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.

Delaying Your Own Blessing

Hebrews 3:7-8

7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, 8Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of the trial in the wilderness.

Did you know that when the Israelites were in the desert they were in a trial? It was a long trial as it took 40years for them to go just a few steps. But God didn't keep them there just because He had nothing better to do. The Israelites delayed their own blessing by an entire generation due to their rebellion and grumbling. Can you imagine waiting 40years for something God promised you because you hardened your heart? It wasn't that God didn't want to give it to you but that you failed to be in the right position spiritually and physically to receive your blessing. Are you in a desert right now? How many years have you been there? Note that God still provided for the Israelites while they were in the desert but Moses spent so much time before God's face to keep back wrath because they were that rebellious regardless of how many times God performed miracles. God is still providing for you in your desert. The desert for each person is different. It's whatever aspect of your life that could be filled with God's favor or double portion of grace that simply is not.


Many take for granted the ability to hear God through the Holy Spirit. But what will happen when He goes quiet:? What will you do? To be able to hear God through the Holy Spirit is a precious gift. But when a gift goes unused or unopened, it can be taken away. What does it mean to hear? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines hear as 1) to perceive by the ear; 2) to gain knowledge of by hearing: learn; 3) heed: also attend; 4) to give a legal hearing to or take testimony from. If you have the ability to hear God through His Holy Spirit, through His word count it as more precious than rubies. Count it as pearls that you find hidden in clam shells. But more importantly, do as the Holy Spirit instructs before He takes away your ability to hear.

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!

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!

Don't Lose Sleep...It Is Normal

2Timothy 3:12-13

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

The apostle Paul was giving a charge to the young Timothy about life in Christ, what to expect as one who preached the gospel of Christ. But Paul's warning wasn't just for Timothy, he says 'everyone' so that means you and I as well. Have you ever noticed the strange looks you get when you bow your head to God in public in order to thank Him for your food? Have you ever had the strange looks and words of discouragement from "so called friends" and even family because you no longer distribute the outrageous drunken behavior you used to that left you sick? Do you get the taunts or those who wrongfully project their issues of being out of line with Christ onto you to make themselves feel better? Do people look down on you because you men and women in Christ now refuse to literally lay down with anyone and everyone except the mate Christ has made especially for you, to avoid getting up with fleas and being left empty and unfulfilled? Then you guessed it? You have been persecuted. King Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun and it is true. Human behavior repeats itself. Do not lose sleep over this persecution because it is normal. Do not backslide because of this persecution. You are a new creature as Paul says. In order to move forward in your life in Christ, Paul says you have to renew your mind. Renewing your mind isn't a one time thing. It's something you have to do regularly by prayer, recognizing and listening to the Holy Spirit, staying in the Word and learning to apply it in your life. What is interesting is that Paul refers to 'evil men and impostors who will go from bad to worse deceiving'. Yes, there really are deceivers in the world and sadly there are those who are being deceived because they cannot seem to put on the 'mind of Christ' long enough to discern when an impostor and deceiver is in their midst. It's time to take off the glasses of darkness and turn on the light. Stop putting yourself in a position where you are willingly opening the door to deceit in your life. Let Christ give you new vision so you can see it and call it out. Trust and believe, when you call out deceivers in your life, they make an exit.



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

Listen and Obey

1Samuel 13:13

13"You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time.

As the word says, King Saul was thirty years old when he became king and reigned for forty-two years. King Saul had been given specific instructions by the prophet Samuel who was assigned to him during his reign. Saul became impatient because his men became fearful before battle. Samuel gave instructions for Saul to wait for him and he would give the burnt offering to the Lord on Saul's behalf before battle for him to have the Lord's favor. But Saul, afraid his men would not stay, decided not to wait. When Samuel learned what Saul had done, he reminded him that he was given specific instructions. Those instructions were actually the Lord's. Samuel was God's mouthpiece. For that is what a prophet is. God's mouthpiece to provide direction and guidance from the Lord regarding His will. Yes, we have the Holy Spirit today for our guidance but the Lord has not done away with the office of prophet as Jesus himself was every ministry office. Not obeying the word of God from the mouth of a true prophet is the same as disobeying the Lord himself both then and now. So for Saul, it cost him a kingdom and a legacy for his children.

What does this mean to you? When the Lord speaks whether through the Holy Spirit or through one the Lord sends it is the same. Your obedience is key. You have no idea what may be at stake. Whether you know what is at stake or not, the key is to listen and obey the word of the Lord. It is not for sport. Jesus said His purpose for returning to heaven was to make a place for us and He would send us the Holy Spirit to comfort, teach and guide and even convict us because the Holy Spirit knows all things. So Jesus took great pains for us. The least you and I can do is listen and obey.

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Get Your JOY In The Morning! The writing ministry God has assigned to me is now four years old as of this past weekend. Thank you Lord for entrusting me with such a task. I talk in my book, Get Your JOY In The Morning on how it all came to be. Thank you to all of you for your support!

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!!!!