What if it was just another piece of information to Him? How would you feel?
P.S. Check out my girl Stubbs on the Leap of Faith Network on www.live365.com! Check out my man V of the Artist to Artist show this Saturday at 8am CT/9am ET!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tomorrow May Never Come for You
Matthew 27:50-52
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
Many would call the hour Jesus died as just a story but last week I came across an article on MSNBC from the Discovery Channel called "Quake reveals date of Jesus crucifixion, researchers believe" which talks about geologists who have now been able to prove Jesus time of death based on seismic activity. From the article:
Geologists say Jesus, as described in the New Testament, was most likely crucified on Friday, April 3, in the year 33.
The latest investigation, reported in International Geology Review, focused on earthquake activity at the Dead Sea, located 13 miles from Jerusalem. The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 27, mentions that an earthquake coincided with the crucifixion:
To analyze earthquake activity in the region, geologist Jefferson Williams of Supersonic Geophysical and colleagues Markus Schwab and Achim Brauer of the German Research Center for Geosciences studied three cores from the beach of the Ein Gedi Spa adjacent to the Dead Sea. Varves, which are annual layers of deposition in the sediments, reveal that at least two major earthquakes affected the core: a widespread earthquake in 31 B.C. and a seismic event that happened sometime between the years 26 and 36. The latter period occurred during “the years when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea and when the earthquake of the Gospel of Matthew is historically constrained,” Williams said."The day and date of the crucifixion (Good Friday) are known with a fair degree of precision," he said. But the year has been in question.
Now why is so much of the article included above? If you are not a believer and follower of Jesus Christ or are only following Jesus when convenient, reading just a portion of the article is powerful enough to reconsider your stance on Jesus and your life. Many say they believe in God yet treat God as some little fairy but the Holy Bible is real, the events are real not just stories, Jesus is real, Heaven and Hell are real. The plight of your soul (mind and emotions) and spirit is real. If you are not on the right path, it's a good time to start. What will you say on your judgement day? Tomorrow may never come for you. What are you doing today? Think about the information the geologists have found that support what happened to our beloved Savior all for the sake of saving you and me from our sins if you just accept Him.
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
Many would call the hour Jesus died as just a story but last week I came across an article on MSNBC from the Discovery Channel called "Quake reveals date of Jesus crucifixion, researchers believe" which talks about geologists who have now been able to prove Jesus time of death based on seismic activity. From the article:
Geologists say Jesus, as described in the New Testament, was most likely crucified on Friday, April 3, in the year 33.
The latest investigation, reported in International Geology Review, focused on earthquake activity at the Dead Sea, located 13 miles from Jerusalem. The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 27, mentions that an earthquake coincided with the crucifixion:
To analyze earthquake activity in the region, geologist Jefferson Williams of Supersonic Geophysical and colleagues Markus Schwab and Achim Brauer of the German Research Center for Geosciences studied three cores from the beach of the Ein Gedi Spa adjacent to the Dead Sea. Varves, which are annual layers of deposition in the sediments, reveal that at least two major earthquakes affected the core: a widespread earthquake in 31 B.C. and a seismic event that happened sometime between the years 26 and 36. The latter period occurred during “the years when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea and when the earthquake of the Gospel of Matthew is historically constrained,” Williams said."The day and date of the crucifixion (Good Friday) are known with a fair degree of precision," he said. But the year has been in question.
- All four gospels and Tacitus in Annals (XV, 44) agree that the crucifixion occurred when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36.
- All four gospels say the crucifixion occurred on a Friday.
- All four gospels agree that Jesus died a few hours before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath (nightfall on a Friday).
- The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) indicate that Jesus died before nightfall on the 14th day of Nisan, right before the start of the Passover meal.
- John’s gospel differs from the synoptics, apparently indicating that Jesus died before nightfall on the 15th day of Nisan.
Now why is so much of the article included above? If you are not a believer and follower of Jesus Christ or are only following Jesus when convenient, reading just a portion of the article is powerful enough to reconsider your stance on Jesus and your life. Many say they believe in God yet treat God as some little fairy but the Holy Bible is real, the events are real not just stories, Jesus is real, Heaven and Hell are real. The plight of your soul (mind and emotions) and spirit is real. If you are not on the right path, it's a good time to start. What will you say on your judgement day? Tomorrow may never come for you. What are you doing today? Think about the information the geologists have found that support what happened to our beloved Savior all for the sake of saving you and me from our sins if you just accept Him.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
You Can Walk in Purpose No Matter What
Acts 7:30
30After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.
Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin and gave an account of the life of Moses before he was stoned to death in the presence of a man whom Jesus would call to bring the gospel of Jesus to the gentiles. Moses was eighty years old before he actually walked in his God-given purpose. Moses was forty years old when he left Egypt. He was well versed in Egyptian culture and education. As the word says, "he was educated in all the wisdom of Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." So it's no wonder that God sent him back to Egypt as His spokesperson to free the Jews. Moses was raised by the enemy to then become the deliverer and defeat the enemy with the mighty power of the Lord. What a purpose! Do you know that God can use you at any time and any age no matter what your past? What you may not know is the Lord can use aspects of your bad past and utilize it for good. And yes, the Lord can get your attention with a burning bush experience if needed. When He says He wants to use you, do not run because He will find you anyway. The best thing to do is to accept whatever purpose He has made especially for you. There will not only be joy and fulfillment but you'll have a peace that you won't have if you keep running and denying Him. The lack of peace will be torture to your soul. Do not fear giving up what the Lord asks you. He can give you double as He did Moses. Moses made a greater impact as a deliverer and leader of a nation-remembered by many more than if he had taken his place in Egypt.
P.S. Check out the Top 10 Countdown on Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com!
30After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.
Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin and gave an account of the life of Moses before he was stoned to death in the presence of a man whom Jesus would call to bring the gospel of Jesus to the gentiles. Moses was eighty years old before he actually walked in his God-given purpose. Moses was forty years old when he left Egypt. He was well versed in Egyptian culture and education. As the word says, "he was educated in all the wisdom of Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action." So it's no wonder that God sent him back to Egypt as His spokesperson to free the Jews. Moses was raised by the enemy to then become the deliverer and defeat the enemy with the mighty power of the Lord. What a purpose! Do you know that God can use you at any time and any age no matter what your past? What you may not know is the Lord can use aspects of your bad past and utilize it for good. And yes, the Lord can get your attention with a burning bush experience if needed. When He says He wants to use you, do not run because He will find you anyway. The best thing to do is to accept whatever purpose He has made especially for you. There will not only be joy and fulfillment but you'll have a peace that you won't have if you keep running and denying Him. The lack of peace will be torture to your soul. Do not fear giving up what the Lord asks you. He can give you double as He did Moses. Moses made a greater impact as a deliverer and leader of a nation-remembered by many more than if he had taken his place in Egypt.
P.S. Check out the Top 10 Countdown on Church Beat Radio at www.churchbeatradio.com!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Eating Rocks
Proverbs 20:17
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
King Solomon used food to denote what can be consumed. Actually, the preparer of the food was considered to be someone not of good standing with the Lord. For the man keeping company with one not of good standing, it's a sure way to fall and most hurtful to him. Anything gained and consumed by less than desirable or truthful means may seem good in the beginning but it ends up being distasteful and unpleasant in the end. What does a mouth full of gravel taste like? If you know anything about gravel then you know gravel is loose, small rocks often mixed with dirt. Rocks are hard and can shatter and chip the contents of anything with enough force. Chewing on gravel most certainly cannot be a pleasant experience and must be very painful. This is exactly what God wants you to understand. If you gain something the wrong way, it may seem like you have retrieved something sweet and valuable but it will soon become very painful before it is said done. Fraud as defined by Merriam-Webster's Online dictionary is simply deceit, trickery or misinterpretation of what something really is. Have you ever obtained anything based on lies, deceit or misinterpretation? How bad did it hurt? Did it feel like you were eating rocks?
17Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
King Solomon used food to denote what can be consumed. Actually, the preparer of the food was considered to be someone not of good standing with the Lord. For the man keeping company with one not of good standing, it's a sure way to fall and most hurtful to him. Anything gained and consumed by less than desirable or truthful means may seem good in the beginning but it ends up being distasteful and unpleasant in the end. What does a mouth full of gravel taste like? If you know anything about gravel then you know gravel is loose, small rocks often mixed with dirt. Rocks are hard and can shatter and chip the contents of anything with enough force. Chewing on gravel most certainly cannot be a pleasant experience and must be very painful. This is exactly what God wants you to understand. If you gain something the wrong way, it may seem like you have retrieved something sweet and valuable but it will soon become very painful before it is said done. Fraud as defined by Merriam-Webster's Online dictionary is simply deceit, trickery or misinterpretation of what something really is. Have you ever obtained anything based on lies, deceit or misinterpretation? How bad did it hurt? Did it feel like you were eating rocks?
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