This morning, as I travelled to work, I thought about how we do not hold fast to the Word of God in our daily lives.
1 Peter 1:16, says: Because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy. So, we know that Christ is holy and that God is holy, so, why then, if we are to be holy like God is; do we find it ok to cuss, drink, sleep around, etc. and still call ourselves Christians?
Where are the Christians that want to please God in all areas of their lives and not just the ones that are convenient? Do we not understand that God meant what He said and that we'll have to answer our activities while here on this earth? Matthew, Mark, & Luke, recorded that "Heaven and earth shall pass away; but, not my words". Why then, do we not believe that God still means for us to be holy?
How many of us, make provisions for those around us to live how they want to live, call themselves saved Christians, and looking like the world 6-days a week?
Whatever happened to us seeking first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness? Why are we living like the world and expecting a supernatural blessing from God? Why are we so focused on our own desires that we don't even desire the will of God for our lives and expect to have some sort of power of the enemy? We can't get to casting our devils and seeing others delivered if we ourselves are not. How can a devil cast out his own kind? How can a sinful person, cast out anything in another sinful person? (Mark 3:23 - How can Satan cast out Satan)
Where is your power men, women, people of God? It's not found at the bottle of alcohol! It's not at the club, nor in the bed of someone you're not married to. We have to come up and take an inventory of how we're living this life. YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY GOD!
I don't believe it can be made any clearer than that. Your sins will find you out (Numbers 32:23).
Finally, do we not understand that this "hot/cold" lifestyle we try to live sickens God? Revelation 3:15-16 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
We need to get it right, before it's too late!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
We must overcome. We must make it!
People of God, in light of the latest happens in the Body of Christ with divorce and violence, I just wanted to jot down some of my thoughts. You're free to comment as you desire, you have your opinions as do I, but, God is the final authority.
My wife and I have spoken about these topics several times lately and I'm deeply disturbed at the outcome of things. The Word of God says that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Also, that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). For your research, Matthew 19, tells all about how we're to not divorce, and it's only for adultery. God would prefer even then that we forgive and let Him heal us. We should not get the notion that we don't have to forgive, and that God will support divorce. We have it so twisted.
But, what really gets me, is how can you have the influence (following of believers) that you have and get a divorce and still preach? If marriage was the first "institution" that God created and He created woman for man and once married, you're "one flesh", you, as a Minister of the Gospel are preaching to what God Himself has established and you cannot keep your own together. How do you continue to try to lead these people?
As a man, you cannot tell another how to lead his wife any longer. You are disqualified from being able to minister on how to make a marriage work. As a woman , you can no longer preach on how to support your husband. And, neither one of you can talk about forgiveness. Now come on, Christ's message was all about forgiveness. Surely, the man and woman of God that lead many should show the ability and desire to forgive!!
If you're both calling yourselves "The Called" and that you both hear from God.....which one of you heard God say "get a divorce"? Did anyone hear Him say "forgive him/her, I forgave you"? READ: Matthew 18:35.
My wife and I have spoken about these topics several times lately and I'm deeply disturbed at the outcome of things. The Word of God says that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Also, that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). For your research, Matthew 19, tells all about how we're to not divorce, and it's only for adultery. God would prefer even then that we forgive and let Him heal us. We should not get the notion that we don't have to forgive, and that God will support divorce. We have it so twisted.
But, what really gets me, is how can you have the influence (following of believers) that you have and get a divorce and still preach? If marriage was the first "institution" that God created and He created woman for man and once married, you're "one flesh", you, as a Minister of the Gospel are preaching to what God Himself has established and you cannot keep your own together. How do you continue to try to lead these people?
As a man, you cannot tell another how to lead his wife any longer. You are disqualified from being able to minister on how to make a marriage work. As a woman , you can no longer preach on how to support your husband. And, neither one of you can talk about forgiveness. Now come on, Christ's message was all about forgiveness. Surely, the man and woman of God that lead many should show the ability and desire to forgive!!
If you're both calling yourselves "The Called" and that you both hear from God.....which one of you heard God say "get a divorce"? Did anyone hear Him say "forgive him/her, I forgave you"? READ: Matthew 18:35.
Some photos from my licensing service
Sunday, October 7th, 2007 will be a day I'll never forget! It's been a long time coming, but, that is the day that I received my Minister's License. Though, I've been called to preach from my youth, and have been preaching for a few years now, I've never received my official license until this past Sunday. I'm overwhelmed by the experience and I take it very seriously. I'm so glad to have it now, but, for all the right reasons.
I shared with my lovely wife, Tabatha, that evening, that I just felt like I've been in training for 12 years for this. I'm glad to get to this point in my committent to the Lord.
I thank God for those that came to support me in this part of my life. I will continue to pray for each of you.
Dad, Miss Arlette, Aunt Chantel, Lili, Daniel, Isaiah, Greg Gardner, Joe & Sharon Smith, Delvonne Bevineau, John Talvan (thanks for taking the photos!), Elder Robin & Sandra Melvin, Min. Wilbert & Marilyn Johnson, Elder Matthew & Cassandra Jones, and those who I cannot not remember right now. Most of all to my greatest supporter, friend, love of my life and helper, my wife Tabatha and my great children, Alicia, Aaron, & Quinnell. And...all the members of Word In Season Ministries (A church where we love God and love His people!).
You made this day very special for me.
I shared with my lovely wife, Tabatha, that evening, that I just felt like I've been in training for 12 years for this. I'm glad to get to this point in my committent to the Lord.
I thank God for those that came to support me in this part of my life. I will continue to pray for each of you.
Dad, Miss Arlette, Aunt Chantel, Lili, Daniel, Isaiah, Greg Gardner, Joe & Sharon Smith, Delvonne Bevineau, John Talvan (thanks for taking the photos!), Elder Robin & Sandra Melvin, Min. Wilbert & Marilyn Johnson, Elder Matthew & Cassandra Jones, and those who I cannot not remember right now. Most of all to my greatest supporter, friend, love of my life and helper, my wife Tabatha and my great children, Alicia, Aaron, & Quinnell. And...all the members of Word In Season Ministries (A church where we love God and love His people!).
You made this day very special for me.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Our "reasonable" service; taking out the trash.
When you take an inventory of your life now, what do you find that you are doing that is at least "reasonable" unto God?
In our home, many of us hardly take out the trash. Some of us have sons that do it for us. Some of us, believe it, or not, have our wives or daughters to take it out. Still, some of us let it pile up until we absolutely have to perform the chore ourselves or our wives complain until it's done.
Even God would desire a clean house in which to dwell. It's up to you to take out the trash of your "temple" that God could have a clean place in which to live. The Bible says it like this:
Rom 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Now, of course this will mean nothing to you if, you're not desiring to "prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". That would be the operation of the Holy Spirit in your life; leading and guiding you into all truths of God and the Word.
The Lord God Almighty, desires to work in this earth THROUGH YOU! In order to MAKE things happen, He has to have a vessel that is cleaned out and ready to be used of the Master.
Man of God, I call you into accountability right now, by the Power of Jesus Christ, the only Saviour; are you living as God would have you to live?
Are you effectively resisting evil in the time of temptation?
Are you standing in the Gap?
Are you being the example of Godliness that we [other men] should/could emulate?
We're just talking about what is "reasonable", not everying thing else. It's our required minimum. Can you at least live up to the minimum requirements?
When we send up prayers, praise, and worship, does it reach El Shaddai, "Lord God Almighty" or are you covered in dirt and filth?
The Lord desires to love you and to hear your voice talk to Him and show how you love praising Him. He delights in your praise and worship. In fact, He sits on the throne of your praise and participates "with" you in worship. Selah (pause, and think on that)
A Holy God, righteous in all His ways, cares so much for you that, He not only receives your praise, but is in attendance when you send it up. THEN, draws you into worship WITH Him! You must know that there is nothing greater than the worship of the Lord. In worship, the Holy Spirit can operate freely and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. This equates to getting free from things that would otherwise easily beset you.
This day, right now, what can you do that will honor God, not simply make you feel better, but, honor God? Why don't you start by taking out your trash...
In our home, many of us hardly take out the trash. Some of us have sons that do it for us. Some of us, believe it, or not, have our wives or daughters to take it out. Still, some of us let it pile up until we absolutely have to perform the chore ourselves or our wives complain until it's done.
Even God would desire a clean house in which to dwell. It's up to you to take out the trash of your "temple" that God could have a clean place in which to live. The Bible says it like this:
Rom 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Now, of course this will mean nothing to you if, you're not desiring to "prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". That would be the operation of the Holy Spirit in your life; leading and guiding you into all truths of God and the Word.
The Lord God Almighty, desires to work in this earth THROUGH YOU! In order to MAKE things happen, He has to have a vessel that is cleaned out and ready to be used of the Master.
Man of God, I call you into accountability right now, by the Power of Jesus Christ, the only Saviour; are you living as God would have you to live?
Are you effectively resisting evil in the time of temptation?
Are you standing in the Gap?
Are you being the example of Godliness that we [other men] should/could emulate?
We're just talking about what is "reasonable", not everying thing else. It's our required minimum. Can you at least live up to the minimum requirements?
When we send up prayers, praise, and worship, does it reach El Shaddai, "Lord God Almighty" or are you covered in dirt and filth?
The Lord desires to love you and to hear your voice talk to Him and show how you love praising Him. He delights in your praise and worship. In fact, He sits on the throne of your praise and participates "with" you in worship. Selah (pause, and think on that)
A Holy God, righteous in all His ways, cares so much for you that, He not only receives your praise, but is in attendance when you send it up. THEN, draws you into worship WITH Him! You must know that there is nothing greater than the worship of the Lord. In worship, the Holy Spirit can operate freely and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. This equates to getting free from things that would otherwise easily beset you.
This day, right now, what can you do that will honor God, not simply make you feel better, but, honor God? Why don't you start by taking out your trash...
Friday, August 24, 2007
Wanna know who you serve?....Read this.
My brothers, if I could have a moment of your time... I talked to another brother of mine the other day and our conversation caused me to ponder a few things. It's not out of the ordinary, which, is a little bothersome, but, he said "I hate my marriage". I hear this often enough that I'm just plain sick of the Devil. I'm tired of how he manipulates us, deceives us, and drives wedges between families. But, I found out that we've been giving him all the tools he needs and in some cases, providing the weak points for him to hit. Read on...
As men, we strive for many "things" we see as attainable and as a result, we push and push and push some more until we either satisfied our desires or expended so much, that all else fails. We work the hardest for whatever is the god in our lives at any given time. (Stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this). Success, Riches, Fame, Women, all things tangible. Still, after all the teachings and wisdom we've received, we still go the way of the world. We hold fast to our earth bound desires and they draw us away from our God.
Mt 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a profession of religion. Something the soul will have, which it looks upon as the best thing; in which it has pleasure and confidence above other things. Christ counsels to make our best things the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen which are eternal, and to place our happiness in them. There are treasures in heaven. It is our wisdom to give all diligence to make our title to eternal life sure through Jesus Christ, and to look on all things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of it. It is happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance incorruptible. The worldly man is wrong in his first principle; therefore all his reasonings and actions therefrom must be wrong. It is equally to be applied to false religion; that which is deemed light is thick darkness. This is an awful, but a common case; we should therefore carefully examine our leading principles by the word of God, with earnest prayer for the teaching of his Spirit. A man may do some service to two masters, but he can devote himself to the service of no more than one. God requires the whole heart, and will not share it with the world. When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world. [MHCC commentary]
[about women]
This applies to every area of our natural lives men even serving our wives. In so many marriages we, as the (so called) leaders, serve our wives first, then God. It's the truth. Here's a Quick test...
1. Who hears from you most throughout the day? God or your wife?
2. When it comes time to make a decision for the family, who do you consult first? Do you go to God then tell her what God has said like a Priest would? Or do you talk to her first and consider her opinions so much, that many times you don't even consult God?
3. If your wife says "let's skip church today" do you agree? Do you think God will say "you don't have to come worship me today or I really didn't have anything to tell you"?
Now, don't get offended here, especially with question #2. All I'm saying is, that direction is supposed to come from above. I'm not saying that she won't have input or wisdom to provide. But, if God is your God, He should have authority above all others.
Continuing...
I shared with some others (including Bishop Bee) that for most of the years of my marriage, I served my wife. I served her above God. I didn't know it until my marriage had fallen completely apart. Everything I did was contingent upon how my wife would respond. Even when I committed adultery. It's stupid, I know, but, it's the truth. We cheat on God too and we call ourselves serving Him. If we're not kept Holy by the Holy Ghost when serving God, how are we going to serve mammon (things of this world) BETTER than Him? So, it's totally possible for you to serve your wife and cheat on her in the same breath. But, when it comes to serving your wife or a woman, there will be waves of trouble coming your way, and NOT from God, but actually from her! She cannot be satisified in such a position and here's why.... We were made in the image and likeness of God. God's order for the home is the Man, the Wife and then the children (1 Co 11:3 & Eph 5:23). If we look at this logically, then if we removed Christ, the next in line is "the man". Well, we've done even worse than that, we've placed our women above us as the leaders of our families. In that position, she is unable to perform as God designed her because she was made to FOLLOW, and made to follow YOU, Man. She's out of place because we put her there and the shoes just don't seem to fit. She's not able to get a Word from God because God directs the family through the appointed headship. I'm not saying that God does not speak to the wife, but He does so in the order that He has established. God will not go against His own Word. Not for you, me, or anyone else! If it's an arm, God will speak to it as an arm. He is God, He is Perfect, and His Will is perfect. He is Divine in His nature and He reigns supreme! (sorry, kinda got lost in praise there.)
Anyway, don't expect for the Lord God Almighty, to go against His established order because we don't have the faith it takes to live according to His design. Lack of obedience and not growing in the Lord has caused us to get WAY off track. It's easy to get back on though, just obey. Read His Word, line up with His Word, then God will operate in your lives and marriages, and families, like He promised. Be a leader, be a Man.
Be encouraged.
To be continued.......
[CLOSING]
Still to come (later)........Riches, Success & Prosperity, Fame.
Pray for the families and the men to be men of God, for our pastors, leadership around the world, & I.R.O.N.M.A.N. Men's Ministry, and fit me in there somewhere.
Pass this on to other M.O.G. (Men of God)
As men, we strive for many "things" we see as attainable and as a result, we push and push and push some more until we either satisfied our desires or expended so much, that all else fails. We work the hardest for whatever is the god in our lives at any given time. (Stay with me, I'm going somewhere with this). Success, Riches, Fame, Women, all things tangible. Still, after all the teachings and wisdom we've received, we still go the way of the world. We hold fast to our earth bound desires and they draw us away from our God.
Mt 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a profession of religion. Something the soul will have, which it looks upon as the best thing; in which it has pleasure and confidence above other things. Christ counsels to make our best things the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen which are eternal, and to place our happiness in them. There are treasures in heaven. It is our wisdom to give all diligence to make our title to eternal life sure through Jesus Christ, and to look on all things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of it. It is happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance incorruptible. The worldly man is wrong in his first principle; therefore all his reasonings and actions therefrom must be wrong. It is equally to be applied to false religion; that which is deemed light is thick darkness. This is an awful, but a common case; we should therefore carefully examine our leading principles by the word of God, with earnest prayer for the teaching of his Spirit. A man may do some service to two masters, but he can devote himself to the service of no more than one. God requires the whole heart, and will not share it with the world. When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world. [MHCC commentary]
[about women]
This applies to every area of our natural lives men even serving our wives. In so many marriages we, as the (so called) leaders, serve our wives first, then God. It's the truth. Here's a Quick test...
1. Who hears from you most throughout the day? God or your wife?
2. When it comes time to make a decision for the family, who do you consult first? Do you go to God then tell her what God has said like a Priest would? Or do you talk to her first and consider her opinions so much, that many times you don't even consult God?
3. If your wife says "let's skip church today" do you agree? Do you think God will say "you don't have to come worship me today or I really didn't have anything to tell you"?
Now, don't get offended here, especially with question #2. All I'm saying is, that direction is supposed to come from above. I'm not saying that she won't have input or wisdom to provide. But, if God is your God, He should have authority above all others.
Continuing...
I shared with some others (including Bishop Bee) that for most of the years of my marriage, I served my wife. I served her above God. I didn't know it until my marriage had fallen completely apart. Everything I did was contingent upon how my wife would respond. Even when I committed adultery. It's stupid, I know, but, it's the truth. We cheat on God too and we call ourselves serving Him. If we're not kept Holy by the Holy Ghost when serving God, how are we going to serve mammon (things of this world) BETTER than Him? So, it's totally possible for you to serve your wife and cheat on her in the same breath. But, when it comes to serving your wife or a woman, there will be waves of trouble coming your way, and NOT from God, but actually from her! She cannot be satisified in such a position and here's why.... We were made in the image and likeness of God. God's order for the home is the Man, the Wife and then the children (1 Co 11:3 & Eph 5:23). If we look at this logically, then if we removed Christ, the next in line is "the man". Well, we've done even worse than that, we've placed our women above us as the leaders of our families. In that position, she is unable to perform as God designed her because she was made to FOLLOW, and made to follow YOU, Man. She's out of place because we put her there and the shoes just don't seem to fit. She's not able to get a Word from God because God directs the family through the appointed headship. I'm not saying that God does not speak to the wife, but He does so in the order that He has established. God will not go against His own Word. Not for you, me, or anyone else! If it's an arm, God will speak to it as an arm. He is God, He is Perfect, and His Will is perfect. He is Divine in His nature and He reigns supreme! (sorry, kinda got lost in praise there.)
Anyway, don't expect for the Lord God Almighty, to go against His established order because we don't have the faith it takes to live according to His design. Lack of obedience and not growing in the Lord has caused us to get WAY off track. It's easy to get back on though, just obey. Read His Word, line up with His Word, then God will operate in your lives and marriages, and families, like He promised. Be a leader, be a Man.
Be encouraged.
To be continued.......
[CLOSING]
Still to come (later)........Riches, Success & Prosperity, Fame.
Pray for the families and the men to be men of God, for our pastors, leadership around the world, & I.R.O.N.M.A.N. Men's Ministry, and fit me in there somewhere.
Pass this on to other M.O.G. (Men of God)
Why are we here?
This is such an open title...
I could be talking about us as Ministers.....us as people....individuals...Christians, or whatever.
let's start with this.
As Men. Men of God to be more precise.
Ans. We are here to honestly (without guilt, shame, or hidden sins) praise God. In our personal relationship with God, the Father we should be seeking to worship Him. We get there through praise.
In the coming days and weeks, I'll share with you HOW you get to honest praise and to worship.
Men, it's time (far past it really), that we stand up and truly be Men of God, just as we were designed (purposed) to be from creation.
I could be talking about us as Ministers.....us as people....individuals...Christians, or whatever.
let's start with this.
As Men. Men of God to be more precise.
Ans. We are here to honestly (without guilt, shame, or hidden sins) praise God. In our personal relationship with God, the Father we should be seeking to worship Him. We get there through praise.
In the coming days and weeks, I'll share with you HOW you get to honest praise and to worship.
Men, it's time (far past it really), that we stand up and truly be Men of God, just as we were designed (purposed) to be from creation.
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